Sprainbrook Nursery Home

<HTML> <HEAD> <LINK REL=STYLESHEET TYPE="text/css" HREF="/sprain.css" TITLE="styles"> <TITLE>Sprainbrook Nursery</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY BACKGROUND="deco/ramp-grn.jpg" TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#ffffff" LINK="#0000ff" VLINK="#0000a0" ALINK="#0000a0"> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content"><IMG ALT="Search the Catalog" SRC="/icons/but-cat.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all"> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <A HREF="fra-landscape.shtml" TARGET="content"><IMG ALT="Landscape Department" SRC="icons/but-land.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all">  <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <A HREF="/bin/contact/" TARGET="content"><IMG ALT="Contact Us" SRC="/icons/but-cont.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all"> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <A HREF="http://www.gardeningthings.com" TARGET="_blank"><IMG ALT="Gardening Things Online Shop" SRC="icons/but-gt.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all"> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 cols=2 rows=1 width=100%> </table> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <style>.signup{font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; color: 006000;}</style> <table bgcolor=#ffffff width=100% cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 border noshade bordercolor=#006000> <tr><td class=signup valign=middle> <a href=http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=18368b target=_top>Click here to sign up</a> for timely and informative gardening news and information. Your email address will never be shared or sold. </td></tr></table> <small> <br></small> <CENTER> [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.18&dbname=Nursery" target="content">HELP</a>] [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.11&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Introduction</A>] [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.10&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Sprainbrook History</A>] [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13.3&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Driving Directions</A>] [<A HREF="http://www.sprainbrook.com" TARGET="_top">HOME</A>] </small> <hr> </center> <TABLE WIDTH=100% COLS=1 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 BGCOLOR="#FFE699"> <TR> <TD> <small> <B>Quick finder</B> and key to icons: Use these links to find 'just the thing' for that special garden spot! Keep in mind that a "Sun/Part Shade" plant will work in a "Full Sun" garden, as well as other plants that overlap light regions. </small> </TD> </TR> </table> <TABLE BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=2 COLS=2 BGCOLOR="#FFF8DF"> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <SMALL><CENTER> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=light-sun.gif+light-sun-pshade.gif+light-sun-shade.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/light-sun.gif" ALT="Full Sun" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Full Sun</A> </CENTER></SMALL> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <SMALL><CENTER> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=light-pshade.gif+light-sun-pshade.gif+light-sun-shade.gif+light-pshade-shade.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/light-pshade.gif" ALT="Part Shade" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Part Shade</A> </CENTER></SMALL> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=light-shade.gif+light-pshade-shade.gif+light-sun-shade.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/light-shade.gif" ALT="Shade" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Shade</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=v.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/v.gif" ALT="Vegetative Plants" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Vegetative Plants</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=.jpg" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/picture.gif" ALT="Item has picture" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Item has picture</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=cut.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/cut.gif" ALT="Good Cut Flowers" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Good Cut Flowers</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <CENTER><SMALL>   </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=butterfly.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/butterfly.gif" ALT="Attracts Butterflies" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Attracts Butterflies</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%">   </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP>   </TD> </TR> </TABLE><TABLE WIDTH=100% COLS=1 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 BGCOLOR="#FFE699"> <TR> <TD> <B>Catalog Navigation</b> </TD> </TR> </table><TABLE WIDTH=100% COLS=2 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 BGCOLOR="#FFF8DF"> <TR> <TD WIDTH=40 VALIGN=top> <CENTER> <IMG SRC="icons/folder-cabinet.gif" height=32 width=32> </CENTER> </TD> <TD> <SMALL> File Cabinet: Indicates 'Departments' in the catalog. File Cabinets contain many file-folders and files. </small> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH=40 VALIGN=top> <CENTER> <IMG SRC="icons/folder-folder.gif" height=32 width=32> </CENTER> </TD> <TD> <SMALL> File Folder: Contains multiple 'files'. For plants, this means there is more than one variety. </small> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH=40 VALIGN=top> <CENTER> <IMG SRC="icons/folder-page.gif" height=32 width=32> </CENTER> </TD> <TD> <SMALL> File: This is a single item, like a plant or an information article. </small> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD colspan=2> <hr> <SMALL> As you follow the links through the Catalog, the top and bottom of each page will have history links that resemble | Annuals | Catalog | Home |. These links bring you UP to that previous level so you don't get lost. </SMALL> </TD> </TR> </table> &nbsp<br> &nbsp<br> <center> <small>Copyright © 2010 by Sprainbrook Nursery, all rights reserved.<br> </small> </center> </BODY> </HTML> <p> <HTML> <HEAD> <LINK REL=STYLESHEET TYPE="text/css" HREF="/sprain.css" TITLE="styles"> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META NAME="Author" CONTENT="Frank Kennedy"> <TITLE>Sprainbrook Nursery</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#ffffff" LINK="#0000ff" VLINK="#0000a0" ALINK="#0000a0"> <CENTER> <font face="Times New Roman, Times, Roman, Serif" size=+3>``</font><B><I>We design great gardens</I></B><font face="Times New Roman, Times, Roman, serif" size=+3>´´</font><BR> </center> <center> <IMG SRC="/logo2004.jpg" ALT="Welcome to Sprainbrook Nursery!" HEIGHT=189 WIDTH=578><br><span class=green>Westchester County's premier nursery and garden supply store <br>Sprainbrook Nursery, Inc. 448 Underhill Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583. <br>Mon-Sat 8:00 - 5:30, Sun 9:00 - 4:30. 914-723-2382, FAX 914-723-1677. [<A HREF="http://www.sprainbrook.com/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13.3&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Driving Directions</A>] </span> </center> <br>  <b>Features: <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.35&dbname=Nursery>Deer Control and Deer Resistant Plants</a>, <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.33&dbname=Nursery>Native Plants</a>, <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.36&dbname=Nursery>Plants that Attract Hummingbirds</a>, <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.34&dbname=Nursery>Plants that Attract Butterflies</a></b> <p>       <p> <A NAME="GC"> <TABLE BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 WIDTH="100%"> <TR> <TD> <table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=100%> <tr><td> <hr width="50%" size=6> <small><b>Sprainbrook Nursery presents</b><BR></small> <span class=h2><span class=blue>Krautter's Korner</span></span> <BR> <B>May.</B> An educational newsletter from <a href="mailto:al@sprainbrook.com?subject=Plant Question">Al Krautter</a>. This is a free service to the web community! Follow the link in each section's title for archived articles. This page is updated every month, so check back often! <BR> </td></tr></table> <br> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Garden Calendar:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Strange Winter<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.6&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> This has been a very unusual season and has caught all of us by surprise. An extraordinarily dry winter and a dry spring left many of our plants stressed. Early warm temperatures complicated the problem; but a saturating rain followed with cooler temperatures saved the day. However, damage was already done and will continue to show up as the warm weather moves in. A large number of newly planted shrubs have not made it due to lack of water. My book '<a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/gardening-tools-books-c-73_94/12-steps-to-natural-gardening-p-355 target=_blank><i>12 Steps To Natural Gardening</i></a>' has an excellent chapter on watering methods. This is one of the 12 steps that each gardener has to master. Proper watering is the most important step to developing a healthy plant.<p>Landscape Design: From planning to completion; a Sprainbrook Nursery Landscape Design is a sound investment. Planning is important and should precede the planting stage. All of our installations follow an organic approach to gardening. Call for an appointment with a designer.<p>The Organic approach to Gardening is taking hold in this Country and we, at Sprainbrook Nursery, are at the forefront with proven programs and proven formulas for you to follow. Last year our formulas for the organic lawn, free of pesticides, produced superior results to chemically treated ones. They better withstood heat and drought. Roots in the organic turf are deeper than ones treated with chemical fertilizers. The strength of any plant is in its roots. Our organic vegetable garden formulas produced great yields of quality nutritious food and our formulas for flowering plants created beauty that was breath-taking. Microbes are killed off with the use of chemical fertilizers but they flourish in the organic soil. Micro-organisms help aerate the soil so that roots can absorb more water. They break down organic material and release it as food to the plant. Mycorrhizal fungi are of special concern to us as they affect the root's ability to expand. They attract roots to the food , thus building a larger root system. A good food web is the key to outstanding results. At Sprainbrook we grow our plants and install our plants organically. We have written six programs for you to follow that have proven successful for our customers. The Organic Approach to: Lawns, Perennials, Vegetables, Evergreens, Trees, Shrubs, Annuals, Roses and the Home Orchard. They can be downloaded at Sprainbrook.com.. Pick them up at the Nursery as a handout or purchase my book where you will have all of this information at your finger tips. We have both used and tested our programs and they work.<p>Annuals: We grow our annuals organically. We have been feeding them with the amazing <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/daniels-reg-plant-food-p-181 target=_blank>Daniels</a> organic fertilizer and spraying <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/employ-reg-plant-health-promoter-2oz-package-p-183 target=_blank>Employ®</a>, a B-Harpin protein, every three weeks. The results are incredible and customers remark on how beautiful our plants are looking. Our flats of annuals are in hand- filled peat pots using our famous organic soil. Peat pots can be planted directly into the ground; a green practice which we have been following since our beginning. We love our plants and we love growing them. Many new varieties have been introduced in the past years. Most of these patented varieties are propagated asexually. Utilize these choices for their performance, flower power and beauty. They make gardening a rewarding task. Mainly because of these choices, the new trend is combination planting. Our introduction of European Combinations make us forerunners in this field. We also specialize in planting window boxes, patio containers and hanging baskets. If you bring in your containers, we will custom plant for you. It is important to pick the right plant for the right location. Browse through our online Catalogue for colored pictures and cultural information. Incorporate rich organic material into your soil. Feed the soil and the soil will feed the plant.. Watering is the most important factor in growing a good annual. Too much or too little can be detrimental. Overhead watering can be a disaster to flower quality. Mulching and drip irrigation can reduce the time needed to water correctly. Also the larger the container, the less frequently you need to water. Increase watering frequency in hot weather; reduce it in cool weather. When you water, water well so that you don't have to do it as often. Check your plants daily in order to develop a proper schedule. Use Sprainbrook Nursery soil in your container plantings; it's a formula my father developed and people travel great distances to purchase it. It is a mixture of Organic materials, different organic fertilizers and is fortified with microbes. It truly is an amazing soil, yielding great results. Follow "Preparation of a Planting Bed" in our online Catalogue for developing annual beds. It's a formula turning the worst possible Westchester soil into the best.<p>Perennials: There are many new perennials on the market. If you are not happy with something in a certain location, move it or get rid of it. Your garden space is too valuable. There are many micro climates on your property; follow the cultural directions in our online Catalogue so that you will place the right plant in the right location. Take a good look at your property and see where you can add perennials. Reduce lawn areas which are high maintenance and fill them with groundcover instead. The true gardener loves perennials because they are an endless source of surprises and solve a lot of problems. Do not overhead water; use drip irrigation and mulches to reduce the time needed to water. We carry all drip irrigation parts. . When planting, prepare your soil properly by following the directions in 'Preparation of the Planting Bed' located at the end of this newsletter. Always add organic matter when installing new plants. Control weeds and watch out for insect damage. Click on Catalogue information '<a href=http://www.sprainbrook.com/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.19&dbname=Nursery target=content target=_blank>Pest Management</a>' at Sprainbrook.com. Make sure you pruned and fed as per our April letter. As plants grow, deadhead and stake as necessary. Peonies need staking now.<p>Vegetables: Growing your own vegetables is very popular. To grow good vegetables you need a good location with lots of sun and initially you need to prepare a very good soil structure. This can be costly but will pay in the long run and will produce a superior yield and superior nutrition. Pick up our four page pamphlet called the Organic Vegetable Garden or download it on line or refer to my Chapter 'The Vegetable Garden' page 157 in my book. This will give you step by step instructions for growing organic vegetables. Add <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=myke target=_blank>Myke</a> at planting time for good root development. If there is one reason to go Organic, it would be to grow tasty nutritious vegetables. At planting time, use <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/espoma-plant-tone-reg-p-190 target=_blank>Plant-Tone</a>, a complete organic fertilizer. May is the month to plant your vegetable garden. Our plants are grown from organic seed in organic soil. Control weeds by applying Corn Gluten and mulch. Avoid overhead watering and keep up with staking. Check frequently for insect or rodent damage. Release Ladybugs and other beneficials in the area. Tomatoes should be planted now. Superior varieties can be grown by the home gardeners because they are not concerned with shelf life or shipping problems. Growing organically makes for better nutrition because all of the micro-nutrients become part of the vegetable's make up. This makes eating these vegetables a real treat. Mothers Day is considered the best time to plant the warm weather vegetable crops.<p>We carry repellents and can help you with fencing. Buy our organic plants, mulch the area and avoid overhead watering. I predict a great tomato year for 2012.<p>Evergreens, Trees and Shrubs: May is the month for planting. There is an incredible selection of choice material in the Nursery. Transplanting can take place prior to new growth. When planting, always make sure the soil level of the plant matches soil level of the ground. Never plant too deeply. Dig your hole three times the size of the ball and mix 1/3 organic matter. Add Peat Moss and Coir a peat substitute, Coast of Maine Penobscot Blend and mix the organic fertilizer <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/espoma-bio-tone-reg-starter-plus-4lb-p-185 target=_blank>Bio-tone Starter Plus</a> and add <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=myke target=_blank>Myke</a> which contains a strong mixture of Mycorrhizal fungi for developing a deeper root system. Make sure there is good soil on the bottom of the root system as well on the sides. Prevent air pockets by tamping down when you fill in. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch. Water your plants well for the first five days and then soak the root system twice a week. There continues to be a severe problem with Wooly Adelgid. Spray All Seasons Oil prior to the new soft growth on Hemlocks or after new growth has hardened. Cedar Apple Rust is a continuous problem, use a sulfur spray. Add compost to the surface of the soil. Black Vine Weevil is running rampant - use beneficial nematode (entomopathogenic) in the soil. Black Vine Weevil is a nocturnal insect feeding on foliage at night in May- June and on the roots the rest of the year. The Pine Saw Fly larvae will be out in numbers to defoliate your Mugho Pines; spray oils early in the season then <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-insect-disease-control-c-65/captain-jack-s-deadbug-brew-spinosad-p-350 target=_blank>Spinosad</a> when adults are feeding on foliage. Click onto '<a href=http://www.sprainbrook.com/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.19&dbname=Nursery target=content target=_blank>Pest Management</a>' for other potential problems. Healthy plants rarely develop insect problems. If you have been following my heavy feeding program, and top dressing your plants with a compost material, you should rarely develop problems. Insects feed on plants that have developed nutrient deficiencies.<p>There are many functional reasons to install evergreens, trees and shrubs: screening, shade, beauty, ground cover, noise reduction and of course the interest they add to your outdoor living. If you need help, have one of our landscape designers lay out a plan.<p>Roses: It is time to plant roses. All our Roses are chosen for disease resistant qualities. They require six hours of sun. Knock Out Roses are in great demand as they will tolerate some shade and are extremely disease resistant. Landscape roses are gaining in popularity. Mixing roses with your planting is in. It provides extra color all summer. For fertilizer use Bio-Tone Plus. Add organic material in the hole. Mix Lobster Compost, Penobscot Blend and cow manure with the existing soil. Add <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=myke target=_blank>Myke</a> at planting time for better root development. When spraying your roses organically, use BIO-NEEM every two weeks and a mix of <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/soil-ecolizer-trade-em2-3oz-p-211 target=_blank>Soil Ecolizer™ EM2</a> Foliar and <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/employ-reg-plant-health-promoter-2oz-package-p-183 target=_blank>Employ®</a> every three weeks. They can be mixed together. Existing Roses should be fed this month, with <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/daniels-reg-plant-food-p-181 target=_blank>Daniels</a> fertilizer. Refer to our pamphlet Organic Approach to Rose Care or to my book Chapter on 'Roses' page 221 to ensure you have completed all chores up to date. Roses will provide you with an abundance of bloom and color all summer long.<p>Lawns: Reseed bare areas, covering seed with 1/8" of Fafard Top Soil and water twice a day. When crabgrass controls such as Corn Gluten have been used, seed above the barrier by applying soil to the bare areas, seeding and then covering with a 1/8 inch of soil. Cover with E-Z straw and water three times a day. Seed patch applied above the barrier is another good solution for patching when Corn Gluten has already been applied. Where you have lots of weeds, pour on the seed and crowd out the weeds. Spread the right mixture of seed heavily in these areas, rake or broom the seed so it falls to the ground, spread top soil lightly on top of the seed. Rake or broom it in so it covers the seed. Water the area 3 times a day until germination takes place. The object is to get the grass to crowd the weeds out.<p>For May we are recommending applying Kelp Booster Plus. One bag covers 5,000 square feet. It is a natural bio-stimulant consisting of calcium, kelp extract and soil microbes. . Kelp is rich in plant growth compounds, micro nutrients, amino acids and vitamins. Calcium is essential for plant growth and development .Use kelp to promote root growth, increase resistance, develop healthy plant growth and improve seed germination. The strength of an organic lawn program is in its diversity. Organic lawns are good for the environment, good for you, your family and your pets and good for the vitality of your grass. There are a few basic procedures we would like you to follow. We recommend mowing at a 3-inch height. Mowing high results in fewer weeds, fewer pests, deeper roots, drought tolerance, slower regrowth, more shade tolerance and more blades. Never cut off more than a 1/3. Make sure your blades are sharp. Water is essential to growing a good lawn. We recommend watering grass 1/2 inch twice a week. Water early in the morning, so the blades of grass can dry off, reducing potential fungus problems. Place a cup out to see how much water you are delivering. The key is to water deeply but infrequently. This will promote a deep root system. Adding <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=myke target=_blank>Myke</a> for Turf is another method to increase root mass on your lawn. As organic gardeners, we are trying to crowd out weeds by growing a better turf. Weeds grow better at a low PH, grass grows better at a high PH. I like to grow grass at a PH of seven. If your PH is too low, add Mag-I-cal. We want our grass to become so thick it will crowd out everything else.<p>  <A NAME="PF"> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Plant Feature:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Vegetatively produced plants<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.4&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> Vegetatively produced plant materials have made tremendous strides, bringing superior varieties to your garden. The revolution in breeding and selecting outstanding varieties of plant material and then maintaining those superior varieties by producing them through vegetative propagation has transformed the way we use plants. We specialize in these varieties and have developed a 4 1/2" plant line that will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. We have gown our annuals organically. We feed them weekly with <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/daniels-reg-plant-food-p-181 target=_blank>Daniels</a> fertilizer and spray them every three weeks with <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/employ-reg-plant-health-promoter-2oz-package-p-183 target=_blank>Employ®</a>. Follow our instruction sheet 'The Organic Approach to Annuals' and your results will be spectacular. Before planting, add Organic Compost (Coast of Maine), Cow Manure and Bone Meal to the existing beds. If you are creating a new planting bed follow our formula for "The Preparation of a Planting Bed". When planting, use <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/espoma-bio-tone-reg-starter-plus-4lb-p-185 target=_blank>Bio-tone Starter Plus</a>. Add <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=myke target=_blank>Myke</a> at planting time for increased root mass. For hanging baskets, we are recommending inserting Jobs Plant Nutrition Tabs into the soil and fertilizing monthly with <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/daniels-reg-plant-food-p-181 target=_blank>Daniels</a>.. Whenever you are planting containers, use our organic soil which has everything in it. Combination plantings have become the 'in thing' and with our large selection of plants, you can create great displays of color in your containers.<p>  <A NAME="BV"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Best Value:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Top 20 Plants<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.5&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> Buy vegetatively grown plants selected for their superior qualities. They are selected for flower power, duration of bloom and standing up to adverse weather conditions.<p>My list of top twenty annuals: ALSTROEMERIA ' Inca Series' 'ANGELONIA 'Angel Mist' BEGONIA 'Red and Pink Dragon Wing'. BEGONIA Richmondensis, BIDENS 'Goldstar', CALIBRACHOA 'Callie and Million Bells. COLEUS Hybrids, CUPHEA 'LavenderLace' EUPHORBIA 'Diamond Frost' FUCHSIA 'Gartenmeister' SNAPDRAGON 'Luminaire ', IMPATIENS 'New Guinea Hybrids IMPATIENS 'Fusion Glow Improved' . IVY GERANIUM 'Balcon", LANTANA 'Patriot Series', PETUNIA 'Tiny Tunia', SCAEVOLA 'New Wonder, TORENIA 'Torri Blue', Phlox ' INTENSIA' WAVE PETUNIAS.<p>My list of top twenty five perennials: ACHILLEA 'Moonshine', AGASTACHE "Blue FORTUNE", ALCHEMILLA 'Mollis',ALCEA Rosea Plena', AQUILEGIA, ASTILBE, COREOPSIS verticillata 'Moonbeam', DIANTHUS "Firewitch", DICENTRA "Luxuriant" DIGITALIS Excelsoir', ECHINACEA'Magnus', GERANIUM "Rozanne", HEMEROCALLIS 'Stella d'Oro',HEUCHERA 'Royal Velvet', HOSTA sieboldiana 'Elegans' LAMIUM 'Red Nancy', LEUCANTHEMUM 'Becky' LIRIOPE "Big Blue", MONARDA 'Raspberry Wine' NEPETA fassinii 'Blue Wonder', PAEONIA, PEROVSKIA atriplicifolia, RUDBECKIA fulgida 'Goldsturm', SALVIA 'Ost Friesland', SEDUM 'Autumn Joy',SCABIOSA columbaria<p>  <A NAME="GT"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Gardening Tip:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Time to plant<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.7&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> Now is the time to plant. If you want to grow a good plant, you need to have a good soil. When growing plants in containers, use our soil. It is the very best, a formula developed by my father. People come from great distances to purchase it. It is steam sterilized, a blend of seven different organic materials enriched with a mixture of different organic fertilizers and fortified with microbes. Our formula for 'Preparation of a Planting Bed' should be followed. The formula turns the worst possible soil into the best possible soil and is listed at the end. Plant the proper plants in their proper location in a good rich soil. Keep them well watered and they will thrive. My book concentrates on soil formulas that will produce superior plants. <p>For those in Deer Country we have written a very comprehensive Deer report which is one whole chapter of my book '<a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/gardening-tools-books-c-73_94/12-steps-to-natural-gardening-p-355 target=_blank><i>12 Steps To Natural Gardening</i></a>". Copies are available at the Nursery. We think it is the best on the market and includes rated deer resistant plants. Our two favorite repellents are still Deer Stopper as a spray which repels by taste and <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-animal-repellents-c-66/deer-scram-granulated-repellent-p-254 target=_blank>Deer Scram</a> as a granular applied to the soil which repels by smell. Great raves from those who have used them. We can't keep it in stock. To get the best control of deer, affect two of their senses.<p>There are many other repellents out this year for woodchucks, squirrels, rabbits, cats, dogs, and other garden pests. They are organic and safe to use.<p>Our web site is filled with an incredible amount of gardening advice. Each year we try to add more color and more information. This year we have added more written material to our information section. Keep checking this area as our webmaster is doing his best to get all the items inputted. In 1944 we had a hand-written list of the plants we grew. Each year the list grew and then was typed and stapled together. Our first catalogue came out in the 60s. It was called The Sprainbrook Red Book; it is interesting to see how young we all looked back then. Our catalogues became a collector's item and many customers still have them. On the web it became bigger and better. The catalogue portion can easily be downloaded with a PDF file. Download it using 3 hole paper and put it into a 3 hole binder. The site has colored pictures, extra information and the ability to sort and look for plants. Our goal is to make this the best Horticultural site. If only there were more hours in the day. Any <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/feedback-reg-liquid-compost-p-192 target=_blank>Feedback</a> on things you would like added is always appreciated. Our website is here to serve you. If you are not on our email list, don't forget to sign up for weekly garden tips. This can be done online by going to Sprainbrook.com. Send them to friends or other people you know that might benefit from our advice. Our mission in life is to make everyone a better gardener. We have a tremendous amount of handouts at the Nursery.<p>I have written a book '<a href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/gardening-tools-books-c-73_94/12-steps-to-natural-gardening-p-355" target=_blank">Twelve Steps to Natural Gardening</a>'. It encompasses a lifetime of learning and growing experience with important information to help you successfully garden the organic way. My hope is that everyone will be able to purchase a copy for their own use. My intent is to make organic gardening easier and more enjoyable for you. I want you to experience the joy and value of an organic garden. My hope is to get the whole family involved in an exciting and healthy experience. The family that gardens together stays together. Nature teaches us many great lessons. Many of my customers that have read the book have come back to buy other copies for friends or relatives. It makes a great Mother's day or Father's day gift. It helps spread the word that we all need to follow an organic approach. We are all in this together.<p><a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/employ-reg-plant-health-promoter-2oz-package-p-183 target=_blank>Employ®</a>: There are questions about <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/employ-reg-plant-health-promoter-2oz-package-p-183 target=_blank>Employ®</a>, the new B-Harpin product taking over for <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/messenger-reg-plant-health-activator-3-pack-12oz-packets-p-196 target=_blank>Messenger®</a>. . "How does it work? "Do I still have to feed?" Do everything as before. Good growing habits and good nutrition are important. <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/employ-reg-plant-health-promoter-2oz-package-p-183 target=_blank>Employ®</a> stimulates the plant's defense and growth mechanisms, building up the immune system and making everything within the plant better; better roots, more flowers, stronger plants, more resistance to disease. The end result is a better, more beautiful plant. It is technology that was developed at Cornell University and received the Presidential Green Chemistry Award , the active ingredient is Harpin Protein which acts as a trigger. A doubting customer sprayed every other plant. He came back to buy twice as much the next year saying Harpin protein is incredible.<p>Below is my formula for the Preparation of a new Planting Bed. This will build a strong Food web. On established beds feed from the top down. Using the 7 products with an x in front of them. For vegetables use 3 Lobster and 1 Penobscot mix. Happy organic gardening.<p>PREPARATION OF A NEW PLANTING BED<br>Per 100 square feet dig and mix into the top one foot area:<li>1 bale of peatmoss 3.8 cubic feet.<li>1 Coir block<li>x 2 bags of Lobster Compost: 40lb bags of compost<li>x 2 bags of Penobscot Blend: 40 lb bags of compost<li>x 2 bags of Cow Manure<li>2 bags of Fafard humusl<li>x 4.5 lbs Bone Meal<li>1 lb. Mineral Rock Dust<li>x 6.7 pounds of Lime<li>x 8 pounds of <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/organic-natural-fertilizers-biostimulants-c-67/espoma-plant-tone-reg-p-190 target=_blank>Plant-Tone</a> (Espoma)<p>  <A NAME="GF"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Gardening Frequently Asked Question:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> <br> --> <A NAME="TN"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Tour the Nursery:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> The most exciting time of the year!<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/Mvc-008s.jpg width=500 height=375 ><br> This is the most exciting month of the year at Sprainbrook. The Nursery is filled with plants, plants, plants and more plants. There is an incredible selection of hanging baskets including our famous European combinations. Our 4 1/2" line of Proven Winners grown from cuttings will provide you with the newest and best varieties available. Our large selection of annuals grown in peat pots and market packs offer you the best choices. We grow the best varieties of perennials and our selection is incredible. If your property is very shady, make sure you visit our Woodland Section. Out back in the Nursery the quality of our trees and shrubs is exceptional. They come in all sizes and all varieties. We have learned what will survive well in this area and we have chosen to carry these plants. Check out our aquatic plants. We carry a complete selection. The color in May is spectacular.<p>  </TD></TR></TABLE> <HR> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Professional Associations</span></span> <center> <IMG SRC="deco/nurserymen.gif" ALT="New York State Certified Nurseryman" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=99 WIDTH=100>  <IMG SRC="deco/Ppa.gif" ALT="Perennial Plant Association Member" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=95 WIDTH=138>  <IMG SRC="deco/hgs-slant.gif" ALT="Home and Garden Showplace Affiliate" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=61 WIDTH=132> </CENTER> <p> </BODY> </HTML>