So far, the road construction hasn't really impacted us--the only work that's been done here is the removal of our sidewalk along Grover Street.
But just because we aren't seeing much work out front yet doesn't mean we can't have a sale! Currently, we're offering 20% off all topiaries and Emerald Green Arborvitae. Sound like a good deal? It is! Check us out today, especaily before the real construction starts!
June 30, 2009
June 22, 2009
Road construction--here we go!
If you looked at the calendar yesterday, you probably saw that we've officially begun the summer season. The change of season means warmer temperatures, vacations at the beach, and of course, the prospect of road construction somewhere along the roads you frequently drive.
At Vander Giessen Nursery, we get to "enjoy" having road construction along East Grover Street all summer long and into autumn. Beginning today, crews are starting work on a complete rebuild of East Grover Street from Lawrence Street to the railroad tracks.
For information on how to avoid the headache of navigating a construction zone, check back here regularly for construction updates and visit our road construction information page on our website for detour options.
At Vander Giessen Nursery, we get to "enjoy" having road construction along East Grover Street all summer long and into autumn. Beginning today, crews are starting work on a complete rebuild of East Grover Street from Lawrence Street to the railroad tracks.
For information on how to avoid the headache of navigating a construction zone, check back here regularly for construction updates and visit our road construction information page on our website for detour options.
June 20, 2009
Half off!
It's that time of year again--time to clear out our greenhouses! As long as supplies last, almost all of our annuals are half off. Buy one plant, buy a full flat, or buy it all--you'll save 50% off regular prices! Hurry in while we still have a good selection to pick the annuals you need to finish off your flowerbeds or planters, and you'll have color to enjoy all summer long.
June 16, 2009
Still need something?
Still looking for a few more flowers to fill in an empty space in your flowerbeds? Maybe you need to give a gift and would like a hanging basket or planter to give. Whatever you need, Vander Giessen Nursery probably has a solution to your plant problem! Stop in to see what we still have in our greenhouses, and of course, take a walk through our garden-like shrub and tree yard to pick out the plants you need for your yard!
June 11, 2009
Too much work? Think again!
Assisting customers at our nursery, I often hear comments like, “Oh, I love roses, but I hear they’re a lot of work,” or “Wow, that’s a pretty rose, but aren’t they hard to care for?” This time of year roses are just coming into bloom, prompting many people to stop and take note of the beautiful colors and delicious fragrances. Maybe you’re one of those people, fascinated by the striking beauty of roses, yet reluctant to try growing them—you’ve heard they’re just too much work.
While growing gorgeous roses does require some discipline, recent advances in science and breeding have greatly reduced the amount of work needed to maintain the plants. If you’re thinking about starting a rose garden—or, for that matter, you’re curious how to cut down on the time you dedicate to caring for your existing roses—consider the following pointers to help give you success.
When starting a rose garden, choose healthy, well-branched plants with strong canes (i.e. stems). Ask a nursery professional for advice if you don’t know what to look for. Be sure to select high-grade roses—generally, the roses you’ll find at the box stores are lower grades than you’ll find at independent garden centers. The motto rings true—you get what you pay for—so choose premium grade roses from reputable growers for the best results.
As you decide where to plant your garden, find a sunny location for the plants to grow. Roses must have a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If you can give them sun all day long, they will perform even better.
Though roses love sun and heat, they’re not particularly drought-friendly plants. Roses like plenty of water, but they will also need to be well-drained. If you’re planning a rose garden in heavy soil, plan to amend it or replace some of the soil to offer better drainage. Once the roses are planted, keep the soil moist while the plants get established. If possible, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering; wet leaves can harbor black spot and powdery mildew. When roses are established, it’s much better to water deeply with less frequency rather than in small amounts each day to promote better root systems and healthier plants. Consider building a small berm 12-18 inches in diameter around the base of each plant—creating a shallow basin a couple inches deep will help direct water down to the roots instead of away from the plant.
Once your roses are planted, apply mulch to the flower bed around the plants. Bark mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture; a compost-based mulch will have the added benefit of providing nutrients. Ask your local nursery for the best mulches for rose gardens.
Now that you have your rose garden planted, it all comes down to maintenance. This is where the fun—and I genuinely mean that—starts. Up until recently, maintaining roses required regular fertilizing, spraying for insects and treating for diseases. Sound like work? It was. But today, you can use one product that takes care of everything—fertilizer, insect and disease control—all in one application, and you don’t even have to spray! Simply mix in water, pour at the base of the plant and reapply every six weeks during the growing season.
Ultimately, growing beautiful roses depends on how you begin. If you choose the right location, select healthy, strong plants and give them the nutrients and water they need, you’ll be sure to have a beautiful rose garden for years to come. Have fun!
While growing gorgeous roses does require some discipline, recent advances in science and breeding have greatly reduced the amount of work needed to maintain the plants. If you’re thinking about starting a rose garden—or, for that matter, you’re curious how to cut down on the time you dedicate to caring for your existing roses—consider the following pointers to help give you success.
When starting a rose garden, choose healthy, well-branched plants with strong canes (i.e. stems). Ask a nursery professional for advice if you don’t know what to look for. Be sure to select high-grade roses—generally, the roses you’ll find at the box stores are lower grades than you’ll find at independent garden centers. The motto rings true—you get what you pay for—so choose premium grade roses from reputable growers for the best results.
As you decide where to plant your garden, find a sunny location for the plants to grow. Roses must have a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If you can give them sun all day long, they will perform even better.
Though roses love sun and heat, they’re not particularly drought-friendly plants. Roses like plenty of water, but they will also need to be well-drained. If you’re planning a rose garden in heavy soil, plan to amend it or replace some of the soil to offer better drainage. Once the roses are planted, keep the soil moist while the plants get established. If possible, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering; wet leaves can harbor black spot and powdery mildew. When roses are established, it’s much better to water deeply with less frequency rather than in small amounts each day to promote better root systems and healthier plants. Consider building a small berm 12-18 inches in diameter around the base of each plant—creating a shallow basin a couple inches deep will help direct water down to the roots instead of away from the plant.
Once your roses are planted, apply mulch to the flower bed around the plants. Bark mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture; a compost-based mulch will have the added benefit of providing nutrients. Ask your local nursery for the best mulches for rose gardens.
Now that you have your rose garden planted, it all comes down to maintenance. This is where the fun—and I genuinely mean that—starts. Up until recently, maintaining roses required regular fertilizing, spraying for insects and treating for diseases. Sound like work? It was. But today, you can use one product that takes care of everything—fertilizer, insect and disease control—all in one application, and you don’t even have to spray! Simply mix in water, pour at the base of the plant and reapply every six weeks during the growing season.
Ultimately, growing beautiful roses depends on how you begin. If you choose the right location, select healthy, strong plants and give them the nutrients and water they need, you’ll be sure to have a beautiful rose garden for years to come. Have fun!
New Guinea Impatiens!
If you haven't tried New Guinea Impatiens yet, you really should! Now, I'm obviously partial, but I think that right now we have some of the most beautiful New Guineas you'll find--and you won't find them everywhere.
Are you an orange person? I guess I should rephrase that...do you like orange flowers? Many people stay in the "safe" realm of reds and pinks, but this year, take a risk and try something new. Orange New Guinea Impatiens are about as bright a flower as you'll find, and with their versatility in sun or shade, they're great for just about anywhere. Better yet, they're on sale! So stop in to see what catches your eye today.
Are you an orange person? I guess I should rephrase that...do you like orange flowers? Many people stay in the "safe" realm of reds and pinks, but this year, take a risk and try something new. Orange New Guinea Impatiens are about as bright a flower as you'll find, and with their versatility in sun or shade, they're great for just about anywhere. Better yet, they're on sale! So stop in to see what catches your eye today.
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