Japanese (disectum) maple damage

This past weekend had two days of clear skies which resulted in pretty good frosts. Plants that had been holding their own finally sustained some damage. Those growing away from buildings and in open areas suffered the most. Most of the calls we have been receiving concern Japanese Maples and Hosta. Other plants showing signs of frost damage are weigela, spirea, and some hydrangea.

Japanese (palmatum) maple damage

Most of the damaged plants should recover just fine. They just may not be as attractive as we would like them to be. Time will tell. The damage has not been too severe up to this point. Dead leaves and shoots that are starting to dry out may be removed at this time. Hold off on pruning back any live stems as they may be able to generate new leaves.

This recent damage was not as bad as what we had a few years ago when we had a hard frost in May. At that time you could drive through some neighborhoods and see one house after another with wilted Japanese Maples and big beds of yellowed Hosta. It was a sad sight. Let’s hope that we have seen the end of the frosts for this year. Although it has been warm the past few days, predictions for the rest of the month are still for cooler temperatures. It is best to keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to protect your tender plants if needed.

1. Make sure you have all the materials gathered where you want your container to be displayed for the summer. This way you won’t have to move it in place when it’s really heavy!

Materials Include:

• Large container with an adequate drainage hole
• Good quality potting soil such as Dr. Earth.
• Slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote (If not included in the potting soil)
• An assortment of annuals suited for sun or shade

2. If re-using an old pot, empty the old soil from pot and fill with new potting mix, and sprinkle with a slow release granular fertilizer, mix the fertilizer into the potting soil well.

3. Plants should be chosen according to what inspires you but should include:

• A Thriller plant: one that stands out above the rest. Should be tall and colorful, either with variegated foliage or exceptional flowers. Examples: Purple Fountain Grass, Cannas, and Alocasia.
• The Fillers: Eye catching plants that complement the thriller without overwhelming it. Plants with lots of body and those which add a nice contrast make great fillers. It is good to have a variety of fillers, some with beautiful foliage and others with stunning flowers. Examples: Geraniums, Coleus and Million Bells
• Spiller plants: these are the trailing plants to hang over the container and soften the edges of the container. Examples: Sweet potato vine, Ivy, Vinca and Licorice.

4. Depending on how the container will be viewed the Thriller plant should be placed in the center or along an edge of the container. Next the filler plants should be placed around the thriller and placed to fill up the pot. The spillers can be squeezed in around the edge of the container.

5. Clean off the container and water in well to keep plants from drying out. Potting soil is typically very light and doesn’t hold water long. Water frequently, they may need water every day, especially if your containers are out in the sun or if there is intense heat. Since your containers are filled with annuals and they only get one season to shine they can be fertilized weekly with a liquid fertilizer added to your watering can to keep them in flower. Happy Planting!

To learn more and for some expert advice, join us for our Container Gardening Seminar this Saturday, May 5, 2012.

Rain Chains are a beautiful and functional alternative to traditional metal and plastic closed gutter downspouts. Rain water is guided down the rain chains in an “open” water flow system in a stunning display.

For hundreds of years, rain chains have been used by the Japanese to collect rain water for personal use. Rain chains have made their way to the United States, where their concept has been expanded. There are now several designs and styles of rain chains to appeal to a wide audience of users.

Rain chains come in several beautiful designs and are on display in the KV Garden Center. If you would like to see a rain chain at work, we have a re-circulating hose set up that shows off their beauty and function. You are sure to enjoy the sight and sound of rain water cascading down these elegant garden accents. They offer a striking and artistic touch to any home.

Helsinki University Rhododendron

New Rhododendrons varieties have hit the Canadian and American markets that are hardier than any that have come before. They hail from Finland, which can have long, cold and wet winters that rival what we have here in West Michigan.

Around 1935 a dendrologist named Carl Gustaf Tigerstedt from the Arboretum Mustila (just east of Helsinki) made a trip to the mountains of Northern Japan and Korea and brought back some seeds for the arboretums collection. In his collection were some Rhododendron seeds that were never identified. They grew and survived for decades in Finland’s harsh winters. In 1970 when Carl’s son Peter took over the collection, he realized the significance of having the only species of Rhododendrons to survive in the area. Peter discovered the name of this particular species and named a class of sub-species after his father (Rhododendron brachycarpum tigerstedtii).

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s Peter hybridized the sub-species with other Rhododendron species (R. smirnowii, R. metternichii, and North America’s R. catawbiense) to come up with several new varieties. They ended up with over 22,000 hybrid seedlings and planted them in the arboretum and throughout Finland in collaboration with the Helsinki Parks Division and allowed the harsh Finnish winters to select which species to study further. From the thousands of seedlings only 80 were chosen and of those only 9 have been chosen as the best of the best. They have withstood long, wet, cold winters, even winters that have reached -49°F.

For the past few years, at Knapp Valley we have retailed ‘Haaga’ and ‘Helsinki University’ with great success. They tend to have waxier leaves which help them to make it through longer winters without desiccation. They also seem to be more disease resistant to Phytophthora which claims the life of many of the American varieties. They are smaller and bushier making them a better choice for most urban back yards (usually staying around 4-6 feet).

The culture is similar to that of most Rhododendrons; they prefer rich, acidic, well-drained soil with plenty of light, but out of direct winds. It is important to remember that Rhododendrons like lots of oxygen to their roots, so plant them shallow and avoid placing any mulch under the leaves of the plant.

Hopefully we will be able to try other varieties in coming years. This is so much fun, we can’t stand it!

The art form began in Haiti in the late 1950’s with a blacksmith named Georges Liataud, and many talented Haitian artists have followed in his footsteps. The process begins with recycled steel oil drums that are cleaned, cut open and flattened out. Next, the suns, moons, trees and other intricate designs are chalked out and cut out using a hammer, chisel and a nail. It is a labor intensive project which results in beautiful, unique art. No two pieces are the same.

Le Primitif Galleries provides “prosperity wages,” insuring that talented artists in Haiti are paid fairly so that they may continue to work and create these beautiful pieces.

Knapp Valley Gardens is proud to feature these striking sculptures that would add a whimsical touch to your home or garden. When you visit the Knapp Valley Garden Center, be sure to take time to admire the steel oil drum art from Le Primitif Galleries.  You will be impressed!

Sensation Lilac

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is the most popular and comes in many varieties.  Of those the most famous are the French hybrids. Some of our favorites at Knapp Valley include Sensation, Charles Joly and Monge. Hybrid lilacs can sometimes lose some of the fragrance but keep the beautiful blossom. I for one want it all, the fragrance and the blooms. The Beauty of Moscow Lilac has it all. This lovely hybrid features large, white double flowers with a hint of pink and are very fragrant.

Beauty of Moscow Lilac

In addition to common lilacs, there are dwarf lilacs and tree lilacs. Some dwarf varieties include the Dwarf Korean Lilac and the Miss Kim Lilac. They are still showy and fragrant but are smaller in stature. Tree Lilacs can be used in the landscape for hedges, screens or as shade for your patio. Tree forms such as China Snow Peking Lilac or Japanese Tree Lilac are great ornamental trees for the landscape.

Miss Kim Lilac

Lilacs can be kept trimmed for a uniform look or left to grow free for a natural look. Be careful as to when you prune your lilacs, the best time is right after they are done blooming, before next year’s buds have set in for the summer.

Lilacs are easily grown, they prefer full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. I have found they will withstand less than ideal situations and have proven very hardy here in Michigan. Most of the hybrids are bred to be disease resistant, but can still be susceptible to powdery mildew if not lightly pruned for good air circulation.

Here at Knapp Valley Gardens we keep our favorite varieties in stock so look for our alluring selection for your spring garden!

Kim Blanchard

Knapp Valley Gardens

Thank you all for a great season!!

See you in the Spring!!

This weeks featured project is a waterfall that was built by Knapp Valley Gardens a few years back for Bill & Donna Hoffhines. It offers them a beautiful view from their back deck and a sanctuary for visiting wildlife.

The homeowners were very pleased with the results and commented “We love the yard and so do the birds!!!! We will always live here to enjoy the view.”

KV Landscape Designer 

It’s that time of the year to start cutting flowers you would like to bring into the house for the winter. There are different stages as to when you should cut and dry flowers, some have already passed but plenty are still ready to harvest and to bring in for the memory of summer all season. Hydrangea, sunflowers, grasses and cattails are just a few of the flowers that you can dry successfully. You can also cut many different kinds of woody ornamentals for dried arrangements such as corkscrew willow, redtwig dogwood and grapevines. Anything that has good color, texture or structure will give your arrangements character. I really enjoy creating my fall and winter arrangements, it is great fun coming up with my own unique designs.

There are many methods to drying flowers. I prefer the simplest way! I have found my flowers only look good for one season and then need to be tossed. Every year I have an abundance of new flowers, so why not start fresh every year.

Kim’s Simple and Easy Way to Dry Flowers:

• Cut flowers of choice out of the garden (Hydrangea, ornamental grass, Baby’s Breath, the list is endless).
• Discard any damaged or diseased foliage or stems.
• Place flowers in bundles of 5-7 stems.
• Tie up with twine or rubber bands and hang upside down in a well ventilated room away from direct sunlight.
• It usually takes a week or two to complete the drying process.
• I spray my dried flowers with non-fragrant hair spray to help hold them together.
• I also use nontoxic spray paint on flowers that are spent or just to add some color. Red, Gold or Silver is nice for Christmas arrangements.

We would love to share with you the art of dried flower arranging.

Hope to see you soon!