Oct 24

Cabbage & Kale

Fall Inspiration 50 Comments »
Ornamental cabbage and kale are perfect companion plants – perfect with each other, as well as other fall plants like mums and pansies!  Some refer to them as flowering cabbage and kale; the truth is they are popular because of their incredible foliage. Flowers can appear the second season, but by then, the weather has turned warm, the foliage peters out and the plants are discarded to make way for spring flowering plants.
To eat or not to eat . . .although ornamental cabbage and kale share the same name as their edible cousins (Brassica oleracea), you’ll probably not want to indulge. The ornamental types can be eaten, but they tend to be very bitter and lose color when cooked. Some will use the leaves of ornamental kale as a plate garnish instead of sprigs of parsley.

 

Not a fair weathered friend, you can expect ornamental cabbage and kale to be longtime performers in the garden. Their desirable colors intensify after a few light frosts – whites, pinks and reds become more pronounced with the onset of colder weather. And when it gets really cold, they’re tolerant of temperatures to 5 degrees F.  
How to use them: As edgings – along walkways, driveways and borders; in beds, planters, pots and window boxes; or en masse in large planting areas.
Russell Brown, General Manager – Southern Homes and Gardens
Oct 14

Where East Meets West…Japanese Maples

Uncategorized 58 Comments »
Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, is a highly desirable signature plant in the landscape. Native to Japan, they are adored and prized (even collected!) for their beautiful foliar colors – spring through fall. This versatile plant can be used as a specimen in borders or in suitable containers. Locate them where they can be enjoyed and appreciated for their interesting foliage and outstanding colors.· Hardiness – Cultivars are reliably hardy to zone 6, some to zone 5. (The lower the zone number, the colder the winter low temperatures.)

· Leaf color – Depends on the cultivar and time of year. New growth can be shades of green with white or pink variegation; or crimson, red, bronze, purple. Fall color includes: scarlet, red, bronze, yellow, crimson, etc.

· Growth habit and shape – Depends on the cultivar selected; unusual branch twists and formations are highly desirable with some cultivars. Generally considered a small tree in the landscape, but height and width are variety-dependent. Ask when you buy.

· Pruning – Rarely are Japanese maples and their cultivars pruned. Only selective pruning would be done to maintain and accent unique form and shape.

· Care – Clay soils (heavy soils that are typically found east Montgomery) should be amended with organic matter – compost or composted manure prior to planting to improve poor drainage. After planting, water every other day allowing the soil to begin to dry slightly between waterings. Shallow-rooted, Japanese maples prefer a light covering (1-2″) of an organic mulch to protect the roots.

We have a strong selection of Japanese maples in fall color at Southern Homes and Gardens, its time to plant!

Russell Brown, General Manager – Southern Homes and Gardens

 

Oct 03

October To-Do’s

Gardening Tips (monthly) 75 Comments »

Fall is here & you can feel it in the air – here are some helpful reminders for the month of October:

  • Plant Spring flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Hyacinths and Lilies and apply a light, complete fertilizer such as Espoma Bone Meal or Pennington Bulb Food.
  • Divide overgrown clumps of perennials, such as Daylilies, Daisies, Hostas and Coneflowers. Replant divisions or give to friends as “pass-along” plants.
  • Plant Snapdragons, Violas and Pansies for fall and winter color.
  • Still time to plant Ornamental Mustard and Ornamental Cabbage.
  • Fall is the time to plant or transplant shrubs. Water newly transplanted shrubs thoroughly.
  • This is a good season for improving the soil by adding organic amendments – such as Soil Conditioner
  • Add vines and ground covers to your garden such as Clematis, Mondo Grass, Creeping Raspberry and English Ivy.
  • If you move plants inside from the patio, make sure they get the best light possible. Also, check for insects. You may need to use an insecticidal soap prior to the big move.

Russell Brown, General Manager – Southern Homes & Gardens

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