|
|
Hello Great Gardeners,
Happy Dance! First day of School. Yeah!!!!! How many parents are breathing a sigh of relief that we made it through the summer all in tack?
Now it is time to go sit out in the garden and enjoy the peace and quiet.
|
|
|
|
|
As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, hit reply. I would love to hear from you. Have a great-gardening day.
Sincerely,
Holly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant blooms are the typical focus as we progress through a growing season, but people become panicky when plants don’t perform how they normally do. It’s the time of year that concerned citizens call in wondering whether or not their magnolias or rhododendrons are signaling they are going to die. When asked why they think that the plants are going to die, the response is always the same, “because they are blooming again and they already bloomed this year!”
The official term for this strange behavior of plants blooming twice in a year, when that is not typical, is “remontant”. Therefore, remontant is another name for what we term “reblooming” plants. These plants will bloom in their normal season and bloom cycle time frame, and suddenly an unexpected second set of flowers appears later in the season! In the landscape world, remontant plants are extremely desirable and this reblooming trait in new hybrid plants is intentionally selected for and sought out.
Remember that plants like magnolias, rhododendrons, forsythia and even crabapples, will set bloom for the next year, during our current growing season. It is the formation of those blooms for next year, which often contribute to remontant tendencies of certain plants. The blooms must be formed and are ready to go by the time the plants shut down for winter. With this “ready to bloom” approach, some plants after a strong growth phase or pause or a significant stress, seem to determine “I’m not waiting any longer… IT’S BLOOM TIME” and emerge.
Although we can admire that out-of-season bloom, bear in mind that if that specific, individual flower blooms now, then that specific, individual flower will NOT bloom again during its typical bloom time the following year. A downside of remontant blooms is a slight reduction in overall flower numbers for the next year’s floral display, depending on the number of flowers that actually bloomed out of season. Rarely will remontant plants be totally without any flowers during their typical bloom time. So, just get out there and enjoy that “wacky, blooming plant”!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are over 5,000 different species of aphids.
Aphids are small (1/8 inch long), soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that may be green, yellow, brown, red or black depending on species and food source. They have needle-like mouthparts which they use to suck juices out of the plants.
Low to moderate numbers of aphids aren't usually damaging in gardens or on trees. However, large populations of aphids can decrease growth rate, cause mottled leaves, leaf yellowing, stunted growth, browning, wilting, low yields, and death.
Aphids can also produce large quantities of a sticky secretion known as honeydew, which often turns black with the growth of a sooty mold fungus. Some species of ants are attracted to and feed on the honeydew. These ants will protect the aphids from natural enemies and will carry the aphids to new plants when their food source is depleted.
Aphids may transmit viruses from plant to plant particularly vegetables and ornamental plants. Squash, cucumber, pumpkin, melon, bean, potato, lettuce, beet, chard, and bok choy are crops that often have aphid-transmitted viruses associated with them.
|
|
|
|
|
There are a number of ways to get rid of aphids.
* Water: Spraying cold water on the leaves; sometimes all aphids need is a cool blast to dislodge them. Typically they are unable to find their way back to the same plant.
* Insecticidal Soap: Is an Organic multipurpose insecticide that kills bugs on contact. Follow directions on bottle when applying.
* Neem Oil: Works by suffocation and contact. Avoid applying during the hottest part of the day.
* Diatomaceous Earth:This product is an organic insecticide which causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from their bodies.
* Natural Predators: Ladybugs, Ladybug larvae, Soldier Beetles, Hover Flies, Lacewings, Spiders, Parasitic Wasps, Assassin Bugs and Big-Eyed Bugs all feed on aphids. They keep aphid populations in check and reduce the need for chemical controls.
Note: If you have Aphids on your Butterfly Weed or Milkweed do not use chemicals as this will kill the monarch caterpillars if you have them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Falsecypress
'Gold Thread'
Chamaecyparis 'Gold Thread'
'Gold Thread' is a compact conifer with interesting, thread-like needles that weep and drape over the entire shrub. Bright, golden yellow new foliage, even in full sun. An excellent semi-erect, mop-headed landscape specimen or accent plant that makes a nice background border or small hedge. Slow growing; size can be maintained with minimal pruning. Prefers enriched, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Shelter from drying winds.
Grows:
Height: 5-6 Feet
Width: 7-8 Feet
2 Gallon Pot - $19.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fall webworms are now making an appearance on trees and shrubs. They multiply rapidly and can defoliate a large number of trees and shrubs in a short amount of time. The best way to remove them is to trimming out branches with the nest and disposing of them in the garbage. BT Thuricide can be used sparingly if an infestation is too high.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Market Sharpener
Sunday, September 22nd
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
