We have the best selection of pre-trimmed Holiday trees, decorated in traditional and whimsical themes. Perfect for an office, entryway or bedroom. A most delightful gift for anyone with limited space. Come by and be enchanted!

With snow on the hills and frost on the ground, we’re getting plenty of calls inquiring about which plants need winter protection and which do not. A good way to determine this is to figure out where the plant's origin is, but most of us do not know that so here’s a short list of plants that need protection:

Abutilon (Flowering Maple) Agaves Alyogne heugelii (Blue Hibiscus) Adiatum raddianum (Maidenhair Fern) Anigozanthus hybrids (Kangaroo Paws) Avocados Bougainvillea Brugmansia versicolor (Angel’s Trumpet) Chrysanthemum frutescens (Marguerite Daisy) Citrus Clivias Coprosmas Cordylines Cuphea hyssopifolia (False Heather) Echiums Ensete ventricosum (Abyssinian Banana)

Fuchsia x hybid Hibiscus rosa sinensis Lantanas Lycianthus ratonnetti (Potato Bush) Neriums (Oleander) – certain varieties Osteospermum fruticosum (African Daisy) Pelargoniums Plumbago auriculata (Cape Plumbago) Succulents Tibouchina urvilleana (Princess Flower)

All of the plants listed above are tender evergreen plants, most of which are tropical and come from warmer regions. Any plant that is deciduous (loses its leaves naturally) does not need protection from frost; this would include hydrangeas, Japanese maples, fruit trees (excluding avocados and citrus), lilacs, and crape myrtles. Perennials that die back to the ground in the winter also do not need protection; these would include echinacea, asters, rudbeckias, calla lilies, phlox, agapanthus, alstroemerias and peonies, to name a few.

There are a few things that work well for protection: frost cloth (which should be put on in the evening and removed during the day), Wilt Stop and Freezpruf (both of which are sprayed on the entire plant); also, Christmas lights will give off a little heat, which might be just enough for some succulents.

Also, be sure to keep these plants watered; a dry plant will freeze much more quickly than a moist one.

Shawna Anderson, CCNPro

FreezePruf--New at Orchard!

Frost Protector for Ornamental, Fruit and Vegetable Plants

It’s like anti-freeze, for your plants.
A scientific-breakthrough--this non-toxic spray actually improves plants’ natural cold tolerance up to 9.4 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the variety of plant. Developed by botanists, FreezePruf™ protects the plant externally and systemically (throughout the plant) by enhancing both its natural “anti-freeze” like properties and its ability to survive ice crystal damage.

It’s like moving your temperature zone 200 miles south!
FreezePruf’s easy-to-use, biodegradable formulation and mode of action add a half-USDA Zone equivalent or more to the cold tolerance range of all major ornamentals and crops. So, a plant that is hardy to the low-to-mid teens Fahrenheit (Zone 8a) can be grown with little or no damage in Zone 7b.

Frequently asked questions about FreezePruf:

• Does it really work?
FreezePruf has the unique ability to reduce both the freezing point of water inside plant tissues and ice crystal damage when ice does form, thus enhancing a plant’s natural ability to survive cold temperatures,” says Dr. David Francko, a botanist at the University of Alabama and lead developer of FreezePruf. “Plants can be frozen solid and still be viable.”

• How do I apply FreezePruf?
It may be applied at any temperature above freezing and will produce significant benefits as soon as plant surfaces dry. Spray liberally to entire plant. For best results, apply when the temperature is above 50?F and a minimum of 8 to 12 hours before an anticipated freeze. FreezePruf may also be applied seasonally, in anticipation of future cold events within the upcoming 4 to 6 weeks.

• How often do I have to apply the spray?
Protection will last up to 6 weeks. For added protection, reapply as new growth appears.

• Is it safe for kids and pets?
Yes, it’s an eco-safe, biodegradable product. When used as directed, it will cause no harm to humans, animals or the environment.

• Will it harm my plants?
Absolutely not.

Plant now to enjoy the wonderful colors and fragrances bulbs can add to your spring garden. Most spring blooming bulbs can be successfully planted in the Bay Area through the month of December. As you finish the last bit of gardening for the year, consider planting a few bulbs. When your garden is awash in spring blooms, you’ll be glad you did!