Boxwood is one of the most versatile, beautiful and important plants in any garden. It takes better shape than any other plant, is relatively disease free and has a very long lifespan. It is also expensive because it grows slowly. To protect your investment and the beauty of your garden, take a few steps to protect your boxwood through the winter.
Water: Boxwood needs moist, well-drained soil. It does not like dry conditions. Install a soaker hose to continue watering until the ground freezes, at the rate of 1″ per week if it has not rained. Replace the hose connection with a quick-release attachment.
Snow and Ice: To remove snow that is weighing branches down, use the wide side of a broom to gently lift the branches from below, bouncing the snow off the branches. Once the snow clears, the branches will gradually return to normal. Ice-covered branches are rigid. Do not bounce them but let the heat of the sun gradually melt the ice. To avoid heavy branches, place a support underneath. Once they are thawed, check for hairline cracks in the branches. Cut off broken branches at a main branch up to but not within the collar ring of specialized cells. Once the ground freezes, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Container grown: Place containers on “feet” for air circulation and off hard surfaces. Do not place in drainage saucers. Water just before frost as this warms the plants when temperatures drop.
If the January thaw sends up new shoots, remove them, harden them off and use the cuttings for decoration or pitch.
The companies continue to offer limited-time sales and free shipping on purchases over a certain amount.
Garden — Continue planting bulbs. Pick saffron petals to dry and sugar for edible decorations and stigmas to flavor. A loose layer of leaves will protect tender perennials and overwintering beneficial insects. Plant garden chrysanthemums. Cut garden mum flowers to the ground when they wilt and add 2 inches of mulch when the ground freezes, usually at the end of the month. Cover small water gardens with bird netting to prevent leaves from rotting in the water, reducing oxygen and killing fish.
Houseplants – Buy the largest amaryllis bulbs available for more, larger blooms per stem and a healthier bulb to bloom again next fall. Plant bulbs every two weeks for a succession of blooms until February. Remove individual flowers as they fade and the stem to 2 inches when all are faded. Continue to water and feed the foliage until it turns yellow, cut back and allow the soil to gradually dry out.
For best success in propagating the tender perennials we grow as annuals, take fall cuttings of coleus, dusty sucker, geranium and fuchsia.
Lawn — Replace mower with mulching blades. Make an appointment for a winter check after the last mowing.
Trees and Shrubs – After a hard freeze, take 4″ cuttings of forsythia, holly, lavender, viburnum, and weigela to root in the sand and overwinter in a protected location. Remove diseased, broken and dead branches. It is not necessary to seal the cuts, the plant will form scabs on all the cuts. Protect young trees from deer who rub their antlers to mark their territory. Depending on the size of the tree, install a tomato cage to surround the wire netting held in place by stakes.
Vegetables – Compost softened pumpkins or cut them into pieces and bury them in beds to add nutrients to the soil. Save the seeds to roast for snacks, to share with the birds, and to plant next spring. Turn the compost to discourage rodents. Adding compost or aged manure to the asparagus will help produce bigger spears next year.
Nov. 5-6, ColorFest, Bernheim Arboretum and Forest, Clermont (near Elizabethtown) Ky, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., nature activities, vendors, arts, crafts. $13 in advance, $15 the day of, email-nature@bernheim.org.
19 Nov-Jan 8, “Holiday Lights,” Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Nashville, TN, ticket available Oct. 18, 625-356-8000, cheerwood.org.
