Is It Love?
I am still in shock…or is it LOVE? Recently moving from the “South”, South Dakota that is, I have been fascinated by a tree with smooth, peeling bark and waxy leaves that shine when struck by the sun. I have seen it as a single trunk, clump, tall to small tree form, and as a tiny shrub. Just like I can’t say “Ya’ll” at all, I haven’t figured out if it is “Crepe” or “Crape”, but I know the “Myrtle” part is right.
Everything I have read about the Crepe Myrtle is good. Especially its meaning – LOVE. Its blooms are used for bridal garlands, in bridal bouquets, and are traded amongst friends because they symbolize purity, prosperity, and a happy long life. If you grow a myrtle on either side of your door it will bring love and peace to your household. I am thankful the home I moved into already has a Crepe Myrtle out front. This will be my first summer to enjoy the blooms. The colors available are white, shades of pink, red, red/purple, and a range of purples. I am patiently waiting to see what color mine will be.
I can’t imagine living in Virginia and not having at least one of these glorious trees in my yard. The wide range of sizes makes it a perfect fit in even the smallest of spaces. It is also an excellent choice to give as a gift, like a housewarming, or to plant in honor of someone dear to your heart. Wouldn’t it be incredible to plant a Crepe Myrtle when each of your children are born and use the flowers from their tree for their wedding? It is rare to find a tree with such variety, beauty, hardiness, and love to share throughout the whole year. If you are looking for simple, uncomplicated love – plant a Crepe Myrtle!
Rachel, “The New Virginian”
Check This Out!
Preventing Fungus on Crepe Myrtles
Cutting crepe myrtles to the nub may seem like the right way to prune them – why would you think differently? This bad practice is what we see happening all around us in early spring – our neighbors, in shopping centers and developments.
This practice creates a host of fungal and mildew problems in the heat of the growing season. Powdery mildew thrives in situations with poor air circulation and favors new crowded growth that prevents good air circulation. That’s what you get when you commit Crepe Murder.
To prevent this fungus, encourage good circulation through proper pruning, planting placement, and be sure to select the right variety of Crepe Myrtle. To control or kill the fungus, apply Bonide Copper Fungicide. If the fungus continues to persist every year treat your tree with Bonide Infuse Systemic Fungicide in early summer.
Pests Love Warm Weather, So Be On Guard!
Caterpillar infestations can be dealt with by hand if caught early, but should they get out of control, you will have to resort to insecticides.
Lace Bug and whitefly especially love the heat. Aphids and other sap-sucking insects can transmit viruses.
To control pests, try and attract beneficial insects by growing a wide variety of plants – ladybugs and their larvae are consummate aphid predators, as are lacewings and even wasps.
If controlling pests with beneficial insects doesn’t work, come in and we will help you select the right product to solve your problem.
Thursday, July 4
4th of July Weekend
To keep the tradition of this weekend – we’re having a Super Sale on lots of stuff! Stop by – even if its just to relax and dream a little!
July 8 – 14
Crepe Myrtle Festival
Choose from the best varieties and most popular colors…at awesome prices!
Saturday, July 13
Tips on Flower and Garden Photography Workshop
with John Whistler
Learn easy ways to improve your photos including discussion on composition, focus, and equipment. This class is for novice and above photographers.
From 12 PM – 1:30 PM, use your camera to take shots around the garden center for individual critique and suggestions. Sign up required by calling 757-898-7799.
Check out John’s website too!
http://whistlerworksstudiophotography.com/
Wednesday, July 24
5 PM – 8 PM
Girls Night Out
Enjoy an evening of friends, food, fun, and shopping with over 30 vendors!!
Tips for the Garden
Smart Watering
- Water early and late in the day to reduce water loss from evaporation
- Adjust sprinklers and irrigation heads to avoid wasting water on driveways and sidewalks
- Water long enough to soak the top 8″- 12″ of topsoil and stop watering if water is running off
- Use mulch to retain water and keep roots cooler. Bark, woodchips, compost or other materials are all beneficial
- Install a rain sensor to automatically turn your sprinkler system off when it rains
