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

Houseplant Topiaries

Topiaries

Topiaries were first created for outdoor use. However the concept of a living sculpture is also a popular way to grow and display several types of indoor houseplants and tender herbs.
Ivy is probably the houseplant most commonly used as an indoor topiary. Ivies grown indoors prefer to be kept in a bright light location with moderate temperatures. It is beneficial to rotate them to the light source to maintain a full and balanced appearance.
Dry warm air caused by heating and cooling systems can rob topiaries of some of their moisture. It is helpful to treat Ivy topiaries with a monthly shower of water or a mild solution ( 1 tsp. to 1 gal.) of Dawn or Joy dish detergent. This rinses the dust off the foliage, thereby discouraging spider mites.
Allow the Ivy topiary to dry out between waterings, then drench the plant thoroughly. Fertilize every other watering with half strength houseplant fertilizer.
The shape of topiaries can be maintained by pruning or winding the tendrils around the topiary frame. Remove any dead leaves or dying stems that may appear.
Other houseplants can also be used to create a living topiary. Angel Vine and Jasmine have a more delicate leaf shape and create a lovely appearance. The herb Rosemary is frequently displayed in topiary form and gives the added pleasure of it's wonderful fragrance.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Cineraria
Senecio cruentus

Cineraria is a popular florist plant that makes a lovely centerpiece for your table. Available February through March, it's masses of daisy like flowers in a broad spectrum of colors will add splash and cheer to mid winter grays outside. The flowers rise above beautiful foliage, some varieties of which have colorful undersides to their large leaves as well. Cineraria do not like to be in direct sun, but a well lit location is ideal.
The soil should be kept moist, but not soaking wet. These beauties prefer cool temperatures: 60-65F during the day, 55-60F at night. Treat this plant as an annual and discard after it is finished blooming. It should bloom for several weeks once it is fully open though, much longer than a fresh bouquet of flowers!

By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses