Horticulture Newsletter, Winter 2023
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2023 Perennial Plant of the Year
The Perennial Plant Association is pleased to promote Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ as their 2023 Perennial Plant of the Year. ‘American Gold Rush’ is a stunning addition to any garden. At the height of summer, it turns up the volume for a song season of dazzling color right up to autumn frosts. The bright golden-yellow flowers feature arching rays and a reddish halo surrounding dark chocolate cones. Three-inch flowers blanket the compact plant, which is only 22-27 inches tall with a broader width to 40 inches if given room to grow.
The green leaves and stems are covered in hairs, which gives them a silvery cast on sunny days. ‘American Gold Rush’ is a reliable hardy perennial and a great substitute for popular, brassier, ‘Goldstrum’, which is highly susceptible to Septoria Leaf Spot. From start to finish, this plant is generally trouble free and easy to grow.
The Perennial Plant of the Year program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen for this honor are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest and are relatively pest/disease-free.
To find out more about the Perennial of the Year program and a list of past winners, go to http://perennialplant.org.
Change is in the Air
Unfortunately, you may have noticed that last year Horticulture Headlines was not published as regularly as in previous years, for that we are sorry. But we are excited about a new, revamped Horticulture Headlines newsletter! Beginning with this issue, the newsletter will be published quarterly—Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall issues. There will be lots more information and local happenings included. If there is a certain topic you would like included in an issue, contact the extension office and let Cindy know, she will pass it along!
Thank you for your patience—Happy Gardening!
Winter Garden Chores
There is always something that needs to be done in the garden—EVEN IN WINTER! Here is a list of chores to get done now so you don’t feel so overwhelmed come spring:
▪ Clean all your flowerpots. Use a couple drops of bleach in warm water. This will help kill any diseases or insects that may be overwintering in last year’s potting mix.
▪Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch or standing it in the backyard for birds to visit during the cold weather. Leave birdseed underneath or hang birdfeeders among the branches.
▪ Pre-order your seeds and/or plants. This helps assure the ones you want are still available.
▪ Design a new garden bed. Completing this now, gives you plenty of time of make decisions—location, plant choices, timeline, etc.
▪ Organize your shed and/or garage, tool storage area. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did!
▪ Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools so they are ready to use on the first warm days.
▪ Dream, Scheme, and Plan for next gardening season!
▪ Plan your vegetable garden crop rotations.
▪ Put out water and food for the birds.
▪ Inventory your saved seeds, test for viability.
▪ Remember to continue to turn your compost pile.
▪ Start saving coffee grounds.
▪ Start saving eggshells to use in the garden. The next newsletter will have an article explaining how to use them.
▪ Make new or fix old tomato cages.
Poinsettia Pointers
It’s that time of year again: you received a beautiful poinsettia during the holiday season and now you don’t know what to do to keep it looking lovely.
First, the plant you received was intended to be a “holiday plant”—the growers expect it to be discarded soon after the holidays.
Secondly, it is very difficult to get poinsettia to bloom again. It includes many weeks of keeping it in darkness and light.
Holiday poinsettia plants do best with full sun for at least half the day and night temperatures in the 50s or 50s.
Keep plants away from drafts, registers and radiators and let the soil dry only slightly between thorough watering. Be sure to punch holes in decorative foil wraps to prevent soggy soil conditions.
UK has a publication available for poinsettia car. Contact the extension office for a copy of it.
Timely Garden Tips
Trees & Shrubs
▪ Prune dead branches. You never want to prune much in winter, as this could stimulate new growth, but you can remove torn or hanging branches that could attract pests or cause further injury.
▪ Remove snow from plants gently. Although tree branches usually can handle a lot, if they do get overloaded with snow or ice, remember don’t shake the branches to dump the snow/ice. If you can, gently brush off snow as it falls onto the plants. If snow has already frozen on the branch, let the ice melt naturally.
General Gardening
▪ Bring in garden hoses.
▪ Drain outdoor faucets.
▪ Clean and store garden hand tools.
▪ Winterize power tools — mower, chainsaw, rototiller.
▪ Store pesticides in a safe place, away from children and pets.
▪ Provide food, water, and shelter to attract wildlife.
▪Start shopping for seeds and plants. All horticulture companies now have nice online shopping options. They usually give excellent descriptions of the plants. The earlier you buy, the better selection you will have!
▪ Late winter is a perfect time to take soil samples from you landscape. UK does FREE soil testing for KY residents. Call or stop by the extension office and Cindy can give you written directions for collecting samples.
A Rose is a Rose, is a Rose!
Who doesn’t love a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten the spirit in the middle of winter? And Valentine’s Day is the perfect reason to make a purchase!
Valentine’s Day is the #1 holiday for florists in sales.
Here’s how to care for your lovely bouquet:
*Place them in room-temperature water as soon as possible.
*With a sharp knife or pruners, make an angled cut and remove 1” from each stem.
Make this cut while the stem is under water. Cutting on an angle increases the surface area for water intake.
*Add floral preservative to the vase water.
*Remove all foliage below the water level.
**Cut flowers prefer a cool, humid environment and should be kept out of bright lights and away from heating vents. Enjoy!
Garden Question & Answer
Question: I ran out of time in the fall and didn’t plant my tulip bulbs. Is it too late to plant them now?
Answer: Unfortunately, it is too late to plant them in the ground. However, there is another way that you can enjoy them in the spring. The bulbs can be planted in a large flower pot and placed in an unheated garage or shed. This allows them to get the chilling they require to bloom, but will be protected from freezing. Water them lightly when planting them. Cover the top of the pot so no light can get to the bulbs. A black trash bag works well.
The pot can be taken outside in early spring (March) , uncovered, and the bulbs should start growing and blooming normally.
