Author Archives: dammanns

Fruit Trees & Shrubs

Seed Starting and Companion Planting

Saturday, February 17, 1:00 pm

Get a head start on planning your spring and summer garden. Learn about companion planting and learn different methods for seed starting. At the end of the class you’ll receive a small seed starting tray and some seeds to start.

A $10.00 nonrefundable fee due at registration.

Click here to register.

Fall Clearance Sale

The Fall Clearance Sale is on with enormous savings on trees, shrubs, roses, ornamental grasses, perennials. Now is the Time to Plant! Warm days and Cool Nights provide the ideal growing environment. Here are a few tips for seeing your late-season plantings through the winter:

Avoid stimulating growth: Don’t fertilize or overly amend the soil. You can add Fertilome Root Stimulator to stimulate root growth, but hold off on fertilizer until spring.
Don’t disturb the plant: Avoid pruning, and be very gentle with the roots while planting.
Keep plants watered: The worst part of cold damage is caused by desiccation, or drying out. Keep new plants watered every week or two until the ground freezes, and especially right before a heavy freeze.
Watch out for frost heaving: Make sure the plants stay firmly plants when the ground freezes.
Apply Mulch: Add mulch to keep newly planted shrubs insulated. If you’re planting cold-sensitive trees or shrubs, you can add extra protection by wrapping or banking the plants with burlap or leaves on cold nights. Be sure to uncover in the morning.
Wilt Stop: Use Wilt Stop, an anti-transpirant, to prevent transplant shock and winter kill.

Spring is Here!

Spring is here and Dammann’s is full speed ahead with endless plant production of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, roses, and planters. Trucks are beginning to arrive with fresh trees and shrubs. Their friendly staff is ready to assist you and get you the help you need. So for any of your gardening needs experience Dammann’s West.

20 Reasons We Love Trees!

Did you know just one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen? This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
What better way to mark the seasons—just look out your window.
Trees heal. Studies show that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster with fewer complications. And exposure to trees & nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue. (Treepeople.org)
In one study, 98% of realtors believed that mature trees have a “strong or moderate impact” on the salability of homes listed for over $250,000. (Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests)
An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Birds and wildlife can also enjoy the fruits of your labor. (Treepeople.org)
More trees can equal less stress. Visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension. (Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University)
The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
One 12” caliper (trunk diameter) Sugar Maple can remove 5200mg of lead from the air in one year. (University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture)
Trees store water when it rains, reducing urban runoff & erosion & breaking the force of rain as it falls. 100 mature trees can reduce rainfall runoff by up to 100,000 gallons. (USDA Forest Service)
When trees reduce runoff, they are reducing the amount of sediment and chemicals transported into streams. (USDA Forest Service)
As a stimulus to economic development, trees can actually attract new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas with trees are more attractive to shoppers, apartments with trees rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent. (The Arbor Day Foundation)
A mature tree can have an appraised value of $1,000 to $10,000. (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers)
Trees create a lasting memory. Mark a special occasion or honor a friend or loved one by planting a tree. You can plant one at home or donate to programs that plant trees in national forests destroyed by fire. As the trees grow and prosper, so does the meaning behind them.
“They are beautiful in their peace; they are wise in their silence. They will stand after we are dust. They teach us and we tend them.” (Galeain ip Altiem MacDunelmor)
A well-placed row of trees and shrubs can reduce urban noise by 3 to 5 decibels, while wide, dense belts of mature trees can reduce noise by twice that amount, which would be comparable to noise reduction from effective highway barriers. (EPA.gov)
Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only 15 gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture. (Treepeople.org)
An air conditioning unit operating in the shade of a tree or shrub uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. (U.S. Department of Energy)
Shaded parking lots keep automobiles cooler, reducing emissions from fuel tanks and engines. (U.S. Forest Service)
Aren’t some of your best childhood memories associated with trees? Never thought about it? Climbing trees, tree forts, naps in the shade, hide and seek, tree swings, the perfect spot for picnics and so much more. Be a kid at heart and pass on the fun to your kids.
Dammann’s carries only the highest quality trees!

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry Clump

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Eastern Redbud

Rose List

"Anna's Promise®" - Weeks Roses

Anna's Promise praises the true heart and steadfast love that transcends the trials and tribulations endured by Downton Abbey's character Anna Bates. The unique color combination of golden petals with a pink blush and glowing bronze reverse is a fitting representation of Anna's character. Elegant blossoms surrounded by glossy, green foliage, exude a spicy, fruit fragrance. This graceful plant includes strong blossom stems for bouquets in the parlor. Well clothed with deep glossy green foliage. Grows very upright, 5-6' tall, 4' wide.

"Belinda's Blush"

You'll experience love at first blush with the huge, apple-pink blooms of Belinda's Blush. This nearly-thornless shrub rose offers globular blooms packed with twenty-five to forty petals on each bloom, and spreading three inches across. Belinda's Blush is a color sport of a popular line of shrub roses bred for their disease resistance and prolific blooms. Has creamy, light-pink color, touched with yellow undertones. You'll love the raspberry-like fruity fragrance, too, and you'll find that the aroma makes Belinda's Blush an even more amazing cut flower. Full Sun. Height/Habit 4 - 6 feet. Spread: 38 - 42 inches.

"Burst of Joy™" - Weeks Roses

Truly vibrant color is a tough goal in grandiflora hybridization. Making that color hold up well is even harder to achieve. All of that plus good disease resistance is incredibly difficult. So when Burst of Joy™ totally delivered in all of those qualities, the name came really easily. Even in hotter environments, the bright bicolor holds on really well. It eventually turns a pretty coral, still with that yellow reverse. The bloom shape is classic and well–formed. You'll get more stems with just one flower than you would on most floribundas, it's almost like a hybrid tea flower on a compact floribunda habit. In fact, it's compact enough that it can be used in a large patio pot. The disease resistance, though average for modern grandifloras, is pretty remarkable for one with such an exotic bloom color. Full Sun. Height/Habit: 4 - 5 feet. Spread: 4 - 5 feet.

"Celestial Night™" - Weeks Roses

Introducing a newcomer that is sure to make a name for itself in the gardening world—Celestial Night™. Very rare in a purple variety, it displays resistance to the diseases that can plague rose growers and cause reduced flower production and shorter blooming periods. With Celestial Night, you get an abundance of big, double ruffled blooms of deep plum-purple on a hardy, rounded plant. In fact, the roses are so full and vibrant, they can easily be seen from a distance. Its pleasing, subtle fragrance makes it an exceptional landscape rose. Also makes a superb addition to fresh arrangements. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 36 - 48 inches. Spread: 24 - 36 inches.

"Ch-Ching!™" - Weeks Roses

With this color sport (mutation) of Strike It Rich, our 2007 AARS winner, you can hit the jackpot again. It cashes in with all the same great plant qualities—same super vigorous bushy clean plant that flowers like a weed & smells up a storm. But it's just a different color—a clear long-lasting even glowing yellow. Very deep red new shoots & dark green leaves set off the many showy clusters of blossoms. Medium-tall. Growth Habit: Upright, bushy. Plant Height" 5¾ to 6.5 feet.

"Chantilly Cream™" - Weeks Roses

Here's a classic hybrid tea type whose strong, very sweet fragrance will enthrall the olfactory senses of any person fortunate enough to happen across your garden. An overall full plant, Chantilly Cream's double flowers create an old-fashioned look, and the bush is nice and vigorous. Despite the bloom coloring being on the light side, this rose stands up to the heat of the summer sun, and its hues are long lasting. It also features very strong resistance to such diseases as rose rust, downy mildew and powdery mildew. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 18 - 60 inches. Spread: 24 - 60 inches.

"Dick Clark" - Weeks Roses

Black-red buds spiral open to show off swirls of cream edged & washed with vibrant cherry pink. But that's not the end of the exhibit on these classically-formed fragrant flowers. When the sun strikes the petals, they begin to blush burgundy, finishing as a deep dark red. Put all this color against super-shiny-green foliage with nice long cutting stems and you've got a killer combo. Easy to grow & great vigor. Largest flower size in cooler temps. Medium-tall. Growth Habit: Broadly rounded, bushy. Plant Height: 5' to 5½'. Plant Width: 3' to 4'.

"Easy Going™" - Weeks Roses

If you thought life was good when we brought you Livin' Easy, you'll need to buy an extra hammock to deal with Easy Going. It's just like 'Mom' in every way except color…same glossy foliage, same great flower power, same bushy habit, same great disease resistance. But one color gene has inexplicably dropped out (a 'sport') to give even brighter green foliage and a delectable peachy golden yellow color that holds to the very end. Scrumptious! Consistent in every climate. Great in mass plantings. Rounded, bushy. Plant Height: 35 inches to 5 feet. Plant Width: 2 feet.

"Easy Spirit™" - Weeks Roses

Experience the feeling of freedom that comes from the purity of the classy white large flowers with a cream base of Easy Spirit. The perfectly formed buds and flowers hold their beauty throughout the life of the flower, making them great for enjoyment as a bouquet. As a member of the tough as nails Easy-To-Love rose collection, you know you can expect 'NATURAL DISEASE RESISTANCE'. Across the USA, from East to West and North to South, Easy Spirit has shown strong resilience to rose diseases. That means you will be feeling very relaxed and stress-free as you won't have to work hard to express the full blooming potential and create an impact in the garden. The upright compact plant with clean glossy green foliage is the ideal backdrop to the non-burning & long-lasting cream flowers. Now seize the day and see life on the brighter side - the Easy Spirit side! Growth Habit: Upright.

"Fun in the Sun™" - Weeks Roses

This new Grandiflora maintains its color to the end and provides a delightfully fruity scent, inviting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. It's a true English-style rose that contains 60-85 petals in each of its 3-4" flower heads, appearing in clusters of 5 or 6 blooms per stem. True to its name, Fun in the Sun thrives in full sun with thorough watering early in the day. It's perfect for bringing a sophisticated ambiance to border gardens. We love it as an eye-catching focal point in bouquets and vases, too.

"Golden Opportunity™" Climbing Rose - Weeks Roses

Your garden will reach new heights with this new climbing rose. Each 3.5-4" flower head contains 35-45 petals and gives off a deliciously fruity scent that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Its vine-like stems and foliage can take this beautiful rose to heights of over 10' tall. Plant Golden Opportunity wherever you'd like to add vertical interest. Try it on sunny patios and pergolas, or add it to border gardens. The roses make a charming addition to cut flower arrangements, too.

"In Your Eyes®" Climbing Rose - Weeks Roses

These are not your average shrub rose blooms. Once considered its own genus, the Persian rose is a tough desert native with a distinctive halo around the center of the bloom, a characteristic it passed down to In Your Eyes® hulthemia roses. Thanks to this parentage, the In Your Eyes® rose is also diamond-tough, disease-resistant, and wildly prolific. You'll get big clusters of blooms in sophisticated pastel shades. The flower actually starts cream–yellow with a red eye and matures to lavender with a purple eye, but as each bloom appears and matures in its own time, the clusters will be fascinatingly multi-colored from spring to fall. In Your Eyes® shrub rose also boasts a fragrance that is mild and fruity. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 6 - 8 feet. Spread: 24 - 36 inches.

"Julia Child" - Weeks Roses

Just before our wonderful American icon left us, she selected this exceptional rose to bear her name. Julia loved the even butter gold color & the licorice candy fragrance. Yet it wasn't just the old-fashioned blooms that inspired the recipe. The perfectly rounded habit, super glossy leaves & great disease resistance finish off the dish. An awesome AARS award winner—a right & proper honor for a dear friend. Consistent, hardy & floriferous in all climates. Very disease resistant. Growth Habit: Very rounded, bushy. Plant Height: 26 to 31 inches. Plant Width: 20 to 26 inches.

"Ketchup & Mustard™" - Weeks Roses

Slap a layer of the brightest red onto a backside of darkest yellow & set it atop the greeniest glossiest leaves. Better yet, the flowers hold on to their attention-getting tones to the very end…dropping from the well-behaved rounded plant just in time to welcome the next round of abundant bloom. Tidy enough to tuck into a landscape, lend an accent to a container or top a rose tree. No buns or weenies required. Best flower size in cooler conditions. Bold & beautiful! Growth Habit: Rounded, bushy. Plant Height: 35 to 47 inches.

"Lady in Red™" Climbing Rose - Weeks Roses

Care to dance? Cause 'Lady in Red...she's dancing with me'.. with her long climbing arms. Don't worry, she won't invade your dancing space as the plant is well contained and more compact than many Climbers. The lady was born and raised in the USA, with her flowers bearing the true classic AMERICAN red coloration. That means no hues of pink or blue all the way to the end of the flower's life. The large ruffled old-fashioned blossoms will take your breath away and falling in love with this lady is the only possible outcome. Are you ready to dance the night away? You better be because the vigorous plant generates bounteous flowers just waiting for a dance partner. Plant Habit: Long canes of 8-10 feet. Growth Habit: Climbing & spreading.

"Life of the Party™" - Weeks Roses

This floribunda has a seemingly endless production of petal-packed, fruit-scented flowers that will perfume your garden and please your senses for months on end. Two or three days after opening, Life of the Party™ Rose bush's clusters of old-fashioned double blooms will proceed to add a blush of pink to their yellow hue. Each sumptuous flower is filled with 55 to 65 petals. The dark, dense foliage allows Life of the Party™ Rose to serve as a great low hedge. With its rounded, compact, and upright form, it adds life to small spaces and containers. This vigorous, English-style floribunda thrives in hot, dry climates and has good disease resistance. Life of the Party™ Floribunda Rose will make a fantastic and festive addition to any garden. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 36 - 48 inches. Spread: 24 - 36 inches.

"Livin' Easy™" - Weeks Roses

All you have to do is just stick it in the ground, give it a little water, kick back and watch it grow. The foliage is so glossy green and free from black spot that the bush looks great even without flowers. But you won't have much of an opportunity to see just leaves 'cause it blooms up a storm. Scrumptious flowers of showy apricot orange will light up your landscape. Very consistent in all climates. Great in the landscape or in mass plantings. Growth Habit: Rounded, bushy.
Plant Height: 30 inches to 5 feet. Plant Width: 2 to 6 feet.

"Love at First Sight™" Hybrid Tea Rose - Weeks Roses

This is the hybrid tea for smaller gardens and patio planters. While most reach about 5–6' tall, this one stops at about 3' tall. The flower form follows a growing trend in modern European rose gardens—the ball–shaped bud opens into a less–pointed bloom than the typical high–centered hybrid tea bloom. It's a little more rounded, and the extra curve is striking. This style is still very new in American gardens. Subtle bicoloring—red on the front of each petal that pales on the reverse—further enhances the rare shape. You'll be proud of your elegant fresh bouquets. Love at First Sight™ is a modern, improved cultivar, and its much cleaner foliage makes it especially disease resistant. That includes resistance to black spot—the disease rosarians detest. The blooms also carry a slight perfume and attract beneficial pollinators through summer. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 36 - 42 inches. Spread: 36 - 48 inches.

"Love Song™" - Weeks Roses

Loads of big beautiful blooms can nearly cover this sultry siren. Her profusion of pulchritude is only matched by the surprising duration of the display. Those lovely lavender old-fashioned flowers just seem to last and last...without turning a lurid gray. Underneath all that beauteousness is a bushy rounded plant clothed with great rich green leaves. But you may have to dig to find 'em. Go ahead …bury your face in those beautiful clusters and burst into song. It'll be love at first sight. Largest flower size in cool temps. Growth Habit: Very rounded, bushy. Plant Height: 35 to 47 inches.

"Painted Porcelain" Hybrid Tea Rose - Weeks Roses

Add a dash of sophistication and a blush of color to your cottage garden, rose bed or flower border with this elegant variety. Its lovely buds unfurl to release classically shaped, 3½–4" blooms with 25 to 30 petals apiece and enough sweet fragrance to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Each flower has a butter-yellow centre, a white base and light pink outer petals, giving it the look of delicate, hand-painted porcelain. This is an upright, moderately spreading rose with attractive, dark green foliage. Offers good resistance to powdery mildew and rust fungus. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 42 - 60 inches. Spread: 36 - 48 inches.

"Perfume Factory™" Hybrid Tea Rose - Weeks Roses

If you love tea roses, you'll just adore Perfume Factory! This aromatic superstar emerges in early summer with large, magenta-plum blooms that are simply sublime. Flowers with great substance reach 4" across and boast layers of soft petals and a strong spicy-fruity scent. The bushy, upright plants are perfect for creating a perfumed walkway or adding bold color to sunny borders. Excellent resistance to powdery mildew and rust. Full Sun. Height/Habit: 42 - 66 inches. Spread: 24 - 36 inches.

"Pope John Paul II" Hybrid Tea Rose - Weeks Roses

Among the finest, most fragrant white roses of all time, this exceptional Hybrid Tea has received top ratings for vigorous growth, bushy full habit, disease resistance, abundance of flower & perfect flower form. The Pope John Paul II rose produces large & luminous pure white blossoms with a delightful, fresh citrus fragrance. The lavishly petaled flowers shine against the abundance of dark green foliage. Comments: Larger flower size in the cool spring. More pink in cooler conditions. Growth Habit: Very upright, bushy. Plant Height: 4' to 5'.

"Scentimental™" - Weeks Roses

You might think stripes are a new-fangled thing. But it's the old rose heritage that brings the genetic striping to this spicy scented new-comer. Each petal is as unique as a snowflake—some more burgundy-splashed-white, some more cream-swirled-red—all on the same vigorous plant. The old-fashioned form & fragrance may remind you of its stingy blooming ancestors. Yet the nearly continuous number of blossoms lets you know there's modern kinfolk in there, too. Distinctive clean quilted foliage. Best color & size in moderate temps. Perfect for potpourri. Growth Habit: Rounded. Plant Height: 35 to 47 inches. Plant Width: 31 to 43 inches.

"Silver Lining™" - Weeks Roses

The glamour of the silver screen comes to life in this modern rose. This 2021 introduction has a mild tea fragrance and a classical shape. Silver Lining blossoms throughout the summer and into early fall, producing glamorous, spiraled silver-lavender blooms. Its bushy, deep green foliage maintains a stunning glossiness and a moderate spread. This floribunda offers good disease resistance and attracts pollinators and butterflies. A new rose with classic beauty, Silver Lining is perfect for adding to a new or established rose garden, or for including a touch of romance to a sunny border or bed. Full Sun, Partial Shade. Height/Habit: 36 - 48 inches. Spread: 24 - 36 inches.

"State of Grace™" - Weeks Roses

As the name describes, the transition from bud to bloom is seamless here, the flowers staying elegant throughout. The coloring is very elaborate, too. Bronzy pink outer petals stretch to reveal a gorgeous golden center, all hues blending together into a nice, soft tone. As a grandiflora, it'll produce 3-4 of these nice large flowers in a cluster. They'll be accompanied by a moderate fruit fragrance, and tons of the neighborhood butterflies. Excellent downy and powdery mildew resistance, and good all-around disease resistance. The habit is uniform, compact and rounded with flowers tidily blooming and reblooming on top. Full Sun. Height/Habit: 4 - 5 feet. Spread: 4 - 5 feet.

"Twilight Zone" - Weeks Roses

Big fat buds open to very double old-fashioned flowers of deep velvet purple overlaid with a wisp of smoke…a purple haze for the garden. Strongly scented with a combination of clove & lemony citrus blossom. Deep green leaves cover the plant & compliment the remarkably-colored flowers. Tempting mysterious tones, seductive fragrance and old-fashioned form…it's a winner! More purple in moderate temps. Growth Habit: Slightly spreading, rounded.
Plant Height: 30 to 35 inches.

"Violet's Pride™" - Weeks Roses

The popular Downton Abbey character Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, is a fierce woman who always cares for and protects her family. Inspired by the iconic shades of Lady Violet's lavender dresses, the rose Violet's Pride is even more exquisite with a magenta-colored heart on the inner petals. Just as Lady Violet is known for her traditional upper-class values, Violet's Pride undeniably belongs to the aristocracy of the rose world with dense foliage, resilience from diseases and a sophisticated grapefruit and fruit-like fragrance worthy of any noblewoman. As Lady Violet was particularly proud of her garden for producing Best in Show blossoms, the prolific blooming rose Violet's Pride generates some of the most elegant buds and flowers that are worthy of first prize. The flowers are held proudly on top of a vigorous and even rounded bush. Growth Habit: Rounded & bushy.

Creating and Maintaining a Terrarium

Terrariums – Creating and Maintaining

Choose an open container that will fit your needs, and choose plants that are compatible in lighting, watering, and humidity needs. Your plant foundation will consist of four layers:

Bottom Layer (Drainage) – pebbles, pea gravel, or very coarse sand.
On top of Bottom Layer – spread a thin layer of activated charcoal to help clean the air of the fumes caused when the organic materials begin to decompose
Third Layer – thin cover of sphagnum moss spread over first two layers, This prevents the soil from sifting into the drainage layer.
Final Layer – Potting Mix with one part course sand added – increase sand if creating a desert type terrarium garden. (Do not use beach sand.)

Inspect plants you are using for signs of insects or disease, or any other potential problem. Choose plants of varying height, shape, texture and color to create the desired landscape effect. Will the garden be viewed from all sides? If so, larger plants should be planted in the middle, with lower plants around it. If the terrarium will be viewed from one side, then the tallest plant should be placed in the back, with lower plants in the foreground. Experiment placement by moving in their containers until placement is confirmed. Remove plant from its pot, and place in a pre dug hole, Unlike planting in the garden, it is not necessary to loosen the plant’s roots. In a terrarium, you don’t want the plants to grow too quickly, and leaving the root ball compacted will slow the growth.

Firm the soil gently around the roots. Do not crowd the plants or place them directly against the sides of the container. Allow sufficient space for them to grow and spread. After planting, the soil should be slightly moistened. Never allow the soil to be soggy unless you are growing “bog” plants. A lid should then be placed on the terrarium (You may have to use your imagination to find the appropriate lid.)

Check the terrarium frequently for the appearance of condensation on the glass. If large water drops appear on the glass, the container should be left open for a while until any excess moisture evaporates. In some cases, it may be necessary to keep the lid slightly opened to allow for fresh air circulation. A balanced terrarium should have a certain amount of moisture on the glass. A completely enclosed terrarium requires little or no watering. If it is not totally enclosed, you may have to water on a weekly or monthly basis (more often for open terrariums or dish gardens).

The addition of water becomes necessary if no condensation accumulates on the glass. When water is eventually needed, it should be added a small amount at a time, since there is no place for the surplus water to run off. (Overwatering quickly increases the danger of fungus or mold.) Check again the next day, and if no condensation has appeared, more water may be added. When in doubt, always water less, but watch carefully so that the plants do not become too dry and wilt.

Generally, terrariums should not need fertilizing, but if the plants start to appear malnourished, you may feed them all-purpose houseplant food at ¼ strength. Occasionally, it may become necessary to prune or replace a dead plant. Diseased plants should be removed immediately.

A focal point may be added to your terrarium landscape, such as a rock or stick to simulate boulders or logs or a small statue as part of the garden.

5 Reasons to Start Seeds Indoors

You’ll save money – seeds are less expensive than plants.
You can choose from an almost endless variety of heirloom and commercially bred seeds.
You’ll enjoy vegetables earlier in the season.
It’s a fun project to do with your kids!
Nothing beats the joy of watching a seed grow and the sense of accomplishment when you harvest your own food.

11 Tips to Seed Starting Success

Start seeds 4 to 6 weeks before you plant in the garden. Cool season crops like broccoli or lettuce can go into the garden before the last frost. Warm season crops like tomatoes and peppers should not be planted until all danger of frost is past. Almost anyone can succeed by following the guidelines below.

Fresh is best. Start with fresh, high quality seeds each year.
Plastic is fantastic. You can purchase plastic trays and kits designed specifically for starting seeds. They’re clean and free of pathogens, they keep soil uniformly moist and allow for adequate drainage.
Use a magical mix. Good mixes, like Espoma Organic Seed Starter, ensure that you’ve got a lightweight, clean and sterile medium without insects, fungus or weeds. Moisten the mix with a little water (damp, not soggy).
Packets know best. Plant your seeds according to the depth and spacing directions on the seed packet. Cover the seeds with soil mix and tamp down to ensure that the seeds are held in firm contact with the soil.
Bottom’s up. It can be challenging to apply the right amount of water to freshly sown seeds by pouring, sprinkling or spraying. It’s better to water from the bottom. That means placing the planting container into a larger pan of shallow water for a short time (few seconds to a couple of minutes).
Take cover. Loosely cover with plastic wrap after watering to retain moisture. Check the moisture daily and watch for germination. As soon as the seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap
Stay warm. For most seeds, sprouting requires a minimum temperature of about 65° to 75°F. If the ambient temperature is less than that, you can use a heating pad or position a space heater nearby. Just make sure the soil doesn’t dry out.
Let the sun shine in. Most seeds need about 12 to 16 hours of sunlight each day. Place your set containers in a sunny location such as a window with southern exposure. Once the seeds sprout, turn the container a little each day. This will prevent seedlings from overreaching in one direction toward the light.
The need to feed. Don’t use fertilizer on seedlings until they have sprouted! In the very early growth stage, the seed provides its own nourishment, but once leaves develop, it’s time for a little fertilizer like Espoma Plant-tone.
Harden them off. Your sheltered seedlings need to get ready for the outdoors. For 7 to 10 days, put your plants outside for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure to sunlight & wind. Cut back on watering a bit, too. Your plants will be hearty and better prepared for transplanting
No stripping. Slowly, gently remove plants from their containers without stripping the roots naked or tearing them. Plant them in the ground and mix in a really good starter plant food like Bio-tone Starter Plus in with the soil.

Now that the plants are safely in the ground, there’s just one last step. Give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done-and look forward to enjoying the fruits (or flowers and veggies) of your labor later in the season.

Hot Peppers!

Come in today while we have a good supply and get your hot peppers – Trinidad Scorpion, Ghost, World’s Hottest, Habanero, Jalapeno, Hot Hungarian, Carolina Reaper and more!

Proven Winner Perennials for 2024

Perennials for 2024!

*** Exact inventory changes daily. Visit for the most updated information. ***

We grow over 6,000 perennials (many Proven Winners) that include bulbs, bare roots and plugs. We begin with quality products from quality vendors. Our growing crew uses only excellent soil and carefully monitors light conditions, temperature and moisture levels. Dammann’s remains cognizant of the fact that not all perennials are alike and will require different care. When purchasing our perennials, you can be assured that they are well rooted and ready for your garden.

Heuchera Dolce® ‘Wildberry’- Get a splash of purple in your garden! Large, scalloped, incredibly glossy leaves are a bold shade of purple. Charcoal veins accent the leaves. Dark stems hold rosy pink calyxes and white flowers. Color is more vibrant and true purple than “Wild Rose” and is perfect for sun or shade. Pollinator Friendly.* North American Native* Height 10 – 14″ Spread 16 – 20″

Sweet Romance® Lavender- Sweet Romance is a favorite for its ability to bloom the first year. Blooms in early summer and lasts into early fall. Perfect for cutting for fresh and dried bouquets with its cluster of flowers. Color is blue purple flowers with silver green leaves. Perfect for sun. Height 12-18″ Spread 12-18″

Pardon My Cerise® Bee Balm- Creates colorful and sweet fragrant borders. Flowers in high summer. Attracts pollinators. Great as a container plant and in landscaping. Color is dark cherry pink. Part sun to sun. Height 14-18″ Spread 10-12″. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Photos Courtesy of Proven Winners

Shade Tree List

Conifer List

Ornamental Tree List

Dogwood 'Venus'

Height: 15'-20'
Spread: 15-20'
Shape: Upright oval, rounded crown
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Red
Flower: White

This spectacular, fast growing hybrid Dogwood is distinguished by exceptionally large, white flowers - as large as your hand! Summer flowers yield attractive strawberry-like fall fruit. Glossy green leaves will show wonderful fall color. This vigorous selection from Rutgers University has outstanding winter hardiness, good tolerance of drought conditions and is highly resistant to disease. Deciduous.Reaches 15 to 20 ft. tall and wide.

Redbud 'Appalachian'

Height: 20'
Spread: 25'
Shape: Multi-stem or single stem
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
Flower: Bright pink flowers emerge from magenta buds This cultivar has the brightest flowers we have seen in a Eastern redbud. Magenta buds open to shockingly bright pink blooms, often described as neon pink or hot pink, quite different from the lavender tinted soft pink more typically seen in the species. It flowers heavily and has excellent dark green summer foliage.

Flowering Shrub List

Forsythia “Show Off®”

This little beauty will be a blast of early spring color from the ground up! It is compact and full of blooms from the ground to the end of every stem. Older varieties can become out of control and often become victims of bad pruning; this little beauty will stay small so there is no need to prune. Now you can have a nice tight, compact forsythia hedge without doing any work! A real improvement over older varieties, Show Off is a very showy choice for the early spring garden. Fast growing to 6ft by 6ft.

Hydrangea “Endless Summer BloomStruck®”

The newest addition to the Endless Summer® Collection of reblooming hydrangeas! Boasts big, beautiful blooms all summer long, measuring 3.5 – 5″ across. Depending on soil pH, you can have rose-pink, violet or blue flower heads. This beauty also has red-purple stems which are extremely strong. An above average heat tolerance and great disease resistance, especially to powdery mildew, makes this a great choice for any garden. 3-4 ft tall and wide.

Hydrangea “Endless Summer Twist-n-Shout®”

Like all plants in the Endless Summer® Collection, Twist-n-Shout produces abundant blooms on both old and new wood all summer long. Lacy deep-pink centers are surrounded by gorgeous blossoms of pink or periwinkle blue, depending on soil type. Sturdy red stems and glossy deep green leaves turn red-burgundy in fall to offer year-round interest in the garden. Easy to care for Twist-n-Shout is an elegant stand-alone specimen, dramatic in combination with other plants, and compact enough for containers. 3-4 ft tall and wide.

Hydrangea “Limelight”

This beauty has unique bright chartreuse blooms in mid-summer that hold bright and refreshing color right into autumn when the blooms change color to a rich deep pink. The autumn display of chartreuse and pink blooms on the same plant is breathtaking! The color makes a great addition to the garden and it blends wonderfully with all other colors. Use ‘Limelight’, either fresh or dried, in bouquets to make a unique floral design. This is an easy to grow plant with reliable flowering and flower color regardless of soil pH. The flower heads are of good size, ranging from 6 to 12 inches and are held upright on the shrub. The blooms are well distributed making a very nice plant and display.

Lilac “Dwarf Korean (on Standard)”

A dwarf, spreading lilac on a standard to create a small tree. Has reddish-purple buds that open to pale, fragrant flowers. Blooms profusely in mid-season, typically mid-May and first flowers at an early age. Use in shrub border with evergreen background or plant in groups to form a low hedge. Deciduous. Tree stem wont get any taller but will continue to widen. The shrub on top can be kept as small as need be, but can get 4 to 5 ft. tall and 5 to 7 ft. wide.

Ninebark “Little Devil™”

A compact upright shrub with burgundy leaves; features small pinkish-white spirea-like flowers followed by subtle reddish fruit, and interesting peeling papery bark; extremely tough and durable, good for massing or general garden use. Showy clusters of white flowers in early summer. It has burgundy foliage throughout the season. The small leaves turn purple in fall. It produces red capsules from early to mid fall. The peeling tan bark adds winter interest. 4 ft tall by 3 ft wide

Spirea “Little Princess”

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Remove faded flower clusters to promote additional bloom. Prune in late winter to early spring. Upright, rounded, deciduous shrub which typically forms a compact mound. Features numerous pink flowers in flat-topped clusters in late spring to mid-summer. If pruned lightly after flowering another display of blooms will appear. Attractive to butterflies. Oval, sharply toothed, mint green leaves take on attractive red hues in autumn. 1.5-2.5 ft tall by 2-3 ft wide

Viburnum “Allegheny”

Attractive, dense upright grower makes a great hedge, screen or windbreak. Large clusters of fragrant white flowers followed by showy red fruit that matures to black. Semi-Evergreen up to 10 feet tall. Deciduous below 0 Fahrenheit. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, shear annually to shape. Pruning time: late winter or early spring.

Arrowwood Viburnum “Blue Muffin®”

More compact than other Arrowwood viburnum, it fits easily into the residential landscape. Easy to grow, with little or no maintenance required, Blue Muffin adapts to most locations with full sun to partial shade. Clean white flowers make for a crisp contrast with the glossy green leaves in early to mid-summer. The remarkably intense blue fruit that inspired the Blue Muffin name appear in late summer and fall. The fruit add interest to the fall landscape, and attract songbirds to the garden. 6-8 feet tall and wide. Berries are not edible.

Viburnum “Eastern Snowball”

Masses of pure white, snowball-like flower clusters make a showy display. Bright green leaves have a purplish-red fall coloring. Spectacular landscape specimen. Deciduous. Moderate grower to 12 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide, larger with age. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, shear annually to shape. Pruning time: summer after flowering.

Viburnum “Juddi”

It is a rounded deciduous shrub that typically matures to 6-8 foot tall and wide. It is noted for its fragrant white flowers in spring, quality dark green foliage, black fruit in fall and purple fall color. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist loams, but tolerates a wide range of soils. Mature plants generally have some good drought tolerance. Prune as needed immediately after flowering, however pruning off spent flowers will eliminate summer fruit display, which admittedly is not overly showy for this hybrid.

Viburnum “Summer Snowflake”

Broadly rounded form to this medium size shrub. Its tiered horizontal branches magnificently display the large, flat flower clusters. Red fruit in fall is very ornamental. Deciduous. Up to 6 foot tall and wide. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Pruning time: summer after flowering.

Weigela “Midnight Wine^®” PW

Ideal for the front of the border or for edging the perennial bed. This tidy mound of dark burgundy-purple leaves can be used as an accent plant or a dramatic mass planting. It may produce a light crop of pink flowers in spring. Midnight Wine is maintenance free and needs no pruning because its habit is perfect the way it is. Full sun.Prefers well-drained soils but is extremely adaptable to other soil types. Medium moisture.This is a slow growing plant and may need a year in the landscape before it grows noticeably. 12 inches by 18 to 24 inches.

Weigela “My Monet^®“PW

Gorgeous variegated leaves tinged pink with bright pink trumpet flowers in late spring. Mounded habit sits close to the ground. Prefers well drained soil but is adaptable to many soil types. It is best to prune right after flowering ceases, but pruning is rarely needed. Slow growth rate. Will continue to flower sporadically on the current season’s growth. Medium moisture. Browning leaves in early fall are a result of the plant going into dormancy earlier than most weigela. This is a benefit letting the plant shut down earlier and prepare for winter. 12-18 inches.

Ornamental Grass List

Carex 'Bowles Golden'

Discovered in the Norfolk Broads, of the UK, `Bowles Golden' is named for its famous discoverer E.A. Bowles and is characterized by brilliant yellow leaves longitudinally thin green striped. Most colorful in constantly moist soil in the coolest part of the garden, it may become lime green in too much shade or burn if too dry and hot. Its subtle lime green floral spikes are borne early spring and soon become buried under its lovely foliage. Clump forming; average height 18 inches.

Carex 'Everest'

'Everest' makes a bold statement as a container plant or as a filler plant in the landscape. The distinctive white striped foliage and the healthy growth rate makes a superb, easy to manage ground-cover plant and will add bright color to moist, shady areas in the landscape, great for naturalizing or mass border planting. The foliage is evergreen, providing year-round interest among companions such as ferns, Cimicifuga, Ligularia, and other ornamental grasses. Slow spreading habit; average height 15 in. Spacing 15-18 in apart.

Feather Reed Grass - Fall Blooming

Feather reed grass leafs out early and spends the spring and summer as a pleasing clump of upright to arching rich green foliage. But the real action occurs in fall when the light green pink blushed flower spikes unfurl in a glorious display of season punctuating color. And yet, the display does not stop here. The flowers and foliage, which matures to bright yellow, persist well into the winter months adding interest and vertical dimension to the otherwise dreary wintertime landscape. Clump forming; average height 18 inches.

Japanese Blood Grass

No other plant displays such bright red leaves as Japanese blood grass. Deciduous and emerging green in spring, as the season progresses the leaf-tips, then the rest of the blades, become wine red before changing to deep blood red by fall. A natural for lending strong color contrast, Japanese blood grass can be used in small clumps or large sweeping masses. It seldom if ever flowers, spreads at a slow pace, needs little maintenance, and does best in well drained moisture retentive soils. Spreading Habit; average height 2 ft.

Northern Sea Oats- Native to wooded slopes and moist thickets of North America, northern sea oats are one of our most endearing harbingers of autumn, and is one of the few grasses that performs well in shade. Especially valuable for its flattened fishscale-shaped dangling floral spikelets, these first appear pale green in midsummer before changing to reddish brown then maturing to soft tan during fall. They are carried upon thin nodding stems, well above its fresh vibrant green foliage, and dry nicely - therefore contributing to winter effect. Hardy and long lived, northern sea oats is a superb ground cover and accent plant. Clump forming; average height 3 ft.

Northern Sea Oats 'River Mist'

Represents the first variegated selection of this popular species. Like regular northern sea oats, 'River Mist' has the same bamboolike habit and look, but in this case its foliage is a combined bright green with white striping. The flowers, like the parent species, are flattened, initially green, and mature to soft tan. They look like little fish, dry well, and are terrific in arrangements. 'River Mist' is a real bright spot in the landscape and performs well in wooded and well as full sun settings. It is excellent in mass plantings, as an accent, edging, or companion. Clump forming; average height 2 ft.

Evergreen Shrub List

Dormant Seeding

Your lawn may not be ready for the mower, but seeding the lawn now will help your lawn get a leg up on spring growth. Dormant seeding is the practice of sowing grass in the winter months when grass seeds are inactive. While there is little value in scattering seed, broadcasting grass seed over bare or patchy areas between snowfalls gives seeds an opportunity to anchor in the soil before germinating. Subsequent periods of freezing and thawing will help the process along, creating cracks and crevices in which seeds may settle before eventually being covered over by shifting soil. Dormant seeding may take place anytime during the months of November through February with germination success rates of anywhere between 50-75%.

If planning to seed your lawn before that final thaw, follow these simple rules to ensure the grass will be greener on your side of the fence:

Seeds must make direct contact with bare soil.
Dormant seeding is most successful in soil that is loose or has been previously tilled.
Rake the area before seeding to agitate the soil and ensure it is free of debris.
Follow seed provider guidelines for broadcast coverage. Too much seed can be as detrimental as under-seeding.
Once seeding is complete, lightly rake the surface to cover seeds.
Keep off the lawn and allow the weather to do your dirty work. The cycle of freezing and thawing in the coming weeks will help the seeds set and any snowfall will result in even soil compressing, which will aid in germination.
Hold off on the use of any herbicides until after germination has set in.

Living Christmas Trees

Live Christmas trees are a wonderful way to enjoy the upcoming holiday without having to throw out your tree! We have some nice evergreens still available at our stores! If you are planning on purchasing a Christmas tree with the intent of bringing inside and planting after Christmas, please do the following to help maintain a viable tree:
1. Dig sufficient hole at site while ground is still workable (I/3 bigger than the size of the root ball).

2. Cover hole with board to prevent accident; keep soil from hole in garage to prevent from freezing for later use with planting (We recommend 1/3rd loam soil to 2/3rd native soil when planting. Typically one bag is enough.)

3. Buy 10-12 days before Christmas; acclimate in garage or covered building for 2-3 days before moving inside. (Shock caused by extreme temperature fluctuations can cause serious problems for living trees.)

4.Move indoors (away from heat vents) no more than 10 days before Christmas. (The less time indoors, the better!)

5. Apply adequate moisture to ball/pot by monitoring with a moisture meter or your fingers.

6. Immediately after Christmas, move back into garage for 2-3 days to acclimate your tree back to the cold.

7. Plant your beautiful Christmas tree and enjoy!

Pruning in the Fall

Fall is a great time to prune and shape trees and shrubs! There are many reasons to prune this time of year and a few tricks to help know what can be cut and how far to go. Most people prune to keep a plant at a particular size or to thicken a leggy plant. Other reasons to prune (especially trees) is to create a stronger plant and keep them from tearing apart in storms. One rule of thumb to use is no more than 1/3rd at a time. This could be 1/3rd of the plants’ tips cut off or 1/3rd of the branches thinned down( take every third branch down to where you want it and next time you trim you do another third until your plant is ultimately at the size you want). Many Spring blooming plants should NOT be pruned this time of year due to next years flower buds having already been set. Lilacs, Viburnum, Forsythia, Flowering Almond, & Dogwoods are among the group you want to hold off on. Also, there are a few plants that can be pruned pretty heavily (more than 1/3rd) including Spirea, Potentilla, Butterfly Bush, Privet, & Knockout (any shrub) Rose to name a few. Check out the November Garden Calendar from Purdue University!

https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/november-garden-calendar/

AIR PLANTS/TILLANDSIAS

Dear Valued Customer: Our Air Plants/Tillandsia are in at our West store!

Tillandsias are inexpensive, low maintenance plants that only require water. Architecturally beautiful in and out of bloom, these plants are native to the forests, mountains and deserts of Central and South America, the southern United States and the West Indies. Great for dish gardens and open terrariums, tillandsias are also used in creative ways in frames, peaking out of driftwood, or suspended in mid-air. Varieties are chosen by availability and may differ from those pictured. Air Plants are unique and very low maintenance!

Tillandsia varieties available:

Ionantha Huamelula, a great cultivar of Ionantha, grows to be fairly large and has a beautiful bright red color when it blooms.

Ionantha Red is from Nicaragua. The silvery base is quite pretty and the intense violet flowers magnificent. When about to bloom, the plant turns bright red.

Ionantha Ball, same as above. Plants are in dense bundles or balls.

Caput Medusae from Mexico and Costa Rica. Its suggestive name describes perfectly the impression of Medusa’s locks.

Festucoides Red has a soft grassy texture. Similiar in look to Juncea, yet much more flexible and soft.

Brachycaulos, a compact plant from dry forests of Mexico, Venezuela and Panama. Produces many medium-sized leaves, from 15 to 20 cm long. They take on a strong red tint when the plant blooms.

Bulbosa Guatemala, a plant with a large distribution, growing in Central America and in the neighboring countries. Variable in terms of size, it is very ornamental, with its thick and tortuous leaves, and its reddening inflorescence.

The Winter Landscape

Want to create a beautiful Winter Landscape? It’s time to take a good hard look at your landscape and see what you may want to add to enjoy next Winter. Although the blooms of summer are a distant memory and the splendor of fall is neatly raked into the compost pile, don’t think that your yard has to be dreary from now until spring. Blooms, bark, berries, and background planting are the secrets of a colorful and interesting winter landscape.

Evergreens are the mainstay of the winter landscape. When the shade and flowering trees and shrubs of spring and summer have entered their winter sleep, it’s evergreens that take the stage. Spruce, Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Arborvitae, Yew and Juniper- there are many beautiful varieties suitable for foundation or specimen planting, windbreaks, screens and groundcover. Some change into their ‘winter wardrobe’ too: “Reingold” Arborvitae takes on a coppery hue, while Junipers like “Bar Harbor” and “Prince of Wales” turn bronzy purple. Don’t forget broad-leaved evergreens for texture contrast, plus make use of evergreen perennials like Coral Bells (Heuchera), Thrift (Armeria), Creeping Phlox, Candytuft (Iberis) and varieties of Sedum, for groundcover or edging. A few ornamental grasses such as Blue Fescue retain their color in winter. The foliage and flowers of others, like Miscanthus and Fountain Grass (Pennisetum), dries to a biscuit color and look particularly effective against a snowy backdrop.

Berries

Berry-bearing plants are a boon for birds, as well as being a decorative addition to the winter landscape. Try prickly Pyracantha, colorful Cotoneaster, and hardy Hollies- a must for holiday decorating. Hollies come in many shapes and sizes for all sorts of landscaping situations. Plant a dwarf grower like “Blue Angel” (Ilex meserveae ‘Blue Angel’) as a foundation plant, a medium grower like China Girl (Ilex cornuta ‘China Girl’) as a screen or hedge and a tall grower like “Nellie Stevens” (Ilex) as a specimen. Hollies require a male pollinator for best berry production. Be sure and ask us which pollinator you need for the variety you select.

Bark

The beautiful bark, which many trees and shrubs exhibit, can be seen at its best during winter, when leaves have fallen. Paper Park Maple (Acer griseum) is a delightful small specimen tree with reddish- brown bark that exfoliates in thin papery sheets. Consider white barked European or Himalayan Birch or water-loving River Birch with its eye-catching grey-brown to cinnamon colored peeling bark. For attractive mottled trunks, plant Stewartia and Crepe Myrtle. The dazzling stems of Red and Yellow Twig Dogwood brighten as the winter progresses. Twig Dogwoods look particularly stunning when planted in groupings in front of evergreen trees.

Blooms

Even in the middle of winter, there are a few plants that will surprise us with flowers. Perennial Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) has pretty white buttercup-like flowers; its cousin, Lenten Rose (H. orientalis) blooms a little later with flowers ranging from purplish green to white and pink. Both are shade loving, growing slowly to a loose evergreen clump. Witch Hazel (Hammamelis mollis) is a large, multi-stemmed shrub with fragrant late winter blooms in yellow, orange, or red. Other late winter bloomers, all of which are fragrant also, include Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealii), Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) and Sweet Box (Sarcoccoca).

Stop by soon and talk to us about helping you plan your landscape to include blooms, berries, bark, and background plantings for winter interest. Your yard will never have the winter doldrums again!

Winter Vegetables on the Table

Winter marks a seasonal change. Our bodies seem to crave the deeper tantalizing tastes rather than light fruity flavors of summer. Harvesting vegetables in the late fall, and sometimes into the winter, presents us with bounty for slow, simple and savory cooking. All winter vegetables may be boiled, roasted, grilled, stewed, sautéed, steamed or eaten raw.

What vegetables are these? Well…

The cole, or cruciferous, vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and kohlrabi rank highly for many nutrients including vitamin C, soluble fiber and other nutrients with anticancer properties. Interestingly, boiling seems to reduce the potency of these nutrients, but other cooking methods don’t.

Root crops, including beets and carrots, sustain life around the world. Beets provide folate, nitrates and manganese in dishes such as borscht and pickled beets. Carrots contain diverse vitamins including A, C, K and B6 and antioxidants from carotenoids. Interestingly, recent research proves people prefer the flavor of steamed carrots to boiled.

Fennel, with its anise flavor jazzes up meals throughout the world but is a favorite in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It tops nutritional lists with its antioxidant benefits. Try some raw in salads and appetizers.

Celery, related to fennel, adds a distinctive crunch when used in salads as a raw ingredient or a stronger flavor to soups and stews.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes, long associated with the typical American holiday meal, contain many healthful benefits. According to research, boiling or steaming sweet potato provides the most health benefits; the phytochemicals in them rival that of broccoli. Roasting or baking potatoes is a healthy way to enjoy them.

Winter squashes, from acorn to pumpkins, also serve as healthy sources of carbohydrates. Because 90% of the calories are starch-related, people express surprise at recent studies proving the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insulin-regulating effects of winter squash. Additionally, the roasted seeds make a delicious and healthful snack.

Have you ever wondered how to roast vegetables? It’s easy! Just wash the vegetables, cut into 1″x1″ cubes, and place in mixing bowl. Drizzle over a few tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and mix to cover all pieces. Place as a single layer in a cookie or roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook at 375⁰F for approximately 45 minutes or until the desired texture is reached. Jazz it up with cinnamon, garlic, curry, etc.

Here are some other recipes to bring these wonderful winter vegetables to your table. Bon appétit!

Roasted Winter Squash Seed and Cheese Ball Appetizer

Step 1: Roast winter squash seeds by cutting the winter squash in half and removing the seeds and stringy “gunk.” Put into a bowl half filled with water and rub between your hands to separate the seeds from the strings. Rinse the seeds again and spread out on a cookie sheet. Use a hair dryer or place in 150⁰F oven to dry. Stirring every 10 minutes reduces drying time.

Step 2: When dry, place in bowl and combine with choice of seasonings. Mix thoroughly. Return to cookie sheet. Place in 275⁰F oven for 10-20 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. When cool, chop finely to coat cheese ball.

Seasoning ideas

Latino: 4 T melted butter, 2 t chili powder, 1 t oregano
Asian: 4 T melted butter, 2 t ground ginger, 1 t hot mustard, 1 t honey
Holiday: 4 T melted butter, 2 t cinnamon, 1 t nutmeg, 2 t sugar
Use your imagination!

Step 3: Make cheese ball.

Ingredients:
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) softened Neufchatel Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Low fat)

Directions: Beat Neufchatel and cheddar in small bowl with mixer until well blended. Refrigerate 1 hour. Shape into ball. Press seasoned winter squash seeds onto cheese ball.

Serve with complimentary crackers, tortilla chips, or flatbread.

Winter Squash Casserole (serves 2)

2 Cups winter squash, peeled & cut into 1-inch cubes
3 T extra virgin olive or macadamia nut oil
1 tsp. orange juice
1 tsp. lemon juice

Directions:

Steam squash chunks, covered, for 7-8 minutes, until just tender
Mix remaining ingredients, pour over squash in bowl
Toss while still warm. Serve.

Other Ideas:

Cook 1/2 C chopped onion with squash, or
Add fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary to liquid dressing, or
Sweeten with 1 t cinnamon and 2 t honey, or
For Asian flavoring, add 1 T minced fresh ginger, 2 t soy sauce

Super Easy Grilled (or Baked) Cauliflower

Remove the leaves. Cut the head in two, core the stem. Place both on large piece of heavy-duty foil.

Melt 1/2 C butter with 2 t garlic salt and 2 t lemon pepper.

Drizzle half of butter mixture over each half and sprinkle each with 3 T Parmesan cheese,

Rejoin the two halves and drizzle remaining butter mixture on the outside.

Fold foil around, creating a ball.

Cook at 350⁰F for approximately an hour or until soft. Delicious!

Preserving the Harvest

Was it a bumper crop year? Now that the harvest is in, the decision needs to be made as to what to do with the abundance.

Many years ago, homes had “root cellars,” a place to store winter squash and root vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and carrots. Nowadays, it may be difficult for gardener’s to store their harvest this way. So, what can they do?

Here’s a quick little table to help you:

Vegetable	Store	Freeze/Blanching Time	Can	Dry	Pickle
Beets	X	(2 min)	X	X	X
Broccoli		(3 min)	X	X	X
Brussels sprouts		(3 min)	X	X	X
Cabbage		(90 sec for wedges)	Pickle first	X	X
Carrots	X	(5 min)	X	X	X
Cauliflower		(3 min)	X	X	X
Celery		(3 min)		X	X
Fennel		(1/2 min)	Pickle first		X
Horseradish	X	(shred)	Prepare as sauce	X	X
Kohlrabi		(3 min)	Pickle first	X	X
Onions	X	(raw)	Pickle first	X	X
Parsnips	X	(2 min)	X	X	X
Potatoes	X	(cooked)	X	X	X
Rutabagas	X	(2 min)	X	X	X
Sweet Potatoes/Yams	X	(cooked)	X	X	X
Turnip	X	(2 min)	X	X	X
Winter Squash	X	(cooked)	X	X	X

Storing: Only store mature and perfect vegetables. If there are soft spots or bruises, eat immediately or preserve. Leave several inches of stems on winter squash. It’s important to maintain temperatures between 32⁰ and 40⁰F. with good air circulation and ventilation. To reduce spoilage, the humidity should be between 85 and 95%.

Freezing: Freezing maintains nutrients, flavor and texture. Most vegetables require blanching (cutting into pieces, a boiling water bath [see times above], followed by immersion into very cold water) prior to putting into freezer bags or containers in the freezer. Maintain a temperature of 0⁰F. Most vegetables will store well for 12 weeks.

Canning: Best method for vegetables with high water content such as fruits and tomatoes. Hot water baths or pressure cookers seal the contents in sterilized jars. Most vegetables are low acid foods and require using a pressure cooker. Use cleaned fresh and tender vegetables. Follow all pressure cooker instructions carefully.

Drying: No special equipment required. Most people use ovens or dehydrators. It’s important to have good air circulation and all vegetables are cleaned and not bruised. Blanching in a hot water bath increases quality and cleanliness. Adding 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid to each quart of water will reduce darkening.

Pickling: Used around the world to preserve foods, “pickling” also includes relishes and fermentation. Examples include Kim-chi, pickles, sauerkraut and chutneys. Follow all recipes carefully. Most use vinegar to stabilize acidity to prevent bacteria. Some recipes will suggest canning to preserve the product, others will recommend refrigerator or crock storage.

Have specific questions? The National Center for Home Food Preservation has many online publications to assist you.

WEST STORE HOURS

Author Archives: dammanns

Fruit Trees & Shrubs

Apple Crimson Crisp

Apple Red Delicious

Cherry Rynbrandt

Cherry Danube

Cherry Montmorency

Seed Starting and Companion Planting

Fall Clearance Sale

Spring is Here!

20 Reasons We Love Trees!

Rose List

Creating and Maintaining a Terrarium

Terrariums – Creating and Maintaining

5 Reasons to Start Seeds Indoors

5 Reasons to Start Seeds Indoors

11 Tips to Seed Starting Success

Hot Peppers!

Proven Winner Perennials for 2024

Shade Tree List

Conifer List

Ornamental Tree List

Flowering Shrub List

Ornamental Grass List

Evergreen Shrub List

Dormant Seeding

Living Christmas Trees

Pruning in the Fall

AIR PLANTS/TILLANDSIAS

The Winter Landscape

Winter Vegetables on the Table

Preserving the Harvest

Dammann’s Garden Center & Greenhouse