May 2007 , Volume 18 Number 6
Community Paper
copyright ©2007 by Community Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

MAY IN THE GARDEN
by Nick Francisco, Blodgett Gardens
3821 Edgewater Drive, 407-295-2363
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MAY - DAZZLING COLOR AND LANDSCAPE ACTION
Color in the landscape is a visit to the Garden Center away. Once there, look for annuals and perennials to create spots of color in the landscape. Many perennials attract butterflies and are colorful additions to the landscape. They may be used as spots of color or put together as butterfly gardens, cottage or cutting gardens. All heights are available from ground covers to 5-6' foundation or accent plants. Stop by Blodgett’s they have an awesome selection of perennials from which to build a fabulous butterfly garden.

Planning your garden? Look at the landscape from different perspectives. I suggest standing in the street, or drive around the block. Look at your home as if you were a visitor... where would the color stand out the most? Do you wish to draw attention to the entry? Maybe the drive needs some color to draw the eye. The possibilities are endless and a personal choice. Take a few minutes draw up a little plan of what you would like to see (a pencil sketch is fine). The plan is easy to rearrange when on paper. Once installed you will be hesitant to rearrange the bed even if you do not like its position. Once you have a plan of how you would like the color spot to look (size and shape) you will need to do some bed preparation. A properly prepared bed will produce bountiful bouquets with minimal maintenance. Need help with your design? Give me a call at Blodgett’s we’ll be happy to give you as much assistance as you require.
Water features are very popular whether a birdbath, small fountain, waterfall, or pond. All will add beauty and soothing sounds of falling water. Reminding us of a tranquil scene removing us for a few moments from our hectic lives to a more peaceful place. Water features are easy to install. Most come as complete kits. Just assemble, level, fill with water, plug in the pump, add a few plants, and ENJOY. Thinking of a water feature? Stop by Blodgett’s and see many different ones to choose from. On display are free standing fountains, wall fountains, ponds, waterfalls, waterless waterfalls all you need to install a pond. Stop by we will be happy to assist in your water feature project.

Most landscapes are problem free for the moment, however we are seeing some lace bugs on azaleas and scales at the crawler (immature and hard to see) stage. Look for the beginnings of sooty mold as this fungus grows on scale and aphid residues and is telltale for their presence. If you are having problems and need assistance bring a sample of your pest into Blodgett’s and we’ll identify and give you the best control for the problem at hand. We do stock least toxic, natural, and organic pest controls. As always we’re here to assist you in having the awesome landscape you’ve always wanted.

Blodgett Gardens is now channel 9's local garden expert. Channel 9 has a forum through their website where individuals may ask specific questions to their problems and we (the experts) will answer their specific questions rather than having to come into the store. Of course visual ID is required for some solutions but many may be answered without seeing a sample.
http://www.localsolutionsnetwork.com/expert/expert.cfm?cfapp=11&from=1&expert=96&eid=12969&specialID=1