WHAT IS POLLINATION?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the male part of a flower to the female part, thus fertilizing the flower and allowing seed and fruit to form. Bees and other pollinators perform this service while collecting flower fuel in the form of pollen (protein) and nectar (carbs). Around 80% of the world’s flowering plants depend upon animals for pollination (the others are wind-pollinated).

Check out these links for a list of trees to attract pollinators; We need them!

https://www.bowerandbranch.com/learn-pollinators/
https://www.arborday.org/trees/health/pests/article-trees-for-bees.cfm

thumb-grid-bee-flowering-tree.jpg

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DAFFODILS & NARCISSUS?

Narcissus: The term narcissus (Narcissus sp.) refers to a genus of bulbs that includes hundreds of species and literally tens of thousands of cultivars! The Narcissus genus includes daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites, among many others, so when in doubt, this is the term to use.

Daffodil: This is the official common name for ANY of the plants that fall into the genus Narcissus. So, if the plant is considered a Narcissus, it is also considered a daffodil as well. However, most people use the term “daffodil” when referring to the large, trumpet-shaped flowers of the Narcissus pseudonarcissus. These are those big, showy, familiar bulbs that bloom in spring that we all know and love. Common daffodils have single blossoms and flat, strappy leaves.

Often confused with the use of narcissus and daffodil is the term jonquil, which is a specific type of daffodil with dark green leaves and clusters of several small and fragrant flowers – different from the daffodil's one flower and flat leaves.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/whats-difference-between-daffodil-narcissus-61448.html?fbclid=IwAR1L-Dpu8ykx3uu4iR3TTx6A7TWygXH3k-ilHOMuvC1YncvgX1vrIjWADKI

Spring is just weeks away, and now is the time to start waking up & cleaning your landscape!

Late winter/early spring pruning is an annual maintenance that should be done on woody trees and shrubs to keep them looking their best, and healthy.

Always be sure to keep these guidelines in mind before going into the yard to prune:

-What it is/ When it flowers: (Remember the early blooming plants have flower buds on them in the spring. You can prune these plants after flowering to maximize bloom display.)
-Growth Habit: mature height, mature width, form, growth rate, longevity
-Aesthetics: foliage, growth habit, flowers, fruit, fall color, bark, branches
-Function: street tree, accent, specimen, hedge, barrier, border, edging, foundation, mass, screen, windbreak, groundcover, vine

Follow this link to our pruning guidelines page for more information on basic pruning tips!

The Tradition of Mistletoe at Christmas

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and wards off evil spirits. It was also used as a sign of love and friendship in Norse mythology and that's where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from. 😙

Read more about the Mistletoe at:
https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/mistletoe.shtml

Christmas fern got its name because it stays green right through the holiday season in hardiness zones 3-9.

It is a robust, leathery fern which has glossy, green fronds year-round. Christmas ferns do best in an area that receives part shade or full shade, although they will tolerate some sun. Plant the ferns after the last frost, placing them 18 inches apart and deep enough to hold the roots without crowding.
http://ontarioferns.com/main/species.php?id=4003
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=poac4
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/…/…/christmas-fern-care.htm

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