Collier's Garden Scoop
February 2018
Winter is on my head,
but eternal spring is in my heart.
Victor Hugo
We've still got a few more weeks of winter to endure, but in the greenhouse, especially on a sunny day, spring feels like it's already arrived. Cyclamen, pansies and primrose fill the space with color, while blooming bulbs and winter daphne permeate the air with their sweet fragrance. A visit to the nursery this month is sure to beat your winter blues!
February Hours
Monday - Saturday 9 to 5
Closed Sunday  
Valentine's Day is Wednesday, February 14th!
Living Arrangements 
for Your Love

This Valentine's Day why not forego short-lived cut flowers and give your sweetheart an arrangement that will last, with flowers that can be planted in the garden later? We can create something stunning for any budget. Pick your arrangement up in-store or have it delivered on Valentine's Day for only $10 extra! Contact us soon and place your order. You can call us at 205-822-3133 or email us at info@colliersnursery.com
Express Your Feelings with Symbolic Blooms
During the Victorian era each flower had a well-known meaning and giving bouquets to express specific emotions was commonplace. In the basket pictured above we used 10 significant blooms. H ere are their meanings: 
Daffodils- regard, respect, return of affection desired
Gerbera Daisy- innocence
Winter Daphne- desire to please, sweets to the sweet
Maidenhair Fern- secret bond of love
Blue Hyacinth- constancy
Ivy- fidelity, wedded bliss, friendship, affection
Orchid- beauty, cheerfulness
Pansy- pleasant thoughts, think of me
Primrose- young love, I can't live without you
Shamrock- light-heartedness
Find out more about flower symbolism  here and  here.
 
Perennial Winter Color
The first perennials of the year are here, budded and blooming to boot! The arrival at the nursery of these hardy winter-flowering plants signals that spring cannot be too far away. Consider adding one or more of these to your garden for color on the deepest winter days for years to come.
Candytuft
(Iberis sempervirens) 
Native to: southern and western Europe
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Light: full sun (blooming
diminished in partial sun)
Notes: Well-drained soil is a must. Shear back by 1/3rd after flowering. Will often rebloom in the fall. Generally left alone by deer and rabbits. Drought tolerant once established.
Hardy Cyclamen
(Cyclamen coum)
Native to: Europe, Mediterranean region, Asia
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Light: shade, dappled or morning sun
Notes: Loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil is ideal. Foliage emerges in fall after a leafless dormant period in summer. Perfect for the shade or woodland garden.
Winter Daphne
(Daphne odora)
Native to: China and Japan
Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9
Light: morning sun or dappled shade; midday and afternoon sun required in summer
Notes: Prized for the extremely fragrant flowers. Evergreen foliage. Neutral, well-drained soil is required. Keep roots cool in summer with mulch, groundcovers and occasional water during dry spells. Deer resistant.
Lenten Rose
(Helleborus orientalis)
Native to: Greece, Turkey, western Russia
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Light: shade, dappled sun, some morning sun; midday and afternoon sun required in summer
Notes: Evergreen foliage. Plant in well-drained soil. Plants will spread slowly to cover large areas over the years. Divide clumps in spring if needed or desired. Deer resistant. 
 
February Lawncare

Apply  Hi-Yield Pre-Emergent with Dimension to Centipede & St. Augustine lawns mid-month.
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Collier's Nursery 
205-822-3133
2904 Old Rocky Ridge Road
Birmingham, AL 35243