September 4, 2014

September 2014

Fall Sale:

20% off all potted trees and shrubs
50% off perennials
Up to 50% off Outdoor Furniture

Fall Hours: We will be open from 9-6 Monday through Saturday beginning September 1st

2nd Annual Big Zucchini Winner!

A big Shout Out to our 2nd Annual Big Zucchini Contest Winner, Ashley Koehler of Victor. Ashley planted her zucchini in April and was lucky enough to dodge any frost. Her secret weapon was goat manure which helped her zucchini to grow to the winning weight of seven pounds!

5 Reasons to Plant Trees this Fall

Did that spring planting project go unfinished? Have you been away most of the summer? Was it too hot to plant? Whatever your reason, September is here and it’s a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Here’s why:

Less Stress on the Trees: Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation and trees don’t have to work as hard draw in water and nutrients.
Warm Ground Temperatures: Even as the air temperatures drop, the ground is still quite warm. The warm earth allows for good root formation, even after the foliage drops.
Ready to Grow: Trees and shrubs planted in the fall have acclimated to local temperature, daylight and moisture conditions. Once the ground warms up again in the spring, these trees will be ready to grow. As an added bonus, spring snowmelt helps keep the root zone moist.
Fall Specials: Fall is a great time to shop. All potted container trees and shrubs are 20% off.
One Less Spring Project: Shorten your to-do list for next spring. You’ll be glad you took the time and energy to plant trees.

Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs moist until the ground is frozen in late fall. Hand watering may be necessary after your irrigation has been turned off. At least two inches of mulch should be applied over the top of the root ball to maintain even temperatures and moisture. Evergreens are especially prone to moisture loss and browning over the winter months, so be extra diligent in providing ample water until the ground is frozen. For extra protection, spray evergreen needles with an anti-desiccant like Wilt Pruf™ in October.

For our tree planting guide click here

Need inspiration?

Be sure to follow us on Pinterest. We are adding two new boards this month:

PINTEREST > Fall Wonder

PINTEREST > Trees for Rocky Mountain Landscapes

The Flower Shop @ MD Nursery is now on Facebook. Stay tuned for all the latest happenings from our friendly florists.

In the Kitchen

If you’re like many Teton gardeners, you may have loads of green tomatoes that are probably won’t ripen on the vine. It’s possible to bring them indoors and let them ripen in a warm, sunny window. For a little extra effort, turn your green tomatoes into this tasty chutney. Use the chutney to compliment pork or chicken, to top an Indian curry or serve it alongside goat cheese and crackers as a simple appetizer.

Green Tomato Chutney

Adapted from simplyrecipes.com

iNGREDIENTS

2 1/2 pounds firm green tomatoes, about 7 cups, cored and chopped
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup cider vinegar
2 Tbsp chopped candied ginger
1 Tbsp mustard seeds
1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Pinch of ground nutmeg
3 clean pint jars or 6 8-ounce jars

METHOD

Place all of the ingredients in a medium sized (about 4 qt) thick-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Spoon the chutney into the jars, filling them to 1/4 of an inch from the rim. Wipe the rims with a clean wet paper towel. Place clean lids on the jars. Secure with canning rings. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.

Product of the Month: Cook Books!

Get inspired! Fresh shipments of new cook books are in. Learn how to infuse vinegar, cook zucchini 100 ways, preserve fruits and veggies, drink you garden or make pickles. The list goes on. Our cozy book nook is located above the gift shop, alongside our lending library.

Coming Soon… Fall bulbs

Plant Now for spring color! Tulips, daffodils, iris, crocus, hyacinth and other colorful beauties will start arriving after Labor Day. Don’t miss the boat; plant bulbs once, water and enjoy the fruits of your labor next spring!