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Have you ever wondered what goes on in local nurseries once July and August roll around? I did, so I decided to pop over to Reynolds Farms to ask Vincent DeOrio that very question.
A large, double farm gate brings you to a beautifully landscaped nursery, with signposts and trails leading to different plants, trees and shrubs. Shade perennials are up a little hill under a large tree. Shrubs and trees are grouped together and carefully labeled. There are racks of sun-loving geraniums in all sorts of colors vying for attention near the entrance to the barn where tools and other gardening paraphernalia are displayed.
It took me a while to find Vincent to ask him my question because he was busy with customers. He finally appeared from behind a great display of Budleia, also known as butterfly bushes, whose pink, white and purple blossoms waved enticingly. Gosh, I wish I had a bigger garden!
Well, he said, People whove been on vacation are coming back for more annuals because their pots didnt survive. Hanging baskets dry out really quickly, especially with the hot weather weve had this year. I asked him if there was anything people could do to keep their pots going longer in hot weather. Yes, there are new soil products out now that hold the moisture better than regular soil. Theyve got crystals in them that expand and keep the soil damp.
Vincent gave me some other good tips on watering plants. Always water at the roots! You dont want to spray your plants, as that water just evaporates so the plant gets little benefit, he said. Another good idea is to use a soaker hose, especially if youve just planted lots of expensive trees and shrubs. Soaker hoses are made of recycled materials and water seeps out very slowly along the length of the hose, delivering water right at the roots where its supposed to go.
Reynolds Farms is located at 23 Richards Avenue in Norwalk, next to Costco. (203) 866-5757. Closed on Sundays.
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