We would like to take a minute of your time and introduce Mattfeld’s Garden Gossip. We hope it will be of interest to all gardeners. We will give you useful planting tips, information on what is new each season at our greenhouse and florist.
We hope this blog will be something you can learn from and enjoy. If you have any comments; suggestions, or any plant that you would like information on, please let us know.
Bill
Filed under: General on October 21st, 2009 | No Comments »
Have a Rosy Valentine’s Day
Filed under: Roses on February 11th, 2010 | No Comments »
Christmas Has Come and Gone, Now What?
Credit: D. Pfleider | © D. Pfleider
Now that Christmas is over, and the New Year has arrived, some people are facing the question of what to do with that Poinsettia they enjoyed during the holidays. With the proper care, enjoying these beautiful plants for many years is possible.
Poinsettias seem to follow the seasons when it comes to caring for them. During the late winter or early spring, in February or early March, these plants will need the old flowering stems cut back to 4-6 inches in height to promote new growth. During this period, the plants will also need fertilizing monthly; they will need 6 hours of light, they will need to be kept away from heat sources and the moisture must be checked daily. Water when the soil is dry.
via How to Care for Your Poinsettia After Christmas – Associated Content – associatedcontent.com.
Filed under: Poinsettias on December 31st, 2009 | No Comments »
Poinsettia Toxicity Myth
The poinsettia is the most widely tested consumer plant on the market today, proving the myth about the popular holiday plant to be false:
* Scientific research from The Ohio State University has proved the poinsettia to be non-toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant were tested, including the leaves and sap.
* According to POISINDEX, the national information center for poison control centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity.
* A study by Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found that out of 22,793 reported poinsettia exposures there was essentially no toxicity significance of any kind. The study used national data collected by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
* The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that keeping this plant out of the reach of pets to avoid stomach upset is a good idea, however pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure. The American Veterinary Medicine Association of America (AVMA), agrees.
As with any non-food product, however, the poinsettia is not meant to be eaten and can cause varying degrees of discomfort; therefore, the plant should be kept out of the reach of young children and curious pets.
Filed under: Poinsettias on December 10th, 2009 | No Comments »
Get an early start on your decorating ideas.
Stop in on Saturday, Nov 21st and Sunday, Nov 22nd and receive 20% off all silk arrangements, ornaments and Christmas novelties.
Filed under: Florist, Greenhouse on November 3rd, 2009 | No Comments »
When it’s frosty outside our greenhouses will be full of brilliant colored poinsettias. We offer thousands to choose from ranging in size, from tiny desk top poinsettias to magnificent floor specimens and gorgeous hanging baskets.
The colors range from traditional reds and whites to shades of pink, plum and burgundy. We are sure we have just what you need for all of your holiday decorating and gift giving.
Filed under: Poinsettias on October 29th, 2009 | No Comments »
Most roses are pretty hardy winter plants, but many do need some protection from extreme fluctuations in temperature and the drying effects of the wind.
Wind
Any strong, constant wind is bad for roses. Wind evaporates moisture from the leaves and in extreme conditions, the plant becomes dehydrated because it is unable to draw enough water to sustain itself. A wall or even a hedge of bushes should be enough to dampen the effects of the wind.
Freezing
The question of protection from freezing is probably the most controversial in rose culture. The method most commonly used will be discussed.
One of a plants best defenses against the cold weather is proper summer care. Vigorous rose bushes are to withstand cold far better than unhealthy ones.
Filed under: Roses on October 21st, 2009 | No Comments »