Delaware Garden Center
25 Kilbourne Road Delaware, OH 43015 | p: 740-369-5454 | f: 740-363-2091
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Happy Early Holidays to All!
It is hard to comprehend that the Holiday season is already upon us. Where in the time zone did the rest of the year go? Well since we cannot bring the time back, I suggest that we let ourselves just jump into the joy and fun of this special time of year. Yes, it is chaotic and at times almost overwhelming, but fun and joyous at the same time. So, let's just emerse ourselves in it and enjoy being joyful and happy!
One fun thing from Oakland to keep on your calendar would be to attend our Christmas Holiday celebration that will be occurring on the first weekend of November. The entire store staff has been working diligently to make this year's displays the best ever! The dates are Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th. There will be plenty of adventurous and fun things happening for the enjoyment for kids of all ages. The dinosaurs always look forward to seeing plenty of kids visiting. Just don't feed them too much popcorn, these creatures tend to play with their food and it can get quite messy at times!
During the Christmas Holiday celebration weekend the Gift Barn & Loft will be hosting another wonderful tasting on both days from noon until 4pm. Some of the samplings will include dips from Wind & Willow, infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Finch & Fennel, jams and preserves from Mrs. Millers, and baked goods made from Rabbit Creek mixes.
Also, you may wish to mark your calendars for the dates that Santa will be visiting our Oakland Nursery Delaware store. He will be arriving the weekend following Thanksgiving, November 28th and 29th. And he will be in attendance for the next two weekends, December 5th and 6th and December 12th and 13th. Of course, then he will head back to the North Pole to prepare his sleigh and reindeer for a very busy night on December 24th!
Now, no newsletter would be complete without a few garden tips to benefit our own sanctuary at home. If you wish to have your fall mums last with lots of color thru Thanksgiving it is pretty easy. Consult your favorite weather app and when frost is predicted; or temperatures are going to drop at night then cover with a breathable sheet or fabric or even cardboard boxes to help protect them from damage. Avoid using plastic sheeting or plastic bags as these do not have the advantage of breathability and can cause damage by holding too much moisture. In the morning remove the covering when the temperature reaches above 50 degrees so that they receive plenty of sunlight.
As most of us are aware, now until the soil freezes, this is the best time to consider planting all of those spring and some summer blooming bulbs. We have been having some really lovely weather to be able to accomplish this little task. How about considering some slightly different bulbs this year. A few suggestions would include English or Spanish bluebells and ornamental blue flowered garlic (Azure Allium). Vivid blues to love! Maybe Schubert's ornamental onion with seed heads can be dried and used for floral arrangements. And any bulb in the Allium family is sure to reward the eye.
Spring bloomers are certainly desired but don't limit your thoughts to spring lovelies. There are quite gorgeous summer and fall blooming bulbs that can be planted now. Consider adding any oriental or Asiatic lily to your landscape. They are tall and need some support in windy areas. Such amazing showstoppers! And just like Alliums, they multiply prolifically in just a few years to give you more excitement. Plus, they also make wonderful cut flowers to brighten any room in your home! I am a big proponent for always bringing the garden inside any time of the year.
For the past few years, I have had two particular bulbs at the top of my list. One is any Fritillaria. Late spring bloomer, delicious clove scent, and somewhat repels critters and deer. They really don't like the clove scent at all. Yay me! The other is Autumn crocus. This bulb produces foliage in the spring. Which then dies back in the summer. And the astounding blooms appear at the end of summer. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!
One other consideration for your landscape. If you are looking for a more interesting view in your winter garden (remember, January through March is hard on us mere mortal gardeners), maybe consider these suggestions. Arborvitae is one choice, best time to plant is in spring. But, only if you plant four to six weeks before the ground freezes in a well-draining spot and keep the roots moist until the first frost/freeze. Of course, sometimes it is a guessing game with the weather. But go with it and enjoy the process. Ninety percent or more of the time you will be rewarded.
Another evergreen to think about would be any Juniper shrub. They are hardy and low-maintenance. You can choose from spreading, dwarf and upright. It all depends on what you wish for your own personal view and space. And the birds love the berries, so you will be helping them with eating fruit through the tough winter months.
A stand-alone conifer that I consider delightful is wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei). It is colorful, usually variegated with broadleaf foliage. It can be trained as a hedge, trellised to climb upwards, or trimmed low as a groundcover. A low maintenance and versatile option that grows well in most locations. But it does not tolerate full shade or wet areas.
Now on to enjoying peppermint hot chocolate (with whatever adult top off you so choose) and the entire holiday season with what all of the the special celebrations you choose.
Enjoy everything with all the warmth and joy that you deserve!
CUSTOM CONTAINER PLANTINGS
Can’t seem to find exactly what you’re looking for? Maybe a color scheme isn’t what you were envisioning, or the premade planters are never the right scale for your area. Whatever the case may be, Oakland Nursery is happy to customize seasonal containers for you! Let us create a custom combination planter for your home, based upon YOUR specifications!
You can pick from our wide selection of pottery or bring in your own container. You can pick out exactly what you want or just give us some guidelines and let us do our magic.
Colorful containers can start as early as February and go as late as November, and there are many options for holiday greens arrangements to fill even the coldest months!
Prices are dependent upon the plant selection and container size. Additives such as Soil Moist and slow release fertilizers are also available options. We will do our best to understand your needs and make informed, educated decisions about what plants will work best for your location and lifestyle.
Call us or stop in anytime, we are here to help!
