Archive for February 2012
Spring burning
One of the benefits of perennial grasses is the vertical winter interest they provide. They are usually pruned back in late winter or early spring, before the new shoots emerge. Granted, the new growth on these grasses comes out very late (mid May) by our impatient gardener standards.
Here at the nursery we have the option of burning ornamental grasses to make ready for the 2012 growth. This is a preferred method for us, partly for the ease of disposal and partly for the excitement.
The grasses shown are Miscanthus ‘Gracillimus’, a 6-7’ grass, which burns extremely quick and hot. Therefore, proximity to any other combustible matter renders this process dangerous and ill advised. Note that these grasses stand alone, well away from plants or structures.
Address your spring planting needs now!
Call or email Doug Fraleigh directly at 734-426-5067 ext. 12 or email him at DVF1960@aol.com to discuss unique solutions for your landscape.
New USDA Hardiness Zone
In the first official revision since 1990, the US Department of Agriculture has updated its Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Most of Washtenaw County is now classified Zone 6a, with average annual low tempertures between negative five and negative ten degrees Farenheit. What does that mean for Washtenaw County gardeners? Not necessarily a whole lot, as cold hardiness is only one of many factors that affect how any given plant flourishes or perishes. Soil type, sun and wind exposure, and appropriate moisture levels are just a few factors that are coequal to cold hardiness in determining the fate of plants in our landscapes. What the new zonation does mean is justification to explore new plant possibilities previously thought to be a fuzz too tender for our winters. Fraleighs will be trialing a few such candidate plants in the coming years. If you have any suggestions you’d like to try, let us know. We’ll be glad to give you our opinion for the odds on a specific plant, and source them if we can.
Links to the new Zone Map:
Boxwood Blight
Recently, a devastating exotic fungal disease has been identified in boxwood in eight states and Canada. To date, its presence has not to be confirmed in Michigan.
The experts are working to ascertain the extent of the disease’s spread and develop management strategies. We at Fraleighs are concerned with this disease, especially since boxwood has become a staple deer-resistant evergreen element in the last decade. We will continue to monitor developments and will post any preventative measures that are presented.
In the mean time, following recommended procedures, we are limiting our incoming boxwood stock to plants grown by a trusted supplier here within Washtenaw County. She has had all of her plants growing on site for many months now, and the liners she grows her stock from are all produced by Michigan propagators.
Likewise, we are expanding our plant palette to allow for more deer-safe evergreen alternatives. We have dabbled in other options in the past, and while none of the alternatives have been as flexible as boxwood, several now merit a place in our designs. Come see us this spring to meet some goodies such as Cephalotaxus and Ilex glabra ‘Nordic’.
Links for more info on the boxwood crud:
8600 Jackson Road, Dexter, MI 48130, 734-426-5067 |
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