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Naperville
location…
Fox
Valley |
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Garden Advice |
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Trees and Shrubs | Water
Garden |
Roses Spring was slow to arrive this year and the rabbits seem to have done more damage than usual. Now that most plants have leafed out, many are in need of some cleanup. Prune any gnawed stems back to a set of leaves to remove stubs that will die and be unsightly. Some branches may die back to the spot where bark was removed all the way around the stem; these branches will need to be pruned out. We carry many different repellents to help keep them from gnawing your favorite plants, but you may want to make a note of the little critters favorite plants and cage them next fall. With spring just around the corner, we will start spending more time by the pond. The warmer temperatures will get the fish moving a bit more, but please don't be tempted to feed them. When temps are 55 degrees a spring/fall food can be used or even a few Cheerios. When temps are closer to 65°, regular food may be used. As always be very careful not to over feed the fish. Too much decaying fish food and fish waste will add to the normal spring algae bloom, or growth. With the melting of snow and ice you will undoubtedly see small, green patches or the early blooming varieties of water plants such as, Marsh Marigold, Water Hawthorn & Irises, to name a few. When growth starts, raise the plants to their proper level. If they are left below the surface of the water too long and have grown more than a few inches, the foliage will be very soft. If the foliage gets burned by the sun or the blowing wind, the growing process has to begin again, and may not flower or reach its full size. Fertilize at this time, if the plants are growing and water temps are 65 degrees. The deicer may be removed at this time as well. Before you turn on your pump, the waterfall pools, bio filter, skimmer and standing stream water should be cleaned out. If the pump is turned on without cleaning out the putrid, polluted water, it will contaminate the pond and possibly kill the fish and cause a huge algae bloom. Also check for shifted rocks and liner for these could cause leaks. Once the pump is turned on, watch the level of the water. If it drops, check around the edges of the liner and the waterfall. These are usually the areas that can leak. Also, plants that are planted in the soil above the pond that creep into the water, can wick water from the pond and water will go down, as if the pond had a leak. Do not add any plants from the house or greenhouse, until the water temps are at least 65 degrees for hardy plants and 70 degrees for tropicals. Plants that have been growing in the cold, that are from a nursery, may be placed in the pond at any time. Water treatments may be started at 50 degrees with a cold water treatment or 60-65 degrees with regular summer treatments. In April any mosquito treatments should be started. Fountains may be set up and container water gardens readied as weather allows, that is, when there is no chance of water freezing. Check back soon for more information. Check back soon for more information. Spring is in full swing but cold spells can and do happen in early May. So be aware of the weather forecast. May is the start of rose planting; hardy varieties of roses are available in late April and early May. Around Mother’s Day and after more tender roses such as Hybrid Teas are available. May maintenance includes:
Check back soon for more information. See our LINKS to Hort Corner, Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden for further tips. |
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