As I write this Newsletter, I’ll state the obvious, IT’S DRY OUT THERE. According to my personal rain gauge, in Doylestown, we received only .34” of rain the entire month of May; only one meaningful rain event, and that was earlier in the month. May is supposed to be a relatively rainy month, which is necessary because it’s when Mother Nature really gets going. In addition to being dry, May 2023 has been a rather cool month with some overnight temps after Mother’s Day in the mid 30’s, which caused us to scramble, move and protect the annuals in our nursery yard. Don’t get me wrong, this May has been absolutely magnificent; most days with bright sunshine and low humidity with the daytime highs in the 70s-low 80s. Just the way we like it. But lawns have already started browning out and annuals (flowers and vegetables) and newly planted perennials, shrubs and trees are really having a tough time getting started, regardless of how much we’re fertilizing them. A regular watering regimen is recommended when rain is scarce, as well as a 2-3” layer of mulch to protect the vulnerable roots of our garden and landscape plants. On the positive side, blooming trees and shrubs have been terrific, with prolific and long-lasting blooms.
I’m not an advocate of regular lawn irrigation (except when trying to get new seed started and established or during more dire dry spells), and I’m not encouraging that yet this year. But, without question, we’re encouraging all of you who mow your own lawns to raise mower decks to 3½” to 4” and to reduce the frequency of mowing. Professional mowers usually mow at around 3 ½” and the good ones have raised their mower decks and gone to a 2-week mow schedule. Maintain this mowing height throughout the summer, even if we start to get regular rainfall. During the warmer time of the year, grass plants cease root growth, so the longer blades will help shield the crowns and shallow roots from the blazing sun.
The Lawn Depot Nursery Yard is jam-packed with healthy, thriving and a wide variety of magnificent perennials and small shrubs, all in full growth; some in full bloom. Stop by and take a stroll. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to jump in and assist in any way they can; helping guide you with color selection, discuss which plants might succeed in a particular area, or just to advise on how plants should be managed for best results.
In the Garden Center, we’ve got all the fertilizers and insect, disease and weed control products you’ll need for your lawns, trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials. It’s time to be applying late spring fertilizers and grub control products to lawns (preferably before the end of June). It’s well into time to systemically control insects and diseases for the season with one or more of our terrific and safe systemic pesticide products. And we’ve got all the tools and application products you’ll need to make your gardening chores easier and more successful. Come on over.
Lawn Depot Turf Management is working on their late spring turf applications: organic-based, slow-release fertilizer to keep the lawns healthy during the difficult summer months, spot treatment of broadleaf weeds, and grub control. As always, we’re available throughout the summer months to talk with any of you who might be interested in using the best turf management company in the business for regular applications or fall seeding work. Now is the best time to get work on our busy fall seeding schedule. Just stop in to the Garden Center or give us a call (215-348-5553) to speak with one of our Turf Management staff. Or you can look us up on the web (www.lawndepotinc.com) and select Request an Estimate. Within several days, one of our turf specialists will be out to your property to measure and evaluate it, and we’ll email you an estimate for services requested within a day or so.
Mother Nature has dealt us a mixed hand so far this growing season. The beautiful weather has created unwanted stress with many of our young and newly-planted annuals, perennials, and other landscape plantings. This is certainly not a year for “plant and forget”. Regular supplemental care is not recommended, it’s required. We welcome your questions; our staff is ready to help you find the best solutions for all your gardening needs. The store will continue to be open every day through the end of June, Monday through Friday 8-6, Saturday 8-5, and Sunday 9-3. Please check our website for store hours of operation during July and August. We’re looking forward to seeing you regularly throughout the summer.
Bob Button