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One web site that we have come to enjoy a lot is www.houzz.com. If you have not visited it, please do as it is a fabulous source for ideas. Statile & Todd has just started to upload images to the site inorder to share our projects with a wider audience who is looking for ideas. The site is an image based resource site where visitors tag photos and place them in their "idea books". An idea book funtions as a folder where you deposit images to reference back to. If you are remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, livingroom or garden, chances are you have a folder tucked away in a drawer with tear sheets from magazines of spaces that inspire you or help translate an idea for a professional designer to reference. This site functions as those folders. It's a really interesting concept that is helpful to expand the audience that becomes familiar with our work and capabilities. The editors from Houzz chose a picture from our images to help illustrate an article they were writing of a Mediterannean garden. (It's the 5th image in the above link) The image is of a fountain that we restored in a historic garden originally designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, a reknowned landscape designer from the 1920's. Using copies of her original drawings (housed at Cornell University's Landscape Architecture Library), we sourced the tiles to the original manufacturer from California!! They still manufactured the same tiles that she specified when the garden was built in the 1920's.!! We replicated the patern as depicted in her drawings bringing back to life a fountain designed 90 years ago by one of the pioneers of Landscape Architecture.

Vegetable startups

The National Gardening Association says Americans spent $1.4 billion on vegetable gardens last year. That’s up almost 25 percent from the year before. Now is the time to get the beds or containers ready as the frost free date to safely plant (around Mother’s Day) is almost here.

The startup cost of installing a vegetable garden will not be cheaper than buying vegetables at a supermarket at first, but over time, it will be less expensive. It is estimated that for every dime spent on seeds, you will reap about a dollar back in produce. Not a bad return.

Vegetable Garden

You do not have to be an expert to grow vegetables. Plants need three main things: proper sunlight, water and great soil. All it takes are a few considerations:
• At least 6 hours of full sunlight
• Good drainage
• Close access to water
• Limited competition from large trees and tree roots
• Protection from marauding pets and animals
• Soil should provide nutrients and minerals

A few suggestions on deciding what to grow:
• Grow what you like.
• Select gourmet vegetables that you cannot get locally.
• Try herbs. They are easy to grow, yet expensive at the store.
• Grow only what you will eat. Two tomato plants per person will supply plenty for fresh salads. Typically, one tomato plant may yield 30 lbs. One eggplant plant will yield roughly 12-14 fruits.

Start small. The easiest vegetables to grow besides herbs include carrots, green beans, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, radishes, peppers, squash and cucumbers. Basil is also super easy. Have fun by growing a few varieties of each vegetable or herb. Some easy and unusual choices would include Arugula, Elephant garlic, Ground cherry, Hyacinth bean vine and French Sorrel.

Don’t forget about the soil. Most vegetables prefer a soil pH between 6.0-6.8. If you do not know the pH of your soil, you can get it tested. Many soils benefit from adding compost and peat amendment. Go organic!

If you are want an organic garden, it may help you to think about companion planting and using flowers to attract beneficial insects and biological control. Companion planting is merely planting vegetables, herbs and flowers near each other to assist with pollination, pest control, higher yields and better taste. An example would be to plant Thyme near strawberries because the strawberry borer that attacks the berries loves Thyme, but it does not affect Thyme.

Planting flowers such as Alyssum, Cosmos, Baby’s Breath, Calendula, Echinacea, Lobelia, Monarda and many others helps to bring beneficial bugs. This will balance the garden ecosystem by pollinating and protecting the plants from “bad” insects that can do major damage to your veggies, not to mention adding color and vibrancy to your veggiescape.

Even if all you do is plant a few pots with Tomatoes and Basil to enjoy with fresh Mozzarella, the satisfaction in knowing that you grew it will reap a huge sense of accomplishment.

Here are some excellent resources to help you get started:

From the Carnegie Library:

http://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/homegarden/gardening/kitchen.html

Companion Planting App:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/companion-planting/id483297047?mt=8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_pest_control

http://www.motherearthnews.com/plants-to-attract-beneficial-insects.aspx

Let us know how it goes!

Giant in a Field

John Todd’s, (owner of Statile Todd) family began their horticulture forays via the tree industry in the 1920’s with the company Peter’s Todd’s. It was his uncle’s business and John began as climber when he was a teenager. Eventually, he bought the business and it continues today as a sister company to Statile & Todd. John is a tree lover and may be most at home when he is walking the fields of Halka Nursery tagging trees for various landscaping jobs. Trees form the structural living bones of a landscape, and preserving them with proper care is a responsibility that property owners have to ensure that the trees thrive for future generation. We are stewards of the land and proper care for trees, both large and small, enable a healthy balanced ecosystem to exist.

Saucer Magnolia being Transplanted

So today, plant a tree if you can to mark Arbor Day with the hope that over time, it grows to provide shade and a peaceful surrounding for others to enjoy. If that is not possible for you, then recognize the important role that trees play in our well being and those of our planet. These silent giants give to us enormous benefits….the least we can do is provide the proper care to enable them to live long and thrive.

Pink Dogwood

Redbud

Right now, Dogwoods, redbuds, fothergilla, azaleas, lilacs, wisteria and viburnums, are reaching their bloom prime.

Korean Spice Viburnum

Fothergilla in Bloom

Primrose Woodland Garden

Colombine

Speaking of patience, the blooms are just about gone on those gorgeous Daffodils and many other bulbs, but please allow Mother Nature to do her work. The stems of the spent flowers can be cut off, but allow the green leaves to die back naturally. The bulbs are producing next year’s bloom and it takes about 5-6 weeks for the plant to produce enough food via photosynthesis for next year’s growth. The foliage can be removed once it turns completely yellow.
Keep in mind that the frost free date (and safe time to plant annuals) is typically around Mother’s Day in our area.

A new plant that is making a big scene for such unpredictable weather is Senetti. It can withstand a range of temperatures from 30-90 degrees and is part of the genus Pericallis which originated in Japan. The range of colors is from blue to purple to magenta. It prefers acidic soil and can be grown in light shade or full sun. In our region, it is not supposed to stick around much past June.

Things you should be looking for and doing right now on your property include:
• Note transplants and replacement shrubs and perennials.
• Move and relocate plants/shrubs that are too close together.
• It is safe to install new shrubs and ornamental grasses.
• Keep in mind that many lawns have a mix of fescue, Bluegrass and Rye which will not all come in at the same time. This may make your lawn appear yellow in some areas because one of them is still dormant. Be patient. They will green up by end of May/June.
• Take note of areas for reseeding but wait a week until after the application for crabgrass has been applied before over seeding. The same is true for sodding.
• Spray deer spray on Hostas, Lilies and other tempting perennials as now is the most intensive time for deer browsing.
• Plant bare roots Roses and other fruits such as berries now.
• Did you get your soil tested yet? Beat the rush by doing it now.
• Wait until after spring flowering shrubs such as Lilacs and Forsythia have bloomed, before pruning.

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22nd, which is a perfect time to spend at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum! They are planning many festivities for families, not to mention that the Daffodils are finishing their wonderful display – a show not be missed. Sunday, April 22nd, 1-4 pm, rain or shine. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901, 908-273-8787. http://www.reeves-reedarboretum.org/index.php
We would love to hear how you will celebrate Earth Day…maybe you could include a rain dance sometime that day also. 

daffodils hyacinths and muscari bulbs burst with bloom

This week we are talking about how attractive those delicious spring flower bulbs look to the marauding deer on your property. Spring is the most critical time when deer begin to browse for food. Beware, they may be lurking, but then again, this winter they may have never left because it was so warm.

Deer LOVE Tulips and they will devour this “buffet”. Unless you have an 8’ fence or plan on installing one, don’t waste your money. Deer can easily jump a 6’ fence.

king alfred daffodil mass, bench and cherry trees

Best deer resistant bulbs include Daffodils, Hyacinths and Crocus. Many people limit themselves to just these three biggies, but there are several other interesting choices. Allium, Chinodoxa, Galanthus (Snowdrops), Hyacinthoides (Squill), Pushkinia and Leukojum.

Snowdrops

Allium blooms

Another really interesting deer resistant is Frittilaria. While these can be a bit “stinky”, they are deer often rodent resistant. Strategically place these dramatic bulbs around the perimeter of your property or on the deer path to divert the pesky animals from coming further onto your property. They come in creamy whites to deeper and louder colors, are non-fussy and easy to grow.

Frittilaria

Here are some of the things you should be thinking about in the garden this week:
• Since Forsythia is in bloom, now is the time to apply crabgrass preventative in the lawn.
• Keep a close eye on new veggie seedlings and thin as necessary
• Trim and deadhead any and all perennials to 3”
• Hack away at those gigantic Butterfly bushes and confidently cut them to 18” tall.
• Inspect your ground for grubs in and around your lawn and under tree beds. Plan to treat them.
• Buy local honey to reduce allergies from the profusely blooming tree buds and flowers
• Keep a close eye on the weather and either lightly cover or bring in annuals that you have already bravely planted in pots. Pansies should be fine
• Take pictures of your spring bulbs to document areas where you can add more. Note these areas so you can add more in the fall.

This week’s outing is a suggested visit to the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) web site. Invite your spouse and kids to join you to look for local sources to buy local honey. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, a tablespoon of local honey every day will help deter allergies from spring pollen. Try adding honey to your coffee! Enjoy the journey and be sure to tell us about your visits and adventure…beekeepers are a fun lot! http://www.nofanj.org/Posted%20PDFs/NOFANJ_FarmGuide_2011.pdf

Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird feeding on salvia

This is a link to the map of the 2012 migration sightings.

http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

What is interesting to note is that they started their journey earlier this year and seem to be a couple weeks ahead of their first sightings of years past. Previous years migrations are also housed on this site.

So get out your hummingbird feeders as these travelers are hungry and welcome a station that they can refuel. Perhaps they might stay for an extended period and even take up nesting in the area.

There are a variety of feeders to use. The general formula for their sugar water is 1/4 C of sugar to 1 c of water. Warm the water so the sugar melts and then allow to cool to room temperature. Do NOT put in any red food coloring, it can be harmful to the birds. On the east coast, Ruby throated hummingbirds are the only species we see. The west coast has a much wider variety.

Bold colors will attract the hummingbirds to your garden too. Salvia and impatiens work well as annuals to attract them. In addition, many other trumpet shaped flowers such as honeysuckle, liatris, beebalm, agastache, cardinal flower, trumpet vine, butterfly bush, and columbine all will attract hummingbirds as their flowers produce an abundance of nectar. Hummingbirds also eat small insects too, a valuable and necessary source of protein. When the newly hatched hummingbirds are still in their nest, the parents are feeding them insects to build strength. You may see a dwindling of visits to your feeder at this time as they are constantly tending to their young.

Enjoy these delightful visitors to your gardens. We are interested to hear from you if in fact you do have them in your yard.

Click on the link below.
StatileTodd

On the first day of spring—the vernal equinox—day and night are 12 hours long. Spring officially began at 1:14 am this morning. It’s HERE! Earthworms wiggle, birds sing, and buds and bulbs are beginning to sprout everywhere. One plant in rare form right now is Helleborus. Their deep green leaves and unusually shaped flowers give us a gorgeous show in many colors. Hellebores went “mainstream” in 2005 when The Perennial Plant Association named it “Perennial Plant of the Year”. Sold as a shade plant, they actually like dappled shade and even thrive in a little sun.

Temperatures are expected to climb this week and there are many garden tasks. Slugs are awakening so get out the organic slug bait around your Hostas and Irises. The new ferrous-based pellets or Diatomaceous Earth work well.
Other chores include:
• Cut back grasses and perennials and clear dead foliage. Be careful not to step on the upcoming spring bulbs!
• Overgrown clumps of Snowdrops can be lifted and divided.
• Add organic compost amendment to your vegetable garden and perennial beds if you have not done so already.
• Weeds are already sprouting so NOW is the time to remove them before mulching. Do NOT throw any weeds with seeds into the compost bin or you will weed them again when you use the compost!
• Take a soil test for problem areas before the labs get busy if you have not done this for 3 years.
• Apply a low-nitrogen, slow release fertilizer on spring bulbs as they emerge for a better display.
• Plan your vegetable crop rotation to reduce pests and diseases.
• Sow herbs outside such as Oregano, Parsley, Marjoram, Chives and Dill.
• Sow cool crops seeds and sets now if the soil is not too wet or cold. The easiest are lettuces, spinach, Swiss Chard, radishes, and onion sets. Other “cole” crops include early peas, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower and beets.
• Make arrangements to have mower blades and pruning shears sharpened and equipment sent in for a spring tune up
• Look for winter mold and trouble areas in the lawn and schedule fertilization applications
• Summer and fall blooming shrubs should be pruned by clearing out old or diseased growth.
• Look up into your shade trees for any hazardous dead limbs or storm damage and have them removed.
• Tree fertilization should be scheduled to enhance tree vigor and address the drought of 2010 and storm damage of 2011. This helps grow new roots and prevent diseases.

This week will be a great time to take a walk at the Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills. Hours are M-F 10-4 pm. On April 1st, they will be open on weekends as well: Saturday 10-5 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm. There is a lovely spot on the deck by the Visitor’s Center to have lunch with benches placed throughout the trails for quiet reflection. http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/leonard_buck_garden
Leonard Buck, a geologist and trustee at the New York Botanical Gardens met architect, Zenon Schrieber in the late 30’s. Together they created by hand every garden space by eye and proportion without any drawings. This garden is part of the Somerset County Park Commission. The suggested donation is $1per child and $3 per adult.

Enjoy the weather and let us know what you are seeing! Send us your thoughts and comments.