Partridgeberry in a Pear Tree? Not exactly...

Partridgeberry

Mitchella repens

This trailing, evergreen herb has white, fragrant, tubular flowers in pairs. Partridgeberry is a creeping, perennial herb that grows up to 2 in. high. It’s smallish, including its pairs of little, rounded, evergreen leaves; tiny, trumpet-shaped, pinkish-white flowers; and scarlet berries.
A most attractive woodland creeper with highly ornamental foliage, it can be used as a groundcover under acid-loving shrubs and in containers in the winter. The common name implies that the scarlet fruits are relished by partridges, and they are consumed by a variety of birds and mammals. 


Partridgeberry brightens the drab forest floor in fall and winter, its mats of evergreen leaves and scarlet fruits hugging the ground.  This cheerful creeper can easily live in residential yards, where partridgeberry is used in rock gardens and as ornamental ground cover under shrubs, thriving especially in acid soil. Some gardeners consider Partridgeberry a must for winter gardens. During the cold days of late winter Partridgeberry is a treat to the eyes with its deep, dark-green leaves and occasional scarlet berries. In a garden setting this evergreen prefers shade, accepting the morning sun. They will form a thick, substantial ground cover. Once established, they are relatively trouble free with the only required maintenance of keeping garden debris from covering the mats.


The twin white flowers that adorn the ends of partridgeberry stems merge to form a single fruit. The low fat content of the fruits makes them resistant to rotting, so that they stay intact on the branches late into winter and are available to nourish wildlife when other foods are lacking.


Partridgeberry is a native American plant, and the name squaw vine comes from its use among the Indians. Partridgeberry is a distinctively Native American plant. Its nickname - squaw vine - was coined by colonists who saw Native American women using it. Although primarily employed in a medicinal capacity, partridgeberry had additional uses among various tribes, including the following: as a love potion, as a ceremonial smoke, and as a food. The fruits were eaten either raw or dried and in sauces, breads, and cakes.

Going Native

Have you noticed that traveling is easier these days although far less interesting? While it’s nice to know that you will be able to eat at your favorite restaurant chain pretty much anywhere you go or run into your favorite chain store to pick up the forgotten item, it has also made traveling to new places less interesting. Why go to a tropical island so that you can try mangos and papayas when you can get them right here in your grocery store at home? Longing for the candy you could only find in the remote town in Idaho? Well, hop on the internet and it will be at your door before you know it.The same is true of gardens and plants. We can have hibiscus in our pool gardens and birds of paradise with palm trees for a season. We can make our gardens look like they came from anywhere in the world with the right amount of work and maintenance. But what is all of this doing to our ecology and how is it affecting our home’s economy? There’s a new trend towards using native plants in our gardens and there are many great arguments for doing so.

Advantages of native plants: roots of a plant such as a conifer or an orchid, in which the plant's mineral absorption is enhanced and the fungus obtains nutrients) with plants, invertebrates with woody debris, pollinators with flowers, and birds with structural habitat that can only be rebuilt by planting native plants. Using native plants to restore the landscape or as a substitute for exotic ornamental plantings can help to reverse the trend of species loss. Although the methods may differ, native plants require the same level of care in installation and establishment as do ornamental plants. However, in the long run, natives will, form self-sustaining plant communities that do not require much maintenance. Because they are adapted to a local region, they tend to resist damage from freezing, drought, common diseases, and herbivores if planted in that same local region.

add beauty to the landscape and preserve our natural heritageNative plant species provide the keystone elements for ecosystem restoration. Native plants help to increase the local population of native plant species, providing numerous benefits. There are specific associations of mycorrhizae (a mutually beneficial association of a fungus and the

• provide food and habitat for native wildlife
• serve as an important genetic resource for future food crops or other plant-derived products
• help slow down the spread of fire by staying greener longer
• decrease the amount of water needed for landscape maintenance
• require very little long-term maintenance if they are properly planted and established
• produce long root systems to hold soil in place
• protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and moderating floods and droughts

So it seems there are many advantages to having a garden that is indigenous to our area and we might find that our guests like seeing a vibrant and healthy local garden in its natural setting. Don’t you miss the days where traveling meant you had to try something new? It brings out the adventurer in all of us. Shall we give others the same treat when they visit us here?

If you would like more information on native plants for your area and non-native plants that can be destructive, check out this link from the University of Maryland and then call us if you have any questions.

http://mastergardener.umd.edu/files/NativePlantsofMDFeb%2005.pdf

Footprints of Carbon?

Yesterday, CFC Enterprises, along with many other Marylanders, had the opportunity to become “greener” by trading in some old gas guzzling mowers for brand new battery powered electric mowers. This trade was not free, but at a significantly reduced price and sponsored by Maryland Department of the Environment and Clean Air Partners. It’s a small step in what we feel is part of our mission, to create a beautiful landscape and preserve the earth for future generations. The Great Maryland Lawn Mower Exchange of 2010 was a big hit with lots of Marylanders, meeting in the parking lot between our stadiums. As many already know just by looking at them, gasoline powered mowers release harmful compounds into the air. While we are not 100% electric power, we know this small step is in the right direction.

So if you see out guys out in the lawn trimming with very quiet green machines, know that your lawn and air are cleaner for being greener!

Bulbs, bulbs, bulbs...

Now is the time to start thinking about what you would like to see blooming next Spring. I know it seems far away, especially now that we are truly in the dog days of summer but if you want your garden popping with those first signs of life, now is the time to plan! Here are some of the bulbs we have available for Fall planting. Call (410)239-2561 or email (chris@cfcenterprises.com) for a full list!

Crocus alert us that Spring is imminent with their lovely purple and white blossoms often poking straight through the winter’s last snow.

The next bloomer would be daffodils - the appeal of daffodils lies in their beauty and durability.

These aren’t your mother’s daffodils as they have been cultivated to produce wonderfully diverse flowers and a variety of vibrant colors, depending on your preference.

They bring the spark of life to the early-spring landscape. And they ask little in return.

Planted in a sunny location where the soil drains well, most daffodils are willing to come back year after year, their clumps increasing in size over time. Perhaps best of all, deer and rodents leave daffodils alone.

Big and bold or diminutive and demure, there's a tulip for every taste and every situation.

For spring fragrance, hyacinths are in a class by themselves. Their sweet, penetrating scent wafts through the garden on even the faintest breeze. Hyacinths look best when planted in clusters toward the front of a border or massed in a formal bed. Their flower heads are at their largest and fullest the first spring after planting; in subsequent years, they tend to be smaller and looser, which gives them a more natural look.

Lastly, the ornamental alliums are a diverse group. There are tall growers with dense globes of starry flowers and ground huggers with loose clusters of cup-shaped blooms. Yet, another deer and rodent resistant bulb that will add a graceful height to your garden.

No matter what you plant, bulbs bring a breath of fresh air after a cold and dreary winter. Plan them out carefully or just put them in any where you feel like it and you will literally reap what you sow - a gift of Spring from nature...

Where is the Shade?

We have gotten a brief reprieve from the summer heat, but it will be back by the weekend. And we'll all be looking for the shade in the yard to help keep us cool.

This week's Plant of the Week, Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’, celebrates

shade with a natural beauty that will enhance any landscape.

The crimson king maple is in the Norway maple tree family, and it has become a favored tree because of its unusual beauty and ease of growing. This particular maple tree stands out among maples because of the rich maroon- or purple-colored leaves it dons throughout the summer. It is not unusual to see crimson kings lining streets and other public places, especially in northern states, where most maples turn green in the summertime.

Maple trees have always been popular because they grow hardily in zones 4 through 7 and they make a beautiful enhancement to any yard. The crimson king maple stands out because it looks so different from it cousins. There are a few other maple trees that have some gorgeous color in the spring, but all except the crimson king turn to green as summer approaches.

Crimson king maple trees will grow to magnificent height of 50 feet or taller. This makes them wonderful accent trees for yards with many other trees, but they also work well as a stand alone because of their unique beauty. Their size and more than adequate leaf growth makes the crimson king a superb shade tree as well. As this tree matures, it develops a wonderfully shaped crown and will usually turn into a favorite shady spot over the years. any yard. The crimson king maple stands out because it looks so different from it cousins. There are a few other maple trees that have some gorgeous color in the spring, but all except the crimson king turn to green as summer approaches.

Keep in mind as you choose a location for this type of maple tree that the crimson king maintains a fairly shallow root system. That means that it can be difficult to mow the lawn under these trees because the roots will be very close to the surface, possibly even bulging out. It also means that they should not be planted too close to the house or any other structure. This shallow root growth is not a good idea close to the sidewalk, and they should be planted at 5 feet away from the edge of the walkway.

Since they are such good shade trees, the crimson king does wonderfully as an accent in a woody backyard garden area or a little distance away from a patio for an amazing shady spot to relax those summer days away. Again, planting these trees approximately 5 feet away from the edge of the patio is a good idea.

One of the best things about the crimson king is that is can adapt to many different soil types. This tree will grow readily in dry conditions as well as soils that are very acidic or more alkaline. Crimson kings even do well in clay or sand. This flexibility is what makes them very attractive as plantings along city streets. In fact, many feel that this type of tree is overused on tree-lined streets, especially in the northern part of the country.

The most care for this type of maple tree is to tending the branches to make sure the leaf growth is not too heavy. If the leaves grow too thickly on a branch, it may begin to droop As the tree gets larger, it is also recommended to trim the lowest branches so that there will be plenty of room to relax under the delightful shade this tree will provide.

Another amazing treat that comes with the crimson king are its springtime blossoms. There are few things as welcoming as flowers in the spring, and this maple tree shows off a lovely display of blooms each March or April. The only drawback to this pretty springtime show is the seeds that drop from the tree in the fall. They can become a problem if not dealt with, but cleaning them up is not a difficult fix and can be done right along with the end-of-summer yard cleaning.

Withering Plants in Need of Water?

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." - Russel Baker

Managing your Landscape during Dry Weather

Follow basic landscape maintanence principles.

• Regularly weed hardscaped areas as weeds can soak up valuable soil moisture that could otherwise be used by landscape plants.
• Do not sheer prune shrubs. This can cause them to be less water efficient and open up their canopies to sunburn.
  
• Apply organic mulch (shreaded bark or compost) around the base of plants to help maintain soil moisture and reduce temperature.

Prioritize landscape water requirements by assigning monetary and functional values to your living landscape.

• Give trees a higher watering priority than grass or flowerbeds. Most grass areas can tolerate long periods of drought and if damaged can be replanted and will rejuvenate in a matter of months. Trees, however, are more difficult to replace. They take much longer to grow and can be costly to remove.
  
• Give functional grass areas a priority. Grass in the back yard nearest the patio should be given first priority. Grass in the front or side yards should be the first to lose water. Consider replacing grass with desert-adapted groundcovers, such as trailing rosemary or acacia.

Trees are the single most important living element in a landscape. They require consistent care regardless of conditions, and therefore the highest priority should be on their maintenance and watering:

• Check frequently for drought stress including wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaf edges, defoliation, and branch-die-back. In a continued drought, leaves may be smaller than normal and drop prematurely. Although drought stress may not kill a tree outright, it could set it up for more serious diseases or insect infestations in following years.
  
• Water deeply and slowly. Apply water so it moistens the soil in the root zone to a depth of at least 12 inches (the recommended watering depth is 24 to 36 inches.)
  
• Do not fertilize a tree that is under drought stress. Fertilizers can stimulate growth, which results in additional foliage for the root system to maintain.
  
• Be careful when pruning. Pruning can open up canopies and cause sun scald on branches. Remove broken, dead or crossing branches because leaving these weakened branches could set the tree up for secondary infections.

How should I manage our grass during a drought?

• Water as infrequently as possible without causing undue stress. If you walk across the grass and leave foot prints, it is time to water.
  
• Make sure to still water to a depth of at least six inches.
  
• Avoid fertilizing which will increase the growth rate.
  
• Be willing to accept a less-than-perfect turf and tolerate a few brown or yellow spots.
  
• Set your mower to remove only 1/3 of the blade of grass at a time and make sure your mower blade is sharp.

Best Time of Day to Water

Water early in the morning, when less water is lost to evaporation and wind drift. In early morning, the air is cooler and there is less wind.

How to Water

Water established plants deeply and less frequently. Deep watering improves drought resistance in established plants by promoting deeper and more extensive root systems. Newly installed plants need just the opposite: light frequent applications. Many new plants need daily water to thrive.

How Long Should I Run the Sprinkler?

To determine how long to run your sprinklers for deep watering of your lawn, place empty cans throughout the spray pattern of your sprinkler. Keep track of the amount of time it takes for 1 inch of water to accumulate in the cans. (Check all the cans because some areas of spray pattern may not receive as much water as other areas.)

Now you know how long to run the sprinkler to give your landscape a deep watering without wasting water. Keeping that amount of time in mind, read these general guidelines:

· In sandy soil, 1 inch of watering soaks soil to a depth of about 12 inches.

· For grass and bedding plants, apply ½ inch to 1 inch of watering (soaks soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches).

· For perennials, shrubs and trees, apply 1 inch of water (soaks soil to depth of 12 inches).

Watering Frequency

Extend the number of days or weeks between water applications to the longest possible interval. Water lawns only after 30% of the lawn starts to wilt (grass blades curl when wilting). Water trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals after they start to wilt. Some trees do not wilt; they simply drop interior leaves in drought.

Fertilizing

Don't fertilize during drought--fertilizer promotes plant growth, which increases the need for water.

We hope this helps to keep your lawn and landscape as healthy and happy as it can be in dry times so that when the rain comes, it will grow in full bloom with little or no loss. As always, we welcome your questions and comments!

Living Outdoors is In

There are so many ways to celebrate summer and expanding your living area to the outdoors is one of them. After being cooped up inside during the dreary winter months, it's time to come outside and live in the sunshine - or shade, depending on your preference. Two ways to enhance your outdoor experience are an outdoor fireplace and a water feature. Both are sure to relax you with their mesmerizing sounds and lovely appearance.

The fireplace feature for the week is this lovely stacked stone free standing fireplace, accented with historic barn wood and a partial stucco finish to give it an authentic aged appearance. Flanked on both sides with colorful plants, this is a haven for the weary on a lovely summer evening, a crisp autumn night and well into winter for outdoor entertaining!

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If you are looking for something on the other side of the spectrum, why not consider a water feature. Studies have proven that the sounds of falling water are an instant relaxer for the mind. Today's feature is a rustic piece given new life, making it a recycled green project and an interesting mix of form and function -

We're Trying Something New!

We wanted to share more than we are able to on Facebook, so we've started a blog. This will give us the opportunity to show more photos of all the projects and plants we're trying to describe. We hope you will enjoy it and please feel free to let us know what YOU would like to see posted here!

Kicking off the blog will be The Plant of the Week - Leucanthemum 'Becky'

An oldie but goodie, the Shasta Daisy is a classic.

This stunning variety of Shasta Daisy is later and larger than all the others. From July to September, it becomes a living bouquet of huge (4in) daisies that stand 3–4ft tall. Even at this height, staking isn't required, and its long, strong stems are excellent for cutting. When growers cut back the plants during the growing season, or deadhead them, I have seen flowering into the month of October. The foliage is always attractive and will remain evergreen in Southern states. It is both heat- and cold-hardy and can be grown under full sun to partial shade in an average to dry soil. This Shasta daisy performs well as a cut flower and attracts butterflies in the garden. For compact plant growth, cut back foliage before flower buds are visible. To encourage re-flowering, cut them back after the initial flush of bloom is finished. Enjoy these simple beauties!