Fun Times Newsletter                 
Cancellations                 Schedules & Standings                   About
Us           

 
 

 December Garden Tips

§       Pruning trees and shrubs can be done more easily in winter because the leaves are off the trees. Begin light pruning by removing watersprouts, dead, or crossing branches. Avoid pruning spring-flowering plants until after they bloom in spring.

§       Protect shallow-rooted perennials, such as mums, coral bells, shasta daisy, and crocus, from the freeze-thaw cycles common in winter, by covering plants with evergreen boughs from leftover holiday greens and Christmas trees.

§       Apply winter mulch to the bases of roses once the ground freezes. A 12” mound of soil or compost, heaped at the base of the rosebush, will protect the crown of most roses from repeated freezing and thawing.

§       Spray evergreens with an anti-transpirant to prevent winter burn caused by cold, drying winter winds. Broadleaved evergreens such as rhododendrons, are especially susceptible to winter burn.

§       Protect multi-stemmed evergreens such as arborvitae, junipers, and yews, from winter storm damage by tying trunks together with old nylons or cotton twine. Remove in the spring.

§       Avoid using heavy amounts of deicing material around plants along sidewalks and parking areas this winter, to avoid toxic buildup of the deicing chemicals in the soil.

§       Gently shake or brush off heavy snow that accumulates on shrubs and small trees before it freezes, to avoid branch breakage from the extra weight.

§       Clean and repair all garden tools before storing.

§       Start planning for next year’s garden activities. Ask Santa for better tools, gift certificates, and magazine subscriptions.

§       Begin monitoring for animal damage as food sources become scarce.

§       Remember to keep bird feeders filled and provide clean, thawed water for our over-wintering bird friends.

§       Celebrate the Winter Solstice on Dec. 22, by getting outside for a walk in nature’s beauty. The hours of daylight start getting longer after Dec. 22.

Garden tips provided in part by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL.

Register Online


Five Other Easy,  Convenient Ways to Register


Phone
515.961.9420
Fax     515.961.9426
Visa, Discover, or
Master Card required.


Walk In, Mail or Drop Box
Indianola Parks and
Recreation Department
2204 West 2nd Avenue
Indianola, IA  50125
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM
 
Registration Form
(PDF Form to print and fax)

 

Frequently
Requested Numbers

  Park Shop

961-9425

  Senior Center

961-9420

Numbers listed below are available during summer season only.

  Aquatic Center

961-9422

  Youth Softball
  Concessions

961-9427

  Adult Softball
  Concessions

961-8060

 

 

 
     

Variety                          Quality                              Value