How to protect ornamental plants in winter

In anticipation of the colder weather to come, homeowners are beginning to think about how to protect their favorite shrubs and perennials from the lowest temperatures. The UGA publication "Winter protection of ornamental plants", by Extension horticulturist Robert Westerfield and horticulture professor Orville Lindstrom, explains that, with proper care during the rest of the year, many plants will take care of themselves.

They describe the process like this:  "During the late summer and early fall, the plants must prepare themselves for winter through a process called cold acclimation. This process is initiated by the cooler temperatures and shorter daylengths that naturally occur at this time of the year."

Proper care includes providing nutrients (through fertilizers) during active growth in warmer seasons, withholding excess nitrogen fertilizer in fall. Westerfield and Lindstrom explain:

"Fertilizing plants in the fall (after August or September) with a fertilizer high in nitrogen can cause a flush of new growth that is more susceptible to cold temperatures."

Upcoming Events and Classes

Layered, Indoor, Holiday Container Planting

Thursday, November 5, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Cobb Extension’s Renae Lemon will demonstrate how to fill a holiday planter that will bloom throughout the holiday season, at Kemp Memorial Library, 4029 Due West Rd, Kennesaw, 30152.

Bluebird Trail Walk

Saturday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Free and open to the public. Cobb Master Gardener and Bluebird expert Jim Bearden will conduct a guided walk of the 2.3-mile Bluebird Trail at Green Meadow Preserve Park, at 3780 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs, GA, 30127. Follow the Bluebird Trail blog at bluebirdtrail.blogspot.com.

Holiday Inspirations

Saturday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cobb Extension staff members, led by Leah Wilson, will demonstrate simple and easy holiday crafts for decorating and gifts, in the second floor classroom at UGA Extension/Cobb County, 678 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA, 30060. For information, call 770-528-4070.

Pollinators: Unsung Garden Heroes

Tuesday, November 10, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Learn about the important role pollinating insects play in providing beauty in the garden and food for our table, with Master Gardener Marge Igyarto. Part of the ongoing Gardeners Night Out presentation series of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County, at South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton, 30126.

Thyme to Read Book Club

Friday, November 13, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Meeting of the book club sponsored by the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is free and open to the public. This month’s book is Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv.  At the Training Room of the Cobb County Water lab, 662 South Cobb Drive (at the intersection with Atlanta Rd.). Free and open to the public.

Beekeeping with Metro Atlanta Beekeepers

Friday, November 13, noon - 1:00 p.m. Discover the difference that honeybee pollination can make to your formal garden, wildflowers, vegetables, and fruits. Part of the ongoing Lunch & Learn series of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County, at the Training Room of the Cobb County Water lab, 662 South Cobb Drive (at the intersection with Atlanta Rd.). Free and open to the public.

Trim-a-Tree

November 18, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cobb Extension staff member Emily Harper will demonstrate how professionals use decorative mesh, ribbons, and unique items to create one-of-a-kind presentations. Other holiday ideas will also be on display. Class will be held in the second floor classroom at UGA Extension/Cobb County, 678 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA, 30060. Free, but preregistration is requested. Call 770-528-4070 to register.