FAQs & Resources

NURSERY

What is MYKE? MYKE Tree & Shrub is an all-natural product which enhances healthy root development in most trees and shrubs.  It uses the natural benefits of mycorrhizae for faster growing roots, meaning your tree or shrub becomes established in its new home faster.  MYKE is so effective that a 5 year warranty is offered with purchase of the product.  Use MYKE on your trees and shrubs for a healthy, long lasting landscaping.  MYKE is not effective for Blueberries, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and their relatives.  More Information about MYKE Tree & Shrub.

Click Here for Tree Planting Instructions


Why aren’t Rhododendrons and Azaleas guaranteed?

Beneficial soil mycorrhizae for rhododendrons and azaleas are not commercially available.   Due to the specific growing requirements of rhododendrons and azaleas and this lack of myccorhizae remedy, we are not able to guarantee these plants.  Rhododendrons and azaleas are very sensitive to their location and soil pH.  They prefer an acidic soil pH of 5 to 5.5 (neutral pH is 7).  If you are planning to add a rhododendron or azalea to your landscape, we recommend that you test your soil pH and adjust it accordingly.  For more information, call your local Bremec.


Why aren’t my Hydrangeas blooming?

The two most common reasons for your Hydrangea’s lack of blooms are improper pruning and harsh winters.  If your Hydrangea blooms on old growth and you prune in the fall, the next year’s buds will be lost.  See below for pruning instructions.  If the winter is severe, or if we get a late frost, your Hydrangeas’ buds could also be lost.  Most new varieties bloom on both new and old growth, giving you more certainty that your shrub will bloom every year.  Not sure which variety you have?  Snap a photo and bring it in to your local Bremec Garden Center for plant identification and care and pruning recommendations.  Or, check out this great resource:  Why Isn’t My Hydrangea Blooming?


How & when do I prune my Hydrangea?

Hydrangeas can seem tricky when it comes to pruning, but it becomes much simpler with a few helpful tips.  First, what color bloom does your Hydrangea have?  If it blooms pink or blue, it is a macrophylla variety.  If it blooms white, it is a paniculata variety.  Here are the pruning instructions for each type.  For macrophylla, prune in late summer.  You have two options for pruning:  either prune half of the canes to the ground (i.e. thin it out), or prune all the canes in half (like a hair cut).  For paniculata, prune in mid-April.  Prune all the canes to about 18”.  Questions or need more details?  Just give us a call.


How & when do I prune my Roses?

We recommend that you prune your Roses in mid- to late-April.  Some winter die-back is common with Roses.  If you prune in the fall, you may need to prune the die-back again in the spring (and your Rose will end up much shorter than you had anticipated).  Wait until April and prune your Roses to the desired shape and size.


Do I need to wrap my Boxwoods in the winter?

If your Boxwoods border a street that is salted in the winter, we recommend that you wrap your Boxwoods with burlap.  The burlap will keep the corrosive salt from damaging your boxwood’s evergreen foliage.  Boxwoods within your landscape that do not come in regular contact with salt do not need to be wrapped in the winter.


Which Arborvitae is deer resistant?

Green Giant Arborvitae is deer resistant.  Having trouble with deer in your garden plantings?  Call your local Bremec Garden Center and ask about our deer-proofing products.

Click here for a list of deer resistant plants


ANNUALS & FLOWERS

How do I know if your hanging baskets are suitable for shade or sun?

Hanging baskets for sun will be marked with a yellow tag.  Shade baskets will have a white tag.  It’s as easy as that!


Do you sell cut flowers and bouquets?

Bremec Garden Center does not have a florist service.  However, in November and December our talented designers create beautiful fresh evergreen arrangements for all your holiday gatherings.  The selection of arrangements is always changing at each of our locations, so be sure to follow us on facebook for current photos.


Bonide All NaturalDo you carry any natural products or pet-friendly products?

Yes!  Bremec Garden Center carries a variety of garden products that are all-natural and/or pet-friendly.  Product labels display this in various ways.  For example, Bonide signifies all-natural products with a tan background in the upper right hand corner of the product label.

Other products indicate “All Natural” on the label.  If in doubt, please ask a Bremec employee to help you choose the best natural product for your home.


Do you have organic vegetable plants?

In May and June we stock a wide variety of vegetable and herb plants.  If you’re looking for certified organic plants, call Bremec on the Heights to check availability.


Click here for Succulent Care & Planting Information

GENERAL GARDENING

What is our hardiness zone in Northeast Ohio?

Here in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga County we are in Hardiness Zone 6.  When selecting plants to overwinter outside, be sure to choose plants for Zone 6 or lower (the lower the zone number, the colder the zone).


What can I plant in a wet, shady area of my yard?

Believe it or not, there are a few plants that like “wet feet” and don’t require ample sunlight.  Shrubs such as Red Twig Dogwood, Bayberry and Winterberry fall into this category.  For perennials, we recommend Hostas, Astilbe, Ostrich Fern, Ligularia and Aralia Sun King.  Coral Bells do well in moist soil and shade, but not soggy soil.  There truly is a plant for every growing condition!


I am concerned about pollinators.  What do I need to know about Bremec plants?

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We, too, are concerned about pollinators.  First, we strive to grow healthy plants that are pest free with as little chemical treatment as possible.  If treating a particular crop is absolutely necessary to prevent the spread of harmful pests, neonicotinoids are avoided.  Our ODA Certified Pesticide Applicator consistently searches for the safest, most effective products, and applies pesticides only after careful consideration.

Second, we carry many varieties of plants that attract pollinators and provide crucial food sources for bees, hummingbirds, butterflies and more.  View our list of Hummingbird and Butterfly plants.


Bulk Goods

Is your mulch organic?

Bremec’s dark brown hardwood mulch is processed on-site from all natural materials.  While it is not certified organic, it is double processed and rich in nutrients.  If you need a certified organic mulch product, we recommend Sweet Peet, which is 100% organic.  Sweet Peet is available at Bremec in Chesterland and Concord.


How do I know how much mulch I need?

Measure the approximate length and width of the area you need to mulch.  Then use our Mulch Calculator to get an estimated quantity needed.  Call your local Bremec Garden Center for pricing and delivery.


How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of mulch?

27 cubic feet are in 1 cubic yard.  To calculate how much mulch you need for your project, use our Mulch Calculator.


How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

1 cubic yard equals 1 to 1.5 tons of gravel


Ponds

Pond Liner Diagram

How do I know what size pond liner I need?

Measure the largest width and length of your pond (see the diagram), and determine the average depth of your pond. Use our Pond Liner Calculator to calculate the square footage. Call Bremec Garden Center in Chesterland for pricing.


More Questions?