Beautification Committee
LATEST HAPPENINGS:
Park Bench in Gorman Park was recently dedicated to Kevin Hall. He was the mail carrier in this area. There are a few benches available. If you are interested in dedicating a bench, contact us.
Arbor Day 2012 Celebration - Click here to view our photos
Read the thank you notes that were sent in from the children
MAY TIPS
by: Julie Golightly, CPH
Recreation & Parks Horticulturist/Landscape Crew Leader
Lawns
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It is too late in the season to reseed your lawn. However, you can repair small bare spots if you are diligent about watering the young grass until well established
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It is not a good idea to fertilize cool season turf in the spring unless your turf is weak and thin or if you did not fertilize in the fall. Fertilizing in the spring encourages rapid and tender growth that is more susceptible to insect and disease attacks. Keeping the soil at a pH between 6.0 – 7.0 is important for healthy lawns
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Broadleaf weeds will begin to appear this month. For extensive weed populations apply an herbicide labeled for broadleaf weeds. Spot treatments of liquid herbicide are more effective and less environmentally harmful than dry broadcast herbicides
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Plan on treating your lawn right this year. Sharpen lawn mower blades and service your mower. Keep mowing height at 3-4 inches and if watering, do so deeply and less frequently. You want to build strong, deep roots. These practices will reduce weeds, reduce the need for extra fertilizers and will build a healthy stand of roots and turf. This will greatly reduce the amount of fertilizers and herbicides needed
Woody Ornamentals
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If your spring flowering shrubs are growing too large you can prune them after they bloom. Also, fertilize after blooming if needed
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Non-flowering trees and shrubs can be pruned to remove dead, broken, or diseased branches. Prune out any winter burn damage from evergreens. It is not necessary to paint pruning wounds…dressings can impede the natural healing process
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If your roses are prone to black spot, begin spraying with a fungicide when leaves are fully expanded. Knock out Roses are black spot disease resistant and ever blooming
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Plan on proper planting and transplanting methods. Avoid working with wet soil and planting in compacted or poor soil. Purchase plants with healthy root systems and avoid planting too deep. Stake any newly planted trees only if winds and soft, saturated soils leave them tilting
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Many insects can be observed now including mites, lace bugs, leafhoppers, scale, Eastern tent caterpillars, leaf miners, aphids, gypsy moths, sawflies, and cankerworms. Not all insects pose threat to ornamentals and do not require treatment where other insect infestations may require treatment of a horticultural oil or systemic insecticide. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service Office for tips to control insects and disease. They are an excellent resource!
Diseases such as powdery mildew, blight, anthracnose and galls can also exist now. Again, contact you local Cooperative Extension Service for the best advice
Herbaceous Ornamental Plants
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Begin planting summer annuals. Purchase those with a healthy root system and gently break up the roots of root bound plants and transplants. Summer bulbs can also be planted now
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Continue to divide and transplant perennials. Nurseries now a plentiful selection of perennials in stock
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Starter fertilizers can be applied to spring flowers. The fertilizer label will have three numbers. The middle number (phosphorus) should be the highest in order to build a healthy root system
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Leave the foliage of spring bulbs alone until the top green growth dies back. The green foliage produces food for the bulb to store
Pond/Water Gardens
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As water temperatures warm up, algae will rapidly begin to grow. Make sure dead leaves and debris are cleaned out of pond to prevent excess algae growth. Consider treatments of beneficial bacterial to reduce algae growth
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Plant aquatic plants to cover 60% of the pond’s surface to also reduce algae growth
- Do not feed fish until water temperature is at least 50. Their metabolism shuts down in cooler temperatures and food will not digest resulting in illness or death
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Divide aquatic plants if necessary and replant
Soil, Mulch, and Compost
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Do not aerate, dig, or disturb soil when wet. This leads to greater compaction and doing so can result in long term damage of soil structure.
- If you have not mulched your garden, apply mulch now to protect plant crowns and shallow root systems from severe cold weather injury. Apply mulch at 2-3 inches and keep away from direct contact with shrub and tree trunks. Do not build mulch volcanoes around trees!
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Avoid the use of excess fertilizers. Most plants get adequate nutrition from healthy soil rich with organic matter
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Mix or turn compost piles to speed decomposition. If your pile is overly wet, incorporate straw, leaves, or shredded newspaper. Compost piles should be at least one cubic yard to heat up properly
Vegetable and Herb Gardening
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Begin setting out transplants of warm season crops and prepare to cover if frost is expected. Plant after frost-free date
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Pinch off flower blooms off of transplants so more energy can be directed to root development
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Keep an eye on pests, insects, and diseases. Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for proper control methods
Would you like to remember or honor a loved one or friend with a bench in Ocean City? The Ocean City Beautification Committee has a number of TreMendous benches in the smaller parks around town ready for adoption. Read more about our Memory Benches.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Friday, April 27, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at Northside Park featuring the Ocean City Elementary School Second Grade students and the tree planting. Click on the image below to view your invitation.
The Ocean City Beautification Committee is presenting a special offer to the public for the committee’s Reflections of Life project. The project provides a distinctive means of recording important events and interests in the lives of businesses and individuals and their loved ones by placing a gift of a bronze, silver or gold leaf or stepping stone on the impressive “Reflections of Life” bronze tree sculpture mounted inside the lobby entrance of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Read More
Gregory D. Purnell Sr. retired as Ocean City’s Town Arborist after 34 years of active service. He had a grand party with many friends and admirers attending. The Ocean City Beautification Committee had the honor to work with this man on many projects. We know he will continue to do good and will keep him in our lives.
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2011 Beauty Spot Winners
Congratulations to everyone!
Above photo is the yard of a member of the OCBC. She does not wish to be named. As you can see, she has a green thumb and, therefore, is a valued member. As a member her yard cannot be nominated for a beauty award. Don't forget to nominate an Ocean City property that you like. Learn more on how you can nominate a site.
Above photo of Albright's yard on Surf Avenue in Downtown Ocean City. Jennifer Abright is a valued member of the Ocean City Beautification Committee, therefore she cannot be nominated for a Beauty Award. Her husband Jerry is the one with the green thumb and Jennifer likes to pick the flowers. Don't forget to nominate an Ocean City property that you like. Learn more on how you can nominate a site.
Susquehanna Bank, 94th St.
Once again this summer, the Ocean City Beautification Committee will continue our Partnerships in Bloom project. Again this year, we have a limited number of our big blue flower pots available for businesses in Ocean City. We will make arrangements to place a pot at your business, supply planting materials, flowers, watering can, and the labor. All you have to do is make sure the pots are well watered throughout the summer. If you own a business in the city and would like to participate in this program, please call Bonnie at 410-250-0539.
142nd Street Avenue of Cherries
The Avenue of Cherries was an idea whose concept was originated in the Caine Woods Association to remove several Black Pine trees on the median that were thought to be unsightly. Through the organizing of Pat Moran, OCBC member and also a member of the CWCA the beautification Committee under the auspices of the TREEmendous Dedication Program decided to replace the Pines with colorful Yoshino Cherry trees. The Yoshino Cherry, native to China and the Orient is the same tree planted in Washington, DC and is famous for the Festival of Cherries each year in that city. It is also noted that there are several pockets of Yoshinos planted around the Ocean City area. It usually blooms around the beginning to mid-April and is a delight to behold. The white with pinkish cast single blossoms provide a beautiful scene when viewed in full bloom and wherever several are planted together. Anyone who takes a ride down the 142nd Street corridor is bound to be impressed by the display these trees put on every year.
Soon, the cousin of the Yoshino, the Kwanzan Cherry will began its regal appearance in the Town and with its Hot Pink "double" blossoms, it can be considered also a great addition to the beautiful of trees in our Town's landscape.
Submitted by Gregory D. Purnell, Sr., Town Arborist
Spring has arrived at Bob and Rita Chapman's home.
Seal seen at 131st beach by Michael Curcio on April 7th.
This photo was taken by Annette Colantuoni
on the 131st Street beach on March 11, 2011.
OCBC March 2011 Meeting - Members: L. to R. Joyce S. Melocik, Toni Wagner, Linda Herzberg, Donna Greenwood, Nancy M. Smith, Jennifer Albright, Eleanor Curcio and Bonnie Mitrecic.
As seen in March 4, 2011 issue of Dispatch:
OC Beautification Committee members Mike and Eleanor Curcio and Jerry and Jennifer Albright made it out to the Captains Table for the
February Downtown Association After Dark.