The Dirt
Gardening Advice for Kansas Gardeners by Kansas Gardeners
SEASONS CHANGE
Well, we knew it was coming...but that still didn’t make it any easier. We had to put our dog down.
His name was Potter, and he was a faithful...and somewhat stubborn...family addition for over fifteen years.
He joined our family when our kids were still fairly young. Our kids, like so many others, were obsessed with Harry Potter and his magical world. They devoured the books and watched his movies over and over, so I’ll give you one guess as to what prompted his name......
Well, we knew it was coming but that still didn’t make it any easier. We had to put our dog down.
His name was Potter, and he was a faithful...and somewhat stubborn...family addition for over fifteen years.
He joined our family when our kids were still fairly young. Our kids, like so many others, were obsessed with Harry Potter and his magical world. They devoured the books and watched his movies over and over, so I’ll give you one guess as to what prompted his name.
That’s right, he was our very special “hairy” Potter. The name was fitting.
He was just a tiny young pup when we got him... like really tiny. He was a small breed they call a Shorkie... another name for a Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier cross. That meant he was small, but also fuzzy, brown, and super cute.
Growing up, my family mainly had bigger dogs, so I never paid much attention to the smaller breeds. After getting Potter though, I began to notice them everywhere, and quite a few that looked a lot like
him. I remember asking our vet, who was also a family friend, about him during one of his early checkups. I asked him if Potter belonged to a popular breed. He smiled and politely told me, “No,
not really”. He went on to explain that Shorkies weren’t really an “officially” defined breed, then he smiled and he told me Potter was really just a high-priced mutt!
Potter represented his “high-priced mutt status” well.
Despite his less-than-noble pedigree, Potter served our family well. He brought comfort to my mom during her battle with cancer, to my dad through his health challenges late in his life, and to all of us on a daily basis for many years. Like loyal pets everywhere, he brought a lot of love into the family.
And like so many other small dogs, he was only nine and a half pounds, but he thought he was big and tough. He barked like nobody’s business and put on a good show, but once he realized you weren’t a threat, he was turned into a softie... especially if you had treats!
The kids are all grown up now and they’ve been out of the house for a number of years, so it’s just been Kim, myself, and until this latest event, Potter. Now with him gone, the house feels a lot more empty.
Kim and I are still catching ourselves stepping cautiously when we get up in the middle of the night. He frequently slept in the middle of the floor and stepping on him was always a very real concern. And even still, for a few brief moments every time we walk in the door, we catch ourselves waiting for the distinctive jingle of his nametag as he came to greet us so often before. But now the path across the bedroom is clear and the house is eerily silent. This is going to take some getting used to.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Sorry for a sad one this time.
Back here at the nursery, we’re still plugging along. Some plants have dropped their leaves, but a lot are still colored up and looking nice. We’ve finally gotten some much-needed rain and the temperatures continue to remain relatively mild. We’re still enjoying the fall.
The bottom line is there’s still time to do some planting, still time to do some fertilizing, and still time to do some mulching, or whatever is left on your fall project list. Keep plugging along, and if you need some help with any of those, stop on by and let us lend a hand.
—Cameron Rees
TRUNK PROTECTION… DON’T MESS THIS ONE UP!
As we move slowly closer to colder weather, it’s time to think about trunk protection for young trees.
Newly planted trees are vulnerable to winter sunscald damage, as well as feeding damage from rabbits and small rodents. Damage from these things can easily ruin a tree.
The solution is quick and it’s easy... trunk guards!
These are protective plastic guards, usually white in color, that can easily be put onto a tree trunk for the winter and then just as easily removed in the spring after they are no longer needed. It’s really that simple! Store them in your garage after you take them off so you can put them back on the following winter. Plan on doing this for at least the first few winters.
Both winter sunscald and pest damage can ruin a perfectly good tree. The damage left behind may not kill a tree outright, but typically it sets the tree up for a slow downward spiral until years later, failure is the end result. By then, you’re not only out a tree, you’re also out several years of growth.
Trunk guards are cheap insurance, they’re easy to use... and it’s time to put them on.
We’ve got lots of them available in a variety of sizes depending on your tree’s needs. Just come see us!
“THYMELY” ADVICE: IT’S TIME FOR WINTERIZER!
Now that Halloween is behind us and we’ve finally seen some rain, it’s time to apply the third step in our 3-Step Lawn Program, Fertilome Winterizer.
Even the most established grass benefits from a little “kick” once in a while, and Fertilome Winterizer is just the kick your lawn needs at this time of the year. It is a late fall application designed to help lawns store more food for winter survival and to encourage thick and rapid growth next spring.
Think of it as paving the way for a lush, healthy lawn.
And while you’re “winterizing” your lawn, keep in mind, it’s time to do the same for the other plants in our landscape. Apply Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food according to label directions to trees, shrubs, and evergreens now.
EVENTS, SALES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Keep scrolling for all the important info and extras you don’t want to miss!
Winter Porch Pot Workshops are back!
It's time for a popular Skinner holiday tradition! It's time for our WINTER PORCH POT WORKSHOPS! That's right, the holidays are on their way, and what better way to spark joy than with a beautiful arrangement infused with your own personal style? Porch pots are a great way to decorate the welcome areas of your home, be it the front porch, walkway, or holiday table. They also make great gifts! And brighten up spaces through the winter months. We provide all the materials you'll need to create your pot - containers, cut greenery, pinecones, berries, and add-ons. Join a session on your own, or sign up with friends and family. Our workshops fill up fast! Registration is required, and space is limited, so don't miss out! Get signed up today!!
WORKSHOP DATES AND DETAILS:
Thursday, November 21st - 1 pm & 3 pm
Friday, November 22nd - 1 pm & 3 pm
Saturday, November 23rd - 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm
Sunday, November 24th - 12 pm & 2 pm
Cost: $69.99/person
Time: Each workshop takes 30-45 minutes.
Registration: Call the store at 785-233-9657 or email Misty at mistyb@skinnergardenstore.com to register.
TIME FOR A CHANGE
Now that we are off Daylight Savings and darkness is settling in a little more quickly, we’ll be closing up a little earlier. From now until the end of winter, we’ll be closing at 5 pm, not 6 pm.
Thunder Over the Heartland
That was the name of the air show held recently out at Forbes Field here in Topeka, and I got to attend for the first time since I was a kid. And like a kid, I was excited all week!
I’ve always been into planes. Growing up, I had numerous books on aircraft of all types and I would pour over them for hours on end, memorizing the pictures and reading all about the various airframes they documented. I loved to build model airplanes too. I could spend hours gluing and painting my aeronautical projects. My model airplane display filled that corner of the basement for many years. I even enrolled in.....
“Thunder Over the Heartland”… it didn’t disappoint!
That was the name of the air show held recently out at Forbes Field here in Topeka, and I got to attend for the first time since I was a kid. And like a kid, I was excited all week!
I’ve always been into planes. Growing up, I had numerous books on aircraft of all types and I would pour over them for hours on end, memorizing the pictures and reading all about the various airframes they documented. I loved to build model airplanes too. I could spend hours gluing and painting my aeronautical projects. My model airplane display filled that corner of the basement for many years. I even enrolled in a History of Aviation class in college. One of the projects was building a model airplane. That homework assignment made my roommate a little jealous!
Needless to say, I was looking forward to the show, and like I said, it didn’t disappoint. It was thrilling! I convinced one of my daughters to go with me and she had a great time too.
Walking around and checking out all the aircraft on display was pretty cool. We got to see a variety of different airframes, from tiny little aerobatic planes to large air-refueling tankers and a lot of things in between.
We actually got to walk through those tankers and a large helicopter to check them out up close and in detail. A few years ago, I got to experience a ride-along flight on one of our local KC-135 tankers out at the 190th Air Refueling Wing. That was an amazing experience. Walking through that aircraft the other day took me right back to that flight.
While the aircraft on display were impressive, the real show was in the air.
For several hours, we got to witness rolls and dives and climbs and all the rest of the aerial acrobatics, They were impressive! I was in awe.
I’m not a fan of amusement parks. I shy away from roller coasters and any kind of ride that goes round and round in circles, forget about it. I don’t have the stomach for them and I say clear! This body of mine likes to move through the world gently.
That wasn’t the case for the pilots we got to watch!
I think it’s safe to say, they were the kids that did those rides and then ran right back into line as soon as they got off. Maverick said it best in Top Gun... “I feel the need for speed!” I think these folks are wired the same.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
After several hours of loops, rolls, climbs, and dives, we’d thought we’d see it all. But then, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took the stage. Their precision performance was incredible! Their choreographed show was amazing and their high-speed fly-bys let you know just what kind of power we were witnessing.
I had a great time!
But now, it’s back to work.
Fall color is starting to show up all over town, so it’s starting to look a lot more like the fall season that we are solidly in. The recent drop below freezing should help spur a little more of that along.
Our nursery is still pretty full, the greenhouse is still loaded with mums and there are still plenty of pumpkins and gourds to choose from. There is a lot of fall yet to enjoy, so if you’re still in the planting or decoration mood, come see us!
—Cameron Rees
Got Skinner buck$!
FALL REDEMPTION ALERT!
Our fall Skinner Buck$ Redemption Period is underway! You have from now until October 31st to redeem your buck$ for big savings! See full details in the image below!
It’s time to plant bulbs!
Who doesn’t love to look out the window upon rows and rows of the most beautiful colors?
Now is the time to add those colors. Tulips, daffodils, alliums, and all the other spring flowering bulbs need to be planted now if you’re hoping to enjoy them next spring.
We’ve got many varieties to choose from, from your brightest reds to your favorite purple, and even some with a little flare.
Once you choose your bulbs, we can walk you through the steps to ensure that you have the best success possible. Whether that means adding some nutrients to your soil or simply which ones will look the best for you, our staff can help.
Dig, drop, done... it’s that easy!
Get in the Habit of Growing Cover Crops
Austrian Winter Peas
Did you know that there are many benefits to growing cover crops throughout your garden both during and after growing seasons?
Cover crops are things like annual ryegrass, radishes, turnips, oats, clover, hairy vetch, and winter peas.
Cover crops benefit the garden by improving soil quality. They can increase soil fertility, increase organic matter, and reduce compaction making it easier to grow larger crops. Cover crops can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere or recycle nutrients from deep within the soil.
Cover crops also can be a great way to control pests and diseases. They can create an environment that is inhospitable for soilborne diseases and help encourage beneficial insects. They are also great ways to control weed growth in and around your rows during the growing season and after crop cycles by filling in the spaces where weeds like to grow.
However, you look at it, cover crops can have many benefits and we encourage you to come in and take a look at what we have to offer!
More EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Winter Porch Pot Workshops are back!
It's time for a popular Skinner holiday tradition! It's time for our WINTER PORCH POT WORKSHOPS! That's right, the holidays are on their way, and what better way to spark joy than with a beautiful arrangement infused with your own personal style? Porch pots are a great way to decorate the welcome areas of your home, be it the front porch, walkway, or holiday table. They also make great gifts! And brighten up spaces through the winter months. We provide all the materials you'll need to create your pot - containers, cut greenery, pinecones, berries, and add-ons. Join a session on your own, or sign up with friends and family. Our workshops fill up fast! Registration is required, and space is limited, so don't miss out! Get signed up today!!
WORKSHOP DATES AND DETAILS:
Thursday, November 21st - 1 pm & 3 pm
Friday, November 22nd - 1 pm & 3 pm
Saturday, November 23rd - 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm
Sunday, November 24th - 12 pm & 2 pm
Cost: $69.99/person
Time: Each workshop takes 30-45 minutes.
Registration: Call the store at 785-233-9657 or email Misty at mistyb@skinnergardenstore.com to register.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Last month was wedding month.
We attended three in total. We’re used to a wedding here and there, but three in one month...that was a first for us. But they were all fun to be at...beautiful venues, beautiful brides, beautiful ceremonies. They gave me an excuse to dust off the suit and dress up for a change.
Luckily it still fits!
The festivities also gave me a chance to.....
Last month was wedding month.
We attended three in total. We’re used to a wedding here and there, but three in one month...that was a first for us. But they were all fun to be at...beautiful venues, beautiful brides, beautiful ceremonies. They gave me an excuse to dust off the suit and dress up for a change.
Luckily it still fits!
The festivities also gave me a chance to spend some time with some good friends and catch up. There’s nothing ever wrong with that. I’m glad about the connections and reconnections, and happy for all the newlyweds. It was a good month!
So, what does all that have to do with gardening?
Nothing I suppose, but one was at a botanical garden and the last one was at a venue nestled in a large prairie-like setting out in the country, and all had amazing flowers, so horticulture was definitely part of the experiences. I guess that’s my “garden” connection.
Last month, my wife and I also attended a garden center conference down in Dallas. There was lots of time to learn new things, lots of time to renew friendships, lots of time to visit other garden centers, and lots of time to hang out and connect with my wife. That was really nice too.
But now September is behind us and our busy social schedule is calming down. It’s time to relax a little and enjoy the fall.
With the exception of a warm afternoon here and there, recent temps have been pretty nice. Finding a pleasant evening to enjoy on the back patio hasn’t been too difficult. I like that. Some rain would be nice, but I don’t have much control there. I’m still dragging a lot of hoses and setting up a lot of sprinklers. Hopefully, you’re doing the same.
Enjoy the pleasant temps and don’t forget to keep watering things. You want your growing things to wrap up the season as happy as you can make them. Don’t let them get too thirsty!
Now, October is upon us and we’ve geared up for a big month out here! While I’ve been off attending weddings and traveling to garden center meetings, the team here has been busy. They’ve been unloading truck after truck of trees, shrubs, evergreens, grasses, fruit trees, perennials, mums, pumpkins, and a whole lot more. The sales lot is full like it hasn’t been since spring and of course, our new greenhouse is filled to the brim too.
It’s looking great out here!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Just a reminder... the whole month of October is our Fall Skinner Buck Redemption period, so if you have any of those Bucks burning a hole in your pocket, now is the time to bring them back in to spend. Remember, you can use them to save up to 50% off your purchase!
One last thing...
Next weekend, on Saturday, from 11-3, the guys from the Norsemen Brewing Company will be on hand and serving some of their finest… all on us! We’ve done this fall event for a number of years now and it’s always been fun. This year, they’ll be set up inside the new greenhouse!
We’ll have some other drinks available and we’re also planning on doing a little grilling as well. It should be a fun day, and I hope you can come join us!
—Cameron Rees
what’s new?!
We’ve been busy here at the store! Take a look at the loads of new fall inventory we have on hand. And there is so much more!
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: PLEASE JOIN US!
We appreciate you! Come by this weekend and feel the love at this special event for all of our friends, family, and customers. Food and drinks are on us! We’ll have our greenhouses chock-full of fall favorites, plus new pottery and seasonal decor. See the image for full details! @norsemenbrewingco
“thymely” advice:
THE WINDOW IS CLOSING
Fall is the best time to plant grass seed... despite the dry weather we’ve had to contend with this season! Mid-August to mid-October is the primary target. A quick look at the calendar points out one thing... that window of opportunity is starting to close. So, if you are hoping to get some of those bare spots greened up, you still have time... but you’d better get busy!
LEAVE IT TO A BEATLE
Plants come and go in a garden. That’s one of the unavoidable lessons we all have to learn…and yes, we ALL experience these unfortunate losses.
Case in point. A few weeks ago, I noticed a slight discoloration on one of my favorite specimens in our conifer garden, a Weeping Serbian Spruce I helped plant twenty-plus years ago.
When I first spotted the slight discoloration on the first needles, I knew right away things weren’t good.....
I don’t know if George Harrison was a gardener, but even if he wasn’t, his lyrics speak a lot of truth for those of us who are... All Things Must Pass.
Plants come and go in a garden. That’s one of the unavoidable lessons we all have to learn…and yes, we ALL experience these unfortunate losses.
Case in point. A few weeks ago, I noticed a slight discoloration on one of my favorite specimens in our conifer garden, a Weeping Serbian Spruce I helped plant twenty-plus years ago.
When I first spotted the slight discoloration on the first needles, I knew right away things weren’t good. I’ve seen this happen too many times.
I’ve watched a lot of needle-type evergreens make it through the worst of summer, only to go belly-up once we hit September. Over the years, I’ve also heard of a lot of these situations in our customers’ gardens as well. Things look fine, and then suddenly, bam… dead.
It’s a frustrating situation. Things appear to be fine, and then suddenly, without warning… not so much. And the really frustrating part, by the time you notice things looking bad, there’s nothing you can do about it. In almost all of these situations, the roots have died in the weeks previous, and only now is the top actually drying out enough to tell the whole story. At this point, no amount of water or TLC is going to make a difference.
Like I said, it’s frustrating.
So, all I could do was watch this spruce turn brown over the course of a very short week and wish it wasn’t so.
It sucks… but it also happens. Nothing in a garden lasts forever, and if you’ve gardened for very long, you’ve figured that out. And after it’s happened enough times, you also learn things like this are not just losses, they’re also opportunities… opportunities for something new and different.
It’s the whole glass-half-empty or half-full thing.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
I tend to be a glass-half-full guy. So, although I’m disappointed to see this magnificent tree gone, I’m already moving and contemplating the chance for something new and different. The dead tree is down, the stump has been pulled out and the space is ready for something new. I don’t know what it’s going to be yet, but I know I’m excited for the opportunity to be planting something new.
And, of course, we’re in a great time of year to plant!
Fall is now officially upon us. The rain has finally returned, and the temperatures have cooled down… it’s definitely fall planting time!
Maybe you’ve lost something out of your garden this year too… but hopefully not! Either way, we’re out here, making sure things are ready for your planting projects. I hope you’ll come see us!
—Cameron Rees
P.S. - This is a pretty good version of George’s song, too. It’s from the tribute, Concert For George. Both are worth checking out!
GRASS SEEDING RELIEF
Choosing high-quality grass seed, and planting it correctly are important for seeding success. But like most planting projects, ultimate success is only as good as the post-planting care. And with planting projects… and especially planting grass seed… that translates to watering.
Watering makes or breaks a seeding project… and the weather has a lot to do with that.
When the temps are high and the rainfall is nowhere to be seen… keeping things adequately wet can be challenging. That’s where natural rainfall and cooler air temperatures come in handy… like what we’ve just seen.
If you have a grass seeding project on your “to-do” list, but you’ve been waiting for the right time, then now’s the time to get started! We’re still in a prime window of opportunity for planting grass seed.
And of course, we still have lots of high-quality grass seed and starter fertilizer on hand to help you out. If you need help figuring out how much of each you need, we can help. We can also explain what you need to do to get your seed planted correctly as well. We want you to be successful too!
inside skinner’s employee gardens: PEGGY STRATTON
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peek at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions.
Today, it’s the home garden handiwork of greenhouse sales associate, Peggy Stratton. Does Peggy know container gardening, or what?!?! We love her use of natural elements like the bamboo screen and the moss hanging planter. Those details, along with stones and concrete statuary containers, really create a magical, secret garden feel and an old-world charm. Peggy has really gone all out on these key features around her home exterior! This is definitely a great inspiration! And the best part of container gardening is that it can change with the seasons. Stop by and our staff can help you select the right elements for a fall or winter porch pot.
If you have questions about any of Peggy’s plants call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Peggy or another team member would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
events & announcements
Keep an eye on this section of our newsletter for information on sales, special events, changes to store hours and more!
FOUND FRUIT
It was a lucky find.
I was walking around the yard the other day, just checking things out, when I noticed it... a pawpaw fruit lying on the ground at the base of one of our pawpaw trees.
I couldn’t believe it! I had seen blooms on several of my trees this spring, but somehow I had completely missed that one had developed into a fruit, growing bigger by the day for the entire summer. I felt like a bad parent!
I’m just glad I noticed it before something else got to it....
It was a lucky find.
I was walking around the yard the other day, just checking things out, when I noticed it... a pawpaw fruit lying on the ground at the base of one of our pawpaw trees.
I couldn’t believe it! I had seen blooms on several of my trees this spring, but somehow I had completely missed that one had developed into a fruit, growing bigger by the day for the entire summer. I felt like a bad parent!
I’m just glad I noticed it before something else got to it.
I quickly snatched it up and put it in the fridge to enjoy another day. That ended up being after dinner a couple of nights ago.
Ripe pawpaws look a lot like a greenish, slightly bruised potato, but trust me, they taste a whole lot better! I’ve heard their flavor described as a cross between a banana, a mango and a pineapple, and that
a pretty fair description. Their flesh is soft, kind of like custard or a really ripe avocado. They’re different, but they’re really good...especially, as I soon learned.... for dessert after grilled hamburgers!
It just goes to show you, that you never know what you might find if you just keep your eyes open.
There’s lots to see here at the garden store, too.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks and the sales lot has quickly filled back up with lots of fresh trees, shrubs, grasses, and evergreens. And even more exciting than that... we have finally moved into the new greenhouse! There are still some final details being worked on, but that hasn’t stopped Misty and the rest of the team from filling it with all kinds of new perennials, hardy mums, and houseplants. We’ve had to detour around it for so long, I’m still getting used to actually being able to walk through it. It’s a nice change!
You’re invited to come out and check it out for yourself. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re excited to finally be able to share it with you. We hope you like it!
—Cameron Rees
WHAT’S NEW?
We’ve been busy here at the store! Take a look at our new greenhouse and our new fall inventory!
“THYMELY” ADVICE: iT’S TIME FOR THE ORANGE BAG
Summer is almost over and boy, has it been a hot one this year!
Fall will start rolling through over the next month or so, and that means it”s time for our next installment for your lawn. It’s time for the Orange Bag!
The “Orange Bag” is what we like to call Fertilome Lawn Food Plus Iron. It is the second step in our 3-Step Lawn Program and it is time to put it down. It provides a well-balanced dose of early fall nutrition along with an extra “shot” of iron to really green things up.
Fertilome Lawn Food Plus Iron can be applied with a drop or broadcast spreader, so use whichever you prefer, just make sure you apply it evenly. Water in after application if rain isn’t in the forecast, or if you can time it with rain, let Mother Nature take care of the rest. Also, always make sure to sweep away any remaining product that lands on driveways, sidewalks, or the street. That’s always good advice, but it’s especially important with this product as the extra iron can stain surfaces if left in place. You don’t want rust spots all over the patio!
If you are a member of our Skinner 3-Step Lawn Program, you may have already received the reminder to stop in and pick up your Orange Bag. Remember, right now is the optimal time to apply. If you haven’t stopped in yet to get yours yet, then come on down!
As always, our staff is knowledgeable and eager to help with any questions you may have. If you have questions, just ask!
—Melissa Anderson
let’s plant some grass seed!
Cooler weather is a good reminder that fall is right around the corner. And if you’re one of those folks who will need to be doing a little grass seeding or lawn overseeding this fall, you should plan on getting busy with that project soon.
Here are a few important tips to help ensure you have a successful grass-planting project this fall:
PREPARE YOUR SOIL FOR THE NEW SEED
One of the keys to getting good germination of your new seed is making sure the seed you apply is lightly incorporated into the soil you are planting it in. You want good seed/soil contact. That helps keep the seed moist in between watering events which is critical. If the seed gets too dry once germination has started, it dies... game over.
For bare ground, lightly cultivate so the seed can be raked in. For existing lawns that are just being overseeded, you will need to mechanically disturb the surface of the soil without completely destroying the existing grass. That’s typically done with a small piece of equipment that’s easily rented this time of the year called a verti-slicer. That same machine is also sometimes called a power rake or a lawn comb. Regardless of what you call it, it makes the job of prepping the lawn for seeding much easier and increases your chances for success.
First, mow your lawn short, removing all the clippings. Next, make one complete pass over the yard, going in parallel passes, with the verti-slicer. This will rip up a lot of grass and dead clippings. Gather this up as well and remove it. (All this should be going on your compost pile!) Continue by applying your grass seed and starter fertilizer, and then...and this is important...make a second pass over the entire lawn, once again making parallel passes, but this time at a 45-degree angle to the first passes. This second pass helps incorporate the seed into the soil surface. Leave and grass residues in place after this second pass.
For smaller projects, hand raking may be sufficient, but you will be doing roughly the same thing. Mow short and remove the clippings. Rake everything and remove all the debris again. Apply seed and starter fertilizer and then lightly rake again, leaving residues in place.
APPLY THE RIGHT SEED AT THE RIGHT RATES
We’ve already established in earlier newsletters that the right grass seed choice is our Gard’n-wise Premium Fescue Blend, but the right seed at the wrong rate will still produce disappointing results. Take time to figure out how much seed you actually need.
These are the rates we recommend:
For bare ground, use 6-8 lbs. of grass seed for every 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn to be seeded.
If you are overseeding existing turf, cut that rate in half (3-4 lbs. of grass seed per 1,000 sq. ft.).
If you’re seeding into shady areas, plan on reducing your rates by half to compensate for the lower sunlight levels.
Once the seed has been spread, go back over the same area with a starter fertilizer. We use Fertilome New Lawn Starter. It’s formulated for newly developing grass plants and will get them off to a better start. Once again, the right rates are important. We have different-sized bags to help you dial things in more closely.
COVER AREAS PRONE TO EROSION WITH STRAW OR EROSION MATTING
These aids can help minimize damage caused by excessive water runoff. They can also help keep seed moist for longer periods of time. This can be a big help if keeping things watered is going to be challenging. We stock both straw and erosion-control matting.
Redirecting downspouts from newly seeded areas can also help. You can purchase rolls of corrugated drain pipe from most home improvement centers that work well for this.
WATER, WATER, WATER!
Once you’ve selected the right seed and done a good job applying it along with some starter fertilizer, it’s time to water. The secret to successful germination is making sure the seed bed doesn’t get too dry. This is best accomplished with frequent, light waterings. Frequent means daily, or more often several times a day if it’s hot and windy. Light watering means you’re only trying to rewet the seed bed, or the top inch or so. Think minutes, not hours. If the ground visually looks dry, you need to water it.
This is the step that gives folks the most grief. Once you’ve triggered germination, you don’t want to let things get too dry. Germinating seeds need to remain hydrated and their newly emerging roots can’t dry out as they are finding their way into the soil. If things get too dry... even for just a few hours... the germinating seeds will die, and no amount of water will bring it back at that point.
We sometimes hear from folks that talk about problems they’ve had planting what they figured is “bad” seed. In other words, they didn’t bet a good stand. In almost every one of those cases, inconsistent watering was the culprit, not the seed. Proper watering makes or breaks a seeding project.
It should take about 5-7 days to able to see visible signs of germination, with full germination wrapping over the following week. Once you’ve completed the germination phase of your project, gradually reduce the frequency of your waterings but increase the duration to get water deeper into the ground. You start with frequent, light watering and then transition to infrequent, deep waterings.
START MOWING AS SOON AS THE GRASS IS TALL ENOUGH TO BE CUT
Keep your mower set at the same height you normally cut use it as soon as the new grass is tall enough to be cut by the blades. Keep that mowing height until you put your mower away for the season. Mowing will help your new grass to thicken up and tiller out. If the ground is really wet, wait a day or so for things to dry out a bit so you don’t tear your new turf up. And don’t forget to finish up with an application of Fertilome Winterizer later this fall, sometime after Halloween.
That’s it... now get to work!
HERE’S SOME MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION: Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities is an environmental initiative sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension. We recommend their video and article on overseeding your lawn. You can find it HERE.
inside skinner’s employee gardens: jonelle custenborder
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peek at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions.
Today, it’s the home garden handiwork of cashier, Jonelle Custenborder. Jonelle’s gallery of photos highlights her creativity with potted plants, porch decor, and window boxes for a vibrant and friendly exterior, along with foundation beds that add depth of color and variety of texture. Great eye, Jonelle!
If you have questions about any of Jonelle’s plants call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Jonelle or another team member would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
events & announcements
Keep an eye on this section of our newsletter for information on sales, special events, changes to store hours and more!
THE WHEELS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
I was traveling for work last week. While sitting at one of the airports I passed through, I caught myself doing a little reflecting. Here were my thoughts...
First of all, flying is pretty amazing. That we can just buy tickets to fairly economically and fairly easily travel by air to almost anywhere we want to go is really nothing short of amazing... despite flight delays and computer failures!
Second, smartphones own us. I don’t think that one needs much of an explanation.
And third...
I was traveling for work last week. While sitting at one of the airports I passed through, I caught myself doing a little reflecting. Here were my thoughts...
First of all, flying is pretty amazing. That we can just buy tickets to fairly economically and fairly easily travel by air to almost anywhere we want to go is really nothing short of amazing... despite flight delays and computer failures!
Second, smartphones own us. I don’t think that one needs much of an explanation.
And third, whoever came up with the idea of putting swiveling wheels and a handle on luggage was a genius! How did we get by before that travel-changing innovation?!
The trip was nice. We got to visit several of our nursery growers and got to see what crops are looking like for this fall. They are impressive! And we can’t wait to stock them for you at the store.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Some of those plants have already begun to arrive, and a lot more will be rolling in as we move into our fall planting season. It’s already starting to look a little different around here and it’s going to change a whole lot more over the weeks to come. All part of the beautiful cycle of inventory that we get to bring to you throughout the year… and at just the right times, thanks to our growers!
I’m glad to be back home now and even more glad to be seeing nice temperatures in our forecast. Hopefully, there’s more of that to come. We’re due for a nice fall!
We’re going to be closed this coming Monday for Labor Day, but we’ll be open all weekend leading up to it. If you’re ready to start something new or finish something old. Come see us!
—Cameron Rees
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED
A thriving lawn can connect individuals and families, and encourage other gardening practices for homeowners who take pride in having a green thumb. But to cultivate a great lawn, you’ll need to find the right type of turfgrass.
So, what is the right type of grass seed? Well, generally there are 3 major factors that I focus on when choosing the right grass seed.
Factor #1: LEVEL OF SHADE
This means the level of sun exposure and shade the grass is able to withstand. Some seed types, like tall fescue, will grow great in full sun and still hold up pretty well in partial shade. Others like Bermuda grass won’t settle for anything less than full sun exposure.
Factor #2: WEAR AND TEAR
What type of “traffic” will your lawn see? Do you have small children who plan on enjoying the lawn, playing in the water, and running around? When you select grass seed, consider the hardiness of any variety carefully. You want a grass that is tough enough to handle the foot traffic your family will give. Tall fescue is a good choice here too.
Factor #3: MAINTAINABILITY
Last, but definitely not least, think about how much you will need to do to maintain your lawn over the years. A turf grass germinates quickly and grows thick and lush, but you must water and fertilize regularly. Tall fescue is valued for its adaptability to a wide range of climates and its tolerances for cold, heat, drought, and shade. For these reasons, many Kansas residents choose to have tall fescue grass on their lawns.
And all that explains why we focus on tall fescue here at Skinner Garden Store. We carry a five-variety tall fescue blend that’s been selected for improved characteristics and overall adaptability to NE Kansas conditions. It’s also been tested to be free of weed seeds and other unwanted grass seeds, also known as “other crop” seeds. Trust me, you don’t want those in your seed blend.
Anything worth having takes hard work and patience. So, get started today making your lawn the envy of all your neighbors. Stop in and ask any of our helpful staff to help get you what you need, and if you have questions, just let us know!
—Melissa Anderson
inside skinner’s employee gardens: TERRI CURRANT
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peek at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions.
Today, it’s the home garden handiwork of cashier, Terri Currant. Terri’s landscaping features a spectacular, terraced rock garden and water pond. Outstanding! Plus, check out the welcoming aesthetics of her front walkway area and the functional gardens that blend her home’s foundation and outdoor jacuzzi into the surroundings.
If you have questions about any of Terri’s plants call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Terri or another team member would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
events & announcements
SUMMER SHOWERS BRING… MORE FLOWERS!
I’m a bit of a plant nerd. I think that’s already been pretty well established.
Gardening has been my thing for just about as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I gardened. Whether trailing behind my dad in the veggie garden or helping mom in her perennial gardens, I was always getting my hands dirty and learning how to grow things. My folks even gave me my own little plot of land to create with each spring.
See, I was even a plant nerd back then! So, it’s probably no surprise that….
I’m a bit of a plant nerd. I think that’s already been pretty well established.
Gardening has been my thing for just about as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I gardened. Whether trailing behind my dad in the veggie garden or helping mom in her perennial gardens, I was always getting my hands dirty and learning how to grow things. My folks even gave me my own little plot of land to create with each spring.
See, I was even a plant nerd back then!
So, it’s probably no surprise that my phone is filled with plant pics...hundreds...probably thousands of them. Some end up in this newsletter, some are for our signage, but a lot are just to capture a moment in time that I think is really beautiful.
I did that at home the other day.
These are from our front yard.
Black-eyed Susans have been in full bloom for the past few weeks, and for some reason, on this particular morning, they just really caught my eye. The pictures never quite live up to the actual scene, but I do my best. I just love the way they paint the landscape with patches of golden-yellow. They really do shine this time of the year.
Recent rains have helped too. But it was this combination that caught my eye that morning. It’s a planting near our front sidewalk of some of those Black-eyed Susans next to some Russian Sage. That’s a classic perennial combination. It’s just a great contrast of colors, forms, and textures. My picture isn’t as good as the real thing, but trust me, it’s eye-catching! And the pollinators loved it too!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Things like this put a smile on my face. And it’s a great way to start your morning.
Like I said... I’m a plant nerd!
I just wanted to share this moment with you. The procession of color just keeps marching along. Recent rains and cooler temperatures have helped with that tremendously. I’m enjoying it, and I hope you are too.
I’m also enjoying not having to run sprinklers non-stop!
There’s a lot blooming at the garden center right now. If you’re interested in adding a splash of color or some cool combinations to your garden, come see us!
—Cameron Rees
inside skinner’s employee gardens: LINDSEY Seichepine
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peak at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions.
Today, we feature the home garden handiwork of Skinner Nursery team member, Lindsey Seichepine. Lindsey has a pension for potted plants and especially loves her succulents! She has created plant groupings to welcome visitors and create special spaces throughout her home.
If you have questions about any of Lindsey’s plants call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Lindsey or another team member would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
Powdery mildew problems
You have made it through the Spring, and survived the push of devastating insects, and now you’re noticing that something just isn’t right with your plants.
You may be seeing a white substance covering your leaves, or some of your plants have dark brown spots. Sometimes with the changing of weather and the rain plants can be affected by fungus. One of the more common is Powdery Mildew.
Powdery Mildew is noticed by white to gray, powdery spots, blotches, or mats that can appear on leaves, stems, and buds. It may look like the infected leaves have baby powder dusted on the leaves. This is caused by spores from fungi carried by the wind. Once the spore lands on a host plant, it will germinate quickly and start a new infection.
Powdery Mildew most often forms on plants in areas where there are dense foliage and where damp and stagnant air can get trapped. The first sign of infection is often white circular spots on leaves, which can later curl and fall off prematurely. This can weaken the plant and, in some cases, cause it to die.
Luckily, there are effective Powdery Mildew treatments that can help fight the disease. Fertilome F-Stop Fungicide is a great on-the-spot treatment to help stop and prevent the spread of these types of diseases and fungi. Fertilome Broad Spectrum Landscape and Garden Fungicide is another great choice, especially if you have these issues on fruits and vegetables.
Treat infected plants regularly with these types of fungicides or you can also try a preventative treatment option before Powdery Mildew even forms. Stop in today and let our staff get you exactly what you need to ensure your success.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
As the summer comes to an end and cooler nights begin to fall upon us, your lawn may be needing a little pick-me-up. Timing is everything with fertilizer. Apply at the wrong time and you could be doing more harm than good.
Kansas residents more often than not have a type of cool weather grass growing in their yard. Cool-weather grasses will start to enter their fall growth cycle after the stress of summer starts to pass.
September is the best time to fertilize these types of lawns. In fact, if you could only fertilize once, September would be the very best time to do so.
A strong root system is the foundation of a nice lawn. Lawns need nitrogen to help thicken and encourage development of a healthy root system. It helps thicken up those thin areas and can also help in the prevention of weeds as a dense, healthy lawn helps choke back them back.
Plan on starting with Fertilome Lawn Food Plus Iron, applied around Labor Day. It contains two types of nitrogen and an extra dose of iron to help green up that lawn and have long-term, stable growth.
The second most important time to fertilize is late October (think Halloween). Fertilome Winterizer is a quick-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer that helps build vigorous root systems. It also helps enhance stem strength and disease resistance.
These two times are, by far, the most important times to make sure that your lawn is fed and protected. Stop in today and let one of our friendly staff walk you through what you need and how to apply it.
BRIGHT RED AND BROKEN
She had a good life. My lawn mower, that is.
It was a bright red Craftsman brand mower that I purchased at Sears seventeen years ago... remember that place? This one was a small, self-propelled push mower and it was all I needed for the small lawn we had. It kept the lawn looking tidy and did an equally good job at helping me keep the maintenance simple on my landscape. It chopped up huge crops of leaves in the fall and mowed down the dried-up residue of last year’s perennial gardens early each spring….
She had a good life. My lawn mower, that is.
It was a bright red Craftsman brand mower that I purchased at Sears seventeen years ago... remember that place? This one was a small, self-propelled push mower and it was all I needed for the small lawn we had. It kept the lawn looking tidy and did an equally good job at helping me keep the maintenance simple on my landscape. It chopped up huge crops of leaves in the fall and mowed down the dried-up residue of last year’s perennial gardens early each spring.
That last “mowing” project isn’t exactly what the manufacturer had in mind for their machine, but it accomplished the task nicely for me and saved me a lot of extra work. However, it didn’t come without some collateral damage.
A few years into my new mower, and during one of my perennial garden clean-ups, the self-propelled function of the mower broke. Apparently, a machine designed to trim a yard of soft grass didn’t appreciate the abuse I was giving it mowing over and chopping up the hard stalks of perennials along with the abundance of plant residues and accumulated leaves that existed by the time this springtime project took place.
But luckily, I’m pretty good at fixing things and before long I was back in business, until a few years later when it happened again. Again, I fixed things, but it wasn’t very long before it broke yet again... and this time was the last. I tried everything I could, but nothing worked. So, I just gave up.
The thing was, it still mowed just fine. It started up quickly and ran smoothly, leaving neatly groomed grass or last year’s perennial garden in its wake. It just didn’t pull itself along like it used to. No worries, I told myself. We never had a self-propelled mower growing up and I survived just fine. So, I convinced myself that’s what I had now, a mower like the old days. No problem.
But it wasn’t quite that simple.
Although the “self-propelled” mechanism was no longer working as assist propulsion, the guts and gears of that portion of the mower were quite effective at creating some extra drag. I could still push the mower, but it felt like it had brakes that were being pushed too.
It wasn’t ideal.
But again, the thing still worked! And as my wife can confirm, I’ll keep using something until it completely falls apart, and then, and only then will I worry about replacing it. She says I’m just stubborn, but I like to say I just hate being wasteful!
So, I kept using the mower, accepting the added resistance as a little extra “beneficial” exercise.
Years later, when we moved into a home with a much bigger yard, I added a riding mower to my arsenal... but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t try to pull off maintaining the new place with the same old mower. I did… a couple of times… and it nearly killed me!
The new riding mower solved the majority of my lawn mowing needs, but not all of them. There were still a number of small, awkward areas where the push mower was the best solution. I kept it around and continued to get a little extra “beneficial” exercise each week.
But that finally changed a few weeks ago.
I was mowing out back, knocking out one of those awkward spots, when the handle broke. I quickly learned, that when choosing between a mower with a broken self-propelling mechanism and one with a broken push handle, you choose the former... and you never choose one with both!
Trust me, it’s really hard to push a mower with a broken handle. So, I finally threw in the towel and bought a new one, and what a difference having something that actually works correctly makes! I probably should have given in a long time ago. 😊
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Sometimes our landscapes can be a little like my old broken-down push mower. They still work... but they are far from ideal. We find ourselves putting up with plants that get too big, others that fail to perform, some that just won’t stay alive, and of course, weeds that never fail to thrive!
But just like my old mower, things don’t have to be that way either. There are solutions out there for most landscape problems, but you have to be willing to admit things are less than ideal. Once you do, we can help you rethink, replan, and redo areas that need a little attention. All you’ve got to do is ask.
And my recommendation is don’t wait until it completely breaks down!
—Cameron Rees
inside skinner’s employee gardens: BRIAN bUHLER
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peak at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions.
Today, we feature the home garden handiwork of Skinner’s Nursery Manager, Brian Buhler. He’s definitely cultivated some special areas in his landscaping.
If you have questions about any of Brian’s plants, trees, or shrubs, call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Brian would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
FALL GARDENS START NOW!
Fall can be a productive time for the vegetable garden. In fact, many of the crops we grow through the spring season do even better during the fall season, where the general cooling trend in temperatures favors better growth and a tastier harvest.
But as always, you can’t enjoy fall produce if you don’t plant it!
There are three main areas to focus on for new plantings aimed at fall harvest...
1. Leafy Greens – spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard
Spinach and lettuce can be directly seeded into the garden as the hotter temps of summer start to fade. For earlier crops, start seeds inside now for transplanting into the garden over the weeks to come. Consider multiple plantings to provide a fresh harvest over a longer period.
2. Root Vegetables – beets, carrots, radishes, turnips and parsnips
These can be planted at any time now and harvested as through the fall season and on into early winter.
3. Cole Crops (or brassicas) – cabbage, kale, broccoli, and collards
Seed directly into the garden or start indoors and transplant out later
We have lots of vegetable seed available, along with all the seed starting supplies you’ll need for starting crops indoors. As we get into August, we’ll also have some vegetable transplants available for quicker results.
Let the fall planting begin!
get ready for fall lawn seeding
It’s hot now, but fall will be here before we know it and with it will come the fall lawn season.
Fall is the best time to plant grass seed, but the best time to get the lawn cleaned up and ready for fall seeding is right now.
If you have unwanted grass or weeds that need to be killed out first, it’s time to start. Treat areas you are wanting to kill out with Hi-Yield Killz All, following label directions. Continue applications every week or two until everything you want dead is dead. Once you’ve got a clean slate and the right weather, you should be ready go.
Here are a few extra suggestions to help make your project more successful:
Follow label directions! Mixing stronger than directed will not improve results and can sometimes end up doing just the opposite.
Continue to mow at your regular mowing height.
Keep the area you are treating well-watered. Drought stressed plants are harder to kill, and dormant plants will be will next to impossible to kill. And keep watering the area even after things turn brown. You want to encourage anything with life left in it to try and grow.
Use Hi-Yield Herbicide Enhancer to increase the effectiveness of your spray solution. It works.
Using dye in your spray mix can make it easier to keep track of what you have sprayed and what you haven’t. We have that available too.
Wait a week after your last application to do your seeding.
Stay tuned for more fall seeding information to come!
It’s a wet subject
So far, we’ve been pretty lucky. For the most part, we’ve managed to pick up enough rain to keep things green and happy without too much extra help. But, odds are pretty good, that drier weather is in our future... July and August do have their reputations, after all. And that means watering is likely in your future.
I talk with customers all the time about watering, especially this time of the year. It might seem like a pretty straightforward activity, but I can tell you from experience, that…
So far, we’ve been pretty lucky. For the most part, we’ve managed to pick up enough rain to keep things green and happy without too much extra help. But, odds are pretty good, that drier weather is in our future... July and August do have their reputations, after all. And that means watering is likely in your future.
I talk with customers all the time about watering, especially this time of the year. It might seem like a pretty straightforward activity, but I can tell you from experience, that it’s not. And that leads me to THIS VIDEO. It’s from a YouTube channel called HortTube. This particular episode was posted recently, and after watching it, I knew I needed to share it.
The host, Jim Putnam, always does a great job with his videos. He lives and gardens in Raleigh, NC, so sometimes the information on the plants he’s talking about doesn’t apply to our gardens, but the general gardening info he shares is solid for gardeners everywhere.
I really like his approach to gardening. He keeps things simple and practical. I’m a fan.
The video linked above is all about watering, and in it, Jim does a great job of explaining important watering “hows” and ”whys.” So, if you want to improve your watering game, and improve your garden as a result, take a moment and give it a view.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Pay particular attention to the following points he explains:
Improving soil is important.
Stress...especially too much water, or not enough...drives plant problems.
Set up sprinklers and then walk away.
Automatic systems don’t always solve problems.
Check, check, check!
Different plants often have different water needs.
Frequency should be determined by need, not the calendar.
Watch Jim’s video and those things should make more sense, but if not, let us know. We can help!
—Cameron Rees
inside skinner’s employee gardens: MISTY BROWN
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peak at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions. Today, we feature the home-garden handiwork of Skinner’s Greenhouse Manager, Misty Brown. If you have questions about any of Misty’s gardens, call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Misty would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
— Photos by Misty Brown
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
blossom-end rot
So, you’ve worked hard all season. You’ve gotten the right soil and the right compost. You’ve been feeding them well, and now you’re seeing your beautiful tomato plants grow, yielding big, juicy fruit.
Then, all of a sudden, it appears - the dark spot growing on your fruits... You have Blossom-end Rot!
Blossom-end Rot is a common nutritional disorder that not only harms tomatoes, but also peppers, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. It is easily identified as a brown, leathery “rot” developing on or near the blossom-end of the fruit. It’s not a fungus or an insect but is caused by a shortage of calcium in growing fruits.
Consistent watering can be a factor in the level of calcium in your soil. Maybe you’ve been a little lax with your watering and let your vegetables dry out while they are setting fruit.
A more common cause is the weather. Has there been a significant change recently...like transitioning from cooler, wetter spring weather to a hot and dry summer? Things like this could affect the plants, but most will see some improvement without much or any intervention.
Along with consistent watering, there are a couple of things that you can do to help correct this issue, should you decide to take action:
Hi-Yield Calcium Nitrate - This is a granular product that you can add to your soil to help replenish the calcium levels in your soil while also fertilizing your plants.
Fertilome Yield Booster - This spray applies calcium directly to the foliage to help correct deficiencies.
Either way, you choose to go, stop in today and let one of our friendly staff help you with what you need.
—Melissa Anderson
don’t let pests win, seek good advice!
Problems crop up. That’s just a fact of life, and it’s definitely a fact in our gardens.
Pest outbreaks can be alarming, and they can certainly be damaging if they’re left unchecked. That’s why routine monitoring is so important. Pay attention to things as you walk around, pulling weeds, pruning things back, watering... all of your normal gardening activities. Watch for the signs of bigger problems: missing foliage, off colors, and unexpected movement, to name a few. These are all cues to step in and look more closely. And then, if you do spot something, react quickly and with the right approach. That’s the key to success.
Some solutions are as simple as a strong blast of water or hand-picking a few unwanted visitors. Sometimes you’ll figure out that you don’t even have a pest, or even a pest problem, but instead a watering issue. But other times, more attention is needed. That’s when knowing what to use and how is key.
Pest control products are kind of like all the medications behind the pharmacist’s counter. There are a lot of products that can help, but only if they’re used for the right problem and in the right way.
The first step is identifying the problem. What’s the pest? The internet can help with that...sometimes...but also know that we’re always available here at the store. Just bring in samples or send in pictures and we’ll do our best to help.
Once the pest is identified, the next step is deciding what to do...and sometimes nothing is the answer. Maybe the problem isn’t as serious as you thought, or maybe it’s just too late to benefit from control efforts. If that’s the case, treating may just cause more problems than it resolves. That said, more often than not, there is something you can do. But what’s the right move? With all the products on the shelves, how do you decide?
This is where some good advice comes into play.
Again, sometimes, you can find that on the internet... but be careful, there’s a lot of information out there, both good and bad, and figuring out the difference can be hard.
Utilize trusted sites, like the Kansas State University Horticulture Resource Center site. It has a long list of publications and videos that provide solid information for Kansas gardeners, including pest and pest control information.
And as we mentioned above, lean on us! We can help identify problems and explain your options. Our goal is always to arm you with the best information and best solutions we can. Let us help!
WHO LOVES YA, BABY?!
I’m bald.
Now, I’m not Kojack bald (if that reference doesn’t mean anything to you, you may be too young... Google it...it will make sense), but let’s just say, the grass is pretty thin up top.
I used to have hair. I even sported a mullet for a brief period in my younger days... but that was back when mullets were cool. Trust me, they used to be seriously cool! Nowadays, they’re more “funny” cool.
But now I definitely need to wear a hat to keep from sun-burning the roof. I didn’t go bald all at once. Things up top have just slowly faded away over the years.
Ironically, just because you’re bald, doesn’t mean you don’t still need to get haircuts. And that brings me to the point of all this nonsense…
I’m bald.
Now, I’m not Kojack bald (if that reference doesn’t mean anything to you, you may be too young... Google it...it will make sense), but let’s just say, the grass is pretty thin up top.
I used to have hair. I even sported a mullet for a brief period in my younger days... but that was back when mullets were cool. Trust me, they used to be seriously cool! Nowadays, they’re more “funny” cool.
But now I definitely need to wear a hat to keep from sun-burning the roof. I didn’t go bald all at once. Things up top have just slowly faded away over the years.
Ironically, just because you’re bald, doesn’t mean you don’t still need to get haircuts. And that brings me to the point of all this nonsense. My hair person just retired.
I can’t remember exactly how I ended up in her chair for the first time. I think it was a referral from a friend, but it was so long enough ago, that I can’t even remember. Regardless, she has been cutting my hair for over thirty years and now I’m on the hunt for someone new.
Growing up, Mom used to take my brother and me into town to the barbershop. We went to one in North Topeka and our guy was Smiley. I’m not sure how he got his nickname, but I can make a pretty good guess.
I was a little small for his chair, so he always had to put his booster in it for me. I remember the chair had a padded footrest. I couldn’t reach that either.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
I haven’t been to a barbershop since those childhood days, but now that I’m looking for a new person to keep me looking presentable, I think it’s time to hunt one up. As I’m sure my wife would confirm, I’m not the best at embracing change, but it looks like a little is coming my way.
I bet I won’t need that booster seat anymore.
We’re still plugging away at the nursery. We’ve been having some hot and humid days, but fortunately, those have been balanced out with some pleasant days and the occasional rain. The world outside is still pretty lush and green. It’s hard to complain about that.
It’s still okay to plant. Remember, as long as you can keep things watered, things will be fine. Don’t let the month on the calendar detour you.
—Cameron Rees
pollinator gardens
What is a pollinator exactly? A pollinator is an insect that moves pollen from the male anther of the flower to the female stigma of a flower. The movement of pollen must occur for the plant to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds, and young plants.
A pollinator garden contains plants designed to attract and support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Most pollinator plants are annual and perennial but there are also some shrubs that act as pollinator plants. Pollinator gardens benefit the entire ecosystem, including humans, wild animals, and insects. Without pollination, life would simply not exist.
If you are wanting to create a pollinator garden here are a few steps to creating the perfect one!
Choose an appropriate site: Most pollinator plants like a sunny location. If you don’t have a full sun area don’t fret, most pollinator plants will tolerate partial sun also.
Select native plants: Try to pick a variety of plants with different bloom times, providing pollinators with a longer bloom time will provide them with food for as long as possible.
Water and Weed: Water your garden regularly and keep weeds from the garden to ensure they will not take over and choke out the pollinator plants. Avoid using pesticides if possible, some pesticides can hurt the pollinators visiting your garden.
Your pollinator garden can be a work in progress, adding plants each year that you find at your local garden center. Plant away and watch the garden come to life with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
—Misty Brown
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
japanese beetles
It’s that time of year again.
Have you noticed those shiny green metallic beetles beginning to emerge from their home? Yep, Japanese Beetles are starting to show their colors and that means it’s time for you to get yourself something to protect those precious ornamental plants and shrubs.
With adult Japanese Beetle’s being one of the most destructive insect pests of plants, landscapes, fruit tree orchards, and more, waiting shouldn’t be an option. Adult Japanese Beetles are active on warm days, preferring to feed on plants exposed to full sun throughout the day. They begin feeding at the top of plants and work their way down as food is depleted, leaving destruction in their path and a lacey remains. When seeking new host plants, they especially love to visit plants that have been visited by other Japanese Beetles.
Early management of these pests is crucial to prevent plant damage throughout the season. Things like traps or insect control sprays are just the ticket to help get a handle on these insects. We recommend Fertilome Spinosad Soap. This is a very effective treatment and it’s organic.
If you’re not up for spraying, a good old-fashioned trap will do the trick also. Keep in mind that your Japanese Beetle traps work by attracting them to the trap, which will result in an influx of insects in your yard and garden. When using, we recommend that you place them on the farthest side of your yard as to minimize any resulting damage.
What every way you decide to tackle these feisty buggers, stop on in today and let one of our knowledgeable staff get exactly what you need.
reward buck$ reminder!
Don’t forget! The summer redemption period for redeeming your Skinner Buck$ is going on now but ends tomorrow, July 3rd! Freedom to splurge! Happy 4th of July!
announcements & sales
VIOLINS, COW PATTIES, AND A FEW TEARS
It brought tears to my eyes. Last weekend I had a chance to attend the Symphony in the Flint Hills. Attending this event has been on my bucket list for years. I’ve always enjoyed music, but I really love the prairie, and I always figured this event would be a fun combination.
It didn’t disappoint!
The day was beautiful, and so were the Flint Hills. The native prairie was…
It brought tears to my eyes.
Last weekend I had a chance to attend the Symphony in the Flint Hills.
Attending this event has been on my bucket list for years. I’ve always enjoyed music, but I really love the prairie, and I always figured this event would be a fun combination.
It didn’t disappoint!
The day was beautiful, and so were the Flint Hills. The native prairie was lush and green and loaded with colored wildflowers. They were blooming everywhere! And then hidden right out in the middle of this amazing landscape, a temporary tent city with a concert pavilion nestled into the background.
It was so out of place and yet so perfect.
When the concert started, the Kansas City Symphony took us for a very special ride. Their music combined with the breathtaking view was magical. It brought tears to my eyes.
And then, special guest vocalist, Katharine McPhee joined the performance.
I’d never heard of Katharine McPhee prior to this event. My wife reminded me I needed to get out of the garden once in a while! She informed me, Katharine was a runner-up on American Idol many years ago and has since established herself as a successful singer-songwriter and actress.
I don’t get out much.
I learned that one of the performances that led to her success during her American Idol run was her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I’ve since watched it, and it’s good, but her performance last Saturday night, somewhere over the middle of the Flint Hills, with the Kansas City Symphony playing along with her was magical!
And I couldn’t help but tear up.
There were other moving moments, including a background cattle drive accompanied by the music of the symphony and a group sing-along to our state song, Home on the Range. Those were both pretty cool, too.
It was an amazing experience. I’ll be back.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
I’m a sucker for our native prairie. I love it! I don’t think I ever really appreciated what green was until my drives back to college through the Flint Hills showed me what happens to the fire-blackened hillsides after spring rains, warm weather, and a little bit of sunshine combined to create the perfect storm. That green sets the bar.
I also learned around that same time, what looks like a just sea of green is so much more.
The prairie is a rainbow of color!
If you allow yourself the chance to stop the car and step into that green ocean, you’ll discover the prairie is a lot more than just green grass. It’s also a colorful spectrum of wildflowers. As I’ve taken time to learn even more about our native prairie, it’s deepened my appreciation of how amazing this blend of grasses and wildflowers really is. It’s the perfect garden.
If you’d like to add a little bit of that wildflower color in your own garden, now’s a great time to scout ideas and plant some additions. Whether you’re planting native wildflowers or their perennial garden cousins, there’s a rainbow of color out there for you to enjoy in your own garden.
And the pollinators will be happy too!
—Cameron Rees
what’s new?! Skinner buck$!
Well… Skinner Buck$ aren’t exactly new, but the annual, summer redemption period is happening now and we’re ready to help you spend your Buck$! Come in between now and July 3rd to redeem them. If you aren’t yet familiar with Skinner Buck$, they are our loyalty reward program and you can start collecting anytime. See the full details below.
selecting perennials
Here at Skinners June is all about perennials! With so many to choose from, how do you know where to start? First, determine if your desired area is sunny or shady. Knowing the answer to that question is most important! Then, think about how big or small you want the plant to be and/ or what colors you prefer. Once you have that information, come on in and we can help with the rest.
Here’s one of my favorite recommendations…
Today, I’ll talk about one popular perennial that thrives in full sun, Coreopsis. Almost every gardener knows about coreopsis and even already has one or more planted in their garden. Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a hardy, easy-to-take-care-of, perennial that will bloom all summer in a sunny garden. Some Coreopsis have a thinner, airy feel, while others are compact with a thicker, wider leaf. Coreopsis comes in shades of red, orange, yellow, and sometimes peachy coral. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies adore the sweet nectar of Coreopsis, while birds will feast on seeds left when the flower is done blooming. Pests, for the most part, will leave this plant alone giving you a carefree perennial to enjoy all summer long.
—Misty Brown
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
bagworms are back!
It’s that time of year again.
Maybe you’ve noticed a few signs that your trees have unwelcome occupants. No, I’m not speaking of the obvious furry ones. Bagworms are starting to hatch and with that comes all kinds of problems.
The bagworm is the caterpillar stage of the bagworm moth. It produces a spiral shaped cocoon around itself as it feeds on over 128 different types of trees and shrubs, most notably junipers, arborvitaes and spruce.
From late May to early June, these larvae begin emerging from these bags and begin moving around, getting caught on the wind, or unintentionally moved by us. They will almost immediately begin feeding and building their own protective bags. As they grow, they move about the tree and feed more. About mid-August, they will stop feeding and attach their bag to a twig on the tree, close it up and begin pupating.
When they have started hatching, it’s time to treat.
We recommend Fertilome Spinosad. It’s highly effective and best of all, it’s organic. Other options include Hi-Yield Garden and Farm Insect Control or if you have a lot of spraying to do, like a long windbreak, use Hi-Yield 38 Plus. Hand removal of bags is also an option but be patient... it will take a while!
Keep in mind, the more mature bagworms get, the harder it is to control them, so react quickly. A quick response will also minimize the feeding damage you end up having.
These pesky insects are troublesome but with some help from your friends here at Skinner Garden Store, we can find the right tool to get the job done.
MOLE repellent
In our last newsletter, I wrote about dealing with moles. Shortly after that issue went out, a customer reminded me that I forgot to mention mole repellent. The repellent she was referring to uses castor oil as the active ingredient. She said she gets several years of control with just one application. That’s not bad!
The mole repellent we carry, Fertilome MoleGo, uses that same castor oil and is labeled for repelling moles as well as voles, gophers, armadillos, skunks, ground hogs, ground squirrels and other borrowing animals. It doesn’t list a specific length of time an application will last; it just says to reapply when you see new activity.
I routinely use this mole repellent in my mole battles as well. I take advantage of its repelling action, but I utilize it with a slightly different strategy in mind. I use it to drive them out of landscape beds and into the open yard to make it easier to catch them.
Jim out here shared that strategy with me years ago and I’ve used it with success many times since. It’s much harder to catch moles in and around my landscaping, there’s just too much vegetation in the way, but out in the open yard... eventually they’re going to lose.
So, if moles are plaguing your landscape, another option is mole repellents.
Jenny, thanks for the reminder!
—Cameron Rees
big savings on maple trees
We’ve got lots of great markdowns on plants, trees and shrubs throughout the garden center, but a special shout-out to ALL remaining potted maples, which are now 50-75% OFF! This includes popular varieties, like the Japanese Maples, Red Maples, and Autumn Blaze Maples, as well as specialty varieties, like the Paperbark Maples, Miyabe Maples, and more. These are great looking trees at 50%-75% off. If somebody’s been on the fence about buying a maple for their yard, this is a good opportunity to get it done!
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?
I was surprised the other day when I got an apology from a customer. They were apologizing for getting a late start on their garden season. To that, I responded,” You don’t need to apologize. You just need to get started!” The questions come in a lot of different ways: “Is it too late to plant?” “Is it too early to plant?” “What’s the best time to plant?” “When should I plant?” There are three simple rules to planting I tell everyone. You plant...
I was surprised the other day when I got an apology from a customer. They were apologizing for getting a late start on their garden season. To that, I responded,” You don’t need to apologize. You just need to get started!”
The questions come in a lot of different ways:
“Is it too late to plant?”
“Is it too early to plant?”
“What’s the best time to plant?”
“When should I plant?”
These are fair questions, and the answers are fairly simple. No, it’s not too late to plant, and right now is the best time to start!
There are three simple rules to planting I tell everyone. You plant...
When you have time.
When you have what you need.
And most importantly…
When you are able to commit to taking care of what you just started.
With very few exceptions, you can plant any day of the year, as long as you can dig the hole. That eliminates the dead of winter when the ground is frozen, but that’s about it. The rest of the year is fair game.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Now, understandably, you’re going to have watch something planted in July more closely than something planted in April, but as long as you are there to provide water when it needs it, everything can work out.
That’s why #3 is so important. You can do a great job selecting your plants and getting them planted correctly, but if you don’t take care of them in the days and weeks that follow, your results are going to be disappointing.
The bottom line, there is no starting or stopping point. There is just continuous opportunity, if you’re willing to take it.
So, don’t ever feel like you need to apologize because you haven’t gotten started yet, just get in the game, and as we like to say... Get those hands dirty!
—Cameron Rees
GARDEN WITH NATIVES
Zebra swallowtail on butterfly milkweed
Natives… What are native plants?
Have you heard the word native and wondered just what that means?
These are plants indigenous to Kansas which means they are found in given geographic areas without human involvement. In short, they are plants you see growing wild in a prairie, woodland, and wetland setting. These plants include wildflowers, grasses, trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, so on and so forth. The planting of natives has grown and become more popular over the years.
One of the reasons people want to plant natives, besides the obvious hardy factor, is the beneficial aspect given to our wildlife. All insects that feed on native plants do so because it is that particular plant that they need to survive. Without native plants these insects would not exist, i.e. monarch butterflies feed on Milkweed. Some of these insects also feed on our native birds, fish, spiders, etc. Big picture… We need natives to feed the insects which in turn feeds wildlife…without them, they wouldn’t exist.
With all of that being said, if you have been thinking of planting natives or after reading this article you are intrigued and want to plant some natives we have a good selection of trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials. If you want to read up on what is native go to www.kansasnativeplants.com.
—Misty Brown
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
be on the lookout for bagworms
We haven’t seen any yet, but it’s getting to that time of year... time for the bagworm hatch.
Wise gardeners should be watching for their tiny little bags showing up from now into June. The new bags will only be about 1/8” long when they first show up, but they’ll quickly grow bigger as the bagworm feeds and grows.
Like most pest problems, the quicker you detect the problem, the quicker you can put an end to it.
Stay tuned… we’ll share tips on what to do when you find some in our next issue.
BATTLING MOLES
Moles are frustrating. Just when you’ve got things looking just right, you wake up to find that well-manicured lawn riddled with their tunnels. Frustrating is just one of the words that comes to mind. Trust me. I’ve got others!
This little pest creates a lot of grief for a lot of folks, me included. I can live with their activity in my landscape beds, their tunneling doesn’t really bother me much. But out in the lawn, their activity is a lot more noticeable and a lot more annoying!
Before you choose to go to battle, it’s wise to get to know the enemy. I’m reminded of that classic scene in Caddyshack, where Bill Murray’s character is preparing to go to war with a gopher that’s been plaguing the golf course. “...my enemy is an animal, and in order to conquer him I have to think like an animal and if possible, to look like him.” Now, I don’t take things quite as far as Bill Murray’s character, but there’s some logic in understanding what moles do and why.
First of all, let’s take a look at what’s really going on with all that tunneling.
Moles live most of their life underground. They dig tunnels for transportation and for feeding and excavating burrows to live in. They do a lot of digging. Much of their activity is deep enough it goes unnoticed. However, they also do a lot of shallow tunneling, as well. Shallow tunnels, along with leftover piles of excavated soil, are what cause us problems.
A lot of shallow tunneling is done while they are hunting for food. Moles eat mostly soil invertebrates: insects, earthworms, slugs... soil critters. They spend a lot of time digging around looking for something to eat. It’s this digging that causes most of the problems for us. Tunneling rips through the roots of our turf grass plants, leaving them susceptible to drying out and ultimately dying.
So, if you’ve got moles, what do you do?
Let’s start by dispelling a myth. Treating for grubs or other soil insects doesn’t get rid of moles. Although moles do eat grubs, they also eat a lot of other things, including earthworms, and there are a lot of earthworms. The bottom line, killing off grubs won’t eliminate their food source. But here’s an interesting thought... Killing grubs could potentially reduce the food supply enough to force them to tear up more ground searching for their next meal. In short, it could make things worse!
I also wouldn’t waste time with home remedies someone’s told you about or you’ve seen on YouTube. There are a lot of them out there and, honestly, I’ve never heard of one that actually works. I think what happens more often than not is that a remedy is tried, the mole naturally moves to a different part of the yard on their own accord, and the home remedy is given all the credit. It’s a case of misapplied cause and effect.
Mole baits are a possibility, but make sure you’re using mole baits and not gopher or rodent baits. I’ve seen a lot of those through the years that include a picture of a mole on the label or sometimes even have “mole” in the name of the product. Gophers, rats, and mice are rodents. Moles are not. Baits designed to attract and control rodents won’t work on moles. Also, keep in mind that pets may be attracted to those baits, as well.
That leaves two good options: trapping them or flushing them out with water, and I have had a lot of success with both.
Either of these two options starts with identifying fresh activity. I find my chances of “taking care of the problem” are the best when I’m working with fresh tunnels... like the same day they are created, if not sooner.
I tried using spear-type traps for years. Those are the kind my dad always used, and he was very successful at taking care of moles, but for me, I’ve struggled to have success with them. I switched to scissor-type traps many years ago and instantly had a lot more success. Those are my go-to now. They’re easy to set and I rarely get a misfire. If I have fresh tunnel activity to work with, traps typically solve my problem.
I’ve also gotten very good at flushing them out with water.
I only try this if I know I’ve got very fresh tunneling activity… think hours, not days. If I can spot tunneling activity that quickly, I drag my garden hose over to the problem area, start running water through the tunnels, and then just sit back and watch. If I’ve read the situation correctly, the flooded tunnel will get the mole moving and looking for fresh air. When I see that little snout poke out of the ground, I take care of business. If I don’t detect any movement, I try a different tunnel until I’ve exhausted all my options.
And here’s an extra tip for you... both of these techniques work best for me if I’ve mowed recently. Freshly cut grass is all the same height. That makes it much easier to detect new tunneling activity because the new tunnels will be pushed up noticeably higher than the surrounding turf.
Another bit of advice is to be persistent. You likely won’t be very successful at first. I know I wasn’t. But as I started to have some success, I got better, and I’ve continued to get better. You will, too.
As always, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask them. Catch me here at the store, give me a call, or shoot me an email through our website. I’ll do my best to help.
Good luck!
—Cameron Rees
Here’s some extra reading if you want to learn more...
WHAT’S NEW?
HOW ABOUT BERRY COBBLER?!
We’ve just released a huge crop of small fruits to the sales lot. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve just added...
Triple Crown Thornless Blackberries
Ponca Thornless Blackberries
Kiowa Blackberries
Heritage Red Raspberries
Prelude Red Raspberries
Cumberland Black Raspberries
Ozark Beauty Everbearing Strawberries
Pixwell Gooseberries
Captivator Gooseberries
Juliet Bush Cherries
Romeo Bush Cherries
Adams Elderberries
York Elderberries
Bluecrop Blueberries
Blueray Blueberries
Venus Seedless Grapes
Concord Seedless Grapes
Himrod Seedless Grapes
And although these aren’t berry plants, they are edible...so these are making the list as well!
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb
Horseradish
We’ve got all those plus a lot more!
Chaos, Pompoms, and Good Nutrition
We still have a lot of spring season ahead of us. This next stretch from now until July is great for enjoying our gardens and great for adding to them. Take advantage of it! Maybe make some changes of your own… Now that things are starting to fill out with leaves, buds, and blooms, a gardener’s eye not only plots for this season, but looks ahead at what would be good to get into the ground this year, with the hopes of showing well next year…
Things start slowly.
Little by little the weather gets nicer and little by little, things get busier. Then, the last of the cold weather is behind us... and it’s game on!
I’m referring to the spring gardening season.
Each year has subtle differences, but they all follow roughly the same pattern...the season gets started in March, gains speed in April and then by early May, it’s running at full throttle. The world is lush and green, mowing is a race to keep up with the grass and empty veggie gardens are filling up quickly with the promise of a bountiful summer harvest.
There is a lot going on this time of the year.
We see roughly the same spring ramp up happening here at the garden store. We start to see folks showing up in early March after a long, lonely winter. It picks up a little bit more in April...as the weather allows...and then by May, we’re hitting on all cylinders.
Mother’s Day week is usually the most intense stretch of the spring season for us. That’s the time of the year that vegetable garden planting, working on landscape projects, getting summer flowers in the ground, and buying something pretty for Mom all cross paths to create the “perfect storm” for spring business.
This year was no different... except we threw a larger construction project into the middle of it. That created a lot of challenges for us, but we put our heads together and came up with solutions that have worked pretty well. It wasn’t perfect... but it worked.
Sometimes a little change is okay. It forces you to look at everyday things a little differently and often times better ideas take form. At the very least, it keeps things from getting boring!
Everyone has been very understanding about the changes. And I’m pleased to see that there’s just as much excitement from all of you as there is from all of us regarding the new greenhouse and the good things it will bring. Thanks for all the questions and the compliments. And thank you, especially, for your patience through this process. Now for the best news... it will be done soon!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
We still have a lot of spring season ahead of us. This next stretch from now until July is great for enjoying our gardens and great for adding to them. Take advantage of it! Maybe make some changes of your own… Now that things are starting to fill out with leaves, buds, and blooms, a gardener’s eye not only plots for this season, but looks ahead at what would be good to get into the ground this year, with the hopes of showing well next year.
We’re continuing to bring in fresh loads of plants to restock where needed. The lot continues to be full, with a mix that changes slowly as new plants come into bloom and new crops come online.
If you’re in the area, come take a peek!
—Cameron Rees
ENJOYING HYDRANGEAs!
Hydrangeas are much loved but often misunderstood.
They offer amazing floral displays, starting late in the spring and continuing into the heat of the summer, picking up where the early spring flower shrubs leave off. Their impressive blooms are a great addition to any garden, complementing the perennial flower color that typically dominates gardens during that time.
But which one... or ones... should you grow?
With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide. Some grow tall, some are short. Some like shade, while some prefer sun. And then there’s flower color... help!
Knowing a little bit about the different forms will help get you started. Let’s dig in…
Smooth Hydrangea
We offer four different types of hydrangeas. Technically we offer five, but the fifth one has more of a climbing habit, so it’s grouped in with our vining plants. For this discussion, we’ll focus on the shrub forms.
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescent) – This species is one of our North American natives. It does well in our Kansas gardens, preferring some shade through the heat of the day (aka, afternoon shade) and regular moisture... they have large leaves that will let you know when they’re dry. They’re easy to grow, blooming reliably for the gardener every year by late May/early June. Most selections will have large pompom-like blooms and white is the predominant color, although there have been a few introductions in recent years that offer flowers in shades of pink. Most grow to the 3-4’ height range, but we do offer a few selections that stay a little smaller.
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) – This is the Asian counterpart to our Smooth Hydrangea. It has a similar look in both foliage and flowers, with a couple of notable differences...the foliage is much glossier, and the blooms are much more colorful. This is the hydrangea that blooms white, pink, red, lavender or blue. They’re stunning, but they’re also the most challenging. They are the most sensitive to our hot, dry weather, and their blooms can be prone to freezing out during our cold winters and late cold snaps in early spring. They can be grown and enjoyed, but they take more work.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) – This is another North American native, and although not native in Kansas, it grows quite well here. Here again, it would prefer some shade through the heat of the afternoon, and like the previous two, be prepared to help out with some extra water when it gets dry. Many grow big, reaching the 6-10’ range with a similar spread, but fortunately, there are also some nice, dwarf selections that give us options for smaller areas. All bloom white, but many have the ability to age into beautiful shades of pink to raspberry-red... depending on the weather. And here’s the kicker. It takes cool nighttime temperatures for those colors to form, and that’s not something we typically have much of during June and July when these are blooming. Plan on them being white and only being white and you won’t be disappointed. Occasionally we’ll catch just the right weather pattern, and you may see some pink. Enjoy that as a special treat, because it won’t happen very often.
Panicle Hydrangea
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) – This one has become the most popular form in recent years for a few obvious reasons: it’s hardy, it blooms reliably, it’s easy to grow, it prefers sun more than shade, and there is so much variety to choose from. This species grows big, 6-10’+, but in recent years, there has been a flood of new introductions that address that size issue and now we have numerous smaller selections to work with. All bloom white, but much like the Oakleaf Hydrangea, many selections have the ability to transition into impressive shades of pink to raspberry-red. Unfortunately, just like the Oakleaf Hydrangea, this only happens if the weather is cool enough to drive that change. Most of these bloom in July and August, so that rarely happens for us here in our gardens. Plan on white flowers and you won’t be disappointed. And just a reminder, this variety needs plenty of sun. A little light shade is fine, but if planted in too much they’ll grow leggy and won’t bloom very well.
Now, a couple of growing tips...
Like most plants, all hydrangeas will do better if they have good soil conditions. Take time to add compost to the bed prior to planting...not just the planting hole...but the entire bed. Skimp here and you’ll regret it. Keep them well mulched and watch the water. When it gets dry, you’ll need to help them out.
Now for pruning. This topic also creates a lot of confusion for gardeners, so I’m going to try and keep this as simple as I can.
Smooth Hydrangea and Panicle Hydrangea can be pruned in early spring to control size. This will also tend to make them bloom even better. Bigleaf Hydrangea and Oakleaf Hydrangea should not be. If you prune these types at the same time, you’ll find you get few to no flowers. So, my recommendation...prune all Smooth Hydrangea and Panicle Hydrangea hard each and every spring. As for Oakleaf Hydrangea and Bigleaf Hydrangea do not prune them unless you’re pruning to remove either dead wood or spent flowers.
There are still bound to be questions, so bring those in... We love to talk about Hydrangeas!
—Cameron Rees
WHAT’S NEW?
Roll the highlight reel! Come check out these beauties & more!
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
don’t forget to fertilize!
Everyone knows you’ve got to water containers and hanging baskets, but what about fertilizer? How important is it to fertilizer them?
Extremely!
It is important to keep in mind that plants growing in containers need regular feeding to keep them growing healthy and producing lots of blooms. The nutrients plants need don’t naturally occur in the components that make up good potting mix, so they need to be added. That’s typically done in a couple of different ways.
The first is through the use of water-soluble fertilizers. These are special formulations designed for use on potted plants like houseplants, hanging baskets and mixed containers. The fertilizer granules quickly dissolve in water, creating a “Kool-Aid”-like solution that you use to water things with. This needs to be done on a very regular basis, following the label directions. We utilize these kinds of fertilizers on our greenhouse crops, aiming to apply them weekly.
Fertilome All-Season’s Water-Soluble Plant Food
Fertilome Blooming and Rooting Soluble Plant Food
Your other option is using slow-release fertilizer. These products look similar to the fertilizers we use out in our gardens and landscapes, but they’re not. Never use garden or landscape fertilizers on your containerized plants. They will burn your plants. Instead, use slow-release fertilizers. These are manufactured in a way to allow the nutrients they contain to be released slowly over time, providing a gentle feeding over many weeks to even months, depending on the product. This makes them safe to use on potted plants and makes fertilizing a snap. We use these kinds of fertilizers on all our potted perennials, trees and shrubs to keep them growing well and staying healthy.
Fertilome Multi-Cote
Hi-Yield Grower’s Special
Which type you use doesn’t matter, that’s just a matter of personal preference. The important thing is that you do it and do it regularly.
Good luck!
DEADLINES COME AND GO
When the starting gun was fired last fall, the tentative completion date for our new greenhouse was early March. But things never go exactly according to plan, do they? The reality is things like permits, weather, shipping delays, and conflicting schedules force plans to change.
It was obvious early on in the project that the March date wasn’t going to happen, but luckily that didn’t stop things from...
Cameron Rees, General Manager
When the starting gun was fired last fall, the tentative completion date for our new greenhouse was early March. But things never go exactly according to plan, do they? The reality is things like permits, weather, shipping delays, and conflicting schedules force plans to change.
It was obvious early on in the project that the March date wasn’t going to happen, but luckily that didn’t stop things from moving right along. Since winter, the progress has been steady. Everyone has done their best to push things forward as quickly as possible, and although we’re still not done yet, we’re getting closer to completion.
I’m still not sure exactly when things will be completely wrapped up and turned over to us, but if I had to put money on it, I’d be betting sometime in June. We’ll see!
In the meantime, we’re just going to keep plugging along and taking care of business… and that means all of our customers, like you.
The springtime buildup transitioned into the Mother’s Day buildup, and if there was any open space around here before, it’s getting filled up very quickly. We have a lot more scheduled for next week as well. That’s just the name of the game this time of the year.
Mother’s Day, veggie gardens, landscape projects, spring planting... there are a lot of reasons behind outdoor gardening projects right now. Just keep in mind, that despite our ongoing construction project, we’re still in full swing and are here ready to help you in any way we can. We hope you come and see us.
And to all the moms out there... I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
—Cameron Rees
MOTHER’S DAY
Gifts for all those who WEar the “mom hat” in your life!
Whether family, friend, or co-worker, let’s celebrate those who step up to be caring and loving people in our lives. Mother’s Day is May 12th and Skinner’s has lots of options to say “thank you!” We have beautiful hanging baskets bursting with color and patio containers with an array of foliage and flowers. We are filled to the brim with amazing houseplants too! Air plants are another unique gift to give, low maintenance and easy to take care of for that super busy mom! If veggies are the thing, we are ready to point you to our selection. At Skinner’s, we can help you customize any container you find to make that gift as unique as they are! And don’t forget about tools and accessories or garden decor! Come in and we’ll help you find just the right thing!
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
Winter Damage, Rose Slugs, and Rust... Oh My!
Now that spring growth is well underway, problems that tend to come along with it will start to show up, too.
WINTER DAMAGE – We’re seeing a lot of that this year. The cold in January did a number on many things, but the extremely dry weather we had early in the fall and the unseasonably warm weather in late fall and early winter set many things up for more damage than normal. If you’re seeing things not growing back like they normally would this spring, that may be what you are seeing. Our advice is to watch and wait. Take things out or cut things back once you know for sure it’s dead, but until you are certain, wait. Often damaged plants will leaf out later than normal or sprout up aggressively from the base of the plant... IF they haven’t already been removed from the garden.
ROSE SLUGS – Also known as Rose Sawfly, these small green worm-like pests typically show up in May and feed on the roses in your garden. They hang out on the undersides of the leaves, they are small and well-camouflaged, so even when you are looking right at them it’s easy not to see them. They feed on the soft tissues on the underneath side of the leaves, leaving skeletonized leaves in their wake. Those leaves quickly dry up or turn brown or bronze. That’s typically when folks notice the problem. The plant will eventually grow out of it, but it will look bad for a while. Scout for the problem early...like now...and react when you see the first signs of a problem. The damage can easily be prevented if you catch things early. Use a strong blast of water to dislodge them from your plants or spray with Fertilome Horticultural Oil or Fertilome Spinosad.
K-STATE EXTENSION/ROSE SAWFLIES
RUST – Cedar-apple Rust is quite common in our area. This fungal infection spends part of the year living on susceptible apple trees and the rest of the year living on our one and only native juniper, more commonly known as the Eastern Redcedar. The infection on the Eastern Redcedar, although a little wild-looking, doesn’t really do much harm to the tree. However, on susceptible apple varieties, severe damage to the leaves and the fruits can occur. A preventive fungicide like Fertilome F-Stop should be applied at regular intervals according to the label from about mid-April to late May/early June.
RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS
Datebook: April 18, 2024. Today, I’m taking advantage of a rainy day to do a little writing. I look forward to rainy days to get caught up on things. I always have a list. Unfortunately, we haven’t had many of those recently, so I was excited about the opportunity that presented itself today. I had a lot I needed to do... and we needed the rain! First a quick business update...
Datebook: April 18, 2024. Today, I’m taking advantage of a rainy day to do a little writing.
I look forward to rainy days to get caught up on things. I always have a list. Unfortunately, we haven’t had many of those recently, so I was excited about the opportunity that presented itself today. I had a lot I needed to do... and we needed the rain!
First a quick business update... we’ve had a busy start to our season out here!
Warm weather coming early this year brought everything on a little more quickly than normal. Of course, early warm weather always comes with late cold snaps, and that created some unwanted “opportunities” for us, but we managed to get through them.
Now that we’re in the last half of April, we should be moving out of the frosty temps... hopefully! Now’s a great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials, but I’d hold off setting out the summer veggies for a few more weeks. Things like peppers and tomatoes like warm soils and consistently warm weather, and we’re not quite there yet. I’ll be planting mine after Mother’s Day.
If you haven’t been out this spring, or you haven’t heard us talking about it previously, you may not be aware of our new greenhouse project.
It’s a large, almost 8,000 square foot, building that is replacing our old lath house and shade structure. Both of those used to sit right behind our store and were full of flowers and perennials through the growing season. Old age and storm damage finally caught up with them, and they were taken down this past winter. The new greenhouse is taking their place.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
And the new building is getting close to completion!
As I look at the new greenhouse right now, the roof is almost complete and there’s just a little bit of the side walls left to put up. The electricians still need to get in there and do their part, and there’s still some furnace work left to do, but we’re getting close to the finish line... and we’re all getting very excited! It’s been fun to watch it go up, but now we’re just ready for it to be done!
It’s impressive and makes things look a lot different. A large construction project during our busy season wasn’t exactly what we had planned, but things never go quite according to plan, do they? We’re making the best of it and adjusting as needed. Things look different, but everything is still out there.
We appreciate your patience through this construction process! It will be done soon, and things will be a lot better for it.
If you haven’t been out yet to see what’s happening, come on by, check it out, and let us know what you think!
—Cameron Rees
what’s new?
Gifts for all the Moms in your life!
It’s that time of year again, people! Time to show your mom, mother-in-law, stepmom, or that special lady that helped raise you, just how much you love and appreciate her! Yep, Mother’s Day is May 12th and Skinner’s is here to help! We have beautiful hanging baskets bursting with color and Patio containers with an array of foliage and flowers. We are filled to the brim with amazing houseplants too! Air plants are another unique gift to give, low maintenance and easy to take care of for that super busy mom! At Skinner’s, we can help you customize any container you find to make that gift even more special. Stop by today and we will help make their hearts melt……
earth day - arbor day tree sale!
Hey everyone! Earth Day is Monday, April 22nd this year and Arbor Day is Friday, April 26th, so we are celebrating with a special deal to help honor the spirit of these two garden-loving holidays.
ALL TREES ARE 15% OFF NOW THROUGH APRIL 28TH!
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
DO I NEED TO BUY NEW POTTING MIX?
“Can I reuse my old potting mix?”
We get this question all the time, and the answer is... yes!
It is definitely okay to reuse the potting mix you had in your containers and hanging baskets the previous year. Potting mix doesn’t go “bad”. It’s just as good at the start of a new season as it was at the end of last season. About all you need to pay attention to is how heavy or dense your mix is feeling.
Potting mix consists of mostly organic ingredients... things like peat moss, coconut coir, compost, or bark. All organic matter breaks down over time into smaller and smaller pieces. That’s the composting process and it’s natural. As this happens to your potting mix, you’ll notice it getting denser, and it will tend to hold onto more water. That’s why it feels heavier.
This is okay to a point, but when the potting mix gets too dense and holds onto too much water, you’re going to have problems, meaning your plants aren’t going to grow as well.
You’ll need to either swap out the old for some new, or blend some of the old with some new mix to lighten it up. Both works.
If you decide to swap out the old, make sure you don’t throw it away! Add your old potting soil to your compost pile or chop it up and blend it into your garden beds. It makes a great soil amendment.
One last bit of advice.... Don’t forget to fertilize.
Good soil for good roots is part of the secret to having great looking plants, but the other is to fertilize regularly.
For this, you have a couple of options. You can use a water-soluble fertilizer weekly, like Fertilome All-Purpose Water-Soluble Plant Food or Fertilome Blooming and Rooting Soluble Plant Food, or ideally, both. Just alternate back and forth between the two of them. Both of these dilute easily into water.
The other option is to use a slow-release fertilizer. These are granular fertilizers that have been formulated to slowly release their fertility over time, often several months. Fertilome Multi-Cote and Fertilome Start and Grow are two we like to use.
Whichever way you choose to fertilize is up to you!
KEEP THE FLOOR CLEAN!
I was in charge of the tenderloin. I found a recipe that looked pretty good. I did all the detail work; I’d trimmed the silver skin, folded over and tied up the thin end, I prepared a garlic herbed butter and I timed the cooking schedule out to finish things off right before the scheduled dinner time. I had it all under control. And of course, things didn’t go as planned. …
I was in charge of the tenderloin.
I found a recipe that looked pretty good. I did all the detail work; I trimmed the silver skin, folded over and tied up the thin end, I prepared a garlic herbed butter, and I timed the cooking schedule so I’d finish things off right before our scheduled dinner time. I had it all planned out and under control.
Of course, things didn’t go as planned.
I’m referring to last Sunday’s Easter dinner. We hosted the family gathering at our place, and the evening did turn out great, but there were a few bumps in the road getting there.
First, the cooking time I estimated was off. Our scheduled eating time came and went and the tenderloin still wasn’t done. Ok, not a huge deal. A little more oven time and dialing up the temp... easy fix. The real problem arose as I was taking the tenderloin out of the oven. Somewhere between pulling out the rack and reaching for an extra hot pad, things went south, and by south, I mean the tenderloin ended up on the floor.
SPLAT!
Just minutes before game time, the main course took a fall. Not good!
Of course, the kitchen was crowded with the family, so everyone saw what happened. It got real quiet, real quick... except for a string of “comments” coming from me.
So, I did the only thing I could think of. I quickly retrieved the “escaped” tenderloin and, under group agreement, declared a classic five-second rule. I gave it a good rinsing under the faucet and returned it to the oven for a brief “sanitizing” cycle under high heat. And just like that, we were back to getting the meal on the table.
Luckily, I’ve got a tough - and forgiving - family!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
It ended up just a little overdone, but other than losing all the garlic and herb-butter love off the top, the tenderloin came out pretty good. Crisis averted.
The rest of the evening went smoothly. In the end, we were filled with the joy of a great family gathering... and a story we’ll be able to share for years to come! The stress of the day has faded and only the laughs will remain.
Needless to say, I hope your Easter gatherings went a little smoother than ours!
Spring is continuing to fight its way into our lives. We’re continuing to fill the lot up with all kinds of amazing plants. Come see us when you have a chance.
Happy Easter season everyone!
—Cameron Rees
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
DON’T PLANT SUMMER VEGGIES
TOO SOON!
Spring has sprung and veggie season is in full swing!
We have a decent amount of moisture in the ground right now, perfect for getting those early-season crops planted. Cabbage, brocolli, lettuce, cauliflower, spinach, turnips, and peas are some of the cool season plants that can be put in now. Onion sets and onion plants are also available and can be planted now, along with bare root strawberries, asparagus, and rhubarb. Oh, and if you haven’t yet, get those potatoes in the ground too! It’s time.
On the flipside, now is NOT the time to be thinking about veggies such as tomatoes and peppers, to name a couple. However, if you have growlights or a home greenhouse, you can seed them and get them started that way.
Here are a couple of things to know before putting tomatoes and peppers in the ground….
You want to wait until the temperatures have warmed up consistently and the ground temperature is above 60 degrees. Your plants won’t do much growing when the ground temps are below 60 degrees, so you won’t be gaining much!
Other veggies to wait on till the temps warm up are sweet potatoes, melons, squash, and pumpkins. Wait to plant these at the end of April or beginning of May.
A great garden resource is this KSU Planting Guide: http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf . But as always, we are here for all your questions and planting needs. Call or stop by!
—Misty Brown
fresh asparagus
… IT’S THE BEST!
Asparagus is one of my favorite garden vegetables, partly because I love asparagus, but also because it’s one of those vegetables, like tomatoes, where what you harvest from your own garden is SOOOO much better than what you purchase at the grocery store. And it’s easy to grow!
Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetable garden crops. Perennial means it comes back year after year… just like iris, peonies, and daylilies... which means you plant it once, but enjoy it for many years to come.
And now is the time of the year to set it out.
Here at the store, we have the asparagus crowns you’ll need in stock and in our produce cooler, ready for purchase. All you have to do is figure out how many you need and get them planted!
The vegetable garden experts at Kansas State University recommend planting 10-15 crowns per person. That may seem like a lot, but we’ve got 25 crowns in our asparagus plot, and with just two of us, I can confirm that works out about right.
You’ll want to select a sunny spot and give yourself plenty of room. Mature asparagus plants will grow about head-high and easily spread as wide. Leave plenty of room for future growth.
Also, do as much soil improvement as you can before you plant. That means adding compost. Just like any other plant, the better the soil, the better it will grow, and the better it grows, the better the production.
If you plant this spring, you’ll be able to harvest lightly for a couple of weeks next spring, then you can plan on a full, 6-8 week harvest from that point on. Harvest season typically runs from mid-April through early June.
We purchase most of our asparagus crowns from Pendleton’s Country Market in Lawrence. Here’s a great growing tip sheet they’ve prepared. And below are a few extra tips from us.
TIP #1: When it comes to harvesting, don’t cut the spears from the ground… snap them! Cutting certainly works, but often results in harvesting a lot of the woody parts at the base of the stem. Snapping typically breaks the spear above those tougher areas, leaving you with just the soft, tender, edible portion. Trust me, you don’t want to eat the woody parts!
TIP #2: You won’t get to enjoy fresh asparagus if you don’t get it planted. That may seem obvious, but it’s worth saying. Sometimes it can be tough to commit to planting something you know you won’t be harvesting off of for at least a year. Make the commitment and get it planted now! You won’t be sorry when you reap the rewards.
Here’s the last bit of info I’ll leave you with…
We have four asparagus varieties to select from this spring.
Millenium – This male introduction is a heavy producer and our number one seller. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including heavier soils.
Purple Passion – This variety actually produces purple asparagus! They also have a higher sugar content than other varieties, giving it a mild, sweet flavor.
Jersey Knight – This is one of the all-male, Jersey selections. Very productive with tight spears.
Atlas – Tall spears that stay tight under warm conditions. Very productive
These are all good varieties. Our top recommendation is Millenium, followed by Purple Passion, but the truth is, you won’t go wrong with any of them. Personally, I’ve got a blend of 4 or 5 varieties in my patch and they all produce well. And they all taste great!
Actually, I lied. Here’s one more tip...
TIP #3: My favorite way to prepare asparagus is grilled. I toss the spears in olive oil, season them with salt and pepper, and then throw them on the grill until they’re charred and slightly softened... not mushy! Grilled asparagus makes a wonderful side dish, and the leftovers are great chopped up and added to a fresh salad or folded into scrambled eggs or an omelet.
It’s time to plant!
—Cameron Rees
what’s new?
THE GREENHOUSE IS TAKING SHAPE!
Our new greenhouse project is full-steam ahead! Come by and see the progress while you shop our other houses and store!
SPRING BLOOMS ARE UNDERWAY!
WRAP UP YOUR CRABGRASS PREVENTION SOON!
Just a reminder that time is running out!
If you want to protect your lawn from crabgrass and other summer weeds, you need to act quickly.
Because we’re getting closer to the first round of crabgrass germination, our product recommendation is different than it has been over recent weeks. From this point on, we’re switching folks over to Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper with Dimension.
That’s a long name, so sometimes we just say, “the one with Dimension”!
Just like the Fertilome “Red Bag”, it goes on in a granular form and should be watered in after application. You can apply this one effectively through April, and even into early May, as long as you adjust the application rate accordingly. The label directions explain these details, but we’ll be glad to go through things with you, as well.
So be sure to let us know if you have questions!
JUST OWN IT
I’m not sure when I first visited Ward-Meade Park. It may have been when I was a kid... I have memories of several city parks from back in my youth. If it wasn’t all the way back then, it was for sure during my early years here at the garden store. That would have been back when …
A HIDDEN GEM IN OUR BACKYARD
I’m not sure when I first visited Ward-Meade Park. It may have been when I was a kid. I have memories of several city parks from back in my youth. If it wasn’t all the way back then, it was for sure during my early years here at the garden store. That would have been back when I was in my high school years, so sometime in the mid-80s.
Even at that young age, I was already a “budding” plant geek... sorry, no pun intended! I’d figured out that plants were cool. I also figured out there were a lot of them to learn about. That’s where the Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens came into the picture.
The collections there are extensive. Even as a teenager, I enjoyed walking the grounds and checking out mature specimens of plants I’d rarely see anywhere else in the area.
And to a plant geek, even a young one, that was kind of cool!
As I studied horticulture at K-State, I learned a lot more about plants, and I began to appreciate even more the diverse collections found at Ward-Meade. The location in town, the lay of the land, and the large trees all work together to create a unique micro-climate, allowing things to grow well there that struggled in other parts of town.
After college, along with working at Skinner’s, I taught a night class in landscape design and horticulture for the local vo-tech. Learning plant material was part of that course, so a field trip over to Ward-Meade to study plants was always part of each class, too. The diverse collections there provided tremendous learning opportunities for both my students and myself.
It’s been a great garden for a long time... but it’s even better now!
A few nights ago, I had the opportunity to sit through a presentation highlighting a long list of relatively recent improvements over at Ward-Meade. To say it was impressive is an understatement.
Here are a few examples of what I mean.
Ward-Meade has a collection of 220 varieties of daylilies and is designated as an official National Display Garden for American Daylily Society.
It has a collection of thousands of hosta lilies, representing 140 different hosta varieties. It is designated as a National Display Garden for the American Hosta Society and is currently the only one in the state of Kansas.
It has a collection of over 150 varieties of conifers and in
recent years it has been designated a National Reference Garden by the American Conifer Society. Again, this is the only one in Kansas.
It has a growing collection of peonies developed by Myron Bigger, a well-known hybridizer of peonies, and a Topeka native. One of the best peonies we have ever carried, ‘Kansas’, is his introduction.
It has over 25 different varieties of Japanese Maples.
It has over 20,000 tulips in the spring and even more spring and summer annuals to complement the garden.
And of course, in more recent years, the Tulips at Twilight event has transformed what is already a beautiful garden by day into a dramatic night-time showcase.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
My point is that the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden and the rest of the Ward-Meade Park are pretty amazing. If you haven’t been there for a while, it’s time to go back!. If you’ve never been there, then definitely put it on your list. I think you’ll be impressed.
And don’t forget about this spring’s Tulips at Twilight event at Ward-Meade. It’s scheduled to start April 11.
We’re seeing a lot of changes here at the garden center. All the concrete is poured for the new greenhouse. Next week the structure will start going up. We’ve still got a ways to go, but progress is being made!
Out in the nursery, plants are starting to roll in. It’s nice to have something other than bare gravel out there again!
Things are moving along here just like they are in your yard. Spring is beating at the door... it’s time to let her in!
— Cameron Rees
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
iT’S TIME FOR THE RED BAG!
It’s that season again... crabgrass prevention season!
I’m sure, like me, you hate to see those tufts of crabgrass taking over your beautiful lawn that you worked so hard to perfect over the last year. Don’t worry! You still have time to put down a pre-emergent to help curb that pesky crabgrass.
A pre-emergent, such as Fertilome All Season Crabgrass Preventer (aka, the “Red Bag”) is a form of chemical weed control which prevents germinated weed seedlings from becoming established. When the germinating seed of the crabgrass comes in contact with the product, it stops growing.
You want to get this down early in the Spring before soil temperatures get too warm. Spread throughout your lawn and get it watered in well. This will move the herbicide into the soil surface where it works. The sooner you can water the better, which is why some people apply this product right before a good rainfall.
Keep in mind that if you do use a pre-emergent this Spring, then it’s not a good idea to overseed until the Fall. A pre-emergent is a targeted chemical that stops seed growth therefore it will keep your grass seed from germinating as well.
If you tend to get crabgrass in your ornamental gardens, you can also use Hi-yield Turf & Ornamental for your pre-emergent needs. This product contains Dimension and is highly effective at preventing annual grasses and broadleaf weeds from getting started in your beds.
Stop in today to get what you need to keep your lawn looking its best this season. As always, our friendly staff is here to answer any other questions you may have.
— Melissa Anderson
WHAT’S NEW?
THE COOLER IS FULL!
Recent deliveries have stocked us full of asparagus and strawberry crowns, and rhubarb and horse radish roots, all ready for planting. If you like the idea of growing and harvesting any of those from your own garden, it’s time to plant!
UPCOMING EVENT
We’ll be pulling out the grill this weekend and cooking some hotdogs. NOTO's Norsemen Brewing Company will be on hand Saturday, serving up some of their finest beverages (aka, beer!). The beer is on us! We’ll have some other snacks and beverages, as well. And we’ll have all kinds of plants available and lots of staff, making sure it’s a great weekend for everyone that comes out! Great for the whole family!
cOME wORK WITH US
We’re plant people. Are you, too? We are currently hiring a variety of positions at the Garden Center in our Landscaping, Nursery, and Greenhouse departments. To be considered for any position, come into the store, fill out an application, and participate in a quick interview. No appointments are necessary! All interviews are done on a walk-in basis, during normal business hours. The current season’s store hours are listed on the header of our website pages.
DAFFODILS, JACK FROST & GREENHOUSES
Overall, the weather this past month has been pretty outstanding! It has certainly felt a lot more like spring than it’s felt like winter...but we’re definitely not out of the winter season yet. That doesn’t mean we can't still do things in our garden. Just don’t start planting your tomatoes yet! Instead, focus outdoor gardening activities on things like …
Oh, how quickly things can change!
On Monday, I was at home, sweating away in the yard, enjoying a beautiful day and admiring our first spring blooms... a few clumps of daffodils blooming outside our office window.
Tonight, as I write this, a cold front is blasting in from the north. Our porch door is slamming in the wind and pellets of ice are peppering the windows. Brrr!
Winter is sending us a little reminder that she’s not quite ready to say goodbye just yet!
Overall, the weather this past month has been pretty outstanding! It has certainly felt a lot more like spring than like winter... but we’re definitely not out of the winter season yet.
That doesn’t mean we can't still do things in our garden. Just don’t start planting your tomatoes yet!
Instead, focus outdoor gardening activities on things like spring clean-ups, winter pruning, and garden prep. This is a great time to “fine-tune” things before the race really starts.
Planting trees, shrubs, and perennials is certainly okay to do now, too. Remember, anytime the ground isn’t frozen is okay for planting. Planting grass seed is fine now, as well, and the sooner the better! Early spring crops in the veggie garden could go in fairly soon...things like peas, potatoes, and onions, but I’d wait a week or two.
And it’s time to apply the Red Bag! (That’s Fertilome’s For All Seasons Crabgrass and Weed Preventer. It’s a long name...see why we just call it the “Red Bag”?!)
Here at the garden center, we’re trying to wrap up winter projects too, in particular, our greenhouse project.
Things got off to a slow start. Let’s just say, the Arctic blast we all got to enjoy back in January wasn’t very helpful for moving things along, but all the mild weather since has been much appreciated and the construction crews are making good time now!
Over the last couple of weeks, all the support piers have been drilled and poured, base posts have been set and all the concrete floors are formed and should be poured any day now. The first two dimensions of the new structure are quickly coming to a completion. The next step... start going vertical!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
The greenhouse will really begin to take shape once they start framing the structure. They estimate that this part of the process will take about a month to complete, so hopefully they’ll have things wrapped up by April. And hopefully, things stay on schedule!!!
One last thing...
Starting Monday, March 4, we’ll be making our shift back into normal “in-season” hours.
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Spring... it’s almost here!
— Cameron Rees
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
LAWNCARE MADE EASY - SKINNER’S 3-STEP LAWN PROGRAM
Well, thank goodness it’s almost Spring!
I, for one, am ready for spring flowers, beautiful sunsets, and of course, that lush green grass under my toes. If you’re anything like me, winter probably did a number on your grass. Never fear! We’ll get you on the right track to help eliminate all those ugly weeds, build your lawn to the beautiful green it should be, and prepare for next winter all with one simple system…. the Skinner 3-Step Program!!
Most of you have used this tried-and-true system year after year in your lawn, or maybe you’ve heard of someone who has. It couldn’t be simpler. Customers sign up for the program, purchase the three essential Fertilome products, and get reminders throughout the year, so they know exactly when to apply the product to their lawn.
It all starts with our Fertilome All-Season Crabgrass and Weed Preventer, which is a pre-emergent. It keeps crabgrass and all kinds of other unwanted weeds from crowding in on your lawn. It has a long name, so around here, we just call it the “Red Bag”. Put this down early in the spring...like right now!
Next, you get Fertilome Lawn Food plus Iron to help green up your lawn. It contains two types of Nitrogen, which allow for quick greening and long-term stable growth. We like to call this one the Orange Bag.
And finally, Fertilome Winterizer, which helps build vigorous root systems during winter. Enhances winter stem strength & disease resistance. We used to call this the “Yellow Bag”...and then Fertilome went and changed the color! So, now we just keep it simple and call it “Winterizer”.
That’s all it takes. Three easy steps and you set yourself up for success!
— Melissa Anderson
WHAT’S NEW?
Bare Root Fruit Trees Will Be Here Soon!
Our cooler is cleaned out and ready for the new harvest... the new harvest of fruit trees!
Bare root fruit trees should be in by early March. We keep them in that cleaned-out cooler, keeping them cold, dark, and damp until you’re ready to take them home and plant them.
Cold, dark, and damp doesn’t make for pleasant “people” conditions, but for bare root fruit trees, it’s perfect! It keeps them happy, healthy, and dormant until they’re ready to be planted.
Bare root is one of the best and easiest ways to transplant fruit trees. Just like the name says, these trees have “bare” roots. The soil was removed from the roots when they were harvested last fall. Since then, they’ve been stored in a cooler like ours, only a whole lot bigger!
Inside the cooler, the near-freezing temps keep the fruit trees dormant. They think it’s still winter. We just have to keep the roots moist with regular waterings. It’s cold, dark, wet…. and muddy in there. It sucks for you and me...but, again, it’s great for these types of trees!
So, why use barer root?
First of all, bare root fruit trees are a lot easier to ship and handle. Translation... they’re cheaper! They’re also easier for you to haul home, easier to plant, and in most cases, they will transplant and establish better. That’s a big plus that most folks don’t realize.
Whether you’ve been thinking about starting a new home orchard or just adding a fruiting favorite to your yard, keep bare root fruit trees in mind. We’ll have a cooler full of choices soon!
cOME wORK WITH US
We’re plant people. Are you, too? We are currently hiring a variety of positions at the Garden Center in our Landscaping, Nursery, and Greenhouse departments. To be considered for any position, come into the store, fill out an application, and participate in a quick interview. No appointments are necessary! All interviews are done on a walk-in basis, during normal business hours. The current season’s store hours are listed on the header of our website pages.
DONKEYS IN BIKINIS
Although the island was different, it had everything we remembered from our honeymoon trip...beautiful beaches, endless sunshine, crashing waves...and lots of island cocktails. It was just like our first beach encounter, with one big difference... donkeys. Yes, I said donkeys! …
Many years ago, my wife and I honeymooned on the beaches of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. It was our first time in the Caribbean and we loved it, and we’ve been talking about getting back down there ever since. Well, we finally made it!
We just returned from a week on the island of St. Martin...and it was amazing!
Although the island was different, it had everything we remembered from our honeymoon trip...beautiful beaches, endless sunshine, crashing waves...and lots of island cocktails. It was just like our first beach encounter, with one big difference... donkeys.
Yes, I said donkeys!
Apparently, donkeys live wild on the island of St. Martin. Sometimes we’d see them wandering the streets. Occasionally we’d see them up in yards feasting on the landscaping. (Trust me, they could do some damage!) But what really drew attention was when they’d come strolling down to the beach, meandering through the lounge chairs and umbrellas like all of us sun-loving tourists.
I guess donkeys enjoy the beach too!
Being in the warm tropical weather has gotten me anxious for spring. The mild temps we’ve been enjoying lately have only added to that. Judging from the increased traffic in the store, there are a lot of you feeling the same. It will be here soon!
Our greenhouse building project is still plugging along. Cold weather in January brought things to a standstill, but the mild winter weather over the past few weeks has given the contractors a nice window of opportunity.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
There’s been a lot of grading work the past couple of weeks and now they are digging holes and pouring concrete. Things should start taking shape soon! We’re all getting anxious for it to start looking like the greenhouse it will be.
Around the garden center, we’re steadily ramping up for the spring season. As we grind through this last stretch of winter, keep us in mind, and if you need something, let us know...and watch out for donkeys!
Cheers,
— Cameron Rees
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY TOOLS
If the mild winter temps have affected you like they’ve affected me, you’re probably getting anxious to get back into the garden! One of the projects many of us will have in the upcoming weeks is pruning...pruning trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses.
Pruning is an intimidating gardening activity to many. I get it. There’s a lot to learn. Although there are some easier-to-learn, universal, pruning basics, there are also all kinds of pruning nuances that change from plant to plant. That means there's not always a blanket approach.
My advice is to always start by reading what you can. Move on from there to watching as many videos as you can find. Next, ask all the questions you have, and then jump in. Pruning is part science, part craft, and part art. And you won’t master either without getting in there and getting dirty.
Some things you’ll get right, and some things you’ll get wrong, but if you pay attention, you’ll find you learn a lot from both. That’s just part of the process, and that’s how we all learn.
Here’s an extension publication from Kansas State University to get you started on the reading path... All About Pruning.
Just like any other art or craft, you’ll also learn it helps to have the right tools. Painters need brushes, sculptures need hammers and chisels, and gardeners need pruning tools.
Here are my essentials:
Hand Pruners – I never go out into the garden without my pruners on my hip! Use these to cut everything from small stems to branches up to ¾” or so. These come in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes, just find one that fits your hand. Like most tools, you get what you pay for, so spend what makes sense for your situation. Pruners built with stronger metal and better blades will cost more, but they will also last longer and give you fewer operational issues. A holster to carry them in is a wise investment as well.
Pruning Saw – Pruning saws also come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They usually have a slightly curved blade and instead of cutting on the push stroke like a carpentry saw, they cut on the pull stroke. I have bigger ones and smaller ones. I have one on the end of a 12’ pole and I have one that folds up into the handle like a pocket knife. I use them all...a lot! Much like hand pruners, just find a size and shape that feels comfortable to you.
Loppers – These look like hand pruners but with longer handles and a larger cutting head. They are used to cut branches too big for hand pruners. I own a good pair and rarely use them. If a branch is too big for me to cut with hand pruners, I pull out my pruning saw. Save your money and just buy a good pruning saw.
Grass Shears – These may be marketed for cutting grass, and they do work for that, but I keep mine around for trimming annuals and perennials. They work great for cutting back perennials at the start of the spring season or cutting back annuals and perennials during the growing season. Because they have long cutting blades, they can cut a lot at once. That really speeds up a project. I use mine all the time.
Garden Knife – This looks like a hybrid between a garden trowel and a hunting knife. You’re not going to be using this to prune branches, but it’s great for cutting roots on new plants and chopping through plant crowns when dividing perennials. It’s handy for digging weeds and small planting holes too! I carry this one almost as often as I do my hand pruners.
Those are my pruning essentials, but there are a few other things worth mentioning.
Kneeling Pad – As I have gotten older, this has become a gardening must! I just can’t bend over and do work like I used to. If I’m out cutting things back or planting in the garden, I’ll always have my kneeling pad. Not only does this help protect my knees and ultimately my back, but it also helps protect the ground underneath. These also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Mine is purple...Go Cats!
Gloves – These are probably a given. You’ve got to protect your hands, especially when you are using sharp pruning tools.
Safety Glasses – These are another one of my gardening staples. So much of what we do creates opportunities for injury. You don’t want a stray branch or blowing debris resulting in a preventable eye injury. Buy a good pair and wear them!
It’s time to knock out those wintertime pruning projects. If you have questions about any of that, let us know. If you looking for some new pruning tools, we can help you with that, too. Just stop on by!
— Cameron Rees
this weekend!
Come down and see us at the 2024 Kansas Lawn & Garden Show this month! We’ll be sharing information on new products, gardening advice and suggestions, updates on the greenhouse building project, AND a special pair of coupons for those who stop by! We’ll also have more information on open positions at Skinner Garden Store. So if you dream of working with plants, consider saying “hello” and grabbing an application.
WHO: You & Skinner Garden Store staff
WHAT: 2024 Kansas Lawn & Garden Show
WHEN: Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 18
WHERE: Stormont-Vail Events Center, Topeka KS
HOW: Tickets and more information available HERE
cOME wORK WITH US
We’re plant people. Are you, too? We are hiring a variety of positions at the Garden Center in Landscaping, Nursery, and Greenhouse. Stop by the store to pick up an application and say hello, or come by our booth at the Kansas Lawn and Garden Show. Full job postings can also be found on Indeed.com, search keyword “Skinner.”
NO, I’M NOT A COP
If you’re not familiar with the 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, just think “cop car” from the late ’70s. Mine came from my granddad. He had bought it new, back in 1977, but now it was 1985 and he was ready for something else. So was I.
It was a 1977, 4-door, Chevrolet Caprice Classic. It was silver-gray, and it was just starting to develop some rust spots on the trunk. It had a 350 V-8 under the hood and enough room on the inside for a family of five...and all their neighbors!
It was big...and it was mine.
If you’re not familiar with the 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, just think “cop car” from the late ’70s. Mine came from my granddad. He had bought it new, back in 1977, but now it was 1985 and he was ready for something else. So was I.
It had some miles on it, about 175,000 if I remember right, but it was very well-maintained and mechanically solid. Most importantly, the price was right...cheap!
I said it was mechanically solid, and it was. The engine was still in great shape, as was the transmission. No worries there. But that’s not to say it wasn’t experiencing the expected wear and tear of a car of its age and mileage. It was an old car with a lot of miles on it, and little repair “opportunities” came up pretty regularly. The cold weather over the last couple of weeks reminded me of one of those said opportunities.
It happened during the first winter I owned it. A piece connected to the heating system started leaking engine coolant.
I’d always tinkered with things, so repairs didn’t scare me. I also had a year of high school Auto Mechanics under my belt. I’m not saying I was an expert mechanic, but I did understand how things worked and I wasn’t afraid to get under the hood and tear into things.
I identified the problem pretty quickly. It was in a part that lay between the engine block and the heater core. It was easy to see the water leaking out when the engine was running. It wasn’t going to be an expensive repair, and it didn’t look too complicated, but it was going to take some time and that was something I was short on.
So, I came up with a short-term, “quick fix” instead. I just bypassed the leaking part.
That eliminated the coolant leak which did buy me some time, but it also did something else...it took away my heat! By bypassing the leaking part, I eliminated my coolant leak, but I no longer had a working heater in my car...and it was winter.
This was a temporary trade-off I was willing to make. I figured I would just bundle up a little bit heavier for a few days and get to the repair over the weekend.
It’s fair to say that was a plan...but it wasn’t a very good one!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Without heat, the inside of my car...a car I was driving during a good-old Kansas winter...was cold, VERY cold. I had planned on that part, so I was bundled up. What I hadn’t anticipated is what happens on the inside of a car when you’re driving without heat. All the moisture from your breath forms a nice layer of frost on everything, including your windows
Within a few miles, I had to scrape the inside of the windshield to be able to see out.
Luckily, my best friend and I shared rides back and forth from school, and he was riding copilot with me the first morning I tested out my quick fix. As I drove, he scraped to maintain my visibility, and we both froze all the way to school. It was the coldest ride I’d ever taken!
Needless to say, I sure did find time in my “busy” schedule to fix the problem later the same day.
As I was driving home from work the other day, and I was freezing my tail off waiting for my truck to warm up, that memory just popped into my head. I didn’t have to scrape the inside of my windshield now, but I sure was cold. Still, I chuckled to myself, at least I wasn’t that cold!
Hopefully, that last spell of arctic bitterness is the worst of it for the rest of the winter!
That old Caprice Classic got me through high school, all of college, and a couple of years beyond. It got me to my summer internship in Long Island and back, and several other long road trips, as well. I traveled with my toolbox in the trunk along with a few spare parts. And I did continue to get the “opportunity” to perform a fair number of minor roadside repairs, but I was never down for long. It was a great car.
Especially when it had heat!
Speaking of heat, we unloaded a little bit of sunny Florida the other day. We got a fresh delivery of houseplants! It was a welcome dose of green and put a smile on everyone’s face, mine included!
If you could use a dose of green too, stop by! We have plenty!
Cheers,
— Cameron Rees
“thymely” advice:
Updated Winter Hardiness Zone Map
Hardiness zone maps have been around for a long time, almost a hundred years.
Through the years there have been numerous versions created by various entities, but over the last 30-40 years, the USDA Hardiness Zone Map has been the standard for most gardeners.
This map divides the country into different zones based on the average lowest winter temperature. Each zone is given a color and a numerical designation. In the end, a map of the U.S. is irregularly striped in a rainbow of colors with designations starting at 1 in the coldest regions and pushing into the low teens in the more tropical areas.
An updated version was just released in December, incorporating about an additional 15 years of recent weather data. Warmer winters during that time frame have resulted in an “upward” shift of hardiness zones. In short, most areas are sitting in a “warmer” winter hardiness zone than they used to on the previous map.
But what does this mean for growing? Honestly, not a lot.
Keep in mind that hardiness zones are created using average minimum winter temperatures. Averages are not what generally kill plants, extremes do. The sub-zero, low temps we experienced over recent weeks are exactly what I’m talking about.
Bottom line, the winter hardiness map is a helpful guide. It provides good, basic, winter hardiness information that can guide gardeners towards plants that stand a good chance of surviving, and away from plants that will just be too tender. But it’s only a guide.
Many other variables influence the survivability of your garden plants through the winter season, things such as overall plant health, level of establishment, and garden microclimates, to name a few. Temperature alone is only one piece of a more complex equation.
My advice...
Gardeners in our area should be pretty safe with plants hardy to at least Zone 6A... that’s hardy to -10 degrees. According to the updated map, we are now in Zone 6B, 0 to -5 degrees, but the -9 we hit just a couple of weeks ago is exactly what I was getting at when I mentioned that the extremes kill plants.
Having said that, if you like pushing things a bit, and you’re okay with taking the hits that come along with taking risks, I wouldn’t be afraid to plant things that are only winter hardy to Zone 6B or maybe even Zone 7. But ONLY do that if you have a good spot, you know what you’re doing, and you’re okay with taking a hit from time to time.
Mother Nature always wins in the end!
— Cameron Rees
WHAT’S NEW?
HOUSEPLANT ARRIVALS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Looking to give a friend, family member, or colleague a little love this Valentine’s Day? Come check out our new arrivals of houseplants at the garden store! Houseplants make the perfect gift because they live on long after a bouquet of cut flowers has passed its prime, provide an ongoing reminder of thoughtfulness, and give cheerful warmth to any space. Houseplants need different care in the colder months than in warmer ones, but with a few tips, anyone can be a successful indoor plant owner. Come by and check out our new stock and share the tips below with your recipient as an added gift!
Water your houseplants less frequently in the winter, according to whether the soil is wet or dry
Consider moving your plants for more sunlight - but not direct sunlight.
Watch where you place your plants inside - not close to drafty windows or doors.
It’s best to stop fertilizing in the fall and resume again in the spring.
Treating pests or fungus with neem oil or insecticidal soap is the safest option for indoor use.
Improve humidity by clustering plants together or using pebble & water trays underneath.
Dust off your plants with a damp cloth.
Try and avoid re-potting in the winter, if possible.
UPCOMING EVENT:
Mark your calendar...the Kansas LAWN & Garden Show is back!
Come down and see us at the 2024 Kansas Lawn & Garden Show this month! We’ll be sharing information on new products, gardening advice and suggestions, updates on the greenhouse building project, AND a special pair of coupons for those who stop by! We’ll also have more information on open positions at Skinner Garden Store. So if you dream of working with plants, consider saying “hello” and grabbing an application.
WHO: You & Skinner Garden Store staff
WHAT: 2024 Kansas Lawn & Garden Show
WHEN: Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 18
WHERE: Stormont-Vail Events Center, Topeka KS
HOW: Tickets and more information available HERE