Spring-Blooming Bulbs

It’s not too late to plant a few more bulbs. Although October and November are the traditional months for planting spring-bloomers, you actually can plant them right on through December. (They require 12 weeks or more of cold weather in order to bloom well.) Often, bulbs go on sale toward the end of the season, and you may be able to get some real bargains. Be sure to check the planting depth - the rule of thumb is to have the planting depth at twice the height of the bulb. For the large bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, that would be about 6" to 8". For the smaller ones such as crocus, snowdrops and the bulbous anemones, the planting depth would be about 4". Use fertilizers that are formulated for bulbs and follow the directions - Bulb Booster (9-9-6) is a good one.

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Final Fall Chores

Prepare your lawn, ornamental beds, shrubs and trees for the winter months. Leaves should be raked up and mulched. Perennial and mixed beds can be mulched after the first hard frost. Remove dead and injured growth from shrubs and trees. Wait until late winter to prune shrubs and trees.

These are demanding tasks, especially on larger properties, so let us help you. Our skilled crews will get your property in tip-top shape for winter in no time.

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Narcissus

Daffodils, the common name of bulbs in the genus Narcissus, originally came from Spain and Portugal. The genus name is after the Greek myth about the handsome young man who was given his good looks by the gods. As the story goes, the beauty of Narcissus would last forever, and he would be immortal as long as he never looked at his reflection. The gods were displeased when Narcissus spurned Echo, who had fallen in love with him and pined away when he rejected her. The angry gods lured him to a lake where he could not resist looking at his handsome self in the shimmering water. The divine prediction took place. Narcissus faded away, and in his place a golden Narcissus arose.

Daffodils are among the most perennial of all our spring-blooming bulbs. Voles may eat tulip bulbs, but they will not touch daffodils. The main requirements of these beautiful spring flowers are sun and good drainage. Daffodils come in many sizes and forms. The tall, sturdy hybrids number in the hundreds while smaller, daintier species are also available in wide variety. If you choose daffodil bulbs carefully with their specific blooming times in mind, you can have daffodil varieties in bloom for many weeks.

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Getting Ready for Winter

Remember, this is St. Louis. Weather changes very quickly. As we move into November, keep in mind the following helpful "cold" tips that will prepare you for the upcoming winter.

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Winterize Your Irrigation System

Right now, the natural weather pattern takes care of your watering needs - so you don't have to worry. If you have not winterized your irrigation system, schedule an appointment within the next two weeks.

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Stop Pruning!

November is not the best time to prune your landscape. Ideal pruning conditions begin in March or April.

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Protect Your Foliage

Cold weather doesn't have to mean trouble for perennials. To protect your perennials during the winter, simply cut off the damaged foliage and add a fresh layer of mulch.

Liriope is a perfect example of a perennial that tolerates cold and frost (it may not even show any foliage damage until we get snow and ice). Cut back liriope at any time between now and March without worrying about plant damage.

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Fertilize Now - and Later

During November, apply fall or winter fertilizer to your lawn and shrub areas. These winter-blend formulations are typically granular (not liquid) and very low in nitrogen. A typical shrub winter-blend formula encourages root system development, not plant growth.

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Hardscapes Add Life to Your Landscape

With hardscapes, you mix different materials, colors, textures and curves to create beautiful outdoor flooring. Eye-opening hardscapes add a different dimension to your landscape. Plus, they require no maintenance (watering, pruning, insect problems) and are permanent. From patterned patios and soothing waterfalls to enticing retaining walls and detailed lighting, hardscapes can be installed at any time of the year.

Share the spirit with us. Let us help you create your own customized entertainment, recreation or relaxation garden and landscape for you.

To find out how we can help you realize the potential of your property while increasing its value, please call our experienced and professionally trained team at 636-256-2600.