I was going to write about compost. I am such a huge fan. That rich nourishing smell of the earth, the way the steam rises off a warm rich freshly turned pile. Something I love and know a lot about! However, being that the release of this article (Nov 7), I thought I would try writing about something I know absolutely nothing about! Deer Season! That time of year when beards start to grow, the gear gets brought out, rifles get sighted, PTO that has been saved is about to be used, and the nursery is almost vacated of staff and customers.

What gives? I thought I would do a little research and see what all the hype is about. And boy did I learn a lot!

Of course, my immediate focus was ‘hunting and the challenges to the landscape’.  However, as I was educating myself on all things “whitetail”: scouting, the Rut, scrapes, rubs, food, disease, etc., I was totally intrigued by this thing called “hunting”! I get it!

Even though I couldn’t shoot or use a bow, the opportunity to be in the woods, the excitement in the air, and the camaraderie between fellow hunters must be an awesome experience. So why the decline in hunters? It was interesting to read about the decline and the ripple effect it has on the economy.

Public opinion has had a direct effect, and this year had the biggest decline in 30 years. Demographics have had a huge impact on the approval rating. Only 65% of African Americans approve of hunting, 61% of Hispanics, and 69% of people 18-39. The highest favorability was those who hunt regularly, shoot recreationally, fish, are male, caucasian, live in the Midwest or rural areas and are 35 years old or older.

The decline of hunters has vast funding issues for the state government. Fewer licenses being sold hurts state and federal programs. Hunting pumps hundreds of millions into conservation efforts. Unfortunately, without that funding, there is a less detailed approach to many programs. Most importantly, controlling and managing the herd!

As much as I like hearing my hunter friends bragging about that 8-point buck, it seems the responsible approach to managing the herd lies with the does. With the decrease in hunters, the deer population is rising. This increase in the deer population has many great concerns.

I could certainly continue in many different directions. I could go on about all the cool clothing and garb, best practices, safety, and even about programs aimed at building renewed interest in the sport. There is so much more to the sport then picking up a weapon and heading in the woods. Educate yourself, respect the landscape, and be mindful of the footprint you leave behind. Have fun and be safe!

But, most of all, good luck!

It’s that time of year again. The weather is hot, and the days are long. The plants are growing, blooming, and the season is in full swing. The last thing on your mind is spring bulbs! This time of year, bulbs are at the forefront of mine.  Updating our bulb selection and preparing for our Early Order Bulb Program can take quite a bit of time. Last year, we revamped the program. Largely due to the quantity increase from 50 tulips per box to 100 per box and the daffs from 50 to 75. Along with the increased quantities in these bulb sizes, we added an additional value to our customers by offering quantity breaks at 2 boxes for all of our Crocus and unusual varieties, including Chionodoxa, Hyacinthoides, Iris, Muscari, and Scilla.

The Early Order Bulb Program allows our customers to take advantage of some substantial savings. Although there is still a discount for the more boxes you buy, it doesn’t even compare to the savings of getting that order in quickly!

This season we have added a few more selections to choose from.

Unfortunately, every season we lose a few varieties that we have enjoyed. The good news is that there are so many fun choices it is exciting to see what each season holds in store! Be on the lookout for our bulb mailer that should land mid-July, but you can digitally check it out and print it if you click here! (The password is the same as the availability password on your e-mail) We also have the flyers at all our service counters. And don’t forget your BulbTone!!

Spring in the nursery can be quite a magical time of year with the smell of the thawing earth in the air, the buds emerging on branches, green shoots coming from the ground, and Michigan temperatures all over the map! How can one possibly prepare for the everchanging weather patterns when they can range from cold to warm, dry to rain, and the occasional snow/sleet mix all in one day!

If you are anything like me (and you are probably not), I have a vast array of different gloves. My glove needs change throughout the day depending on what job or task I am involved in, so I seem to have an assortment of different gloves on me at all times. Thankfully we sell approximately 20 different varieties... And I think I have 15! A few of my favorites include the Ninja’s for cold weather, H2O waterproof, and the basic blue and grey palm. I also love the long print arm savers that help with prickly projects like roses. The Mudd line is very versatile and carries many options. Including the ‘Soft and Cool’ aloe. Aloe in a glove. Who knew? You can find many different material options as well, from leather to goatskin, bamboo to thermal, etc...

I could certainly continue with rain gear, hats and brim benefits, and multitudes of sunscreen products, however, I need to get back out into the plants! To sum up, the purpose of this article is that no matter what you are doing there is not one specific product that will meet all your needs for all of your jobs. Knowing what works for you and having the basics to meet the demands of the weather conditions you are working in is enough. No matter how many fun and fancy gloves I buy, what works for me are basic blue palm. No matter how many boots I go through, what works for me are basic, waterproof, all temperature, all season, one pair, work boot. Whatever “bibs” I have to add an extra layer of warmth to my already layers of warmth underneath are adequate. So as this new season gets underway, keep dry, warm, cool, layered, covered, and most of all- safe!

Happy Spring

For those of you who don’t know, I have been a hairdresser for almost 35 years (...yes, I started VERY young). With the clientele I still maintain, spring is the time of year my customers want "a little more off the top". It's the time of year temperatures change and HUMIDITY can alter the decision of a new spring 'do. It’s kind of the same with my roses! 

Here at CPC, and for you and your customers, spring is the best time for cleaning up, shearing up, and shaping up your roses. After the snow is gone but before new leaves start to pop, it's the perfect time to give these beauties a bit of attention for top performance. While we are all looking forward to color and growth in our landscape, nothing holds court like a well-maintained rose bush.

Just as I cut off fried hair and split ends while styling my clients, when cleaning up roses I begin by removing last year's old leaves from on and around the plants. This reduces pests or disease carried over from last season. You'll want to cut back dead wood, broken or crossing branches, and anything smaller than a straw. It might seem like giving a pixie cut when you're going for long layers, but clearing out all this extra branching allows for better airflow - and airflow is key for keeping rose foliage healthy.  When trimming the remaining branches, cutting above outward facing buds directs the growth upward and outward for a more optimal vase-shaped form.

Knock Out® roses are considered a shrub rose and self-cleaning. However, they still benefit from a nice cleanup in the spring, especially after they've had a few years in the ground. I like to take them down to about 12-18". They are such vigorous growers that, if you don't show them who's boss, you'll find yourself with a plant much larger than you intended.

Climbing roses are a little different. They have main, upright branches and lateral ones. The main branches should be left alone as much as possible. If cut, the plant will focus it’s energy on recovering height before pushing out lateral growth, which is where you'll get flowers. When pruning lateral branching there is no worry where to cut around the buds, anywhere will encourage a push of new growth and those desirable flowers.

So have no fear when considering your spring maintenance program. Sharpen those tools and get pruning! Oh, and don't forget your gloves.