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=winner.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/winner.gif" ALT="Proven Winner" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Proven Winners</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> <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=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 © 2007 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>Let us help you solve your lawn problems</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> <IMG SRC="images/new.gif" width=48 height=18 border=0 alt="NEW!"> <b><a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.32&dbname=Nursery>The Organic Approach to Gardening</a> articles and instructions to help you go organic!</b> <p> <b><a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.29&dbname=Nursery>Download the 2008 Sprainbrook Catalog</a></b>      <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> <small><b>Sprainbrook Nursery presents</b><BR></small> <span class=h2><span class=blue>Krautter's Korner</span></span> <BR> <B>April.</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> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Garden Calendar:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Start early<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> The Organic movement in this country is growing. We have not been kind to the earth. The changes we need to make to go organic are easy. The schedule to follow is simple. The reasons to follow are compelling. There are three major reasons to go organic: Health, Environment and Plant Quality. There is a growing concern that health issues are directly related to the addition of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and modified seeds. More and more studies on this subject point to an increase in diseases. Typical examples are statements like Cancer is in direct proportion to the increase in pesticide use; or that the people who play Golf have a greater chance of incurring illness. We do not have specific links to products or illness but the red flags are there, and the concern is there. Concern for the health of their children, pets and themselves. This large group of people is turning to the organic approach for answers. There is also a great concern for our environment. Mother Nature has taught us the way and all we need to do is follow. Only that which comes from the earth should go back into the earth. Our streams and rivers are being polluted by the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. We have fish dying and ponds full of plumes. Another pervasive problem is erosion. An effective solution for this problem is ground covers. Grass is one of our best ground covers. We need healthy lawns to sustain a healthy environment. Organic fertilizers are not water soluble, are broken down by the microbes in the soil and are directly released to the plant. They are made from products that need to be a recycled back into the earth. And of course plants help purify the air. Gardening organically is good for our environment. Finally the quality of your plants can be tremendously increased by following an organic program. The organic argument claims that chemical fertilizers weaken your plants, making them more prone to insects and diseases. They become chemically dependent and need their fix to survive. Each plant needs special formulas to thrive. In an organic soil we feed the soil and the soil feeds the plants. The greater the mix of organics added the greater the results. Once these ingredients are broken down by the microbes, all plants will have what they need to survive and thrive. Our focus is on building up the immune system of the plant rather than focusing on cures. We have written programs spelling out timing and ingredients for every phase of gardening. They can be downloaded at Sprainbrook.com. We installed beautiful organic gardens last year and it was nice to go back and see that birds, butterflies and bees had returned. Last year Sprainbrook Nursery changed its growing operation to organics. We learned a lot in one year. We are using beneficials for insect and disease control and have fortified our soils with even more organic supplements. We have come across some incredible products yielding incredible results. There is nothing like the quality of an organically grown plant. There is no plant that will take better to your soil. Good lawns are important to Westchester residents. The theory that with organic lawns you have to live with weeds and inferior results is wrong. Organics strive for the perfect lawn, it may require a three- year program but the results in the end are amazing. A good lawn, in order to survive, needs a good deep root system with a rich organic soil. Follow our program and start seeing the results. We have satellite companies who will follow our program if you need extra help. It is time to make the switch and go Organic.<p>April is the month when the plant juices start flowing and growth and flowering take place. Scratch the bark on any plants that may have suffered winter injury. And if it is still green, it will probably develop new foliage during the month of June. Cut back any dead stems that do not show green in them down to the portion of the stem that is green. Feed your plants with Plant-tone, mineralize your soil and keep your plants well watered and properly mulched. Water is the most important ingredient in growing a good plant. Turn your outdoor water on early; make sure your outdoor sprinkling systems are on and pray for our traditional April showers. Make sure everything is well mulched and if the rains don't come, make sure adequate water is there for your plants as they start maturing with their new spring growth. It is important to start early and get your yard in order. Clean up any debris lying around from the year before to avoid breeding disease. Perennials should be cut back by now, fed, mulched, new beds prepared, transplants completed and new plants purchased and planted. Evergreens, Deciduous Trees and Shrubs should be fed and mulched. Roses should have been pruned by now, fed, mulched, new beds prepared. Corn Gluten should be applied in April for Crabgrass and weed control.<p>Perennials: Top dress with compost and mulch to a depth of 2 inches. Cleanliness is essential in perennial beds. All dead tissue must be removed and plants should be cut back or trimmed as necessary. The beds should be clean of any leaves. Fertilize with Plant- tone if you haven't done so in March. This will supply your plants steadily with food during their growing period. Top dress with Fundy Blend Coast of Maine compost which adds important micro nutrients to the soil). As soon as your perennials leaf out, spray with Messenger. Messenger is cutting edge gardening - boosting your plant's blooms and overall plant vigor and providing disease resistance. Before new growth takes place, divide existing plants that have become overgrown; or transplant some to a new location in the garden. Mulching has tremendous benefits and should be done but do not exceed 2 inches in depth as you will smother your plants. New beds should be prepared by digging deeply and mixing into the soil the ingredients recommended in "Preparation of the Planting Bed." Best of all, it's time to plant perennials. Select the right plant for the right location. We dedicate a great deal of space in our Catalogue giving cultural directions for all the plants we grow. There are many microclimates on your property. If you pick the right plant, it will thrive. Try our finder key on the web which will select plants for a certain exposure, such as shade. Ground cover can fill in bare areas, flowers can add color to an otherwise dull view and cut flowers can add color to the interior of your home. Check out our list of newly added perennials.<p>MINERAL ROCK DUST (Azomite): 10 pounds covers 1,000 square feet. Mineralize your soil. Plants require more than fertilizer (NPK) and water for proper nutrition. Often plants are not able to produce healthy growth due to deficiency of key micro nutrients. The malnourished soil leads to weakened plants. Weakened plants lead to insect and disease problems. Applying mineral rock dust mimics the actions of Mother Nature by replacing minerals once spread via glaciers, flooding and wind. Using mineral rock dust on your land is a sound organic practice beneficial to living soil. The results are astounding and speak for themselves. Optimal organic soil produces prime, healthy plants. This product provides the soil with a large variety of minerals which re-mineralize depleted soils, improve soil structure and catalyze soil biology. Application rates 10 lbs. Per 1,000 sq. ft.<p>Make sure your beds are clean of any leaves or dead tissue. If you did not fertilize in March Make sure evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs are fed with PLANT-TONE. Before new growth starts, transplant plants that you would like to move to another location.<p>Now that the ground is workable, it is an ideal time to purchase and plant nursery stock. For new plants check your watering twice a week and more frequently during the heat of summer. Make sure your evergreens are well mulched but do not bury them. Flowering trees, fruit trees and shade trees should also be fed with Plant-Tone. Using a crow bar to make a hole and adding an organic fertilizer to the hole can be very beneficial. Before new growth starts, transplant. . For the installation of a new plant follow our Organic Approach to planting a tree. When planting, always make sure the soil level of the plant matches the soil level of the ground. Never plant too deeply but rather slightly high. Dig your hole three times the size of the ball and mix 1/3 peatmoss, 1/3 organic soil and BIO-TONE STARTER PLUS into the soil mix. Make sure BIO-TONE STARTER PLUS is mixed into the soil so that beneficial microbes come in contact with the roots. Micorrhizal fungi which are also part of this mix are of special concern to us. They affect the root's ability to survive, reducing transplant shock and ensuring the plants ability to acclimate. Fill the soil on the side packing it tightly to prevent air pockets. Make sure soil is not packed above the existing root ball. Top dress with a 1/4" of your own compost or LOBSTER COMPOST and apply Plant-Tone an organic fertilizer to the surface. A two inch layer of mulch completes the planting. Water your plants well for the first five days and then soak your root system twice a week. Make sure you always plant soil level to soil level; planting too deep will cause the plant to die a slow death.<p>Roses: Apply PLANT BOOSTER PLUS (Organica): 8-2-4- Apply 1 cup per bush. This is a biologically enhanced fertilizer that addresses both soil health and plant nutrition. It begins with the selection of high quality nutrient sources comprised of feather meal, steamed bone meal, and sulfate of potash. These organic/natural components are then inoculated with a select array of highly beneficial microorganisms. This process results in a safe, highly effective formulation providing plants with beneficial nutrition and promotes healthy plant development through improved soil. . MINERAL ROCK DUST: 10 pounds covers 1,000 square feet. Mineralize your soil. Plants require more than fertilizer (NPK) and water for proper nutrition. Often plants are not able to produce healthy growth due to deficiency of key micro nutrients. The soil is malnourished leading to weakened plants. Weakened plants lead to insect and disease problems.<p>Paramagnetic rock use is gaining popularity for its positive influence on soil and plants.<p>Spray ECOLIZER EM: Spray every 2 weeks for disease control. It can be mixed with Messenger.<p>Roses should have been pruned by now and winter protection removed. Those who used Messenger last year reported heavier flowering and very little black spot. Buy and plant new Roses. Roses need a location with at least 6 hours of sun. With the proper bed preparation and following an organic program they will reward you with an abundance of flowers for many years. Spray Messenger every three weeks as soon as your plants have leafed out. Knock out Roses are gaining popularity as they are more disease resistant and survive with a half day of sun. If you give roses the proper location and proper bed preparation, they will reward you for many years.<p>LAWNS: Apply ORGANICA LAWN BOOSTER 25 lbs. Covers 2,500 sq. ft. (90 % Corn Gluten plus bone meal, sulfate of potash and beneficial soil bacteria. Provides slow release N, P, K. Does not push excessive growth. Improves nutrient availability, P, K, Mg, and fixes atmospheric N). Improves soil structure, increases humus levels. Provides turf with increased resistance to environmental extremes (drought, heat, foot traffic). Apply Corn Gluten for crabgrass and weed control and to add Microbes to the soil. Apply this when the Forsythias are in bloom. Crabgrass is an annual which occurs in sunny locations and tends to take over. It usually occurs where you have had a crabgrass problem in the past. If you need to do patching, seed over the barrier by using a product called Johnathan-Green "Green Patch" or apply a 1/4 of an inch soil above the barrier and seed into it. Corn Gluten will support root growth. However if you need to do a major re-seeding project, do not apply Corn Gluten as it will also prevent grass germination. Moss is an indication of acidic soil. Moss and weeds grow better at a low PH while grass growers better at a PH of 6.5 -7. Add lime if your PH is too low.<p>Pest Management: Wooly adelgids continue to be prevalent on Hemlocks. Those who have been following a spray schedule have been successful. Dormant oils in spray form give the best control. As your Apple trees leaf, spray Sulfur as the organic control for Cedar Apple Rust and Apple Scab. Keep a vigilant eye on for other potential problems and treat early with an organic control.<p>  <A NAME="PF"> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Plant Feature:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Cold tolerant annuals<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> We grow our pansies in frames without any winter heat. They are well hardened and will be able to go out into the garden early. We all long for spring, and the thought of planting early is intriguing. Here is a list of cold tolerant annuals. Download this list if you are interested in trying to beat the season with some early planting; African Daisy 25F, Bidens 25F, Bachelor Buttons 20F, Dianthus 20F, Diascia Red Ace' 0F, Dusty Miller 25F, Felicia variegated 25F, Phlox intensia 25F, Euryops 25F, Helichrysum Icicles 0F, Nemesia Sunsatia 20F, Pansies 20F, Primroses 10F, Salvia gargantica and leucantha 25F, Snapdragon 25F, Stocks 25F, Verbena Babylon & Tukana 20F, Vinca Vines 20F, A great combo for early window boxes - Pansies, African Daises, trailing Snapdragon, Diascia, Verbena, Nemesia for texture and color, Icicles for silver tones, Felicia for variegation and Vinca Vines for trailing.<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> The Sprainbrook Nursery Catalog<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> Quality, Selection and Information. Spend some time browsing our online Catalogue at Sprainbrook.com. It can be downloaded on a PDF file. You can browse the colored pictures. Each year we add color to our site. We have put lots of effort into making this the best Garden Center site on the internet. Bookmark it as a favorite site. The information is invaluable. Sprainbrook Nursery Catalogue contains years of experience and it is free. I have downloaded it and put mine in a loose leaf binder. It is well worth the effort.<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> Organic fertilizers<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> Coast Of Maine has come out with a group of fertilizers and soil amendments that has drawn raving responses from many of our customers. Fantastic results were reported in the vegetable garden by incorporating Penobscot Blend (composted salmon, herring, mussels, wild blueberries and sphagnum peat) at the rate of 4 - 8 bags per 100 square feet. Lobster Compost (Quoddy Blend) (Composted Salmon, Lobster, Shrimp, Crab and Cow Manure at the rate of 4 - 8 bags per 100 square feet and Aroostock blend dehydrated hen manure, a high quality blend (our recommendation would be to apply 4 of each). Fundy Blend is an excellent mulch and top dressing for Perennials and contains kelp.<P>Deer Problems: Deer are becoming an increasing problem each year. These are several suggestions for those living in deer country. Use deer repellents. Best control for deer is to affect at least two of their senses. We recommend that you use Deer Scram to repel them by smell and Deer Stopper to repel them by taste. Familiarize yourself with plants that deer do not like to eat. Refer to Sprainbrook.com for our helpful lists. Try to break their path by forming barriers to their grazing route. Three rows of thin fishing line strung at different heights from tree to tree can act as a deterrent. If you can't take it anymore, think of putting up a fence. Fencing in your back yard and leaving your front yard open is a good solution. Stick to Deer resistant plants for the front yard while treating yourself to all of your favorites in the back yard.<P>Messenger is a revolutionary, naturally derived product for growing healthier, more productive gardens. It works by unlocking the natural ability of plants to defend themselves and flourish. This breakthrough technology was discovered at Cornell University and developed by Eden Bioscience, and it is only the third care product ever to receive the prestigious, Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the EPA. The active ingredient In Messenger, harpin protein, is the first scientifically proven "trigger" that amplifies every plant's inherent ability to protect itself and thrive. When Messenger is sprayed on a plant, it activates the natural system that manages stress defense, growth and reproduction. Messenger-treated plants are healthier, more vigorous, better able to resist stress from adverse weather or pests, and more productive. Messenger is the perfect complement to plant foods and fertilizers because it enhances the plant's ability to utilize nutrients. Messenger isn't just cutting-edge science...it's how to make every plant in your garden grow better. Last year a customer decided to experiment and sprayed every other plant in the row. He said the difference was astounding as he bought his years supply.<P><B>My list of top twenty perennials:</B><BR>ACHILLEA 'Moonshine'<BR>AGASTACHE 'Blue Fountain'<BR>ALCHEMILLA 'Mollis'<BR>ASTILBE<BR>COREOPSIS verticillata 'Moonbeam'<BR>CORYDALIS 'Lutea'<BR>GAURA lindheimeri<BR>HEMEROCALLIS 'Stella d'Oro'<BR>HOSTA sieboldiana 'Elegans'<BR>LEUCANTHEMUM 'Becky'<BR>MONARDA 'Raspberry Wine'<BR>NEPETA fassinii 'Blue Wonder'<BR>PAEONIA<BR>PEROVSKIA atriplicifolia<BR>PLAYCODON<BR>RUDBECKIA fulgida 'Goldsturm'<BR>SALVIA 'Ost Friesland'<BR>SEDUM 'Autumn Joy'<BR>SCABIOSA columbaria<BR>VERONICA 'Sunny Border Blue'<P>Our formula for 'Preparation Of A Planting Bed' should be followed. The formula brings the worst possible soil to the best possible soil. Per 100 square feet dig in and mix to a depth of one foot.<P><b>PREPARATION OF A NEW PLANTING BED</b><BR>Per 100 square feet dig and mix into the top one foot area:<BR>2 bales of Peatmoss 3.8 cubic feet.<BR>2 bags of Lobster Compost: 40lb bags of compost<BR>2 bags of Penobscot mix: 40 llb bags of compost<BR>2 bags of Cow Manure<BR>2 bags of Fafard Peat Humus<BR>1 lb Mineral Rock Dust<BR>5 pounds of Lime<BR>5 pounds of Bone Meal<BR>6 pounds of Plant Booster Plus (Organica)<BR>5 pounds of Plant Tone (Espoma)</P><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> My plants look dead<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.8&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> My shrubs look dead. All the leaves have turned brown. What can I do? Winter-burn was not particularly severe this year but in situations where the plant was stressed out problems still crop up. Scratch the bark and if it is green it should come back. If there is die back from the tip cut back to where the stem is green. Keep the plant growing. Keep it well fed, add Feedback to the soil and keep it well watered. New leaves will grow and replace the winter burned leaves. Be patient as this process will take a little bit of time.<p>  <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> Landscape designs<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/2000-04.jpg width=500 height=375 ><br> We increase our perennial selection every year. I was always disappointed in our fern selection, so in the last two years I have been working hard to make this one of our best areas. I have added many new and exciting plants. Our landscape designs are great because our selection is incredible. We are packing the plants into Sprainbrook by propagating and planting heavily each day. A customer once said "I never saw so many plants in one location". We carry the better varieties that 60 years of experience has taught us to choose. We are spraying our plants every three weeks with Messenger - they have been triggered to perform better for you. I suggest you keep the process going by also spraying every 3 weeks - you will see a tremendous difference in your garden. One ounce covers 1,000 square feet. The greenhouses are filled with plants and look beautiful; the nursery is being filled with specimen plant material; and our garden supplies remain the best quality items you can buy at very competitive prices. We are proud of the quality we carry throughout the nursery and of our ability to care for our plants so that their quality increases rather than decreases with time. We are proud that through our many years of experience we can choose the best tools for gardening. You may want to browse gardeningthings.com, our internet online buying site for garden supplies. It gives you an in depth look at the products we carry and why we carry them.<p>Our Landscape Designers and our Crews are very experienced and can carry any project from conception to completion. We follow an organic approach when installing our gardens. The results are fantastic. We fill our designs with color. The birds, the honey bees and the butterflies come back. The garden becomes a cheerful place, a place you will want to spend a lot of your time. Check out the photos on the sprainbrook.com site Landscape Department for more interesting photos of completed projects.<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>