October 11, 2008

Calloway's Timely Tips for November Gardeners

Fresh Fall Color from Calloway’s

Transform the appearance of your landscape with fresh, colorful blooms. Pansies are by far the most popular winter color. The new ‘Matrix’ Pansy was bred to grow out, not up. This compact grower offers shorter, sturdier stems to support large, colorful blooms. Dianthus (also known as “Pinks”), Snapdragons, Cyclamen, Violas and the fragrant Alyssum are also good choices for cold tolerant annuals. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale provide striking foliage forms in the landscape as well as color. For best effect, limit your planting to two or three colors per bed.

The key to growing beautiful annual flowers is soil preparation. Select a well drained flowerbed and add lots of organic matter. Our new “Flower Bed Mix”, contains compost plus a boost of fertilizer, water-management crystals and a wetting agent. Add either Calloway’s Flower Food or Blood and Bone Meal to the soil at planting to provide the extra nutrients for growth and blooms. Mulch well to reduce moisture loss and to insulate the soil.

These same annuals can be used in patio containers. Fill your containers with fresh potting soil and plant food. Keep them watered as necessary. Pinching off faded blooms will encourage repeat blooming.

Enjoy this instant transformation to your landscape as you start planning for Christmas!