Winter Reminders:

• Considering a living Christmas tree?
  Keep it outside until Christmas week.
• Apply fertilizer containing chelated iron to all of your azaleas, gardenias and camellias.
• Cut chrysanthemums to 6-8 inches above the ground after bloom.
• Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while they are dormant.
• Clean, sharpen and store garden tools.
• Mulch, water and cover to protect tender plants from frost. Be sure to remove coverings during the day.
• Plant calendulas, Iceland poppies, pansies, primroses, and stock for winter color.
• Rake and remove dead leaves and stems from dormant perennials. Compost healthy debris and throw away any with disease.
• Water plants that rain cannot reach.
• Keep poinsettias in a sunny and warm location. They do not tolerate freezing.
• When nights are dropping into freezing temperatures, cover citrus trees and other frost sensitive plants with this highly effective cloth called “N-Sulate” found in Bushnell Gardens Nursery’s outdoor shopping. It protects while allowing air and sunlight to pass through.
• Christmas Cactus make fabulous gifts. BGN’s are just about to start blooming and will continue for months.
• Dormant fruit trees need a second spraying this month. Citrus trees are NOT dormant and don’t need spraying.
• Browse the Garden Shoppe for great gift ideas!