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Dirty Hands Garden Center!
February/March 2002

We are in transition. There have been enough days to tease us into thinking about the garden, without us being able to actually do much about it. The seed catalogs beckon us, teasing us with the wonderful glimpses of what is to come, but unless we have greenhouses, we must wait. However, there is still much we can do. When is the last time you took a serious look at your gardens? Is there anything that calls to you, or is it all same 'ol, same 'ol? Assess the deciduous trees and shrubs. Could they use a little trim, here and there? It is much like looking at oneself in the mirror, naked. We can get a clear view of where improvements might be made. Now is a super time to consider adding "color" to your landscape. Here is where we need to change our views on what constitutes "color". It doesn't have to be about flowers. It can be about foliage and texture, as well. Some great plants that do just that are:

Cunninghamia lanceloata, "China Fir, Coffin Fir"
In China, where it once had an extensive natural distribution, this tree provided a valued timber for coffins (it was thought the aromatic timber prevented bodies from decomposing) resulting in its over-exloitation. Trees of 150 ' tall were recorded there, but in parks and gardens elsewhere it is mainly seen as a tree of 20-40 '. The growth rate of this evergreen tree is unpredictable, and it may remain shrubby for many years. But with it's needle-like leaves, distinctive cones, and "individual" growing style, it is a must-have!
Poncirus trifoliata, "Flying Dragon", Height 10-15 feet, spread 8-12 feet
It is a deciduous shrub with irregular dense, low branching. It sports twisting stems and sharply curved thorns up to 4 "long. It flowers in April, before the leaves, with lovely white, fragrant blossoms. It is in the mock orange family, producing orange fruits (non-edible) in the fall. It grows in dry, infertile soils and is interesting as a specimen or groups. It will form an impenetrable barrier and hedge, with vicious thorns. It combines well with yew or dark green evergreen plants.
Jasminum nudiflorum, "Winter jasmine" height 2-4 ', spread 3-4 '
It is a low spreading shrub, with pendulous 4 angled branches. It is deciduous, with lovely yellow flowers NOW. It will grow in sun or shade and is tolerant of most soils. It is good for irregular, looses hedges, and requires little care.
Hamamelis virginiana, "Common witch hazel height 8-15 ', spread 7-14 '
It is a round to vase-shaped shrub with horizontal branching. It is deciduous, with golden yellow flowers that last for weeks, and are fragrant as well as textural. It will grow in sun or shade in most soils but requires medium drainage. It is a native plant that is excellent for naturalizing in shady areas. It blooms after leaves have fallen. It may be trained as a multi-trunk specimen.
Helleborum orientalis "Lenten rose" height 12-18 inches, spread to 12 inches
It is a low, erect, clumping perennial that is evergreen. It flowers in January and February, with blooms often lasting until April! The flowers are mostly white, fading to greens, mauves, and purples. It prefers shade, and is tolerant of most soils, with good drainage. It becomes excellent ground cover for shaded areas, providing strong texture.
Chamaecyparis pisifera aurea nana height 2-3', spread same, after several years.
It is a low-growing evergreen shrub with tiny sprays of needled foliage that are a fabulous golden yellow. It prefers mostly sun, and is tolerant of most soils, with good drainage. It is a standout in any garden or landscape, and is useful as a foil for flower arrangements as well. If you only make one addition to your personal haven this year, this should be it!

We have been busy attending trade shows, pre-booking the finest in perennials, trees, and shrubs, teaching classes, taking classes, etc. We look forward to providing you with cutting-edge information as well as plant material to add to your personal haven. Additionally, we have secured several new lines of hard goods to enhance your outdoor living space, including fabulously ornate ironwork, one-of-a kind windchimes, garden stakes, trellises, garden art, gardening tools, and more!

Now is a great time to prune your crape myrtles to stimulate new growth. Crapes prefer full sun and bloom on new growth. Remove what appears to be dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as suckers. Take care to trim each branch individually, avoiding the sawed off appearance that is detrimental to your trees. This is also a good time to divide and/or move many of your perennials, trees, and shrubs. If a plant hasn't performed well after about three years, perhaps it is in the wrong place? If you don't have your bluebird houses set up, do so now. If you have them already, clean them out. The lovely pairs will be nesting, toward the end of February. The crocus and snowdrops have bloomed, the daffodil shoots are appearing, and the willows will be showing green by the end of February as well. Hold onto your trowels, and wait for the magic to begin!

As always, we truly appreciate your support and welcome your suggestions and insight.
Peace out:)

FEBRUARY

5 - daffodil shoots appear
8 - song sparrow, cardinals, and doves singing their spring songs
10 - doves begin courtship
13 - squirrel litters born
14 - VALENTINE'S DAY!
15 - 4 p.m. burn law in effect through 4/30
20 - spring peepers in wet areas
21 - great horned owls and bald eagles nesting
24 - blue birds seeking nest sites
25 - final crocuses, daffodils and red maple blooming
26 -willows begin to show green
28 -first "southern" robins appearing

MARCH

1 - plant wildlife shrubs and trees (4 p.m. burn law still in effect)
3 - forsythia begins blooming
4 - clean biradhouses--add tsp. of sulphur to kill mites
5 - doves begin nesting
13 - first rabbit litters
15 - Martins and tree swallows appearing from the South
17 - Shadbush (serviceberry) blooming
20 - FIRST DAY OF SPRING!
26 - redbuds blooming
28 - purple martins arrive

Folks, please remember to ALWAYS bring plant and bug samples in a plastic bag. It is very important that everyone be aware of the possibility of contaminating businesses, homeowner properties, and the Earth in general (think of it as a horticultural condom).
THANK YOU!

As always, all information given in the newsletter and on the website in general apply primarily to the zone 7/partial zone 6 regions of Virginia.

There are many new and fabulous things in store for you, at Dirty Hands Garden Center. We always appreciate your suggestions and opinions. Please feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. Or, better yet, come see us in person!
Woo-Hoo!
Peace out.
Rock forward.

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As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly, either through the contact form, or by calling 804-598-8945, or visiting us at 2603 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA. 23139 (This information pertains to the greater Richmond, Va. area and may vary slightly with each locality).