North Haven Gardens January-February Newsletter

North Haven Gardens Newsletter
January-February 1997

In this issue:

Orchids for the Home by Joe Steele

Berries Berries Berries by Margie Garland

From the Book Nook by Bob McLaughlin

Valentine Specials

The Gift Corner by Betty Hargrave

Roses at North Haven Gardens by Charlene Rowell

Orchids for the Home by Joe Steele

The vivid golden spray of flowers from the Oncidium orchid or the soft velvety white blooms of a Phalaenopsis are sure to brighten any home interior. These regal plants belie their ease of care. Though very different in form, many Orchid varieties can be cared for the same. The most common Orchids at local nurseries are Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums and Oncidiums.

Phalaenopsis typically have large flat leaves with a tall flower spike. Sometimes the flower spikes are split or branched. This adds to the number of flowers you can expect. Typically Phalaenopsis blooms last from 2 to 4 months. They need bright indirect light and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Optimum temperatures for Phalaenopsis are between 65 to 70 degrees year round. When flowers start to drop cut the flower spike between the first flower and the last node. They will usually grow another spike from the first node. Phalaenopsis colors vary but white and pink are most common.

Dendrobiums usually have 15 to 18 upright stems with 3 to 5 inch pointed leaves off of them. The flower spikes form at the tops of the newest stems. Dendrobiums prefer bright light and 60 to 90 degree temperatures. Let them dry out between watering as Orchid roots have a great water holding capacity and with too much they can become waterlogged and begin to deteriorate. They are usually sold in four inch pots with 1 to 3 flower spikes. After blooming allow to dry for one month then repot and fertilize. They come in a full range of colors. Blooms last from 1 to 2 months.

Oncidiums can be recognized by their large pseudo bulbs. From the upper end of the bulb grows elongated 8" to 12" leaves. Flower spikes can be from 12" to 48" tall and are heavily branched. The flowers themselves are usually yellow or white with reddish brown barring and are one inch in size. Give them bright light and 70 to 80 degree temperatures. After blooming remove spike at the base and resume fertilizing.

These may be the most common Orchids but, there are many other beautiful and interesting varieties. Cattleyas, Slipper Orchids and Nuns Orchids to name a few. Come see our Orchid collection at North Haven. We also have a full line of orchid care products and supplies. It will be our pleasure to assist you in the care of your orchids.

Valentine Specials

Free Delivery

For local orders when placed before February 6.

Free Chocolate

Receive 1/4 lb Han's Chocolates with orders of $100.00 or more.

Color Roses are the item this year!

For the one you love choose from premium roses like Osiana, Raphaela, Marliss Sonia,Virginia and others. Rose arrangements will start at $69.99

Other options for the love struck include everlasting engraved River Rocks. Custom messages can be ordered. European baskets arranged with a variety of easy care plants.

Show you care with Roses from

North Haven Gardens Florist!

Berries Berries Berries by Margie Garland

What warm spring day would be complete without a bowl of blackberries in milk or strawberries over ice cream? Imagine that sweet burst of juice as you bite into a warm grape fresh from the vine? Growing berries in Dallas is possible, and North Haven Gardens is there with the recommended berries and the knowledge to ensure a berry-fruitful experience.

Blackberries produce on last years growth and are very easy in our area.

Brazos old tried and true variety. This one is a heavy producer.

Cherokee very sweet medium berries on tall erect canes.

Navajo is a thornless introduction from the University of Arkansas. Moderate producer.

Womack good producing older variety.

Blueberries are not native to our area and do not perform well in Dallas soil. If grown here they are best planted in large 15-20 gallon pots with a potting mix high in peat moss. Two different varieties are needed for pollination.

Tiffblue a rabbiteye type grows upright and fruits in June.

Woodard a rabbiteye has a spreading habit, fruits in June.

Grapes are a wonderful vine for arbors and fences to create privacy and the fruit is a wonderful bonus.

Champanel a purple semi seedless grape great for jelly.

Flame is an early red seedless, sweet good eating grape.

Himrod is a very early white grape with moderate fruit production.

Seibel 9110 produces white seedless grapes that are great for table eating and jelly.

Thompson is a midseason producer of white seedless grapes with mild sweet flavor.

Raspberries are a little timid here because of our summer heat and alkaline soil, so plant them with morning sun and afternoon shade, mulch well to keep roots cool and moist.

Dorman Red is a trailing hybrid for Texas with tart fruit in early June.

Strawberries are much happier in raised beds supplemented with organic matter. Planted in the fall they will produce a modest crop in spring. But planted in spring will guarantee a years wait for fruit. Strawberries are and evergreen perennial and they tend to double each year so allow plenty of room.

Ozark - hardy ever-bearing variety

Allstar - great strawberry for the south, heavy spring Sequoia - familiar spring producing variety.

From the Book Nook by Bob McLaughlin

On a cold winter day, what could be better than curling up with a good book? Well, if you're a gardening enthusiast, you can score twice; plan your garden for next spring while at the same time doing some fun reading. North Haven Gardens has some excellent books to help you do just that. Some of these books have been available for awhile, but are a must for your reference shelf. You will use them till they are dog-eared, but the information will always be good; others are new and well worth the wait. Let's look at just a few of these offerings:

Neil Sperry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening, 2nd. Ed.

This favorite stand-by has been revised and updated with lush photos, current information and recommended latest fruit and vegetable varieties.

The Old Farmers' Almanac, By Robert D. Thomas

This has been, since 1792, the standard reference for weather forecasts, planting dates and wisdom in general. You can't put it down.

Planting Manual for Dallas Area Gardens by the Dallas Garden Club of the Dallas Woman's Club.

These ladies have been dispensing wonderful gardening help since their founding in 1926. For the Dallas area in particular, their month by month suggestions plus articles on gardening will be referred to over and over.

Plants of the Metroplex III, by Howard Garrett.

Dallas' foremost organic guru has included the latest info on organic thinking plus a feature which I have always found to be very useful to anyone planting a garden. He tells you suggested height, spread and spacing on plants.

The Vegetable Book, A Texan's Guide to Gardening, by Dr. Sam Cotner. Dr. Cotner is head of the department of horticulture at Texas A. & M. University. He is a recognized expert on all aspects of vegetable growing. Reading this book is like having the "Prof" at your side giving you personal advice. If you like to grow veggies, you have to have this one.

The Organic Rose Garden, by Liz Druitt

Ms. Druitt combines a love of nature along with an extensive knowledge of old garden roses. She will list varieties which, after you have read about them, you will swear you absolutely must have. Her organic approach from the initial bed prep to the end of the growing season makes fascinating reading.

After you have read some of these books if you aren't in a frenzy to get out and garden, have someone check your pulse!

The Gift Corner by Betty Hargrave

North Haven continues to enlarge their extra special gift selection. With the hectic pace of the holidays behind us, we can take the time to plan for the gifts we need now as well as those for early spring. North Haven is now carrying the Brass Baron collection of fountain and pond accessories with beautiful cranes, spouting fish and frogs. This is a must see to enjoy the beautiful selection. Also, special orders from the Brass Baron catalog are welcome. Our new slate table top fountains are the perfect addition to the patio or garden room. They will give that relaxing natural sound to any area they are used in. Our large section of orchids will delight and add the beauty of the tropics to our winter decor. We have a large collection of metal trellis with hand painted nature scenes for large containers. You may like one of the new welcome signs for gates or doors. These come in several decorative designs: birds, fish, birdhouses, butterflies and watering cans. Our solid teak benches, chairs and tables add beauty to any room. Pile them high with bright pillows and forget it is winter. And as always our popular gift certificates may be purchased in any amount for that special gift

See you at the gift store that makes shopping fun.

Begonias as Herbs by Don Miller

In tropical regions, their native habitat, Begonias are used by the native people for food and medicine. Americans are now beginning to learn how to use Begonias as a food and are doing research on their medicinal properties. Use begonia flowers and stems as a salad herb and delightful garnish. In the language of herbs begonias symbolize 'attention' and 'woes be gone'. Now you can enjoy these beautiful flowers in your garden and on your dinner plate too!

New Roses for 1997 at North Haven Gardens by Charlene Rowell

Nothing sets the senses reeling like the sight and smell of a new spring rose blossom. Except the anticipation of the new rose varieties to be released for the upcoming rose season. This year we have several new roses. Some are new introductions and some are varieties new to North Haven Gardens! Take a look and imagine these beauties in your rose garden this year!

1997 Rose releases:

Artistry: Hybrid Tea. This AARS winning rose hase full large flowers of a soft coral with a hint of cream on the reverse. Tidy medium sized plant with plenty of vigor.

Timeless: Hybrid Tea. Long shapely buds of deep even pink slowly opens to large flowers. Deep green medium-low slightly spreading shrub. Mild fragrance.

Scentimental : Floribunda. 1997 AARS winner. Loads of burgundy -red and creamy white swirled flowers with strong spicy scent. Each flower is as unique as a snowflake. You’ll love this vigorous medium rounded shrub. A must have for every rosarian.

Roses new to North Haven Gardens:

Livn' Easy: AARS winning Floribunda. This hardy disease resistant rose really lives up to its name. Produces apricot orange flowers all season with a fruity fragrance. Plan to plant plenty of these!

Lynn Anderson: Hybrid Tea. Fabulous cream colored rose with striking pink edges. These large fragrant blossoms are held on long stems. Tall upright shrub.

Hansa: 1905 Rugosa. Large double reddish purple flowers with strong clove scent. Very free flowering through a long blooming season. Easy to grow, Hansa makes a large shrub and bears large orange-red rose hips in the fall. Give Hansa plenty of room.

Perle D'Or: This 1784 Polyantha will capture your heart with its dainty little garden pink flowers. They are especially striking next to the apricot colored buds! Great for cutting since their powerful perfume can scent a whole room. Strong bloomer.

Basye's Purple: Large single flowers of velvety purple with vibrant gold stamens give this 1968 rose a royal look. Blooms throughout the season on a thick 4' to 6' shrub. Lovely clove like fragrance. Great for heavy soil.

This is just a small sampling of 45 new roses you'll find at North Haven this year. We will have a complete rose list (290 varieties) free to you when you visit our garden center. So hurry and pick up your list for planning the new additions to your rose garden.

Winter Rose Care Tips by Bob McLaughlin

Always keep area clean by raking up old leaves. Prune for new growth about mid-February. Prune climbing roses after their first spring bloom. Start new beds now for spring planting. Work in plenty of compost for good drainage. Spread out at least 2" of mulch around each existing bush to protect against sudden temperature drops.

Roses will be released for sale March 1, 1997.