Evergreens: The Fence Defense

Posted on November 13, 2015 by RutgersLN

Creating property borders or privacy screens with evergreens do much more than provide a natural look.

Typically, municipalities require permits for installing fences over six-feet tall. That said, there are no municipal regulations on planting evergreens as a fence, or how high they can grow.

Obviously, if there are power lines above, or structures nearby, you have to put some forethought into the type of evergreens you choose to plant and consider their growing habits. At Rutgers Landscape Nursery, we have lots of options to choose from to help create the privacy screen that’s right for you. Stop by!

Q&A with Landscape Designer Jeff Douglass!

Posted on October 30, 2015 by RutgersLN

What made you decide to become a landscape designer, and how long have you been designing for RLN?

I have always enjoyed nature and being outside. I love to draw and design, and growing up I was convinced I was going to turn out to be a civil engineer. When I learned about the field of Landscape Architecture, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It is a very exciting notion that I can design the places and spaces where people’s lives take place, while being creative and artistic and using plants in design. I have been at Rutgers since March 2013.

How would you describe your design style? What is your specialty?

My favorite style is a unique mix of traditional and formal. I am very attracted to old stone farmhouses/walls and creating landscape features that can compliment the historic craftsmanship. That’s why I love working in this area, there’s a lot to appreciate.

What’s your favorite botanical garden to visit?

I am a little biased here, but my favorite is the South Carolina Botanical Garden on the campus of Clemson University. This is where I was introduced to many of the plants I encounter (yes, even in NJ) on a daily basis. The Camelia garden there is breathtaking.

What are the top three colors in your design color palette?

I like green the most! The colors I use in my designs are almost always determined by the style/color of the existing property and personality of the homeowner. I enjoy the challenge of designing with textures just as much as I enjoy designing with color. Seasonal color is also an aspect I consider in most all design.

What’s your favorite foundation plant and why?

Boxwoods! Timeless, slow growing, practically deer-proof, many shapes/sizes/forms/textures available.

What’s your favorite specimen tree and why?

Acer griseum, Paperbark Maple – peeling cinnamon-colored bark, interesting leaf and fall color, overall growth habit is slow and small for a tree. In warmer climates and certain micro-climates here: Natchez Crape Myrtle, multi-stemmed, smooth reddish bark, white flowers. So much going on! And even though we don’t see them here, a big, old Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is hard to beat.

Best piece of gardening advice you’ve ever been given that you’d like to pass on?

“Gardens are never finished.”

Tricks to Keep Rodents Away from Planted Bulbs

Posted on October 26, 2015 by RutgersLN

It’s bulb planting time! Before you plant, heed a bit of advice when it comes to protecting your bulbs from rodent damage. Bulbs make an easy, tasty snack for furry foragers, but by taking a few simple steps, you can help protect lush Spring flowers!

One thing you can do is create a barrier out of chicken wire. Simply plant your bulbs and cover with the depth of soil recommended for the type of bulb, then roll out a length of chicken wire that will cover your bulb bed, hammer a few lawn stakes to hold in place, then add a little mulch to cover the wire. This will help prevent rodents from accessing the bulbs. In the Springtime, remove the wire so the plants can have ample space to grow.

Bloodmeal is another option to help deter pests. You can sprinkle it in when you plant the bulb, and also sprinke some on top of the soil when done planting. Bloodmeal helps protect, as well as provide nutrients to the bulb.

Another natural way to deter critters is to sprinkle dog or human hair around the planted bulb area, or adding a small layer of crushed oyster shells or gravel below and above the planted bulb. Most critters will not bother to make the effort to dig through a sharp, heavy layer.

Additionally, try planting bulbs that are unsavory to rodents like daffodils, snowdrops, snowflakes, allium, hyacinths, muscari, fritillaria, bearded iris, foxtail lily, squill, anemone, freesia, callas, gladiolus, ruberose, liatris, ranunculus, and cyclamen.

Preparing houseplants to move indoors for the winter

Posted on September 27, 2015 by RutgersLN

We’re heading into cooler weather, and before you know it, it will be time to bring in your house plants! Plan on bringing in your plants about one month before the heat is turned on in your home. Prune back any leggy growth and protruding roots. Be sure to check for pests. Soak the pot in a tub of lukewarm water for about 15 minutes which will force insects out of the soil, then allow the pots to drain thoroughly. Inspect foliage for insects as well and treat if necessary. If your plant has outgrown its container, now is a good time to re-pot using fresh potting soil. If the plant has been in full sun outdoors, move it to a shadier spot for a few days before bringing inside to help the plant make the transition. Once inside, be sure to place the plant in a sunny, south-facing window indoors. If you do not have a sunny window location, the addition of a plant light will help.

Cuttings of many annuals make attractive houseplants in the winter as well. Take cuttings of your favorite geraniums, begonias and coleus and place in water. Once roots form, plant them in containers with fresh potting soil and maintain them. Be careful not to overwater your indoor plants. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering. When warm spring weather returns, you’ll have a jumpstart on another beautiful gardening season.

Now is the Time to Plant Spring Bulbs!

Posted on September 21, 2015 by RutgersLN

Autumn is the time to plant your spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and snowdrops. Tulips should be planted a little later in October. Bulbs are easy to plant and provide a spectacular show in the spring, especially when planted in groups. They also look lovely as a border planting. Be sure to pay attention to the different heights of each when incorporating into your garden.

Bulbs prefer a sunny location, and well-drained soil. Be sure to amend the soil with peat and compost so that the soil contains nutrients, and is well-aerated. To plant, simply dig a hole wide and deep enough for each bulb. Measure the bulb from base to tip and triple the number – that is the planting depth. Place the bulb into the hole with the top (narrow part) facing up. Space bulbs at least twice their width apart. Cover with soil and water them in. There is no need to water continuously after planting. Now all you have to do is wait until spring!

Fall will be here before you know it – or maybe it already is!

Posted on September 18, 2015 by RutgersLN

If you haven’t noticed yet, fall foliage has already started to pop up throughout our region. Leaves are beginning to get early gold and red tinges, and the chilly morning air really is getting that lovely fall smell.

Fall this year however, has come a bit early. Foliage typically peaks mid-October and lasts through early November, but the dry weather we’ve had has sparked the change early.

Though we instruct folks on how to properly water their trees/shrubs in the first year, one thing to heed especially during this time is caring for young trees. The dry conditions can be quite hard on them, so staying on top of watering is very important.

Although Mother Nature is ahead of the game, you can too with a little extra TLC to ensure happy trees. Until then, sit back and enjoy the early fall colors!

Fall is a Fantastic Time to Plant!

Posted on August 28, 2015 by RutgersLN

The summer heat has made springtime seem like a distant memory. Though a lot of gardeners start their beds early in the year, the fall is an excellent time to plant as well. The air temperature is milder, and the ground is still warm which makes for excellent growing conditions, especially for trees and shrubs.

Much of a plant’s root growth happens in the summer and fall, helping it establish. A plant with an established root system is much hardier when it comes to standing up to heat and wind the following year. There is also much more dependable rain fall and ground moisture (plus, you don’t have to water as much since plants are gearing up for winter dormancy). Additionally, populations of certain insects and pests diminish with cooler temps.

So get out your garden gloves and galoshes – there’s planting to be done!

The Queen of Beetle Resistance!

Posted on July 13, 2015 by RutgersLN

A lush Queen Elizabeth Maple between two beetle-eaten trees!

Who gets the royal treatment when it comes to conquering Japanese Beetles?

The Queen Elizabeth Maple!

Not only are they super hardy when it comes to these crawly, hungry friends (as the picture above illustrates!), they also make an excellent shade or street tree, with an average height reaching a modest 25-30.’ Its low branching and dense foliage makes a stunning addition to any landscape, especially in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold. Stop by the nursery to check them out!

Fresh from the Farm – Clump River Birch!

Posted on March 30, 2015 by RutgersLN

River birch (betula nigra) is a graceful, fast growing tree that is hardy to our area and does well in wet soil. Its oval canopy is lush, but not so dense that it prevents sunshine from dappling through. Betula Nigras are great for punctuating a landscape by providing year-round interest. As they drop their leaves in the fall, beautiful pink and cream colored bark contrasts well against the changing colors of the season.

Its height at maturity is approximately 30-40,’ with a canopy of similar width. We have an excellent variety of clump river birches, ranging from two to five trunks! Stop by and see!

Our crew harvesting fresh trees to display at the nursery!

This Just in! Jane Lily Magnolias!

Posted on March 24, 2015 by RutgersLN

The Jane Lily Magnolia is a very hardy variety that produces large, very fragrant blooms throughout April and May. Flowers are rich purple with white insides, and foliage is lush green, turning to golden brown in the fall. This magnolia is great for modest spaces that could use some brightening up, and reaches a height of 15-20’ with a spread of 10-15.’ The trees that we just got in are 8-10’ and simply gorgeous. Stop by and see for yourself!

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