The Online Garden Gossip

1011 North Woodlawn, Kirkwood, MO 63122                         314-965-3070                             www.sugarcreekgardens.com

Karen's gardening calendar

Every few weeks we feature timely advice on things you can do in your garden, thanks to Karen Collins, one of Sugar Creek's longtime employees and a master gardener.

Things you can tackle in your garden this month include:

• Azalea and rhododendron root zones should be thoroughly mulched.
• Trim hollies and use cuttings for holiday decorations.
• Only female holly trees bear colorful berries.  A male tree must grow nearby for pollination and fruit.
• Christmas trees hold needles longer if a clean, fresh cut is made at the base and you keep the trunk in standing water.
• Once the ground freezes, apply mulch to bulbs, perennials and other plants.
• Houseplants should be moved back from windows to prevent injury.
• Overwintering geraniums like bright light, cool temperatures, and dryish soil.
• Water houseplants with tepid water.  Cold water may shock plants.