Organic and Heirloom Vegetables

/in , , /by

Search no more for healthy and environmentally friendly grown plants to jazz up your garden this year! Lake Kountry, Inc. is offering your favorite Organic and Heirloom Vegetables. We are continuing to offer locally grown vegetables and herbs from Rush Creek Growers. They employ only certified organic products in their pest control endeavors.  Alongside them, we also continue to offer our Neo-Nic free grown vegetables and herbs.

We have some new compact varieties of Vegetables perfect for small space gardeners, such as ‘Tiny Tim’ (Pictured Right) which produces Red Cherry Tomatoes in abundance on a 12” determinate bush. We also have “Cherry Cascade” in a Organic and Heirloom Vegetables - Tiny Timconvenient 12” hanging basket! Imagine walking out onto your deck or patio and popping these delicious ripe treats into your mouth! What about other Vegetables? How about zucchini grown in a container! Yes, it’s possible with the ‘Buckingham’ zucchini which produces tasty gold fruit best picked at 6”-10”. The container gardening trend was a big hit last year for our “Patio Snacker” cucumber grown in biodegradable rice pots and “Lunch Box Mix” sweet pepper plants, which are back again for this year. We thought you would appreciate a compact pickler to go with your slicer this year, so we will have the “Pick a Bushel” cucumber as well.

Organic and Heirloom Vegetables - Cucumber PlantAre you a dedicated canning gardener? Check out our new ‘Super Sauce’ tomato. It is a recent hybrid that produces giant meaty, Roma-type fruit with great flavor, disease resistance and long term fruit set. With sauce on the mind don’t forget to pick up a ‘Sriracha’ pepper plant so you can create that iconic spicy chili sauce. Tired of blight destroying your hard work? We are so excited to also offer you the first ever blight resistant hybrid rightly named ‘Defiant’.  With deep red medium sized fruits it has a firm texture and a flavorful balance of acid and sweetness. We also have some of your favorite, well known tomatoes like ‘Bonnie Best’, ‘Brandywine’, ‘Cherokee Purple’ heirlooms, ‘Sun gold’, ‘Early Girl’, ‘Better Boy’, ‘Big Boy’ and ‘Supersteak’ to name a few.

Life’s too short, pass the chocolate! I mean you really should try our ‘Sweet Chocolate’ Chocolate Pepperpepper (Pictured Right) and our ‘Chocolate Mint’ herb. If you’re not salivating yet, we can keep going with our ‘Berries and Cream’ or ‘Variegated Pineapple’ mints. Our ‘Golden Lemon’ thyme also smells amazing. What about ‘Cheddar’ cauliflower, an early cauliflower with good heat tolerance and a lovely orange-sherbet color?Last, but not least, some other hard to find veggies we will be offering for 2017 are Sweet potato ‘Beauregard’, Edamame soybeans ‘Chiba’, Pac Choi ‘Mei Qing Choi’, Tomatillos, Shallots and a ‘Red Genovese’ and ‘Pesto Perpetuo’ Basil.  You will also find ‘Goddess’ Cantaloupe, ‘Sugar Baby’ Watermelon, and many varieties of kale, lettuce and the colorful ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss Chard (Pictured Below).

Misc. VegetablesWith our thoughtful selection of Organic and Heirloom Vegetables, this season you are sure to find something unique and delectable. If you’re looking for what’s new in annuals, click the link below!

Click here

And if we don’t have what you are looking for, let one of our friendly staff members know and we will try our best to accommodate! Here’s to a tasty and healthy garden. Bon appetit!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC., HAS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, AMERY, SOMERSET AND OSCEOLA, WI.  WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS, TROPICALS PLUS EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS IN NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN!

6 Things to Consider when Purchasing Fruit Trees

/in , , /by

With the increasing cost of fruit and the overuse of chemicals in some orchards, many people are choosing to “take control” of what they consume by planting their own fruit trees. The low initial cost of a single fruit tree will pay for itself over and over again by providing bushels of fruit over the years, provided the tree is well maintained. Before purchasing your fruit trees, we at Lake Kountry, Inc. have created a list of 6 Things to Consider when Purchasing Fruit Trees:Treeyard

1.) Where are you planning on placing the tree? Make sure your fruit trees will get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Although fruit trees are adaptable to a wide range of soils, it should be a well-drained site. Soil can be amended at the time of planting to ensure an environment high in organic matter. Fertilizer stakes can also be used to give your trees a “boost” when they need it the most! It is also recommended after planting that the diameter around the tree be mulched to hold moisture and prevent weeds. After all that work, don’t forget to protect the bark from rabbits with a tree protector/wrapping. Fencing may also be required to protect the tree from possible deer damage depending upon your exposure. Our Garden Center has everything you need to be sure your tree grows happy and healthy!

2.) What about your Climate? The survival of a newly planted fruit tree is widely dependent on the climate and zone where you live. Here in northwestern Wisconsin we are in Zone 4, which means that anything Zone 5 or higher will probably not produce an adequate amount of fruit and also may not survive.  The fruit trees that we sell at Lake Kountry, Inc. are hardy in Zones 3 or 4. For example, a Granny Smith Apple or a Bing Cherry tree are recognized as hardy in Zones 5 and above so they would not be a good choice.

3.) Think about spacing. Spacing is yet another item to consider as you contemplate your fruit needs. Typically, dwarf varieties should be placed approximately 15-20’ apart from each other. Standard varieties, if they are not going to be pruned to maintain a smaller stature, should be placed a minimum of 25’ apart. Dwarf trees reach a height of approximately 12’ where a standard is typically around 18’. Since the dwarf trees have a smaller root base in the ground and a wider area above the ground they can sometimes be susceptible to “tipping” and not growing straight if your property has prevailing strong winds. In this case, choosing a standard tree might be a good idea as they have a larger root base which helps to support the tree. By pruning when the tree is dormant (winter months) you can achieve the same effect as the dwarf tree, making harvesting of the fruit easier.

4.) Think about Pollination. In order to get the greatest yield of high quality fruit, pollination issues need to be considered. If you live in a more densely populated area where other properties are in close proximity containing existing fruit trees you already have an “upper hand” with pollination.  Apples and pears require another variety, plums with a few exceptions require ‘Toka’ to pollinate, and cherry, peach and apricot trees are fine all by themselves. Common sense rules that if there are many pollinator plants on your property you will naturally attract more bees, thus rewarding you with a greater yield.

5.) To spray or not to spray? This is a personal decision that should be decided before your tree purchase. We carry organic sprays which are safe and very effective, but the key to spraying lies in the timing so be sure to follow directions EXACTLY – bees can be harmed if done during pollination! There are other products that can also be used such as “sticky traps” – just make sure you wait until after pollination time!  (A simple “old-time” solution is to hang an empty plastic milk jug in your tree with a small amount of molasses on the bottom to catch bugs and make it impossible for them to escape!) Remember, any of these practices must be implemented after the pollination process!!!

6.) Now for that all-important question…what fruit trees do I want? Again, this is a personal decision based on the type of fruit you like and what you’re planning to do with it! Apple trees can be used for fresh eating, pies, sauces and baking so it is also important to consider storage life when choosing apple varieties. The most sought-after newer varieties right now include Frostbite, Honeycrisp, Snowsweet and Zestar.  Our newest one is KinderKrisp – many of the same great qualities of Honeycrisp and the other U of M introductions, but with this one you may see a good amount of fruit the 2nd year! Most of the other apples are typically 3-5 years with dwarf varieties producing slightly soon than standards. Many of the older varieties remain a staple here at the nursery including Connell Red, Cortland, Fireside, Haralson, McIntosh, State Fair and Sweet Sixteen to name just a few. Plum, Cherry, Apricot, Peach and Pear trees are generally eaten fresh, but can also be made into jam/jelly or dried. We have provided a chart below to help you find the type and variety of fruit tree you want.

Click on the Link Below to View Chart of Fruit Varieties and Their Uses:

2017 Fruit Chart

We’re ready to help make your “fruit dreams” a reality! We’ll literally “walk” you through the process of purchasing the perfect trees and promise to send you home with everything you’ll need to be successful! Remember that our trees are guaranteed for one full year so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC. OFFERS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , SOMERSET, WI , AMERY, WI , OSCEOLA, WI AND ALL OF WESTERN WI! WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS AND TROPICALS!

Garden Center Products – New Richmond WI

/in , , /by

FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE GARDEN CENTER PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME – INSIDE AND OUT!

Spring is upon us and the rush begins to undo all the adverse effects from winter and transform our bare spaces into beautiful living areas.  Lake Kountry, Inc. has the products you need for to beautify your surroundings both inside and out!

  • Gardening Tools, Pruners, Sprinklers, Plant Supports: Time to roll up those sleeves and get a little (or a lot) dirty!  Treat yourself by buying a new BOND or WOLF GARTEN Pruners, a new RADIUS Garden Trowel (this one minimizes hand and wrist stress), a BLOOM kneeler and garden bag for debris and you’re ready to get to work!  For your watering needs check out our colorful line of DRAMM products for watering wands, lawn sprinklers and watering timers!  As your healthy plants begin to grow, don’t forget plant supports from GARDMAN.  We also have a brand new “Super Duty” tomato cage that folds when not in use…it’s our favorite new product for 2017!
Garden Center Products - Plant Cage

Multi-purpose Plant Cage (Folded)

Garden Center Products - Plant Cage

Multi-purpose Plant Cage (Ready to Use)

  • Garden Stakes/Night Lighting: So many to choose from!  Perfect for adding a finishing touch to your containers, accenting a flower bed or even lining a walkway/patio/pool area.  We have a brand new selection of solar and glow-in-the-dark lights and stakes so you can even “light up” your patio umbrella or favorite top-grafted tree if you’d like!
  • OLDS Garden Seeds: If you’re ready to plant the garden we’ve got the seeds for you including traditional, heirloom and organic varieties.  Don’t forget the easy to grow seed potatoes and onion sets!
  • Fertilizers, Weed Preventers, Repellants: Many brands to choose from here including Miracle-Gro, Preen, Ortho, Bayer, Bonide, Round-Up, Liquid Fence – many organics available and we’ll help you choose what’s best for your particular application!
  • Bird & Bee Supplies, Habitats and Food: Houses, feeders, seed/suet and everything in-between is at your disposal to help you care for our feathered (and buzzing) friends!
  • Ceramic Containers, Cedar Planters, Bird Baths: We carry a huge selection of styles, sizes and colors to fit any décor or outdoor application.  We’ll help you put together a unique and beautiful combination!
  • Cemetary Urns/Stands, Memorial Items: We are here to help you with a meaningful selection of memorials perfect for family and friends.  We also offer a planting/delivery service to local cemeteries, including Christmas wreaths.
  • Flags, Welcome Mats, Door Décor: Make your home inviting by decorating the outside of your home…so simple, fun and uniquely YOU!!!  We like to think of it as the ‘Greeting Card of Your Home’!Garden Center Products
  • Decorative Home Décor/Signs: Themes abound here including dog/cat lovers, farming, lake/cabin life, family, friends, man cave, coffee, wine and just plain funny!  Great gifts for that special someone or yourself!
  • Something for the Kids: We’d never forget the “little ones” at Lake Kountry, Inc.!  We carry the gardening line featuring ‘Melissa and Doug’ – great products at awesome prices!
  • Expanded FAIRY GARDEN Offerings: Due to popular demand, we’ve done our research and now offer even more ways to enjoy Fairy Gardening.  Great project to do with the kids/grandkids!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC. OFFERS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , SOMERSET, WI , AMERY, WI , OSCEOLA, WI AND ALL OF WESTERN WI! WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS AND TROPICALS!

 

 

“Annual” News Report 2017

/in , , /by

What’s New for 2017

Spring planting is once again upon us…time to get those hands dirty and create amazing pops of color everywhere!  The Lake Kountry, Inc. annual greenhouses will shortly be exploding with outstanding plants that offer so much more than just “good looks”!  Long-lasting cut flowers, pollinators, bird and butterfly attractors, deliciously scented varieties, edibles, mosquito repellants…we’ve got them all!  Read on for a few “teasers”, then get ready to plan a trip to visit us soon!

Pansies

Frizzle Sizzle Mix (Rush Creek Growers)

There is simply nothing better for early Spring planting than pansies, but now try to imagine frilly, frilly, frilly pansies!!!  Our new ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ series includes choices like ‘Blueberry Thrill’, ‘Fizzy Lemonberry’, and ‘Frizzle Sizzle Raspberry’ – yum!

Cut flowers are always a favorite – there’s nothing better in the summer than to bring sweet smells into your home by creating a beautiful bouquet.  We’ve got all your old favorites plus lots of new ones like Solanum ‘Pumpkin on a Stick’, Lisianthus (the blue is amazing!) and Zinnias like the ‘Cupcake’ Series and ‘Queen Red Lime’!

There is a real need to provide more pollinator plants in order to sustain a healthy bee population. Planting annuals is an important yet simple way to help.  Look for an upcoming article devoted to ways you can help the bees with plants and habitat ideas!  We carry a large selection of annuals that are excellent pollinators, including new ones such as Erysimum ‘Winter Party’.

Erysimum

Erysimum ‘Winter Party’ (Rush Creek Growers)

At Lake Kountry, Inc. we are always looking for annuals to attract and support our bird and butterfly population.  The list of new varieties is long so we’ll touch on just a few for now – Cuphea ‘Eye of the Tiger’, ‘Luscious’ Berry Blend and Marmalade Lantana plus ‘Butterfly’ Pentas in rose, red and white!

Have no fear – our mosquito repellant plants are once again here! ‘Citronella-like’ plants are back in full force and include scented geraniums, lemon grass and even lemon catnip!

As you’re choosing your colorful annuals, don’t forget to add “fillers”!  Coleus remains the most popular and we’ve once again added new varieties like ‘Royal Flush’, ‘Colorblaze Sedona’, ‘Hurricane Jenni’, ‘Raspberry Tart’ and ‘Orange King’ (‘Twist and Twirl’ remains one of our favorites!).  Many of our customers are now creating planters using coleus exclusively and the results are amazing!

Unusual color combinations in petunias and calibrachoa are probably the easiest way to create a beautiful basket or container that is super easy to care for!  ‘Crazytunias’ and ‘Superbells’ are back in a huge array of colors, ‘Starshine Violet’, ‘Hells Fruit Punch’, ‘Blue Ray’, ‘Baby Purple Variegated’, and the popular ‘Night Sky’ are just a few of many available!

Lake Kountry, Inc. is a Certified Proven Winners Garden Center and we carry the finest annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.  Check out the Proven Winners website for the newest varieties. We also carry many varieties from Rush Creek Growers.

From our beautiful hanging baskets, gorgeous container gardens, custom-made containers and on-site annual plantings we’re here to supply your annuals needs and make it the most colorful 2017 possible.  We’re looking forward to seeing and working with you!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC., HAS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, AMERY, SOMERSET AND OSCEOLA, WI.  WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS, TROPICALS PLUS EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS IN NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN!

Lake Kountry, Inc. Is Going Organic

/in /by

Organic Pic2OK not completely but we are excited to share with you our expanded selection of organic gardening products including: vegetable seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.

Here at Lake Kountry, Inc. we recognize the increasing demand of earth friendly and organic gardening practices and we are adjusting our products to help fit your needs.

 

Our nursery stock

Introducing our new local supplier – Rush Creek Growers located in Spring Valley, WI. They employ only certified organic products and practices in their pest control endeavors. For 2016, we will be carrying a unique selection of their amazing edibles, annuals and herbs, including many heirloom varieties. Biermeier Greenhouse, our long time supplier of our in-demand 3.5” plants, is a Neo-Nic free facility and reduced pesticide growing range. Neonicotinoids are a suspected link to Colony Collapse Disorder and the rapid decline of bees.

Bailey Nursery, our major supplier of trees and shrubs is also reducing its use of insecticides. Read more about that here: http://www.greenhousegrower.com/production/crop-inputs/bailey-nurseries-to-eliminate-foliar-treatments-in-container-and-bareroot-fields-with-three-neonicotinoid-insecticides/

Organic Practices in Our Nursery

Rest assured, our staff does not use harmful pesticides or sprays on any of our annuals, edible nursery stock, fruit trees, shrubs, herbs and vegetables.

Organic Pic3We have a great selection of products to promote the Bee and Monarch Butterfly population growth; including an all-new Bee-Pollinator Wildflower Seed Mix and Butterfly and Bee houses.

We also carry many varieties of perennials such as veronica, coneflower and phlox that are perfect additions to your perennial garden and also help the Bee and Butterfly populations.

Come visit our Nursery and one of our friendly staff will assist you with our full selection of organics.

Here’s to happy and healthy 2016 growing season!

 

 

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC., HAS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , AMERY, WI , SOMERSET, WI , OSCEOLA, WI AND ALL OF WESTERN WI.  WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS, TROPICALS, AND ORGANICS!!!

“Annual” News Report 2016

/in , /by

Exciting new annuals are at Lake Kountry, Inc., just in time for the 2016 Spring planting season! We are introducing many unusual varieties sure to peak your interest and put a smile on your face as you “score” a few to take home!

Of course, we’ll continue to offer all your old favorites such as Geraniums, Petunias and Marigolds. But have you ever seen a Yellow Geranium?  How about Bi-Colored Petunias and Calibrachoas that look like an artist had hand-painted them just for you in colors that only your imagination could come up with? Everyone knows about how easy Marigolds are to care for, but did you know there is a delicious variety meant to adorn salads?

Speaking of delicious annuals to eat, we have a colorful mix of Nasturtiums, ‘Garden Mixer’ and ‘Rainbow Lacinato’ Kale and ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss Chard. If you’re new to consuming “flowers” you’re not alone…we invite you to expand your horizons and give them a try!

In addition to the new Yellow Geranium, we’ll again be offering many different Geraniums with Variegated Foliage. And remember the Scented Geraniums that were so popular ten or so years ago? Yep, they’re back, along with a ‘Citronella’ variety which is ready to ward off those pesky mosquitos! Additional annual varieties will also help to deter those little biters…Lemon Grass and Lemon Catnip!

Ready to dive into the huge and growing Herb Market? As usual, we offer the standard varieties but WAIT! How about some great Mints including ‘Berries and Cream’, ‘Chocolate’, ‘Mojito’ (perfect for those summer drinks), and let’s just add in ‘Variegated Pineapple’ for fun!!! Of course we carry Oregano, but let’s add a Variegated Version. Rosemary is a standard, but what about ‘Barbeque’ Rosemary…just right for those grilling parties!!! So many more to talk about like the Basil, Sage and Thyme families – let’s just say it’s worth the short trip here to choose your favorites before they’re gone!

Now let’s just touch on the new Veggies for 2016. Lots of Peppers like ‘Ghost’ (if you dare) and ‘Lunch Box Mix’ which are, of course, perfect for the kids. New Tomatoes that are sparking lots of interest and promising to provide big results include ‘Amish Paste’, “Black from Tula’, ‘Chef’s Choice Orange’, ‘Heirloom Marriage Big Brandy’, ‘Tiny Tim’ and others. The super great bonus on some of these, like the Cucumber ‘Patio Snacker’, is that you can grow them in containers or hanging baskets with amazing results! How cool is that!!!

Twist and Twirl - Coleus

Twist and Twirl – Coleus (Proven Winners)

The popularity of “fillers” has created a whole new revolution of awesome annuals! Coleus is one of them and we have well over a dozen new ones to choose from! You simply won’t be able to resist some of our favorites which include ‘Flame Thrower Spiced Curry’, ‘Lemon Twist’, the ‘Stained Glass Series’, “Swinging Linda”, ‘Twist and Twirl’ and ‘Under the Sea Bone Fish and Gold Anemone’!

 

Holy_Moly_Annual

Holy Moly – Calibrachoa (Proven Winners)

Our Hanging Baskets remain our “calling card” and we simply can’t find the words to describe how beautiful they truly are! All we can say is that our Loyal Customers know they need to Shop Early to get the Biggest and the Best!

We also carry a great variety of Tropicals, including some really unusual ones that are hard to find locally!
We are also proud to carry Proven Winners Annuals, Perennials and Shrubs, guaranteed to give you great color and performance with a minimum of care! Don’t you just love the mystical colors of ‘Holy Moly‘?

Many of our customers choose to “pre-order” their annuals, then let us know when they’d like to pick them up. From flats to hanging baskets, just let us know your needs and we’ll set them aside in our SOLD area and take great care of them until you’re ready to plant!

We also offer a service where you can bring in your container(s) and we’ll help you plant them up and really make a statement. This usually works better during the week when we have more time to individually help you – there is no charge to you except the cost of the soil and plants!   We also welcome you to get a group of family or friends together and make it a “planting party” (advanced notice is required, and this can be done after hours if needed)!

We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!!! Happy Spring to All!!!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC., HAS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, AMERY, SOMERSET AND OSCEOLA, WI.  WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS, TROPICALS PLUS EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS IN NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN!

 

 

Tips for Pruning Flowering Shrubs

/in , /by

Tips for Pruning Flowering Shrubs
The novice gardener may be reluctant of pruning flowering shrubs for fear of permanently damaging or killing them. In most instances, more long-term damage results from lack of pruning than from any pruning that was done. Following a few simple rules will help you sustain a beautiful landscape.

Pruning flowering shrubs is necessary in the maintenance of your landscape for the following reasons:
• To control, develop and maintain plant size
• To improve branching structure
• To increase sunlight to the center of the plant
• To renew and invigorate the remaining branches
• To increase air circulation which aids in disease control
• To remove dead and diseased wood

Different types of flowering shrubs require pruning at different times of the year. As a rule, spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia, lilac, magnolia, rhododendron and azaleas should not be pruned in the fall as you will cut off their flowering buds and they will not bloom the following spring. You can trim them in the spring after they have flowered. Other flowering shrubs like weigelas can be pruned in the fall. Hydrangeas can also be pruned back in the fall but it is somewhat a matter of personal preference as their dried flower buds add winter interest.
Helpful Tips: Spireas and potentillas benefit from rejuvenation pruning every few years. These plants should be pruned back to within 3-6 inches of the ground. Spireas will re-bloom in late summer if you cut the spent flower heads off. Overgrown or neglected shrubs can be renewed by cutting them back 1/3. There are often times dead wood inside the shrub that will need to be cut out as they restrict light and can often harbor fungus or disease. Shrub roses and dogwoods are excellent examples of plants that benefit greatly from eliminating the dead wood.
If you have any specific questions regarding pruning flowering shrubs, we at Lake Kountry, Inc. are happy to help answer them. We carry all the high quality products you need to get the job done. Give us a call or stop in today!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC. OFFERS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS JUST MINUTES FROM ALL OF WESTERN WI INCLUDING; NEW RICHMOND, WI , SOMERSET, WI , AMERY, WI , OSCEOLA, WI ! WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS AND TROPICALS!

How to Care for Perennials – New Richmond WI

/in , /by

How to Care for Perennials

Early October is a great time for fall cleanup and preparation of your perennials for winter and spring. It is also a good time to take inventory and think about what you have planned for next year.

Fall is a good time to divide or remove any perennials that are crowding, spreading into unwanted areas, forming tight clumps with diminished bloom or that have developed a dead space in the center because if the foliage becomes damaged or the plants look misshapen, all of that will be gone when the plants reappear in the spring.

Hostas, iris, daylilies, rudbeckia and ornamental grasses are some examples of perennials that do well with division. If rain is insufficient you should continue watering until a hard freeze occurs especially with newly planted or divided perennials. There is no need to fertilize until spring.

A question we get asked a lot here at Lake Kountry is this: Should you cut back your perennials in the fall or in the spring?

The answer: It depends. Provided you have selected plants that are hardy for your area there really is no wrong way.

You may want to wait until spring to cut back your perennials. Ornamental grasses and sedum provide winter interest while the seed heads of coneflowers, liatris and joe pye weed provide food for birds. Leaving the foliage on the plant or only slightly pruning it can also help protect and insulate the plant from harsh winter weather. The foliage helps to catch and hold the snow which provides natural insulation to the plant.

Pruning and removing all the foliage from your perennials now will save you work in the spring – we all know how busy spring can be! Some people prefer the” cleaned up” look going into winter and may prefer working outdoors in cooler temperatures.

Fall gardening work should also include removing dead annuals and excess fallen leaves and debris, including dead or diseased foliage from your perennial beds so that they do not harbor disease or pests. This also helps prevent rot and mildew.

If you have any other gardening questions just give us a call here at Lake Kountry, Inc. – we’re happy to help! As always, thank you so much for thinking of us! Happy Fall!

LAKE KOUNTRY INC. OFFERS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , SOMERSET, WI , AMERY, WI , OSCEOLA, WI AND ALL OF WESTERN WI! WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS AND TROPICALS!

How to Plant Fall Bulbs

/in /by

HOW TO PLANT FALL BULBS FOR EARLY SPRING COLOR

Crocus, Tulip, Daffodil, Hyacinth, and Allium bulbs are popular spring blooming favorites. With a little planning and a few tips from us here at Lake Kountry, planting these flower bulbs is easy, fun and exciting while you patiently wait for them to herald the first signs of the upcoming spring.

First, Plant bulbs as soon as the ground is cool, when evening temperatures average between 40° to 50°F. Generally, October is ideal for us here in zone 4. You can, if necessary, store bulbs for a month or longer if you keep them in a cool dry place. The cooler weather allows spring blooming bulbs to winter over, this is important in order for bulbs to provide beautiful spring cheerful blooms.

Second, consider location. Plant your bulbs in a well drained soil, bulbs do not like “wet feet” and may rot if left in wet soil too long. Avoid areas where water collects, such as the bottom of hills and runoff areas. Also plant at least 4 ft away from any heat sources like the foundation of your home so that their dormancy is not disrupted. Bulbs also like sun and do well in many different areas including under trees.

Third, design. Do you want formal rows or a more random display? Clusters give a concentration of color for greatest impact. Keep in mind the height of the flowers once they bloom. Generally, for bulbs that bloom at the same time you would plant low bulbs in front of high. But there are times to break this rule. For example, if the low growing bulbs bloom early and the tall bulbs bloom late, then plant the tall in front. Their display will camouflage the dying foliage of the smaller bulbs! You can stagger the bloom time by planting mid- and late-season bloomers together, creating a spring display that blooms in succession for a whole season of color!

Planting Fall Bulbs Step by Step:

Step 1: Loosen soil in the planting bed to a depth of about 8”. Remove any weeds, rocks or other debris. You can mix in compost, other organic matter or slow releasing bulb fertilizer if your soil lacks nutrients. A trick to deter squirrels is to add a handful of bone meal to your hole when planting.

Step 2: Depending on the bulb, follow the recommendation on the label for planting depth. As a general rule, plant big bulbs about 8″ deep and small bulbs about 5″ deep. Set the bulb in the hole pointy side up or the roots down. It’s easy to spot the pointy end of a tulip; tougher with a crocus. If you can’t figure out the top from the bottom, plant the bulb on its side, in most cases, even if you don’t get it right the flower bulb will still find its way topside.

Step 3: Now that the bulbs are planted, back fill with soil over the hole, lightly compress the soil but do not pack it, water to stimulate root growth. There is no need to water continuously unless you live in an area with low precipitation in the winter months.

Planting Fall Bulbs Depth

AFTERCARE IN THE SPRING:

Fertilizing: For bulbs that are intended to naturalize (return for several years) or for bulbs that are coming into their second year, spread an organic fertilizer such as compost, or a slow release bulb fertilizer on top of the soil.

Pruning: When the flowers have completed blooming, cut the flower head off but do not cut the foliage. Bulbs will use the foliage to gather nutrients from the sun and store for the following seasons. Once the foliage has turned yellow or brown you can cut them to ground level.

With these tips, you can feel confident incorporating the beauty and awe of spring blooming bulbs into your landscape!

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC. OFFERS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , SOMERSET, WI , AMERY, WI , OSCEOLA, WI AND ALL OF WESTERN WI! WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS AND TROPICALS!

How to Store and Harvest Vegetables

/in /by

The advantage of learning how to store and harvest vegetables at home is that you can pick and savor them when they’re at their optimal flavor. But how can you tell when to harvest? And what are the best conditions to store your homegrown vegetables?

HARVESTING VEGETABLES

For fullest flavor and nutritional value, it is important to harvest your vegetables at the right time. Be careful not to break or bruise when picking and handle as little as possible. Harvest only high quality vegetables. The following fact sheet provides some basic information on storing and harvesting commonly grown vegetables.

STORING VEGETABLES

Practically every home has at least one spot where vegetables can be safely stored like an unheated basement, a garage, or the refrigerator. The area should be well ventilated, cool and dark. Ideal storage conditions for each specific vegetable are included in the chart below.

Vegetables that show any sign of decay or bruising should be used immediately and not placed in storage. Decay can very rapidly spread to your healthy vegetables, spoiling them also.

It should be pointed out that this is only one way to keep vegetables for an extended time, and not all vegetables should be kept in this way. Many vegetables can be specially treated to help retain a higher percentage of their natural flavor and food value. Blanching, freezing, canning, and drying are some of the techniques you can use to accomplish this. Refer to a reliable cookbook or the homemaking section of your newspaper, or obtain information from the Cooperative Extension Service for exact processing procedures.

Lake Kountry Inc. has all your garden seed needs for next year! We offer a wide variety of OLDS SEED including organically grown and heirloom varieties. Contact us to inquire about placing your seed order for next year. We welcome suggestions on what products we can carry to better suit your needs.

Specific harvest and storage information for some commonly-grown vegetables. Expected shelf-life times are only estimates. Chart courtesy of: Cindy Tong, Extension post-harvest horticulturist

 

Vegetable When to Harvest How to Store Expected Shelf-life Comments
asparagus third year after planting when spears are 6-9 inches long cold and moist 2 weeks keep upright
basil when leaves are still tender at room temperature 5 days keep stems in water; will discolor if kept in refrigerator for 10 days
beans, snap about 2-3 weeks after bloom when seeds still immature cold and moist 1 week develop pitting if stored below 40°
beets when 1.25-3 inches in diameter cold and moist 5 months store without tops
broccoli while flower buds still tight and green cold and moist 2 weeks –
brussels sprouts when heads 1 inch in diameter cold and moist 1 month –
cabbage when heads compact and firm cold and moist 5 months –
carrots when tops 1 inch in diameter cold and moist 8 months store without tops
cauliflower while heads still white, before curds “ricey” cold and moist 3 weeks –
corn, sweet when silks dry and brown, kernels should be milky when cut with a thumbnail cold and moist 5 days –
cucumbers for slicing, when 6 inches long cool spot in kitchen 55°F in perforated plastic bags; storage in refrigerator for a few days okay 1 week develops pitting and water-soaked areas if chilled below 40°F; do not store with apples or tomatoes
eggplant before color dulls like cucumbers 1 week develops pitting, bronzing, pulp browning if stored for long period below 50°F
kohlrabi when 2-3 inches in diameter cold and moist 2 months store without tops
lettuce while leaves are tender cold and moist 1 week –
muskmelons (cantaloupe) when fruits slip off vine easily, while netting even, fruit firm cold and moist 1 week develops pitting surface decay with slight freezing
onions when necks are tight, scales dry cold and dry 4 months cure at room temperature 2-4 weeks before storage, do not freeze
parsnips when roots reach desired size, possibly after light frost cold and moist 4 months do not wax or allow roots to freeze; sweetens after 2 weeks storage at 32°F
peas when pods still tender cold and moist 1 week –
peppers when fruits reach desired size or color like cucumbers 2 weeks develops pitting below 45°F
potatoes when vine dies back cold and moist; keep away from light 6 months cure at 50-60°F or 14 days before storage, will sweeten below 38°F
pumpkins when shells harden, before frost cool and dry 2 months very sensitive to temperatures below 45°F
radishes when roots up to 1.25 inches in diameter cold and moist 1 month store without tops
rutabagas when roots reach desired size cold and moist 4 months do not wax
spinach while leaves still tender cold and moist 10 days –
squash, summer when fruit 4-6 inches long like cucumbers 1 week do not store in refrigerator for more than 4 days
squash, winter when shells hard, before frost cool and dry 2-6 months, depending on variety curing unnecessary; do not cure Table Queen
tomatoes, red when color uniformly pink or red like cucumbers 5 days loses color, firmness and flavor if stored below 40°F; do not refrigerate!
turnips when roots reach desired size, possibly after light frost cold and moist 4 months can be waxed
watermelons when underside turns yellow or produces dull sound when slapped like cucumbers 2 weeks will decay if stored below 50°F for more than a few days

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC. IS YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN HEADQUARTERS. WE OFFERS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , OSCEOLA, WI , AMERY, WI AND SOMERSET, WI . WE ALSO CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS, TROPICALS PLUS EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS IN NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN!

Tips for Container Gardening

/in /by

container-gardening

CONTAINER GARDENING

Container gardening is fun and easy…let your creative talents flow!  First choose a container – it can be plastic, ceramic, terra cotta – even an old hat or boot will do!  Let your imagination soar as you think of your color scheme and where your pot will be placed (sun or shade).  Tropicals like cannas, elephant ears and even hibiscus or lantana trees can be combined with annuals for a beautiful and unique look!  LAKE KOUNTRY, INC. carries a full selection of tropicals – plus many of your newly planted containers can be easily brought in for the winter months!

WATER PLANTS also make a wonderful container garden!  LAKE KOUNTRY, INC. carries a complete selection of water plants – you simply need to choose a container that will hold water!

 

 

Potted FlowersPLANTING A LOW MAINTENANCE POT/CONTAINER/CEMETARY URN

– Choose annuals that are heat and drought resistant (see list below).  Many different combinations are possible, but most people like to choose plants from all 3 categories.

– Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plants that you’re choosing.  Don’t overcrowd the plants as they need room to grow in order to thrive.

– Placing a coffee filter over the drainage hole on the bottom of the pot helps to keep moisture in the container longer.  It also works well to add mulch in the bottom of larger containers before the soil is added to decrease the weight of the pot, especially if the container is to be placed in an urn stand.

– Use a soil mixture that increases the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients.  Moisture control soil is ideal, or regular potting soil with a moisture retention product such as Soil Moist added works well.  Soil Moist mats are also available. The potting soil mixture should also contain a slow release fertilizer.

– Place a layer of mulch on the top of the pot to help maintain soil moisture.  Don’t fill the container all the way to the top; leaving 1-2 inches will avoid accidental water run-off from a quick rain or hand water.

– Even though plants might be heat and drought resistant, a consistent watering program is still necessary.  Containers should be slowly and thoroughly watered.

 

TRAILING PLANTS                            FILLERS/FOLIAGE                                             FLOWERING VARIETIES

Vinca Vine                                           Dracena (Green Spike)                                  Geraniums          Petunias

Licorice Plant                                      Cortyline (Burgundy Spike)                          Marigolds            Verbena

Sweet Potato Vine                          Ornamental Grasses                                       Angelonia            Zinnia

Moss Roses                                        Asparagus Fern                                                 Bidens                  Vinca

Wave Petunias                                  Coleus for Sun                                                   Lantana                                Ageratum

Ivy Geraniums                                   Dusty Miller                                                        Fibrous Begonias

 

After your new container is planted, you may want to add a final touch.  LAKE KOUNTRY, INC.’s GIFT/GARDEN CENTER is brimming with beautiful garden stakes and accent pieces to give your work of art a truly personalized touch!  Stop out today…we’re anxious to help you create an amazing “living work of art”!

LAKE KOUNTRY, INC. offers CEMETARY URN SERVICES to all local cemetaries in New Richmond, WI, Somerset, WI, Osceola, WI and Amery, WI as well as other surrounding areas.  We plant and deliver the urn before Memorial Day, then pick up the urn and store it in the fall.  Contact us for further details.

 

LAKE KOUNTRY INC., HAS A COMPLETE NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM NEW RICHMOND, WI , AMERY, WI , SOMERSET, WI , OSCEOLA, WI AND ALL OF WESTERN WI.  WE CARRY A FULL SELECTION OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, TREES, WATER PLANTS, TROPICALS!