Horticulture: December 1996

This is the time of year when everyone is slowing down and waiting for spring to plant shrubs and trees. However, the best time to plant shrubs and trees is in the fall and winter. These plants can withstand the cold and wet weather better than the dry and hot weather during unpredictable summers.

The problem is people don't think of planting in the fall and winter and nurseries don't have a large stock to choose from in the fall because they don't anticipate the public buying at this time of year. However, the best buys can be found in nurseries when seasonal stock such as pumpkins and Christmas trees and other decorations are moved in. Rather than the nursery maintaining these plants through the winter, they would prefer to move them out at a discount price. This is the time to make some smart buys on your landscape purchases.

Let's get started by drawing out the front of your house or those areas to be landscaped. Use a tape measure to accurately measure the areas to be planted so that the right sized plants can be suggested for this area. The suggestions can be yours if you know how big that particular plant is at maturity. If you don't, use a regional reference book on landscaping.

Check out one or two from the library should you not have one handy. If this is a problem, take your drawings and photos to a nurseryman where you may purchase your plants. Allow these individuals to make suggestions of plants to be planted in your new landscape area. Don't be afraid to ask for planting, edging, mulching, and spacing recommendations.

Landscape plants grow just like any other living creature and it may be it is time to change out those over-grown plants that have been in place for the last 15 to 20 years. Instead of pruning them back dramatically each year, replace them with properly selected dwarfsize plants. Remember, proper plant selection is the answer to lowering the maintenance of your landscape. Look at this project as adding to the value of your property, in some cases, thousands of dollars towards the resale value.