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Plant damage in the Southwest

guzmans — Sun, 15 May 2011 20:12:40 +0000

Plant Damage in Southwest New Mexico

Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia Robusta) look sad and most will have to be cut down. However, most California fan palms are showing signs of life. The Mediterranean Palms (Chamaerops humilis) also looks bad but a few seem to have weathered the freeze. Inspect your palm tree closely for signs of life. Small green fronds at the very top core are indications of plant life. Good replacements are the Spanish Bayonet or Sword. These are actually in the Yucca family and will not grow as a large palm tree but they are much more tolerant of cold weather.

Most Deciduous trees that go dormant throughout the winter months look like they will survive. This includes the Ash, Oak and Willow Trees. The Magnolia tree surprised me with their cold tolerance. Most took a beating but they should generate new growth once the night time temperatures stay consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the night time.

Under normal conditions Pampas Grass will always comes back without problems however this year you should trim back considerably.

Most other ornamental grasses should also come back including the Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and the Regal Mist (Muhlenbergia capillaries). You’ll have better success by cutting them down during late fall or early winter.

The Afghan Pine (Pinus eldarica) tree also called the Mondale and Desert Pine is a very cold hardy pine. However, some of these pines do not look good. This is probably due to the tree already having some type of problem as in: Borers, Mites, or growing under power lines. An unhealthy tree is much more vulnerable to minus degree weather than a healthy one.

The Palo Verde Trees (Parkinsonia aculeate) are cold hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit…and most look like dead wood at best. Some folks have reported seeing some life coming from the very bottom of the root system. It’s probably best to cut down and start over or just let those “little suckers” come out and start over? It’s your call. Good replacements are the Honey and Velvet Mesquites.

Oleanders (Nerium) look the worse. Probably thousands will have to be cut back all the way to the bottom. It is a sad situation as folks who are new to the area will not be able to see those bright red, pink and white blooms through out the summer months. Yes…cut them down all the way to ground level. Most will re-generate new growth from the root system. Or completely remove and start over with new ones or plant something much hardier. Good replacements are Muskogee Crape Myrtles their purple blooms will last through out the summer months. The Wax leaf privets are another good choice but their white blooms are not very showy and only appear in spring.

Roses, Butterfly BUshes and Other Colorful Plants that have cold Damage

Roses: Most look like they will re-generate new growth but some will have to be replaced or severely cut back. It all depends on the variety where they were placed and how well they were taken care of during the previous seasons.

Butterfly Bushes all look like they will recover nicely. Trim them back for more blooms during the late spring season.

Red Tip Photinia’s look healthy but some of the foliage looks somewhat frazzled by the minus degree weather. I would just slightly trim off the bad looking leaves.

Mock Orange or Pittosporum (Philadelphus lewisi). Most could not take the freezing minus degree weather. Some have a little growth from the bottom. Trimming them back now will give them new growth and life or take them out and start over.

Native Plants that look bad after February Freeze

Apache Plume as hardy and easy to care for here in the Southwest it looks bad but this year is an exception. I would cut them down to the ground. But if you do it will take several years before they start to grow into a decent size.

Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) have beautiful big red and orange blooms but no until early summer. Hopefully you cut them down to the ground before the February freeze…if so there is a good chance they will start to come out of dormancy in late spring, possibly as late as early July.

Texas Sages (Lecuophyllums): Most look like they will bounce back but many will have to be trimmed back.

Sages (Salvia Officinalis) Most should come back. I’ve seen many sprouting out and looking very healthy. Some trimming will be required for better summer time results.

Virburnums: There are hundreds Virburnum varities but the most common around the southwest are the Spring Bouquet Laurustinus. Most of these plants are pretty much dead. Some folks have reported seeing some green growth at the root system. I would take them out and start over…but It is your landscape and your decision.

Euonymus Shrubs (Celastraceae family): These evergreen shrubs in the southwest took a big hit, and they are starting to see signs of new growth. However, most need to be severely cut back.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Optunia) many cactuses have taken a big hit and removing dead or dying plants is your best course. This will help the plant generate new fronds or sometimes called nopales or nopalitos.

Yellow and Orange Bells (Tecoma Stans): Most of these plants will have to be cut back severely. You should see some new growth at the very bottom.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Should be cut back down to the roots. You might get new shoots for a new plant. Or dig them out and start over.
Rabbitbush (Chrysothamnus naueosus): Sometimes called Chamisa. These plants had no problem with the February freeze. If yours look bad it’s probably another cause…usually too much water or insect infestation.

Vitex or Chaste tree is starting to show signs of life. They too need to be trimmed back. The new growth will grow much quicker once you have done this.

Mexican Elders (Sambucus Mexicana): These trees are landscaped through out the Southwest. They look bad but are starting to slowly come out of it. You should trim back old or dead limbs. Remove any suckers coming from the bottom of the tree. This will give new energy towards the middle of the tree.
Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa): Very drought tolerant native plant but the cold freeze has killed most of them. My suggestion…pull them out and start over. A good replacement would be Texas Sages or Rabbit Bush.

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) seem to have taken some damage. Many look ok but have some freeze burn towards the top. These evergreen trees can grow up to 100ft. tall. You could top them off at the point of damage. They will have a “Flat Top” appearance. Be sure to hire a professional tree trimmer.

Other types of Cypresses had no problems with the cold weather.
I will be posting photos of what these plants look like months after the freeze.

Thanks Paul Guzman

http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com

Insect free garden

guzmans — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:50:45 +0000

Insect Free Garden

Every year gardeners around the world stress over the fact that a new season will bring in more insects or diseases into their garden. There are steps you can take to prevent or stop them from invading or killing your garden plants. Here are some tips on keep you garden Insect Free without using harmful chemicals or pesticides.

Insects that eat bad Insects

Not all insects are harmful matter of fact many are beneficial to our environment. Lady Bugs will consume aphids, and other types of foliage eating insects.

Many folks think the praying mantis is a beneficial insect but they will eat almost any type of bug including other beneficial type of bugs. Before purchasing Praying Mantis be sure you don’t already have Lady Bugs.

Dusty wings are another flying insect that will eat aphids, spider mites and scale type insects. Problem is they are very uncommon and many folks will spray immediatley with an insecticide thinking they are the problem.

Common ground beetles can consume large numbers of caterpillars, armyworms, cutworms, grubs, snails and slugs. Most folks do their best to kill ground beetles but they are very beneficial to your garden.

Organic methods of pest and disease control mean a healthier garden for you, your plants and the insects, birds and animals around you. Think before you take out your pesticide spray bottle.

Your vegetable or flowering garden is an eco-system and you should do your best to “become organic” when it comes to pest and disease control.

Make sure you give all your plants plenty of room. Over crowding plants promotes fungus, wilt, rust and a good place for insects to hide.

Over-watering is also a big issue. Too much water can cause powdery mildew and other water loving insects such as snails and slugs. Too little water and dry conditions are ideal places for spider mites to thrive in.

Plants are a lot like people…hardy, healthy plants will have a better chance of surviving an attack of disease or insects. Be sure to follow a good water and fertilizing schedule.

Make your garden organic

Most Nurseries and Greenhouses have organic soils and fertilizers and all you need to do is ask for them. Doing a search for anything organic will also give you a list of sites that have tons of good information regarding “How to grow and start an organic garden”.

Sometimes you have no choice but to use pesticides that may be harmful to the environment. Be sure you fully understand what each product is and what it does. Reading the instructions and asking questions from a qualified Nursery expert is your best course of action.

Paul Guzman is the author of the article read more about gardening by visiting his free gardening information website at: Guzman’s Greenhouse

Good Looking Trees and Shrubs Year Round

guzmans — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:25:31 +0000

Looking for information regarding your trees and shrubs? Here are some good tips on doing just that.

I manage a large retail gardening store and get hundreds of questions regarding trees and shrubs. It is not really hard to keep your plants looking good year round but I do have some very good tips on how this should be done.

Tree and Plant care during the hot summer months

We will start with the summer months. The hot sun rays will scorch and burn many new tender plants making them look bad and it seems no matter you do they still look burned and dry. So what is the solution? Up your watering. Increase your watering times if using a water sprinkler. Usually 5-10 minutes more each time will help. If you are watering by hand or paying some to do this make sure you apply at least 5-8 gallons of water per plant. This should be done almost on a daily basis for new plants and trees.

How often do we fertilize our trees and shrubs?

Many gardeners think “More fertilizer will help”. This is usually not true because fertilizer will sometimes burn the foliage of newly planted plants. It is important to fertilize during the summer months but only once in early summer and maybe again towards fall should suffice. Always use Ggood loamy composted soil will also help with water retention. Adding mulch on top of each plant will help keep weeds and also retain water moisture. And just like people older more established trees and plants can take extra fertilizer. They also require less watering, and this is usually about the third year or more after planting.

Fall gardening is a bit less challenging. Decrease your watering times to about twice per week maybe 20-30 minutes each time. The only exception is your new lawn. It should still be watered consistently throughout the fall months. You want to be sure of a good root system going into the winter months. Fall and spring weather are very similar and many plants will bloom again thinking it might be spring. The fall is a good time to winterize your lawn. Winterizer is a product and is sold in most nurseries it is a vitamin for the root system not a fertilizer. It is really hard to over do winterizer.

It is still important to water and check your trees and plants during this time. About twice per year should suffice. The one big exception are Magnolia trees these trees need watering about once or twice during the winter months. Without foliage you will be able to observe your deciduous trees for borers. Borers’ are small worms that will bore a hole in many trees including evergreens and softer type wood trees. Most holes will be about the size of BB pellet. Use a good systemic insecticide to kill borers’. Any good sized nursery should have this product in stock year round.

Spring time gardening. Almost all gardeners’ love this time of the year. Blooms and flowers should start appearing and new visual growth on evergreens and deciduous trees are noticeable. It is time to increase watering times about 20-30 minutes each time on a drip system. This is also a good time to check your drip and sprinkler systems. Be sure to check all drip lines and see if they are actually dripping water to your plants. Fertilize all plants and trees during this time. Any good all purpose fertilizer will work. There are many fertilizers that are specifically designed for fruit trees, evergreen trees, and or shrubs. Fertilizers high in zinc should be used for fruit and nut type trees. Fertilizers high in nitrogen are designed for evergreen trees and shrubs. Be sure to read the label of each and every fertilizer product for the correct usage.

Plants and trees are much like people. Take care of them, feed, water and always check for disease or insects. Very similar to people!

Paul Guzman

When is it time to fertilize my lawn

guzmans — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:40:53 +0000

When do I start fertlizing my lawn.

This one question I get all the time. Especially during the late winter season. Most folks think they have to fertlize now or during cold weather. This is not true but it also depends on the type of grass you have.

Fertilizing your lawn is of utmost importance if you want your lawn to be the talk of the neighborhood. Lush green lawns are what all home owners want.

But when why and how should we fertlizer our lawns during the late winter season. Bermuda grasses will go dormant in most zone areas including the lower elevations of the Southwest. Soutwestern California and Arizona rarely have freezing temperatures therefore Bermuda grass does not go completley dormant.

We play, exercise, sit, and walk around our lawn sometimes barefooted. Without good regular fertlizing our grass will look dry, dead and could be over taken by weeds!

Bermuda grass is a warm season grass and is used in ballparks, sports fields and gold courses. It is very hardy and can tolerate lots of traffic. It should be fertilized in early spring mid summer and late fall. Do not fertlize during the cold months. You will be bascially wasting your hard earned money if you do.

St. Augustine is another grass that thrives in hot climates but does not like colder temperatures. Follow bermuda grass fertlizing.

Year round cold weather grasses such as Kentucky blue and Fescue grasses need to be fertilized all year long but only sparingly during winter.

Most folks are always asking me for the best tips on keeping a beautiful lawn. Here are my best tips.

Water according to your zone area. Overwatering can lead to serious fungus problems.
Fertlize once a month during the spring, summer and fall months for warm weather grasses.
Do the same for cold weather grasses but only once or twice during December through February.
Always use a grass winterizer in early winter for good rooth growth. This is not a fertlizer but a vitamin for your grass roots.
Observe your lawn consistently for any signs of dry or hazing looking spots. This could mean grubs or disease.
Mow your lawn at least twice per month and go up one notch as the season progesses. Keep you blades sharp to prevent that brownish at the top look.

Following the above tips could have folks saying…this is the greenest grass I’ve seen since the sixties.

Thanks Paul Guzman

If you have any questions please let us know what they are by commenting below.

The rose of sharon plant.

guzmans — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:32:32 +0000

I really like the rose of sharon plant. You can actually use it as a tree or plant. They are easy care and can tolerate poor soils but will bloom more often with well drained mulched soil. They can also tolerate drought conditions. This makes them ideal for the southwest.

There numerous varieties and one of them is the “althaea” (althea) Hibiscus syriacus.

Generally they will usually bloom late spring and continue blooming till late fall. It is a deciduous plant and once established is drought tolerant. They have large tropical like blooms. It should be fertilized in late spring, summer and fall.

You can prune the bottom suckers to make it into a one trunk small tree. It loves full sun and well drained organic type soil. They can get up to 10′ tall but their are some cultivars that stay much shorter.

Color Your World nurseries will usually have these type of shrubs in stock. They are a good choice for a stand alone shrub specimen. If you have questions regarding your shrubs please contact us.

Other types are the:

Ardens Rose of Sharon
Chiffon White Rose of Sharon
Paeonyflorus Rose of Sharon

You can see photos and descriptions of these plants at: Rose of sharon plants

Nude Views of Your Neighbor

guzmans — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:40:57 +0000

Have you ever seen you neighbor looking at you from their window? What about sun bathing on the back porch and your neighbor peeking over your wall or fence trying to see what you are up too. How many times have you seen your neighbors naked in front of their bedroom window. Man It happens all the time. Some folks may get a kick out of it but I find it rather embarassing. I manage a medium greenhouse and I can’t tell you how many times people come in asking for plants or trees that will block their view from the neighbors. Here are some excellent choices on what types of plants to use.

Afghan pines as border tree

Afghan Pines or Eldrica Pinus. This type of evergreen pine tree is also called a Mondell pine and a desert pine. They grow very fast if watered frequently during it’s first 2-3 years after planting. They grow to about 80′ tall and about 5-6′ wide. Do not trim the bottom limbs if you need additional lower blockage. These pine trees are very drought tolerant once established. They do require quite a bit of maintenance as they will drop numerous pine cones and pine needles. Plant them about 7-10′ apart for a good evergreen hedge. These trees will get large but will do the job rather quickly.

Oleanders to block those nasty

Oleanders to block those nasty neighbors
Oleanders or Nerium oleander. These shrubs are an exellent border privacy type plant. The red variety can grow up to 20′ tall and about 10′ft wide. They are a profilic growing type of shrub. They can take lots of water or very little water. They bloom all summer long and provide excellent hedge privacy. However they do not like temperatures lower than 20 degrees f. They do get stressed out during the cold southwestern winters. However they are very hardy and can be trimmed back during the winter months and they will bounce back even stronger than the year before. The Oleander is bascially a southwestern type shrub and does not like colder type climates.

Wax Leaf Privet

Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’ (L. texanum) or commonly known as Waxlef Privet. This shrub will grow very fast and is an evergreen. They have small white blooms during spring. The can grow up to 10′ tall and almost 6′ wide. They can tolerate heat and will do well in shady areas. Cold hardiness is 0 to 10 F. These are not drought tolerant plants and they like to be watered reguarly. This is an excellent hedge plant and can block that view in no time. 1 ga. containers will take about 3-5 years to do the job. Very little maintenance.

Bamboo to block neighbors nudity

Golden Bamboo

Golden Bamboo or Phyllostachys aurea. This type of bamboo grows very fast and has dense branches of dark green foliage on stiff cane like limbs or trunks. Can grow up to 10′ tall, they are evergeen in the southwest. They spread by underground runners. This bamboo is ideal if you have a large space that needs covering quickly. However caution needs to be taken because they can get invasive. There are other varities but this is one of the more common ones and most nurseries should have them. Some maintenance during the peak summer months. This plant will grow about 2-4 ft. in one year maybe more if conditions are just right. You can easily seperate foliage to take a peek anyway!

More plants to block your view
There are numerous other plants and trees that can block the view from your neighbors.

Pyracantha. Evergreen vine shrub they come with orange or red berries and lots of thorns. They grow very fast is can be trimmed to your perference. This plant can support itself.

Japanese Honeysuckle. Fast growing vine but needs support. It is an evergreen in warmer type climates. Very fragrant white and purple blooms.

There are numerous other evergreen plants that can do the job. Just visit your local nursery and ask for fast growing evergreen border plants.

There you have it! The plants above are an excellent choice for covering your neighbors unsightly nudity. Remember if your neighbor has recently started to plant the plants above you might want to stop nude sun bathing in your backyard.

Paul Guzman

Pollutants in the air that we breathe – Air Plants

guzmans — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:54:00 +0000

House plants that are very popular in today’s home and garden market are air plants. These plants are being purchased by people who are looking to purify the air in their homes or businesses.

There are many pollutants in the air that cause humans big time problems. These are benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene and are present in almost all homes and or office buildings.

So…what can most people do that will help clean up their breathable air space? You could purchase expensive air purifiers that will do it non-organically. You could even move to Cheyenne Wyoming where the air is very clean and almost non pollutant.

I am sure most folks have read articles about NASA’s how to rid the world from pollutants that are noxious to what humans and animals breathe. Air plants are what they talking about. But many do not know which plants they need to purchase for this reason.

Here are the top air plants that will help you get rid of pollutants in the air they we breathe.

Spathiphyllum: Most good retail nurseries will have this plant available. They are also called “Peace Lilly”. They actually will thrive in a dark corner perfect for the office or room with little light. This is a very attractive plant with dark green foliage and a white bloom in the middle.

Chrysanthemums: Or just plain old Mums. There are hundreds of varieties but they are a little hard to keep blooming. Fertilize about once per month to help with blooms and water about 2-3 times per week.

Aloe: Many varieties to choose from be sure to ask your nursery professional if they have them available. It does not like fertilizer and only water about 2 times per This plant can be used to heal wounds or burns. Just break the frond off in the middle and apply the clear substance on. It really does work…look it up.

Scindapsus Chlorophytum: Most folks call them “Pothos”. Very easy plant to grow you just water and fertilize about 4 times per year. Water about 2 times per week. It grows very fast and can be used a decorative hanging plant. Use them throughout the home or office.

There are actually many more but these are the most popular.

Paul Guzman

Cold weather gardening

guzmans — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:02:54 +0000

It is best to pre plan for the up-coming spring. You should still water most plants, trees and lawns at least once or twice during this month. You should have pulled existing weeds to help reduce the number of seeds that may germinate or lie in the ground until ready to germinate.

Prune most dormant trees, shrubs, and roses now. In the Southwest area or the lower elevations of the southwest you should take your yard trimmings and waste to a solid waste transfer station. If you can separate it please do so. All this waste is mulched and then recycled if it is pre-separated from any trash.

You may also apply a pre-emergent herbicide to help keep any existing weed seeds from germinating. Some weeds may germinate very early in the season so be prepared. Pre-emergent herbicides are available in liquid or granular form, and will last from 2-3 months up to 6 months, depending upon application rates. If you get a jump start on this it will really save a lot of time and money in late spring.

Remember for cold weather gardening color you can plant, pansies, snapdragons, dianthus, calendula, and stock will bloom thru winter, especially if they are planted next to a building or house.

Paul Guzman

Garden scoot for easy gardening

guzmans — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:12:55 +0000

Garden Scoot for gardening

Recommended by the folks at Color Your World Nurseries. There is an accessory tray and basket mount under and behind the seat great to hold tools, seeds, plants or car accessories.

This garden scooter is adjustable and can swivels 360 degrees. The tires are pnuematic and can travel smoothly on grass, cement or landscaping rocks. Steering handle guides cart around corners and eliminates the need to get up! Great for the elderly gardener.

You can do alot of easy gardening with this gardening scoot. Image this you can actually sit while you garden, and steer around the garden beds and plant or harvest almost any type of vegetables or flowers.

This comfortable style seat is adjustable in height, and swivels a full 360 degrees. It is a great gift and can used to harvest almost any low lying vegetables or just about anything else in your garden. It can even be used to detail your vehicle…no bending down or getting your clothes wet. Get one today before the Christmas Holidays.

Paul Guzman – Get yours today right here – Garden Scoot

Types of Christmas Trees

guzmans — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:32:23 +0000

Cut Christmas Trees: Are trees that are usually grown and farmed for retail at Nurseries.

Cut Christmas Trees

Try your best to locate a nursery with trees that are stored in water. This type of tree will last much longer that those that are stacked or have wooden flats for upright support.
Always ask for a fresh cut after purchasing one. This will make it absorb water when displayed at home…which will help in freshness throughout the holiday season.

The Noble Fir is a deep green in color. You can easily make boughs out of this tree. Good strong branches for those ornaments that you and your family will enjoy decorating.

The Fraser Fir has a deep dark green color. It has soft needles, long lasting fragrance, and strong branches for heavy type ornament.

The Douglas Fir is thick in density and is more of a traditional type of tree. Branches and overall weight is much lighter. Usually less expensive than the Noble Trees.

Scotch Pine Tree – Is one of the most common xmas trees it has dark green needles. It holds needles for up to four weeks. It has a strong forest type aroma.

Live Christmas trees : You can enjoy them indoors then plant them outdoors. You should purchase live trees at your local nursery. Be sure to water often and use ice on top of container to help with temperature changes. Be sure to plant asap after the Holidays….the sooner the better.

Visit: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/new-mexico-christmas-trees.htm for photos of these trees.

Live Christmas Trees

Eldrica Pine Live Tree – This is a good live tree and an excellent choice for that large living area. Once the holidays are over plant it outdoors in full sun. Grows fast and is drought tolerant once established. About 50ft tall and 10ft wide.

Pinon tree – This is an excellent southwestern type of live tree. The pinon does not get large about 15′ in height and width. Use it for an indoor live tree then plant outdoors for a beautiful drought tolerant ornamental tree.

If these trees are not at the local nursery…ask the manager to have them around next year.