9. Always keep copies of your order and method of payment: Put your check number on your copy, save your credit card statement, keep your cancelled check, if it is available from your banking institution. Put this in a folder for future reference. You will need it for proof of purchase if your order should become lost or if you need to make a return or request a replacement/refund.
10. Keep a journal: Write down how your plants performed, where you made your purchases, and if you had any problems with the vendor. This will be valuable when next year's spring or even this year's fall catalogs come out.
11. Take pictures: If you are like me, you do not draw garden plans very well. A series of pictures of your gardens in the various seasons will help you by providing a visual garden plan of your yard. When the snow flies and the time comes for ordering again, these pictures will come in handy when determining past performance and looks. Pictures will also give you an idea where other plant materials might fit into your gardens.
I hope these tips prove to be helpful while you navigate all those catalogs and neat websites. There is no reason not to make catalog or website purchases. After all, that's part of the adventure of gardening. But a little wisdom and savvy will make your gardening experience (and your budget) much happier.
Until Next Time!
-Marilyn
January and February "Honey do" List:
1. On warmer days, check for frost heaving of plants, and place them back into the ground. Add mulch to prevent further thaw-heave cycles.
2. When the temperature goes above 40 to 45 degrees, spray antidessicant on your broadleafed evergreens and newly planted needled evergreens.
3. Try to remove snow that has a salt based icebreaker on it from areas near your lawn and ornamentals. Use non-salt based ice melters or sand on your drives and walks.
4. Check trees for ice damage. Remove broken limbs by pruning torn branches away cleanly. This is to prevent gaping wounds which can provide entries for insects and disease.
5. If your evergreens are weighed down with snow, gently remove FRESH snow with a broom. Sweep with an upward motion from beneath the limbs to prevent breaking them.
