Happy Holly-days from Home Sown!
It's the time of year when we are slowing down, cleaning up, and reflecting on the previous season and how we've changed in it. New faces, old friends, and lots of sweet memories made, hard work, hot days, and incredible Before & Afters. It's been another great season at Home Sown Gardens, and we couldn't have done it without our incredible team of hard-working professionals and our loyal clients. Thank you for your continued trust in our small business to restore and maintain your outdoor spaces as places of peace and tranquility for you and your loved ones. We don't take the responsibility lightly, and we so enjoy the opportunity to work in your gorgeous yards!
Change in Zones
By now you've probably heard about the update to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map that describes the growing zones of the United States and Puerto Rico. The updated map has changed the growing zone assigned to the Twin Cities region from 4b to 5a, which indicates a change in the average lowest winter temperatures that we experience here. Of course, this has an impact on the variety of plants that are potentially hardy here, expanding the list to include more things that previously would be considered marginally winter hardy here. For more information, check out our blog!
Winter Protection & Insulation
As we wrapped up Fall Cleanups this season we also installed Winter Protection to keep the nibbling critters away from the most tempting delicacies in your gardens. We will install Winter Insulation during the week of December 18th, depending on the weather. You can read more about Winter Protection and Insulation on our blog!
Summer Annuals!
It's time to look ahead to the coming season! Especially if you are planning on hosting large events this coming summer, now is the time to prepare! Reserve your Summer containers and custom in-ground annual displays now! The brilliant colors of summer annuals are a perfect way to welcome guests and celebrate important events! Get on our list today to get a custom quote, as the earlier we have our orders in the more selection we can get for the unique and stunning new varieties of annuals available this coming season!
Holiday Closures
Our offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 2, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Plant of the Month: Poinsettia
Native to Mexico, Poinsettia or cuetlaxochitl (kwet-la-sho-she) is a popular holiday house plant, but so very misunderstood. This ancient member of the Euphorbia or spurge family, is prized for its gorgeous color, which isn't featured by it's flowers but rather by the large, showy bracts that surround the diminutive yellow flowers. These lovely plants are mistakenly considered toxic to people and pets but are relatively harmless. Poinsettia can be maintained through the summer and encouraged to rebloom with specific care. Check out the U of M Extension for more!
Shrub of the Month: Yellow Twig Dogwood
During the winter months, there can seem to be a monochromatic look to the landscape of gray, brown, and white. But some shrubs glow in the winter landscape with gorgeous color in their bark and twigs. Yellow Twig Dogwood is one of those that stands out with a lovely golden yellow color in its younger growth that persists all season long. Whether it's used as a specimen or interplanted with its popular cousin the Red Twig Dogwood, Yellow Twig Dogwood brings color year round!
“And when wind and winter harden
All the loveless land,
It will whisper of the garden,
You will understand.”
Wishing you and yours a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!
Warmly,
The Home Sown Gardens Team