Fall newsletter, 2007

A Little Bit of Heaven

     Previously we have written of the physical benefits of Beachcomber Hot Tubs.  In this edition the research needs to be set aside and a tribute to pure pleasure written in its place.

Picture this:

     You're lounging in the lusciously heated 102 degree water in the quiet of a winter evening.  You lean back and allow the warmth engulf you as you gaze into the star-studded sky.  The temperature may be in the teens outside, however in the luxury of a Beachcomber Hot Tub you are warmed by not just the water temperature but the feeling of total relaxation.  This setting can only turn to perfection if gentle clouds move in and a light snowfall begins.  Watching the flakes drift down and the absolute stillness of the night give you a sense of tranquility whether you are downtown or on a secluded mountain.

     Do you see your favorite beverage sitting on the edge keeping chilled by the evening air?  Is that special someone enjoying this scene with you?  Are you sharing this moment with the whole family?  Create your own dreams.

Let us help you:

     Nothing says Merry Christmas like giving luxury anytime through the year.  Pick one from our display models or order early and give the perfect hot tub customized by you with your loved one in mind.  We'll keep it under "wraps" until the right moment, and perhaps you could be tasting luxury before New Year's Eve.  What a fantastic way to bring in the new year!

     Valentine's Day - chocolate and a hot tub = the perfect combination for romance.  You could offer heavenly chocolate and the opportunity to give an embrace of warmth and a kiss of luxury of a Beachcomber Hot Tub.  We will add the red ribbon so you can tie up the most romantic memory of the love of your life.

     A Beachcomber Hot Tub is manufactured by our neighbors in Canada, and capable of withstanding the extreme elements of Tioga County winters.  Too often people think a hot tub is not for winter enjoyment, but we believe the complete opposite.  Martin's Garden Center can help you create a wonderland in your backyard.

     Interested in experiencing the luxuries of a Beachcomber Hot Tub in the middle of a winter wonderland?  Come in, speak to our experienced staff and have Martin's deliver a little bit of heaven to you.  We will be open during the winter months for your Beachcomber Hot Tubs and water treatments.  We will continue to honor our CLUB-6 water treatment cards.  Visit our link for store hours.

What's The Snag?

     Where can you find a snag?  There can be a snag:  in your stocking if it's ripped or torn, in the works as an obstacle, or a deer's antler when it's imperfectly developed.  But, the snag in this case is a standing dead tree.

     Is there an advantage in having a snag in your landscape?  Absolutely.  It is more than just a dead tree; it can be Nature's artistic silhouette in your landscape.  More so, it provides a great benefit to wildlife for food, shelter and nesting.

     Several species of birds use the abandoned cavities of a snag for nests while others excavate their own in the soft rotting wood.  A bat might seek the loose bark to roost after a night of hunting insects.  Many animals use a snag as shelter from summer heat and cold winter temperatures.  Beneficial insects living in the dead wood feast on ones that harm living trees.

     A snag plays an important role in the environment's food chain.  Bark beetles lay eggs in the soft wood, the larvae eat the rotting wood and in the mean time, birds and other animals feed on the larvae.  Woodpeckers peck for insects and larvae which in turn creates sawdust for ants to process.  Deer eat the lichen growing on a snag.

     This may appear to exist only in a woodland scene, but it is possible to have a snag in your backyard.  As long as it doesn't't pose a threat to structures in the vicinity or your family, you can turn what some may consider an eyesore into a truly beautiful, deliberate addition to your landscape.  Try a minimalistic approach.  Keep the entire area sharp with clean edges, and don't over plant near such a unique, simple specimen.  Spikey, threadlike grasses, such as miscanthus, will work perfectly.  Rather than using mulch, a stone cover is more in tune to this setting.  A low wall of layered rock would add the finishing touch.  Martin's Garden Center has all these elements to enhance the snag in your backyard.

The Tool Shed

Wheelbarrow wonders:

Long handled tools can be draped across the handles, but attach a wire basket between the wheelbarrow's handles, and you now have a great place to carry the smaller ones.

Drill 2-3 holes along each side's rim to hook bungee cords for stretching in a X formation over the heaps of debris collected, especially during this time of year.  These cords can help stabilize and balance heavy overloads and allow the handy wheelbarrow to become more like a truck than a tool.

Container control:

Containers need to be prepared for the winter.  Empty the pot and clean it with a 10 parts water/ 1 part bleach solution to kill any disease.  It is best to depose of the potting soil and start fresh next spring.

If you are trying to winter-over a pot's contents, try wrapping bubble wrap around it.  This will help keep the cold out.  Moving it to a more protected area will also help.

Preparing for spring:

Afraid you won't recognize this season's newest additions when it sprouts in the spring?  Drive a small stake or long nail next to it into the bed.  Add a ribbon so not to loose the marker over the winter.  Next spring when it starts to grow, you won't mistake it for a weed.

MARTIN'S LANDSCAPE SERVICE

Top quality products with excellent service from design to installation.  The professional difference having experience, skill and knowledge you need for beautiful landscape designs. 

(570)376-4411 or (570)376-2745

Call now and make plans for the spring.

Fall Plantings

     In our last edition we discussed planting a new tree or trans;panting an old favorite.  As promised, hole preparation will be found in this one.

     Refer to our summer edition for locating the perfect spot.  Once this task has been accomplished, call your utility companies to avoid underground utilities.

STEP 1 - Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball for which your are planting.  The hole should be only as deep as the original "ground" line of your tree, or slightly less.

STEP 2 - Loosen the soil on the bottom and along the side in order for roots to easily penetrate their surroundings.  Amend the soil with rich mushroom soil from Martin's Garden Center.

STEP 3 - Remove the tree from its container by placing it on its side and hitting the sides and bottom of the container until the root ball is loosened.

STEP 4 - If the roots appear to have taken the shape of the container, slice through them in a few places along the sides.  Separating the roots will allow them to interface with the existing, amended soil more rapidly.

     With B&B (ball and burlap) trees, remove any string and/or untie any burlap.  It is not necessary to remove the burlap completely as it is biodegradable.

STEP 5 - Place your treasure in the hole.  Leave the root ball exposed 1-2 inches above ground level.  NEVER SET A TREE TOO DEEPLY for it will smother eventually.  Slowly backfill with soil, and periodically tamp it to eliminate air pockets.  Give the newly planted tree a thorough drink of water.  Then periodically water by creating a slow drip which will penetrate the soil deeply forcing the roots deeper and not remain on the surface.

STEP 6 - Mulch around the tree.  Do not lay more than 3 inches on surface roots.  Martin's Garden Center has double ground and red, brown or black dyed mulches.  Delivery is available.

STEP 7 - Staking may be necessary to support the tree during its early stages.  Remove staking material when there's no longer a threat and the tree is established.

     A properly planted tree will grow faster and live longer.  Fall is the best time to do any kind of planting since it gives the tree a chance to establish roots before the ground freezes.  When spring arrives, it will be ready to thrive compared to any one that is planted in the spring.  Martin's Garden Center has a wide selection of the best specimens in the area.

Fabulous Fall Foliage

sugar maples       spirea       viburnum       switch grass       oak leaf hydrangea       Autumn Joy - sedum

                Henry's Garnet             witch hazel           burning bush             sweet gum tree