February 19, 2010

You just have to love this weather!!  Isn't it wonderful?  It definitely makes us anxious for spring.  Now is a great to time to get out in the garden and get your planting areas ready for spring - and maybe add in some color!  We have a good selection of items to choose from - all hardy enough to withstand the weather even if we were to get a few mild frosts before spring actually arrives.

 

   
Our tables and racks are bursting with color - primroses with their cheery blooms and pansies with huge flowers - plus bulb pots of tulips, hyacinth, miniature daffodils and dutch iris.  Have you noticed the 'double' primroses?  They look like miniature roses!  Most have a delicate edge on each petal, usually in a contrasting color to the rest of the bloom.  And did you know that yellow primroses have a scent?  I can always tell when someone brings up yellow primroses to the till because you can catch that subtle hint of fragrance - a nice added treat to the bright color!
  
 We have color bowls that are perfect for your patio or entryway - instant color! 


Pansy Hanging Baskets...


4" Pots of blooming bulbs and ranunculus!
      

 Plus blooming heather in both 4" and gallon sizes.


Many of you are concerned that if you plant now, what happens if we get a hard frost or the weather turns extremely cold.  You can be assured that if we have it out for sale in our garden center that it can handle the weather we are experiencing.  If we have any concerns about it's tolerance, we will be sure to post signage around the plant telling you that it is 'tender' or that you need to monitor temperatures until it is established.  The bulbs that are out and beginning to bloom will actually benefit from some of these colder nights since it will prolong their blooming time.  There are many trees and roses that are already leafed out, too - if we were to get an extended period of cold weather it could cause some die-back of growth, and possibly even some permanent damage, but seeing that we are close to March, the chances of this happening are getting slimmer as the days go by.

With the sunny days, there have been some that have asked for vegetable starts and annuals.  As soon as we feel that the weather is warm enough and the plants are big enough and strong enough to flourish outside, we will bring them out.  Some, like peas, can be planted from seed anytime now.  And we should have starts available next week.  I know we are all anxious!  These sunny days tend to make my hands eager to dig in the dirt, too!  If you are looking for things to do while waiting for spring to arrive, here are a few ideas:

Get out the slug bait!  This year looks to be a banner year for slugs, so now is the time to get a head start on slug patrol!  They love to eat the new growth on young perennials, so it might be a good time to start looking out for them.  We have a great selection of slug control products in stock if you need to restock your supply!

Check spruce trees for spruce aphids.  Many people blame spider mites for damage to spruce trees when in most cases it is actually winter spruce aphids.  To check for them, tap or shake a branch against a white piece of paper or handkerchief.  If you see them, it would be a good time to treat your trees with a insecticidal product, such as Bayer Insect Spray.  We have a couple of different products available to choose from, but be aware that you don't want to use an oil spray on Blue Spruce - it will take the color out of the tree!

Prune your roses!  Keep 4-5 of the best canes, pruning back to around 18" for large canes and approximately 12" for smaller canes.  Remove any crossing or diseased canes.  Prune to the outside bud.  Your final plant shape should be vase-shaped.

It's the perfect time to plan your spring plantings!  We have many new books in stock, and several racks of bulbs, seeds, and all the tools you'll need to complete the job.  Be sure to check out the new varieties of dahlias and pick up your potato starts and onion sets!
 

We have a great supply of new items coming in daily - from perennials and hardier annuals to new tools and gift items for the gardener!  It's a fun time of year - there's excitement every day when the new items arrive.  This past week we have brought in many new perennials - from groundcovers like irish moss, thyme, saxifrage, aubretia (rock cress) and vinca to hardy vines like evergreen clematis and kiwi.  All hardy enough to withstand the weather even if it turns cold again. 
   

 On Sale right now...
All bamboo windchimes on sale 50% off normal prices!
All MSM Pain Relief Cream - Buy 2, Get 1 Free! (of equal or lesser value)


New items available:

Better than Rocks - this is a great new product that can be used in those larger pots that can get so heavy you can't lift them!  Made of 100% recycled plastic, you use this as a filler in the bottom of your pots.  It keeps the soil in and lets the excess water out.  It comes in many different sizes and even in rolls if you have lots of pots to fill!  A great alternative to styrofoam, rocks and packing peanuts!!

Plant Nanny - a great tool for vacation and everyday watering!  Using this product plus just an everyday plastic water or soda bottle can help you water the roots of your plants more effectively and avoid soil shrinkage.

Water Stik - this improved moisture sensor has several different alerts that can tell you what your plants need.  From over-watered to 'water now'!

New home and garden decor items:


New fountains in stock - love this cascading waterfall one!


Spring colors in candles from Vance Kitara


Fun new beach-themed items for that seashore feel!


New designs in stepping stones and wall plaques to accent your garden!
   
Van Wingerden Garden Center is now on Facebook!  Become a Fan and get access to news about new items arriving, in-store sales (before everyone else!), and exclusive Facebook Fan coupons, too!  Click on the link below to become a Fan:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blaine-WA/Van-Wingerden-Garden-Center/168753226139?v=wall

Stop in and see what's new here at the garden center - we may surprise you!

Please feel free to email me with comments or ideas of what you'd like to see in upcoming newsletters or on the website – I'd love to hear from you!  lynette@vanwingerden.com
 
Hope to see you soon!

Lynette, Sue, Suzy, Teresa, Beth, Mike D., Audrey, Mel & Kay
'the retail gang'



Hours:
Monday – Saturday   9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
 
Van Wingerden Garden Center
8210 Portal Way
Blaine, WA  98230
(360) 366-3906