Tip of the Week

Posted on May 20, 2013 by JanV

imagesCANERNJ8Weed Control! Who doesn’t want to cut back on time weeding the garden?  An inexpensive, eco-friendly solution is to place 6-8 layers of newspaper on a weeded, fertilized soil.  One cautionary tip is to make sure you leave enough space around the plant to allow it to expand.  If you have a plant that you want to spread, you will want to leave extras area around the plant to grow. Top the area with mulch to secure the newspaper and allow the moisture to penetrate into the garden.

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Tip of the Week

Posted on May 14, 2013 by JanV

imagesPlanting Gerbera Daisies.  I get a lot of how to questions but this is my favorite..  why don’t my gerbera daisies bloom when I transplant them to a larger container or into the ground.  This is a little secret I learned many years ago and am happy to reveal it here!   When you put the gerbera plant in the soil,  you must not put any soil on the deep center of the plant. If you look closely you will see tiny little buds that are coming from the core of your plant. If you cover them with soil they will not bloom.   Most other plant buds will work their way up and out but not this little darling.  Wishing you many more flowers on this happy plant.  If you have questions about plants or gardening,  please contact me through this website.  I will do my best to answer your inquiries.

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What’s Blooming?

Posted on May 7, 2013 by JanV

imagesCAI7L50VMother’s Day!  May 12, 2013

A chance to honor that special woman in your life that nurtured you in some way.  Be it your mother, your grandmother, your wife, daughter,wife or the best friend that helped you make sense of this tremendous job of raising children.  At New Look Floral we have flowers and garden planters in every price range, size and color. Call today to order Mother’s Day flowers. 597-259-9506.  Visit the on-line store front at www.newlookfloraldesign.com

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Plant of the Month

Posted on April 30, 2013 by JanV

imagesCAC8SCNVCalla Lily

Zantedeschia or Arum Lily is another sure sign of spring.  As a house plant they reach 12 to 15 inches high. In shades of pink white, rust and many shades of purple these cup shaped blossoms are sure to bring a smile.  These plants can be brought back for reblooming  provided they have a dry rest period  until the leaves wither.  Clip off foliage. Keep soil slightly moist in a cool dark spot. In a few months repot  bulbs for another delightful display.  If you love flowers, consider the plant of the month for yourself or someone you love.  Call today 507-259-9506

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What’s Blooming?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by JanV

imagesCAHGCV8LBusiness Professional Week  April 22 – 27, 2013.

I challenge you to find a better way to say thank-you or you are appreciated. Flowers speak volumes when it comes to appreciating someone.  This beautiful arrangement says it all.  Bright sunflowers, fragrant stock, spray roses and poms.  Wrapped in a raffia bow and a note that says “You’re the Best”  Call today for this arrangement or other offers that are sure to please the person that does so much for you.  507-259-9506  Prices starting at $20.00.

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Tip of the Week

Posted on April 15, 2013 by JanV

imagesCA4J1QYPStep By Step Guide to Repotting

  • *Prepare plants by thoroughly watering a day or 2 ahead of time.
  • *Select an area where you can make a mess and prepare the area with drop clothes or plastic.
  • *Gently pull out of pot or knife around the edges to loosen, push up from the hole in the bottom.
  • *If your roots form a solid mass, loosen some of the trailers or cut them off in slabs 1/2 inch thick.
  • Most plants can be relieved of a quarter of their roots.
  • Transplant into a pot prepared with proper drainage that is 1-2 inches wider in dynamiter.
  • Add soil and tamp the container on a firm surface to settle particles in place.
  • Avoid the temptation to get a much larger container as the roots do like a snug environment.
  • As long as the plant has moisture, wait a day or two to water, giving the roots to wall off their injuries.

from: The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual

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Tip of the Week

Posted on April 8, 2013 by JanV

imagesSpring~ time to repot your houseplants

Keeping plants healthy and growing seems like a big job.  A few easy steps can keep them thriving.

Your plants may seem like they have not grown over the winter months.  This is because many of them have gone dormant.  They stay alive, but look unhealthy. They may need repotting. Some things to check to see if they need to be repotted.

  • Little or no new growth.   Roots have become crowded. No room for them to grow.
  • Roots are sneaking out of the pot.   Yellowing of leaves may occur at this time.
  • Plant frequently falls over. Your plant has outgrown it’s pot
  • Plant needs frequent watering.  Your plant is root bound.

Next week:  Guideline for repotting.

 

 

 

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Greenhouse Flowers

Posted on April 1, 2013 by JanV

imagesThe Sure Sign of Spring!  At New Look Floral the 1st day of spring is when the plugs come in. What a great day it is when all 1,465 plants arrive in their tiny trays ready to be put into larger containers for about 6 weeks.  This operation which took place mostly on Saturday was fun for the whole family, including grandkids.  This year will host  a variety of cutting plants that will be put in the garden and used to make arrangements in mid summer. These include zinnias, snapdragons and sunflowers.  Also, potting plants including petunias, lobelia, salvia, euphorbia, gazania, million bells and petchoa were carefully transplanted for mid May container gardening.  It’s like getting a jump on summer.  For classes and purchasing these plants contact 507-259-9506.

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Plant of the Month

Posted on March 25, 2013 by JanV

imagesCAOXL06REaster Lily 

This joyful symbol of elegance, beauty, spirituality, hope and life is the perfect choice for the Christian holiday of Easter.  Legend states the blood of Jesus as it fell from the cross was transformed into flowers, miraculously. A visitor from Japan brought the plant to America in 1875. These plants may be allowed to go dormant and put in the garden for another bloom possibly this year an for sure next year.  Call today for one of these beautiful plants 6″ or 8″  to adorn your Easter festivities or take as a gift. 507-259-9506

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Greenhouse Preperation

Posted on March 22, 2013 by JanV

022This year getting the greenhouse ready includes shoveling the path to it! Still 10 inches of snow in Rochester, MN. We will receive 1500 plants on March 27.  The sun will warm it during the day and we will heat at night.  Always looking forward to spring even with this added task.

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