Tom’s December Tips

1. Protect shallow-rooted perennials, such as Mums, Cora Bells, Shasta Daisy and Crocus from the freeze-thaw cycles of winter by covering plants with evergreen boughs from leftover holiday greens.
2. Apply winter mulch to the base of roses once ground freezes.
3. Spray Evergreens, especially broadleaf (ex: Rhododendrons) with anti-transpirant to prevent winter burn.
4. Protect multi-stemmed Evergreens such as Arborvitae, Junipers and Yews from winter storm damage by tying trunks together with old nylons or cotton twine. Remove in the spring.
5. Avoid using heavy amounts of de-icing materials around plants along sidewalks and parking areas.
6. Start planning for next year’s garden. Ask Santa for better tools, gift certificates (from Sweeney’s of course), and magazine subscriptions!