Brian Hallett
As I write this column I must mention that today — the first day of spring — I have shoveled snow away from the greenhouse twice in order to enter. As any gardener knows, there is nothing quite like the green of new plants or the smell of fresh soil. This alone is why each year I shovel my way inside, turn on the heat, clean the water system and start planting. [Read more...]
Brian Hallett
The beginning of fall means cooler temperatures, beautiful leaves, bountiful harvests of crisp sweet apples and yard work. Yes, I said yard work. Fall is the perfect time to add some curb appeal with colorful hardy mums, corn stalks, golden orange pumpkins and spring flowering bulbs. Heading out into your garden in the fall can be a nice break from pre-holiday planning. I know that when I pick up a rake or my favorite trowel worries seem to disappear.
Brian Hallett in the main greenhouse at Halletts' Florist and Greenhouse, Adams. Photo by Justin Sorensen.
In 1917, the National War Garden Commission launched the War Garden Campaign or Victory Garden program. People planted vegetable, fruit and herb gardens at private residences and public parks to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort. Gardeners could share their skills in support of the war and be rewarded by the produce grown.
Timothy Widrick of Zehr's Flowers and Landscaping, Castorland, pulls a shrub out of the ground at a landscaping job in Lowville. Photo by Amanda Morrison.
Planting and maintaining a garden and keeping landscaping lush in the north country is always tricky. Various factors, including late frosts in May and blazing sun and dry soil as early as June, can mean a rocky start to any planting season.
As signs of spring start sprouting, local greenhouses and nurseries become overrun with questioning patrons, wondering what bushes and trees thrive in a cold north country climate and what flowers can be planted in early spring for a summer’s worth of color.
Memorial Day weekend is when most gardeners are in their “ready, set, go” phase. The plants are purchased, the gardens are tilled and everything is ready to be planted.
By Brian Hallett
Brian Hallett in the main greenhouse at Halletts' Florist and Greenhouse, Adams. Photo by Justin Sorensen.
Look out any window and it’s hard to believe another gardening season has begun in Northern New York. We believe that no matter how our garden turned out last year this will be the year to have the garden of our dreams. As you head to your favorite local garden center, farmers market or road-side stand, think about the amount of sunlight that your intended planting site receives. This is the single most important factor to consider when choosing flowering annual or perennial plants.