At the Villager, we LOVE introducing kids to the miracles of nature. Through the holidays IF you receive this newsletter via e-mail, bring in your child (a young person in your care) and mention this post, we'll give you a paperwhite narcissus bulb to grow.  We recommend putting it in a glass vase or Mason jar on rocks you collect. You can both watch the roots emerge, the leaves green, the buds swell and the flowers explode. They'll be perfuming a room in 2-3 weeks.  We recommend some supervision for the youngest.  Narcissus should never be eaten.
 #Narcissus care and feeding (+ more).

Alcohol Stunts Growth
If your paperwhites don't get quite enough sun and tend to topple, try giving them a drink, literally, of alcohol once they have developed their roots.  One part alcohol (gin, vodka, rum, etc...) to seven parts water will keep stems at about a third shorter than with just water. Very bright light also helps keep your plants more compact.

Historically, REALLY blue Blue Spruce have all been grafted. Baby Blue is grown from seed, a amazing new accomplishment. It is has only very slight variability. It is very blue, very densely branched (better screening) and heavily needled. These are our 2013 living Christmas trees. More info.  $34.99 to $189.99

 

Water well, before the soils freeze. Thanksgiving is often the perfect last chance to get out the hose for one more deep soaking.
We consider wrapping trees and shrubs with tree tape as temporary insurance against severe snow breakage in the first 2-3 years. With healthy culture and some summer pruning, most plants should not need wrapping past 3 years. Obviously, if plants are in target locations for blasting snow, wrapping makes sense.
Sorry, we sold out of Biosol last week. Get it in September, use it in the landscape and veggie garden and keep one in the garage for a late lawn application.
Lime is great for lawns.  Mole Max RX combines calcium plus castor oil mole and vole repellent AND a 10 lb bag covers 10,000 sq.ft.!

Winterizing Hand-Out

To receive special offerings and promotion highlights, join our infrequent newsletter and say hello below.