American Tree Inc. Newsletter
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Greetings from American Tree. 

     Just when we thought we were done with the cold, it looks as if we will be covering and protecting tender plants once again.  I don't mind telling you this is not something I enjoy.  I do, however, enjoy the peaceful feeling of sitting on my swing in the garden and drinking coffee while the birds and butterflies flit from place to place, so cover and protect I must. Another example of how the good things in life are worth a little extra effort.
Outdoor To-Do's
repotting-flowers.jpg      One of the most frustrating decisions for a gardener is "Do I plant, or do I wait."  The answer is do not plant any tender item you are not able or willing to either move into the garage or cover with an old sheet for the night if there is the threat of frost.  Shrubs and perennials with flower buds beginning to open may also be covered to preserve their blooms. If covering with a sheet (do not use plastic) be sure the sheet goes all the way to the ground. 
     If you decide to wait, now is a great time to be prepping your beds.  Peat or compost can be added to enrich your soil and has the added benefit of lightening the soil up for easier planting.  A good fertilizer also goes a long way to producing healthy plants.  I highly recommend Espoma's line of organic fertilizers which is available in both granular and liquid form.
     Do you have thinning grass or bare spots in the lawn?  Now is the time to be seeding.  Gently rake the area first to break the soil surface, apply your seed and either cover with straw or gently drag rake back over to lightly cover seed.  Be sure to keep the area moist while seed is germinating.  You can apply a starter or winterizer fertilizer at this time but be sure it doesn't contain a general pre-emergent or weed killer as this will damage or kill any new grass. 
 
Happenings
   
      Check out our incredible selection of hydrangeas featuring the Cityline Series. These compact hydrangeas are excellent for border areas or smaller spaces in sun or part shade and come in colors ranging from rich pink to blue depending on soil ph.   Cityline Rio is blue with a green eye giving it a unique look.  Espoma Soil Acidifier will help keep your soil ph low to maintain the deep blue coloring. 
       If you haven't yet seen our completed water garden in front of the store, be sure to stop by!  Our landscape designer and crew did a magnificent job on the garden and the paver patio featuring Oaks Brick Pavers. We just need to add a few water plants  for the fish.  Take time to sit on the patio and relax the next time you stop in.
     We are now receiving weekly shipments of beautiful perennials and annuals.  Combining the two is a great way to achieve constant, season-long color in your garden.  Be sure to mark June 4th and 5th on your calender for our annual Perennial Party.  We will have Nancy Szerlag here Saturday June 4th at 1:00p.m to talk about perennial gardening.  We will also be having one of our popular F airy Gardening seminars at 10:00 A.M Saturday June 4th.
     For a complete list of upcoming events, please visit our website.
  
     This spring has certainly been one of the more challenging with all of the moving plants in and out and covering and uncovering in an effort to protect tender growth from damage.  We feel the end result is worth it though, and look forward to seeing you!
 
Sincerely,
 

Angela Hennig
Retail Sales Manager
American Tree Inc.
Save 30% For our E-Newsletter customers only, get a Pre-Perennial Party Special and save 30% on your entire perennial purchase between Sunday May 15th and Sunday May 22nd.  Must present coupon at time of purchase. One coupon per household. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or specials.
Offer Expires: May 22, 2016