We suggest you wait until the Spring to prune any shrub roses or hardy grasses, as to better the plant's winter survivability. Shrub roses will typically die back some during winter anyway. Each new cut makes an injury that removes moisture from the plant and takes time to heal. Pruning in the fall will only [...]
Ornamental grasses are usually left standing all winter because they add interest and beauty to our landscape. In late winter or early spring, before the grass starts growing, cut-back your grasses to 4 – 6 inches above the ground. Stop by your local Earl May Garden Center for more information about ornamental grasses and [...]
Arborvitae grow from the outside green tips and as they grow the inner parts (close to the trunk) of the branches lose their green needles. The best way to keep an arborvitae at a desired height is to do light trimming/pruning of the new green growth in the spring of each year. Take care [...]
Early spring or late fall would be the best time to transplant your rose bush. Follow these steps: Dig as much of the root ball out as you can. Do this by slicing all the way around the rose and then slicing at an angle to cut the bottom roots. The more roots and [...]
Luckily, there is a great product for killing roots and sprouts of trees, bushes and vines, it’s called Stump-Out Stump & Vine Killer. This product provides control of undesirable woody vines, plants, and broadleaf weeds around the home. You simply brush the liquid on a fresh cut of the undesired woody plant and let it [...]
This time of year some peony bushes get infected by a fungus commonly called powdery mildew. The disease will not normally kill your peony bush in one season, but could if left uncontrolled for several years. Powdery mildew is more prevalent in shady areas and when plants are closely spaced. Here are some solutions to stopping [...]
Neonics (neonicotinoid insecticides) are systemic insecticides capable of killing various insects. Recent concerns have been raised over the possible link between neonic treated seeds and plants, and the decline in the pollinator population including honey bees and butterflies. We want you to know that we work closely with our growers to avoid the [...]
Dead hosta leaves can be unsightly and sometimes unhealthy for the plants. Trim off dead leaves any time during the growing season and discard them in the yard waste just in case there was some disease present. To keep your hosta plants looking their best, we recommend: Fertilizing in the spring with Earl May [...]
Caring for your new plants is especially important the first year. Since your plants were placed in the ground in September, you will want to follow these steps to ensure their future: Water – Check your plants water needs a couple times a week. We recommend that you pull back the shredded bark mulch [...]
The care of a “lilac-on-a-standard” is the same as any lilac shrub. Conserve soil moisture by applying a 2 – 3 inch layer of shredded bark mulch around the base of the plant. Keep the mulch a finger width distance from the trunk of the plant. Fertilize lightly in the spring. Water as needed during the hot [...]