September – October
Newsletter
Fall – A Great Gardening Season
If the gardening bug only bites you in the spring, you're missing a prime opportunity to enjoy America's most popular outdoor pastime. According to the American Nursery and Landscape Association (formerly American Association of Nurserymen), there are several reasons why fall is a great time to work on the landscape.
Decreased water requirements. In many regions, fall brings more reliable rainfall then summer. Temperatures are cooler; soils don't dry out as quickly. Adding new plants in fall generally means you use less water. Don't forget watering altogether. Remember to irrigate – especially new plantings if drought conditions exist.
Hardier, healthier plants. New landscape additions are more likely to make it to adulthood if planted in the fall. Why? They don't have to withstand summer heat and sun for one reason. Pest population declines in autumn, giving new transplants a fighting chance. Cooler temperatures make certain varieties, like peaches, hardier. Many wildflowers require cold weather to pop seed coats. Bulbs also need cold to bloom well in spring.
Supplemental mulch available. Add fallen leaves to compost piles or run them through your lawn mower for instant shredded mulch. Most homeowners mow lawns one last time in fall. Use those grass clippings to mulch beds.
Labor saving season. Spring and summer are labor intensive seasons for gardeners. Fall is leisurely, grass and weeds aren't growing so fast, making this a perfect time to start new garden projects. Perhaps you'd like to establish a perennial bed or add some colorful fall annuals.
More "quality time" with the experts. If you felt lost in the springtime rush at your garden center, you'll enjoy the slower pace of fall. Nurseries have more time to answer questions and assist with fall planting ideas.
Fall Gardening Checklist
Fall Color in Texas
Two lesser-known species of woody plants that grow well in the North Texas alzo feature excellent fall colors. One of these species is the "Chinese Pistachio" (Pistacia chinensis), and the other is a shrubby plant, the "Burning Bush" (Euonymus alatus).
Some horticulturists have called the "Chinese Pistachio", "a nearly perfect tree". (The same has been claimed for the "Lacebark Elm"). The "Chinese Pistachio" is botanically related to the sumacs. It consistently displays good red and yellow foliage in autumn. With regard to its possible perfection, it is drought resistant, relatively clean, fast-growing, and yet strong wooded. It grows to approximately 25-ft. to 35 ft. and makes an excellent shade tree for the residential landscape.
The "Burning Bush" euonymus is a very adaptable plant, easy to grow, and extremely tolerant of dry soils and hot summers. It features bright red fall color with good reliability in the cooler days of autumn. The leaves are retained throughout the season. We carry the compact version of the species. Expect a smaller plant to 4 ft. by 4 ft. near term and to 6 ft. at maturity (with no pruning).
North Texas might not have the classic fall colors of New England, but with some careful tree and shrub choices we can still enjoy the vibrant reds and yellows that autumn brings.
A Garden For All Seasons
In springtime we are all seduced by brilliant, ephemeral floral color. Now is time to focus on the ornamental grasses, shrubs, and foliage plants which bring lasting pleasure to our garden.
Ornamental grasses are handsome, supporting players throughout the growing season. In late summer and autumn they become stars. From the soft plumes of fountain grass to the glow of Japanese blood grass, there is one to enhance every garden style and setting.
From now through fall sedums burst into bloom attracting butterflies that harmonize beautifully with the deepening tones of fall foliage. Perfect companions for grasses, sedums like 'Autumn Joy' and 'Rosy Glow', also look great with the softly textured foliage of Artemesia and Lamb's Ear. Planted together with fall asters, they make a garden composition which is a delight to all ages, and is inviting to touch as it is to see.
Looking ahead to winter, Red Twig Dogwood makes a glorious, addition to the landscape. Attractive year-round, the Red Twig Dogwood shines in the winter garden as the color of the bark intensifies with the onset of cool weather. The bare red branches look gorgeous silhouetted against a background of deep toned evergreens.
For additional winter color, choose silvery blue conifers such as Arizona Cypress or golden ones like 'Sungold' Thread Branch Cypress. This way, your winter landscape can be a tapestry of glowing color and soothing texture.
Fall is a great time to plant. It gives trees, shrubs, and perennials time to develop the deep, healthy root systems they will need during hot, dry weather. So stop by North Haven and let us help you make a garden for all seasons.
Best Trees for Texas Excerpt from "The Dirt Doctor", by Howard Garrett
Fall is the best time to plant trees that will enhance your property by protecting your home from the heat in the summer and from the cold winds in the winter.
The list of trees below were selected based on simple criteria. They are native or well adapted so they are more likely to tolerate our extreme weather conditions. They are disease and pest resistant. They are attractive. While all trees drop some type of organic material – leaves, seeds, and such, these are less messy. And some of these produce fruit, nuts, leaves that are nutritious and/or have medicinal benefits.
Ginkgo – One of the oldest plants on our planet, the ginkgo is found on every continent. It is extremely pest and disease resistant. This tree is distinctive with its fan shapes leaves. It allows filtered light to penetrate to plants under its canopy. A tea brewed from its leaves improves memory. It does need plenty of water.
Pecan – If we had to survive on the bounty of native plants, pecans would be a big item in our diet. The native pecans are magnificent shade trees and are fairly fast growing. They are susceptible to webworms, but a healthy population of wasps will solve that problem. They are a bit messy – dropping something almost year round, but worth the effort.
Texas Ash – This tree is well adapted to even the worst soils. The Texas ash provides great shade, but like the ginkgo, allows enough filtered light to reach the ground so the grass will grow. It has beautiful fall color.
Eastern Red Cedar This is first choice for an evergreen. This native provides dense shade. With a bit of pruning you can correct for that deficiency and come up with my favorite mulch – shredded cedar.
Bur Oak – This is a great investment. Few trees live longer or grow larger then the bur oak. It is fairly fast growing – up to 2 feet a year and can get up to 150 feet. It is very drought-tolerant. Native to Texas, Oklahoma and the Eastern states, it will grow almost anywhere in the U.S. The only problem is that the acorns are about the size of golf balls and can bop you on the head.
Trees are the biggest investments you make in your landscape. If we make informed choices, both our homes and the environment will benefit.
Tree Planting Tips
Fall Landscaping the Organic Way
Fall is fast approaching and hopefully it will bring us a reprieve from the heat and drought of summer of 1998. This summer has been extremely hard on our gardens as well as humans and pets. Fall is an excellent time to rejuvenate our annual and perennial beds, or add trees and shrubs toour existing landscape plan.
In some cases, with the extreme temperatures and water rationing this past summer, it may be necessary to replace plants that perished with more drought tolerant native and adapted plants.
Most gardeners plant trees and shrubs in the spring, but the best time of the year to plant both is in the fall. Fall planting gives trees and shrubs several months of cooler weather to establish strong root systems that will enable them to withstand extreme hot temperatures like we have experienced this year. North Haven has an excellent selection of trees and shrubs available for your fall planting needs. We can also assist you with selection and information on correct planting methods.
Perennial and annual beds should be rejuvenated in the fall before adding new plantings. Cover bed areas with 4" to 8" depth of compost and apply a 100% organic fertilizer at the rate of 10-20lbs per 1,000 sq.ft, and sugar at 5lbs./1,000 sq.ft. Till or hand turn these amendments into the soil. If adding to an existing perennial bed, use the lower recommendations and work into the areas with a cultivator.. Be careful not to damage the roots of existing plants. Moisten beds and planting areas before planting. Never plant in dry beds. To plant new perennials and annuals from containers, roots should be cut or broken loose to allow the roots to grow out and spread to help plants establish faster. In addition to the bed preparation, add a small handful of both earthworm castings and soft rock phosphate to each planting hole. Water in all plantings and mulch with at least 2" of hardwood or cedar. (3"-4" is better, if possible). Mulching beds and containers is just as important in fall and winter to maintain moisture, soil temperatures and control weeds.
Corn Gluten Meal – An Organic Pre-emergent Herbicide
October is the time to apply corn gluten meal as a pre-emergent.. Timing is critical for this to be applied between October 1 to 15. The timing is based on on the natural germination time of the weeds in this area. Apply corn gluten meal at the rate of 20lbs per 1,000 square feet. Use only on turf areas, being careful not to overthrow into flower beds. It is necessary to water in after application for best effectiveness. Corn gluten meal is approximately 60% corn protein and 10% nitrogen by weight.
If you plan to use a pre-emergent this year, check with North Haven for supplies to ensure you have it when it needs to be applied. Don't miss the window of opportunity.
The Gift Corner
School is in full swing and Moms and Dads have a little extra time to visit North Haven to shop for that special gift.
We learned this summer we need to plant more heat tolerant and native plants. In our Book Nook you will find a wonderful choice of informative books for any gardener's library. You will find books on every garden subject including Ornamental Grasses, Xeriscape gardening, Texas Native plants, Antique Roses and Container Gardening, and so much more.
Many of us may decide to add some garden statuary or a fountain to our landscape where we lost a shrub this summer. Garden art has really become popular in the last few years. We have a new collection of charming stone cats, rabbits, and frogs. Our latest item is a frisky metal folk art frog perched on an eye-catching bicycle, holding a butterfly net. A great, perky gift for the young and the young at heart.
Take a few minutes to look at our great selection of wrought iron trellises. A beautiful trellis with a vine or climbing rose will add height to someone’s garden.
Our collection of Teak furniture continues to be popular for garden rooms and patio areas. Add bright pillows and cushions to the chairs and benches and everyone will want to relax for a while.
Margie selected a beautiful collection of blue and white ceramic and flower containers. The selection of ceramic containers continues to expand and change to compliment many different decors.
If you find your welcome mat is faded and old looking, we have a great selection of assorted designs and colors to choose from.
New items for the gift shopper are the beautiful silver plated urns and cachepots. With a variety of designs, these are very old world in design, so be sure to take a few minutes to consider one of theme to tuck away for holiday gift giving. If the silver is too formal for you, look at the "Turk Art" finish metal containers. These have that rust colored look, but are not rusty.
By the end of September our collection of fall bulbs for spring blooms will begin to arrive. You can fill a gift bag or basket, add a pair of Mud gloves, some bulb food, and you have a great gift for any gardener.
Remember the perfect gift always continues to be a North Haven Gift Certificate. These may be purchased in any amount you would like to give.
Recipients often spend hours enjoying all this garden color available at North Haven. So you’re giving not only the gift, but this extra pleasure of "The North Haven Experience".
Fall Preview
Watch for new arrivals at North Haven Gardens this fall. We will be getting both new and old time favorites.
Fall Vegetables
Arriving in late September including: New Herb
Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme
New, low growing creeper with pink flowers. Great for a sunny spot between stepping stones.
Annuals
For cool weather planting!
Fall Bulbs (Arriving in September)
For Fall Decorating
(October)Pumpkins
New Azalea
"Encore"(6 Varieties) – red, purple or deep pink flowers that bloom intermittently spring, summer, and fall.
Ask North Haven
Q. I enjoy watching the hummingbirds and bees enjoy our Firebush. Is there a way to prevent the Firebush from freezing over winter?
A. The only way to prevent it from freezing is to dig it up and pot it, but you will need to prune it back.
Q. I have a 30 year old Red Maple (Crimson Queen) that drags on the ground. What is the simplest way to get some 'babies' out of it? It produces small seeds that have done nothing. I have heard that the plant will be too weak if grown that way. I have put branches in the ground and kept them moist all this summer, am I wasting my time?
A. Most Japanese Maples are graft-produced. The seed will not produce a Crimson Queen. You will get many varieties from the seed.
Q. I am redoing a front yard that is all white rock and would like to make a flowerbed. I want to plant perennials, some grasses, and low-maintenance flowers. The edge of the bed will be straight and I could use suggestions on how wide to make this bed.
A. The size of your beds depends on the size of your landscape and the scale you have to work with. A typical perennial border is from 3 feet to 6 feet in width and anywhere from 10 feet and up in length. Japanese borders are often curvilinear and not always linear. At North Haven we have a great selection of different plants to choose for your new flower garden.
Q. Will pinching Pineapple Sage make it bushier of will it harm the plant?
A. Yes, as with any herb pinching encourages new growth and a bushier habit.
Q. What is your advice on moving ‘Hershey Red’ Azaleas that are in full shade. We want to move them to our front yard, which has much more sun. When is the best time to move them?
A. You can transplant azaleas in Texas in the fall, around September. This will allow them time to become established before winter. Be sure to apply root stimulator after transplanting once a month for the first 3 to 6 months. In Texas, they generally do better in morning sun and afternoon shade.
Q. My tomatoes are done for this summer but the plants are still in pretty good shape. I hope to have some fall fruit. Do I cut the plants back to get new growth, or should I just continue to water them and see what happens? Last time we had a hot summer I had better fall tomatoes than spring. I left the plants alone that year, but I am not sure that was the way to go.
A. If your plants are healthy and pest free, leave them alone and see what happens. In most cases, spring tomato plants succumb to spider mites or heat. That is why many people plant new transplants or seed to grow a fall crop of tomatoes. Cutting them back will not help fall tomato production.
Q. What do you do to get rid of fire ants in the house?
A. Try cutting off their water source. You can also spread boric acid in the areas where they show up. To prevent their appearance in areas like your kitchen cabinets, use an orange oil cleaner product and wash all areas with it. This will repel insects. For a contact pesticide, you can spray directly on them using a rotenone product. It has little residual and will not be as harmful as many synthetic pesticides.
Give a Plant What It Needs
If you plant a tree or shrub in an inappropriate location, it may never reach its healthy, natural size. (It may even die)
"Location, location, location!" is the cry of the forlorn tree or shrub. So if your new landscape plant doesn't like wet, don't give it wet. If it's unhappy with dry, just say no to dry.
Most importantly, don't plant something that's inappropriate for your climate. Your area's too-cold winters or too-hot summers will do a plant in, if not in the first year, then the second or third year. Actually, growing trees and shrubs is easy. They are no-fuss plants that basically take care of themselves, when you take the sensible precaution of putting the right one in the right spot. So do plan for these plants. It's worth it.
North Haven Founder, Ralph Pinkus
At a gala dinner at the Dallas Arboretum on October 2nd, the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum will honor Ralph Pinkus, first president of the Dallas Arboretum and one of it’s founders in 1971, and also founder of North Haven Gardens, in 1951.
Before coming to Dallas in 1950, Ralph Pinkus spent five years at the New York Botanical Garden, where he was in charge of the Arboretum. He then spent seven years on a plantation in Quatemala, growing quinine for Merck & Co. Quinine was needed for our troops in the Pacific during World War II.
His varied experiences gave him the knowledge and enthusiasm needed to introduce new plant material, in which North Haven has become famous.
For more information about this dinner, call the Dallas Arboretum at 214-327-8263
Propagation by Seed
We can't let late summer and fall slip past us without mentioning one of the most rewarding pastimes of all. What can be more thrilling and rewarding than to plant a seed, then watch it grow and become a thing of beauty? It is a continuing wonder to watch this miracle of nature take place. If you have never tried it, you should. If you do have such an inclination, there is no better time then a late summer and fall. Most seeds will have ripened by now, especially on woody ornamentals such as trees and shrubs.
Most of us think of vegetables and annuals when we think of planting seeds. Actually, there is a whole world of shrubs and trees that are virtually yours for the taking if you have some patience and plan your seed gathering expedition.
North Haven Gardens has some books to guide you in gathering and preparing your seeds for planting. These books and authors are some of the best mentors around and the tips they offer will get you off to the right start. I would suggest starting simply, then after an initial success you would want to try something more exotic.
How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest, by Jill Nokes – A complete guide to the collection, propagation and landscape use of more than 350 species of native trees, shrubs, and woody vines. The text is easy to follow and provides detailed instructions on how to gather and store seeds and how to germinate and raise seedlings.
Saving Seeds, the Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetables and Flower Seeds, by Marc Rogers is an excellent guide to starting your vegetables and flowers from seeds. The emphasis here is on saving seeds and planting them at a later date. Trading seeds with friends and trying seeds from plants you have enjoyed will give you a sense of satisfaction that's hard to beat.
Seed Sowing and Saving, by Carole B. Turner will help you successfully harvest seeds from more than 100 common vegetables, annuals, herbs, and wildflowers. She will show you how to dry, store, and test seeds for viability. Along with harvesting and storing she will advise you on how to start the seeds indoors for a head start on the growing season and how to prepare the soil and garden for transplants.
Take advantage of the season to prepare for years of gardening pleasure.
Native Trees and Shrubs
The late Benny Simpson (research scientist, Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, Dallas, Texas) would say, "the one thing Texas will never have enough of is water; but Texas will always have plenty of extreme weather." We sure learned that this summer. Let's look at some native trees and shrubs thrive in our harsh weather and clay soils.
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Shade Trees |
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| Bur Oak | Chinquapin Oak |
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Shumard Red Oak |
Live Oak |
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Eastern Red Cedar |
Bald Cypress |
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Bigtooth Maple |
Cedar Elm |
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Caddo Maple |
Texas Ash |
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Ornamental Trees |
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Possumhaw |
Desert Willow |
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Mexican Plum |
Yaupon Holly |
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Mexican Buckeye |
Texas Persimmon |
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Eve's Necklace |
Western Soapberry |
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Wax Myrtle |
Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum |
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Carolina Buckthorn |
Roughleaf Dogwood |
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Shrubs |
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Dwarf Wax Myrtle |
Agarito |
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American Beautyberry |
Buttonbush |
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Flame Acanthus |
Coralberry |
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Autumn Sage |
Dwarf Yaupon Holly |
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American Smoketree |
Texas Sage |
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White Honeysuckle |
Aromatic Sumac |
There is a non-native shade tree that is a "Cadillac" of trees for our area. It is the Chinese Pistachio, that is drought tolerant, good fall color, and no disease or insect problems.
The harsh weather conditions of this year have proved the wisdom of selecting for our landscapes native and non-native plants that are drought tolerant and adapted to our soils.