Finke Gardens and Nursery http://finkegardens.com bringing life to your home Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:44:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 New Annuals Inspire the Season http://finkegardens.com/new-plants/new-annuals-inspire-the-season/ http://finkegardens.com/new-plants/new-annuals-inspire-the-season/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:51:37 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3846 Mixing in new annuals with long time favorites is a great way to insure that your flower displays are fresh. We love sharing new plants with you each spring season, and then hearing how they performed. As usual, there's no shortage of new annual color to inspire your spring planting. Please ask our greenhouse staff if you have questions about the adaptability of any of the new plants, and be sure to let us know the results by posting comments on our website. We all look forward to knowing the results. Here are some of the annuals new to Finke Gardens & Nursery this season.

]]> http://finkegardens.com/new-plants/new-annuals-inspire-the-season/feed/ 0 Royale Chambray Verbena Pretty Much Picaso Petunia Super Trouper Orange Dianthus Black Fancy Begonia Neon Rose Petunia Funtastic Burgundy Gerbera Aztec Wild Rose Verbena Benitochiba Begonia Dreamtime Jumbo Yellow Strawflower Maple Sugar Hibiscus Wasabi Coleus Icicles Licorice Plant Lancelot Velvet Mocha Coleus Zahara Double Fire Zinnia Center Stage Impatiens Colorful and Classy Containers http://finkegardens.com/garden-shop/colorful-and-classy-containers/ http://finkegardens.com/garden-shop/colorful-and-classy-containers/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:38:43 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3827 New Containers Set the Stage

Summer color displays start with a beautiful container that sets the stage. Your choices are many so think about these points when making your selection of new containers for your porch, patio or landscape setting.

Size matters. Small pots don’t take up much room on a porch but may not have enough size to make an impact. Smaller pots are also more of a challenge to keep watered in the heat of summer. Viewing from a distance necessitates a larger container for the display to be effective. We always recommend larger if space allows.

Coordination doesn’t mean all the same. Not all pots have to be the same color or style to present a coordinated appearance, but there needs to be some thread of continuity within a grouping. Color and overall style are good to have repetition, but an integrated variety of sizes makes a display more interesting. A style like the tricolor ceramic pots is a good blender to make several colors come together in stylish fashion. Be sure the jumps in sizes aren’t too large, making the smallest seem too small or the largest, too large.

Durability and setting. Breakage can occur with any container, but some tolerate abuse better than others. Over-wintering outside requires that water be excluded, or soil removed, from any container. Terracotta should always be brought indoors over winter. High fire ceramic pots will maintain their color best. Containers made of resin and fiberglass are lightweight and durable, but watch the bases and corners so they don’t get chipped by passing traffic.

]]> http://finkegardens.com/garden-shop/colorful-and-classy-containers/feed/ 0 Head Planter Aegean and Sandblasted Planters Aegean and Sandblasted Planters Biltmore Trough Black Bacca and Hematite Dimpled Jars Colorful Planters Copper Wavy Planters Faccia Planters Faux Bois Faux Bois Frog Statuary Glazed Deco Vase Guy Wolff Planters Guy Wolff Planters Head Planters Head Planters Islas Planters Old Stone Moss Pots Sandblasted Jar and Face Studded Grey Vase Terra Cotta Planters Terra Cotta Planters Unique Stone Veneto Vase and Statuary January Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/january-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/january-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:06:04 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3644 January 1 Even though your plants may be dormant, there are some things you can do to keep your yard in peak shape. Keep an eye on your slumbering plantings, and make plans so you’re ready when warm weather returns.

January Checklist

  • Check soil moisture if the weather has been mild and dry. Water as needed, especially conifers and newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials.
  • Gently remove heavy snow loads from trees & shrubs.
  • Scout for animal damage and install fencing if necessary.
  • Begin planning your vegetable garden. Plan to try some of Finke’s homegrown vegetable transplants.
  • Contact a landscape designer at Finke Gardens to schedule a design appointment. Winter is a great time for planning! Landscape Design Services
  • Re-application of anti-transpirants may be needed on newly planted evergreens. Follow product label for guidelines.
]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/january-checklist/feed/ 0 February Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/february-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/february-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:58:30 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3641 February 2 Winter may still be in the air, but it is time to start dreaming of spring! If you have cabin fever, get outside on a nice day and check a few things off your to-do list.

February Checklist

  • Check soil moisture if the weather has been mild and dry. Water as needed, especially conifers and newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials.
  • Gently remove heavy snow loads from trees & shrubs.
  • Scout for animal damage and install fencing if necessary.
  • Prune most woody trees and shrubs now, except those that bloom on old wood. See Finke’s Pruning Guide on the website for recommendations.
  • Plan your vegetable garden. Plan to try some of Finke’s homegrown vegetable transplants.
  • Contact Finke Gardens to schedule your spring clean-up.
  • Re-application of anti-transpirants may be needed on newly planted evergreens. Follow product label for guidelines.
]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/february-checklist/feed/ 0 March Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/march-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/march-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:44:16 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3639 March 3 Spring is just around the corner! As the weather warms and the days get longer, there is plenty to do in the yard. Get a head start on the season with these simple garden reminders.

March Checklist

  • Prune trees and shrubs before growth begins. Avoid pruning those that flower on old wood. See our Pruning Guide for general recommendations.
  • Plant trees and shrubs as soon as the soil thaws and dries.
  • Remove sticks and other debris from the lawn and landscape beds.
  • Clean and sharpen gardening tools and mower blades.
  • Prepare the lawn mower and other small engines with an oil change and tune-up.
  • Cut back perennials and remove protective mulch in late March.
  • Plant peas, onions, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli and asparagus as soon as the soil has dried and can be worked.
  • Review the NebGuides available from UNL - answers to the questions you forgot you had last season just might be there!
  • Review the Kentucky Bluegrass Lawn Calendar.
]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/march-checklist/feed/ 0 April Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/april-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/april-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:17:50 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3637 April 4 Spring is in full swing! Although it is still a bit too early to plant many annual flowers, this is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and certain vegetables. Here are a few more tips.

April Checklist

  • Begin spring clean-up of landscape beds.
  • Prune spring flowering shrubs after the flowers fade. Pruning Guide
  • Plant trees and shrubs.
  • Cut back perennials and remove protective mulch.
  • Remove sticks and other debris from the lawn and landscape beds.
  • Re-mulch landscape beds. How much? Use our mulch calculator.
  • Watch for sawflies on evergreens now through May, treat as needed.
  • Plant cool season vegetables as soon as the soil can be worked.
  • Aerate high-traffic areas of the lawn.
  • Apply pre-emergence herbicide to the lawn and landscape beds in late-April.
  • Review the NebGuides available from UNL - answers to the questions you forgot you had last season just might be there!
  • Contact your irrigation company to set up your system for the season.
  • Calibrate your irrigation system.
  • Tune into Backyard Farmer for the 60th season of gardening answers and inspiration starting April 5th at 7:00 p.m. Finke Gardens, a proud sponsor of the program, participates each week on the phone panel.
]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/april-checklist/feed/ 0 May Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/may-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/may-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:59:27 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3635 May 5 Mother’s Day, graduations, and gardening projects make this a busy month. Set aside some time to relax in your outdoor space and soak up the beauty of your yard. Here's a few things to keep in mind.

May Checklist

]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/may-checklist/feed/ 0 June Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/june-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/june-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:48:47 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3633 June 6 Warm weather is great for picnics and ballgames, but it’s also great for insects. Early detection is key to effective treatment. Spend some time in your yard and take care of these garden tasks.

June Checklist

  • Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials.
  • Watch for black spot and powdery mildew on roses. Treat as needed.
  • Watch for webworm in honeylocust and others. Break up webs with a broom.
  • Watch for bagworms on spruce, juniper, and others. Treat as needed.
  • Watch for spider mites on conifers. Treat as needed with horticultural oil.
  • Watch for yellow nutsedge. Apply treatments as needed throughout the season.
  • Re-apply pre-emergence herbicide to the lawn and landscape beds in late June.
  • Irrigate the lawn and landscape as needed. One inch per week is sufficient.
  • Can't pass up the lugs of fruit at the Farmer's Market? Learn how to easily and safely can fruit.
  • When raspberries and strawberries are fresh, you can't get enough. Enjoy the flavor in winter by making jelly and jam when they're plentiful. Jams, jellies and preserves
  • Never tried canning? It's not as hard as you think. Read up and decide if it's for you.
]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/june-checklist/feed/ 0 July Checklist http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/july-checklist/ http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/july-checklist/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:37:47 +0000 finkegardens http://finkegardens.com/?p=3630 July 7 It is pretty hot out there. Remember to drink plenty of fluids when doing garden work, and try to get things done in the morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Here's a list of things to keep an eye on.

July Checklist

]]> http://finkegardens.com/this-month-in-the-garden/july-checklist/feed/ 0