WE DESIGN & BUILD OUTDOOR LIVING LANDSCAPES!

How to Care for your Holiday Plants

2010-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Blooming holiday plants are wonderful for bringing color inside when it gets a little too gray outside. Like many houseplants, holiday plants like Poinsettias, Cyclamen, and Amaryllis can be a little finicky if exposed to big temperature changes. See below for instructions on how to keep your holiday favorites looking their best!

Poinsettia

The red, white and pink “flowers” are actually bracts, which surround the true flowers -- the small, yellowish-green nubs. Poinsettias will bloom for several months after Christmas with proper care. While blooming, give your Poinsettia plenty of sun, protection from drafts and sudden changes in temperature.

Temperature - 68 or above daytime; 50 - 65 nights.
Water - let soil dry somewhat, and then water thoroughly.
Light – bright sunny spot
Getting Poinsettias to bloom again after the first year is difficult. The United States Botanic Garden has instructions available.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen like cool bright areas with no drafts.

Temperature – 60 -65 daytime; 40 - 60 nights (40 - 50 is ideal).
Light – bright, sunny area; southern or western exposure is best.
Moisture – keep soil evenly moist.
To maintain after blooming, let foliage die back -- keep the pot in a cool spot and let the soil dry. Re-pot the tuber in midsummer in a small pot and place the pot in a warm spot to encourage good root growth. As the plants grow gradually return it to a cool area (55) to induce blooming. Fertilize every two weeks.

Narcissus

Narcissus are very fragrant and lovely Paperwhite and Soleid d’Or are in the group of indoor Narcissus which can be forced into bloom in a relatively short period of time. Set the bulbs in pebbles. Plant shallowly so that only the bases are achored. Keep the pebbles wet and do not fertilize. Set the bulbs in a cool, dark place until new growth is about four inches tall, then bring them out to bloom.

Temperature – 68 or lower during the day; 40 - 45 nights.
Water – keep pebbles moist, but do not let the bulbs stand in water. Discard after flowering is complete.
Light – bright, indirect light.

Amaryllis

The Amaryllis blooms in late winter. The bulb can be potted as early as October. When the flower spike appears, place in a well-lit, cool (60) location; keep moist and fertilize monthly with Peters fertilizer. After the danger of frost has passed, place the pot outside in a shaded spot; water and fertilize regularly. At the end of the summer, bring the plant back indoors and continue to grow until the foliage begins to yellow. At this time, withhold water to encourage die-back then remove dead foliage. Place the pot in a cool, dry room and do not water for about four months. At the end of this period, water thoroughly and begin the cycle again.

Temperature – 65 -70 daytime; 60 - 65 nights. Keep plants cooler when blooming.
Water – when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Light – bright; eastern or southern exposure is best.
Re-Pot – every two or three years; put in a pot big enough to allow a two inch ring of soil around the bulb.

Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus is an old, old favorite and a dependable bloomer year after year.

Temperature – in order to force the plant to bud, night temperatures must be about 55. After the buds are set, 70 during the day and 60 - 70 nights.
Water – keep evenly moist during the growing season. Keep on the dry side during the resting season.
Light – bright, indirect light.
Fertilize every two weeks during growing season; do not fertilize during resting period. Changing the location of the plant during the pre-blooming period, fluctuations in the temperature, low humidity, and drafts can cause bud drop.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus are brilliantly blooming tropical plants which love bright light and humidity.

Temperature – 70 or higher during the day; 60 - 65 nights.
Water – keep evenly moist.
Light – bright light with full sun.
Fertilize monthly

Gardenia

Gardenia are grown for their incredibly fragrant white flowers, the Gardenia is temperamental. Provide the proper conditions, and it will do beautifully.

Temperature – 68 -72 daytime; 60 - 65 nights.
Water – keep soil moist and well drained.
Light – full sun.
Bud drop results from any stress, especially low humidity. Gardenias will not set buds if a night temperature exceeds 65. Fertilize monthly.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe, are beautiful, bright succulents which are easy to care for.

Temperature – 68 -72 daytime; 50 - 60 nights.
Water – let soil dry between watering.
Light – bright light/full sun.
Fertilize every two weeks until plants come into flower.

2010-10-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living

Garden Ponds & Waterfalls can be just as striking in the Fall & Winter months with snow and ice as they are the rest of the year.

Winter care consists mainly of preventing the water from freezing solid. Most novices and even some veterans shut down their pumps & waterfalls each winter. This is not correct. Not only does the waterfall become unsightly, but it also gives the pond a chance to freeze, causing Methane Gas to be trapped and cutting off oxygen circulation to the area.

Keep your pond & waterfall running all year. Your fish will be much happier with the constant renewal of fresh oxygen. Your pond will stay much cleaner and next year’s cleaning out process will minimized.

During the fall, your fish’s diet should consist of wheat germ only, because it is much easier and quicker for the fish to digest. Prepared packages of fall fish food is available at the Garden Center. When the temperature starts falling below 50oF, it is time to stop feeding your fish.

All Aquatic Plants can be pruned back. Perennials, Lilies, and Lotus should be submerged to their recommended depths; discard Hyacinths and Winter Lettuce. Aquatic Plant fertilization should be stopped until spring.

Clean all pump intakes and bio-filter as needed. Net your pond prior to the fall foliage dropping. Place a Pond De-Icier in the water around November. Most of the Pond De-Icers on the market have a thermal switch, which will only go on when temperatures reach freezing.

Follow these three steps and you will enjoy your pond & waterfall during the winter months: 1) Keep your pond running all winter. 2) Stop feeding your fish when the temperature is below 50o F. 3) make sure the pond does not totally freeze over by using a heater.

Fall Pond Supplies (located in the Garden Center’s Aquatic Center)

• Pond Netting to help with dropping fall foliage.

• Floating Heater to allow gas exchange and oxygen circulation.

• Bio Filters (if needed)

• Fall Beneficial Bacteriol

• Wheat Germ Fish Food

2010-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living

Take the guesswork out of watering!

Use a MOISTURE METER to determine moisture requirements for the plants(s) & a
RAIN WAND to gently and evenly dispense water.

SOAKER HOSES are a good solution for even and slow soaking water applications.
If you are going to be away from home, TIMERS are available to automatically turn on and off your water.

Products noted above are inexpensive tools to help your plant's health and are available at the garden center.

WATERING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANTS
The first four weeks after the installation of your plants are critical to their survival! You will need to make yourself available to water your new plants during this important time in their establishment. Use your moisture meter (see below) as your green thumb to take the guess work out of determining when and how much to water. You will need to water annuals, perennials, and groundcovers more often because their root balls are much smaller, approximately every two - three days. Water is best applied early in the day, but it is more important to water thoroughly and deeply rather than to worry about the time of day!

We highly recommend that you invest in a “Rain Wand” and a “Moisture Meter”. The instructions for their use are as follows:

Moisture Meter

• Insert the Moisture Meter prong into the “Root Zone” of the new plant.
• Check each plant in three locations in the “Root Zone”.
• Check every 3 or 4 days for the first four weeks until you understand your plant’s water needs.
• Water when the meter reads less than 3 on a scale of 1-4 or less than 6 on a scale of 1-10.
• Do not water if the meter reads over 3 on a scale of 1-4 or less than 6 on a scale of 1-10.

Rain Wand

• Water the “Root Zone” w/ “Rain Wand” one minute for each foot of the plant’s height, up to a maximum of
     8 feet = 8 minutes.
• Water no more than 10 minutes for your largest plants.
• After watering, use your Moisture Meter to check the moisture level of the soil. The “Root Zone” should
   read 3 to 4 on a scale of 1-4 or 6-7 on a scale of 1-10.
• If the water runs off the “Root Zone” area, you may stop watering and move to another plant then come
   back and continue to water until the Moisture Meter reads 3 or above.
• You may also choose to lower the water pressure in the hose if the water is running off the soil or not being
   absorbed.
• After watering, use your Moisture Meter. The “Root Zone” should read 3 to 4 on a scale of 1-4 or 6-7 on
   a scale of 1-10.

2010-06-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living®

ATTRACT BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR GARDEN

By installing and regularly filling a variety of birdfeeders in your yard; you’ll surely attract bluejays, cardinals, Carolina wrens and chickadees. By increasing the number of native species in your landscape, you’ll also draw such winged-wonders as northern flickers, brown thrashers, red-eyed vireos and towhees to your garden.

To help you plan a “bird friendly” landscape, a partial list of recommended plants and the birds they attract is listed below. Our plant experts at the Garden Center & our landscape designers in the landscape office are ready to assist you!
http://www.campbellferrara.com/

Evergreen Trees:                                Attracts:

Spruce (Picea)                                       evening grosbeak, red-breasted nuthatch, crossbills
Arborvitae (Thuja)                                 pine siskin, American robin, house finch

Deciduous Trees:                              Attracts:

Sweetgum (Liquidambar)                       red-winged blackbird, cardinal, mourning dove
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)                      evening grosbeak

Small Deciduous Trees:                     Attracts:

White Fringtree (Chionanthus)              pileated woodpecker
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)                  downy woodpecker, red-eyed vireo, wood thrush

Shrubs:                                             Attracts

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)              northern bobwhite, northern flicker
Rugosa Rose                                      eastern bluejay and 20 other species
Weigela (Weigela florida)                    ruby-throated hummingbird
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)              mockingbird, brown thrasher, black-capped chickadee
Honeysuckle                                      hummingbirds
Viburnum                                           all berry eating birds

Groundcovers:                                 Attracts:

Cotoneaster (C. horizontalis)              rufous-sided towhee, American robin, thrasher
Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga)                 hummingbird

Perennials:                                      Attracts:

Lilium                                              Hummingbirds, butterflies
Coneflower                                     Hummingbirds, butterflies
Daisies                                            Hummingbirds, butterflies
Asters                                             Hummingbirds, butterflies
Pentstemon                                     Hummingbirds, butterflies
Lamb's Ear                                     Hummingbirds, butterflies

2010-05-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara

Outdoor Living®

http://www.campbellferrara.com/

DESIGNING CONTAINER GARDENS & WINDOW BOXES

Selection, arrangement and location of your plants will determine the overall visual impact and success of your planting design. The following tips will help you to create a display that you will enjoy for months. Do not be afraid to experiment and above all - enjoy this gardening experience!

• The location of your displays determine your choice of plants. You must know the amount of sun exposure your selected display area receives per day. If you have less than four hours of sun you will need shade plants. Some plants prefer morning sun rather than scorching afternoon sun. Others will be happy to sunbather all day long!

• Annuals or perennials? Annuals have a longer flowering period than most perennials. You will get five or more months of color from annuals if you plant them as soon as the last frost is past. Perennials with proper care will come back next year. If you choose to plant perennials in pots, beware of frost damage.

• A good display requires lots of plants. Do not be afraid of over-filling your containers.

• Beware of plants that take over the display; it’s a delicate balance.

• Use a good potting soil in your containers; MIRACLE- GRO POTTING SOIL.

• When you first bring your plants home you may find that they are root bound. If so, gently pair away some of the roots so that the roots will no longer wrap around each other. They will then spread out and down, enabling quicker growth. For planting in a container, make a hole twice the size of the root ball in width, but the same size of the root ball in height. This enables the roots to spread out without hitting a wall of earth which hasn’t been turned.

• Keeping your containers looking good means deadheading! It is important to know where to snip off the flower head. If you don’t know where to snip, you may be leaving the seed head behind; the plant won’t flower from that point again and will “go to seed”. Deadheading also prevents ‘die back’. Die back occurs from the point of flowering and causes some plants to become woody and stop flowering. When you cut off the flower head, you need to go right back to the stalk or back to the first leaf of the stalk. If you need further advice, either myself or another of our plant experts will be happy to help you.

• Fertilizing your plants once a week with a liquid or leaf feed generates new growth and continuous flowering, right up until the first frost; MIRACLE-GRO PLANT FOOD.

• Water your plants as needed. For containers, try to judge the need by inserting your finger into the soil. If the first 2 inches of soil are wet, you don’t have to water. In hot weather you may have to water containers everyday. After a light shower, your plants may still require a good soaking. Use a water meter to accurately determine the moisture in the soil.

Our friendly plant experts would love to help you with your plant selections!

2010-04-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living®
http://www.campbellferrara.com/

NEWS FLASH….Roses have arrived! Over 80 varieties in stock!

Radiant Perfume Hybrid Tea Rose: NOW IN STOCK!
Very Fragrant , lemony scent with long stems & bold yellow color

This is one of my favorites; smells delicious & makes great cut flower!

THE IRRESISTIBLE ROSE
Roses have something irresistible that attracts gardeners. Their variety, form, fragrance, flower and history add to their enchantment. Year after year they will provide enjoyment with a commitment of minimal care. There are many roses, which will flourish in our climate producing gorgeous blooms. We carry a large variety and selection of roses including: modern roses, miniatures, climbing, shrub, English roses and old garden roses.
“Modern” rose is a term use to refer to the hybrid tea rose, the floribundas and the grandifloras. Modern roses trace their heritage to old garden roses.

Hybrid Tea – These are the most popular and grow 5’-6’ in height. They have large beautiful flowers on long stems, which make them a wonderful cut flower. Available in almost every color, they flower in our area in two flushes of bloom. The first is in May to early June. They then

Bloom sporadically during the heat. The second flush occurs in September to early October.

Floribunda – A very hardy short rose which grows 2’-3’ in height. The small flowers are borne in clusters. They can bloom from late spring through fall.

Grandiflora – a class of tall-growing varieties, up to 6’ high, with flowers smaller than the hybrid teas but in clusters of 5-7.

Miniatures – These grow from 6” to 18” tall. They are less hardy than some of the other roses and require a little protection.

Climbers – There are four types of climbers and it is important to know which you have as each has different pruning times and requirements.

There are: ramblers; large-flowered climbers; climbing hybrid teas; and true climbers. All grow tall -6’-20’- and require support. Their flower type varies.

Shrub- This is the rose for gardeners who don’t want to fuss because these roses can survive with little care once established, they don’t need deadheading or pruning and are more resistant to disease, fungus and insect problems. Old foliage should be cut back in late winter and dead wood and debris should be removed regularly.

English- these roses have the qualities of both modern and old garden roses. They have the modern virtues of contained bushes and they will bloom more than once in a season. Their color, fragrance and form resemble that of the old garden rose.
Old Garden – These roses are also known as heritage or antique roses. Victorian gardeners lost interest in these roses with the introduction of the hybrid tea, but gardeners are beginning to become interested in these lovely beauties. Their fragrance surpasses that offered by the modern rose and they are more winter hardy. Add this to your garden if you like the look of a large flowering shrub.

Basic Rose Care:

• Roses require full direct sun – at least 6 hours, good air circulation and a site, which drains well. Roses like to be kept moist and should be watered at the base only. Avoid allowing water to accumulate on the leaves. This will help to prevent black spot fungus from developing.

• Roses are heavy feeders and should be fertilized with a fertilizer such as 5-10-5 or Rose-Tone as new growth appears and every 2-3 weeks thereafter. Ortho Rose Care combination pack will feed and protect roses for up to 6 weeks.

• Pruning is variety specific – usually late February to early March as the buds swell. You should check with our plant experts for the proper time. Fall pruning is not recommended. During the entire year you should always remove dead wood from the rose plant and remove all debris from around the base of the plant. This will help to prevent insect infestation.

• If you have a question or problem with your rose(s), it is best to cut a sample which reflects the problem, place it in a zip locked bag and bring it into the Garden Center. One of our plant experts will advise you on the problem and the proper course of action. Please be sure to zip the bag containing the sample is securely zipped to prevent possible contamination of our nursery stock.

Most Common Pests:
• Aphids, cankers, Japanese beetles, spider mites and whitefly.

Most Common Diseases:

 Blackspot, powdery mildew and rust.

 Polystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum’ (Soft-Shield Fern)**

Ask our Garden Center plant experts to assist your with selections & products appropriate for your garden.

• Fertilize with ESPOMA Rose-Tone©

• Plant with ½ Leaf Gro and ½ existing soil.

• Mulch with pine bark or hardwood mulch.

• Check soil’s moisture with a Moisture Meter.

2010-04-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living

Dead Nettle: Bad Name … Great Perennial Plant

Wow! Look at this gorgeous blooming perennial, Dead Nettle, Lamium maculatum ‘Shell Pink’. Its leaves are beautifully variegated, and its flowers are long-blooming; blooms late spring through early-mid summer. It grows best in part sun to shade and reaches a height of 8-12inches. Use it to add a splash of color to a shade garden, a container garden, under trees and shrubs, as a ground cover or along walkways and the edge of a garden. It looks particularly good when combined with spring flowering bulbs.

2010-03-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

The meteorologists are forecasting a

HARD FREEZE WARNING

For Friday and Saturday nights March 26th and 27th, 2010.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s to 30s in our area.

Included in the list of plants to protect from these extremely low temperatures are plants in the following groups:

• All perennials with new growth or bloom.

• Azaleas, Gardenias, Camellias, Nandinas and Cherry Laurels( if the Cherry Laurel was planted
    within the last year).

Protecting your plants:

Place all plants needing protection:

• Under the cover of a building roof.

• Inside a building or garage.

• Under burlap, cotton sheets or frost protective fabric; these are the best solutions for protection if
   leaving plants outside of a building.

Visit us at our website: http://www.campbellferrara.com/

Click on the link to become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandria-VA/Campbell-Ferrara-Outdoor-Living/317699350069?ref=ts

2010-02-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living

Brighten up your life and room
with a gorgeous Clivia.
Now available at our greenhouse!

Clivia is a great plant for indoors now and outdoors on your deck or patio when the temperatures are warm enough for annual flowers! Brighten up your life and room with a gorgeous Clivia. Now available at our greenhouse! Indoors, place your clivia where it will receive morning sun or bright, indirect light. Never place your clivia in full direct sunlight. When it warms up outside, move your clivia outside in an area with dappled. Remember, never place the clivia in direct sunlight. Let the plant soil become dry before you give it any water. When you water your clivia, water it thoroughly allowing the water to run out the bottom of the pot. Do not let the plant sit in any excess water as the roots will rot. The clivia is native to South Africa growing naturally in the forests and it doesn't like excess moisture.

2010-02-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
the CARE of YOUR PLANTS
FOLLOWING THE SNOW STORMS

Fortunately, the snow has ended and the sun is shining!

Unfortunately, the heavy wet snow has caused damage to many trees and shrubs.

Campbell & Ferrara horticulturists are available to answer any questions regarding the care of your plants. A few important steps to follow regarding plant care are below:

1. DO NOT remove ice or snow from plants. Allow the weather to warm and the snow to melt. Removing the snow may cause more damage to the plant.

2. If your plants are tilted or laying flat DO NOT attempt to straighten them at this time.

3. Your final assessment of the damage to your shrubs and trees will be able to be determined in the early spring, around the 1sst two weeks of March.

Campbell & Ferrara plant warranty does not cover any plant damaged as result of any Act of God , including weather related damage, and will not be responsible for replacing any plants damaged / dead due to any Act of God.

Suggestion for plants that are alternatives to Leyland Cypress:

• Cryptomeria Japonica
• Green Giant Arborvitae
• Little Gem Magnolia

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2010-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living®

Protect Your Plants from the Snow

The snow we have received and the snow we will receive this weekend February 5 & 6, is beautiful, but can cause damage to your plants. This is especially true with wet heavy snow. Protect your beautiful plants and your investment by following the easy steps below:

Broad-leafed evergreens are especially susceptible to damage from the weight of the snow. Very gently brush the snow off of your broad-leafed evergreens such as: boxwoods, laurels, rhododendrons, nandinas, hollies, acuba, daphne and camellias. Use plant ties to secure your plants with upright multi-stemmed growth habits to prevent them from breaking or bending under the weight of the snow.

Your soft needled evergreens will also need to have the snow gently brushed off of the branches to prevent bending or breaking. This includes your arborvitae, junipers, yews and cypress.

The laceleaf Japanese maple has a delicate structure and branching habit. The snow will need to be gently removed from this tree to protect it from damage.

Do not throw your shoveled snow onto your plants if possible as the snow is heavy and may damage plants.

Need more information? Click here to contact us http://www.campbellferrara.com/contact.html

2010-01-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living®

FEED YOUR FEATHERED FRIENDS
THIS WINTER!
Winter is the season of limited resources for wildlife because most plant life is dormant. Many bird species deal with this lack of food by migrating to the south with its extended growing season. For the more hardy species, the backyard birdwatcher plays an important role in supporting their winter residence in the Washington area.

Certain birds like Goldfinches, Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings and Crows will band together in large single species flocks until spring when food is abundant. This social group behavior makes foraging more likely to succeed. Another bonus for the group is better avoidance of predators. Classic members of the Mid Atlantic mixed flocks include the Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee, and White Breasted Nuthatch. When feeding these groups, it is a good idea to provide multiple seed sizes, as well as suet. Suet is especially important for insectivores like Woodpeckers and Nuthatches. The Garden Center carries all of the wild bird food and supplies you need. http://www.campbellferrara.com/

Backyard birdfeeders can provide dependable location for our feathered friends. During the cold months, a dependable daily source of seed protein and animal fat helps to keep a bird’s metabolism producing heat throughout the nights. Feeders that accommodate different size birds would be advantageous to promoting balance. Big bully birds won’t push the little guys out of business. Remember the birds are counting on you!

2009-11-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living
www.campbellferrara.com

Christmas Rose

The lovely November bloom on the Christmas Rose is a delicate 2-4" white flower... just gorgeous with its dark green shiny leathery leaves. Limited quantities now available at the Campbell & Ferrara Garden Center... Try it.. You'll love it!
This hardy evergreen perennial that likes shade to part shade adn grows 12-15" tall. Best to plant it under a deciduous tree so it can get soem winter sun. It is hardy for USDA Zones 6-9. You can plant it any time as long as the ground is not frozen. It likes well draining, but moist soil. Water sufficiently in witner when buds are growing; mulch to preserve moisture. It will tolerate dryness and warmer conditions once estalished. In the spring remove any damaged stalks.

2009-10-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living
www.campbellferrara.com

FALL & WINTER POND CARE

Garden ponds and waterfalls can be just as striking in the fall & winter months with snow and ice as they are the rest of the year.

Winter care consists mainly of preventing the water from freezing solid. Most novices and even some veterans shut down their pumps & waterfalls each winter. This is not correct. Not only does the waterfall become unsightly, but it also gives the pond a chance to freeze, causing methane gas to be trapped and cutting off oxygen circulation to the area.

Keep your pond and waterfall running all year. Your fish will be much happier with the constant renewal of fresh oxygen. Your pond will stay much cleaner and next year's cleaning out process will be minimized.

During the fall, your fish's diet should consist of what germ only , because it is much easier and quicker for the fish to digest. When the temperature starts falling below 50 degrees Farenheit, it is time to stop feeding your fish.

All aquatic plants can be pruned back. Perennials, lilies, and lotus should be submerged to their recommended depths; discard hyacinths and winter lettuce. Aquatic plant fertilization should be stopped until spring.

Clean all pump intakes and bio-filter as needed. Net your pond prior to the fall foliage dropping. Place a pond de-icer in the water around November. Most of the pond de-icers on the market have a thermal switch, which will activate when temperatures reach freezing.

Follow these three steps and your will enjoy your pond and waterfall during the winter months:
1. Keep you pond running all winter.
2. Stop feeding your fish when the temperature is below 50 degrees Farenheit.
3. Make sure the pond does not totally freeze over by using a de-icer.

Fall Pond Supplies:
* Pond Netting
* Pond De-Icer
* Bio Filters (if needed)
* Fall Beneficial Bacterial Additives
* Wheat Germ Fish Food

2009-08-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living®
www.campbellferrara.com

Sod – The Instant Lush Lawn

Do you want a beautiful weed free lush lawn that will be established quickly? If so, sod, is the solution. Sod provides instant beauty without the usual time-consuming task of seeding.

There are many reasons to choose sod for your lawn. Following are some reasons for choosing sod:
1. Sod is a mature plant that has been grown for at least one year from seed.
2. Sod eliminates mud. This is especially beneficial if you have children and/or pets.
3. Your lawn area will not be bumpy as sod eliminates washouts.
4. Sod will establish its root system within two to four weeks.
5. Sod looks better. You will have mature green lush carpet instantly upon installation.
6. A new sod lawn will increase your property’s value.
7. Sod provides a clean entertaining and playing area.

We receive shipments of fescue sod regularly; it sells out fast. Call to check on availability. Fescue sod is a perennial sod that is native to our area. It requires full sun. The garden center staff will be happy to answer any of your questions about the selection care and maintenance of sod.

2009-07-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living®
www.campbellferrara.com

Perennial Picks

Perennial plants are a favorite with many gardeners. They are easy to grow, last for years, come in numerous varieties and offer colorful flowers through the years – often at times when nothing else is in bloom.

Perennials offer colorful flowers as well as other advantages in the garden.
Perennials save time, labor and the expense of re-planting each year by having the advantage of a continued presence in the garden. Another advantage of perennials is that they send out roots that generate new plants, which provides the gardener with a continuous supply of new plants for transplanting. They can be used as temporary fillers among shrubs and trees, mixed with annuals to create an interesting container garden or used alone in a well designed perennial garden.

When selecting perennials for your garden consider, color , bloom time, shape , texture, and height. We have 1,000’s of perennials for you and friendly plant experts to assist you with selection and care advice.

2009-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living®
www.campbellferrara.com

Value to homes is increased when landscape is upgraded.

The Horticulture Research Institute's Journal of Environmental Horticulture recently published a report showing that upgrading a home's landscape does increase property value. Findings were based on an analysis of sales within the Melonie Park neighborhood in Lubbock, Texas, from 2003 to 2005. Homes that improved landscaping from average quality to good or excellent quality increased selling price by 5.7% and 10.8% , respectively. Approximately 30 percent of the increase in sale value was accounted for by added tree cover. The results show that each $1 invested in upgrading an average landscape to excellent quality returns $1.35 in added property value. Adapted from The Weekly Dirt, May 5, 2009.

Visit our website @ www.campbellferrara.com to get started with your landscape project!

2009-04-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Campbell & Ferrara
Outdoor Living®

WE INVITE YOU TO CELEBRATE SPRING WITH US!
COLORFUL PLANTS WILL BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY!

It is fun and relaxing to create colorful displays of plants for window boxes and/or containers. They will provide you with lush beauty from Mid-May until the first frost. It is best to plant annuals outside after the last frost- usually April 15 – May 1 in our area.

If you choose to plant combination window boxes or containers you will need to select a centerpiece plant, filler plants, edging plants and trailing plants that hang over the edge of the container. Below are some plant suggestions for sun and shade containers.

PLANT SUGGESTIONS FOR WINDOW BOXES AND CONTAINERS:

SUN: These plants require more than 4 hours of direct sunlight.
Centerpiece: Canna, cleome, cosmos, dracaena (spike), ficus, geranium, gerbera daisy, heliotrope, hibiscus, lisianthus, marigold, nicotiana, ornamental grasses, salvia, snapdragon (10 inches or higher).
Filler: Angelonia, argeratum, begonia, browallia, coleus (sun-tolerant), dahlia (8-10 inches high) , dusty miller, geranium, marigold, petunia, rudbeckia, snapdragon(8-12 inches high), verbena, vinca, strobilanthes, zinnia.
Edging: Daisy, hypoestes, ivy geranium, lantana, nicotiana, pentas, plectranthus, scaevola, vinca.
Trailing: Alyssum, asparagus fern, bacopa, bidens, bougainvillea, dusty miller (trailing), gypsophila, helichrysum, ipomoea, ivies, ivy geranium, petunia (trailing), portulaca, scaevola, thunbergia, torenia, verbena.

SHADE: These plants require less than 4 hours of direct sunlight.
Centerpiece: Begonia (tuberous), browallia, caladium, dieffenbachia, dracaena (spike)philodendron, spathiphyllum.
Filler: Begonia (fibrous), begonia (tuberous), coleus, fuchsia, impatiens, lobelia (upright), New Guinea impatiens, torenia.
Edging: Begonia (fibrous), coleus, ferns, impatiens, lobelia, spider plant.

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living® www.campbellferrara.com

2009-03-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

A Green Friendly Solution........ COFFEE for the SLUGS!

I have not personally given caffeine to my lovely slugs and snails, but I plan on giving them some coffee to drink this spring. Hopefully it will prevent them from eating and ruining my beautiful plants. The below information was reported in the July/August, 2002 issue of the VNLA Newsletter.

“Caffeine has potential as an alternative to chemicals to kill snails and slugs,.according to USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Researchers in Hawaii studied the effects of caffeine against orchid snail, Zonitoides arboreus. The research team applied a 2 % solution of caffeine in water as a spray to coir infested with snails. Caffeine killed up to 95% of the snails. In another experiment, the caffeine-treated coir had only 5 snails when checked 20 days after the application. But in coir treated with a standard dose of metaldehyde, a common molluscicide, researchers found 35 snails.” Go to Rhollingsworth@pbarc.ars.usda.gov for more detailed information.

2009-03-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

CAMPBELL & FERRARA OUTDOOR LIVING®
703-354-6724 www.campbellferrara.com

Rhododendrons in the Landscape

The Campbell & Ferrara Garden Center has 8 acres of plants including beautiful rhododendrons. Rhododendrons provide color, interesting form and texture to the landscape. Selecting the correct place in your landscape will help to ensure the health of any plant. Rhododendrons prefer filtered shade and do not like dense shade; they will not bloom in dense shade. They need good drainage, an acid rich soil and excellent drainage. Once rhododendrons are established in the landscape, they require little attention except for annual mulching and fertilizing. They like to be fertilized lightly with Holly-Tone(organic) before or after blooming. To improve bud set for the next year, remove dead flowers and prune immediately after flowering. You will enjoy many years of flowering with minimal care.

There are many varieties of rhododendrons. When mature they can range in height from 3feet to above 6 feet; bloom times span early April to late May; choose from white w/pink tinge, lavender blue, rose pink, pure white, light pink with golden brown. You can elect to use the rhododendron as a natural hedge and screen, a specimen plant, an accent plant, a companion plant, a grouping for borders or in a rock garden.

Our plant experts will be happy to assist you with your plant selection. Campbell & Ferrara carries a large selection of rhododendrons; stock changes on a daily basis.

2009-02-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

CAMPBELL & FERRARA OUTDOOR LIVING®

Take a STAYCATION this year! They are affordable, convenient and have a great return on investment. Everyday should be a vacation day! Talk with one of our landscape designers and discover the possibilities!

Visit our booths, #1146-1150, at the Spring Capital Home & Garden Show, February 26 to March 1, Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA to see what’s NEW in outdoor living!

SHOW SPECIAL- FREE outdoor kitchen design by a designer at the show!

A Healthy Environment

Each and every spring a surge of energy runs through our bodies and awakens our senses. We are grateful to once again be able to indulge our senses with the palette of colors and lovely scents offered during the spring season. We encourage all of our patrons to take the time to appreciate nature, respect our environment by considering the use of natural and organic products and to engage in activities that promote the health of the environment. If you have the opportunity, teach a child to appreciate the importance of plants in our environment.

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living

2009-01-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living Landscapes Since 1945 www.campbellferrara.com

INDOOR PLANTS Just Make You Feel Better!

As the days grow shorter and there is less color out of doors, create your own lively and colorful paradise with lush indoor plants . We have a large selection of colorful exotic orchids including phalaenopsis, cattleya, dendrobium, oncidium, paphiopedilum and vanda; all of which are easy to care for. Bring your orchid to the front Garden Center anytime for repotting. Create contrast in color and texture in your tropical environment by surrounding your orchids with lush companion plants such as bromeliads, anthrurium, croton, ficus, fittonia and many varieties of ferns. Do you have a low-light area? Chinese evergreen, dracena and sanserveria are excellent choices. Escape the cold and gray of winter; delight in your own tropical paradise. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with information and products to help you maintain healthy plants.

2009-01-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

2008-12-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living
Landscapes Since 1945
www.campbellferrara.com

LANDSCAPE FOR BEAUTIFUL SAVINGS
Properly designed landscapes with carefully planted trees can lower your annual heating and cooling costs by up to 25% and annually, one tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions.Save money, help the environment, gain property value and enhance your outdoor living lifestyle.

GARDEN CENTER

Lovely holiday plants make a great gift and decoration. The Garden Center has Poinsettia, Gloxinia, Christmas Cactus, African Violets, Orchids and more.

We have a huge selection of freshly cut Christmas trees including frasier, balsam and noble firs.

Freshly cut greens including magnolia and holly with berries, roping, wreaths and gifts for gardeners.

Free hot dogs @ the Garden Center,
11:30AM- 1:30PM on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21.

CARE of HOLIDAY GIFT PLANTS

POINSETTIA- The red, white and pink “flowers” are actually bracts, which surround the true flowers – the small, yellowish-green nubs. Poinsettias will bloom for several months after Christmas with proper care. While blooming, give your poinsettia plenty of sun, protection from drafts and sudden changes in temperature.
Temperature- 68 or above daytime & 50-65 nighttime
Water- let soil dry somewhat then water thoroughly
Light- bright, sunny spot.

AFRICAN VIOLET - African violets are old-fashioned plants that have been so hybridized within the last few years that the selection is endless. They bloom almost continuously and are not too difficult to grow once they have found their niche in the home.
Temperature- 75 + daytime & 65-70 nighttime
Water – keep barely moist
Light- bright, indirect light. An east window is best, but they will grow and bloom in a bright, north window.

CHRISTMAS CACTUS – An old favorite and a dependable bloomer year after year.
Temperature- in order to force the plant to bud, night temperatures must be about 55. After the buds are set the temperature for the night should be 65-70 & 70+ for the daytime.

2008-11-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Campbell & Ferrara Outdoor Living
Landscapes since 1945

www.campbellferrara.com

Autumn/Winter’s Trees & Shrubs with Beautiful Berries

With the cooler temperatures of Autumn and Winter in Northern Virginia, comes the opportunity to appreciate the fruits of some interesting plants. We all anticipate the exciting changes in foliage colors in the Fall, but there are other aspects of plants that can be just as striking. Besides being a decorative seed covering that creates winter interest in the garden, berries can provide birds and other wildlife with food during the colder months. Here are a few of the showier examples of trees and shrubs with colorful berries to add to your landscape:

Aronia arbutifolia/Brilliant Aronia or Red Chokeberry – 6’ – 10’ tall, multi-stemmed shrub. Glossy green foliage in summer, bright red fall foliage color with brilliant red berries lasting through January.

Calicarpa japonica/ Japanese Beautyberry – 4’ – 6’ in height and width. A deciduous shrub with small pink or white flowers that become bright, metallic purple or white showy berries in fall.

Ilex verticillata/Winterberry – Upright, deciduous shrub to 10’. Small white flowers become red berries. Plant ‘Southern Gentleman’ in order to pollinate ‘Winter Red.’

Mahonia aquifolium/Oregon Grape – 3 – 6’ tall broadleaf evergreen with yellow clusters of fragrant flowers in Spring. Blue, grape-like clusters of berries in Autumn.

Nandina domestica/Heavenly Bamboo – Evergreen, multi-colored shrub with green and red, ferny foliage. White flowers in Spring produce red berries in the Fall. Up to 6’ tall.

Pyracantha coccinea/Firethorn – Evergreen shrub with a medium texture, can grow upwards of 6’ if not pruned. White blossoms in Spring turn into large clusters of bright orange berries in Fall.

Skimmia japonica/Japanese Skimmia – 3’ – 4’ tall evergreen with maroon flowers in Spring. Only female shrubs produce red fruit in Autumn. One male plant will pollinate 6 females.

Viburnum dentatum “Blue Muffin”/Blue Muffin Vibrunum – 6’ x 6’ deciduous shrub with small white flowers in Spring that produce clusters of blue berries in Fall.
Of course, many of us associate the evergreen hollies with berries, but it’s important to understand how they work in the landscape. Many shrubs produce decorative berries and most are monoecious, meaning that there are male and female parts on each plant. Berries will be produced by each plant even if it is planted alone. But some shrubs, (most hollies), are dioecious, which means that each plant is either male or female. The female plants produce the berries, but only if fertilized by the pollen from a male plant. In the case of most hollies, a male and female will need to be planted together in the same garden in order for the female to produce.