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Japanese Beetles are here a little early this season and while there are a
wide range of ways to treat a current infestation, you also want to
think about taking steps to prevent them in the future. One of the best things you can do right now is treat your garden with a product called Milky Spore. It won't kill the beetles, but it WILL attack the eggs and larvae in the fall when they start reproducing. You can safely apply it to the lawn and garden now and then reapply every other year for best results. -- Tom Estabrook, Vice President |
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Using Ornamental Grasses
Although often overlooked, ornamental grasses can add grace and motion to your
garden thanks to their strap-like foliage that will sway even in the gentlest breeze. Many varieties also feature fluffy flowers and seed
heads that will last throughout the winter, attracting birds and adding winter interest to the garden.Like other varieties of perennials, ornamental grasses come in many different textures, colors, sizes and flower forms. In addition to a varied collection of green hues, foliage and flower colors also include red, pink, purple, tan and white. With sizes ranging from dwarf 1 foot varieties to 9 foot giants, these grasses can be used in containers or borders, as a groundcover or to create a living screen.
Site Selection
Most grasses prefer full sun to light shade and a well-drained soil, but some types will tolerate other conditions. Take note of your light and soil conditions and then check your plant tag or our online gardening catalog before you select your varieties.
Planting Instructions
Proper planting technique is instrumental to the overall health of your plants. Follow these simple instructions to make sure your ornamental grasses get off on the right foot:
- We recommend spacing your plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. This will give your grasses plenty of room to grow and fill in the space.
- Next, prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches, then mix in a 2-4 inch layer of compost.
- Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in.
- Remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently.
- Water thoroughly.
To ensure happy and healthy grasses, apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2" layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Appropriate watering is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. A deep watering 2-3 times a week will provide your grasses with the necessary moisture they need to thrive.
Plan a Summer Garden Getaway"Private Gardens of the Kennebunks" Garden Tour - July 17th Tickets are now available at all Estabrook's locations. P. Allen Smith Day - August 6th We're limited to only 100 tickets this year - order yours online today to reserve your spot! |
Creating an Island Bed
Island beds are freestanding beds, usually surrounded by lawn. By installing an island bed you can take a bare, uninteresting area and turn it into
an attractive, eye-catching landscape feature. Use island beds to create a focal point, screen unattractive features, create privacy and reduce noise
and lawn size.Don't Skimp on Size
Island beds need to be large enough to accommodate your plants' growth in the coming years (look for this information on the plant tag or in our online plant catalog). If you are planning on putting trees and shrubs in your island bed, design a bed that is at least 8 feet wide. This width allows you to maintain your bed easily from the edge. If you design a wider bed, leave room for stepping stones to access your bed to weed and groom.
Create a Pleasing Shape
The shape is best determined by the area you have to work within. In general, a gently curving line is best. Curves are not only calming, but also make mowing and edging easier. To help create your shape, lay a garden hose on the ground to represent the future shape of your bed. Arrange and adjust the hose until you like the shape.
Select Plants That Fit Your Conditions
One of the great advantages of island beds is that you can easily group plants that require the same growing conditions together. For example, a bed located in a front yard that is hot and dry with full sun needs plants that thrive in those conditions: some Maples, Hawthorn, White Pine, Juniper, Quince, Potentilla, Sand Cherry or Bayberry to name a few.
If perennials interest you, there are many choices that thrive in hot, dry conditions. Although a plant might thrive in dry conditions, all plants must be watered while getting established.
Island beds are a great, manageable way to add interest and beauty to your yard. So go ahead and get your hands dirty!
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 Save 25% on these plant collections during our Summer Sale!  White Flower Farm  Sarah's Superb Herbs  Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs  Jeepers Creepers |
 We're open every day until 6pm during the holiday weekend; stop by and grab some containers to spruce up your home for a Fourth of July cookout Japanese Beetles are here! Use bags, bait and traps to lure them away from your garden before they cause serious damage. Hot summer weather is returning this holiday weekend; make sure to give your plants plenty of water to keep them happy and healthy during 90+ degree days |
 "Private Gardens of the Kennebunks" Garden Tour July 17th P. Allen Smith Day August 6th Learn More... |
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