NEWSLETTER

SUMMER/FALL

Voted
‘ Best Landscape Designer on Long Island’
by News 12 in 2006

Schlick Design Group Is Tops in State

At their 2006 Landscape Awards Program, the New York State Landscape Association recognized Schlick Design Group with the Best in State Excellence in Landscaping Award for unique use of water, patios, decks and plants. The entire Schlick Design Team contributed to this success.

SUMMER/FALL GARDENING TIPS

August 1st: Last day for heavy summer pruning of rhododendrons, azaleas, forsythia and other spring-flowering shrubs. Also time to reapply slow-release dry fertilizer to your pots of annuals.
August 15th through September 15th: Time to divide and replant overgrown clumps of perennials.
August 15th through October 1st: Ideal time for re-seeding an old lawn or seeding a new lawn.
September 1st : Last day for trimming of hedges
October 1st through Thanksgiving: Time to plant spring bulbs.
November 15th through December 1st: Time to apply your last lawn fertilization.
November 15th through December 1st: Time to remulch perennial beds.

REINVIGORATE YOUR SUMMER FLOWERS

Now that it’s August, your summer flowers may require a little additional care to keep them attractive and blooming all summer long. Following the guidelines below will ensure a continuous flower display.

Grooming

Some annuals require a little grooming now and then in order to look and perform their best. Grooming includes removing spent flowers before they begin to form seeds, called ‘Dead-heading’.

Annuals that benefit most from deadheading — which promotes continuous flower production— are Dahlias, Zinnias, Snapdragons, Salvias, Geraniums, and larger-flowering Marigolds.

Pruning off leggy and overly-long branches of many plants promotes renewed flowering and plant compactness. Don’t worry about removing too much; even a severe haircut will become unnoticeable after a week or so.

Petunias, Verbenas, Scaevola, Calibrachoa, Bidens and Ivy Geraniums benefit from this, as do trailing foliage plants.

Watering

Watering during hot, dry months is critical, especially for plants in containers. Do not let your plants dry out! Excessive dryness causes leaves to become stunted and yellow, and reduces flower production. When you water your pots, wet the soil thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes at the bottom. Repeat until thoroughly soaked. Check pots daily, as high summer temperatures and windy days will dry out your containers more quickly.

Fall is for Planting

Early fall, from early September through late October, is a great time to put plants in the garden. The shorter days and cooler air temperatures reduce the demand for water and keep plants from producing an abundance of new leaves, while the still-warm soil promotes root growth. Thus plants have plenty of time to build a healthy root system and get established before the onset of winter.

Late August through mid-September is also an ideal time to divide and replant those perennials that have become overgrown. Irises, Hostas, Daylilies, Coreopsis, Black-eyed Susan, summer Phlox, and Astilbe are just some of the perennials that can be divided at this time.

IN MEMORIAM

It is with deep sadness that Schlick Design Group announces the passing of our long-time employee, Philip J. DeRoma, on April 20, 2006, following a short illness. He was 71.
Phil was an integral part of the Schlick team for over 40 years. Many of you may remember him as the friendly foreman who took great pride in his work. Although Phil retired in 2003, he passed his legacy of quality workmanship on to his co-workers. We will sorely miss him.

Coming up in 2007
Our 50th Year