Art Knapps — Garden Centre & Florist

I think we can all agree that 2020 has started off with a lot of uncertainty. While we face these challenges together, we’re also presented with an opportunity to find joy in our yards and gardens and finally get through those honey-do lists.

New in Edibles

Vegetables are still trending, and growing your own has never been easier. Even if you live in an apartment, you can still try the “100-km Diet” and enjoy the freshest possible vegetables without having to venture to the grocery store. We will be growing a lot of the varieties we grew last year for containers, like Snackabelle Red Pepper, Chili Pie Pepper, Sweet and Neat Tomatoes and Patio Snacker cukes. 

We are also growing a newer pepper called King of the North, a short-season variety that matures in 70 days. It’s a green pepper/red pepper with a slightly thicker wall. The plant is good and sturdy; a perfect option for gardeners living further up the North Thompson. 

Eggplants are still a craze as well, and we have some new varieties such as Fairy Tale. It’s a great variety for containers that bears purple and white-striped fruit measuring 18-24 inches long. It ripens about 2 weeks earlier than other eggplant varieties. We are growing another eggplant as well, a Burpee exclusive called Early Midnight. As the name suggests, it is a very early medium-sized dark purple fruit that reaches about 6 inches in diameter.

Tomato Contest

This year, we are returning back to the days of the great pumpkin contest, but with a slight twist. To make sure yards of all sizes can participate, we’re doing a tomato contest! Steakhouse tomato plants will be available on April 17^th for you to pick up. We’ll be looking for the largest size, best colour, and overall best-looking fruit, just to name a few of the contest categories!

A Truckload of Tropicals

As most of you saw from our Instagram page, my daughter Ivy and I recently travelled to Florida and toured many greenhouses looking at indoor plants and citrus trees. We will be bringing in a number of truckloads full of houseplants and will be carrying lots of interesting new plants for your collection. We even found a supplier of edible mulberries! Some of the more unique items will be mangos, papayas, and something called “miracle fruit” that is supposed to ease whatever ails you.

I even found some avocados, but be warned, you will need a true green thumb to actually get an avocado from the plant in the next 8 years!

Changes to the Store Layout

Many of us don’t like change, and I confess—the older I get, the less I like it as well. However, we have made some large changes to the layout of the store. The biggest is the location of the information desk. This desk is now located in the greenhouse at the entrance to the nursery. When you walk in, just head straight ahead through the Fashion department toward the greenhouse and you will see it. 

We have also moved the hot tubs and tropicals; we flipped each location to the opposite ends of the store. This has made more space for tropicals and gives the hot tubs a better location near the information desk. All hardgoods, fertilizers and pest controls are now also in the greenhouse near the information booth and all the giftware has moved inside next to the florist department.

We will also be dedicating an entire area to Proven Winners perennials and shrubs, which will be straight out the back of the buildings, just past the annuals and perennials. We will also have one of the largest displays of Proven Winners plants in the interior, almost all of which we grow locally right here in Kamloops.

I think we’re all eager and excited for the coming spring to arrive, which I hope will bring some relief in this unprecedented time. I invite you to get in touch and share your thoughts on our recent changes.

Sincerely,
Maury

Planting:

Garlic can be planted in the Spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended for most gardeners. Plant in the Fall and you will find that your bulbs are bigger and more flavourful when you harvest next Summer.

• In areas that get hard frost, plant garlic 6-8 weeks before frost date.

• Break apart the cloves from the bulb a few days before planting, but keep the papery husk on each individual clove.

• Plant cloves about one month before the ground freezes.

• Do NOT plant cloves from the grocery store. They may be unsuited to our area, and most are treated to make their shelf life longer.

• Ensure the soil is sandy well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Add Art Knapp bone meal to the soil. Select a sunny spot.

• Place cloves 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep,I n their upright position.

Care:

• Northern gardeners should mulch heavily with straw for overwintering.

• Mulch should be removed in the Spring after the threat of frost has passed

• Cut off any flower shoots that emerge in the Spring. These may decrease bulb size. These “scrapes” are great in cooking.

• Garlic requires adequate levels of nitrogen. Fertilize in the Spring with Art Knapp 8-20-20 fertilizer

• Water every 3 to 5 days during mid May to June

Harvest & Storage:

• In late July or August, the clue for harvesting is to look for yellow tops. Harvest when tops are yellow before they fully dry.

• To harvest carefully lift the bulbs with a spade or garden fork.Pull the plants, carefully brush off the soil, and let them dry in an airy shaded spot for 2 weeks.

• The bulbs are cured and ready to store when wrappers are dry and papery, and the roots are dry. The root crown should be hard, and the cloves can be easily cracked apart.

• Bulbs should be stored in a cool dark, dry place and kept there for several months.

Recommended Varieties:

Softneck: like their names, they have necks that stay soft after harvest and therefore are the types you see braided.Strong, intense flavor.

Hardneck: grow one ring of cloves on the stem. Extremely cold hardy, but do not store as nicely as other varieties. Flavor is more mild.

Elephant: AKA great neck garlic. More closely related to the leek family. Large cloves that taste more like onion.

Goodbye Summer, hello Fall! And Fall means…Crocus! Fall flowering Crocus are a perfect way to enjoy beautiful blooms even in the cooler weather. Crocus AKA ‘Meadow Saffron’ start from a bulb planted 2”-4” under the soil surface in late Summer to early Fall. These delicate flowers bloom for 2-3 weeks in September in clusters, then remain dormant until the following Spring at that time green foliage will appear and stay until early Summer, then the process repeats. Once planted Crocus are very easy care, they may need water during the dry weather and enjoy full sun to part shade, but other then that they are maintenance free! There is over 6 types of Fall Crocus, including the Saffron Crocus. Autumn Crocus come in deep purple, lavender and all the way to white. Purple symbolizing  dignity, pride and success. White symbolizing purity, innocence and truth. Overall Crocus represent looking on the bright side, which is perfect for the cooler seasons when there is not much colour. A fun fact about Crocus is they are 1 of only 18 plants documented as having a history of medical value for a long period of time. Not only is it a plant with history and meaning, but it is also beautiful and easy to grow!

Every year there is a large trend of some sort with gardening, this year it’s growing fruits and veggies in containers. Container gardening has gained even more popularity over the years from being convenient for people with little space,or who enjoy a patio garden.Here are some tips to make your container growing go smoothly this year:

Containers:

• Plastic pots are easier to move, but if you prefer ceramic just put a plastic pot inside and still achieve a nice look.
• Strawberry pots, grow bags and rectangular planters work well.
• Trellises,obelisks,metal stakes,bamboo stakes and arbours come in very handy especially for veggies that have heavier fruit.

Soil Mix:

• Lightweight premium organic vegetable/herb soil
• Use myke to re-establish microorganisms in the soil
• In 2 weeks you can begin to fertilize with 8-20-20,or water soluble 18-18-21

Environment:

The amount of sun, reflective surfaces, time of day and wind will play a role in where you can grow. Be sure to keep these in mind so you can have the best results in your growing space.

Plants that grow well in containers:

Tomatoes: Grow in full sun, but shade the roots to prevent any blossom end rot. Remember a cage/stake for support.

Peppers: When growing in pots you will have the most success with the small to medium sized peppers, fruit production is much higher with the smaller sized fruit compared to large bell peppers. Hot peppers can be very decorative, the “vampire” pepper has purple leaves which add a nice colour element.

Potatoes: Grow in pots or grow bags, plant low and then keep adding soil around the plant as it grows, it will root along the stem and create more tubers.

Beans: Pole beans have lovely decorative flowers. Don’t forget to use innulent when planting the seeds, it improves the root system.

Lettuce, Mesclun, Arugula, Mustard greens: Grow underneath taller plants, this will help shade and cool the leaves, this in turn will reduce the chance of them bolting.

Strawberries: Choose everbearing seascape or tristar to get fruit the first year and all through Summer.

Herbs: Basil, Oregano, and Parsley enjoy the sun. It should be noted that Mint is aggressive so it should have a pot to itself. Rosemary and Basil do not over winter her in kamloops.

Others that can grow in containers: Leeks, Carrots, Blueberries, and Grapes.

A couple times a year at Art Knapp we bring in a full truck of lush tropical plants from Florida. House plants exploded with popularity in 2018, and in 2019 it looks like everyone has grown a green thumb (its okay if you didn’t,we still love you). We are excited for the classics like the Peace Lily and boston fern, but also looking forward to the new beauties!

Containers

First, you must select your containers. They may be plastic, cardboard, or pressed peat with a depth of 2-3 inches. If you choose the pressed peat, you need to sterilize with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Good drainage holes are essential.

Soil Medium

Next, you need to fill with a light-textured, seed-starting soil that is sterilized, loose and airy. We recommend the Art Knapp seed starter or Pro Mix premium seed starting mix.

Preparation

Fill your containers with pre-moistened soil mix and tamp it lightly before seeding.

Sowing

Sow seeds thinly. A commercial “seeder” may make your job easier and give you more control.

Planting

Generally we cover the seeds to a depth of 3x the seeds thickness. Some seeds need to be covered with glass or a clear plastic dome to allow light in to stimulate germination, and to control humidity, while other seeds need dark germination. Check your seed packet for hints and specific info. If dark is recommended, put wet newspaper lightly on the soil surface just till the seeds germinate, then remove.

Temperature

Keep your temperature as even as possible around 21-23℃.

Moisture

It’s very important to keep the soil evenly moist. Use a spray bottle with tepid water and avoid sopping wet soil. Clear plastic domes aid in maintaining humidity without excessive watering.

Light

Next, you have to provide a light source. 14-16 hours under a full spectrum grow light or sunlight works well, but your seedlings will also need a rest period of darkness, as in nature, so never leave the light on all night. If you have a light bar, place it about 2 inches above your seeds and raise it as they grow (a chain works well).

Transplanting

Transplant your seedlings to individual pots when they have a good root system established. Start with a small pot, hold the plant by a leaf so you don’t damage the delicate stem, and reduce the temperature a little.

Air Flow

It’s really important to provide good air movement to discourage the “damping off” fungus and to help your plants develop stronger stems. You can provide this by directing a gentle fan on your seed trays once the domes are off. Watering with camomile tea or sprinkling cinnamon on your soil also deters fungal growth.

Fertilizing

When your seedlings develop two sets of true leaves (not counting the seed leaves – the first small set of leaves), then it’s time to fertilize them. Feed the seedlings with diluted fish fertilizer (follow the package directions) or use 10-52-10 plant starter. Always make your solution with room temperature water.

Potting Up

When your small pots or trays are quite full of roots, transplant to the next size pot to encourage a strong root system before moving them to the garden site.

Harden Off

Place your plants outside in the day in a sheltered, shady spot and bring them inside each night. Gradually move them to a sunny spot over the period of a week. Monitor the weather to prepare for adverse conditions, and bring plants in if a frost warning is in effect.

After the beautiful Christmas lights get packed away and the tree gets taken down, your home may feel a little dull. There is no denying that winter does not have a lot of life to it, but that can easily be changed with the simple addition of some indoor plants! Studies have shown having plants at work, school or home reduces stress, improves perceptions of the space, and overall contributes to a happier mood. That’s why, here at Art Knapp, we carry tropical and flowering plants all year! Here are some of our favourites that we recommend during the winter months:

Cyclamen

Cyclamens are Maury’s favourite bloomer, symbolizing sincerity and lasting feelings. They have beautiful variegated leaves and flowers available in pink, red, white and purple that some say look like butterflies! They prefer bright indirect light, and humidity. Water when the soil feels dry and avoid getting water on the leaves.

Orchid

Orchids are a unique and long-lasting bloom representing beauty and luxury that can’t be beaten. We carry a variety of colours, from white to purple to pink – even variegated! South and east facing windows are the best location for your orchid. Give them lukewarm water and regular feeding with Art Knapp 20-20-20.

Zygocactus

Also known as Christmas cactus, zygocactus has a unique beauty to it and is very easy care for. In fact, it’s so easy to care for that it symbolizes eternal life, as some people have had theirs for over 20 years! It flowers in winter, which is perfect for adding some much-needed colour – like pink, orangey-pink, red, and white – to your home. Your zygocactus will like indirect light and should be kept more moist throughout the blooming season.

Primrose

Symbolizing youth, primrose is edible and actually tastes like lettuce, but blooms in many colours from white to pink to purple, and all the way to red. Having one of these in your house will have you looking forward to spring! They like filtered sunlight,and watering when the soil is dry to the touch.

Azalea

One of the most popular blooming plants, azaleas have beautiful, long-lasting blooms that symbolize femininity and softness. Misting is beneficial to these plants, and they like to be rootbound. Soil must be kept evenly moist, but not soaked, and good drainage is key, along with indirect sunlight.

I am not a fan of bugs, anything creepy, crawly, slimy, multi-legged or otherwise, they are not for me. As I learn more and more about the gardening world, I learn more about the benefits of bugs and not the opposite. I am surprised by this, so I decided to delve deeper.

Bugs in the garden, have many purposes, too many to list here. We of course know the benefits of bees and worms for example, but do you know about ladybugs? These beauties are perhaps one of the few bugs I can tolerate landing on me. Their distinctive red and black pattern makes them a favourite of many and the star in a few nursery rhymes and poems. Ladybugs remind me of the ugly duckling. When a ladybug is young, it looks similar to a sci-fi creature created by Stephen Spielberg, when they mature they morph into their notorious red and black polka dotted, “beautiful” self. So, if you see this nasty looking creature wandering around in your garden, don’t kill it – it will turn into a ladybug and do wonderful things for you.

Now, as mentioned, there are plenty of good bugs but there are also some unfavourable ones, such as the aphid. These little guys are truly a bit of a marvel. Due to their ability to rapidly increase their numbers by asexual reproduction, they are considered a highly successful group of organisms – from an ecological view point of course. Aphids are also among the most destructive insects, they will suck the sap from plants in turn weakening them. In addition to that, aphids act as a carrier for plant viruses and disfigure ornamental plants with deposits of honeydew and the subsequent growth of sooty moulds. Aphids vary in colour, size and abilities, some winged some not, some asexual some not. In summary, not something you want in your garden.

What do the lucky ladybug of nursery rhymes and the destructive aphid have in common? An aphid is the ladybug’s favourite snack. Each year at Art Knapp we bring in ladybug each year to be released into gardens. This is an all natural, 100% organic method of control. It is said that a single ladybug will eat up to 50 aphids a day and the larvae will eat their body weight in aphids each day. Multiple introductions of ladybugs is most effective but be sure to follow the instructions. If lady bugs don’t find aphids or other soft bodied insects to feed on they will likely move on to a different garden. In that case, timing is everything. It is helpful that the larvae can be stored in a fridge to keep it dormant until you are ready to release it.

If you are hoping to establish a lady bug population, try planting lady bug friendly plants such as mint, yarrow and dill that will produce the nectar needed for their reproduction. Angelica and clover are also good along with most shallow blossomed plants. If you mulch your garden, the lady bugs will have a place to winter and you can expect them again in the spring.

Interest piqued? Stop by our Information Booth, our lady bugs are here and we would be happy to walk you through the process. It is a fascinating thing this ladybug and aphid story. A typical good versus evil tale in which you know the ending, happy aphid free plants with the prettiest of beetles left happy and well fed. Perhaps I will have to change my tune on bugs.

In our nursery this season we have greatly expanded our selection of Sea Buckthorn due to customer interest. Seaberry or Sea Buckthorn is a very hardy plant with slender gray leaves. The plants are tolerant of salt spray which makes this plant ideal for areas close to roadways that get sanded and salted during the winter.
There are some great benefits that come with these shrubs. The plants get covered with highly nutritious orange berries that can be protected with some wicked thorns, so watch yourself. The juice from the berries is high in protein, vitamin C & E plus organic acids. You are also able to take the leaves and steep them to make nutritional tea. In addition, the leaves and young branches can be used for animal fodder.
We have brought in a large selection of female plants that will produce an abundance of berries that are high in antioxidants. As they require cross pollination you always need a male which cross pollinate up to eight plants. The male plants do not get berries.

Here are some of the varieties we are offering this season:

• Baikal: Developed in Russia, these plants are known for their sweet, high quality berries and compact growing plants.

Out of Germany, we have four varieties to choose from. The German varieties are chosen for commercial juice production.

• Askola: A heavy producer of berries on vigorous growing plants. The berries are deep orange and very high in vitamin C.
• Frugana: These plants bear heavy crops of early ripening berries that are orange and red in colour.
• Hergo: This is the most widely planted variety in Germany. The berries are light orange and ripen in late August to early September.
• Leikora: Produces a heavy crop of large berries in late August. The branches are also good for making attractive ornamental displays.

From Moscow State University we have three varieties:

• Botanica: It bears an abundant crop of very large berries that are bright orange and have a rich flavour.
• Garden’s Gift: This is an early ripening variety with large orange fruit.
• Titan: A superior variety with very large bright orange berries which are aromatic and delicious in juices and preserves.

From the Altai Region of Siberia we have one variety:

• Radiant: Highly prized for the large juicy berries which are very high in Vitamin C.

We always love our unusual plants but these shrubs are packed with so many extra benefits, we are even more excited. With our large lots in Kamloops everybody should have some of these.