Skinner Garden Store

"THYMELY' ADVICE: GRUB CONTROL! (From our blog, The Dirt: What Are You Doing Here?)

It’s getting to be that time of year again...time to get your turf treated for those ugly grubs.

Grubs are the larval stage of various types of beetles. When they begin to hatch, they feed on the roots of your grass and other plants, causing damage. They are typically white or creamy-white with a reddish-brown head, and curl into a C-shape when disturbed.

Lawns that have had a history of grub damage can be treated with Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone before the young grubs hatch. Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone works by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses in grubs and has a low toxicity rating for humans and pets. This should be applied in June to early July, but can be applied as early as late May. Granules should be applied on a dry surface and watered in after application, with cleanup of any stray granules.

Take the right steps to ensure you maintain a great-looking yard. Stop in today to get a bag. Let our friendly, knowledgeable staff help you with all your gardening needs this spring.

—Melissa Anderson

REDBUD TREES ON SALE! Redbud has always been one of my favorites. I love the way it dots the timber every spring with spots of lavender-pink, and I love the way they fit just right into a landscape around our homes. This native ornamental tree is a garden staple...and it’s becoming more so all the time.

There have been some attractive variations from the norm for a long time. White Flowering Redbud, sometimes just called Whitebud, offers everything the species does but with white flowers. Forest Pansy Redbud gave us a version with burgundy foliage at the start of the season, and a generation ago, Lavender Twist Redbud made its way onto the scene, bringing us the first weeping version of redbud. Since then, it’s only gotten better.

With every new discovery, plant breeders saw opportunity. New forms were incorporated into breeding programs, and it wasn’t too long before the world of redbuds began to change forever. The list of redbuds we get to plant in our gardens is long...and it’s ever-changing. Variations on foliage color, flower color, growth habit, and size abound. Here are a few recent additions at the nursery.

‘Cotton Candy’ – This is a soft pink flowering selection made by a Kansas nurseryman and offers a nice contrast to the lavender-pink of other trees.

‘Garden Gem Amethyst’ – Dwarf redbuds have been around for a while, but a dwarf redbud with burgundy foliage, now that’s something new! Maturing around 10’ tall and wide, this form works out well in places where most small trees are still too big, and with burgundy foliage, it makes a dramatic specimen!

‘Golden Falls’ – A strongly weeping redbud with bright golden-yellow foliage. Lavender-pink flowers in the spring and a narrow, cascading silhouette, growing 6-10’ tall and only 3-4’ wide.

‘Midnight Express’– This introduction from Proven Winners has deep burgundy foliage that holds on well throughout the season, with size and flowers typical of the species.

‘Purple Rain’ – This new weeping election boasts rich burgundy foliage, a strong weeping habit with beautiful rosy-pink flowers in the spring, reaching 6-8’ tall and wide.

And there are even more exciting forms to choose from, and best yet, many are now currently reduced in price by 20-50% off!

—Cameron Rees

June is Rose Month! 🌹 What's your favorite type to celebrate: Climbing roses, fragrant roses, rambling roses, a certain color, or all of the above???

Announcing 📢 your chance to bring home a free plant! The Bee a Winner giveaway is happening now through June 14 in stores, or enter online at monrovia.me/win. We have ten prize plants to hand out - you could be one of the lucky ones!