Thursday, December 8, 2011

Question of the Week




Today's Question comes from Angie L. from Virginia Beach.

How do I care for and prolong the life of the greenery I've brought indoors during this holiday season?

Answer:

Keep the greenery away from heaters, fire places or other heat sources. If candles are a part of your arrangement, wait to light them on the night of your gathering.

We recommend that you do this misting outside or in a place where water will not cause any damage.

Do not mist while the greenery is exposed to direct sunlight if possible.

Be sure to get water on the stems as well as the needles.

Optional: Mist with an Antitranspirant. This is a clear, odorless liquid that dries to a clear film and slows moisture transpiration from needles. You will need to do this once a week. Your local florists should have this item.

Monday, December 5, 2011

It's for the Birds!



As cold weather approaches, it's easily to forget about anything outside. But life does go on, and cold temperatures can be particularly tough on our winged friends. It's more difficult for birds to find food. Insects become more scarce. Snow can cover and freeze the berries that they often feed on. Seed is the main source of food during the winter, and without it, birds can starve. It's also very important to keep making water available. Make sure to keep your birdbaths clean and the water fresh!

Some of the best winter foods include:

BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEEDS - Black oil sunflower seeds are by far the best food to offer birds in any season. These seeds have slightly thinner shells and a higher oil content than other types of sunflower seeds, making them a more efficient and nutritious food. They will attract a wide range of hungry birds, and can be offered in platform, tube or hopper feeders.

SUET - For high calories, suet is one of the best foods to offer birds. While many birders prefer to avoid suet because it will melt in warmer weather, it is a superb winter food. It is also available in many blends with different ingredients to tempt different species of birds, and it is easy to make your own custom suet blends specialized for your backyard flock.

PEANUTS: Peanuts are a high calorie, fat-rich nut that appeals to many backyard birds, including jays, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees. Because the nuts don't freeze, they are perfect for winter feeding, whether you offer whole or shelled peanuts. Peanuts are also popular to mix with suet for winter feed.

NYGER: Nyger or thistle seed is a favorite food of winter finches such as pine siskins and common redpolls. This is another oily seed that offers a lot of calories, helping birds store fat they need to keep warm through the season. Though expensive, nyger is readily available and is typically treated so as not to germinate if spilled on the ground.

FRUIT: While a lot of songbirds that prefer fruit will migrate in the winter, many other birds that stay in snowy areas year round will enjoy the treat. Offer chopped apples, orange wedges, banana slieces, halved grapes and melon rids on platform feeders, spikes or nailed to trees. Chopped or dried fruit can also be added to suet mixtures.

MILLET: White proso millet is a favorite food of many small ground-feeding birds. This starchy grain is inexpensive and can be easily offered in hopper, tube or platform feeders, and sprinkling it on the ground will attract even more small birds.

SALT: Many birds crave salt as an essential mineral, particularly in the winter when roads are regularly salted. Unfortunately, feeding on the side of the road can be deadly for birds, and offering salt crystals at your feeders will help keep them save. Create a strong saltwater solution and let it evaporate in a shallow dish to make larger crystals, or poor it over a log or stump if there is no danger of freezing.

SEED MIXES: For convenient and economical winter feeding, nothing beats a good quality birdseed mix. Choose a mix that features large proportions of sunflower seeds and millet, but avoid mixes with large proportions of unappetizing fillers such as wheat, milo and corn.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Q & A Thursday




This week's question comes from Sandy R. in Virginia Beach.

She asks:


When is the best time to cut back mums?


Mums perennialize best when you don't cut them back to the ground in fall. Let the brown foliage alone until end of winter when it snaps off easily. Studies have found the dead foliage helps insulate the plant's crown (growing point).

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Send Us Your Questions

We would love to answer any of your gardening questions. All we ask is that you leave us your question in the comments section, or you may send us an e-mail to drdanslandscaping@cox.net. Each week, on Thursday, we'll select a question and answer it here in our blog. So, send us your questions. Don't be shy. The only dumb question is the question not asked!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Why mulch?














Mulching is one of the best lines of defense against dropping temperatures. A good mulch layer will protect your perennials through the winter by helping to keep the ground from experiencing a constant freeze and thaw. Additionally, mulch will protect the soil from winter erosion.
There is a reason for mulching twice a year. In the spring we mulch to assist keeping the soil moist during the hot, dry summer. But in the winter, the mulch provides insulation for the soil and plant roots. Leaving mulch out of your fall clean up can certainly lead to root injury in your plants.
How much mulch should you apply? A two to three inch layer is optimal, and will provide the perfect amount of insulation for the cooler days ahead. Over mulching won't give more protection, in fact it can often cause more harm to your plants. Never place mulch too tightly or closely to the stems and trunks of your plants. This can lead to disease in some native plants.
Any newly planted fall trees and plants should be mulched immediately. This will keep your soil warmer and more moist and will definitely help the roots grow for a longer period of time.
Remember, a good mulch cover will keep your soil ten degrees warmer than the air temperature, and this could be the difference in the survival of your plants. Mulch...it's not worth forgetting!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Planting Now...It really is Okay!


With the mild fall we've been experiencing, it's a great time to plant or transplant trees, shrubs and ground covers.

There are many new species available, some with great color to carry you through to the spring. Two new nandina varieties which give a great cool weather show include 'Blush Pink' and 'Obsession'. Not only will these varieties bring color to your landscape, but they also attract songbirds.

With December approaching, many people's thoughts immediately turn to the Holly bush. Varieties abound, and the berry displays are part of many winter landscapes. Not only do they add to your exterior color, but they also allow you to bring color into your home when your cutting flowers of your summer and early fall garden have disappeared. 'Blue Princess' and 'China Girl' are two newer varieties, both showy and perfect for winter color.

And don't forget everyone's favorite cool weather color...the pansy! It's not too late!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving


From all of us to all of you, the staff of Dr. Dan's would like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Please give thanks to all of of what you have and spend time with family.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Ponds and Paradise


Now is a great time to enjoy your outdoor living space and create a waterfall/pond to create some ambience in your back yard. Check it out.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Lawn Renovation Month



September is the best month to consider redoing your lawn. You should be spraying for weeds and getting top soil to fill in all the bare spots. Rent an aerator and core aerate your entire yard. Add quality grass seed and starter fertilzer and start watering on a regular basis.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Professional Women's Month




In the month of August, we will be promoting Professional Women in Tidewater and their successes in life, family, and businesses. Come join us in all the fun and watch out for our Growing Green Rewards Program this month. Our customers will receive Instant rewards if they decide to get their work done in the month of August. You can get FREE flowers, FREE services, and FREE gas grills or water fountains. We would like to thank all the hard working Women in Tidewater.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Sod and Sprinklers



Wow, now is the time to install a sprinkler system and put a truck load of fresh new sod on top. Set the sprinkler system to automatic and enjoy your summer. Watch your sod grow and you will be amazed !!!!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Deck and Pergola



Now is the time of year folks are in their backyard. consider building a new deck and pergola in your outdoor living area. Its great for parties for years to come !!!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Satisfied Customers



Our customers at Dr. Dan's Landscaping love the customer service we offer. Not to mention the quality of work and great prices, what else could you ask for. Posing for a camera shot, this man is happy with his project.

Monday, April 11, 2011

April Showers!


April is the perfect time to prepare your yard for the hot months coming ahead! Aerating is key. This will allow water to penetrate deeper into the soil and reduce the need to water during the dryer months ahead. A very easy way to accomplish this is to use a garden fork and punch holes over the surface of your lawn. By loosening the soil you are allowing for better flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients to the root system.

Aprils Events!

Earth Day is coming April 22nd! Some easy ways to celebrate Earth Day and help make a difference for our planet:


  • Plant a tree

  • Make nature crafts (bird houses)

  • Avoid getting gas and ride your bike!

  • Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

  • Pick up litter

  • Try cooking an organic meal!

  • Reduce electricity, and get outside

  • The possibilities are endless, get creative and make a difference.


Arbor Day! April 29th!


Plant a tree today for all of the world to share.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Home and Garden Show


Thank you for all of our friends and family for attending the Home and Garden show this weekend at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Jarad set up a great design and the place was mobbed for three straight days. The season is wide open !!!! Give us a call sometime.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Sprinkler Systems


This is a great time of year to be exploring whether a sprinkler system will be right for you. If you are thinking of establishing a new lawn and investing some money into your yard, an irrigation system is a must. It will give you consistent watering which will help your new seed germinate at a faster rate and complete the dream lawn you always wanted. Check it out. Now is the time.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

New Deck and Pergola


As we are getting through the cold months of winter, now is a great time to plan for all your exterior design projects. Before you know it, the spring will be here and you will be sitting on your new deck sipping a drink.