Putting the garden to bed for the winter is mostly a matter of cleaning up and covering up. As fall progresses and temperatures drop, those plants that aren’t killed outright by frost prepare for dormancy. Clear out the blackened stems and foliage of annual flowers and vegetables to prevent the possibility of their harboring disease pathogens and insect eggs over the winter.
Archive for the ‘Annuals & Perennials’ Category
22 Nov
Mulching in the winter protects your beds
10 Nov
Holiday Color Indoors: Amaryllis Bulbs 101
Amaryllis flowers are a traditional holiday favorite. They beautifully unfurl in beautiful reds, whites, pinks, oranges and greens. You can easily pot them during the cold season and plant them in the spring. They make great Christmas gifts too! Here’s a step-by-step guide the folks at Southern Living have put together.

Step 1
Start with a pot a little larger than the width of your bulb. (Or cluster several bulbs close together in a larger container.) You want a tight fit. Use a porous, sterile potting mix that’s rich in organic matter. Soak each bulb in lukewarm water for a half hour before planting.

Add bulb to pot. Do not bury the bulb. Leave at least one-third of the bulb above soil level. Water well, and then let drain. Make sure you place it in a warm room to get it started.
Water again only after you see the green growth of the leaves emerging from the bulb. Do not overwater.

Step 3
Dress up your containers by covering soil with pine cones, moss, gravel, small stones, or even glass ornaments.
Photo: Van Chaplin, Article: Gene B. Bussell
Many Thanks to the Southern Living garden team! http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/amaryllis-bulbs-how-to-00417000070019/