Jim Sollecito

Cutting Edge

Michael S. Ameigh and JIm Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:40:42 +0000

Jim talks about his trip to Washington, D.C. to see the White House Rose Garden and Michelle Obama's Kitchen Garden. Listen to his tale about how he donated his pocket knife to the Secret Service. Looks like no more mumbly peg for Jim until Santa brings him a new one.

Deer Munchies

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:21:15 +0000

Fall is 'bulk up' time for deer. You think they wreak havoc in spring and summer? Fall is the peak of chow down time. But you can do something to pull the plug on the gravy train in your back yard. Jim has some ideas about how you can turn the herd around and keep them away from your plantings.

Landscapes Alive

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:11:50 +0000

Jim says the best use for landscape fabric may be shower curtains or really unique high fashion ball gowns. He won't sell it in his shop, and he says you should not use it in your landscape. Learn why.

Woodsman Pare That Tree

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:54:44 +0000

Why is it that a bird can fly through a tree canopy repeatedly without so much as a ding to a wing but a golf ball will find a limb every time? No answer here, but Jim has some great tips for pruning your trees to enhance their appearance. Careful pruning will add elegance to your landscape for years to come.

You Are how you Plant

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:33:38 +0000

Question: which of the following is the most sensible statement?
A) best time to do your landscape chores is on a hot, sunny day at noon.
B) best time to water your plants is on a hot, sunny day at noon.
C) best way to keep your landscape verdant and thriving is to ignore it.
D) best way to keep plants thriving is to place them where the sun and other natural conditions will work to their advantage as they become established.
(correct answer is D, unless you are a mad dog or an Englishman and inclined to take song lyrics by Noël Coward literally)

Bling Bling Plants

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 21:04:54 +0000

Bling is all about flash, sparkle, and impact. Bling has a place in the garden, too. Here's Jim's list of 'look-at-ME!-plants.' Add some visual noise-makers to your landscape.

Dog Days

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:40:12 +0000

The 'Dog Days' of summer. Not much more to do in the garden, but the weeding goes on. If your sidewalk or patio cracks are in a weedy pickle, put the gherkin to workin' on the problem. You will relish the results.

Just Add Water

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 20:19:11 +0000

Feeling cranky because it's too hot, sticky and uncomfortable to work outside? Think of it this way: when is the last time you had to shovel sunshine? To improve your disposition, jump into a cold shower, then go out and water those thirsty plants and trees. Nothing to it - just add water.

Global Warmups

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:55:25 +0000

What's white and black and red all over? A sunburned polar bear in a black bikini? Okay, not so funny. Global warming is no laughing matter. But for all its negative effects, the extended growing season in this region may not be one. Jim has some startling news.

Fall Planting

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:16:27 +0000

It's fall, the time of year we start thinking about closing up the garden shed and moving inside. Before you put away that shovel, plant a tree. Fall is the ideal planting season for trees, shrubs and other hardy plants. Their roots will respond well to the head-start on spring.

Proper Planting Tips

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 17:40:20 +0000

Are you developing a chemical dependency as you manage your landscape? After killing weeds with herbicides, do you try to kill them AGAIN with a second application? Friend, it is time to enter rehab. Jim has some tips to help you avoid putting your plantings in harms way in the first place.

Trees are Tribal

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:03:55 +0000

When a breeze blows through the trees is the wind talking - or are the trees chit-chatting? Trees are tribal. They protect one another from dings and nicks of lawnmowers, and, working together, manage the soil around their roots much more effectively than do man-made lawn chemicals.

Bee Smart or Be Smarting

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 11:44:30 +0000

Knowledge may be power, but wisdom is the real deal. Wise weekend warriors read the label - and follow the directions. In this commentary Jim talks about how we sometimes get in the way of Mother Nature and, that when we need to nudge her a bit, we should do so wisely.

Oh Deer

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:45:51 +0000

Question: Name a woodland creature that will leap a six foot chain link fence in a single bound to get to that luscious-looking vegetable garden on the other side but will not leap a four-foot slat-sided fence through which it cannot see. If you said 'hippopotamus,' please review your field notes more thoroughly before attempting our next quiz. If you answered 'deer,' you are correct. Deer are smart - but you can outsmart them. Here's how.

Water Those Plants

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:12:49 +0000

As the summer roles on, landscape and garden soil becomes drier from constant sun at its most intense. Many plants go dormant, but that does not mean they are dead. They are very much alive and will appreciate your occasional offer of liquid refreshment. Water your plants during the cool part of the day to keep them happy.

Light and Shade

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:47:38 +0000

Which is better, morning sun or afternoon sun? And where does mid-day sun fit into the growing cycle? Well... it all depends. To learn how and why, grab your polarized sunglasses and tune in as Jim sheds light on the many shades of sunlight.

Slugging It Out

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:31:14 +0000

Slugs. They creep while you sleep, often wreaking havoc on garden plants along the way. Fortunately there are ways to fight back. Maybe a slug mug filled with beer or a solution of ammonia and water that kills slugs on impact while fertilizing your plants at the same time. Learn how you can slug it out with slugs and snails.

Plastic is Forever

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:09:44 +0000

Remember that old adage that diamonds are forever? Well so are styrofoam cups, plastic liners, disposable diapers, even cigarette butts. Paper and wood products break down in a matter of weeks, returning to the soil from which they came. Plastics are a different matter. Here's a sobering commentary on the importance of staying natural.

Garden Gloves

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:54:46 +0000

That ugly green sheen on your favorite weekend boat shoes... 'grass' stain from walking behind the mower, right? Not so. Grass does not stain. Weeds do. Here are handy tips for getting gardening stain off your hands. And, when weeding, be SURE to wear gardening gloves. You never know when you might find yourself pulling pigweed, poison ivy or other noxious plants.

Read The Label

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:35:23 +0000

Take Control! Rage against the Machine! Power to the Peonies! The 'Machine' we refer to is, of course, the lawnmower. Ever feel like it's holding you down, keeping you from reaching your full potential on, say, the golf course or the trout stream? Here are tips for cutting down on the cutting down and, in the process, bringing a more verdant and sustainable approach to maintaining your landscape.

Bloomerang Lilacs

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:11:11 +0000

We just can't stop talking about lilacs. They are easy to grow, generate a fragrance to die for, and add terrific, showy color to the spring landscape. If only they were not so quick to drop their blooms. But wait! Here's news about a new variety called the Bloomerang that Ted Collins, dean of the Rochester Lilac Festival, calls the 'ever-bloomer.' Amazing.

Plant with Compost

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:37:41 +0000

Hey, Vets. Remember that fun drill back in boot camp? 'Dig a hole; fill it in. Dig a hole, fill it in.' Didn't realize Ol' Sarge was preparing you to become a weekend warrior, did you? Next time you dig a hole to place a tree, or shrub, or bedding plant, make sure 30 percent of what goes back into the hole with that plant is compost. Then, stand back and watch the plant take off. Compost is full of the best nutrients nature has to offer.

Feed Flowering Bulbs

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:17:05 +0000

Flowering bulbs bring joy to springtime - and then are forgotten. Remember to feed them, even when they are dormant. You will see the difference next spring and beyond. And don't cut those green stems just because the flowers are gone - let them go brown before you cut them down.

Super Soil

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:49:40 +0000

Remember what Grandma used to say... 'If the soil ain't happy, ain't no tree, shrub or clingin' vine happy!' Okay, so that's not what she said, but it IS the point of this commentary on building high quality, highly productive soil.

Lively Lilacs

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:37:45 +0000

A rose is a rose is a rose... or so they say. The same cannot be said for lilacs. There are all kinds of lilacs, and some are better for your landscape than others. And, if you thought lilacs came from France, grab a lilac muffin and have a listen. You might be surprised.

Cool Cultivars

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:24:32 +0000

Has that old stand of Burning Bush flamed out? Looking to add some pizzazz to your landscape? Don't settle for same-old-same-old. Check out Jim's list of high quality cultivars from growers with reliably high standards.

Juneberries

Michael S. Ameigh and JIm Sollecito — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:32:20 +0000

Delicious right off the shrub and spread on toast or ice cream right out of grandma's preserve jar, Juneberries are a real treat, full of flavor and good for everyone. Juneberry shrubs make a terrific addition to any landscape. If you have never heard of them, stay tuned. The word is out.

Trim Those Leggy Plants

Michael S. Ameigh and Jim Sollecito — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:27:49 +0000

When your landscape plants begin to get a bit long in the limb, do them - and yourself - a favor. Trim them back, and don't be shy. If you do it right, they will come back better and healthier than ever.