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As mid-July approaches, we're starting to think about next year here at Estabrook's. A great way you can get ready for next season is
our bus trip to Pleasant View Gardens in Loudon, NH for P. Allen Smith Day on August 6th. Pleasant View grows many of the Proven Winners we feature at Estabrook's and the trip allows us to see what's new and decide what to carry next season. It's also a great chance to visit with our customers and find out what plants excite you. The all-day event has giveaways on the bus, lunch, a tour of Pleasant View and a guest lecture from Today Show gardening contributor P. Allen Smith. For just $35 you can't beat this day. We're limited to 100 tickets this year, so click here to reserve your spot before it's too late! -- Tom Estabrook, Vice President |
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Lawn Watering Guide
Extended periods of hot weather during the summer can take a toll on your lawn, especially areas that are fully exposed during the day. Without the
benefit of an adequate supply of water, your lawn can endure severe stress, making it more susceptible to insects, disease and unsightly browning.
A regular watering regimen will solve this problem.When to Water
Watering your lawn first thing in the morning (even before sunrise) is generally considered the best time to water. By doing so, you'll give the water an opportunity to soak in before it has a chance to evaporate, and any moisture that doesn't take to the soil will be gobbled up by the hot summer sun. If you water in the evening, you run the risk of any excess water sitting on your lawn and fostering fungal damage.
How to Water
Your lawn's roots will only travel as far as the water does, so light watering will result in roots that stay near the surface. Deep watering will therefore encourage deep root growth, so it's extremely important to provide the right amount of water to your lawn. It also means less frequent watering because it will take longer for the soil to dry out.
We generally recommend a 1-2 inch application twice a week by watering for 5 minutes, then allowing the water to soak in for 15 minutes, and repeating until the desired amount has been applied. This will not only conserve water, but also reduce runoff.
Watering Devices
If set-up and placed correctly, a sprinkler system will consistently cover your entire lawn and can be programmed to water as frequently as you need it. Just remember that water tends to pool around the base of sprinklers, so rotating their locations even on small lawns is a good idea. If your lawn is too large to be covered by your present amount of sprinklers, either purchase more to ensure total coverage or move them to dry areas after one area has received an appropriate amount of saturation.
Too Much Water
Many people feel that if a little water is good, then more of it must be better. This is not the case when it comes to watering your lawn. In fact, more problems occur from over-watering than under-watering. By applying too much water to your lawn, you can wash away essential nutrients from your lawn and leave pools of unabsorbed water that will encourage fungal spores and disease.
Summer Sale Ends This SundayThis weekend is your last chance to SAVE 25% on ALL trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, groundcovers, herbs and vegetables! Our Summer Sale ends this Sunday, July 11th, so if you haven't had a chance to load up on great looking summer plants, make plans to visit us soon. Plus, don't miss ALL NEW selections arriving today! |
Hosta Planting Guide
If you want to get some gardening done during these hot summer days, you might as well be planting in the shade.Available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles it's no wonder that Hostas have become the king of the shade garden. However, we should mention that they do prefer some morning sun, so deep, all-day shade may not be the best choice.
With that in mind, if you follow these simple planting tips you're sure to be enjoying your hostas for years to come:
Soil Preparation
A rich, organic soil is preferred when planting your hostas. This is easily achieved through the addition of a treatment of compost, manure or other organic compound. The pH of the soil should be somewhere around 6.5 or 7.5, which is a moderate amount of both acid and alkaline. When digging your hole, a large, wide hole is best since hosta roots tend to spread horizontally. One and a half times the expected spread of the plant and about a foot deep should suffice in most cases.
Planting
After removing the plant from its container, make sure to loosen and untangle the root system. Some hostas may have become pot-bound, but simply tapping the sides of the pots should release it. Place the hosta into the ground at the same level it grew in the pot, where the leaves meet the root system. Fill in around with your organically amended soil and water well to establish.
Fertilizers
Several options are available, including liquid, granular and extended release types of fertilizer so its ultimately up to the gardener to decide which they're most comfortable using. A balanced granular fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-10-5 for example) can be applied several times a season while a liquid can be used every 7 to 10 days. In each case the fertilizer itself should be consulted for optimal application.
Watering
Like any plant, watering is critical for a steady, continual growth and encouraging the overall health of the plant. We encourage our customers to water their plants 2-3 times a week even during rainy conditions and this holds for hostas as well. Signs that your hosta may not be getting enough water include burned leaf tips and drooping foliage.
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 Add tremendous summer color and SAVE 25% during our Summer Sale!  Proven Winners  'Broadway Lights' Leucanthemum  'Magnus' Coneflower  'Limelight' Hydrangea |
 Our Estabrook's Color Spot locations in Scarborough and Kennebunk will be closing early (4pm) on Wednesday, July 14th for an employee event. Sales of Kennebunk Garden Tour tickets will cease on July 12th in Yarmouth and Scarborough and July 13th in Kennebunk. Get them while you still can! Have company coming for the Yarmouth Clam Festival? Spruce up your home with colorful hanging baskets and patio containers. |
 "Private Gardens of the Kennebunks" Garden Tour July 17th P. Allen Smith Day August 6th Learn More... |
 From the ultimate garden solution to perfect gifts, you're sure to find something great in our emporium!  Don't let your plants suffer while you're on vacation; Soil Moist Mats will do the watering for you!  Make watering fun with colorful sprinklers, wands and hoses from the Dramm ColorStorm collection |