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William McClenathan

 Episode 39
 March 31,
 2007

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Judy Alleruzzo

Spring Break is here and the only break we are hoping for is one from the cold and wet weather!  The flowers are not fooled, they are popping their heads up and blooms are starting to bust out all over the valley.  To celebrate spring we traveled to Eugene to visit some of the local garden centers down there.  We taped some stories that we will be showing you during the coming weeks.  Nurseries we visited included Gray's Garden Center (541-345-1569) and Bloomers Nursery (541-687-5919).  Be watching for more great garden centers in Eugene and Springfield!

This week we featured...

Magnolias

One of the great spring bloomers are the magnolias.  These trees/shrubs are good for a flowery show in the spring.  We went to Gossler Farms Nursery (541-746-3922) to visit with Roger to see some of the hybrid magnolias that will only get between 15-18 feet tall.  The ones we saw were named after ladies and included "Orchid," "Ann" and "Susan."  These magnolias like blazing hot sun, but can also go in semi shade areas as well.  Of course, you will get a bushier plant if it gets more sun.   Roger also answered the question about moss on your magnolias.  He has been told it is a sign of clean air, with little or no pollution.  They don’t spray to get rid of the moss and they have trees that are over 40 years old so it doesn’t adversely affect them.

Roof Moss

Last week we talked to Norm McCreight of Lilly Miller about getting rid of moss in your lawn.  Today we chatted about the moss you find on your roof.  Norm told us about a couple of products that Lilly Miller makes to take care of the problem.  We found out that the moss on your roof is different than the stuff in your grass and it might not even be moss.  Norm explained that algae may be your problem.  Also, if you fail to remove the moss from the roof you may be looking at expensive repairs in the long run.  The moss will get underneath the shingles and allow moisture to get into wood supports.  He recommends using the new Moss Out products the have been reformulated to be much safer than the older roof products.  There are also some citrus based products that will be safe for your pets.  Treat the problems now and when the weather warms up it will get rid of your moss and algae for good!

Planting Asparagus

Some people have tried asparagus in the past and have not had too much luck.  Jack Bigej from Al’s Garden Center (503-981-1245) loves asparagus and gave us some tips for planting success.  He uses a variety called Jersey Knight which is made up of all male plants that will not go to seed, plus it yields a bigger crop.  First, you dig a well drained hole that is about a foot deep.  That is the key…good drainage!   Asparagus doesn’t like standing water.  Then, lightly cover the root.  When the plants get to be about a foot tall you fill in the rest of the hole.  Don’t harvest the first year.  Lightly harvest the second year and cut all you want the 3rd year.  The plant will produce a good crop for up to 20 years after that. 

Spring Mulching

Now is the time to apply a good layer of mulch to your garden.  Jeff Grimm from Grimm’s Fuel (503-636-3623) joined us to talk about the different types of mulches you can get for your garden beds.  In the past people liked the red, fresh color of a new Fir or Hemlock mulch.  This type will age to a grey color and will help keep the weeds in check.  The problem is that they tend to pull nitrogen from your soil as the wood breaks down and that leaves less for your plants.  The other problem this year is availability.  The wood based mulches are harder to come by due to the housing market and timber harvesting.  The new popular mulch is Garden Mulch.  This is a nice dark color and it will help your garden by providing nutrients for your plants.   Grimm’s has all the different types of mulches and can deliver them in bulk or can even blow them in so the work is done and you save your back!

Pond Cleaning

The long winter is over and your pond or water feature needs to be whipped into shape for the upcoming summer.  Cleaning it is not as hard as you may think.  Brian Tsugawa from Tsugawa Nursery (360-225-8750) showed us a wide variety of products that are available to the homeowner.  Whether your problem is algae or decomposing leaves there is a product that can solve your problem including a product made out of barley straw!  To find a product best for you, contact Tsugawa Nursery or your local pond supply store.

Gardenpalooza

We are one week away from the biggest gardening event of the spring, Gardenpalooza.  Next weekend we will be at Fir Point Farms as we kick-off the gardening season with over 40 different garden vendors.  This year is the big 5th anniversary and we will have a coupon sheet that will be loaded with big savings for people coming to the event.  Mark your calendar and we will see you next week, April 7th at Gardenpalooza.
 

 
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