Nicholas Alexander

Common Garden Pests And How To Get Rid Of Them – Pests are a common occurrence in a garden. The problem with many pests is that they are present all year. In the winter, many of them sleep cozily, waiting for the cool rains and sun to wake them up. Knowing which ones you are dealing with is key for how they can be controlled. As bylaws limit the availability of pest control poisons on the market, following do-it-yourself suggestions are worth considering.

Aphids – Typically found on plant stems and on the undersides of leaves during wet and cool springs but also in dry summers, are tiny pear-shaped insects. Aphids use their piercing mouth parts to suck the sap from your plants leaving a sticky mess which in turn attracts other problems like sooty mold or ants. Aphids occur in a variety of colours from brown, black to gray and green. The insects often spread rapidly over plants forming large colonies. Damaged plant leaves shrivel and curl.

Controlling Aphids – A sharp spray of water can blast them off the plant, the of use sticky-paper bug traps also works. Another option is to use insecticidal soap sprays that you can make yourself or purchase. Just make sure to read product labels and instructions. Ladybugs released on the plant are also a good option as they will start to reduce the aphid population over time.

Slugs & Snails – There are many ways to control slugs and snails. During the day, slugs and snails hide underneath objects, at twilight and at night they feed on your plants. Slugs and snails exist in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes and all are sticky and slimy.

Controlling Slugs & Snails – Control has to be to practiced regularly. Wear gloves to remove them from your garden. Going out with a flashlight in the dark will maximize your picking harvest. Less physical options are traps. Deep containers filled with beer are very effective as thirsty slugs and snails fall in and drown. Spraying slugs with a 50-50 Ammonia / water solution or sprinkling them with salt also works well. Slugs and snails have soft underbellies and they dislike crossing anything sharp. Sprinkle coffee grounds, sharp sand or use a product known as Diatomaceous Earth.

Earwigs – Earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears as old folks tales suggest. They do however have two long pincers protruding at the end of their body, which is where they get their nickname, the “pincher bug”. Earwigs are long, black or brown coloured and they chew holes into leaves causing them to brown and shrivel. Earwig season typically takes place in late spring and early summer. In the colder, winter months, earwigs will stay underground until the ground begins to warm.

Controlling Earwigs – Earwigs are drawn to damp and wet, dark places. Place damp, rolled up newspapers on the ground and dispose of these traps in the morning. Traps made from vegetable-oil filled tin cans placed at ground level are another option. Diatomaceous earth and insecticidal soaps are also effective controls. Wildlife such as toads, frogs and birds will also eat earwigs and control their population.

Caterpillars & Cutworms – Caterpillars are hairy, multi-legged crawling bugs about 1-2 inches, typically found on stems and under leaves. Cutworms are notorious for chewing on leaves and stems of new seedlings at soil level. They feed on foliage leaving large and irregular holes. The gray, green or cream coloured cutworms are often found under leaf debris or in the soil. When disturbed they often curl into a “C” shape.

Controlling Caterpillars and Cutworms – The least environmentally invasive method of controlling caterpillars and cutworms is to cultivate your soil in the fall. This kills overwintering eggs. As both pests are larger, they can also be removed by hand. An old-time method of protecting new transplants with a newspaper or cardboard collar still works well today. If available, you can also spray with products that contain BT or Bacillus thuringiensis. Just make sure to read product labels and instructions. Cutworms and caterpillars are also preyed upon by certain wasps and flying insects.

Spider Mites – Spider Mites are tiny, almost invisible, sucking insects of green, yellow or red colours. They favour plants in warm and dry areas. Yellow dots on leaves and fine webbing are indicators of spider mites presence. They are often found on the underside of leaves and within the interior of the plant.

Controlling Spider Mites – The first line of defense is to increase humidity or moisture. Spray water onto the insides of plants and mist occasionally. You can also release ladybugs or spray with organic horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps.

Ants – Ants can be nuisance but they don’t harm plants directly. They often build their underground nests in dry, sandy soils. Ants farm aphid populations in order to harvest the sticky sap for their own benefit.

Controlling Ants – If ants are a pest in your garden, change sandy soils conditions or lay out ant bait. Pour several jugs of boiling water into accessible nests or sprinkle baking soda around your plants to ensure ants will stay away. You can also use coffee grounds, chili powder, cinnamon, peppermint or black pepper – all deter ants. If the ants in question are large or are finding their way into your home, they may be carpenter ants that require a call to a pest control company.

Scale – Scale are small, oval and flat, immobile insects that suck away plant juices from under the safety of a waxy, usually brown coloured shield or scale. They are also found on houseplants and on tropicals. Scale insects are sometimes hard to identify and often mistaken for natural deformities like galls.

Controlling Scale – When in their protected stage they are generally immobile and can be treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Heavily infected sections can also be pruned off. Ladybugs and certain types of wasps are their natural enemies.

Insecticidal Soap – Insecticidal Soap products utilize the power of potassium salts of fatty acids that weaken the insect’s waxy protective outer shell. Exposed insects dehydrate and die. For use on vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees, and greenhouse plantings. Controls aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whitefly, soft brown scale, psyllids, rose or pear slugs, earwigs, and elm leaf miner. Apply every 7-10 days when insects are present or as needed to prevent further damage.

At Nicholas Alexander Home and Garden Centre, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you with identifying and addressing your garden’s pest problems. Visit Vernon’s New Garden Center of Choice today!

Something Special in the World of Hydrangeas – Hydrangeas are a beautiful flowering shrub addition to any landscape. There are six common types of hydrangeas: Bigleaf, Smooth, Panicle, Oakleaf, Mountain, and Climbing Hydrangeas. But, the ones offered for sale as small trees are Something Special in the World of Hydrangeas. Tree-shaped hydrangeas generally do not occur naturally, they are hydrangea shrubs that have been specially pruned and cultivated into a lollipop tree shape instead of a bushy shrub form. These low-maintenance flowering trees also called Standard Hydrangeas, are available in a variety of blossom colours and flower shapes, many of which are very easy to grow and enjoy it year round.
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Hydrangeas Are Easy to Care For – Water is an important factor as they enjoy deep watering at least once a week, especially in dry weather. Hydrangeas also benefit from an occasional boost of fertilizer once or twice a year in spring or summer. The plants can also be transplanted easily, but this should only be done during dormancy in fall or winter.

Pinky Winky – Panicle Hydrangea Tree (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’)
Pinky Winky has an unusual name, and an even more unusual flower. The large white panicles open in mid to late summer, and as summer turns to fall the florets at the base of the panicles turn pink. The flower panicles continue to grow, producing new white florets at the tip. The result is spectacular two-toned flower panicles that can reach up to 16 inches in length! Adaptable to most soils and both sun and shade, Pinky Winky will thrive in most gardens.

Characteristics & Plant Needs: Height: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Spacing: 84″ to 108″ ◦ Spread: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Flower Colours: Two-toned pink and white ◦ Foliage Colours: Dark Green ◦ Habit: Upright ◦ Blooms on New Wood ◦ Bloom Time: Mid Summer – Early Fall ◦ Exposure: Part Sun / Sun ◦ Watering: Average ◦ Hardiness Zones: 3-8. Adaptable to many soils, moderate moisture required. Blooms regardless of climate, soil, pH or pruning. Prune in late winter/early spring. Fertilize in early spring with a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs.

Fire Light – Panicle Hydrangea Tree (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Fire Light’)Fire Light is the standard to measure all panicle hydrangeas. The plant it is highly regarded for its huge, long blooming full flower heads and sturdy, strong stems. Blooms emerge creamy-white and age to a vivid red for lots of summer colour. It makes a great cut flower, fresh or dried, and can be used as a hedge, specimen, or incorporated into flower gardens and foundation plantings. Fire Light hydrangea is a true show off in the summer garden!

Characteristics & Plant Needs: Height: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Spacing: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Spread: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Flower Colours: Pink, red and white ◦ Foliage Colours: Green ◦ Habit: Upright ◦ Blooms on: New Wood ◦ Bloom Time: Early to Late Summer ◦ Exposure: Part Sun to Sun ◦ Watering: Average ◦ Hardiness Zones: 3-8.

Best pruned in early spring. Branches should be cut back by about one third their total length. This plant tolerates a wide range of conditions, but does not grow well in soggy soil. A good 2-3″ layer of shredded bark mulch over the roots is very beneficial. Can be fertilized in early spring with a granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants, like a rose fertilizer.

Phantom Hydrangea Tree (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’)
The Phantom Hydrangea is noted for its dense conical blooms that reach up to fifteen inches. The colours provide creamy white blooms in the summer and as fall nears, they turn a pale and dark pink. It thrives in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils and tolerates heat and urban environment. Afternoon shade in hot summer climates is recommended.

Characteristics & Plant Needs: Height: 72″ to 120″ ◦ Spacing: 72″ to 120″ ◦ Spread: 72″ to 120″ ◦ Flower Colours: Pink and white ◦ Foliage Colours: Green ◦ Habit: Upright ◦ Blooms on: New Wood ◦ Bloom Time: Mid Summer to Late Fall ◦ Exposure: Part Sun to Partial Sun ◦ Watering: Average ◦ Hardiness Zones: 3-8.

Caring for your Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’ is simple. It loves sun or partial sun, can tolerate heat and it needs rich soil that is well drained. In warmer climates afternoon shade is recommended. It will thrive in all soils with varying pH levels. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. The water needs of the Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’ are average but will require more water in times of drought. The plant can be fertilized in the spring. In cooler climates, it should be mulched at the base and all dead foliage removed after the flowering season has ended.

Quick Fire – Panicle Hydrangea Tree (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quick Fire’)
The Quick Fire hydrangea blooms about a month before any other panicle hydrangea – usually in early July. Flowers open pure white then turn pink, and will be an extremely dark rosy-pink in the fall, accompanied by excellent coloured fall foliage. The flower colour on the Quick Fire hydrangea is not affected by soil pH. Blooms on this super-hardy and easy to grow hydrangea are produced on new wood, which means that flowers are present even after the harshest winters.

Characteristics & Plant Needs: Height: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Spacing: 96″ to 120″ ◦ Spread: 72″ to 96″ ◦ Flower Colours: Pink and white ◦ Foliage Colours: Green ◦ Habit: Upright ◦ Blooms on: New Wood ◦ Bloom Time: Early Summer to Late Fall ◦ Exposure: Part Sun to Sun ◦ Watering: Average ◦ Hardiness Zones: 3-8. Quick Fire hydrangeas can grow in well-drained soils. Blooms emerge on new wood, meaning they can be pruned in spring and will still bloom that season. It is recommend to prune back by about one-third their total height in early spring as the new growth is beginning to emerge on the stems. This will ensure the season’s growth comes from the heavier, thicker buds further down the plant.

Nicholas Alexander Home and Garden Centre carries the Okanagan’s most extensive collection of hydrangea trees and shrubs. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in finding the right plant for your garden.

6 Awesome Perennials to Grow in Vernon BC – are flowers and plants that survive the winter climate and bloom on their own for years. In addition, they help hold soil, prevent erosion due to their longer roots and they also combat weeds for space. Fall is usually the best time to to dig, separate and plant perennials. The still warm ground will allow roots to take hold and by spring there will be sturdy plants with beautiful blooms. Traditionally, gardeners have enjoyed breaking up larger clumps of perennial plants to share them with others, bringing family and friends together.

Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Sombrero Salsa Red’)

Echinacea, commonly called Coneflower has been cultivated as hardy and showy perennial since the 1700s in North America. Early native Americans benefited from this plant’s medicinal properties to cure wounds and infections. Originally purple, with ray flowers drooped downward or held horizontally off the central cone, Coneflowers today are available in a rich variety of colours and shapes. Easily grown from seed, they thrive on neglect.

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)

‘Annabelle’ is a smooth hydrangea cultivar which features large flowers. It is a deciduous shrub with a rounded habit which typically grows 3-5′ tall. Clusters of white flowers typically grow 8-12″ across. Blooms in June for up to two months, sometimes with a small repeat bloom in the fall.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are some of the easiest, extremely adaptable summer flowers that grow in various conditions. The showy flowers grow in a wide array of colours and don’t need much care. The plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun conditions. As single blooms don’t last long, each plant continues producing flowers throughout the summer and fall season.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

The Rose of Sharon is an extremely popular, large flowering shrub. It produces an abundance of large trumpet-shaped purple, red, pink, and white flowers from late spring until the onset of frost. Rose of Sharon is easy to grow, even for beginning gardeners. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, heat, humidity, drought and air pollution.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a classic garden perennial known for its ruggedness. It shrugs off cold winters, hot and humid summers, drought, and poor soils to cheerfully bloom in sunny places. The plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is also commonly known as achillea, bloodwort, carpenter’s weed, devil’s nettle, nosebleed, old man’s pepper, staunchweed, thousand-leaf, and wound wort (among other names).With its tall stems of colourful flowers and fern-like foliage,Yarrow blooms from June to September.

Ornamental Onion (Allium)

Alliums, aka ornamental onions, are some of the most beautiful flowering bulbs for the spring and summer garden. They are carefree perennials, virtually pest-free. The inherent compounds (sulfides) that make some species culinary favorites with humans ironically make all alliums distasteful to deer and other garden nibblers. Plant some of these popular varieties and they’ll reward you with their stunning blooms that resemble fireworks frozen in time.

This is the time when many plants say “Thank you for having put me in your garden” or “Please, put me in now!”. Gardening is a positive experience. Newcomers discover what works in their flower beds or what doesn’t and over time they learn to relax and enjoy the process of growing. It takes a growing season or sometimes a bit more for plants to come to their full potential and glory. When summer arrives, all gardeners get to enjoy the pay-off for dirty hands and dirty jeans.

Bee Balm (Monarda), also called wild bergamot is beloved in flower beds for its beautiful blooms and fragrant foliage.

Blooming summer plants, whether perennials or annuals, are essential for any garden as they attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinating insects. Flowers fill gardens with fragrant scents and colours.

Night-Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala) is an old-fashioned annual that reaches its peak fragrance at twilight.

Some of the best plants that bloom from summer to fall are: Bee balm (Monarda), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Dahlia, Coneflower (Echinacea), Petunias, Lavender, Hydrangeas, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Night-Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala).

With time spent in a garden, anyone can choose from a variety of summer plants: Tall flowering plants, small flowering shrubs, or gorgeous blooming ground cover plants.

Victorian Secret Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum) is a prolific bloomer and good choice for sunny borders.

Perennial flowers come back every year, as they survive through the winter. Annual plants grow flowers for one growing season and don’t come back every year. However if annuals drop seeds that germinate in the spring they will flower in the next growing season.

▲ Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (Montbretia) An extremely showy South African native that is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.

▲ Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a favorite flower that blooms heavily for many weeks in late summer.

▲ Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) A great fragrant plant for a dwarf hedge, edging, or for massing.

Summer drought and smoky skies aside, a bit of dirt and water, and all is blooming.