Sunday, February 28, 2010

Behind the Scenes Feb. 26, 2010


Newly Potted Roses

This week we are starting a new section on our blog to give you a peek at what goes on behind the scenes, sometimes months before the plant ever appears for sale. Hopefully, this will bring everyone to a deeper appreciation of what goes into getting seeds ,cuttings, bare root plants, and plugs to quality finished plant, and how long it may take to get them there.
Some of the tasks accomplished this past week included; seeding of some spring vegetables, including eggplant; planting million bell hanging baskets with plants that were started weeks ago; taking ivy and vinca vine cuttings to be rooted and grown for selling in spring; and completing the planting of over 400 varieties of perennials.
Greenhouses that have been closed over the past few months are being cleaned and sterilized in preparation for all the annuals being planted for spring. Speaking of planting, you wouldn't believe all the pots we use on a daily basis, not to mention soil and fertilizer!
This week concluded with final planting of approximately 2100 bare root roses from Jackson & Perkins and Weeks, including four of the newest varieties: Pumpkin Patch, Sedona, Ch-Ching, and Monkey Business. This represents only four of 125 varieties we will have available. We will also have tree standard roses in 2' & 3' sizes, as well as a double ball topiary standard.

By: The Production Staff
Planters and Growers at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses