Got Grass?

It's time to start thinking about the lawn, so if you have one read on. Mid February through mid March is the time for spring weed control. We recommend an application of liquid Atrazine. Atrazine is a selective herbicide with good cool weather performance. It is both a pre and post emergent weed killer. This means that it will kill most weeds that are already up and it will stop seeds from germinating for about 2-3 months so it helps keep weeds at bay through the spring greenup. Atrazine will not hurt your grass, but it doesn't know that shrubs and flowers aren't weeds so use caution when spraying. You can spray it on the ground under shrubs and trees just don't get it on the leaves. Atrazine does not kill weeds overnight, so give it up to 2 weeks to see results. We carry liquid Atrazine in a one quart bottle that will cover 3,720 square feet for $7.99. You cannot use it once temperatures are staying consistently above 85, so now is the time to take advantage of this product. If you plan to use a hose end sprayer, you must be able to adjust the dilution rate, so if you aren't sure just bring your sprayer into the store so we can set it for you. We also carry a fabulous sprayer that takes all the guesswork out of mixing. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you haven't limed your yard recently, now is the time to do that too. Pelletized lime is $4.99 for a 40lb bag. Lime raises the pH of your soil so the grass can absorb nutrients better.

The next step you will take for your lawn will be to apply a granular Weed and Feed. We recommend waiting until St. Patrick's Day to start fertilizing because that's when the lawn is starting to green up. Fertilizing earlier is just feeding the weeds and it won't make your grass green up any sooner. We carry Weed and Feed for all types of grasses, so if you aren't sure what kind you have just bring us a sample when you come in so we can help you select the proper product.

Prune Your Knockout Roses

Now is the time to prune Knockout Roses. Cutting them back at this time of year will rejuvinate the plant and you will have thicker roses. Use a sharp pair of hand pruners or loppers and make your cuts just above where the lower branches start to divide off of the main stalks. Try to make your cuts at about a 45 degree angle so that water will roll off the cuts. You can also remove any dead branches completely. Fertilize with a granular rose food and water it in. In a few weeks you will see lots of new growth and before you know it your Knockouts will be full and lush.

Valentine's Day means it's time to prune

Well it's that time of year again, Valentine's Day, but it's not just for giving roses and candy, it's time for pruning too. Here in Coastal Georgia mid February through mid March is the ideal time to prune most of the shrubs and trees in your landscape. I've added a link in our Useful Links to a great article from the University of Georgia Extension Service on proper pruning. If you have questions or just feel terrified at the thought of taking on that overgrown tree or shrub on your own, come in and talk to me at the Island store. I love pruning and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. And please, don't chop your Crepe Myrtles to stubs.

Hello again.

Hello everyone, it's been a while. We haven't been posting since Christine left to have a baby, but I'm taking over now so I'll try to keep it up to her standards. (it's me, Mary Ann, you know, the girl with all the tattoos) Anyway, welcome back. We've been busy at the store this winter doing some painting and rearranging and it really looks great. I'm getting spring fever and I hope you are too. We are starting to stock up for spring and new plants are starting to roll in. Fruit trees are here, as are Geraniums and tomatos. We've got some beautiful plants for Valentine's Day too, so stop in and check it out.