The Garden Post: October 2016

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The Power of Trees
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As I drove past an empty parking lot recently, I noticed a single tree growing in
a landscape island.  And wouldn't you know, there was a single car parked under 
the shade of that lonely tree.  I thought "Isn't that something? Create any kind
 of shade in a parking lot and somebody will park under it."  Isn't it true of all
of us?  If there are trees in a parking lot, we seek out their shade.  That's what
we do, because it feels good (and nobody likes returning to a hot car).
Now comes recent research published in Scientific Reports that indicates you actually
do feel better and healthier by having as few as 10 trees on your block or cul-de-sac.
 The study used 95,000 Toronto citizens as its testing ground.  They found you feel
up to 7 years younger or it feels like having an extra $10,000 in the bank.
We all know urban trees improve air quality, reduce cooling and heat costs, and 
make our home environment aesthetically more appealing.  Several studies have shown
that exposure to green spaces can be psychologically restorative to mental health,
reduce blood pressure, reduce stress, reduce sedentary time, and promote physical
activity.  Powerful testimony, isn't it?  All these advantages just for having some
trees in your yard!  One researcher wrote for New Yorker magazine saying gall bladder
patients in a Minnesota hospital who had a view of trees out their window were able
to go home a full day earlier than those whose view was a wall.
Here's another surprising result.  Toronto's study leader, Marc Berman, tested people
for memory and attention. Half the subjects walked 50 minutes a day in an arboretum.
 The other half walked city streets.  Those who walked among the trees performed
 20% better than their compatriots.  The results were the same even for those who
disliked walking in the woods.
Keep these studies in mind as you plan for what you want your yard to be like when
it's finished.  If you haven't made a plan, it's time you did.
Here are some easy to grow trees we highly recommend for shade and beauty:
October Glory Maple
Chinese Dogwood Augustata
Crepe Myrtle
Red Sunset Maple
River Birch
Ken Matthews
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The Late Show
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Fall is the breezy season that extinguishes the heat of summer while rekindling 
the fire and dazzle of your garden.  Cooler temperatures rejuvenate plants that 
have been scorched by the sun.  And although, blooms may fade, there is no reason
to lose any color if you do some strategic planting.
Choose versatile plants.  There are many shrubs that can do double duty in your 
yard.  Blueberries, Itea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Weigela, and Spirea are just a few 
shrubs that will fruit or bloom earlier in the year then put on a showy display 
of reds, oranges, and yellow leaves in fall.
Look for interesting structure.  Contorted Filbert, Corkscrew Willow, Royal Star
 Magnolia, and Yellow or Red Twig Dogwoods, show their true personality when they
drop their leaves.
Plant ornamental berries.  Beautyberry, Winterberry, Pyracantha, and Viburnums produce
berries of purple, blue, red, and orange in the fall and early winter.  The berries
are pretty enough on their own, but the birds who stop by for a visit will add their
own pageantry.
Use ornamental grasses.  Fall is the time when grasses are in their glory.  From
 feathery plumes to delicate tassels, grasses add movement and grace to your landscape.
 Leaving seed heads on perennials, like Rudbeckia, Goldenrod, and Echinacea well
 into winter can add whimsy and texture to shrubs that are quieting down for the
 year.
So, when you are deciding on plants for your landscape, remember those plants that
add color, shape, style and interest in the fall and winter months... when visual
variety in the garden can give a dreary day a needed lift.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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Create warm and welcoming Autumn Decorations!
Stop by for your seasonal decorating needs:
Garden Mums
Hay Bales
Pumpkins
Corn Stalks
Pansies
Gourds
Don't miss out on the great savings you can get with
the Autumn Decorating Package!
Available through October 16 as supplies last.
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Have you seen our happy Minions busy "gardening" outside the garden center? Ask 
about our Minion Starter Kit!
Some fun Minion facts!
*Tall minions all have the same haircut.
*One-eyed minions are rarely tall.
*Minions have only three fingers.
*Minions can survive in outer space, meaning they resist freezing and do not need
 to breathe oxygen.
*Minions speak a mixture of Spanish, English, French, and Italian, with elements 
of Russian and Korean
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Saturday, October 1 12-6 PM
Yorktown Wine Festival
Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown
Tasting Ticket: $30 advanced ticket/$35 at the festival
Includes sampling privileges and souvenir wine glass;
Food is available for purchase from any of our food vendors. Non-tasting wristband
$15 at the gate only.
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Saturday, October 15 11AM
Miniature Garden Workshop
This is a hands-on class, ideal for parents/children or grandparents/grandchildren.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. (One child per registered adult.)
Workshop fee of $25 includes a container, soil and miniature plants. Miniature gardening
items purchased during the workshop by registered participants will receive a 20%
discount. All ages are welcome! Register by calling 757.898.7799
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Monday, October 10
Columbus Day
Christopher Columbus, born in Italy, landed in the Bahamas, part of the Americas,
on October 12th, 1494 with three ships and 90 crew members.
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Thursday-Sunday, October 14-17
Container Gardening
You Pick It, We Pot It
Well-designed container gardens placed strategically at a home's entrance can add
value and make the home more welcoming.  Container gardens also allow you to enhance
numerous other indoor and outdoor locations....a sunroom, balcony, patio, courtyard
etc..
You pick your plants and pot and then we'll plant your container.... for free!!
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Sunday, October 31
Halloween
Dressing up on Halloween comes from the Celts.  The Celts celebrated Samhain, a 
festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter- the first day
of November.  It was a time when the wall between our world and the paranormal world
was porous and spirits could get through. Because of this belief, Celts wore costumes
and masks to ward off or befuddle any evil spirits.
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Tips for the Garden
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Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals and Bulbs
* During the fall months, after soil temperature drops below 60°F., plant spring
 flowering bulbs like Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Crocus. Select healthy, 
disease free bulbs. Add Dr. Earth Fish Bone Meal into the planting hole as you prepare
the soil.  Most spring flowering bulbs should be in the ground by the early part
 of this month, with the exception of Tulips which can be planted up until early
 November.
* It is time to set out Mums and plant Pansies, Ornamental Kale and Cabbage to keep
a little color in the garden for as long as possible.
* Newly planted trees and shrubs need to be watered at least two times a week until
the temperature drops below 50° consistently.
* Spread a 2"-3" layer of mulch after fall planting to keep the soil warmer longer,
allowing root growth to continue.
* Throughout the fall and winter months you can plant or transplant both evergreen
and deciduous trees and shrubs with only minimal shock to the plants.
* Mark your perennials with permanent tags, or create a map or take a picture showing
their locations so you'll know where and what they are when they die back at the
 end of the season. This will help you to avoid digging up something you intended
to keep when you plant bulbs and plants this fall and next spring.
* Continue to scout for insect or disease damage.  As a precaution, treat with Bonide
All Season's Oil as necessary.
Fall Lawn Care
* Put down your second application of lawn fertilizer, Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn
Fertilizer.
House Plants
* The longer your house plants were allowed to remain outside in the fall, the more
shock they will go through when they are finally moved indoors. If you haven't brought
them in yet, do it now!! Apply Bonide Houseplant Insecticide to kill any hitching
pests.
Odds and Ends
* One last effort at weeding will help to improve the appearance of your garden 
throughout the winter. Any weed that you can eliminate from the garden this fall
 will possibly prevent thousands of weed seeds from sprouting in the garden next
 spring!
* Keep lawn and garden raked clean of leaves and debris. Fallen leaves, old plant
parts and grass clippings should be added to the compost pile.
* The birds will soon begin their winter migrations. Give them a helping hand by
 providing them with some food for their long journey. No one likes to travel on
 an empty stomach, and you may even persuade a few of them to stick around for the
winter, if they know they have a reliable food source like Lyric Wild Bird Food.
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Spring & Summer
Flowering Bulbs
Purchase 3 or more bulb packs and receive $1 off each pack
Expires October 31, 2016.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, gift certificates, previous purchases,
bagged goods or bulk items.  Limit one coupon per customer.
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The Garden Post: September 2016

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Save the Trees
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There has been a lot of public interest in saving the trees along I-64 as the road
widening project progresses.  Unfortunately, the contractors have to dig a huge 
swale in the median right where the trees are to provide for water runoff.  If that
continues I don't see how any trees can be saved.  It's sad, but it's the price 
we have to pay for having so many cars on the road.  Now more than ever we have 
to do all we can to save the trees we have, and that means those right in your own
yard.
Few trees in your yard will die of old age.  Mechanical damage and improper care
 kill more trees than any combination of insects or disease.  Here are some things
some homeowners do, although well intended, to kill their own trees:
* Pile up excessive mulch around the tree trunks.  Sometimes so excessive it looks
like a volcano around the tree base.  Problem is, eventually the bark starts to 
rot due to invasion of insects, mold and bacteria thus exposing the trees plumbing
system.  Soon the tree goes into decline while the homeowner is looking up into 
the limbs and leaves trying to figure out what's going wrong.
* Put weed barrier cloth or black plastic under mulch.  This sets up a warm, dark
environment at the primary root system: a wonderful place for rodents and insects
to thrive.
* Stacking rocks or a wood pile at the tree base, causing soil compaction.
* Continually nicking the tree trunk with the weed eater or lawn mower eventually
girdling the tree.
* Pruning limbs randomly leaving branch "stubs" rather than making flush cuts that
promote healing.
* "Topping" trees producing a mass of new shoots and weakening the tree.
One of these problems alone can kill a tree, but multiple problems will certainly
increase stress, and could eventually kill your tree.
Ken Matthews
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It's About More Than Curb Appeal!
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There is no question that landscaping is important in terms of overall home value.
  Curb appeal has the power to make or break the sale of a home.  In fact, if potential
buyers don't like what they see on the outside, they may not even venture inside.
  Landscaping is about more than a return on investment.  It's about surrounding
 yourself with beauty that is personal to you, enjoying your home from the outside
in.
In a world full of HGTV and DIY, we've lost track of why curb appeal is important.
 It's not about what your neighbors think or who may or may not be interested in
 buying your house.  Landscaping for curb appeal should begin and end with what 
appeals to you.  Your foundation plantings are what greet you at the driveway or
 lead guests to your front door.  Or it can be as simple as a well maintained privacy
hedge or lawn. Landscaping can create an oasis from a long day or outdoor living
 spaces for entertaining.  The level of investment is yours to make.
But make no mistake; landscaping is an investment which can increase your property
value as much as 10 to 12 percent. It's up to you to decide who you are investing
in - the next owner of your home or the enjoyment your family can get from their
 home while living there.
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Saying Good-Bye to Bob
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Bob, Robert, Bobby Boy, Bobe, Kitten, Gatito...
he went by a lot of names because he was a lot of cat.
You may have known him as the tail or feet overhanging the bedbox above Lynn's desk.
 He may have greeted you among the store displays, or the drawer at the front counter,
or from a pallet of bagged goods.
Bob was an avid hunter and willingly shared his trophies with whomever opened the
door. Rodents, snakes, moles, skinks - he collected them all.  He was an expert 
keyboard walker, warm seat snatcher, and treat eater. He was a connoiseur of pond
water and frogs, but only specific parts of them, much to the dismay of the outside
staff. He was an awful ninja who prompted more than one late night visit after a
 call from the security company.  Although he willingly shared the outside with 
deer, foxes, raccoons, and a relentless mockingbird, the store was his domain and
he was intolerant of canine guests.  Bob lived an adventurous life, but left the
 stories to be told by the people he met.
How do you sum up 10 years of a cat who was so much to so many? You can't.  Bob 
was the living thread that united us all and for that we are grateful and will celebrate.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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Coming in September:
*Garden Mums
*Fall Veggies
*Daffodil & Tulip Bulbs
*Shrubs with fall berries, blooms and foliage color.
*Fall Decorating Items - Hay Bales, Corn Stalks, Pumpkins.
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Monday, September 5
Labor Day
Store is Closed
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Saturday, September 17 10-11 AM
Perfect Lawns on the Peninsula
Speaker: Danielle Hendricks with a Q & A Session.
Call 757-898-7799 to reserve your seat!
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Tuesday, Sept 27  7 PM
Paint Night with Amy Z
Come create a 12"x 16" painting of this crab with Amy Z at Ken Matthews Garden Center.
Fee of $30 must be paid at time of registration.
Light refreshments will be provided.
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Public Service Announcement
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Soirée en Blanc
Thursday, September 29, 2024
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
What is Soirée en Blanc, or a dinner in white? It is distinguished by the fact that
the venue's tables and guests are dressed fashionably in white - no shorts or flipflops!
The event is based on a 30-year tradition that began in Paris when a gentleman wanted
to entertain a group of friends he hadn't seen in a while. He selected a secret 
location and told them to meet at a predetermined place and to wear white so that
they could find each other. The event has been replicated around the world in as
 many as 70 cities. In Paris, the annual event now draws 10,000 people.
For More Information: https://sistercitiesyorktown.org/2016/07/28/soiree-en-blanc-coming-to-york-county-sept-29/
Questions on registration? Want to pay by check?
Call Kate Helwig at 757-508-7163; she will confirm you tickets by email once your
check is received.
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Tips for the Garden
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* Start fall cleanup in the flower beds by cutting back dead and diseased plants.
 Add mulch where needed.
* For cool season grasses such as fescue, September is the best month to seed, core
aerate, and fertilize. Be sure to read herbicide labels carefully regarding the 
exact timing between seeding and applying weed control products.
* Wait until healthy plants are dormant to do most of your pruning.  In Hampton 
Roads, early fall pruning often promotes vigorous re-growth.  This can prevent some
species from hardening off by winter, leading to possible cold damage.  Dead, diseased
or damaged wood can be pruned anytime.
*  Allow plants to finish the summer growth cycle in a normal manner.  Never encourage
growth with heavy applications of fertilizer or excessive pruning at this time. 
 Plants will delay their dormancy process that has already begun in anticipation
 of winter in the months ahead.  New growth can be injured by an early freeze.
* Fall is a good time for improving your garden soil.  Add manure, compost and leaves
to increase the organic matter content.
* Now is a good time to begin relocating perennials and planting new ones. If black-eyed
susans or daisies have taken over, dig out most and share them with friends, and
 add some other plants to the bed such as coneflowers, bee balm and coreopsis.
* Water newly planted trees and shrubs to provide sufficient moisture and prevent
winter damage. Add a three inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark around
the base of plants to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
* Net ponds before leaf fall gets underway.
* Winter Pansies, Ornamental Kale and Cabbage and fall blooming Chrysanthemums can
be planted now to give a little color to the garden when summer flowers have faded
away.
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3 for $10
4 inch and cell pack veggies and herbs
Expires September 11, 2016.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, gift certificates, previous purchases,
bagged goods or bulk items.  Limit one coupon per customer.
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Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/KenMatthewsGardenCenter/]   Follow
 us on Twitter [https://twitter.com/kmgardencenter]   Find us on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/kmgardencenter/]
  LinkedIn [http://www.kenmatthewsgardencenter.com]   View our videos on YouTube
 [https://www.youtube.com/user/KMGC4921]
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE [http://www.kenmatthewsgardencenter.com]
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Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

The Garden Post: August 2016

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It's About Time
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I saw a front yard last week that we had renovated a few years ago and it looked
 like the homeowners had left town for three years.  The lawn was barely recognizable
and the shrubs looked like the hair of a rag doll. Weeds thrived where mulch used
to be.  If I had known the place would end up like that maybe I would have spent
 a lot less time on textures, color and accents.  But that's just how it is in life.
 We waste money and time.
We also waste too much energy stored up after a night's sleep.  For example:  Do
 you think there is much redeeming value in kids carrying on around town with their
faces stuck to a smart phone screen playing Pokemon GO?  Even in my day, we sat 
around summer days playing board games like Monopoly and Clue.  (Playing Monopoly
wasn't good preparation for my later life.  My property investments haven't paid
 off very well.)
Lately I've been thinking we humans should have the option to live life in reverse:
to be born with all the smarts we need to meet life head on.  We could channel our
time and youthful energy into navigating our way in the world and be "successful"
before we were twelve.  Then if we made a mistake and voted for you know who, we'd
say "What the heck?! I'm not even a teenager yet.  I've got at least fifteen more
election year chances to get it right."  In our years between thirty and fifty, 
we could spend time with family and friends and enjoy it because there'd be no self-guilt
for not spending more time at the office.
We would grow older of course and realize how short life really is.  By then we 
would know we can live worry free and waste all the time we wanted-like playing 
golf, boating or watching Nascar on television.
Now that I truly am getting older, efficiency is the thought of the day-every day.
 My car is clean, my deck is neat, and I don't have a golf club death grip anymore.
 I honestly think I'm ready to forget all the lessons I learned trying to make it
in the business world and live the simple life like the children do.  Know how to
access the Pokemon app?
Ken Matthews
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When to Prune
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This depends to a large extent on why you prune. Light pruning and the removal of
dead wood can be done anytime. Although individual plant pruning needs may differ,
here are some guidelines to remember. Otherwise, here are some guidelines, but recognizing
that individual plant pruning needs may differ is important to remember.
Winter pruning or when a plant is dormant is the most common practice. It results
in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring and should be done if that is the
desired effect. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has 
passed.
Summer pruning, however, is done to slow the growth of branches you don't want or
to "dwarf" the development of a plant or branch.  This pruning should be done soon
after seasonal growth is complete. The reason for the slowing growth is that by 
reducing the total leaf surface of the plant, the amount of food manufactured and
sent to the roots is reduced.  Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective
and shaping purposes. Defective limbs as well as limbs that hang down too far due
to the weight of the leaves can be seen more easily.  Summer pruning gives the plant
time to heal or "harden off" before winter.  Click here  [http://kenmatthewsgardencenter.com/garden-reference-tools/summer-pruning-list/]
for a list of trees and shrubs you should prune in the Summer. [http://kenmatthewsgardencenter.com/garden-reference-tools/summer-pruning-list/]
Do Not Prune in the Fall because decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the
fall.  In addition, the healing of wounds seems to be slower on cuts made this time
of the year. Fall pruning also encourages new growth. New growth will be damaged
 by the impending cold weather. Leave your pruning tools in storage from fall until
late winter.
Now that you know when to prune, contact us to learn the basics of how to prune 
and what to prune when.
Need more help?  Contact our landscape department for a consultation and estimate.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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Tent Sale!
Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 14
Bargain Buster Prices on a Smorgasbord of Stuff with discounts Starting at 60% off!
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Dog Days of Summer Sale
Saturday and Sunday, August 6-7
Saturday, August 6
10 AM to 2 PM
Animal Aid Society (http://www.animalaid-va.org/ [http://www.animalaid-va.org/])
Pit Road K-9 Rescue and Sanctuary (http://pitroadrescue.blogspot.com/ [http://pitroadrescue.blogspot.com/])
will be here with their adoptable furry friends.  They will have information tables
set up where donations can be made.   Refer to websites for specific donation needs.
 Monetary donations are always appreciated.   Bandannas, toys, T-Shirts, car magnets,
and other "wag-worthy" wares will be available for purchase.
For visiting dogs, leashes and up to date vaccinations required!
PLUS, 20% off one item of your pet's choice.
May not be combined with other promotions/sales and excludes bagged/bulk goods
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Water Garden Sale
Friday-Sunday, August 12-14
50% off all pond fish & pond plants
20% off pond chemicals & pumps
Photo Credit: Eric McCoy
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Paint Night with Amy Z
Tuesday, August 16  7 PM
Come create a 12"x 16" painting of this dragonfly with Amy Z at Ken Matthews Garden
Center.
Fee of $25 must be paid at time of registration.
Light refreshments will be provided.
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Lawn Care Class
Saturday, August 27 10:00 AM
Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners
Register by email to [email protected] or by calling 757.890.4940.
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Do you have a "family" story/history of a plant(s) in your garden?
If so, please take a few minutes to share that story with us so that we might share
the tremendous stories so many of you have to tell.
Please email us at [email protected] 
or post it on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/KenMatthewsGardenCenter/ 
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Tips for the Garden
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Ornamentals
*Feed mums, asters and other fall-blooming perennials for the last time.
*Divide bearded iris now. Discard old center sections and borer damaged parts. Replant
so tops of rhizomes are just above ground level.
*Purchase bulbs now for fall planting
Lawns
*Lawns scheduled for renovation this fall should be killed with Roundup now. Have
 soil tested to determine pH needs.
Vegetables
*Compost or till under residues from harvested crops.
*Sow seeds of beans, beets, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and turnips now for the fall
garden.
Miscellaneous
*Plan now for fall garden renovations or shrub additions.
*Soak shrubs periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil
 to a depth of 8-10 inches.
*Check that your mulch hasn't decomposed and add more as needed.
*Take pictures of your garden at peak. Also, take pictures of container combinations
you'd like to repeat.
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$10
OFF
A $50 or More Purchase
with this email or coupon
Expires August 30, 2016.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, gift certificates, previous purchases,
bagged goods or bulk items.  Limit one coupon per customer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/KenMatthewsGardenCenter/]   Follow
 us on Twitter [https://twitter.com/kmgardencenter]   Find us on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/kmgardencenter/]
  LinkedIn [http://www.kenmatthewsgardencenter.com]   View our videos on YouTube
 [https://www.youtube.com/user/KMGC4921]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VISIT OUR WEBSITE [http://www.kenmatthewsgardencenter.com]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

The Garden Post: July 2016

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Tree Planting… It Matters!
Part 2
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Last month I talked about the importance of replacing more of the trees that development
and economic growth has (unavoidably) removed. Now let’s point out some specifics
for what once was the rural environment of lower York County.
The expansion of Route 17 will happily be completed this year and we’ll all be able
to move around better. The environmental cost has been the removal of a lot of
trees and at least a 1/3 increase in heat generated by the new roadway. At last
count, about 36 crepe myrtle trees have been planted in the medians - a far cry
from what’s needed to absorb all the carbon dioxide emissions from road traffic.
We all know that trees are the greatest absorbers of the carbon and produce the
oxygen we breathe. VDOT and York County collaborated on highway median landscaping
and that’s that. It therefore behooves us as individuals, organizations, and business
owners to “tree up” as many available spaces as possible.
Walk down Duke of Gloucester Street on any hot summer day and feel for yourself
how one healthy tree has the same cooling effect as 10 room air conditioners running
all day.
Now let’s apply this kind of thinking to your home. There are good reasons why
you should seriously consider planting trees in your yard.

* If your house is worth $400,000, you can add $40,000 of value if you have healthy
trees in your yard.
* Deciduous trees give you cooling shade in summer.
* Evergreen trees planted on the north side will block winter wind.
* Trees help water absorption in the soil.
* Trees freshen the air.
* Trees contribute to a beautiful, lush landscape.
Here’s where to plant trees

* Plant one to three shade trees on the south or west side of your house and reduce
your energy cost by 3% in five years.
* Plant to keep air conditioning units and driveways cool.
* Plant evergreen trees between your house and a roadway as a sound block.
* Careful. Don’t plant under power lines.
There is plenty we can do to mitigate what “progress” has done to the spaces we
live in. If only 10% of York County residents would commit to planting just one
tree there would be 6,600 new trees in our county. Will you help?
-Ken Matthews
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9 Plants the Bug Bugs… Including Mosquitos
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Summer is almost here, and you’ll want to spend more time in your backyards and
gardens. Unfortunately, so will the bugs. And because of viruses such as Zika
and West Nile, mosquitoes are a big concern. You can plant herbs and flowers that
repel those bugs, including mosquitoes, and add a touch of beauty to your backyard.
Here are nine favorite plants that bug the bugs:

1. Marigolds


These flowers are colorful additions to landscaping, but they have a distinctive
smell that repels mosquitoes and other garden pests. Plant some marigolds in the
garden among your squash, melons and tomatoes or near open windows and doorways
where mosquitoes might be tempted to enter.

2. Lavender*


About the only insects you see around lavender are bees. They love the flowers,
but other bugs stay away. Lavender has a pleasant scent that comes from the essential
oils in the leaves of the plant, but the bugs hate it. The herb is a perennial and
is drought resistant once it’s established.

3. Lemon grass


Lemon grass can grow up to 4 feet tall, but the best thing about this decorative
grass is that it contains citronella, a common natural ingredient in many mosquito
repellents. The plant itself does even better than candles at deterring mosquitoes
because it has a stronger smell.

4. Garlic


This herb has long been regarded as a deterrent to blood-sucking vampires and werewolves,
but it really deters buzzing blood-sucking mosquitoes as well as other insects and
creepy crawlers.

5. Rosemary*


Though you’ll want to plant an herb garden for cooking, rosemary has a pungent scent
that repels flies, mosquitoes and other bugs. It does well in hot dry weather,
and thrives in containers, so you can set it in various places around the garden.

6. Basil


This herb also tastes great in your favorite dishes but doubles as a bug repellent.
Basil’s strong smell keeps mosquitoes away. And if you put a potted basil plant
near your picnic table, you won’t have to worry as much about flies either.

7. Catnip*


Many cats love catnip, but mosquitoes won’t come near it. Some studies show that
catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial
insect repellents. Roll up a few catnip leaves and rub them on your skin. The bugs
won’t bother you, but the neighbor’s cat might. Catnip grows almost anywhere, and
it will spread in your garden. So growing it in pots is best.

8. Petunia


These annuals add a bright splash of color to any landscape, but the funnel-shaped
blossoms also have a licorice-like scent that repels many insect pests. But do
keep an eye on these flowers because other crawly garden pests are attracted to
petunias, including slugs and caterpillars.

9. Mint*


Who doesn’t like the taste of mint? It’s a beautiful plant that smells and tastes
great to people, but ants and mice absolutely hate it. It can spread quickly so
you might want to keep it in a pot. Containers of mint around your patio will ward
off other insects, including mosquitoes.

These are just a few of the many plants that bugs find distasteful. Surrounding
yourself and your patio with a few them will keep the bugs away from you, too.
The starred (*) plants are perennials, which will come back from year to year while
others need to be replanted annually.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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July 4th Weekend Specials
Friday, July 1 - Sunday, July 3
30% OFF

Trees and Shrubs
Annuals
Herbs
Perennials
Fountains
Statuary
Pottery
Furniture
Stone - Pallets and by the pound
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Monday, July 4
Independence Day


The day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress.
Americans are known for celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, family reunions,
concerts, barbecues, picnics, and parades.
Ken Matthews Garden Center will be closed to celebrate our nation’s Independence!
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Thursday, July 14
Bastille Wine Dinner


Riverwalk Restaurant
Click here for details
Call 757-875-1522 to make your reservation
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Saturday, July 16 10 AM
Fairy Garden Workshop


Explore ways to create your own magical miniature garden, complete with pint-sized
accessories, diminutive plants, and quaint fairy figures that will attract Thumbelina
herself!
Workshop fee of $25 includes a container, soil and 3 miniature plants. Registered
participants will receive a 20% discount on all miniature gardening items purchased
during the workshop. All ages are welcome!
Register by calling 757.898.7799.
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Tuesday, July 19 5 PM - 8 PM
Girls Night Out


Enjoy an evening of shopping with over 30 vendors, a bite to eat from Creekside
Catering, a wine tasting, and music with Lana Puckett and Kim Person!
Register for the door prize drawings held every 15 minutes.
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Saturday, July 23 10AM
Entomologist Speaker
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Tips for the Garden
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Miscellaneous

* Give plants a mid-season fertilizing with a Dr. Earth Organic fertilizer to get
them through to the fall.
* Keep tabs on rainfall and water as needed.
* Stay ahead of weeds, pull or use Weed Beater in lawns to kill broadleaf weeds.
* Keep lawns cut at about 3″high, to protect from summer heat.

Ornamentals

* Do a final pinching by mid-July, of fall blooming flowers like mums and asters.

Vegetables

* Harvest daily.
* Donate your surplus harvest of vegetables to a hunger organization.
* Start fall crops of peas, beans and cold crops like broccoli.

Fruit

* Check berries bushes regularly to harvest before the birds get them or use bird
netting to keep the birds out.

Trees and Shrubs

* Prune summer flowering shrubs like roses, lilacs and weigela as soon as the blossoms
fade.
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$5
OFF

A $35 or More Purchase
with this email or coupon

Expires July 31, 2016.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, gift certificates, previous purchases,
bagged goods or bulk items. Limit one coupon per customer.
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The Garden Post: June 2016

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Tree Planting. It Matters!
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When I was growing up in Hampton in the summertime I used to climb, what I now know,
was an American Plane Tree.  It was in the back yard of our neighbor, Mrs. Kelly.
We kids called it a Sycamore.
Late one afternoon after supper and just before dark I was up in the very top of
 the tree doing what boys do in trees - nothing much.  I looked far to the west 
across the tree tops and there was a very distinct and noticeable green cover on
 virtually everything from my tree top vantage point.  The rich, strong green canopy
of so many trees went on and on as far as I could see.
Over the years, I've seen a lot of green cover disappear in this town.  So I did
 a little checking.  Sure enough, a development summary provided by York County 
reveals that since 1988, over 6,000 acres of York County's 69,000 acres have been
cleared for development.  I realize development is inevitable, but I am persuaded
that we are not doing all we could and should do to replace the natural greenery
 that falls under the bulldozers and chainsaws.
I am suggesting to you that real, meaningful, seriously green canopies can be established
in road medians, parking lots, front yards, storage yards and junk yards.  At Busch
Gardens, even on the hottest summer days, there is a coolness in the air that only
tree canopies can provide.  Wouldn't it be nice if you had that same coolness walking
across the parking lot to the local grocery store?  We all know it could be done.
And it probably won't.
Take a good look at your own yard and immediate neighborhood.  If we commit to replant
large growing native trees - Oaks, Maples, Poplars, Locusts and smaller under story
trees such as Sourwood, Japanese Snowball, Serviceberry, Redbud and Sweet Bay, we
can bring the forest feeling back in just a few years.  Let's face it, trees are
 not an expense, they are an investment.  They add shade, comfort, beauty as well
as curb appeal.  Trees are a selling point!
Maybe it's high time we recommit ourselves to replicate what was here before we 
arrived - the vast canopy, the sea of billowing trees - as seen by a boy growing
 up and witnessing the world from the top of Mrs. Kelly's Sycamore tree.
Ken Matthews
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Make Shade Gardens Shine with Colorful Coleus
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Creating a beautiful shade garden can be challenging for gardeners of all skill 
levels. Shady areas require a different approach - and different plants - than sunny
areas. Remember, even if your yard has a lot of shade, it doesn't have to be short
on color. For example, vibrant, shade-loving coleus, also known as painted nettle,
can help your shade garden shine.
Look Beyond Blossoms
Coleus foliage runs from small, dainty scallops to large, ruffled and quilted leaves.
The texture of coleus gives shade gardens a certain richness and beauty: leaves 
have dazzling colors, such as lime green, fuchsia or neon purple, with deep shades
of chocolate, burgundy or red in boundless patterns and combinations.
Balance Water and Light
Coleus requires little maintenance. It tolerates wide-ranging soil types or pH, 
and needs good drainage. When planting coleus in the shade water about half as much
as your sunny plants.  Consistent moisture is good, soggy conditions can cause roots
to rot.
Feed for Brilliant Leaves
Dramatic, color-saturated coleus foliage depends on proper nutrition. To enhance foliage growth and color, use Dynamite, 
a complete fertilizer that will last for 9 months.
Keep the Focus on Foliage
Later in summer, when coleus begins to send up flower stocks, it is time to start
pinching the flower off.  Pinch right where flower buds appear.  This promotes branching
and more colorful leaves.
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Mark Your Calendar!
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Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5
Perennial Event
June is National Perennial Month... and a perfect time to celebrate! 
Why not celebrate by adding some perennials to your garden?
Buy 4 perennials, get 20% off!

 


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Father Day Weekend!
Friday, June 17 - Sunday, June 19
Father's Day Weekend Sale
50% OFF All Azaleas, Fruit Trees, Fruiting Shrubs
Saturday, June 18
11 AM-1 PM
Free hot dogs and root beer for all fathers
20% OFF one item of his or your choice
Cannot be combined with any other offer
Father's Day
Sunday, June 19
20% OFF one item of his or your choice
Cannot be combined with any other offer
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Monday, June 20
First Day of Summer
Also known as the summer solstice, it heralds the beginning of summer in the Northern
Hemisphere. The timing of the summer solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its
northernmost point of the equator.  This solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year.
It is definitely not too late to enhance your summer garden with additional annuals
and perennials.
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Girls Night Out
Tuesday, July 19 5-8 PM
If you are a vendor and would be interested in participating in our Girls Night 
Out, please email me at [email protected] or call 757.898.7799.

 

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Tips for the Garden
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General
* Weed regularly to keep unwanted plants from stealing resources and make sure to
get them before they go to seed
* Check plants for water daily; watering early in the day is best.  If you are able
to check water daily, you can plant all summer.
Vegetables and Herbs
* Fertilize vegetables and herbs with Dr. Earth Tomato, Vegetable and Flower Fertilizer
now.
* Cut back herbs to keep plants bushy.
* Remove flowers from Basil and Cilantro to prolong leaf harvest.
Shrubs and Trees
* Start deadheading re-blooming roses and feed roses once this month with Dr. Earth
Rose and Flower Fertilizer.
* After Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Camellias finish flowering, fertilize with Holly-tone.
Annuals and Perennials
* Water annuals and perennials, deeply not superficially: as often as daily for 
new plants and potted plants in sunny locations.  Ensure the rest get about 1" of
water a week.
* Deadhead annuals and perennials to encourage re-blooming
Lawn
* Mow regularly, cutting 1/3 or less of the grass blade.
* Make sure your lawn gets about 1" of water a week (or follow conservation guidelines
and let your lawn go dormant over the summer).
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3 for $15
6" Annuals
Reg. $5.99
With this coupon or email

Expires June 15, 2016.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, gift certificates, previous purchases,
bagged goods or bulk items.  Limit one coupon per customer.
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