The Indy Nose News

Volume 2 Issue 6 June 2010

Nothing Says Summer like Homegrown Tomatoes

Tomatoes prefer even levels of moisture. Mulches help maintain that level as well as aid in weed suppression. Hay and straw mulches are popular but can contain unwanted weeds. Grass clippings work well as mulch as long as you make sure it is dry grass and it has been some time since adding lawn chemicals. A good rule is to wait until you have mowed at least 4 times since applying chemical. If you have your lawn commercially sprayed, never use those clippings as mulch. You should only use 2 to 3 inches of grass clippings for mulch. Other mulches like Cotton Burr Compost can add valuable amendments to the soil. Older garden plots can really benefit from this mulch. Cotton Burr Compost is available at Independence Nursery.

On Sale Now at Independence Nursery:

Trees, Tropicals, Shrubs, and Seed 30% off
Annuals 50% off

Tropicals
- By Twila Brooks

New at Independence Nursery for 2010 is the incredible collection of Hort Couture plants including the avant garde Annuals with pedigrees from the world's best breeders. Hort Couture is a must-have for everyone this year. We still have a great selection of coleus with very distinct colors. The Hort Couture line also includes tropicals that are out of this world. We have patio orchids that bloom all summer long in yellow, purple, and variegated purple and Cordyline in so many colors we can't name them all. Cordyline makes a great accent piece in pots and is a fantastic house plant. Beautiful Mandevillas in bold colors are available in two sizes. The boss says these tropicals are so great he wants everyone to have one so he's put them on sale - buy one get the second half price! Stop by today to check out all the great selections in the Hort Couture line! Good Growing!

Kevin's Korner
- By Kevin Redford

This year one of my goals for the nursery was to bring in plant material that helps us with challenging areas in the landscape - mainly small landscape beds that require compact plant material. So this winter we researched and found many varieties of compact shrubs and trees. This month I would like to introduce a few new varieties of small trees and also some trees that you probably have see around the area.

Don Egolf Redbud - This tree is great for small landscapes where you might need some height. This tree only grows around 8 ft tall, the flower clusters are on the branches, and the foliage is dense with a layered look. It grows well in full sun, can tolerate dry and hot conditions, and likes well drained soils.

Hearts of Gold Redbud - This is one of the only lime-gold leaf colored redbud. The growth habit of this tree is 15 ft tall and 18 ft wide. It likes full sun to partial shade. To maintain its lime gold color leaf it’s better to plant in full sun because shading will turn the foliage green.

Sargentii Crabapple - This is a dwarf tree that is dense and forms a wide spreading, irregular rounded shape, and only grows 6 - 8 foot tall and 8 - 10 foot wide. It is a spring time bloomer and has a small fragrant flower. It is also very showy in the spring. For you bird lovers it also has small dark red persistent fruits.

Coralburst Crabapple - This tree is also great for any bed or burm that needs a little height. It grows around 10 - 15 foot tall and wide. Very showy flowers in the spring and has a great rounded shape. It contains some small fruits.

Purple Smoketree or Smoke Bush - This tree has great purple colored leaves and grows to 10 - 15 foot high and 10 - 15 foot wide. Now this is one of those trees that can be kept in check with a little hand pruning. It has a beige summer bloom. The fall color is made up of a blend of orange, red, and yellow fall color. It is drought tolerant and likes a well drained soil.

Autumn Brilliance Service Berry - This tree is a prolific spring white bloomer and will have blueberry type fruits that are edible. In the fall the foliage turns to an orange-red leaf color. The mature height is 15 - 25 foot and the width is also 15 to 25 foot. It can be plant in full sun to partial shade.

Well I hope this is some good information for you all as you tackle your landscaping projects this year. I also would like you to know that all of these varieties of trees are currently available at the nursery. Please check us out in the entire month of June as we will be having sales all month long.