The Gateway Gardener Nov./Dec. 2012

Gateway Gardener

November/December 2012

THE

速

Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes

Holiday Gifts for Gardeners

Plant Fashions for 2013 Healthy Habitat, Happy Birds Winter Protection for Roses FREE Courtesy of:

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Gateway Gardener THE

®

Your Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes

November/December 2012 Volume 8, Number 9

Publisher Joyce Bruno

Editor Robert Weaver Columnists

Barbara Perry Lawton General Gardening Connie Alwood Birding Ellen Barredo Houseplants and Tropicals Diane Brueckman Roses Joyce Driemeyer Herbs Cindy Gilberg Native Plant Gardening Mara Higdon Vegetables and Fruits Glenn Kraemer Turfgrass Steffie Littlefield Perennials & Design Printing: Breese Publishing, Breese, IL The Gateway Gardener® is published monthly by Double Dig Communications, Inc. to promote enjoyable, successful gardening and livable landscapes in the St. Louis greater metropolitan area. The magazine is distributed free to the public at designated garden centers, nurseries, garden gift shops, lawn equipment rental, repair and sales establishments, and other locations supporting sound gardening, lawn and landscaping practices.

Please send letters-to-the-editor, questions, event announcements, editorial suggestions and contributions, photos, advertising inquiries and materials, and any other correspondence to: The Gateway Gardener Magazine® PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122 Phone: (314) 968-3740 Fax: (314) 968-4025

info@gatewaygardener.com www.gatewaygardener.com

The Gateway Gardener® is printed on recycled newsprint using environmentally friendly soy-based ink, and is a member of the PurePower® renewable energy resources network.

B

From the Editor

ecause we publish a combined November/ December issue, our tendency in this issue is to focus on December, Christmas and the Winter Holidays, giving short shrift to November and the season of thanksgiving. But at my age, it’s foolish to fast-forward through any time, so I’d like to take this space to slow down the calendar and reflect on some things we can be thankful for as Gateway-area gardeners.

Let’s be thankful for clay. You may think me crazy, but ask any gardener who has tried to sustain plants in a coastal region or other sandy-soiled habitat, and they’ll tell you it’s nearly impossible to retain nutrients and moisture without an ongoing regimen of soil amending, fertilizing and watering. Sure, we need to amend soils if we want to grow a lot of our favorite ornamental plants, but many plants, including a lot of natives, do fine in our native clay soils. Clay is a real champ at holding nutrients and moisture.

We should be thankful for the job it does (in moderation).

Let’s be thankful for water.

This past summer, we became

painfully aware of what happens to our landscapes when Mother Nature decides to shut off her spigot. Luckily, we live in a region bounded and run through by multiple abundant water sources, so even when the skies dry up on us, we can still draw water. Let’s not take advantage and push our luck, though. As gardeners and maintainers of landscapes in general, we have special opportunities to manage water sustainably, through use of rain barrels, drip irrigation, rain gardens, permeable landscapes and other sound managment practices. Let’s be thankful for those who do, and try to emulate their efforts.

On the Cover...

No matter your feelings about snow and winter, few can find fault with a white Christmas as beautiful as the one we had in 2010.

I took this picture in my neighborhood, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to share it as my Holiday Greeting to all! RW

FEATURES 8 Holiday Gifts for Gardeners 10 Plant Fashions!

11 National Green Centre

Let’s be thankful for four seasons. I see regional gardening magazines from more temperate climates and I sometimes envy the year-round activity their content promotes. But what would the joyful emerging of spring sprouts be if it weren’t preceded by the dead of winter; and what would the beautiful colors and crisp air of fall be if they didn’t succeed August’s heat and drought? I enjoy the blanket of snow covering the wreath on our cover as much as the blanket of flowers and foliage that cover the summer garden.

Besides, there’s plenty to do here year round if we look for it. And, if some of us enjoy a little time off, let’s be thankful for that, too!

Finally, let’s be thankful for our family and friends, among whom my personal list includes our readers, contributors and advertisers. I’m fortunate to be able to share this magazine with you, and I hope it makes it a little easier for all of you to give thanks for gardening in the St. Louis area.

Good Gardening!

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Shopping is Easy for Gardeners 5 Get Real This Christmas 6 Healthy Habitat, Happy Birds 12 Winter Protection for Roses 13 Wild Turkeys 14 Upcoming Events

Shopping is Easy for Gardeners

S

by Barbara Perry Lawton

been more beautiful and durable choices. What gardener wouldn’t appreciate the new clean-lined, self-watering pots that are available for indoor or outdoor use? Best of all are the classically designed large polyurethane containers that weigh 90 percent less than the comparable concrete or clay versions and will never freeze or crack.

hopping for holiday gifts for gardening relatives and friends is easy. Many things will please them—everything from gift certificates to favorite nurseries or catalogs to special collections of seeds to elegant, high-quality tools.

How about a gift certificate toward the purchase of larger items? For pricier items you might want to gather up other family members or friends and give gifts jointly.

The first category that comes to mind is garden furniture. While those vacuum-molded plastic chairs are comfortable and always handy, why not take a look at the handsome—and sometimes simply gorgeous garden furniture that is available today. There are wicker chairs and tables made of a plastic material—you can’t tell it from the more perishable, real wicker unless you look very closely.

There are garden benches of all

sorts, including those of wood (not the tropical rain forest wood but poplar and other renewable sources), others of wood and aluminum or wrought iron and yet others made totally of cast metals.

There are, of course, also the classic stone benches that provide

If your are an orchid lover, this trip with Blanche "Babs" Wagner, Orchid Curator at Missouri Botanical Gardens is just the ticket.

Join us on a 7 day journey as we attend the RHS Orchid & Botanical Art Show.

Visit Kew Gardens, Wisley’s Glass House and more!

sitting spots as well as focal points in the well-appointed garden. You can just imagine your favorite gardener relaxing in the shade and admiring the garden scene. Don’t forget the picnic furniture that can make outdoor dining such fun, whether it is the traditional plank table and bench combo or a more sophisticated umbrella table and chairs of classic design.

The next category of garden feature that undoubtedly would be enjoyed for years is night lighting. At last, there are a number of choices available in night lighting kits that even the perennially unhandy gardener could install. There are single accent lights to put under or in trees to make the night setting more elegant. There are kits that include several small lights to illuminate a pathway or enhance a patio or garden bed.

In the category containers, there

Visit www.unique-journeys.com for more information and make plans to join us today!

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of planting have never

Occasionally, you can find and gather or buy found items that make particularly unusual garden features. One of the best I ever saw was in an Ohio garden where the owner, both a good designer and a good grower, used old millstones to make a garden path. Millstones, grinding wheels, rounds of wood cut from a fallen tree—all of these will make unusual and handsome choices for garden paths.

Gardeners occasionally are able to latch onto levee stones or granite curbings that find there way into material yards and other places following construction projects.

These make elegant edgings or low walls for raised beds or to define special areas. A levee stone could be an unusual but useful gift.

In recent years, stepping stones cast of concrete and topped with handsomely designed and fired ceramic tiles have become popular.

One would be lovely in the right spot and, over the years, others can be added.

Those who have walls that could call for decorations might enjoy some of the cast metal, clay or epoxy medallions that are available. There are all kinds from

Barbara Perry Lawton is a writer, author, speaker and photographer. She has served as manager of publications for Missouri Botanical Garden and as weekly garden columnist for the PostDispatch. The author of a number of gardening and natural history books, and contributor to many periodicals, she has earned regional and national honors for her writing and photography. Barbara is also a Master Gardener and volunteers at MBG.

The Gateway Gardener®

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

which to choose, including sun king, smiling garden elves, geckos and other designs. There are lavabos and fountains that would be easy to mount on brick or stone walls.

Consider garden sculptures to serve as focal points at the end of an allee or at a spot where a garden path makes a turn. From frogs, dolphins and other animal life to nymphs, children and St. Francis, there are many choices. For those who have garden ponds, consider the artistic value of reflections when you are making a choice.

Need more inspiration? Take a look at weathervanes, trellises, arbors, birdbaths, finials for walls or fences, sundials or a miniature water garden container. Half barrels plus liners or very large planters will do. Perhaps miniature raised beds of UV-protected plastic would fill the bill. Check your billfold and decide on a price range. Then take a look in garden centers, nurseries and catalogs.

It can be nearly as much fun to choose and give as it is to receive one of these garden features.

Get REal This Christmas

W

By Steffie Littlefield

hen choosing a Christmas tree this holiday season take this opportunity to show your preference for real, natural products that are socially conscious. Join the many families who want to follow the tradition of celebrating Christmas with a real tree in their home.

Real Christmas trees are an all-American product, grown in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Christmas tree farms stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often, Christmas trees are grown on soils that could not support other crops. For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2 to 3 seedlings are planted in its place. There are about 1 million acres in production for growing Christmas trees.

Each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people. There are about 15,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S., and over 100,000 people employed full or part time in the industry.

easily when hanging ornaments) for a long time when cut make it one of the best trees for this purpose. Fraser fir has been used more times as the Blue Room Christmas tree (the official Christmas tree of the White House) than any other type of tree.

When you decorate this holiday season use natural sustainable products produced proudly by American growers. There is nothing like the scent and beauty of a live Christmas tree to get your entire family in the spirit of the season. Celebrate Christmas with a REAL Christmas tree and wreath, while helping protect our valuable nonrenewable environment.

Steffie Littlefield is a horticulturist and garden designer at Garden Heights Nursery.

Bountiful Harvest

®

“For Ever ything You Grow!”

for OW Growth N y t l o p o p A ils ll R s Fa thier So u o r l Vigo nd Hea Spring! a t Nex

The favorite tree at Christmas is the Fraser fir, for its closely spaced branches that lift slightly upward and for its long-lasting needles, which are green above and white-striped below. Its mild fragrance, shape, strong limbs, and ability to retain its soft needles (which do not prick

Lake St. Louis Garden Center

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Healthy Habitat, Happy Birds

Check Out Our Selection of:

Fraser Fir Trees, Poinsettias, Wreaths & All Types of Roping, Hand Tied Bows & Colonial Candles

Home to Old World Christmas Ornaments

Rolling Ridge Nursery Lawn and Garden Center

60 NORTH GORE WEBSTER GROVES, MO 63119

www.rollingridgenursery.com

(314) 962-3311

“Over 50 Years of Quality & Friendly Service!”

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plant group at the top ( t r e e s , of the list is shrubs, the mighty perennials oak, with an and grasses) astounding as well as an 524 specassortment ies of that bloom caterpillars and set seed that use or fruit in oaks as different their host seasons plant. That to provide number a good doesn’t framework include the for a healthy many other Carolina Chickadee bird habitat. insects that Planning a diverse habitat with can be found on oaks—such as native plants benefits many beetles and their larvae. Second other native animal species as on the list is native plum and well. wild cherry, supporting 456 species of caterpillars. This Doug Tallamy, author of begs the question—will there be Bringing Nature Home, stresses anything left of the landscape the fact that 96% of bird species after the caterpillars feast? in the Eastern U.S. rear their Yes, of course! Birds and other young on various insects. Many animal species provide a natural of these are caterpillars, the check and balance in healthy larvae of moths and butterflies. habitats. A pair of chickadees, Therefore, to create an enticing for example, feeds one clutch of habitat for birds, the landscape nestlings about 300 caterpillars should include as many host per day. plants for butterflies and moths as possible. A host plant is Because adult butterflies and specie-specific (one specie of moths feed on nectar and caterpillar requires specific other insects gather pollen, it plant species) and this is what is equally important to include caterpillars need to eat in order flowering plants for nectar and to become adult butterflies or pollen. The composite family moths. The good news is that (daisy-type flowers) provides an abundance of nectar and pollen.

Examples are coneflowers, asters and goldenrods. Others that are popular among foraging butterflies are phlox, milkweeds and blazingstars. Flowering trees and shrubs also serve as nectar and pollen sources. Other insects, such as flies and beetles, frequent flowers for pollen and thus become a snack for many birds.

Berries are a common food for birds, providing essential

6

The Gateway Gardener®

food for both resident and migrating birds. Many trees and shrubs produce summer and early fall fruit such as chokecherry, elderberry, gooseberry, spice bush, dogwoods, and serviceberry.

For late fall and winter fruits, look to beautyberry, hackberry, hawthorns, possum haw, viburnums, and winterberry.

These all produce brightly colored fruit, red to blue and purple, that act as beacons and welcome birds to dine in exchange for the service of seed dispersal provided by birds.

Seeds are another essential staple bird food and should be available throughout the year. Grasses, blazingstars and composite flowers such as coneflowers, coreopsis, sunflowers, and silphiums are among the many plants that are great seed sources. It is important to note that both deadheading of perennials and garden clean-up in fall removes much of the ripening seeds that many birds need.

Shelter and nesting sites are offered by branches of shrubs and trees. Most songbirds like an environment that has some open areas combined with areas of trees and shrubs. Songbirds get year-round shelter from predators such as hawks from these diverse plantings. Garden clean-up should occur in the early spring, not the fall, in order to provide ground layer shelter and food from seeds and berries that have fallen. Water should be available year-round in low saucers or small water features such as bubblers. Plant shrubs close by to offer additional shelter for birds coming in to drink.

Creating an attractive landscape

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

photo by Doug Tallamy

A

bird’s habitat needs are no different than the rest of the animal world—we all need ample supplies of water, food, shelter and a place to nest and raise our young, regardless of species.

For birds, this is a landscape with a diversity of native plants that birds in our region evolved with. Include some from each

by Cindy Gilberg

photo by Margy Terpstra

that also provides h e a l t h y habitat is accomplished by designing with all types of plants— trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses— and with consideration for flower, A house finch enjoying some goldenrod seed and fruit in various times seeds from the winter garden. throughout the seasons. Many of these plant choices provide multiple habitat services, for example, dogwoods have great flowers with nectar and pollen for insects, are host plants for spring azure butterflies, provide berries, and have great branching structure for nesting and shelter. One can design a traditional, even formal, landscape using native plants and still have a healthy habitat. The plant list does not dictate the design style, the gardener does. So healthy habitat gardens fit in anywhere and everywhere by simply including some of these native plants.

Resources Websites/Organizations GrowNative (www.grownative.org) Missouri Department of Conservation (www.mdc.mo.gov) Shaw Nature Reserve (www.shawnature.org) St Louis Audubon Society (www.stlouisaudubon.org) Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (www.xerces.org) Books Bringing Nature Home, by Doug Tallamy Birdscaping in the Midwest, by Mariette Nowak Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People,

by Dave Tylka

ALL The TeA in ChinA?

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Cindy Gilberg is a horticulturist and Missouri native who writes, teaches and does consulting and design work in the St. Louis area. Her work focuses on both native plant landscapes as well as other styles of landscape design. Contact cindy.gilberg@ gmail.com www.cindygilberg.com This column is written in collaboration with Shaw Nature Reserve (Missouri Botanical Garden) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Visit the Whitmire Wildflower Garden (at Shaw Nature Reserve), a 5-acre display garden, for ideas on native plant landscaping. Native plant conservation and the promotion of native plants in our landscapes is vital to restoring the rich biodiversity of

our region.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

The Gateway Gardener®

We’re Just a Short Trip to Incredible!

NURSERY & FLORIST

www.hillermann.com

2601 E. 5th Street • Washington, MO • 636-239-6729 Hours: M-F: 8:00 to 6:00, Sat: 8:00 to 5:00, Sun: 9:00 to 5:00

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Holiday Gifts

Looking for that special gift for your favorite gardener? We asked area garden cen or clip and leave conspicuously lying arou Sugar Creek Gardens 1011 N. Woodlawn Kirkwood, MO 314-965-3070 SugarCreekGardens.com

Holster This compact and ultra-light pruner includes a holster, and also features fine-tip titanium blades, spring action assistance, an ergonomic grip suited for left or right handed cutting, and a safety locking feature. A great gift for all of your gardening friends and family. $14.50 Garden Heights Nursery 1605 S Big Bend St. Louis, MO 314-645-7333 GardenHeights.com

‘Bijou’ Clematis From the world’s renowned Clematis hybridizer, Raymond Evison of Guernsey. Satiny 3-4’ mauve blossoms bloom repeatedly on stems only 12” tall. Fantastic as a houseplant, blooming for months on end inside!

In the garden it makes a low mound, a fantastic hanging basket or small trellised container.

Worm’s Way 1225 N. Warson Rd. Saint Louis MO 314-994-3900 WormsWay.com

Garden Art Glass from Viz Art Glass Viz Art Glass is art for the garden and other outdoor spaces.These handcrafted products are made with glass pigments that will catch the light and add sparkle and light to a shady garden space. Some styles are illuminated with LED solar lights to shine at night as well as in the day.

Prices vary from $24.99 to $54.00.

Sunleaves Titanium Pruner With

OK Hatchery 115 E. Argonne Dr. Kirkwood, MO 63122 314-822-0083

used for creating lovely ornaments on your patio, deck, balcony or in your borders during the day and wonderful solar features at night for all to enjoy.

Large (29 cm high): $39.99, Small (12 cm high): $17.99 Greenscapes Gardens 2832 Barrett Station Rd. Manchester, MO 314-821-2440 GreenscapeGardens.com

Magnet Works Mail Wraps, Flags, and Doormats Mailwraps are made in the USA and have vivid, long-lasting colors. Flags are made of exclusive SolarSilk® fabric, and rubber doormats are weatherproof and can be used indoors or out.

Hillermann Nursery & Florist 2601 E. 5th Street Washington, MO 63090 636-239-6729 Hillermann.com

Smart Solar, Owl Spotlight Decorative Owl Solar Spotlight: A popular product, these lovely decorative owls are a wonderful addition to any garden. They can be

Your Poinsettia Place!

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Choose Traditional Red or From a Variety of Colors. Available in sizes from 4-12” pots.

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Big Blue Foot Planter Who wouldn’t want to be barefoot in the garden...Or how about a bare foot in the garden? The Big Blue Foot (also in green & bronze) will add a touch of whimsy to any garden or patio space... or maybe even the mantel in the family room! Please Note: Toe ring not included.. Price: $79.99

6129 Lemay Ferry Road (314) 845-3083

(Lemay Ferry at Meramec Bottom Rd.)

The Gateway Gardener®

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

for Gardeners

nters and other related shops for some suggestions to make your shopping easier-und as a not-so-subtle hint to your Santa.

Lake St. Louis Garden Center 3230 Technology Dr. Lake St. Louis, MO 636-561-0124 LakeStLouisGardenCenter.com

Cat Riding a Bike Fountain Our whimsical self-contained fountains make great gifts for friends and family, or pick one up for yourself!

Several styles to choose from. (Priced from $79.99 to $129.99) Sappington Garden Shop 11530 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, MO 314-843-4700 SappingtonGardenShop.com

Frisella Nursery 550 Hwy F, Defiance, MO 636-798-2555 FrisellaNursery.com

Opinel Knives The iconic French pocketknife that’s perfect for gardening. Same simple, robust and affordable design since 1890, featuring a solid wood handle (olive, walnut and beech), stainless steel blade and patented locking mechanism. It does one thing extremely well instead of many things poorly. Comes in five stocking stuffer sizes.

Sandy’s Back Porch 2004 West Blvd.

Belleville, IL 618-235-2004 SandysBackPorch.com

Rolling Ridge Nursery 60 N. Gore Webster Groves, MO (314) 962-3311 Rolling RidgeNursery.com

Be Sure to Support These and Other Local Indie Businesses on

Moss Shoe Planters Who doesn’t love a good pair of shoes or a new purse? Here’s our very own twist for those on your list who have everything else - and everyone in between! Makes a wonderful hostess gift too!

Nov 24th

Gardenland Express

Holiday Flower & Train Show

November 21 through January 1, 2013

MatMates Beautiful doormat and tray to enhance any entrance. Both are weatherproof with non-slip recycled rubber backings. Trays are 36” x 24” and mat inserts are 18” x 30”. Mats are available in many different designs and for every season. This is a gift you can keep adding to. They’re addicting!

Tray $32.99 Mat $19.99. Buy both at one time and receive a special holiday 15% discount (through 12-24-12).

Come celebrate “Merry Botanical Traditions” at the Garden! The annual Gardenland Express holiday Fairy Houses Where do fairies go after a long day in the garden? Why, their fairy house, of course. Check out these adorable miniature houses. No fairy garden is complete without one. $29.99.

flower and train show returns to delight visitors of all ages with its animated G-scale model trains and hundreds of traditional holiday plants. For more information visit:

www.mobot.org Sponsorship support by: Central States Coca-Cola Bottling Company and CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

4344 Shaw Blvd. • St. Louis, MO 63110 • (314) 577-5100 • www.mobot.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

The Gateway Gardener®

9

January 4-7, 2013 is Fashion Week of the horticulture world.

The 50 hottest new plants in horticulture – the trendy, absolutely must have plants for your garden – are hitting the catwalk at two New Plant Fashion shows in St. Louis and Columbia, MO. Among our favorites:

fashion

plant

a new plant fashion show

by the National Green Centre

▲Merlin Hellebore: Masses of light pink to pink flowers deepen to cranberry and age to a rich, dark burgundy. Merlin thrives in shady beds and borders and brings exciting flower color to the garden from late winter to early spring. From Skagit Gardens.

▲Snowcone® Snowbell’s broadly pyramidal, upright form makes it a perfect tree for contemporary gardens and containers. Snowcone® Snowbell has dainty, purewhite, bell-shaped flowers with golden centers. From J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

▼Coleus Under the Sea™ ‘King Crab’ has velvety red leaves accentuated by secondary leaflets or ‘claws.’ ‘King Crab’ is a great centerpiece item for mixed containers and is also a wonderful grower in the landscape. From Hort Couture.

▼Colocasia ‘Hawaiian Punch’ has fresh tropical green foliage with attractive red margins and red veins. It makes a glorious statement in the garden, making a wonderful compact habit.

From PlantHaven International, Inc.

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▲Everlasting™ Revolution Hydrangea: Enlighten your garden with a blooming revolution. Flowers fade to magical color combinations of deep pink, maroon and true blue, adding green highlights as they age over a long period of time. From Plants Nouveau, LLC. ▼Hardy Hibiscus ‘Crystal Ball’ has pure white 11” flowers that explode from head to toe all summer long until frost. All you need is sun and let it grow.

From Flemings Flower Fields.

Photo by Gretchen Zwetzig.

The Gateway Gardener®

▲Dianthus Green Ball: Dr. Seuss would have loved this elegant cut flower! Create a stunning contrast no matter where you plant it – by itself or as a mixed combo thriller.

From Ball Seed.

▼Shasta Daisy ‘Freak!’ is sure to please, showing off with lots of large and long-blooming bright white daisy flowers that are accented by cheery yellow centers. Perfect for containers or the front of a garden bed.

From Blooms of Bressingham.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

tAloha Lily® ‘Leia’ provides exquisite tropical blooms throughout the summer.

Commonly known as the pineapple flower, ‘Leia’ boasts hot pink to lavender blooms and naturally compact foliage. From Golden State Bulb Growers. t‘Vintage Jade’ Izu Tree is a compact evergreen and an excellent replacement for cherrylaurels, junipers, hollies and Indian hawthorn. From Plant Introductions, Inc. tEarly Bird™ Crapemyrtle Lavender begins blooming in May and will re-bloom for up to 120 days. Perfect for smaller gardens; try it as a large shrub, small tree or natural flowering hedge. From the Southern Living® Plant Collection. Photo courtesy Plant Development Services, Inc.

Want to See These Plant Fashions Live?

The general public can see these and other hot new plants rock the Plant Fashion Show runway in Columbia, MO on January 4th at the Mizzou Botanic Garden.

Horticulture professionals can see the plants on January 6th at the National Green Centre event at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO. More information on both

fashion shows is at www. nationalgreencentre .org.

The University of Missouri was designated a botanical garden in August 1999 and is comprised of 705-plus acres of developed landscape, including 5,400 trees and more than 20,000 annuals, perennials and bulbs. Mizzou Botanic Garden is free and open to the public year-round.

greenCentre National

Western Nursery & Landscape Association January 6-7, 2013 • St. Louis, MO www.nationalgreencentre.org

tSalmon Frills™. Chic and pink, this star is made for the runway.

Self-branching geranium with a full mounding habit is versatile in containers, combinations and ground beds. From Ecke Ranch.

The National Green Centre is the next generation green industry event for horticulture professionals on January 6 & 7, 2013 at America’s Center in St. Louis. The event features an innovative trade show floor with learning centers, ‘peer-to-peer’ roundtable discussions, keynote addresses by Dr. Peter Raven, Dr. Mike Dirr and Coach Vince Dooley, a discussion on “Horticulture in 2063” tAmethyst Kiss™ is a new and the new plant fashion show. Also, don’t miss the sessions on spiderwort that blooms May through fall. Can be used in marketing held via Google Hangouts and the always entertaining, mixed borders, as a groundcover, garden know-it-all, Amanda Thomsen of Kiss My Aster (who will or in mixed containers. From The be signing her new, hot-off-the-presses landscaping book). More Conard-Pyle Company. photo by information at www.nationalgreencentre.org (convention is for industry only; general public not admitted).

Kristen Nemeth.

DRAI

& AINS DENS T N U R FO R GA WATE

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

The Gateway Gardener®

11

Dig This!

Gateway Gardeners and Businesses in the News Garden Clubs, Communities, Master Gardeners, Green-Industry Businesses...

Send Us Your News!

Community Projects, Recognitions and Awards, Etc. Send your press release and digital high-resolution photos to: info@gatewaygardener.com Subject: DIG THIS SECTION or The Gateway Gardener PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122

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Why not give The Gateway Gardener to your favorite gardener this Holiday season?! Just complete this form and mail it with $24 for postage and handling to the address below. Your friend or relative will receive 9 issues (a oneyear subscription) beginning with the next issue.

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12

Winter Protection For Roses

A

By Diane Brueckman

t the risk of repeating myself, make sure your roses are well hydrated going into winter. All of our plants suffered from this past summer’s drought. As the weather cools you are likely to see some botrytis and powdery mildew. Both of these diseases appear with cool temperatures and high humidity especially at night. The botrytis is a dark brownish gray mold that appears on the buds and possibly stems. The blooms fail to open and, in general, are very unsightly. I usually cut the infected buds and bag them so the spores are not blown onto other plants. I do the same with powdery mildew. Powdery mildew infects the upper parts of the plant and appears as a white powder on the leaves, buds and blooms. A fungicide spray is the recommended treatment for a major outbreak.

In November, the roses should be well on the way to shutting down for the season. When they stop putting out new growth it is time to put them to bed.

One of the first things I do is clean up the beds. Now is the time to get rid of henbit and chickweed. These pests sprout in late summer to early fall and bloom in the spring, although in a very mild winter I have had them bloom earlier.

You will save a lot of work by getting the weeds out now. By removing weeds before they set seed you will have 20% fewer weeds next year.

I usually start to trim my roses back at this time (hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas). Climbers only get secured to their supports now and trimmed in February. Shrubs such as ‘Knock Out’ and the Griffith Buck roses do not need to be winter protected, although you can trim them now if you have time or wait until February when you do your climbers. Remove all the dead canes and any that are diseased or broken. The reason for cutting the roses back is to prevent the wind from loosening the plant in the ground or breaking off canes. I also like to take out canes that are crossing through the middle of the plant. This allows the mulch or whatever material you use to cover the roses to better protect the bud union. Strip off the leaves and clean all debris from the beds. The leaves and fallen petals can harbor disease spores and insect eggs. I now give the roses a dose of chicken soup. The chicken soup will provide the nitrogen to break down the hardwood mulch in spring thus giving your roses their nitrogen for early growth.

Chicken Soup 1 part bonemeal 2 parts cottonseed meal 2 parts alfalfa meal 4 parts milorganite mix and serve 1 cup around each plant On a warm day, temperature needs to be in the high 40s, spray your roses with horticultural oil and insecticidal soap. The oil and soap smother any spores and eggs overwintering on the canes and it helps to prevent desiccation from drying winds. You are now ready to cover your roses when the temperature drops enough to cool the soil. I try to wait until we have had at least two hard frosts and the ground has frozen at least once.

There are several options for materials to cover your roses. My mulch of choice had always been double ground hardwood. Other options are compost, shredded leaves and the single ground mulch you get free from the electric company or tree trimmers. Last year I used a combination of compost and shredded hardwood. I found that it did not compact too badly or blow off my roses as the plain compost or shredded leaves tend to do without a protective ring around the rose to hold the mulch in place. Last but not least, go in put your feet up and wait for the rose catalogues to come in.

Diane Brueckman is a retired rosarian with Missouri Botanical Garden, and currently owns Rosey Acres in Baldwin, Illinois. You can reach her at (618) 785-3011.

The Gateway Gardener®

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

Wild Turkey Text and photo by Connie Alwood

E

xcept for the bottled bourbon in my father’s liquor cabinet, I had never seen a Wild Turkey until 1977. Now I see them everywhere. Just to name a few places this year alone, I’ve seen them in Forest Park, on Big Bend Blvd., on Interstate 70 in Madison County, Illinois, and even in my own backyard.

The big gobblers have made a comeback from their low numbers at the turn of the twentieth century.

Overhunting and habitat destruction had decreased their numbers considerably; however, with new hunting regulations and better forest management, the birds, as I said, are everywhere. Although not the garden variety of bird, if they can roost in my backyard [see picture] or ramble down the highway, they can certainly ramble down a city street or alley, for oak and hickory trees abound in the city and the suburb. Originally the Wild Turkey was primarily a bird of the eastern forests. With today’s game management, the bird can even be seen in the Sierras.

In fact it can now be found in Europe. Of course, with their meat a delicacy enjoyed by most everyone, there are even more domesticated turkeys than there are wild ones.

Eagle away, thereby making our national symbol a coward.

Hmmm. Can you just picture a Wild Turkey sitting on the epaulets of our military leaders rather than the eagle?

By the way my father kept that liquor cabinet locked.

plump body transforms itself into, well, a headdress fit for an Indian Chieftain—and that’s exactly where they got their headdresses. No other native bird can match this colorful array of a Tom come-a-courting.

In April-May you will hear him call or “gobble” from a mile away.

Like all polygamous birds the male serves only one purpose.

The hen incubates the eggs and raises the precocial young, which are called poults. Turkeys are omnivorous, eating mostly mast—acorns and hickories, but also taking berries, insects and even amphibians. As you can see in the photo, turkeys fly high up into trees to roost for the night; however, they spend Few birds are both beautiful and most of the day on the forest ugly. Wild Turkeys certainly floor looking for food. are both. Although the head is interesting, especially the male Almost everyone by now has or Tom, as it is called, with its red heard that Benjamin Franklin wattles and barnacle-like bare wanted to make the Wild Turkey skin that changes colors with the symbol of the United States the bird’s mood, one can only rather than the Bald Eagle. call it less than prepossessing. Franklin thought the eagle was When displaying for the female larcenous, stealing the fish of the or hen, as she is called, the Osprey. Furthermore Franklin, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

The Gateway Gardener®

who was an astute observer of just about everything, observed that the diminutive Eastern Kingbird easily drove the Bald

Jt’s

Connie Alwood is a Master Gardener and co-author of Birds of the St. Louis Area: Where and When to Find Them.

Fresh Ideas

Grilled ribeye Steak with OniOn blue CheeSe SauCe

Ingredients

2 whole Ribeye Steaks 2 Tablespoons Butter Salt Pepper 4 Tablespoons Butter 1 Large Yellow Onion, Sliced 1 cup Heavy Cream ½ cup Crumbled Blue Cheese

Preparation Instructions Salt and pepper both sides of the steaks. Grill in 2 tablespoons butter until medium rare.

Saute onions in 4 tablespoons butter over high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until dark and caramelized. Reduce heat to simmer and pour in cream. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. Stir in blue cheese until melted. Serve steaks on generous portion of sauce.

This recipe adapted from http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/grilledribeye-steak-with-onion-blue-cheese-sauce/.

Please share some of your favorite recipes with us.

You can FAX your recipe to 314.968.4025 or email us at info@gatewaygardener.com.

13

Upcoming Events FUN FOR KIDS

Meetings, Classes, Entertainment and More

Updates to this information are often posted on our online events calendar at GatewayGardener. com, so check there for the latest details. If you have a smartphone, scan this code to go directly to the Upcoming Events online calendar.

Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it to our website and include it in our next issue. Deadline for printing in Jan./Feb. issue is December 1st.

How to reach us: Mail: PO Box 220853 St. Louis, MO 63122 Fax: (314) 968-4025 Email: info@gatewaygardener. com

GARDEN CLUBS AND PLANT SOCIETY MEETINGS Interested in Joining a Garden Club or Plant Society? We have meeting dates, locations and contact information on more than 50 area garden clubs on our website at www.GatewayGardener.com.

Don’t have access to the internet?

Just call us at (314) 968-3740, or write us at PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122, and we’ll get the information to you. So share your joy for gardening and join a garden club or favorite plant society today!

14

November 3rd 9am—Herb--Chocolate: St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Children’s Garden Club. FREE. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company, 6740 Chippewa St. December 1st 9 am—Holiday Decorating— Children’s Garden Club. FREE. Sherwood’s Forest Nursery & Garden Center. 2651 Barrett Station Rd. (314) 966-0028.

December 8th & 15th 1-4pm—Saturdays with Santa: Christmas Carols in the Garden.

Whisper your Christmas wishes to Santa Claus, listen to festive holiday carols and enjoy the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Ridgway Visitor Center.

Included with Garden admission; admission to the Gardenland Express holiday flower and train show is an additional $5. Missouri Botanical Garden.

CLASSES, LECTURES AND EVENTS November 3rd 10am—Let’s Make A Terrarium.

Class includes all the supplies needed and an experienced terrarium tutor to guide you through the process. $45 fee, $35 if you bring your own glass container. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. Call 314965-3070 for reservations.

November 10th Filthy Feeder Recycle Day. Bring your old birdfeeder in to be recycled and receive 30% off a new birdfeeder.

Ashamed of your filthy, old feeder?

Don’t be… the dirtiest feeder receives a prize! Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, Hillermann.com.

10am—Amaryllis for Holiday Displays. Discover the best varieties, plus tips for growing, making flowers last and propagation . Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 9653070 for reservations.

November 11th 1pm—Exotic Invasive Species.

Steve Kottemann, Jefferson County Master Gardener, guest speaker.

Public welcome. Kress Farm Garden Preserve, 5137 Glade Chapel Road, Hillsboro, MO. 63050. Contact Jo Ferguson, 636-296-9306, for more information.

10am-5pm—Christmas Open House in Old Webster. Visit Rolling Ridge Nursery and all the other Old Webster retailers to celebrate the start of the Holiday Season. Rolling Ridge Nursery, 60 N. Gore, Webster Groves, MO, 63119.

November 15th 5-8pm—Holiday Evening of Lights and Thirsty Thursday. Get the Christmas Season started with an evening filled with music and samples from local shops and vendors including food items. The lights will be dimmed and Christmas lights from displays and trees will fill the evening. A donation of items or cash to benefit Pregnancy Assistance Center, Franklin County Humane Society or Santa Run as your admission is greatly appreciated.

Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636239-6729, Hillermann.com.

November 17th 10am—Rose Winterizing Workshop.

The Tri County Rose Society will be available in Hillermann’s Rose Garden preparing the rose plants for winter. Come get expert advice on rose care and hands on experience. FREE! Hillermann Nursery & Florist, (636) 239-6729, Hillermann.com.

10am—Holiday Outdoor Containers for Entrance Way and Patios. Learn how easy it is to create exquisite containers that will look good through the holiday season and beyond. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 9653070 for reservations.

Centre Blvd. St Peters, MO. November 17th-18th Sat. 8am-5pm & Sun. 9am-5pm— Hillermann’s Holiday Open House..

Kick off the Holiday Season with beautiful displays and decorated Christmas trees. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, Hillermann. com.

November 18th 9am-4pm—Poinsettia Wonderland Open House. See the largest display of poinsettias in the area. Guided tours of the greenhouses from 10am-3pm.

Visit with Santa, and enjoy Christmas carolers, holiday cookies and crafters.

Proceeds from sales benefit Millstadt Optimist Youth Club. Millstadt Gardens, 6667 Route 158, Millstadt, IL, 62290. (618) 476-9600.

November 21st through December 30th 10am-4pm—Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House. See the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the holidays in true Victorian style. Enjoy storytelling on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and don’t miss the special activities for children! Open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Included with Garden admission. Missouri Botanical Garden.

November 21st through January 1st 9 am-5 pm—Gardenland Express.

Annual holiday flower and train show features G-scale model trains traveling through a miniature landscape of living plants, surrounded by more than 500 colorful poinsettias and other flowers. Closes early at 4pm on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. Orthwein Floral Display Hall at Missouri Botanical Garden. Garden admission plus $5; free for members.

November 22nd through January 1st 1-3pm—2nd Annual “Where 9am-5pm—Holiday Wreath Does Rain Water Go?” Emmy Auction. Featuring unique creations Award winning Master Storyteller by some of the area’s finest floral Bobby Norfolk, presents a “Journey designers. All wreaths are sold by into the Myth, Fantasy and Truth silent auction bidding, with proceeds about Water, the Fourth Element” benefiting the Missouri Botanical Theater seating is limited. Register Garden. Monsanto Hall, upper level of at FleurDeLisGardenSociety.org to the Ridgway visitor center. reserve yours today. Free and open to the public. Also featuring the Girl November 24th Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Sponsored 10am-5pm—Holiday Open House.

by Pizzo and Fleur de Lis Garden Free wine, punch and munchies. Sugar Society. St Peters City Hall, One City Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd.,

The Gateway Gardener®

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

Kirkwood. Call (314) 965-3070.

November 25th 9am-5pm—Christmas Open House.

Super special discounts and a gift for stopping in. Santa will visit from noon-3pm. Bring your children and cameras for a great photo opportunity.

Sappington Garden Shop, 11530 Gravois Rd., (314) 843-4700.

November 30th-December 2nd Holiday Open House Weekend.

Holiday Sparkle Wine and Cheese Evening, Nov. 30th 5-8pm, Holiday celebrations and visits from Santa Dec. 1st and 2nd 10am-5pm. Garden Heights Nursery, 1605 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, MO. GardenHeights.com.

Natural Elements. Learn how to use the bounty of your yard along with seasonal greens and ornaments to create yuletide decorating delights.

Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

December 1st and 8th 1-3pm—Santa at Hillermann’s!

Bring your kids and pets (no reptiles please) to visit with Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes! Picture prints

by YHTI Internet will be available for a charitable donation to Loving Hearts Outreach. A Kids’ Activity will also be available. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, (636) 239-6729, Hillermann. com.

December 1 -31st 9am-5pm—Holiday Trimmings at the Kemper Center. Enjoy a 12-foot balsam fir tree naturally decorated with over 50 “gourdaments” and gourd birdhouses. All decorated gourds are sold by silent auction bidding. Closed Dec. 25 and closes Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Kemper Center for Home Gardening, Missouri Botanical Garden.

December 6th “Good to Great!” Missouri Green Industry Conference and Expo.

St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, MO. Green industry professionals educational events and vendor expo. Educational tracks include horticulture, lawn care, sports turf, golf, equipment safety, and maintenance and irrigation. CEU’s available. Full brochure and online registration at http://motoc.org/gic.

December 1st 10 am—Holiday Decorating Using

December 8th 10 a.m.—Holiday

st

Decorating.

Learn about newest ideas for wreaths, mantels, chandeliers and entryways.

Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

Filthy Feeder Recycle Day. Bring your old birdfeeder in to be recycled and receive 30% off a new birdfeeder.

Ashamed of your filthy, old feeder?

Don’t be… the dirtiest feeder receives a prize! Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, Hillermann.com.

December 9th Noon-4pm—Chanukah: Festival of Lights. A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and Chanukah merchandise provided by local vendors and the Garden Gate Shop. Ridgway Visitor Center. Missouri Botanical Garden.

December 28th Noon - 4 pm—Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits. Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that means “first fruits,” and this contemporary African-American holiday centers around the feast table of the harvest. A Kwanzaa ceremony highlights a day of storytelling, craft and jewelry displays, and authentic African drumming and musical performances. Missouri Botanical Garden.

January 4th, 6th and 7th National Green Centre. The general public is invited to a “Plant Fashions” show in Columbia, MO, on January 4th. Green Industry professionals can attend the National Green Centre in St. Louis on the 6th and 7th. See pgs. 1011 for details.

Start Your Family’s Holidays at the

Poinsettia Wonderland Open House Sunday, November 18th from 9am-4pm Greenhouse Tours 10am-3pm

Sophia M. Sachs

BUTTERFLY HOUSE

Step into a magical world filled with snow-white blossoms and living jewels. Enjoy the tropical temperatures and marvel at the majestic Ruby Lacewings, Emerald Peacocks, and sapphire winged Ulysses at the Butterfly House during the Holiday Season. Celebrate the season with us Thanksgiving Weekend through New Year’s Eve. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) $6 general admission • $4.50 seniors 65 & over • $4 children 3-12 • Free children 2 & under 15193 Olive Blvd.

Chesterfield, MO 63017 in Faust Park Phone: (636) 530-0076 www.butterflyhouse.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

The Gateway Gardener®

See the area’s LARGEST display of poinsettias!

Stroll through acres of beautiful poinsettias in all different colors, plus...

Visit with Santa • Christmas Carolers Holiday Cookies & Beverages • Holiday Crafts

Millstadt Gardens

6667 Route 158 • Millstadt, IL 62260 (618) 476-9600

Hosted by Millstadt Gardens, N.G. Heimos Greenhouses and the Heimos Family.

A portion of sale proceeds benefits Millstadt Optimist Youth Club.

15

FOR THE GREENEST LAWN ON THE BLOCK TOP DRESS WITH STA-CERTIFIED COMPOST

AFTER AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

Visit St. Louis Composting’s five area locations for the largest selection of STA-certified compost, mulch products and soil blends. Top Dressing will reduce water consumption and increase nutrients in your soil.

BELLEVILLE, IL

3521 Centreville Ave. 618.233.2007

VALLEY PARK, MO 39 Old Elam Ave. 636.861.3344

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO (This is a drop off facility only) 314.423.9035

ST. LOUIS, MO

560 Terminal Row 314.868.1612

FORT BELLEFONTAINE COMPOST FACILITY

13060 County Park Rd. 314.355-0052

Visit us online at www.stlcompost.com

Step-by-Step Guide to Top Dressing: - Core aerate the lawn, concentrating on the most heavily trafficked sections.

- Apply a ½ inch layer of Field and Turf compost, using the Ecolawn Top Dresser - Smooth the surface using a rake or weighted drag mat to break down soil plugs and backfill holes - Spread grass seed, lightly rake, and water – making sure all seeds are covered with soil/compost layer to guard against winter damage - Water as needed, keeping the soil moist until seeds germinate