As the Days Grow Longer………
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family!
In the first KCB posting (all postings can be found further down the Skillin’s Garden Log) called The Mid-Winter Maddening Mayhem and Mania of a Maine Gardener , KCB describes winter angst and then comes to terms with that angst and recognizes the good parts about January from a gardener’s perspective.
In Red, White and Blue , KCB brings us OUT into January on an auto ride.
In Winter Landscapes KCB brings us back indoors but with an eye to the outside; for the gardener victory is at hand—a winter wonderland of landscaping possibilities awaits.
Now KCB concludes our January trip in the fourth and final January installment by telling us about the winning plants for winter interest. It is time to plan that winter landscape! It is a gardening season that must be recognized, dealt with and as KCB tells us celebrated:
How Exciting……..
As I drove to my ‘other’ job this afternoon, I was able to catch the last glimpse of pink/orange that was the sun. A few minutes shy of 5 o’clock, the realization that the sun had not completely set was enough to cause a ‘jump’ in my heart. You know that feeling; it’s not really skipping a beat, more like it leaped with excitement.
At 11:59 PM this Thursday, we will say good-by to January. February will take hold seconds later. I am so tempted to begin singing the praises of our shortest month; but there is time enough for that. The dusting of snow Portland experienced this weekend reminded me that I have some unfinished business. This will conclude my winter landscaping series.
So many of us are planning the future filled with bold colors with green accents, where butterflies, humming birds and bumble bees frolic. Purchasing plants with next winter’s landscape in mind seems rather dull. Besides who wants to wait a year for a garden to offer excitement? It is only human nature to look for instant gratification. Don’t be fooled! Some of Maine’s biggest snow falls occur in March or April. As your seeds break thru the peat below grow lights, winter still plods on with all the fury she can muster. Might as well enjoy the view!
Ah, do not lose faith. So many of the shrubs listed herein thrive on attention. Not the high maintenance kind of attention, but the ‘hey look at me’ kind of attention. You see, many produce the first flowers of the early season, pushing forth buds and blooms before their foliage wakes.
Blossoms of white, pale pinks, subtle yellows, creams or vibrant reds and pinks share their stage with no one. It’s as if they say ‘Let me be the first to welcome you to spring’, only to bide their time until they can hold their own against the winter landscape.
Red berries do not alone a winter garden make. A landscape of shape, silhouettes & form against the gray white of winter offers restrained solace. Do not overlook the subtle shading, muted colors and texture of bark. While content to stay unnoticed most of the year, overshadowed by their flourishing foliage, the trunk of a tree, or curve of a limb now passively demands attention during this winter time.
As I compiled this list, it seemed just when I thought I was done, another specimen would come to mind. The evergreens so prevalent in the Maine landscape were not included. Greens of silver blue, yellow gold, deep forest and all the hues and shades in between speak for themselves. Once the texture of our spruces, pines, junipers, or cedars is factored in, well, they deserve their own story.
Descriptions of each plant will be broad. Plant tags offer such a plethora of information. Everything you ever wanted to know about shrub, grass, perennial or annual can be found in abbreviated form. Nursery catalogs will become your ‘wish book’. I would be remiss if I didn’t sing the praises of professional nursery or garden center staff. After all, they are gardeners too and are willing to share.
Okay, enough. And the winners are………
Plants & Shrubs that offer Winter Interest
Shrubs/Trees:
Viburnum (American Cranberry Bush, Cardinal Candy, to name just 2)
Winterberry
Red Twig Dogwood
Hydrangea
Common Snowberry
Cranberry Cotoneaster
Washington or Winter King Hawthorne
Weeping Cherry
Weeping Crabapple
Any weeping dwarf species
Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick (better in form than function)
Witch Hazel
River or Paper Birch
Paperbark Maple
Threadleaf Japanese Maple
Plants with showy Seed Heads or Pods
Echinacea (Cone Flowers)
Joe Pye Weed
Sedum
Rudbeckia
Movement and/or texture
Ornamental Grasses
Sedges
Russian Sage
Lavender
Heaths & Heathers
There are many others, please feel free to offer your suggestions. See you next month……..
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Skillin's "Basics"
Hello again,
It is a New Year and many of our electronic subscribers might be fairly new to
Skillin's so I quickly want to review Skillin's history. This post was first sent out as email on January 16,2006 and repeated again on January 11,2007. So for some of you who have read this before I apologize but we will be quickly onto new things. For the moment however I would like to review our history and give credit to a few people who made Skillin's what it is today!
As you may or may not know we have been a family enterprise since 1885. We
currently are in our 5th generation of Skillin's. Alexander "Pa" Skillin and
his brother Charles founded Skillin's way back in 1885. At that time,
Skillin's mostly catered to the crowd of people who populated Falmouth and
other area estates in the summer. We sold our summer friends fresh cut
flowers, garden plants, vegetables and knowing "Pa" we gave away lots of
free stories. The business was indeed on the present Route 88 site in
Falmouth. Charles soon drifted away to other pursuits but "Pa" stayed at it.
I am not sure what he did year round but I do know he spent many nights
shoveling coal into the furnace to keep the cold at bay.
Through the early 20th century the business grew as year round population
started to become more and more common. By this time, Skillin's was doing
much yard and tree work for people and "Pa" had been joined by his son
Alexander or "Alec". My Aunt Sally fondly remembers "Alec" as the nicest man
she has ever met (not bad considering he was her father in law). The
business was growing into the year round selling of plants and we were also
becoming a florist; my Aunt Florence (Alec's sister and daughter of "Pa")
helped in the greenhouse and floral areas and also did the bookkeeping.
Aunt Florence had no children but Alec fathered John and David Skillin--the
third generation--and many of you might know of them today. Tragedy struck
in 1950 as Alec died of cancer. "Pa" was getting along in years (but still
working, only taking less naps), John was attending college at UMO, and
David was only 13. The decision was made for John to come home on weekends
and work but for him to finish his education, for Dave to hopefully "turn
out all right" and for Aunt Florence to "hang on" and wait for John. Aunt
Florence was one brave lady and her contribution to Skillin's should never
be forgotten.
John arrived on the scene fully in the spring of 1952 and the business was
in tough shape. Alive but hurting. Times were tough and Skillin's owed many
people a lot of money. Good and wise friends who knew finances were telling
John and his family to give up the business--it could not work. John went
around and promised to make good and then some on what was owed. If you ever
knew John Skillin, you would trust him and believe him. Because he was John.
He delivered.
Dave Skillin arrived from the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture and a
bout with the U.S. Navy in 1960. Aunt Florence was still on board. Larry
Leeman, a trusted family friend, also came on board. "Pa" died in 1958 but
momentum was strong--the Skillin's modern era had begun. John and Dave were
young, personable, visionary and absolutely dedicated. Skillin's as you know
it now was beginning to form. John and Dave used to visit many Massachusetts
and Connecticut garden centers on trips to pick up the best in plant
material. I have good memories of those trips as a child. They borrowed many
good ideas and came up with a few of their own and developed Maine's first
garden center and nursery. By 1966, our Falmouth gift shop was built with
the help of good friend Fred Chase. Skillin's Greenhouses was now a full
scale greenhouse, nursery, garden center, gift shop and florist.
Skillin's was also one of the leading landscapers at the time. Dave Skillin
headed this area of the business along with trusted and important friends
like Al Lappin. Terry Skillin--the leader of the fourth generation--and Joel
Leeman, still with Skillin's after 40 plus years got their start with
Skillin's as landscapers. But Dave and John wanted to start a new store and
make new friends, and this led to our opening of our second store in
Brunswick Maine in 1969. The landscaping side was eventually closed as we
focused on making Skillin's in Falmouth and Brunswick the type of stores you
see today. John and Jeff Skillin built energy efficient true Solar
greenhouses during the energy crisis days of the 1970's.
The early days were kind of quiet at times in Brunswick as Dave would often
mow the lawn in the front just to let people know that we were there. Long
days and nights were spent selling apples, cider and peanut butter at the
Topsham Fair just so we could meet people. But as the greater
Bath/Brunswick/Topsham area has grown so has Skillin's in Brunswick. Gordon
Merrill and many others have picked up the baton from Dave Skillin and we
have a first rate store and a first rate staff with people like Charley
Madden and Chris Gill from our past leading to Hilda Green, Ed Levay and Darcy Sachs along with many others who are part of our
present and future. And Gordon Merrill deserves special mention again--his
dedication over the years has paid off in a model operation at Skillin's in Brunswick.
During the 70's and 80's we had 3 successful Mall stores at the Maine Mall,
Promenade Mall in Lewiston, and the Windham Mall. Terry Skillin (fourth
generation) came on board to lead our Mall store effort. Jeff Skillin, his
brother, graduated from UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1980 and
has modernized our all important plant production. Terry and Jeff are sons
of John and now lead the business.
Back in Falmouth, we salute the efforts of good friends like Larry Leeman, Rick Price, Al Lappin, Jesse O'Brien, LaurieJameson and many others who have helped us greatly and who we will always begrateful to. Mary Mixer came to Skillin's via the Maine Mall in 1975 and is
still our hardest working person here. Sally Bolstridge, Tim Bate, Sue
Destefano and Elaine Warner are here daily and offer over 50 years of
experience between them to help our customers. Rick Price just completed
another year of helping us--he has been part of the family since the 1960's.
Melissa Skillin Smith and Mike Skillin are Dave Skillin's children and we
try to help wherever we can! And Dave Skillin is still very active in the
business after almost 50 years of leadership here!
John Skillin passed away in 2002 but he has touched us all. That same year
saw the arrival of the 5th generation, Chad Skillin (Terry's son) who like
his grandfather John graduated from UMO; with a degree in landscape design
and he has brought a new angle to Skillin's.
In 2003, we combined forces with the Allen Family in Cumberland and now
operate Skillin's Cumberland. Phil Allen has passed away but his wife Wendi
works with us and she has become a valued and trusted friend.
We all work hard here at Skillin's and we love it. But without the support
of our families at home we could not so easily do our jobs.
We owe a special and biggest thanks to you, our customer. I have listed a
lot of names and dates here but your loyalty has kept us going over good
times and bad. We cannot wait for 2008 and are looking forward to seeing you.
Thanks for reading this and please let us know if you have any gardening
questions,
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 30, 2008
It is a New Year and many of our electronic subscribers might be fairly new to
Skillin's so I quickly want to review Skillin's history. This post was first sent out as email on January 16,2006 and repeated again on January 11,2007. So for some of you who have read this before I apologize but we will be quickly onto new things. For the moment however I would like to review our history and give credit to a few people who made Skillin's what it is today!
As you may or may not know we have been a family enterprise since 1885. We
currently are in our 5th generation of Skillin's. Alexander "Pa" Skillin and
his brother Charles founded Skillin's way back in 1885. At that time,
Skillin's mostly catered to the crowd of people who populated Falmouth and
other area estates in the summer. We sold our summer friends fresh cut
flowers, garden plants, vegetables and knowing "Pa" we gave away lots of
free stories. The business was indeed on the present Route 88 site in
Falmouth. Charles soon drifted away to other pursuits but "Pa" stayed at it.
I am not sure what he did year round but I do know he spent many nights
shoveling coal into the furnace to keep the cold at bay.
Through the early 20th century the business grew as year round population
started to become more and more common. By this time, Skillin's was doing
much yard and tree work for people and "Pa" had been joined by his son
Alexander or "Alec". My Aunt Sally fondly remembers "Alec" as the nicest man
she has ever met (not bad considering he was her father in law). The
business was growing into the year round selling of plants and we were also
becoming a florist; my Aunt Florence (Alec's sister and daughter of "Pa")
helped in the greenhouse and floral areas and also did the bookkeeping.
Aunt Florence had no children but Alec fathered John and David Skillin--the
third generation--and many of you might know of them today. Tragedy struck
in 1950 as Alec died of cancer. "Pa" was getting along in years (but still
working, only taking less naps), John was attending college at UMO, and
David was only 13. The decision was made for John to come home on weekends
and work but for him to finish his education, for Dave to hopefully "turn
out all right" and for Aunt Florence to "hang on" and wait for John. Aunt
Florence was one brave lady and her contribution to Skillin's should never
be forgotten.
John arrived on the scene fully in the spring of 1952 and the business was
in tough shape. Alive but hurting. Times were tough and Skillin's owed many
people a lot of money. Good and wise friends who knew finances were telling
John and his family to give up the business--it could not work. John went
around and promised to make good and then some on what was owed. If you ever
knew John Skillin, you would trust him and believe him. Because he was John.
He delivered.
Dave Skillin arrived from the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture and a
bout with the U.S. Navy in 1960. Aunt Florence was still on board. Larry
Leeman, a trusted family friend, also came on board. "Pa" died in 1958 but
momentum was strong--the Skillin's modern era had begun. John and Dave were
young, personable, visionary and absolutely dedicated. Skillin's as you know
it now was beginning to form. John and Dave used to visit many Massachusetts
and Connecticut garden centers on trips to pick up the best in plant
material. I have good memories of those trips as a child. They borrowed many
good ideas and came up with a few of their own and developed Maine's first
garden center and nursery. By 1966, our Falmouth gift shop was built with
the help of good friend Fred Chase. Skillin's Greenhouses was now a full
scale greenhouse, nursery, garden center, gift shop and florist.
Skillin's was also one of the leading landscapers at the time. Dave Skillin
headed this area of the business along with trusted and important friends
like Al Lappin. Terry Skillin--the leader of the fourth generation--and Joel
Leeman, still with Skillin's after 40 plus years got their start with
Skillin's as landscapers. But Dave and John wanted to start a new store and
make new friends, and this led to our opening of our second store in
Brunswick Maine in 1969. The landscaping side was eventually closed as we
focused on making Skillin's in Falmouth and Brunswick the type of stores you
see today. John and Jeff Skillin built energy efficient true Solar
greenhouses during the energy crisis days of the 1970's.
The early days were kind of quiet at times in Brunswick as Dave would often
mow the lawn in the front just to let people know that we were there. Long
days and nights were spent selling apples, cider and peanut butter at the
Topsham Fair just so we could meet people. But as the greater
Bath/Brunswick/Topsham area has grown so has Skillin's in Brunswick. Gordon
Merrill and many others have picked up the baton from Dave Skillin and we
have a first rate store and a first rate staff with people like Charley
Madden and Chris Gill from our past leading to Hilda Green, Ed Levay and Darcy Sachs along with many others who are part of our
present and future. And Gordon Merrill deserves special mention again--his
dedication over the years has paid off in a model operation at Skillin's in Brunswick.
During the 70's and 80's we had 3 successful Mall stores at the Maine Mall,
Promenade Mall in Lewiston, and the Windham Mall. Terry Skillin (fourth
generation) came on board to lead our Mall store effort. Jeff Skillin, his
brother, graduated from UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1980 and
has modernized our all important plant production. Terry and Jeff are sons
of John and now lead the business.
Back in Falmouth, we salute the efforts of good friends like Larry Leeman, Rick Price, Al Lappin, Jesse O'Brien, LaurieJameson and many others who have helped us greatly and who we will always begrateful to. Mary Mixer came to Skillin's via the Maine Mall in 1975 and is
still our hardest working person here. Sally Bolstridge, Tim Bate, Sue
Destefano and Elaine Warner are here daily and offer over 50 years of
experience between them to help our customers. Rick Price just completed
another year of helping us--he has been part of the family since the 1960's.
Melissa Skillin Smith and Mike Skillin are Dave Skillin's children and we
try to help wherever we can! And Dave Skillin is still very active in the
business after almost 50 years of leadership here!
John Skillin passed away in 2002 but he has touched us all. That same year
saw the arrival of the 5th generation, Chad Skillin (Terry's son) who like
his grandfather John graduated from UMO; with a degree in landscape design
and he has brought a new angle to Skillin's.
In 2003, we combined forces with the Allen Family in Cumberland and now
operate Skillin's Cumberland. Phil Allen has passed away but his wife Wendi
works with us and she has become a valued and trusted friend.
We all work hard here at Skillin's and we love it. But without the support
of our families at home we could not so easily do our jobs.
We owe a special and biggest thanks to you, our customer. I have listed a
lot of names and dates here but your loyalty has kept us going over good
times and bad. We cannot wait for 2008 and are looking forward to seeing you.
Thanks for reading this and please let us know if you have any gardening
questions,
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Garden Talks January 27, 2008
Hello again,
I spent some time listening to our good friend Paul Parent on the radio early this morning. I definitely recommend the Paul Parent Gardening Club as a great gardening resource. He can be heard weekly in the Portland area on Sunday mornings at 6 AM. Check out Paul's website at www.paulparent.com.
Paul made many good points this morning including:
January and February are the best months to have large trees in your yard pruned. These trees are largely dormant at this point; if you wait into the Spring the sap in the trees get running and open wounds and infection can result.
We take many questions from gardeners about why their lupine don't come back that well after terrific first years in the garden. Yet if you are riding along Maine roads in mid to late June you cannot help but see bountiful bunches of flowering lupine. Why can so many of us NOT grow lupine well (we give it wonderful soil, regular feedings and all types of favorable conditions)? Paul has put some thought to this and he came up with a wonderful idea. The summer grass that gets matted down in winter probably well protects the lupine plants in our Maine fields from the harsh winter weather. So for the last couple of years Paul has planted his lupine in his garden BUT in the middle of early season flowering perennials such as ground phlox or Candy Tuft (Iberis). Any good ground cover will do! And sure enough his lupine is prospering in his garden! I have a sunny sort of wild section in my yard that gets pretty grassy as the season progresses. I am going to try some lupine myself there.
Paul also had a guest on who spoke about a number of exciting perennials. This guest reminded us that coneflower (coneflower should be a staple in ANY of our perennial gardens) cut right from the garden makes a fragrant and long lasting cut flower in a vase. So let's remember this in the summer. Purple, orange, yellow and white coneflowers--one of my favorites make a GREAT flower for us to enjoy indoors!
Over and out for now!
Thanks for reading the Skillin's Garden Log!
If you have any comments or questions we would love to hear them!Simply post a comment by clicking on "comments" at the end of this posting OR drop us your question with an email at info@skillins.com!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 27, 2008
I spent some time listening to our good friend Paul Parent on the radio early this morning. I definitely recommend the Paul Parent Gardening Club as a great gardening resource. He can be heard weekly in the Portland area on Sunday mornings at 6 AM. Check out Paul's website at www.paulparent.com.
Paul made many good points this morning including:
January and February are the best months to have large trees in your yard pruned. These trees are largely dormant at this point; if you wait into the Spring the sap in the trees get running and open wounds and infection can result.
We take many questions from gardeners about why their lupine don't come back that well after terrific first years in the garden. Yet if you are riding along Maine roads in mid to late June you cannot help but see bountiful bunches of flowering lupine. Why can so many of us NOT grow lupine well (we give it wonderful soil, regular feedings and all types of favorable conditions)? Paul has put some thought to this and he came up with a wonderful idea. The summer grass that gets matted down in winter probably well protects the lupine plants in our Maine fields from the harsh winter weather. So for the last couple of years Paul has planted his lupine in his garden BUT in the middle of early season flowering perennials such as ground phlox or Candy Tuft (Iberis). Any good ground cover will do! And sure enough his lupine is prospering in his garden! I have a sunny sort of wild section in my yard that gets pretty grassy as the season progresses. I am going to try some lupine myself there.
Paul also had a guest on who spoke about a number of exciting perennials. This guest reminded us that coneflower (coneflower should be a staple in ANY of our perennial gardens) cut right from the garden makes a fragrant and long lasting cut flower in a vase. So let's remember this in the summer. Purple, orange, yellow and white coneflowers--one of my favorites make a GREAT flower for us to enjoy indoors!
Over and out for now!
Thanks for reading the Skillin's Garden Log!
If you have any comments or questions we would love to hear them!Simply post a comment by clicking on "comments" at the end of this posting OR drop us your question with an email at info@skillins.com!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Winter Landscapes by KCB
Hello again,
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family!
In the first KCB posting, KCB describes winter angst and then coming to terms with that angst and recognizing the good parts about January from a gardener’s perspective. In the second KCB posting, we venture OUT into January on an auto ride.
This installment brings us back indoors but with an eye to the outside and a mind to the outside; for the gardener victory is at hand—a winter wonderland of landscaping possibilities awaits:
Baby, it’s cold outside……..
A confession…………the past couple of days have even been too cold for me. If it wasn’t for my faithful 4 legged companion, the only out of doors I would experience is the trip to and from my truck.
There are a good many people who do not or can not tolerate the cold. Winter is a time to cocoon with a cup of tea in one hand and a gardening or travel magazine in the other.
Good news! It is not mandatory to leave your house to appreciate a winter landscape. A winter wonderland awaits outside your windows. Now is the perfect time to design next winter’s wonderland!
When designing a landscape, the views from within the home can be over looked. Think about it? Subconsciously or not, we so often look up from our task at hand and peak through a window. Why not stop a while to enjoy what you and nature created. Gray of winter is a perfect opportunity to add interest often without adding plant material.
Yes, what follows is quite a list. Take your time and focus on one or two areas that are the most visible to you. Incorporate the theory; less is more, yet nothing is still, nothing! Collect items over time. Do as I do, every garage sale, thrift store, or decorative furnishing store holds treasures. Expand your purchasing process to include your garden and outdoor oasis.
Where to start? Any room in your house can be a starting point.
œ Take special interest in views from inside your home, especially where you are likely
to spend time looking out of doors either intentionally or not.
o Kitchen window over sink or view from prep area.
o Directly outside French or Sliding Doors.
o Breakfast nook
o Bathroom-Tub, Shower, or whatever
o Home Office
o The very couch or chair from which you may read or watch television.
o Morning or Dusk view from bedrooms.
œ Take note of shadows on the land from existing plants, trees, and structures.
o The play of light/dark adds depth.
œ Include sculpture, interesting stone, boulders, twig furniture, other found objects that withstand the elements.
o Create your own sculpture by piling stones one upon another. They may be all similar in shape such as rounded river rocks in various sizes or perhaps a flat stone topped with an angular companion.
· Heavy snow fall may bury the object, however, wind patterns, degree of melting and the subtle change in topography creates depth and interest.
Warm you body, heat your soul when the sun rules the sky.
œ Create a place to bask in the warmth of the sun as it makes its way higher in the sky.
o A cement, stone or a park-type bench provides a place to sit while you hold your face towards the sun.
o A refuge to escape from the anxiety as to the outcome of a football game.
o A much needed breath of fresh air without having to walk too far.
o Or, like me, a place from which I throw and receive the ball while my Golden Retriever gets her exercise.
Restful moments are not solely for the day. A moonlit night offers beauty all its own.
œ Fresh or unblemished snow appears a smoky blue against the black of night.
o Ice particles capture moon beams and become diamonds.
· A thermos of mint or hazelnut laced hot chocolate complements the scene.
· Be adventurous, bring along a friend and a sleeping bag and look for falling stars.
In my gardens I often include items that were never meant for a garden
Have fun with this!
œ Look for materials, cement, marble, stainless steal, iron, or wood that will survive beyond the first freeze or snow. Extra points for interesting patina.
o A collection of copper tea kettles playing hide and seek among Autumn Joy Sedum.
o A brightly painted bucket (try blue or lime green) laid on its side to fill a vacant spot.
· For those of us who prefer a more subtle effect, rusted milk cans or the dulled steal of sap buckets do the trick.
o A wrought iron finial atop a pole or rod as a sentry to the dormant decaying foliage of once glorious ornamentals.
o A garage sale find rocker that has seen a lifetime of better days adds a perfect focal point. A resting place for your eyes or wildlife that just wants to stop for a while.
o A rusted wagon to hold found or purchased winter greens and berries.
œ Some of my favorite whimsical pieces once were at home in Skillin’s Bargain Corner.
o Our Maine winter may reduce its life as a decorative element to only one season. Who cares? Beauty often fades…Moreover you will have fun all over again replacing it!
œ Blank spaces offer an avenue for existing plant material to cast a shadow.
o Varying plant height, foliage coloring, and texture become more prominent when the eye has a place to stop (rest) as it scans the landscape.
o The ground after all, that all important first layer of design.
œ Create pathways, angles anything to break up the landscape.
o Even if it is not possible to navigate a path this time of year it will create a place for your eye and imagination to travel.
o The hint of a secret garden behind the garage or under the majestic limbs of an old growth hemlock.
Take advantage of existing structures or add more. Arbors, trellises, fences or a solo garden gate.
œ Do not overlook vertical elements.
o With minimal or monochromic color of the deep winter landscape, layering of elements seems more critical.
o Become perches for birds or placement of additional feeders or suet cakes.
o Cast shadows. (notice any themes?)
œ Add color and sparkle.
o Hang brightly colored or shiny objects on invisible fishing line from an arch, tree limb, or arbor.
o Fresh snow is a perfect canvas and often reflects color.
· Blank or damaged DVD or CDs are known to cast a rainbow over fresh snow or an icy ground.
· Reflected moonlight from these same objects offer an illusion of The Northern Lights
I’ve saved the best for last. Furry and feathered friends.
œ Bird Feeders.
o Even the plainest offer beauty when visited by feathered friends.
o Pole feeders at variable heights offer the shadowing mentioned earlier.
o Bird Baths can be useful during these frigid times in addition to an artistic element.
· Special heating elements are available.
We are lucky enough to live in a land of 4 seasons. Why not make the most of all of them………….
Next….The plants, grasses & Shrubs of a ‘winter garden’.
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
January 24, 2008
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family!
In the first KCB posting, KCB describes winter angst and then coming to terms with that angst and recognizing the good parts about January from a gardener’s perspective. In the second KCB posting, we venture OUT into January on an auto ride.
This installment brings us back indoors but with an eye to the outside and a mind to the outside; for the gardener victory is at hand—a winter wonderland of landscaping possibilities awaits:
Baby, it’s cold outside……..
A confession…………the past couple of days have even been too cold for me. If it wasn’t for my faithful 4 legged companion, the only out of doors I would experience is the trip to and from my truck.
There are a good many people who do not or can not tolerate the cold. Winter is a time to cocoon with a cup of tea in one hand and a gardening or travel magazine in the other.
Good news! It is not mandatory to leave your house to appreciate a winter landscape. A winter wonderland awaits outside your windows. Now is the perfect time to design next winter’s wonderland!
When designing a landscape, the views from within the home can be over looked. Think about it? Subconsciously or not, we so often look up from our task at hand and peak through a window. Why not stop a while to enjoy what you and nature created. Gray of winter is a perfect opportunity to add interest often without adding plant material.
Yes, what follows is quite a list. Take your time and focus on one or two areas that are the most visible to you. Incorporate the theory; less is more, yet nothing is still, nothing! Collect items over time. Do as I do, every garage sale, thrift store, or decorative furnishing store holds treasures. Expand your purchasing process to include your garden and outdoor oasis.
Where to start? Any room in your house can be a starting point.
œ Take special interest in views from inside your home, especially where you are likely
to spend time looking out of doors either intentionally or not.
o Kitchen window over sink or view from prep area.
o Directly outside French or Sliding Doors.
o Breakfast nook
o Bathroom-Tub, Shower, or whatever
o Home Office
o The very couch or chair from which you may read or watch television.
o Morning or Dusk view from bedrooms.
œ Take note of shadows on the land from existing plants, trees, and structures.
o The play of light/dark adds depth.
œ Include sculpture, interesting stone, boulders, twig furniture, other found objects that withstand the elements.
o Create your own sculpture by piling stones one upon another. They may be all similar in shape such as rounded river rocks in various sizes or perhaps a flat stone topped with an angular companion.
· Heavy snow fall may bury the object, however, wind patterns, degree of melting and the subtle change in topography creates depth and interest.
Warm you body, heat your soul when the sun rules the sky.
œ Create a place to bask in the warmth of the sun as it makes its way higher in the sky.
o A cement, stone or a park-type bench provides a place to sit while you hold your face towards the sun.
o A refuge to escape from the anxiety as to the outcome of a football game.
o A much needed breath of fresh air without having to walk too far.
o Or, like me, a place from which I throw and receive the ball while my Golden Retriever gets her exercise.
Restful moments are not solely for the day. A moonlit night offers beauty all its own.
œ Fresh or unblemished snow appears a smoky blue against the black of night.
o Ice particles capture moon beams and become diamonds.
· A thermos of mint or hazelnut laced hot chocolate complements the scene.
· Be adventurous, bring along a friend and a sleeping bag and look for falling stars.
In my gardens I often include items that were never meant for a garden
Have fun with this!
œ Look for materials, cement, marble, stainless steal, iron, or wood that will survive beyond the first freeze or snow. Extra points for interesting patina.
o A collection of copper tea kettles playing hide and seek among Autumn Joy Sedum.
o A brightly painted bucket (try blue or lime green) laid on its side to fill a vacant spot.
· For those of us who prefer a more subtle effect, rusted milk cans or the dulled steal of sap buckets do the trick.
o A wrought iron finial atop a pole or rod as a sentry to the dormant decaying foliage of once glorious ornamentals.
o A garage sale find rocker that has seen a lifetime of better days adds a perfect focal point. A resting place for your eyes or wildlife that just wants to stop for a while.
o A rusted wagon to hold found or purchased winter greens and berries.
œ Some of my favorite whimsical pieces once were at home in Skillin’s Bargain Corner.
o Our Maine winter may reduce its life as a decorative element to only one season. Who cares? Beauty often fades…Moreover you will have fun all over again replacing it!
œ Blank spaces offer an avenue for existing plant material to cast a shadow.
o Varying plant height, foliage coloring, and texture become more prominent when the eye has a place to stop (rest) as it scans the landscape.
o The ground after all, that all important first layer of design.
œ Create pathways, angles anything to break up the landscape.
o Even if it is not possible to navigate a path this time of year it will create a place for your eye and imagination to travel.
o The hint of a secret garden behind the garage or under the majestic limbs of an old growth hemlock.
Take advantage of existing structures or add more. Arbors, trellises, fences or a solo garden gate.
œ Do not overlook vertical elements.
o With minimal or monochromic color of the deep winter landscape, layering of elements seems more critical.
o Become perches for birds or placement of additional feeders or suet cakes.
o Cast shadows. (notice any themes?)
œ Add color and sparkle.
o Hang brightly colored or shiny objects on invisible fishing line from an arch, tree limb, or arbor.
o Fresh snow is a perfect canvas and often reflects color.
· Blank or damaged DVD or CDs are known to cast a rainbow over fresh snow or an icy ground.
· Reflected moonlight from these same objects offer an illusion of The Northern Lights
I’ve saved the best for last. Furry and feathered friends.
œ Bird Feeders.
o Even the plainest offer beauty when visited by feathered friends.
o Pole feeders at variable heights offer the shadowing mentioned earlier.
o Bird Baths can be useful during these frigid times in addition to an artistic element.
· Special heating elements are available.
We are lucky enough to live in a land of 4 seasons. Why not make the most of all of them………….
Next….The plants, grasses & Shrubs of a ‘winter garden’.
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Finding Mary
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(Photo taken by good friend Margie Mills--a co-worker of Mary Mixer. Maryhas been found repotting on the fly; smiling as usual!)
Hello again,
Mary Mixer has been a valued member of the Skillin's Greenhouses Family for over 30 years. Anyone--staff, customer, or visiter--who has spent any time at all at Skillin's at Falmouth has probably run across Mary Mixer who has held a variety of roles here at Skillin's.
The best role she has ever held here is simply being Mary--simply being passionate about plants and the people who love plants. Mary loves to help people and she is one hard worker with a wonderful smile and a huge heart in a not too tall body. At Skillin's Falmouth, she is easily the most asked for person for our customers who need some help or just "a lift". Mary is The Best.
Back in June 2006, Mary had another of those darned birthdays. It was a busy day here at Skillin's and only a few of us were able to gather for a short amount of time for a quick piece of cake and well wishes for one of our favorite co workers. At that gathering kind friend Dale Lincoln orated the following story about Finding Mary. It is a classic.
Mary moves fast; she often has a few things going at once and those white sneakers she wears are usually moving really fast. She moves so fast, there are often more than a few of us looking for Mary. "Where is Mary?"; "Have you seen Mary?" is often asked.
What follows is the Skillin's Classic (penned and originally orated by Dale Lincoln in a way that noone else could. Several of us were laughing so hard, the tears were just flowing down our cheeks--including Mary!):
FINDING MARY
A customer on Skillin’s Scene
Was listening to a tall man in green.
“Your plant needs help,
but we can fix’er,
Dale, go find Mary Mixer.”
(I went through the store asking employees about Mary’s where-a bouts.)
I wondered where Mary was at,
I last saw her giving love to a cat,
Sitting in the wedding room,
Wedged between a mop and a broom.
Mary has a lot of spunk,
She moves around like a scared chipmunk,
By aiming her boots in her special way,
She’s never in one place to stay.
A potting shed gal had this to say:
“Mary’s having a busy day
She always tries to do her best,
And may be under a little stress,
Before starting a mission she was over there
Giving a little twist to her hair.”
Marge said,” She’s around here somewhere,
She was out near the fish pond when I was there,
Talking to a plant, she does that you know,
Hearing her voice, seems to make some plants grow.”
I checked the wheelhouse, then in the trash bin,
If something’s lost, she’ll climb right in,
My missing pie plate, put her in there, (found it at home in the fridge.)
To find Mary you need to check everywhere.
I went upstairs, hoping to find her soon,
The time was getting along toward noon,
Mary was finally found that busy day,
In the break room eating a PB and J. (Sandwich)
When I told Mary of the customer’s need,
She put down her sandwich, went top speed,
Several minutes later, that mission done,
She finished her sandwich at quarter to one.
Time seems to pass quickly, through good times and “tears.”
Mary has worked at Skillins—nearly thirty years
After writing these words there is more to say.
The Skillin’s crew wish Mary A HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
BY Dale C. Lincoln
June 9, 2006
Special Request:
Could anyone who has had the good fortune of meeting Mary and being helped and cheered by her give her a hello note at skillins@maine.rr.com or by leaving a COMMENT at the COMMENT section following this post. I would love to show Mary how you all feel about her!
Thanks,
Mike Skillin
Garden Talks January 23, 2008
Hello again,
I am checking in with some more gardening tips for this time of year!
Here are a few tips from our friends at Home and Garden Showplace (www.gardenplace.com). Home and Garden Showplace is a nationwide cooperative of high quality independent garden centers and Skillin's has been a member of Home and Garden Showplace since 1988.
From Ashes to Bloom
"Recycling is good for the environment...and it's great for plants, too. In fact, did you know that recycled wood ashes are a great source of nutrients for plants? So don't toss away the ashes at the bottom of your fireplace. Instead, after enjoying a warm winter fire, collect the ashes and store them in a sealed container to use in the spring. When your plants are in full bloom in the spring sprinkle the ashes over flowers and vegetables. These fireplace ashes are an excellent source of minerals that keep plants healthy all season long. "
I certainly agree with this point; I actually let my ashes go cold for a few days in a metal bucket safely away from the house and then I just incorporate my ashes into my compost pile.
Put Some Blooms in Your Rooms
"It may be snowy and cold outside, but you can still enjoy the fresh smell of spring indoors right now. Cut Forsythia branches and other shrubs, bring them in doors, and arrange in vases filled with water. It will take around 2 weeks (during this time of the year), for the blooms to appear. Their fresh aroma will help subside your longing for spring."
This is just super advice and forsythia is the best plant for this project. Flowering crab and other plants may be used as well. At the Falmouth store, I just noticed that we have some very bright yellow forsythia in for sale right now!
Repotting Can Cure Your Winter Blues
" If you're eager to get your hands back into the soil, now's a great time to get your fingernails dirty! Mid winter is perfect for repotting your indoor plants since many plants need to be transplanted into larger containers every two to three years. Here are a few signs that tell you that it's time to move your plants into new digs:
Roots begin to creep out from the bottom of the pot around drainage holes or they peek through the top soil.
Whitish or off-colored deposits appear on the soil's surface. These are a sign of "tired," or nutrient stripped soil, that's begging to be changed. They may also indicate that you are fertilizing the soil too much.
If your plant appears especially listless, if it's not producing buds or new leaves (and your routine care of water and sunlight hasn't changed), this could be a sign that it's time to expand your plant's living conditions. When repotting, make sure you buy potting soil that is appropriate for the specific plant type and place the plant into a container that is one size bigger than it's current size. If you use a clay pot, soak it in water for 45 minutes to keep the clay from absorbing the soil's moisture."
Lots of good advice here. In most cases, we recommend cutting back on plant food in the winter time unless you are using a wonderful natural fertilizer like Neptune's Harvest Fish Emulsion.
We absolutely recommend Coast of Maine's Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil for most plants. It is a wonderful organic blend that is the highest quality soil that we know. And the price is right in line with all other soils.
Also, the advice about moving up your plant "one pot size" higher is critical; this is often only 1 to 2" in diameter around the top.
Lastly, we have some great deals on pots right now! We are in the midst of our year end inventories and are picking out some "old friends" that need to find a "new home" as part of our Drop and Shop Sale. We have so MUCH Spring inventory coming that we want to emphasize that we are passing on some good deals to you!
Transplant operations
"Depending on how far south you live, late January will be a good time to start laying plans for the annual flowers and vegetables you'll start growing indoors for transplanting once the spring frosts have passed. To avoid the common problem of "damping off" in which seemingly healthy seedlings or buds suddenly keel over--make sure to sterilize the soil by microwaving it briefly, then keep the soil warm and avoid overwatering the new seedlings. Merely mist them until they start showing significant growth. "
Some real good advice here. Although we live pretty far north, planning for your annual color and for your vegetable gardens is always a good idea. If you can, remember to rotate those vegetable crops even if you have a small garden. This rotation also "evens out" the different nutrient draws that vegetable plants may have and also can fool soil residing insects who might prey on your vine vegetable plants. So switch those tomatos and cucumbers and squashes around!
Actual seed starting for most annuals and vegetables is still weeks and weeks away although woody and perennial flowering plants can be started NOW!
We also have heat mats to help keep the soil warm!
Thanks for reading the Skillin's Garden Log!
If you have any comments or questions we would love to hear them!
Simply post a comment by clicking on "comments" at the end of this posting OR drop us your question with an email at info@skillins.com!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 23, 2008
I am checking in with some more gardening tips for this time of year!
Here are a few tips from our friends at Home and Garden Showplace (www.gardenplace.com). Home and Garden Showplace is a nationwide cooperative of high quality independent garden centers and Skillin's has been a member of Home and Garden Showplace since 1988.
From Ashes to Bloom
"Recycling is good for the environment...and it's great for plants, too. In fact, did you know that recycled wood ashes are a great source of nutrients for plants? So don't toss away the ashes at the bottom of your fireplace. Instead, after enjoying a warm winter fire, collect the ashes and store them in a sealed container to use in the spring. When your plants are in full bloom in the spring sprinkle the ashes over flowers and vegetables. These fireplace ashes are an excellent source of minerals that keep plants healthy all season long. "
I certainly agree with this point; I actually let my ashes go cold for a few days in a metal bucket safely away from the house and then I just incorporate my ashes into my compost pile.
Put Some Blooms in Your Rooms
"It may be snowy and cold outside, but you can still enjoy the fresh smell of spring indoors right now. Cut Forsythia branches and other shrubs, bring them in doors, and arrange in vases filled with water. It will take around 2 weeks (during this time of the year), for the blooms to appear. Their fresh aroma will help subside your longing for spring."
This is just super advice and forsythia is the best plant for this project. Flowering crab and other plants may be used as well. At the Falmouth store, I just noticed that we have some very bright yellow forsythia in for sale right now!
Repotting Can Cure Your Winter Blues
" If you're eager to get your hands back into the soil, now's a great time to get your fingernails dirty! Mid winter is perfect for repotting your indoor plants since many plants need to be transplanted into larger containers every two to three years. Here are a few signs that tell you that it's time to move your plants into new digs:
Roots begin to creep out from the bottom of the pot around drainage holes or they peek through the top soil.
Whitish or off-colored deposits appear on the soil's surface. These are a sign of "tired," or nutrient stripped soil, that's begging to be changed. They may also indicate that you are fertilizing the soil too much.
If your plant appears especially listless, if it's not producing buds or new leaves (and your routine care of water and sunlight hasn't changed), this could be a sign that it's time to expand your plant's living conditions. When repotting, make sure you buy potting soil that is appropriate for the specific plant type and place the plant into a container that is one size bigger than it's current size. If you use a clay pot, soak it in water for 45 minutes to keep the clay from absorbing the soil's moisture."
Lots of good advice here. In most cases, we recommend cutting back on plant food in the winter time unless you are using a wonderful natural fertilizer like Neptune's Harvest Fish Emulsion.
We absolutely recommend Coast of Maine's Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil for most plants. It is a wonderful organic blend that is the highest quality soil that we know. And the price is right in line with all other soils.
Also, the advice about moving up your plant "one pot size" higher is critical; this is often only 1 to 2" in diameter around the top.
Lastly, we have some great deals on pots right now! We are in the midst of our year end inventories and are picking out some "old friends" that need to find a "new home" as part of our Drop and Shop Sale. We have so MUCH Spring inventory coming that we want to emphasize that we are passing on some good deals to you!
Transplant operations
"Depending on how far south you live, late January will be a good time to start laying plans for the annual flowers and vegetables you'll start growing indoors for transplanting once the spring frosts have passed. To avoid the common problem of "damping off" in which seemingly healthy seedlings or buds suddenly keel over--make sure to sterilize the soil by microwaving it briefly, then keep the soil warm and avoid overwatering the new seedlings. Merely mist them until they start showing significant growth. "
Some real good advice here. Although we live pretty far north, planning for your annual color and for your vegetable gardens is always a good idea. If you can, remember to rotate those vegetable crops even if you have a small garden. This rotation also "evens out" the different nutrient draws that vegetable plants may have and also can fool soil residing insects who might prey on your vine vegetable plants. So switch those tomatos and cucumbers and squashes around!
Actual seed starting for most annuals and vegetables is still weeks and weeks away although woody and perennial flowering plants can be started NOW!
We also have heat mats to help keep the soil warm!
Thanks for reading the Skillin's Garden Log!
If you have any comments or questions we would love to hear them!
Simply post a comment by clicking on "comments" at the end of this posting OR drop us your question with an email at info@skillins.com!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Red, White and Blue by KCB
Hello again,
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family!
This week KCB goes on a local auto journey, also known as a "ride"; what KCB describes can be seen by all of us--what KCB describes is right around us!
Berry, Snow, Sky
Red, White & Blue. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear these colors mentioned? The American Flag? Good for you. Memorial Day? The 4th of July? New England Patriots?
For those who didn’t answer ‘the winter landscape’ perhaps soon you will.
Light powdery whiteness covered our earth again this week. The morning following the snow brought forth a blue sky as crisp as the ground beneath my feet. I ventured out early in the day to be greeted with snow relatively untouched. Chaste. Until I approached a Hawthorne Tree. Birds had already been busy knocking the bright red berries to the ground. Shielding my eyes to the sun, I looked through the branches to the sky beyond. Red against the Blue, Red against the white. I love the color red.
Red is the color of fire, blood. Passion, love, strength and determination are other attributes associated with red. It warms my soul. It makes me smile. Surely I am not alone.
Red is the perfect color for the winter garden. Red attracts and catches your eye. A glimpse of a cardinal scouring the white blanket for fallen seeds or taking rest on the snow tipped limb. Lipstick Red berries of the American Cranberry or Cardinal Candy Viburnum offer food for wintering birds and a feast for the eye. Who among us is not familiar with the Winterberry? Yes, there is the holly berry, bursting forth against the deep green gloss of the leaf. However, I prefer our deciduous friends. They offer naked branches armed only with berries against the winters of Maine.
Red punches of the winter landscape are not claimed by berries alone. Redosier or Red Twig Dogwood boast of red stems extending beyond the snowy landscape.
Train your eye to scan for red sprinkled along the horizon, not quite touching the blue or gray of a winter sky. Yet do not forget to look downward. The Cranberry or Creeping Cotoneaster offer red to maroon berries that wind and peak through the snow. When trained to cascade over the granite of wall, the berries appear as strands of garnet pearls.
Red is both Cupid and Devil. . .I am often reminded of this. On a recent drive, I glanced along the following landscape. Arches of dull red branches born from the Multiflora Rosa dominated the roadsides, power line trails and other places left unchecked. Waves of muted red rosehips like the road and my thoughts rambled for miles………
My ride was coming to an end but not the color red. The setting sun punctuated by naked branches set the horizon on fire. A sliver of blue embraced the graying landscape. As if to say Good Night, a cardinal weaved and dived as he made his way to shelter. I guess it was time for me to head home as well.
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
January 18, 2008
P.S. Coming soon from KCB, some "How To" suggestions for creating a Winter Landscape--and more!
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family!
This week KCB goes on a local auto journey, also known as a "ride"; what KCB describes can be seen by all of us--what KCB describes is right around us!
Berry, Snow, Sky
Red, White & Blue. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear these colors mentioned? The American Flag? Good for you. Memorial Day? The 4th of July? New England Patriots?
For those who didn’t answer ‘the winter landscape’ perhaps soon you will.
Light powdery whiteness covered our earth again this week. The morning following the snow brought forth a blue sky as crisp as the ground beneath my feet. I ventured out early in the day to be greeted with snow relatively untouched. Chaste. Until I approached a Hawthorne Tree. Birds had already been busy knocking the bright red berries to the ground. Shielding my eyes to the sun, I looked through the branches to the sky beyond. Red against the Blue, Red against the white. I love the color red.
Red is the color of fire, blood. Passion, love, strength and determination are other attributes associated with red. It warms my soul. It makes me smile. Surely I am not alone.
Red is the perfect color for the winter garden. Red attracts and catches your eye. A glimpse of a cardinal scouring the white blanket for fallen seeds or taking rest on the snow tipped limb. Lipstick Red berries of the American Cranberry or Cardinal Candy Viburnum offer food for wintering birds and a feast for the eye. Who among us is not familiar with the Winterberry? Yes, there is the holly berry, bursting forth against the deep green gloss of the leaf. However, I prefer our deciduous friends. They offer naked branches armed only with berries against the winters of Maine.
Red punches of the winter landscape are not claimed by berries alone. Redosier or Red Twig Dogwood boast of red stems extending beyond the snowy landscape.
Train your eye to scan for red sprinkled along the horizon, not quite touching the blue or gray of a winter sky. Yet do not forget to look downward. The Cranberry or Creeping Cotoneaster offer red to maroon berries that wind and peak through the snow. When trained to cascade over the granite of wall, the berries appear as strands of garnet pearls.
Red is both Cupid and Devil. . .I am often reminded of this. On a recent drive, I glanced along the following landscape. Arches of dull red branches born from the Multiflora Rosa dominated the roadsides, power line trails and other places left unchecked. Waves of muted red rosehips like the road and my thoughts rambled for miles………
My ride was coming to an end but not the color red. The setting sun punctuated by naked branches set the horizon on fire. A sliver of blue embraced the graying landscape. As if to say Good Night, a cardinal weaved and dived as he made his way to shelter. I guess it was time for me to head home as well.
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
January 18, 2008
P.S. Coming soon from KCB, some "How To" suggestions for creating a Winter Landscape--and more!
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