Richmond has become used to harsh winters these past few years, with bitter cold and plenty of snow. Snow is great for skiing, kids who are thrilled to get out of school, and for those who do snow removal! For obvious reasons, snow is not great for the landscaping business. Even after the blizzard is over, kids have gone back to school, and the roads are clear; people still do not think about landscaping for a long time. This mild winter has been great for landscaping. With these random 60 degree days sprinkled throughout this December and January, we have stayed fairly busy. So if you are thinking about taking advantage of the warmer weather, and would like to get some work done before the spring rush hits…call one of our landscape designers at Watkins Nurseries. 804-379-8733

Another Christmas has flown by, and New Years is just around the corner. We wish everyone a happy and successful 2012!

From our family at Watkins Nurseries to yours, we would like to say Happy Thanksgiving! Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday to observe the holiday.

On Tuesday, November 8th we will vote for Virginia Senate and Virginia House of Delegates.  As well as many other local (county and city) positions.  This ‘off year’ election cycle is usually the one in Virginia that has the lowest voter turnout.  Across the Commonwealth, less than 30% of the population will participate.  Think about it.  In a contested race, that could very well mean that 15 or 16% of the population will decide the outcome and elect the winner.

All of the people running this year are the people who are the closest to the public, be they at the local level, or the state level.  The day-in day-out state and local government decisions for the next two years, and in some cases, four years, will be decided by those individuals elected tomorrow.  So please, no matter your political stripes, vote!  It is the essence of our nation.  Our nation and our commonwealth are dependent upon each of us to express ourselves at the ballot box.

Now I will be the first to say…I should have done this post earlier in the season.  But for those of you who have been following my blog (all two of you out there- my mother being one of them) you will know that I am just getting the hang of this whole ‘blogging’ deal.  Back to the business at hand….’Fall is for Planting’.  I have been shocked at the number of people who have asked me if business is terrible right now.  They assume that fall is a bad time to be in the nursery and/or landscape installation business.  In general, I have found that people think the best time to plant is in the spring.  Spring is a good time to plant, but fall can be even better!

The Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association has started a ‘Fall is for Planting’ campaign to get the message out there to consumers that fall is a great time to plant.  The following are reasons listed on the CVNLA website:

• In the fall there are cooler temperatures, however the soil remains warm, encouraging root growth.  Roots continue to grow through the early winter until the ground freezes. 
• In the spring these “established” roots begin new growth and develop faster than the same plant installed in the spring, which get a slower start due to cooler soils. 
• The plant roots have 7-9 months to develop prior to our traditional, hot and humid summers, which increase their rate of survival. 
• Increased amounts of rainfall and cooler temperatures provide plants the perfect environment to develop.
• In the fall there are fewer pests and disease problems to interfere with plant development. 

So, if you are on the fence about your timing to plant this late in the year…it is not too late!

Watkins Nurseries is offering a free landscape consultation through the end of October. One of our experienced designers will offer their time to help you with all of your landscaping needs. Call 804-379-8733 to set up an appointment.

Thanks to all of those folks that came out on Saturday to the Powhatan Wine Festival!  What a beautiful day to be outside! 

The 9th annual Powhatan Festival of the Grape is being held this Saturday, October 22nd, from 11:00-6:00. The event is located at the Courthouse, which is right off of route 13. There will be over 25 Virginia wineries participating, and many other local vendors (including Watkins Nurseries!). The live music on the Courthouse steps is always a hit! To buy tickets go to powhatanwinefestival.com or you can buy them at the gate. If you are a wine fan, or you just want to support the local businesses and community we would love to see you!

Watkins Nurseries has brought on-board a new landscape designer to join our team. Her name is Naomi Swed, and she has most recently moved to Richmond from the Tidewater area. She has 28 years of experience working with landscpaes and hardscapes. To set up a landscape consultation with Naomi, please call 804-379-8733. Or email at naomiswed@watkinsnurseries.com.

If you have not already done so…now is the time to aerate and seed your yard. 

Aerating and seeding every few years will make certain that the soil and grass are constantly revitalized.  For heavy clay soils, aeration and seeding could be done annually.  The first step is to use a core aerator to break up the compacted soil.  This allows water, oxygen and nutrients to easily reach the root zone of your lawn.  Core aeration also increases activity of  soil micro-organisms that decompose thatch, and helps prevent fertilizer and pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas.  The second step is to distribute grass seed throughout the lawn.  This will help fill in bare spots in your lawn and thicken the existing grass.  Next, it is time to top-dress with compost.  The compost adds organic matter, which aids in the nutrient and moisture retention.  The last step is watering.  After seeding and aeration you want to make sure to water once a day with a light spray until the grass is 1″ high.  Following these steps will help not only the general appearance of your lawn, but also to minimize the thatch that has built up, letting grass roots grow deeper and will help your lawn endure drier conditions in the future.

 The Hopi is a compact, pink blooming Crape Myrtle.  It is one of the most hardy of the semi-dwarf cultivars, and grows to heights of 7-10′ tall.  It is a great seller, and as a result we are left with a limited quantity of this variety. 

Natchez Crape Myrtle

 This white flowering tree is widely planted in the Southeast.  It is known for its beautiful cinamon bark, and is one of the larger of our Crape Myrtles growing to heights of 20-30′ at maturity.

Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

 The Tuscarora has a gorgeous coral-red bloom, and with a vigorous growth habit reaches heights of 15-20′.  It is drought tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soil types. 

Powhatan Crape Myrtle

 Powhatan Crape Myrtles are compact, and have a medium growth habit reaching heights of 15′.  This Crape Myrtle has a rich purple bloom and is similar to a Catawba.