How to Prevent Freeze and Frost Damage to Your Trees and Plants

What to do during periods of Frost and Freeze conditions

Normal winter time conditions in and around our lower desert areas include a few nights when temperatures may reach below freezing (32F) at official weather reporting stations (http://www.weather.gov/). In outlying and lower lying areas, actual temperatures may be even lower. During an abnormally cold period, temperatures can reach into the lower twenties or even colder. Temperatures below freezing can cause damage to certain varieties of trees and shrubs that are commonly grown in the area.

How Frost Can Damage Your Plants

Frost damage is caused by moisture condensing on the leaf and forming ice crystals by drawing water from the plant. This dehydrates the plant and is why frost damage looks like a burn. Because many trees and plants become casualties during freezes, every effort should be made protect vulnerable plants to minimize winter damage.   


Some trees and plants that are affected include, but are not limited to: Ficus Species, Jacaranda, Palo Brea, Pygmy Date Palms, Sissoo, Young Citrus, Bougainvillea, Lantana, Hibiscus, Thevitia and other varieties. If you have questions on the hardiness of your plants or how cold your particular area gets, please call your closest Moon Valley Nursery at 602-938-6666. Smaller and newly planted trees and shrubs tend to be the most susceptible to damage from cold weather. All trees and plants can benefit from the following measures to help prevent damage from frost and freezing conditions.

1. WATER
As weird as it may sound, the laws of thermodynamics prove that it is more difficult to cool humid air than dry air, so be sure to thoroughly water all of your trees and plants during periods of forecast frost or freeze. In addition, get your entire yard wet in the evening before forecast freeze. This boosts humidity in the immediate microclimate and will help minimize the effects of frost and freeze on your trees and plants

2. COVER
Where feasible, cover plants with a frost cloth or old blankets during nights of forecast freeze. It is important that you cover up before dusk. By the time it gets dark much of the stored heat in the garden has already been lost. Remove cover in the morning to allow radiant heat to be absorbed. DO NOT USE PLASTIC. Plastic actually increases the danger. For larger trees and plants, you can apply Frost Proof insulating spray. This applies a thin layer of wax-like substance that minimizes evaporation from the leaves, thus minimizing frost/ freeze damage. Both Frost Cloth and Frost Proof spray are available at all Moon Valley Nurseries www.moonvalleynursery.com .

3. HEAT
People have had success in preventing frost/ freeze damage by stringing up Christmas lights in their trees. The older style lights (incandescent) provide the best warming effect. Sometimes it's only a few degrees that will make a huge difference. Although these methods are proven to minimize the effects of abnormally cold weather on trees and plants, due to the uncontrollable nature of weather, there are no guarantees of success.

MOON VALLEY NURSERY OFFERING 50% OFF AND FREE PLANTING!! !

OH WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS DEAL!!!!!!


10 THINGS YOU CAN DO THIS HOLIDAY WHILE MOON VALLEY NURSERIES DOES THE PLANTING FOR YOU!

LAST CHANCE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 50% OFF& FREE PLANTING

ON ANY PREMIUM BOX TREE

10     Get ready for your Holiday Company
Moon Valley Nursery will have the outside covered, so you can take care of the inside. Enjoy decorating and cooking this holiday for your guests. When you step outside Moon Valley Nursery will have your yard ready to entertain family and friends.

9     Shopping
Beat the crowds and get a head start on all of your holiday shopping. When you return, sit back and enjoy your spectacular yard, courtesy of Moon Valley Nursery.



8     Save Money
Take advantage of 50% off and free planting of any premium box tree and save big from Moon Valley Nursery. More cash you save with us, the more cash you will have for the holidays.



7     Save Time
Time is limited this holiday season, so let Moon Valley Nursery do the planting for you. The more time you save, the more time you can spend with friends and family.

6     Day Trip
Visitors from around the world travel to the southwest to take in the sights during the holiday season. Pack up the family and plan a day trip to take in the sights in your own ‘backyard’. When you return you will be amazed at the transformation Moon Valley Nursery created in your backyard.

5     Giving back
Choose a charity and give back. Local charities have a tremendous need to fill this year and few volunteers. Give back and volunteer your time, while Moon Valley Nursery plants your trees.



4     Schedule a massage or mani/pedi
The holiday season can get hectic. Take time out now for yourself and get a massage or manicure/pedicure from your favorite salon. By the time your holiday guests arrive you will be refreshed and relaxed and ready to spend time in your ‘renewed’ yard.

3     Happy 2011!
While Moon Valley Nursery plants your new trees, it’s time for you to plan your new year. Get out your 2011 Day Planner and start making those New Year resolutions. Make sure to include regular trips to your local Moon Valley Nursery during 2011, we always have something exciting for your yard!

2     Practice your golf swing
Get a jump on your game, before out of town guests arrive. The southwest has perfect weather, perfect courses, and of course, your perfect swing. After hitting the course, come back to your very own impressive oasis, installed by Moon Valley Nursery.

1     Enjoy!!!!!!
You have worked hard this year. It’s time for you to sit back and enjoy the holidays. Moon Valley Nursery will do all the ‘heavy lifting’ for you and plant incredible trees for you to enjoy!



Have a great Holiday from Moon Valley Nursery! Don’t miss your chance for 50% off and free planting of any premium box trees. Moon Valley Nursery 602.938.6666 www.moonvalleynursery.com

Moon Valley Nurseries takes you to the White House Rose Garden

Moon Valley Nurseries takes you to

The White House Rose Garden

The White House rose garden is known round the world, seen in TV news as a setting for press conferences and receiving foreign dignitaries. The White House Rose Garden was established in 1913 by Ellen Loise Axson Wilson, wife of Woodrow Wilson, on the site of a previous colonial garden established by First lady Edith Roosevelt wife of Theodore Roosevelt in 1902. In 1961, during the John F. Kennedy administration, the garden was redesigned by Rachel Lambert Mellon. Mellon created a space with a more defined central lawn, bordered by flower beds planted in a French style, but largely American botanical specimens.

How to duplicate the look
The White House Rose Garden has a long and rich history. Duplicate the look by starting your rose garden now. Take your time to build your rose garden with roses and rose colors that you enjoy. Start by asking questions. Go to Moon Valley Nursery and ask our flower experts what to look for when selecting a rose bush.

Moon Valley Nursery has a huge selection of roses to choose from. Start your rose garden today and enjoy it as it grows and blooms for many years to come.

Moon Valley Nurseries helps you get your yard ready for your holiday guests

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE 
YOUR HOLIDAY GUESTS ARRIVE                     


The southwest is an envied destination during the holiday season. You may have houseguests stay for a weekend, or even a few weeks. If you are hosting relatives or friends this year, prepare your yard before their arrival with these helpful tips and enjoy a Sonoran holiday:

1. Survey your yard
Survey your yard and patios with the objective of finding out what needs attention or repair. Are there ‘holes’ in your yard that need to be filled in by a tree, shrub or a vine? Does your yard harmonize? Is your yard inviting? Come in today to any Moon Valley Nursery and a designer will be happy to suggest plant material that will make your yard perfect for your holiday guests.


2. Spring cleaning for the holidays
Even though it's not spring, before the holidays is a terrific time to do some spring cleaning. Clean up any dead branches and rake any dead leaves. Hose off patios and clean outdoor furniture. Refresh candles. De-clutter your yard by getting rid of unwanted or unsightly items. If a plant needs to be replaced or refreshed, call Moon Valley Nursery.


3. Do yard repairs
If you have been dealing with a broken irrigation system, broken steps or leaky pots you should get these things taken care of before your guests arrive. A few small yard repairs and improvements can make your yard safer and more comfortable for your holiday houseguests. Call Moon Valley Nursery to schedule any irrigation repairs or replacements.


4. Childproof your yard
If babies or children are among your houseguests, it's time to do some simple childproofing. Keep all yard tools or other potential hazards in a locked cabinet or out of reach. Make sure your hose is properly put away. If you have a pool be sure your fence is in excellent condition and your locks are working properly. Call Moon Valley Nursery for ‘child friendly’ plant material.


5. Prepare a quiet place
A full house can be stressful at times. Prepare a quiet getaway place for you or your guests to retreat to. A single chair placed by aromatic herbs or flowers can have a very calming effect. Moon Valley Nursery has a huge selection of herbs and fall flowers.


Moon Valley Nurseries wishes you a great holiday season. Relax and enjoy your holiday company and your holiday yard!

Fight Crime: Buy a Tree from Moon Valley Nursery

Buy a Tree from Moon Valley Nursery and help  

Fight Crime in your Neighborhood!

A common expression from Moon Valley Nursery customers when they walk through our doors is that they cannot believe how large our trees are! Moon Valley Nursery is a grower direct nursery ‘from our farms to your yard’. One of the benefits of buying from a grower direct nursery is how large, vibrant and healthy our trees are.

It is reported that in addition to being pleasant to the eye, large trees can actually help you fight crime in your neighborhood.

A study by the U.S. Forest Service has found that less crime occurs in neighborhoods with big trees in their yards and on the streets. In contrast the study showed that more crime was committed or attempted at homes and neighborhoods with smaller trees.

Geoffrey Donavan from the U.S. Forest Service Department says “that large trees may be a signal to crooks that a neighborhood is well cared for, making it more likely criminals will be caught”. He adds that small trees may aid criminals by providing hiding places for criminals and obstructing views.

By purchasing large, healthy trees at any Moon Valley Nursery you not only beautify your surroundings, but you also add one more layer of protection against crime. Contact any Moon Valley Nursery staff member and they will be happy to guide you to the best tree selection for your yard.

Moon Valley Nursery 602-938-6666 www.moonvalleynursery.com

  For complete article see : http://eab.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/09/16/0013916510383238.full.pdf+html

Moon Valley Nursery's Chef's Garden

The Chef’s Garden

Moon Valley Nursery is the source for all of your garden’s vegetables and herbs. Fall is a perfect time to get your garden stocked with tomatoes, lettuce, dill, basil and peppers. Vegetable gardening in the southwest is very productive, because of the mild weather and rare nightly freezes.


Always begin with great vegetable or herb plants. These can be found at any Moon Valley Nursery locations. Additional tips for desert gardening:

1. Location, Location, Location
2. Raised Planters
3. Irrigation
4. Fertilizer


Location
Success depends on the planning of your vegetable garden. Your planning begins with the best possible location. Call any Moon Valley Nursery and a designer will suggest the perfect spot for your garden.
Raised Planters
Desert vegetable gardening starts with raised beds. Find your ideal site and begin mulching and raising your beds. Surrounding your raised beds with a wood frame is also a good idea.
Irrigation
Once you have your beds raised, the irrigation should be simple to accomplish. Desert vegetable gardening should be irrigated every 7 to10 days when the temperature is below 100 degrees. Irrigation needs to be done twice weekly when the temperature goes over 100 degrees.

Fertilizer
After your plants are well established and they are showing proudly in your garden, fertilization is the key. Desert vegetable gardening depends greatly on a well balanced fertilizer. Call any Moon Valley Nursery staff member for additional information on specific fertilizers.
Enjoy the fruitages of your chef’s garden this fall. Begin with a trip to Moon Valley Nursery !

Enjoy the Monarch Butterflies

Plant a Butterfly Garden this fall with

Moon Valley Nurseries

A beautiful and fun way to see more butterflies this fall is to plant a butterfly garden. During the fall your garden will attract not only monarch’s but also many other butterflies.

Add a colorful touch in your garden. A butterfly gardener reaps many rewards. People usually enjoy the same colorful flowers butterflies prefer, so a butterfly garden can win compliments from you and your neighbors.


Practice water conservation. If you plant a butterfly garden where there used to be lawn, there is also less grass to mow, which means less work with the lawn mower as well as less air and noise pollution if your mower runs on gas.


Create a diverse garden. Butterflies like lots of different plants, so creating a garden adds biological diversity to your yard. Diversity can reduce populations of pest insects by making it harder for them to find their host plants. Butterflies also often like native plants. Including those species in your garden usually means less maintenance, since those plants are used to the natural weather conditions in your area. Butterflies themselves are an important part of the ecosystem, and can pollinate many plants.

Trees and plants that will attract butterflies
 Butterflies love the Shoe String Acacia Tree. It is an evergreen desert tree and is a fast grower and looks great in a desert landscape. Call Moon Valley Nursery at 602-938-6666 today and start attracting monarch butterflies to your shoe string acacia tree.

Butterflies are attracted to Parry’s Penstemon. This shrub is not only beautiful, but also very easy to grow. It looks well in any landscape and will compliment other plants already established in your garden.

Tip


How do you tell the difference between Mr. and Mrs. Monarch Butterfly? Telling the difference between Mr. and Mrs. is easy. A male butterfly has two distinct dots at the bottom of its wings and its black veins are less pronounced. In contrast, a female butterfly doesn’t have dots and her veins are ‘thicker’.



male





female


Fall is a great time to spend time in your garden. By planting trees and plants that will naturally attract butterflies is a great way to add to the conservation of the environment and enrich your landscape. A Moon Valley Nursery staff member will be able to suggest more plant material that will attract a flurry of monarchs to your garden this fall.

Moon Valley Nursery 602-938-6666  http://www.moonvalleynursery.com/

Moon Valley Nurseries takes you to Versailles

Moon Valley Nurseries takes you to

the gardens of Versailles

Grandiose, inspiring and breathtaking only break the surface when used to describe the Gardens of Versailles. Versailles is the most famous garden in the world. Yet 'garden' is scarcely a fitting designation. The scale is monumental and there is little sense of enclosure. It is resplendent as the prime example of the French Baroque style.

There are immaculate parterres, great basins, an orangery, vast collections of outdoor sculptures and some of the grandest fountains which have ever been made.

The park and garden were designed by Andre Le Nôtre between 1661 and 1700. The Grand Trianon, another formal garden, was built on the site of a former village. Avenues project from Louis XIV's palace towards distant horizons, enfolding town, palace, garden and forest. The Grand Trianon, a formal garden on the property was built on the site of a The Petit Trianon was given to Marie-Antoinette in 1774. She favored the irregular style, with hills, rocks and streams. The Hameau was designed in 1785, as a stage village, for Marie-Antoinette to play with her friends in the idle years before the French Revolution

How to duplicate Versailles


Although the majority of gardeners simply do not have the acreage of Versailles, duplication is still possible on a smaller scale. Baroque style when loosely translated means “ornamented with a free style”. In practical terms in your garden, it can mean placing a variety of small gardens bordered by natural barriers and boxed planters.


What to try:

Shrubs can serve as the perfect natural barriers or hedges and can be trimmed to reflect a formal feeling. Oleanders are a great choice. These shrubs are fast growers and bloom throughout the year.      



Oleanders can also be used as an ornamental tree. Its smaller size makes it a perfect choice for patios or entry ways.

Boxed gardens are used extensively throughout Versailles. Try a boxed flower, herb or vegetable garden.

When you find yourself (or lose yourself) in France, ‘promenade dans le beau jardin’ of Versailles. Until then, make your way to Moon Valley Nurseries and we will help you create your own Versailles.
                    Moon Valley Nurseries 602-938-6666