There's been a change from paper newsletters to email circulation. We are as concerned for the environment as you, so in order to do our part, we will publish only as emails and on our website. Publishing electronically enables us to give you not just our expertise, but opens the world to you linking to other sites for more information.
Topiary Trimming
Martin's Garden Center has topiaries that make outstanding focal points in your garden. They appear in a manicured bed as a living sculpture with clean, sharp lines when they are pruned properly.
Available Specimens:
Pom Pom
Spiral
Wells Golden Pine on Standard
Serpentine Pine Poodle
To maintain the elegant shape of a spiral, follow the original shape using simple pruning shears. Start at the bottom trimming evenly as you "sprial" to the top. Step back and admire the art you have sustained as a focal point in your garden. This can be done 3-4 times during the season with your last cutting no later then September. This advice came from our link with Pennsylvania Pride. For our other topiaries, spring is the best time to prune. Watch for the new growth call candles, which appear as light green spikes. cut each one approximately 1/3 of its length while keeping the original shape. This is best done before new growth "hardens off" or turns a darker green. Email us at staff@martinsgardencenter.com with questions or visit our Garden Center and let one of our staff demonstrate pruning techniques for any of our topiaries.
Need a part or accessory for your Mantis? Come in and speak to one of our staff. If we do not have it, we can order it for you.
Top quality products with excellent service from design to installation.
The professional difference having the experience, skill and knowledge you need for beautiful landscape designs.
For more information on Landscape Design or Installation please call 570-376-2745 or (570-376-4411)
BEE in the know
It is sometimes difficult to love what is at times considered a pest when gardening or enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but the bee is truly one of man's best friends. We have found an interesting article on keeping bees from disappearing at this website:
Martin's Garden Center has tables packed with the perennials and rows of shrubs from tall to short for color and blooms, texture and variety of which will attract bees. Follow the planting instructions as suggested in the article and you can perhaps help reduce colony colaspe disorder (CCD) with your garden.
Click on the link to visit the Pennsylvania Pride website:
This website allows you to search a particular plant before investing in it for your landscape project. Look for available Pennsylvania Pride's coupons, which we will honor at the garden center.
Martin's Garden Center is the exclusive dealer of PA PRIDE landscape material in this area. You can plant with confidence knowing these quality products have a 3-year guarantee. Keep all the picture tags from the shrub or tree and the receipt. If it dies within 3 years of the receipt date, bring back the plant with all the paperwork and we will replace it.
Unilock - Paving Stone and Retaining Wall Manufacturer
Martin's Landscape Service uses Unilock paving stone and retaining wall materials exclusively. Dale Martin has the confidence to utilize this quality product in his design where is good name depends on it.
CONSTANT COLOR
A frequently asked question is, "Is there a perennial that blooms all summer?" The answer unfortunately is no, but there is a way to have constant color in your perennial bed throughout the season. These recommended plants are reliable perennials and listed in order of flowering time:
Flowering Bulbs (for fall planting)*
Creeping Phlox*
Iris*
Daisy*
Columbine
Jacob's Ladder
Bleeding Heart
Fox Gove
Coreopsis*
Daylilies*
Coneflower and Rudbeckia*
Liatris*
Bee Balm*
Joe Pye Weed*
Astilbe
Coral bells
Hosta
Ligularia
Sedum (Autumn Joy)*
* Indicates Sun Perennial
Keep in Mind that some will overlap their blooming periods.
As much as we would wish, perennial gardens are NOT maintenance free:
Dead head regularly to encourage new blossoms
Weed frequently
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks if using a liquid quick release fertilizer
Mulch 2-3 inches
Watering during the first year installed is necessary. Watering during the second year only in drought conditions as needed
Divide every 3-5 years in spring or fall.
THE TOOL SHED
Not just for the Harley - Biker gloves are great for the garden! They are made of soft, quality leather for strenght and durability. The fingers are cut out for dexterity, and this feature protects the tender skin between the thumb and index finger. The palm is reinforced so when grasping a garden tool handle, it protects not just the palm, but helps eliminate fatigue.
Cup of Java Plus - Sprinkle leftover coffee grounds around acid oving plants. Tea grounds are just as good a pick-me-up.
Heavenly scent for the car - Believe it or not, your car could be the perfect spot to dry your herbs. Lay paper on upholstery and place herbs to be dried without overlapping them. Simply shut all doors and windows and allow the "oven" to dry them quickly and insect free. One of the best side effects is the heavenly scent your car will gain.
Olive oil for the garden - To deter jamming or breaking of string for the trimmer, try coating it with a little olive oil (any vegetable oil will do). spraying it on is quick and easy, but a few drops on your fingers and running them along the strings is less messy.
