December Newsletter: F-F-Final Frigid Feature for 2022!

It's hard to believe that it's time to close the book on 2022! What a year it's been welcoming new faces, saying “so long” to dear friends and clients, and soaking up every beautiful day that Minnesota has blessed us with!

One of the most treasured aspects of winter is the time to rest and reflect on all the wonderful people that make this such a rewarding career. We wouldn't exist without the support of our clients, and our service wouldn't exist without the professionals who show up everyday with grit and enthusiasm to provide “restorative care for your garden and soul!”™

As we take some time to celebrate the season, we wish each and every one of you a season of warmth, light, and love!

Wrapping Up for Winter: Winter Insulation

The onset of freezing temperatures means that things in the garden are finally going dormant for the winter. Dormancy is the slowing or stopping of circulation which is triggered by shorter days and low temperatures. Some plants allow all of their above-ground structure to die back to the ground while just their root system goes dormant for the winter, we consider those perennials. Other plants like trees and shrubs allow much of their structure to go dormant, while just their leaves die back for the winter. Winter Insulation is a factor when considering the care of plants, shrubs, and trees in the landscape. Read all about it on our blog! 

Seasonal Containers: Think Spring! And Summer!

While the weather outside is a mix of frightful (to drive in) and delightful (to look at from inside while sipping a hot beverage), we are already turning our thoughts towards the coming year. Our work for Seasonal Containers is already getting underway so that we can secure the best selection of annuals to bring you color and beauty all season long!

Don't wait, click the button to get on our list for Spring or Summer Containers (or in-ground annuals, more about that here!)

Shrub of the Month:
Ilex verticillata, Winterberry

A native shrub that can be found growing in forested wetlands and along edges of ponds, lakes, and marshes, Winterberry's name belies its beauty, with female shrubs covered in red-orange fruits into winter. Medium textured foliage and season-long interest from spring blooms to fall color, Winterberry makes a lovely addition to the home garden, provided that a male plant is included nearby plantings of females to ensure pollination and fruiting. A food source for some wildlife, it can be poisonous to pets and people. 

Perennial of the Month: Schizachyrium scoparium, 
Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem grasses are a triple punch of native, hardy, and gorgeous. These finely textured grasses provide a blue-green wash of color in the spring, followed by continuous flowering atop their stalks from June through frost. The grasses' fall color ranges from dark red to gold and can persist through winter.

I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

 

“We are nearer to Spring 
Than we were in September,” 
I heard a bird sing 
In the dark of December. 

 

 – Oliver Herford