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Tom's Thumb Nursery & Landscaping News
May 2014

 

MAY

 

"You are as welcome as the flowers in May."

                                                        ~Charles Macklin, Irish actor and playwright

 

 

Our welcome mat is out and our flowers are in bloom. 

 

Two special events are on the calendar for May.   We begin the month with our annual tribute to mothers.  With any purchase prior to May 11, register for a $200 gift certificate.  Drawing will be held at the end of business on Mother's Day.

 

Ending the month on Saturday, May 31, join me in the garden to learn about the delights of fairy gardening.  With a wide selection of plants and adornments for these magical gardens, you're sure to be inspired to create your own enchanted fairy land.

 

As you enjoy all the wonderful activities available on the island this month, add a visit to Tom's Thumb Nursery to your itinerary.

 

 

                          

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Introduction

In this newsletter you will find.......  

Fusion Glass Plate
 
  • Seasonal Ideas & Information for May
  • From Our Landscape Architect: Preparing for Summer Watering   
  • Mother's Day Giveaway
  • 10% Coupon
  • In the Garden
  • Garden Statuary, Fountains & Pottery
  • Vegetable, Herb and Flower Inventory
  • Fairy Garden Class
  • Seaside Casual 2014 Collection
  • Back Garden Tour in June

         

Seasonal Ideas and Information

May Seasonal Checklist

 

The following is a list of activities to consider for your May gardening:  
  • Vegetables and Herbs -  Some crops to plant this month:  summer & winter squash, eggplant, peppers, southern peas and melons.  Go organic!  Be sure to use organic substances such as Dipel dust (or liquid thuricide), Neem oil and diatomaceous earth to control pests in the garden.  For a safer fungus control, try a biological control, potassium bicarbonate, sulfur or Neem oil.

Dipel Dust

Biological control for caterpillars 

Thuricide

liquid concentrate

biological control of caterpillars 

Diatomaceous Earth

Serenade biological control of fungus

Neem Oil  

available in a trigger spray or a concentrate

Neem Oil is also available in a hose end sprayer  

 

 

  • Perennials & Annuals - Some warm-season flowers for planting this month include petunias, marigolds, zinnias, periwinkle (vinca), salvia, and lantana are just a few of what we have to offer.  When planting transplants, water them in with a liquid fertilizer solution to get them off to a good start.   A couple of weeks after planting, fertilize with a granular fertilizer such as Nelson's ColorStar.
  • Trees, Shrubs & VinesMany new trees were planted across the island this past fall and winter.  It is very important to continue to water them twice a week for the first summer season to keep them alive and to encourage lots of growth. 
  • Fruits & Nuts -  Yes, we have a variety of fruit trees for sale:    orange, lemon, lime, satsuma, avocado, mango, peach, plum, fig, kumquat and more.  Advice for citrus tree owners:  After the flowers have turned to fruit, apply a summer oil to the tiny fruit.  This will protect the new fruit and prevent black sooty mold.  Re-apply the oil in 4 to 6 weeks.  Always apply oil in the early evening hours when the sun is going down.  Keep your citrus well watered and in full sun.  Feed with a slow-release citrus food.   

 








  • Lawns & Groundcovers -  If you haven't fertilized this year, you can do so now.  Avoid weed-control products in the turf when temperatures are above the mid-80's.  For a healthy lawn, frequent mowing (weekly is best) and proper watering (1/2 inch a week) will build your turf and combat weeds. 
  • Grub worms are busy feeding on the grass roots this month.  Now is the time for a treatment of Milky Spore.  Apply one level measure teaspoon of Milky Spore powder on top of grass in spots every four feet in rows four feet apart.  Use 10 ounces per 2500 square feet (50 feet by 50 feet).  Water lightly after application to soak spores into soil.  Areas between spots will be inoculated naturally.  Milky Spore has been known to last 15 years or longer with one application.

 
     

 From our Landscape Architect 

"Preparing for Summer Watering"  by Janielle Guzinski

 

It is time to think about your watering needs.  Irrigation systems are standard here in Galveston with our irregular rain.  In order to keep your yard looking its best, your irrigation needs to be in good condition.  There are a couple simple steps to checking your irrigation.

 

Checking your system:

1.  Test the system on manual and look for broken heads or disruptions in spray patterns.   Make sure to run through all stations.

2.  Look at your sprinkler programming.  Lawn areas should be watered 3x per week for 15-20 minutes.  Planting beds should be watered 3x per week for 10-15 minutes.  This should all happen at 4 or 5am.

3.  If you don't have a sprinkler system, consider using soaker hoses under your mulch set on a timer.

 

For new irrigation, consider drip lines which can be run every day, even when we are on water restriction. 

 




Gift Certificate Giveaway

Honoring Mother's Day

Sunday, May 11th

 

With any purchase register to win a $200 gift certificate to Tom's Thumb Nursery. 

 

Drawing to be held at the end of business on Mother's Day.

We will notify the winner and publish the winner's name in our June newsletter.

  

Miss Dolly

Peggy's Mother - Dolly Thompson 

 

Save
10%
coupon
Save 10% off your next purchase 
(Gift Cards, Outdoor Furniture
and Sale Items excluded)
  Show this coupon when making your purchase.
Please share this offer with your friends and family.
Offer Expires: May 31, 2014

In the Garden

 

 
 

 
 

   

 

 
 
 

 

 


           



Aladdin Nautical Mix Petunia

white vinca

   

  

 


      

 Garden Statuary, Fountains and Pottery

 

   
   
   


                THIS WEEK'S INVENTORY    

 

 

 

FLOWERS & BEDDING PLANTS

    

VEGETABLES                          


TOMATOES

HERBS

  
  

IF YOU DON'T SEE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.......
                                                           CHECK BACK WITH US NEXT WEEK!
 

 

 

 

 

EAT FRESH 

 

Fairy Gardening Class

Saturday, May 31st

 

from 10am to noon .......... in our garden

 

 

  With a wide selection of plants and adornments for these magical gardens, you're sure to be inspired to create your own enchanted fairy land.
 
 
  
 

 

SEASIDE CASUAL

2014 Collection  


                                                                                                                                     

Mark your calendar 

Event:  Annual Back Garden Tour

June 14 and 15                 

 

Sponsored by Clean Galveston

Advance tickets will be available for purchase online and  at Tom's Thumb Nursery.

 

     
Remember to look for us at www.tomsthumbnursery.com.           
 Like us on Facebook   
                                                                                          
Sincerely,                                                                                     

 

Peggy Cornelius, owner

Tom's Thumb Nursery & Landscaping 

 

 

 

 Business Hours

Monday - Saturday 9 am to 5:30 pm

Sundays 10 am to 4 pm 

2014 - 45th Street Galveston, Texas

409.763.4713