Archive for November, 2008

As the season comes to a close there are a few things you can do to your lawn to make sure it winters over as best possible. Topping the list would be to apply an organic fertilizer (I would recommend “Cascade Natural” blended nutrients with microbes and mychorizae) at the rate of 25# per 1000 sq. ft.. Through the winter the granules will break down and begin to do their thing getting your lawn ready for the 2009 season. Next in line would be to edge your lawn followed by an application of “Corn Weed Blocker” (an organic weed pre-emergent) around the edges, which in turn should be top-dressed with about an inch of organic compost. This practice will stop your lawn from creeping back out into the area you just edged….. It does work and work well!!!! Drop me an email if you need additional instruction. Redmond Greenhouse carries both the fertilizer and the organic weed pre-emergentventer. Next in line if  you have had vole problems in the past (little trails that show up in the lawn as the snow melts and the lawn re-appears as the 2009 season warms) I would recommend you apply a mole/vole repellent… “Mole Go”. Concerning questions as to if you should thatch or aerate at this time of the year, my answer is NO. In cold climates such as ours that task is best left to the late spring season as the lawn really begins to get green and growing. Make sure to keep dropping leaves off the lawn as they will suffocate the crown of grass if left throughout the winter season. Continue to mow the lawn as long as the season keeps warm. The grass should be kept about two” to no longer that three inches for the winter time. Blades of grass that are left to long during the long winter season will be slow to recover. Well, that about wraps it up for late season lawn care. Hope this helps and has your lawn looking good not only through the cold season but looking green and healthy as the spring arrives.  Happy Gardening……….. Doug

It may seem like all is slowing down in the garden, but I would like to take this time to let you know it is a GREAT time of the year to apply a weed pre-emergent to all your landscape beds and borders. Two products that I think will offer you some great releif for the 2009 season would be “Weed and Grass Preventer” (Treflan) and an organic granular version “Corn Weed Blocker”. Both should be applied to areas once they have been cleaned up and free of existing weeds and grasses. Both may also be applied right up the the edge of your lawn after you have created a clean edge. This practice will help eliminate “lawn creep” into beds and borders. Neither of these products will harm perennials, annuals, or trees and shrubs. The Corn Weed Blocker will even add a touch of organic fertilizer…… now that is a true deal. I have found it best to cover the granular product with a little layer of bark mulch of weed free compost. Then water the area and celebrate. Timely chores done in the fall of the season will yeild a better garden in the spring.

I might also add that an applicatiion (25# per 500 sq. ft.) of our (Redmond Greenhouse) “Cold Climate” blended fertilizer covered by at least 3″ of organic compost over ALL annual and vegetable beds will set the tone for fantastic success in you 2009 garden. The weather is still fine and these are projects worth doing. If you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at info@coldzonegardening.com

Happy Late Autumn…………. Doug

Well I must say the winds have caused the time to breeze quickly by. My wife and I made it over the Cascade pass the other day and hand selected and tagged our annual supply of Noble, Frasier, and Nordmad fir trees that Redmond Greenhouse will be offering as cut Christmas trees this Holiday season. The trees look spectacular as they always do. Something about the high elevation at Silver Creek Falls lends itself to wonderful growing condition which yeild #1 trees. Combine that with the fact that Larry and his wife will not cut my trees until after Thanksgiving gives these trees the freshness our customers have relied upon.

We will also be offering our annual “Mail Order” fresh evergreen wreath program again. Many of you have come to rely upon this special gift to give all of your freinds and family a truly unique and value based gift. We are already taking orders and ship dates for this offering from Redmond Greenhouse.

On another topic Redmond Greenhouse will be having another Holiday Festival……  “Cranberry and Pine Boughs” an open house and event that showcases this special time of the year. We will help the Redmond Fire Dept. kick off their annual canned food and toy drive as well as offer a seminar on table centerpieces and festive wreaths. There will be specials, drawings, and other related activities of celebration. You are invited and we hope to see you there. The date is November 22nd. There will also be craft booths of various types to help fill out your day.

As always I hope all is well in your garden and landscape……….. Happy late Autumn…. Doug