HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GARDEN IN WINTER
Most evergreens are completely hardy and need little winter protection. The exceptions are Dwarf Alberta Spruce and broadleaved evergreens such as rhododendrons as these plants are susceptible to sunburn. We recommend you wrap these plants in late fall with burlap (do not use plastic) to shade them from sun, which is strongest in southern and western exposures. The same applies to newly planted upright evergreens, which have had no chance to establish deep roots. By wrapping them you will prevent winter damage due to dehydration. Thoroughly watering evergreens before the onset of winter is essential.
Most winter damage is caused not by cold, but by wind and sun in later winter when the soil is deeply frozen. For this reason the best way to protect plants such as rhododendrons is first by applying 20 cm of mulch over the roots and second by creating a barrier with burlap to keep out wind and sun. Application of an anti-desiccant also affords protection.
Upright evergreens are often damaged by heavy snowfall and ice. To prevent this there are special nettings available, which will hold the branches tight and prevent winter damage (see illustration).
Vantage Wrap
Protects your evergreens and shrubs from freezing rain and heavy snowfalls. Easy to apply, easy to store, reusable year after year.
FRUIT TREES
Wrap from ground level to the first branches with either tree wrap or a tree guard to prevent winter damage. This also applies to trees with smooth bark such as maples. Do not put diseased leaves in a composter, as it will act like an incubator. Remove them from your property. Use a dormant spray in late winter or early spring to kill over-wintering insects and diseases.
Tree Guards are an easy way to protect your trees from mice, rabbits and damage caused by sunscald. They also protect trees from mower or trimmer damage and injury that will expose the tree to insect and disease problems. Long lasting, vinyl coated.
OVERWINTERING WATER PLANTS
The simplest and most effective way to over winter water lilies is to lift the container, cut back all foliage and place the plant in a black garbage bag which is then tightly sealed. Keep the plants in a cool but frost-free spot, such as an unheated basement room.
At the nursery we clearly indicate whether the plant is hardy or tropical. Please note that plants grown in soil in a natural pond may be hardy, but the same plants cannot be expected to survive when grown in containers in the smaller fiberglass pools. Potted plants need to be wintered indoors and many make fine houseplants. Floating plants and oxygenators can be kept in an aquarium or similar container.
See Humber Nurseries Green Thumb Guide GT 339 For more information.
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PERENNIAL GARDENS
The top growth of perennials should be pruned back and removed close to ground or root level. This eliminates winter habitat for insects, diseases and rodents.
After the bed is cleaned, a shallow digging of perennial beds will reduce the penetration of the frost to the deeper layers. Less hardy varieties can be protected with a layer of mulch.
ROSES
Do not apply rose food after September 1. A fall application of Muriate of Potash 0-0-60 will increase plant hardiness.
 Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras and Miniatures.
When the ground is frozen, ‘hill-up’ the rose canes with unfrozen soil or composted manure to a height of about 45 cm. Rose collars are a ‘must’, otherwise too much soil is required to protect the plants. Do not prune the canes unless they are so tall that they would whip about in winter winds.
- Climbers. In severe winter conditions, we suggest staking the canes to the ground and covering them with a protective mulch. Where this is not practical, tie the canes and wrap them in burlap to protect them from drying winter winds. ‘Hill-up’ the base of the climber as above.
- Hardy Shrub and English Roses do not normally require extra winter protection and can be treated as any other flowering shrub. However, ‘hilling-up’ these roses will afford extra protection against weather extremes.
- Tree Roses. In late fall, loosen the roots on one side so that the head can be pegged down to the ground. Deeply cover the top of the plant with soil. Your alternative is to pot it up and bring indoors, to a location (such as a garage), which is cool enough to encourage dormancy.
In spring, stand the tree erect, fasten to a sturdy stake and replace soil over the roots.
 LAWNS
Apply a winterizing lawn fertilizer in the autumn (such as CIL Golfgreen Fall Fertilizer). You may also use a broadleaf weed killer like Weed-B-Gon in warmer weather to prevent weeds from overwintering in your lawn. Mow the lawn shorter than normal at the final cutting of the season and be sure to rake out all excess clippings, leaf litter and other debris.
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