Gardenia information

Found this in the Orlando paper..... Dave

Gardenia is already thinking of spring

Q: My gardenia plant has grown quite tall and is too wide for the walkway. Can I cut it back this fall? Also what should I do about the yellow leaves?

A: Gardenias have started to form their flower buds for spring. If you give them a trimming now, you might lose the attractive flowers for a year. Also, a fall pruning is going to encourage new growths that could be affected by cold winter weather. Perhaps you can trim off a few limbs so you can use the path and delay major pruning until after the spring bloom.

Try a fall feeding to regreen your gardenia foliage. The plants are heavy feeders and need three to four fertilizer applications a year. Sometimes, soils are missing adequate magnesium for plant growth. If a regular fertilizer does not help, give the plants an application of magnesium sulfate. This is often sold as Epsom salts and can be applied under the plants following label instructions.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Hi, upcoming event at Wekiwa Springs State Park..... Dave

Friday, November 13- Sunday, November15. Rockin' in the Pasture, a three day rock concert with overnight camping at Rock Springs State Reserve. Nine great local bands, open mic sessions, food concession. Forget Woodstock - come and be part of history at the very first "Rockstock". Tickets in advance - $15 per person for three days includes camping - available from Wekiwa Springs State Park Ranger Station.

Saturday, February 27, 2010- the 23rd Annual Real Florida 5K Cross Country Run and Fun Walk. Click here for the registration form