What's New for January & February

Happy New Year! We have good news and bad news. The good news is that the sale continues. The bad news is that this continued cold and dry weather means that some watering will be necessary. Wait no longer to water because no rain is in sight. Even though it is cold, the water needs to reach roots that are drying in spite of the cold. It's not necessary to flood your plants, but start gently so enough water still reaches the plants and prevents stunting the growth of your plants for this year. By March you will need to do all-out watering. It's almost impossible to overwater in March as the plants are really pushing into spring growth and need all the water available.

Is your garden looking a little drab in spite of itself with not much color? Do you have a few winter and very early blooming camellias? Camellias can start blooming as early as November and if a few blossoms get frosted, new ones will open as soon as it we have a warm day. My camellia Hinode Gumo was a little late this autumn, not opening until November. It's usually starts to bloom before Halloween. Now it has been joined by Shishigashira, also a little late but so welcome with its bright dark rose, almost red flowers. Camellias are such dependable plants, small trees in fact. With varied kind, you can have them blooming for six months.

Most of the fall and winter blooming azaleas are full of frosted blossoms now unless they are in very protected spots. But never fear, most of them have unopened buds just waiting for the weather to improve.

With the leaves off your deciduous trees, you can continue as necessary to prune as needed and perhaps do a little artistic pruning as well while the visibility of structure is so clear. Hardwood cuttings can be made now if you are interested in increasing the number of a favorite variety or as a gift to a friend who has admired a plant in your garden.

By February, the early bulbs and early rhododendrons have started to bloom between frosts but they may be late this year unless we get more rain. If your garden is looking dull, treat yourself to a trip to a larger nursery, park, or botanic garden that specializes in very early blooming plants. This will give you a real life that may inspire you to try new pleasures for the early gardening year.

We hope to see you soon!