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Thursday, December 24, 2009
 This article is the second of a two part series on Poinsettias. Now that you have had your poinsettias in the home for the holidays here are some tips to help you extend the life of your plant so you can enjoy the brillant colors next year. Care Tips: - After the holidays keep the poinsettias plants in indirect sun and water them regularly.
- In the spring, place your plants outdoors in an area where they can enjoy the warmth of spring after outside night temperatures averaging 55 degrees or above.
- In late March or early April, cut the poinsettia plant back to about 8 inches in height.
- By doing this, in May you will begin to see vigorous new growth. Note: it is important to water the poinsettia plant regularly during the growth period.
- Fertilize your plants every 2-3 weeks throughout the spring and summer with a well-balanced, complete fertilizer. Ensure that organic matter is mixed in the soil and make sure good drainage is allowed for (very important)!
- The poinsettia will begin setting its buds and start producing its flowers as the autumn nights begin to lengthen. Be mindful that any kind of stray light, such as from the outside street lights or the household lights can delay the re-flowering process of the poinsettia.
- Note: It is very important to keep the plant in complete darkness for 14 continuous hours each night. You may need to use a large box to cover your plant in order to encourage the blooming.
- From October to early December the plants require 6-8 hours of bright sunlight daily, with nighttime temperature between 60 and 70 degrees.
- If you follow this routine for 8-10 weeks you should see a beautiful display of color for the next holiday seson with your last years poinsettias!
Labels: Poinsettia Care
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 7:42 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
Thursday, December 17, 2009
This article is the first of a two part series on Poinsettias. The plant we know today as the poinsettia has a long and interesting history. Did you know that this beautiful plant that you place in your home during the holidays was once used as a fever medicine? Native to Central America, the plant flourished in an area of Southern Mexico known as Taxco del Alarcon. The ancient Aztecs had a name for this plant found blooming in the tropical highlands during the short days of winter - cuetlaxochitl. Cuetlaxochitl literally means - The flower of leather petals. The plant was not merely used as decorative, the Aztecs put the plant to practical use. From its bracts they extracted a purplish dye for use in textiles and cosmetics. The milky white sap, today called latex, was also made into a preparation to treat fevers. In the 17th century, Juan Balme, a botanist, noted the poinsettia plant in his writings. The botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was assigned to the poinsettia by the German botanist, Wilenow. The plant grew through a crack in his greenhouse. Dazzled by its color, he gave it the botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima meaning "very beautiful." The poinsettia may have remained a regional plant for many years to come had it not been for the efforts of Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779 - 1851). The son of a French physician, Poinsett was appointed as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico (1825 - 1829) by President Madison. Poinsett had attended medical school himself, but his real love in the scientific field was botany. (Mr. Poinsett later founded the institution which we know today as the Smithsonian Institution). Poinsett maintained his own hothouses on his Greenville, South Carolina plantations, and while visiting the Taxco area in 1828, he became enchanted by the brilliant red blooms he saw there. He immediately sent some of the plants back to South Carolina, where he began propagating the plants and sending them to friends and botanical gardens. Today, the Poinsettias come in many colors. Red, White, Pink, Jingle Bells and Monet are just some of the varieties you will find available for a favorite holiday plant. There are several interesting legends attached to the poinsettia plant as well. One story indicates that a poor Mexican girl and her brother brought it as a gift for the baby Jesus, and that's how it got the name - Flower of the Holy Night. The plants shape has been suggested to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, with the leaves symbolizing the blood of Christ, and the white leaves, His purity. Well enough of the history and legends of this beautiful plant. Here are some important care tips for your holiday Poinsettia: - The Poinsettia plant does not like the cold, so it is important to never leave your poinsettia in an unheated cold car, or a drafty entry way in your home.
- Place your plant in a bright location, however a filtered light area in the home is best to encourage the plant from dropping its leaves or having the leaves turn yellow.
- Be sure to let the soil dry out between watering. The pot will be light when lifted if it is in need of water. Please note a slight drooping of the leaves is tolerable between watering of the plant, but don't let the plants droop hard.
- It is recommended to take your plant out of the foil which is normally wrapped around the plants pot when you are watering it. Do not leave the plant with standing water in the saucer. It is not good to have them setting in water between watering.
- Remember to keep standing plants away from heating vents in the home. The perfect temperature for extending the longevity of your poinsettia plant is between 65 & 70 degrees.
Next week in part two of our series, we will offer some additional suggestions for keeping your Poinsettia beautiful all year long. Labels: Poinsettias
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 6:58 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
Monday, November 30, 2009
This is the first in a series of articles on what a gardener can do in the winter.
"Winter interest" is the term given to landscape plants which have aesthetic merit during the otherwise barren months of late November through March. A later article will focus on outdoor plants, but this article's focus is the array of choices for indoor plants, which can be purchased and maintained year-round.
Most house plants are tropical species which, in the wild, enjoy temperatures of 65-85 degrees year round- the same as most people! Some species enjoy high humidity and benefit from running a humidifier, misting, or a pebble tray. There are species which will survive in the low light of a windowless cubicle, thrive in the shady corner of a living room, or take over a sunny windowsill. Whatever your indoor conditions, there is a house plant for you.
Preferred vs. Tolerated
Each house plant specie evolved in the wild under particular conditions. The closer you come to mimicking those conditions, the better the plant will perform for you. Plants like philodendron and epipremnum prefer low light conditions, like the corner of a south-facing bathroom, away from the window, out of direct sunlight but still somewhat bright. Plants are tougher than we think, however. Philodendron will survive under ordinary fluorescent lights with almost no natural light, or on a south-facing windowsill which is sunny all day. With no natural light and the measly 2-5 footcandles* of fluorescent light it might recieve in an office, for example, philodendron will grow but its growth will be slow and the new growth will be very dark green and leggy. Under too much sun, philodendron leaves become very small and pale green, and may even burn around the edges.
Every plant has its "preferred" conditions and its "tolerated" conditions. "Preferred" conditions give your plant its absolute best appearance.
Humidity can also be an important factor in giving your plant its preferred conditions. A philodendron in the bathroom situation described above would get plenty of humidity during hot showers. In a living room, philodendron would do fine without the humidity from the shower but would benefit from misting or a pebble tray. Proper humidity promotes lush, shiny foliage and in some species is crucial to flowering. The easiest method of raising the humidity around a plant is simply placing a tray full of gravel or pebbles under the container and filling it halfway with water. The bottom of the planter should never sit in the water, always above it, on top of the pebbles.
Watering
A good general rule is to water only when the top inch or so of soil has dried in the pot. Some plants may need more frequent watering, while some plants such as succulents (cactus-like plants with fleshy leaves) need less water. Watering on a set schedule (once a day, once a week, etc) can lead to over or underwatering as conditions inside the home and around the plant change. Checking the soil with your finger is the most reliable indicator of its moisture. The weight of the pot, color of the soil and size of the root ball may also be considered.
A little research and some careful trial and error will determine the water regimen appropriate for your plant in its current location. Water should be reduced in the winter months while plants are not growing as actively.
The most common cause of house plant fatality is overwatering.
Plants do not absorb oxygen from the air. All of the oxygen a plant needs comes from the roots in the soil. If the soil is constantly wet, the plant cannot get oxygen. The leaves turn yellow, wilt, and drop off. One-time overwatering can be fatal, but usually overwatering deaths occur over time. If you water quite frequently and notice the leaves yellowing and dropping, allow the plant to dry out more between waterings.
Species
There are virtually endless possibilities for cultivating plants in the home. Proper care and supplemental lighting makes growing even high light plants in windowless rooms possible. It all depends on your conditions, what "look" you want from a plant, and how much care you intend to give it.
Many indoor plants are cultivated for their attractive foliage, usually variegated or with an interesting pattern (Spider/Airplane Plant, Herringbone Plant.) There are also cactus-like plants suitable to growing indoors whose foliage usually has an interesting shape, these are called succulents (Snake Plant, Jade.) Then there are the flowering indoor plants which are prized for their blooms (Kalanchoe, Phalaenopsis Orchid.)
Once you determine which plant is right for you, a quick internet search will tell you the best way to care for it. If you come across many different answers to the same question, like watering, average them out and apply that concept to your situation as best you can.
Currently Yorkshire Garden Center has in stock Spider Plants, Kalanchoes, African Violets, Swedish Ivy and more! Come on in, take a look, and maybe bring home a new house plant that, if cared for, will reward you with years of color and interest. Talk to the staff for more specific information. We look forward to seeing you!
Yorkshire Garden Center
8281 Centreville Rd.
Manassas, VA 20111
*Footcandles (fc) are a measure of light intensity. The top of a tree in the middle of summer recieves about 10,000 fc of light on a sunny day and about 1,000 fc on a cloudy day. A standard fluorescent light fixture shines 2-5 fc on the top of a table. Further reading.
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 6:34 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
Monday, October 19, 2009
Landscaping
Clark of Yorkshire Garden Center has over 20 years' experience in the green industry. He and his team design and install beautiful landscapes, and can tailor a design to any situation for any scale of project- from schools to townhomes to corporate office rooftops. Our goal in all projects is to exceed your expectations with stellar customer service at an affordable price. Call (703) 331-0123 to schedule a free estimate!
Decks & Fencing
Call our professionals today at (703) 331-0123 to help you create an outdoor living space good enough to show off to all the neighbors. Our fence and deck builders use top quality products of wood, vinyl, chain link and ornamental steel or ornamental aluminum fences and our stellar customer service is tops in the Northern Virginia area.
Fire Pits
Thinking of installing a fire pit in your yard, or on the patio? Let Yorkshire Garden Center do all the work. Our garden center has many types to choose from and can build one to your specifications to allow you to enjoy the warmth of an outdoor fire in the comfort of your backyard.
Hardscapes
See what a difference a beautifully designed hardscape can make at your home with driveways, walkways and patios made of interlocking stone materials with many different choices in colors, shapes, and patterns. Yorkshire Garden Center's dedicated staff is ready to assist you in creating a look that is unique and adds value to your home. Yorkshire Garden Center proudly carries Pavestone and Capitol Pavers products and delivers the highest quality segmental concrete systems available in the U.S. Give us a call today if you'd like to schedule an appointment at (703) 331-0123 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
Water Features
From whimsical fountains to quiet pools and water falls, quench your thirst for the hottest gardening feature around. Water gardens transform your yard into a beautiful paradise where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Whether you tuck a decorative fountain near the entrance of your home or create a wildlife habitat with an ecosystem pond and waterfall, you'll find each day enhanced when you install a water feature. Whether you have an expansive lawn or a small balcony, you'll find a water feature to suit your lifestyle and budget at Yorkshire Garden Center.
Below are our Landscape Design and Installation Services
*Complete landscape design, planting and construction
*Custom patios, driveways, walks, walls and fences
*Mulching, edging, pruning and sodding
*Arbors, trellises, pergolas and other landscape structures
*Brick, stone and timber work
*Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits
*Screened porches and patios
*Tree transplanting
*And much more!
Contact Yorkshire Garden Center today at (703) 331-0123... we're open 7 days a week! Or send us an Email..Labels: Yorkshire Garden Center Services
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 8:35 AM permanent link | | 1 comments
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Bulbs: Yorkshire Garden Center has a wide selection of beautiful bulbs to brighten your spring garden. We recommend purchasing your favorites now for the best selection and plant them before Christmas. When planting place the bulbs into the holes with the top of the bulb (usually pointed) pointing up. If you have difficulty deciding which end should go up or down, you can usually count on the base of the bulb being wider than the top. If you cannot distinguish the top or bottom, plant the bulbs on their sides. Bulbs should be planted two to three times deeper than the width of the bulb. For example, a tulip that is 3 inches wide should be planted 6 inches deep. After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly.
Houseplants: Now is the time to bring your tropical and tender plants indoors. If necessary, you can use a good quality insect control to treat the soil and control any ants, pillbugs or other insects that may be living in your plants soil.
Watering: As the weather cools and fall sets in, begin watering less often, but remember to check the soil for moisture at least once a week. If the soil is dry, give your plants a thorough watering. Continue until the ground freezes.
Pruning: Are you planning to do some pruning around the yard? If so, it might be best to wait until mid-November. Pruning in early fall stimulates new growth, which may not have time to sufficiently mature prior to an early freeze. Thus, relatively tender shoots often do not make it through the winter. For the same reason, avoid excessive amounts of fertilizers on trees, shrubs and roses to allow these plants to finish their growth cycle in a normal manner.
Lawns: Your lawns should be fertilized two to four times a year to make sure they receive the proper amount of nutrients to keep them healthy, thick and green. Most of the fertilizer should be applied in the fall, between September and early December, to strengthen the root system. Stop by Yorkshire Garden Center today to get the appropriate lawn foods and fertilizers to keep your lawn looking its best year around.Labels: Fall Gardening Tips
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 7:58 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
Monday, October 12, 2009
Turn your deck into a private, relaxing retreat with these simple tips. If you need expert advice, please do not hesitate to contact Yorkshire Garden Center at (703) 331-0123. We are open seven days a week.
Add the sound of water.
Background noise from a busy street can be just as annoying as seeing your neighbor's weedy back yard. Solve this kind of problem by adding a fountain or other water feature to your deck. Even a gentle trickle of water can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time outdoors!
Use evergreens.
Evergreen trees are first-rate picks for creating privacy. They block any view and offer a lush, green backdrop. Plus, dense evergreens help filter noise. There's an evergreen for almost every garden; they come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes -- including columnar types that grow no more than 2 feet across.
Add a pergola.
A pergola can do triple duty for your deck. Beyond helping your space feel cozier, a pergola creates shade and adds interest -- especially if you enhance it with hanging baskets or planters.
Create a lush green look.
Gardeners in warm-winter climates know how tropical plants can create almost instant privacy. Even gardeners in the north can enjoy these fast-growing, big-leaf plants: Grow them as houseplants and move them in and out each season or treat them as exotic annuals.
Use your house.
Look at the lines of your home -- it might give you the perfect spot to place a deck (and make mowing or other yard-maintenance chores easier). This deck-and-pergola combination, for example, is a perfect solution for an odd space around the house.
Build a privacy screen.
While an outdoor fireplace is a deck's focal point, it's the addition of a simple privacy screen that makes the biggest difference. Even though the screen doesn't completely block the view, it provides enough protection to make the deck more enjoyable.
Incorporate your trees.
Instead of clearing the ground when you add a deck, take advantage of what's already there. This old apple tree isn't just a great addition to the yard -- it gives the deck more privacy by creating a soft, natural canopy, too. Lush plantings around the edge of the deck also help it feel softer and more secluded.
Create a beautiful canopy.
A traditional awning offers protection from the blazing summer sun -- as well as from the neighbors' second-floor windows. Awnings come in a range of styles and options, including retractable types that you can use whenever you want.
Add a great wall.
A privacy fence is one of the most common ways to block a view. Here, a simple fence caps off a deck, providing a perfect, secluded retreat. A series of container gardens soften the deck, making it even more inviting.
Split your view.
If blocking the view of your entire deck isn't possible, then work on a section of it. Here, a beautiful Hinoki cypress creates a beautiful focal point that draws your eye away from the more-visible deck areas behind it.
Embrace climbing vines.
Vines are the ultimate plant for providing privacy. Here, an evergreen clematic forms a beautiful roof over this tiny deck. It also provides an extra privacy "wall" as it scrambles up the support posts.
Plant a few small trees.
A few small trees dotted around the edge of your deck create a soft, leafy curtain without taking up too much space in your yard. Add drama and interest by selecting different types of trees. Small maples (such as Amur maple), for example, create bold fall color while crabapples offer springtime blooms.
Add the touch of colorful fabrics.
Check out the wide variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics to create a perfect screen. Sheets of fabric sewn like curtains and hung from an old curtain rod or wire are quick and easy to put together. Plus, they're inexpensive -- so you can have a couple of different options to fit your mood.Labels: Tips for decks
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 11:27 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Designing your own landscape can be overwhelming. Should you need professional assistance, please contact our experts at Yorkshire Garden Center for assistance.
** Check with your Homeowners Association for any landscaping requirements or restrictions.
** Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend on your landscape.
** Create a timeline to make the most of each season during the planting and installation process.
** Know your zones. Plants with similar watering and sunlight needs are grouped together into hydrozones. Grouping plants into hydrozones allows plants to flourish and enables you to streamline your landscape maintenance needs.
Mini-oasis zone - The area closest to the house. High-water-use plants should be closely grouped here to create a lush setting. This also is where any functional grass would be located.
Transition zone - The area in between. Low- and moderate-water-use plants are located here, a combination of lush and more arid areas.
Arid zone - The area farthest from the house. The most drought-tolerant vegetation should be found here, away from the most active areas of the landscape.
** Consider taking a gardening class at the local college.
** Take photos of eye-catching plants or plant groupings you may want to use in your landscape.
** Consider blooming seasons when planning your landscape.
** Create a focal point for each part of your property. Use lines throughout your landscape to define the space and direct the eye to those focal points.
** Repeat shapes, textures and color to pull your landscape design together.
** Buy smaller plants to save money.
** Place your trees first as an anchor and work your way outward. Be sure to allow enough room for root growth.
** Remember, new plants need six months to a year to begin filling out.Labels: Landscaping Design Tips
posted by Yorkshire Garden Center @ 10:59 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
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