Growing @ Dutch Growers

Plant of the Month: Moth Orchid

2012-02-04T10:13:00.000-06:00

Moth Orchid

Orchids can be intimidating... How can something that beautiful be so easy to grow?

Moth Orchids or Phalaenopsis grow well in normal home conditions. Preferring bright indirect light, they will thrive in an east facing window or in a south or west window if you can protect the orchid from direct light.

Water every 7 to 10 days when the growing medium is dry about 1/2" below the surface. You don't want the orchid to dry out completely. But, you don't want to keep the growing medium so wet that the roots rot. Often you'll see our greenhouse staff lift a pot when watering.. They are checking the weight of the pot. If it light, the plant needs a drink. If the pot seems heavier, the plant is still fine and should be checked again in a day or two.

Flowers will last up to three month and moth orchids will often bloom again the following year.

-Leslie, Dutch Growers Garden Centre Saskatoon

Basic Plant Skills: Pebble Tray

2012-02-03T09:05:00.001-06:00

Forced air furnaces... Great for keeping us cozy and warm. But, low humidity causes leaf tips to brown. Just like people, a large percentage of a houseplant contains water. In the winter, the difference between the moisture content of the plant and the air causes the plant to loose water. As a result, leaf tips turn brown. Blossoms will often fail to open. Older leaves may drop.

To increase humidity, you can mist the plants. This is often ineffective, and can actually introduce fungal diseases. More effective methods include grouping plants together or placing plants on a pebble tray.

To make a pebble tray, you will need a waterproof saucer and some decorative rock. The larger the saucer, the better.
Fill the saucer with stones.
Add water until the level is just below the top of the pebbles. You don't want the plant to sit in water. Remember to add water to the pebble tray as it evaporates.

Begonia Bulbs

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

Gardening in the shade... It can be a challenge... Sometimes I feel that we should just declare chickweed an ornamental ground cover and be done with it!

There are some terrific shade loving perennials like hosta, but sometimes a girl just wants some flowers.
Begonia grow well in semi-shade. Flowers can be as small as a penny or the size of a baseball. Colours include white, pink, red, peach, and more.

For continuous bloom, I plant "non-stops". The flowers are little smaller, but they bloom all summer. For a showier blossom, I prefer the camellia type flowers. They are so over the top gorgeous.

Planting is easy. All you need is some potting mix, a 6" grower's pot, and a good quality bulb. As a rule, the bigger the bulb, the bigger the flower.

Fill the pot with moistened potting mix.
Place the bulb with the hollow side up on top of the soil surface
Cover with about a half inch of soil
Cover the top of the pot loosely with plastic wrap, Personally, I invert a clear plastic saucer over the pot.
Keep the soil evenly moist. Don't over water.
Now the hard part, be patient. It can take up to 6 weeks for the bulb to sprout
Once the bulb sprouts, remove the plastic cover

Plant outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Questions? Call the garden centre at 306-249-1222 or email using the link at the bottom of the blog.

Basic Plant Skills Watering: Signs of Overwatering

2012-01-27T07:49:00.000-06:00

Early signs of overwatering signs include:

Both young and old leaves fall at the same time
Roots are mushy. They may be brown and smell rotten
Flowers become moldy
Leaves have rotten patches and fail to grow

Check your plant before watering. Make sure that the top 1/2-1" of soil has had a chance to dry before you water. Make sure that your plant is not standing in water. If you are using a saucer to protect your furniture, make sure you discard the excess water. If you have a decorative pot cover, check it for standing water.

It is really hard for a plant to recover from over-watering. You can pop the plant out of the pot and leave it on a layer of newspaper for a few hours to allow the soil to dry out. Remove any rotten roots. Then return the plant to the pot and be very careful when watering.

Basic Plant Skills Watering: The Knuckle Test

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000-06:00

Water using the “Knuckle Test”. Insert your index finger up to your first knuckle into the soil. If thetop ½” of soil is dry, give your plant a drink. Some plants that prefer drier growing conditions or are growing in alarger pot and are “two knuckle plants”. Allow the top 1” of soil dry before watering.

Give your plant a gulp, not a sip. Water should run out the bottom of the pot into the saucer, never lettingthe water remain in the saucer. Dump the water from the saucer a few minutesafter the soil has become hydrated.

Reblooming Rieger Begonia

2012-01-17T09:21:00.000-06:00

Rieger Begonia in all colours

After blooming, manypeople will compost Rieger begonia. But, it is possible to get a Rieger tobloom again.

Rieger begonias are photoperiod bloomers. Flowering is set byhours of light. As the days become shorter in the fall, the plant will bestimulated to bloom.

After your Rieger begonia finished blooming this spring,cut it back to a few inches above the soil line. Keep the begonia on the dryside and grow in cool location with medium light.

When the plant starts to puton new growth, repot in the next pot size and increase the amount of light. Nowis time to fertilizer with a high phosphorus fertilizer like Plant Prod 10-52-10.As the days grow shorter in September, the begonia will start to bud.

Easy Care Houseplants: Reiger Begonia

2012-01-10T09:10:00.000-06:00

Rieger Begonia

One of my favoriteplants is the Rieger or winter begonia. It’s easy to care for and comes in manycolors. You can find Rieger begonia with either semi-double or double flowersin shades of red, pink, white, orange, yellow, or salmon. Leaves are a healthyglossy green. With proper care, Rieger begonia will bloom until the snow melts.

Rieger begonias areeasy to look after. The key is not to overwater. Allow the top half-inch ofsoil to dry out. Give the plant a drink and remember to drain any water thataccumulates in the plant saucer. If you notice that leaves are turning yellow,or the stems of the plant are soft and turning brown, you are over watering. Erron the side of leaving the plant on the dry side. It is easier for a plant torecover from under watering. But, it is very hard and sometimes impossible fora plant to recover from overwatering.

Rieger begonia willthrive with lots of bright indirect light. An east windowsill is a terrificplace for a Rieger begonia. You can also choose a south or west facing locationas long as the begonia does not receive direct sunlight.

Rieger begonia willbloom longer when grown in a cool location. Avoid warm drafts from heatregisters or cold drafts from windows or doors. Remove faded blossoms toencourage more blooms. Lastly, feed weakly weekly. I like to use Schultz AllPurpose Plant food every time I water. Add seven drops to a quart of wateringsolution, and water normally. It’s an easy no brainer way to feed your plantsin the winter.

Next: Getting Rieger Begonia to bloom again

Landscaping for the Birds

2012-01-04T09:02:00.000-06:00

Blue Jay

Choose landscape plants that providefood for birds.

Birds will feed on grassseeds from ornamental grasses like Karl Forester. They will snack on fruit producing plantslike Saskatoon berry bushes, Highbush Cranberry, and sour cherry bushes.

Acorns on Burr Oak will attract Blue Jays inthe fall.

In the summer, red trumpetlike flowers on Nicotiana attract hummingbirds. For a complete list of landscape plants that will attract birds to Saskatoon gardens, check out the plant finder on Dutch Growers' website. Under landscape attributes, click off "Wildlife Attraction" and select birds.

Dutch Growers Garden Centre Plant Finder

Birds: Like a Duck to Water

2011-12-28T08:44:00.000-06:00

Birds are attracted by a source of water.

Water is most easily added in the summerwith a birdbath. The birdbath should not be too deep. Birds are looking for"puddle depth water."

Include a water feature like a pond in yourlandscape designing the pond with a shallow end or a 'beach".

In our garden,the robins visit the "beach" every evening to bathe and drink.

This spring, we were visited by a mama duck and her brood. We're not sure, but we think that they were nesting in the park behind our yard.

Next: Landscaping with birds in mind

Winter Birds: Food and Feeders

2011-12-21T08:11:00.000-06:00

Choose your bird feeder location withcare. For maximum enjoyment, it shouldbe easily seen from your window.

Place your feeder close to source of sheltersuch as a large or medium shrub. In our garden, the feeder is close to aHighbush Cranberry. The birds flit from feeder to branches. In the fall, the berries are the bird’sdessert.

Birds need a source of food. Selectthe food to match your birds. Choose a good quality seed such as the seedpackaged by Sun Country Farms. You want to avoid filler. It's like the nut tray at Christmas… Thebirds will pick out all the good stuff and spit the filler on to your flowerbed.

Look for black oil sunflower seeds or chips. Striped sunflower seeds orspits are difficult for some of the smaller birds to crack. Consider filling your feeder with Niger seed.Niger seed is more expensive, but warblers and Goldfinches adore Niger seed.Store seed in a waterproof container. Add a Suet feeder for flickers and woodpeckers.

Next: Provide a source of water

Winter Birds

2011-12-15T07:57:00.000-06:00

Several years ago, my husband Dave,gave me a bird feeder for Christmas. At the time, I graciously said, "Gee,thanks, Honey." But really, I considered a birdhouse the horticulturalequivalent of getting a waffle maker or toaster.

Looking back, it has become one of myfavorite gifts. We feed the birds all year long. Any month on the calendar, ouryard is alive with a community of feathered friends.

The birds are looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. It's just like in the movie FIeld of Dreams, if you build it they will come.

Birds need shelter to provideprotection from predators, a place to nest, as well as nesting material. Theyseem to prefer shrubs and trees that are well branched. Think of a thicket,just like in the Tale of Br’er Rabbit. In our garden, we have a blue GrizzlyBear Juniper that's home to a family of robins every year. The thick foliagehides the nest from the neighborhood cats and provides protection from the windand sun.

Next, bird feeder location and food

Gifts for Gardeners and their Fine Feathered Friends

2011-12-09T14:54:00.001-06:00

Guest Blogger, Janice

For several reasons, myfavourite gift for gardeners is one that includes our feathered friends.Saskatchewan is home to many bird species that bring joy and music to thegarden. Bird houses are now more than just functional, they are garden décoravailable in a host of decorative colours, interesting and unique shapes, and avariety of sizes. Gone are the days when we threw out a handful of breadcrumbs! Bird feeders with good quality food help sustain our feathered friendsduring cold wintry weather. Bird houses and feeders make perfect gifts for thecity gardener.

Janice-Store Manger Dutch Growers

Happy St. Nicolaas Eve (Dec 5)

2011-12-05T09:48:00.001-06:00

In Holland, St. Nicolaas doesn't arrive with a sleigh and reindeer. He comes by boat and then goes through out the Netherlands riding a white horse accompanied by his helper, Zwarte Piet.

Tonight, Dutch boys & girls will be setting their wooden shoes on the step. Filling it with carrots for St. Nicolaas' horse and Dutch spice cookies called Speculaas for St. Nicolaas and Zwarte Piet. Tomorrow, the shoes will be filled with small gifts and chocolate.

For David Sedaris's (American Humorist) take on the Dutch Tradition, check out David Sedaris Six to Eight Black Men. The video is about 15 minutes. SPOILER ALERT This is best enjoyed by Moms and Dads. It is well worth the time spent. He covers some of the darker sides of the St. Nicolaas tradition including what happens to the little boys and girls that have been naughty.

To share St. Nicolaas, with your children, check out the St. Nicholas Centre Web Page featuring St. Nicolaas traditions around the world.

Keeping Your Fresh Christmas Tree... Fresh

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

If you think of your Christmas tree as a really huge cutflower, you'll be well on the way to understanding how to make it last for yourentire Christmas celebration.

Start with a fresh tree. When purchasing, make sure that thebranches are pliable. With fir, the needles should snap cleanly when snappedbetween your fingers.

One of the most important steps is to trim 1 to 2 "from the bottom of the trunk. This will allow good moisture uptake. If you areplanning to decorate immediately, ask the sales associate to make a fresh cutfor you. If you plan decorate later, keep your tree outside out of the wind andsun. Trim the bottom of the trunk just before you set the tree up.

Before bringing your tree indoors, shake any loose needlesor debris from the tree. Your tree has been growing in a field for at leastseven years...so some loose needles and branches are to be expected.

When setting up the tree, place a large tree bag under thetree before placing it in the stand to make Christmas cleanup easy. At the end of the holiday, you simply bringthe bag up and over the tree and remove the tree from your home with a minimumof mess.

Place the tree in a stand with a water reservoir that holdsat least 1 liter of warm water. Using a tree preservative such as StaFresh willincrease the life of your tree by changing the pH of the water to match the pHof the sap as well as reduce bacterial growth. Your tree may drink 1 liter aday for the first few days. Remember to check it a couple times a day.

Top Three Fresh Christmas Trees

2011-11-29T08:57:00.001-06:00

Top Three Fresh Christmas Trees

Today, three of the most popular cutChristmas trees are the Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Nordmann Fir. Fir trees areknown for uniform shape as well as superior needle retention.

Fraser Fir

Balsam Fir

The Scottish botanist John Fraser discovered the Fraser Firwhen he explored the Appalachian Mountains. Needles are a dark blue green. Branches are strong and straight making it able to support largerornaments.

Balsam Firs are cousins of the Fraser Fir. They are similar in shape, but are incrediblyfragrant and have denser foliage.

Nordmann Fir

Nordmann Fir, although new to Canada, are Europe’s mostpopular Christmas tree. Native to the mountain regions south and east of the Black Sea, Turkeyand the Russian Caucasus, Nordmann fir have deep green needles. The shape is slightly softer than either theBalsam or Fraser Fir. It is less scentedthan the Balsam Fir making it a good choice for people with sensitivity to fragrances.

Fresh Greens for Christmas

2011-11-22T08:56:00.000-06:00

It's like the forest has come inside.

Fresh greens are the backbone of both indoor and outdoor arrangements at Christmas time.

Fresh greens are long lasting. If cared for properly, the arrangement should last for the entire holiday season. Greens add texture to arrangements. Texture is an often under appreciated design element. But, good use of texture will take an arrangement from ho hum to spectacular. My three "go to greens" are Silver Fir, Incense Cedar, and White Pine.

Silver Fir
Silver fir is used to create strong design lines. This will add structure to your design. When designing a garden urn, I'll place a Silver Fir bough vertically and towards the back of the urn approximately halfway between the centre point and edge of the urn. I'll add boughs at a 45degree angle on both sides of the first creating a backdrop for the rest of the arrangement.

Incense Cedar
Incense cedar has butter yellow pods and a spicy Christmas fragrance. The soft fan shape fronds are perfect for filling in the gaps in your arrangement. If you don't like the yellow pods, consider using green cedar. Although not as fragrant, the green cedar will provide textural interest.

White Pine
White pine features long soft needles and will add another layer of texture to your arrangement and a nice foil to the stiff short Silver Fir needles.

Focal Points
The greens have provided a backdrop. Now you need to include a focal point. For a natural look, use pine cones. For more bling, consider Christmas ornaments, decorative ribbon, or candles. I like to use fresh flowers in my inside arrangements. I choose long lasting flowers like carnations. As the flowers fade, I refresh the arrangement with new flowers, further extending the life of the arrangement.

YouTube Video
Inspired to create an arrangement? Check out Jill's video. She'll walk you through creating your own arrangement step by step.
YouTube Video: Creating a Christmas Urn

Poinsettia

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's the official plant of Christmas!
Keeping your poinsettia looking fantastic over the holiday season is easy if you remember a few simple steps.

Start with a healthy plant
Avoid chills. Make sure to wrap your plants when you transport it from greenhouse to home.
Avoid draughts. In your home, display away from heat registers and breezy doorways.
Give light. Poinsettia thrive with 6 hours of bright indirect light each day.
Water with care. Water when the top 1/2" of soil is dry.
Avoid "wet feet" Don't allow the plant to sit in water, but dump any water that remains in the saucer or decorative pot cover after watering.

For more information on poinsettia care, visit the garden centre, call us at (306)249-1222 or visit the Poinsettia Grow Guide on the Dutch Growers Web Site.

Dutch Growers Fashion on CTV Morning Show

2011-11-04T14:15:00.000-06:00

This morning Pam was on the CTV morning show sharing all about this seasons fashion trends.

The gorgeous Models were provided by SHE Modelling.

Check out photos from the show on CTV's Facebook page

From Greenhouse to Gala

2011-11-03T13:51:00.000-06:00

It's nothing short of amazing!
Look at the transformation created by a hard working group of volunteers.

The Choc'laCure Gala in support of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre is held annually in the Dutch Growers Garden Centre Greenhouses.

Choc'laCure 2011 Project

2011 is an exciting year!! Choc'laCure begins its 5th campaign helping the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency fund the new Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment Program at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

Stereotactic Radiation: An investment in Patient Care and Excellence

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical procedure that delivers precisely targeted radiation at much higher doses than traditional radiation therapy while minimizing the radiation to healthy tissue organs nearby. Initially stereotactic radiation was only used to treat tumours of the brain. Now it is also being used to treat cancer in other parts of the body as well.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery works in the same way as other forms of radiation treatment. It does not actually remove the tumour; rather, it damages the DNA of tumour cells. As a result, these cells lose their ability to reproduce.
The benefits for the patient receiving Stereotactic Radiation include:

Alternative to invasive surgery especially for patients who are unable to undergo surgery for tumours that are located close to vital organs or in difficult areas of the body to reach.
Painless treatment -- Radiosurgery is similar to having an x-ray as the patient is not able to see, hear, or feel the radiation beam.
Better treatment outcomes and less damage to nearby healthy organs and other soft tissues because the radiation dose is delivered with greater accuracy.
Treatment time is often short, which is more comfortable and convenient for patients.

Currently Saskatchewan residents who would benefit from this form of treatment are sent out of province to receive this treatment. We know that providing care close to home and where the patient has the support of family and friends makes a difference in their experience and recovery. We would welcome the ability to provide this type of care in Saskatchewan.
The field of radiosurgery is rapidly increasing and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of many types of cancer in the future. By providing Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Saskatchewan we would not only help patients and their families in the fight against cancer, but we would also have the potential to attract and train young neurosurgeons, creating a centre of excellence for our province.
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency would like to acquire Stereotactic Radiation equipment for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre at a cost of approximately $4.5 million.

Dutch Growers and the vanDuyvendyk family are honoured to be able to help in this very important cause.

From Hay Bales to Gala!

2011-10-30T11:33:00.000-06:00

Ever watch those home improvement shows on TV?
You know the ones... In the span of a few days a home goes from disaster to designer.

Over the next four days, the greenhouses have to go from a hay bale maze to a venue suitable for the annual Choc'laCure Gala raising funds for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

The count down starts Monday....
Monday, October 31 4:00 p.m. Shoo the last little goblin out of the pumpkin maze.
Monday, October 31 4:04 p.m. Remove bales from greenhouse and arrange delivery to local stable.
Tuesday, November 1 8:00 a.m. Sweep and power wash the greenhouse.

Wednesday, November 2 8:00 a.m. The Choc'laCure committee descends upon the greenhouse! This dedicated group of volunteers will be displaying silent auction items, setting up tables for the banquet, setting up the entertainment stage, displaying live auction items. Eileen and the team from Handy Special Events will be working their magic. It is truly inspirational.

Friday, November 4 6:00 p.m. Cocktails!
Tickets for the gala are $150 each. Funds raised will go to purchase equipment for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

For more information on Choc'laCure visit www.choclacure.com or www.facebook.com/ChocLaCure

Fall Lawn Yard Care

2011-10-25T10:26:00.000-06:00

Barberry Fall Color Close Up

You know it’scoming… The geese are flocking overhead. There’s a chill in themorning air and frost decorates rooftops and windshields. Fall is almostover. Winter will come sooner than we want.

In the next fewweeks, you need to “tuck” your garden in for its winter’s rest.

Mow the lawn to1 ½” high. You want the snow to settle straight in between the blades ofgrass. If the grass is too long, the grass will fold on itself. This folding as well as the weight of the snow creates the perfect recipefor snow mould in the spring. You’ve probably noticed the grey powderyfilm that appears on the grass after the snowdrifts melt away. This issnow mould. Prevent snow mould by raking any leaves left on the lawn. In problem areas subject to large snow drifts, you may want to consider a fallapplication of garden sulphur.

A complete fallyard check list is available online at www.dutchgrowers.comor at Dutch Growers.

Amaryllis

2011-10-22T15:26:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that something so exotic can be so easy to grow!
But, with amaryllis, you simply find a pot that is about 2" wider than the diameter of the bulb. Fill 1/3 with quality potting soil. Set the bulb in the pot, fanning out the roots. Fill around the bulb with potting soil until 1/2 of the bulb is covered. Water and wait 6-7 weeks for blossoms.
More detailed instructions are found the Dutch Growers Web Site

Win A Keurig Coffee Maker!!!!!

2011-10-16T15:30:00.000-06:00

Come to Dutch Growers and take a picture of yourself with our NEW Keurig Coffee Makers and K-Cups. Then, post the picture to the Dutch Growers Saskatoon Facebook page. In the caption, tell us why you deserve a Keurig Elite Gourmet Single Cup Coffee Maker. Contest closes November 30th 2011 at 4:59 pm. Our judge will pick the most deserving person.

Plan Ahead for Spring Color

2011-10-06T06:13:00.000-06:00

"It pays to plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark"

Planning ahead is a good thing... Especially in the garden.

Now is the time to plant tulips and other spring flowering bulbs like grape hyacinth, snowdrops, and more!

Complete bulb guide on Dutch Growers website.
Dutch Growers Website

Pumpkin Maze Now Open

2011-10-01T09:34:00.000-06:00

It's Back! Dutch Growers Annual Pumpkin Maze!

Your children can explore a maze created from straw bales. Hidden in the maze are all shapes and sizes of pumpkins. Suitable for children from ages 3 to 9. Either a parent or guardian must accompany all children.

There is no charge for the maze. Pumpkins are available for purchase.
The pumpkin maze is located in Dutch Growers Greenhouse and is open rain or shine during store hours.

Pumpkin Maze Hours

Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm
Thursday 10am-9pm

Closed Sundays

October 31, the pumpkin maze will close at 4 p.m.

Dutch Growers Garden Bistro

2011-09-24T07:30:00.000-06:00

Have you tried the Garden Bistro's famous cinnamon buns?

Open daily Monday to Saturday

New Shopping Concept for Saskatoon

2011-09-15T10:30:00.000-06:00

State of the Art Vero Moda Shop within Dutch Growers

Accessible fashion with over 1,000 square feet of amazing European fashion by Vero Moda. Well made, affordable, on trend garments for the fashion conscious woman Create four or five different looks from just a few pieces. Mix and match pieces from other seasons. Dutch Growers Fashion gives you a personalized shopping experience with stylists on staff trained to make you look and feel great!

Fashion Show in Support of Choc'laCure and the Saskatoon Cancer Centre

2011-09-07T10:03:00.000-06:00

Save the date! Call your girlfriends!
September 22nd is the date for the fall Choc'laCure Fashion Show.
It will feature fashions from Dutch Growers Fashion

100% of the ticket sales will go to Choc'laCure and the 2011 project for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre

For more information about Choc'laCure, visit www.choclacure.com