I’ve been getting some questions about Nola Winter Gardening so I thought I would refer back to a post that one of our landscape designers Jesse posted a while back.
Here in Metairie, Louisiana plants survive in hardiness zones from 8b to 9a. Because of the climate we experience…some 70 degree days some 30 degree days there are some important tips one needs to know when working on or preparing ones garden for the upcoming spring.
#1 Today is a great day to plant! Just as tomorrow and the next day and the day after! As long as a shovel can get into the dirt so can the roots of a plant. It is because the ground hardly freezes here that we are blessed with the ability to start plants on their growth journey a little early. It is actually better to plant in the winter then the spring or summer in New Orleans. The main plant parts may be in a dormant state but the roots of the plant are actively seeking water and nutrients year-round. Because of the root stimulation the plant can be much more prepared to take on the heat of the summer with an extra few months of root growth.
#2 Mulch! Mulch! Mulch! Now that the fall leaf color (not that there is much in New Orleans) has made its way into the trash or compost pile its time to add a fresh layer of crushed pine needle much to help keep moisture in the soil around plants. Winters tend to dry plants out especially if there is no mulch.
#3 Pruning is a great idea on plants not flowering in the spring. As long as the plant flowers after April, pruning is recommend during the winter. Choose a cool day to do it so as not to stunt new growth which may occur on warmer days.
#4 Stay off your turf! Let it remain dormant if it is a warm season grass, it can not regenerate to repair itself when it gets into the dormant state.
#5 If you do not have a plan for your garden or yard now is a perfect time to work with a Landscape Architect on preparing the perfect atmosphere for your outdoor living. Set up a consultation at the Garden Gates today!
Mardi Gras season starts in a couple of days, are you ready for it? Mardi Gras begins on the Twelfth Night, or the evening of January 5th. This is the time of costumes, masks, king cakes, parties and more. Here’s some ideas for things to get the party started!
Kings Cake PinOne of the funnest items celebrating Mardi Gras that we have here at The Garden Gates is the King Cake Pin by India Stewart Designs. Sure to be noticed this detailed pin has green and purple along with the gold for an exciting Mardi Gras display. Perfect to wear to parties, parades, out to dinner.
Rebirth Silk Tie by India StewartThe Rebirth Silk Tie by India Stewart features a phoenix Fleur de Lis design on it. The Fleur de Lis is a symbol of New Orleans, so it becomes a de facto symbol for Mardi Gras. 58 inches long and 100% silk, this tie is perfect for any man going to a a parade or party but doesn’t want to get into a costume. Stylish and elegant, they can be found at The Garden Gates. Also available in yellow and blue.
Flambeaux Torch Pin by India StewartCarried to light the way of night time parades, the flambeaux torch is a beautiful symbol of Mardi Gras. Be a keeper of the flame and wear it proudly!
There’s a $10 gift card waiting for you when you return your Christmas tree stand!
Check out this great snap taken by our photo director Marc Roman Bravo of Pigasus, the Flying Pig Garden Statue.
Get your own Flying Pig Garden Statue here. Check out other cool animal garden statues here!
Post Katrina reconstruction at UNO’s The Cove. Created by The Garden Gates design team in collaboration with UNO’s Peter Prados. More pictures and videos soon!
One of the funnest things about working for The Garden Gates is getting to see our products in use in what the kids call “in real life” or IRL. It is one thing to see how we display our products in the store and imagine how they are going to be used after they are sold, it is another to see what they look like in action.
For example, one of our most popular items is The Decorative Moss Ball. People all over the world purchase these to display in their homes. Why ours? Well, they don’t brown or carry insects like others. We were excited to see that Julie Richard at Shelter Interior Design is going to be using our moss balls in a future job. We can’t wait to see them in use!
Another thing we get to see in real life is our Christmas Trees. Head over to our Facebook page to see some of our trees in New Orleans’ most beautiful homes. If you ordered a tree from The Garden Gates please feel free to share yours!
Wondering what to do with the baby pointsettias?
Our Display Coordinator Emily just sent me this picture of a cute table display saying where she “used them this weekend for a Christmas dinner as name cards for the table/ take home gifts for the invitees.”
On December 1st, 2011 The Garden Gates hosted the Metairie Road Business Association Holiday Party. Inimitable videographer Leonel Mendez was on the scene to capture it all for us! Visit him online at Lagniappe Studios. http://vimeo.com/user2331008
It features Santa Claus, Jefferson Parish County President John Young, and Robin Hardee and Betty Vix Weinberger of the Metairie Road Business Association.
