THE BLOG: let's talk gardening
FEBRUARY
24
2010

Modern Design Meets Bromeliads

Bromeliads are excellent indoor plants with long-lasting, brilliantly colored foliage. They also readily adapt to the unfavorable growing conditions that exist in most homes. In general they are inexpensive, easy to grow and require very little care.

With the fierce structure and ornamental foliage, these plants add a modern flair to your space. Try planting them in a concrete or uniquely shaped container or combine them with a companion plant where the Bromeliad will surely be center stage. Check out McDonald’s vast selection of this vibrant show-stopper!
FEBRUARY
3
2010

Colorful Camellias

Camellia aficionados are often baffled over the origin of this historic plant. Many contend that they originated in Japan (hence the species name, japonica) although some botanists insist that these shrubs came from China and were transported to the Land of the Rising Sun by ancient mariners. What we do know is that all camellias hail from somewhere in Asia and that people have cultivated them for more than a thousand years. The Camellia has become a beloved southern staple with graceful blooms enjoyed by Hampton Roads’ gardeners for years.

Camellias often bloom during the cool season with showy flowers appearing autumn, winter or early spring. The color of the flower ranges from pure white, pink, yellow to dark red and some have multi-colored or variegated blooms. As an evergreen, Camellias provide year-round interest and beauty with their attractive dark, glossy green foliage.

There are an abundance of camellia varieties and sizes for use in your landscape. From shrub-sized to tree-sized, these plants are well suited for foundation plantings, background plantings along a fence or wall, or to adorn the background of a sitting area in the garden. Some camellias are even suitable for raised beds, container plantings or hedges. Some of our favorite varieties include:

Buttons-n-Bows - two toned pink formal flower with moderate growth
Nuccio’s Bella Rossa - crimson red, long spring season bloomer, with tall, upright growth measuring 6-8 feet tall
Lemon Glow - creamy, pale yellow flower with tall, upright growth measuring 6-8 feet tall
Shishi Gashira - hot pink flower with extremely long bloom time, perfect flower for cutting, with shrub-like spreading measuring 4-5 feet tall
FEBRUARY
3
2010

FILED UNDER

Pruning Fruit Trees

February through March is the perfect time to prune fruiting trees & plants. Never pruned a fruit tree before, don't worry - it is not as hard as you might think, and it's worth every minute!

Following basic fruit tree pruning instructions will ensure your trees enjoy good health, disease management, and better fruit yield. Pruning will also stimulate shoot growth, control tree size and shape, and improve the quality of fruit.

Beyond those tips, each tree or shrub has its unique pruning needs, so be sure to follow the specific fruit tree pruning instructions for different types of fruit trees. For example, apple trees require a different pruning system than plum trees. However, follow these basic fruit tree pruning instructions to get started.

  1. Always use sharp shears or saws to ensure clean cuts. Use pruning shears on young trees and limbs less than 1/2 inch diameter, and lopping shears for your larger cuts. Use a pruning saw for mature fruit trees.
  2. Start by removing dead wood and broken branches. Cut out any wood that crosses or rubs against any other branches. This opens up the middle so the sun can reach all the fruit.
  3. Make cuts close to a bud, joint in the branch, or to the trunk and never leave a stub. Pruning cuts should be made just above a bud and at a backwards angle of about 30 degrees.
  4. Prune stems just above a pair of opposing strong shoots or buds. If shoots or buds are staggered, find a strong one and prune just above it.
  5. Prune more vertical branches and keep more horizontal branches.
  6. Remove any debris which can harbor pests and disease.

Pruning fruit trees is a skill that can be easily learned. Just think ahead, and come summer, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor! If you have specific questions, feel free to stop by any McDonald Garden Center location and talk to a tree and shrub expert.