Greene Garden

Preen Schedule 2007

2007-05-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

I'll try to keep on track this year and avoid the heat of the summer weed takeover.

Garden 1: 5/30

Must re-apply every 9-12 weeks.

Grass in the Garden

2007-05-30T08:53:00.000-04:00

I have two grasses that have started pestering my plants (and me). These are volunteers no doubt; brought in by birds or compost. I haven't been able to identify them.

One is very reed-y and can be compared to an invasive California pest Arundo donax (Giant Reed) although I don't know what it is:

The other grass can fool you into thinking it is left over greens from flowering spring bulbs. This one spreads quickly too but it sprouts individually with stubborn white roots.

Khalda's Corner

2007-05-25T15:51:00.000-04:00

One of my best friends died of cancer this past spring. I wanted to create a section of G4 in her memory. She always wanted to garden flowers, but was restricted to apartment balconies and window sills. About a year before she died, she finally got a house. She went crazy buying seeds (including eight different packs of sunflower seeds). I am not sure if she ever got to plant any or see any bloom. Maybe she can look down now and see her sunflowers amoung many others.

End of May 2007 Checklist

2007-05-20T23:06:00.001-04:00

New:
Thin G4 Phlox: DONE
Spray Powdery Mildew on G4 Phlox: DONE
Check Beetle Management Supplies: DONE
Prep Sprayer: DONE
Keep seedbeds moist: DONE
Remove stubborn weed from G4: DONE
Take FT Black Eyed Susans
Plant Perennials in G4

Old:
Preen G1 (DONE), G2, G3, G4
Weed G4 dripline
Replace dripline mulch with large chips

Annuals 2007

2007-05-20T15:09:00.000-04:00

My ambitions for 2007 in 2006 didn't really pan out. Not only did I not have the time or the will to start plants indoors this winter, but I did not end up with my Jamestown red, white and blue garden. Honestly, I just couldn't find any blue flowers that could take full sun all summer long. My annual color pallet is orange and red with splashes of yellow.

Seeds in the Ground May 13 (germination within 3 weeks):
Nasturtium Alaska (orange with verigated leaves); G3, G4
Black Eyed-Susan Climbing Vine (multicolored yellow); G$
Sunflower Dwarf Incredible (2' tall yellow); G4
Sunflower Velvet Queen (6' tall red); G4
Sunflower Italian White (5' tall butter yellow); G4
Blanketflower Burgundy (24-36" red); G1, G3

Purchased Annuals:
Sanvitalia 'Subini' (Creeping Zinnia 6-10"); G1
Hypoestes 'Red Splash Select' (8-10"); Hanging Baskets
Hypoestes 'White Splash Select' (8-10"); Hanging Baskets
Marigold 'Durango Bolero' (8-15"); G3
Lantana camara 'Lucky Red Hot Imp.' (12-14") G3

Herbs:
Basil 'Sweet Dani' (Annual)
Basil 'Spicy Globe (Greek)' (Annual)
Parsley, Plain (Biennial)
Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel Mint' (Spearmint, Perennial)
Oregano 'Greek' overwintered from 2005
Chives overwintered from 2005

Money Spent: Gardening 2007

2007-05-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

May:
Corner Store Annuals from Seed: $15.00
Millmont Annuals, Perennials and Herbs: $57.00
Meadows Farms Planting Soil: $6.28

Clematis in G4; May 20, 2007

Powdery Mildew Proactiveness

2007-03-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

I decided to consult Margaret Roach (host of Home Grown on the Martha Stewart Sirius Radio channel) about the Garden Phlox powdery mildew issue I have in G4. She says the secret to keeping the powdery mildew at bay is NOT to start combatting it when you start to see it, but get in early when the plant is still small.

When the shoots start coming up out of the ground, cut 1/3 back to the ground to thin the plant. This will promote air circulation. Then just before the humid weather starts, start to spray the plant periodically with the organic solution I normally use (baking soda, etc.) Use this throughout the summer, thinning the plant as needed.

May 24, 2007: I didn't get the jump on the PM this spring. It has formed just a bit on some of the phlox. I sprayed it today and will again this Sunday as it has rained.
May 28, 2007: Thinned and sprayed phlox again. I have noticed that about the bottom 10" of each stalk have whitthered and dried (powdery mildew or something else?). It is crowded down there with no breeze.

Cleaning Garden Tools

2007-03-06T14:56:00.000-05:00

I will be off to find the following supplies to create my own "Garden Tool Cleaning Center."

Small bristle brush:
Brush off dirt that has stuck to the Garden Tool.

Bucket of sand with motor oil mixed in:
Plunging spades and other like tools in and out of the sand after use will keep the excess dirt off and a thin sheen of oil will preserve the tools.

Rubbing Alcohol & Motor Oil on a rag kept in a plastic Ziploc bag:
Clean pruners with alcohol after use. Wipe off bypass pruners with the oily rag before putting pruners away. This will keep them from rusting.

The End of February

2007-02-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

Right about this time of year I start thinking-"nah, you don't need to grow your annuals from seed! Just buy them. This year I'm going to scale back so my workload won't be so much. You know you always tend to get lazy by August."

Then March will happen and the daffodils will peek out (if they didn't burn from frost exposure after sprouting too early this year). I'll get all inspired again and so the madness ensues! But for now, it's still February. Sleep garden...sleep.

Splitting Dahlias

2006-10-13T23:49:00.000-04:00

I took advantage of a talk radio show on Sirius Radio. I called in to ask how to split dahlias (I had heard it was doable but pretty precise). The garden pro said to dig them up in the fall in one cluster. Put them in a box with peat moss (I think I will use saw dust or newspaper shreddings). Store them in the basement in a cool, dry place.

In the spring, they will start sprouting on their own. Sometime around Mother's Day; get them out and start to divide. The crucial step is to make sure and get a few sprouts per division. (This is why he doesn't do it in the fall before storing.) They will be ready to plant.

May 2007: I pulled out the dahlias ready to see some sprouting. Not only were there no sprouts on any dahlia, but they were all shriveled dry lumps. I had to throw them all away. Not happy.

First (Mild) Frost 2006

2006-10-13T23:37:00.000-04:00

Well, it won't be long before the dahlias in the back that are the size of dessert plates fall flat on their face from a heavy frost. Today, I had a thin layer of frost on my windsheild and it was barely on the grass.

Colorblends Tulips

2006-07-27T08:09:00.000-04:00

I am adicted to the beauty of the Colorblends tulips http://www.colorblends.com. I started ordering from them several years ago and they do not disappoint. My experience with the tulips (shipped directly from Holland to my door) is that they are massive the first year and average the second year. They will continue to peter out the following years and get shorter and smaller. However, this is what tulips do.

Tulips I have Ordered in the Past:
Lipsticks (Late bloomer planted in G3) $34.00/100 bulbs
Stop the Car (Early to Mid bloomer planted in G1) $30.00/100 bulbs
Gudoshnik (Mid bloomer planted in G3) $31.00/100 bulbs

Gudoshnik is my absolute favorite (pix). The blooms are huge and bowl-like. The verigated red, orange and yellow-stunning. I get many compliments on these flowers. The catalog arrived yesterday in the mail. Every year I say I am going to pass, and sometimes I do. We'll see.

Dag-On Beetles

2006-07-26T22:29:00.000-04:00

Just when I thought the beetles were dying out, I went down to G4 to inspect what needed attention and found a "beetle brothel" on my zinnias. A few doses of spray should do the trick. Trouble is, I didn't catch it in time and 50% of the leaves have been munched. In efforts to stop the procreation, I guess I have to get really serious and document when I spray for beetles and with what.

Late beetle season 2006 (Bayer Advanced Bug Killer):
Zinnia 'Envy': Jul 26
Cherry 'Fount of Snow': Jul 26

What's Blooming: July 25, 2006

2006-07-25T08:12:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Echinacea, Yarrow pink, Pink Ice, Coreopsis grandiflora, Black Eyed Susan, Galardia, Penstemon

Garden 2: Crepe Myrtle 'Miami', Gladiola

Garden 3: Jupiter's Beard, Coreopsis tickseed pink, Garden phlox white, St. John's Wort, Heuchera, unid. pink matte plant

Garden 4: Heuchera, Stela d'oro, Pink Ice, Coreopsis moonbeam, Monarda purple, Garden phlox magenta, Shasta daisy, Echinacea, Gladiola white, Gladiola multicolored, Black Eyed Susan, Spider plant, Dahlia 'Apple Blossom', Verbascum 'Southern Charm'

Vegetables From the Garden

2006-07-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

This year I have reaped the benefit of friends with vegetable gardens. GS and JP have shared some of their yields (lettuce, cucumbers and yellow squash). Today we went to family members HS & MSS's large vegetable garden in Madison and came back with a car load of potatoes (Kennebec and red), Blue Lake Bush green beans, tomatoes (red, yellow and pink), yellow squash and cucumbers.

Tonight I spent almost 2 hours snapping green beans which I will blanch and freeze tomorrow. MSS says to store the potatoes in the basement loosely if possible. They should last a long time that way.

What's Blooming: July 20, 2006

2006-07-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Echinacea, Yarrow pink, Pink Ice, Coreopsis grandiflora, Black Eyed Susan

Garden 2: -

Garden 3: Jupiter's Beard, Coreopsis tickseed pink, Garden phlox white

Garden 4: Heuchera, Stela d'oro, Pink Ice, Coreopsis moonbeam, Monarda purple, Garden phlox magenta, Garden phlox hot pink, Shasta daisy, Echinacea, Gladiola white, Gladiola multicolored, Black Eyed Susan, Spider plant, Dahlia white, Dahlia 'Purple Gem'

Annuals from Seed for 2007

2006-07-17T20:44:00.000-04:00

I spent the weekend with a Park's Seed catalog and have decided that I want to start plants from seed for the 2007 season. I'll order my seeds in the winter. I'll also need a grow lamp and some kind of bio dome. I have tried starting from seeds before with moderate success. My goal for the 2007 season is to grow all annuals inside to save money in the spring.

2007 marks the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown. I'd like to do red and white vincas. My blue will have to come from bunting on the rail unless I have missed a drought tolerant blue low growing annual.

I will also order my red geraniums for the hanging baskets (possibly mix with white and add blue verbena).

I would like to have a very patriotic garden next summer!

Vinca Tips

2006-07-10T14:36:00.000-04:00

Vincas are one of my favoite annuals for drought resistance and low maintenance. The flower doesn't need deadheading to keep blooming, although some gardeners shear back the plants by half in mid-summer to revitalize it.

Vincas don't do well if overwatered or overfertilized.

'Terrace' series: 16"
'Pretty In' series: early blooming, 12-14"
'Pacifica' series: early blooming, 12-14"
'Cooler' series: tolerates cool summers better than other cultivars, 6"-10" (and just as wide)
'Carpet' series: cascading low growing ground cover

About Potting Soil (Better Homes & Gardens 1999)

2006-07-10T14:28:00.000-04:00

All potting soils consist of composted bark, compost, peat humus, sphagnum peat moss and lightening agents such as perlite or vermiculite.

All-purpose: This is the cheapest soil price-wise. It's a good soil for advanced gardeners who want to add nutrients on their own. This type has less perlite/vermiculite (p/v) thus needs more water and fertilizing. The soil may not drain well.

Premium: The higher percent of p/v gives this soil better drainage. Rood will hold onto moisture longer. Reliable all around potting mix.

Professional: Completely processed for a better texture, these soils feature a higher percentage of sphagnum peat moss, p/v and composted bark. Plants demand less regular attention than with other mixes.

Specialty: For special needs plants such as African violets, cactus and orchids, these mixes are specially formulated to suit their nutritional and water requirements.

Clematis Care (iVilliage GardenWeb)

2006-07-10T08:08:00.000-04:00

Deadheading: Many find the seed heads to be very attractive and leave them on until they mature and drop in the fall. Keep in mind that producing both flowers and seeds requires resources and can drain the energy of the plant. Well-established and well-fed plants produce both of these with ease. However, it is probably best to deadhead young vines to help them get established faster.

Growing Root System: Above ground growth the first year is usually pathetic while most of the growth is taking place under ground. A good root system is critical for a vigorous vine. The second year will result in a larger vine, and the third year will be larger yet.

Fertilizing: Be sure to fertilize and water your clematis as they require lots of each. This will create a strong root system and a good foundation for years of beautiful blooms. Tomato fertilizer, rose food, 5-10-10, or even an Osmocote type fertilizer are good choices. Slow release fertilizers are preferred.

Transplanting: The best time of year to move an existing clematis is while the plant is dormant before the new seasons growth begins - usually in late winter as long as the ground is not frozen. At this time of year the plant's energy is stored in the root system. Prune back the top growth to about 12 to 18 inches and dig at least a 12 inch diameter root ball as deep as possible. Mature clematis roots can reach 4 feet down into the ground so the more roots you can save, the better. It is best to dig and prepare your new location before you dig up the plant to be transplanted. Dig a large hole, and dig it deeper than needed to make some room for compost or rotted manure in the bottom. You will also want to plant the clematis two to three inches deeper than the old level. One can use a post hole digger tool to get a nice deep hole. It is best to bury one or two pairs of latent buds, leaves and all, so that the plant can sprout from under the ground. It becomes a good insurance planting policy. The buried stem will develop roots.
Before you place the plant into the new hole, throw in a handful or two of bone meal or other fertilizer high in phosphate to aid in root growth. Bulbtone, an organic fertilizer, can be added to the hole without fear of burning the roots. Mix the bone meal and fertilizer with compost in the bottom of the hole, fill the hole with water, and place the new plant in it's new home, submerging it in the water. Fill in around the plant with the best compost or enriched top soil you can find, and water it in.

Heat Resistant Annuals (Pamela Crawford, SL 7/2006)

2006-07-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

Longlasting color in hot weather:

"Dragon Wing" begonia (shade/part shade)
Sun coleus (full sun to moderate shade)
New Guinea Hybrid impatiens (full sun to partial shade)
yellow shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea) (sun)
melampodium (full sun/light shade)
Summer Wave Hybrid trailing torenia (full sun to full shade)

Crepe Myrtle Types

2006-07-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

I am thinking about putting a line of Crepe Myrtles on the property line to the back of the house next year. Here are the heights:

3-5 feet: Centennial and Chickasaw
5-10 feet: Acoma and Zuni
10-20 feet: Sioux, Tuskegee and Yuma
20-30 feet: Natchez, Tuscarora and Dynamite

What's Blooming: July 5, 2006

2006-07-05T13:27:00.001-04:00

Garden 1: Echinacea, Yarrow pink, Pink Ice, Galardia, Coreopsis grandiflora, Black Eyed Susan

Garden 2: -

Garden 3: Jupiter's Beard, Platycodon, St. John's Wart, Coreopsis tickseed pink, Garden phlox white

Garden 4: Heuchera, Stela d'oro, Pink Ice, Coreopsis moonbeam, Monarda, Garden phlox light magenta, Garden phlox magenta, Garden phlox hot pink, Asiatic lily red, Shasta daisy, Echinacea, Yellow plant unknown name on right, Mullein, Gladiola white, Black Eyed Susan

Advice on June Bugs/Japanese Beetles

2006-07-05T13:14:00.000-04:00

I called into the morning show on the Sirius Martha Stewart channel to speak to Andrew Beckman http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=learn-cat&id=cat20863 about the beetle issues and the chemical v. milky spore treatment.

I got some contradictory advise to what I have received in the past:
I explained to him that I ran into an extension agent who told me that there was not scientific evidence that milky spore actually works. After the explanation I asked what his take was and he stated that he recommends the milky spore route along with praying. (Why would I need to pray if it works?) When asked about granuals v. powder distribution of milky spore; he commented that he thinks the granuals give better coverage. He also states that you only have to do the milky spore treatment for one year with the granuals (although the directions on the milky spore packaging states 2 years).

So without a clear cut way to handle these creatures, here is the current plan:
August 15, 2006: put down chemicals to kill the grubs laid this year. Clear turf for 2007 gardening. (Never did this in 06)
Spring, Summer and Fall 2007: treat with milky spore granuals to kill grub eggs for 2008 gardening.

July Check List

2006-07-04T10:01:00.000-04:00

OLD:
Continue to feed annuals 2x/week: Jul 9
Continue spraying for powdery mildew: Jul 9
Weed and cover G4 drip line: Weeded Jul 9
Fertilize clematis: DONE (Jul 10)
Cut back iris

NEW:
Kill tree of heaven: DONE (Sep 16)
Burn debris: DONE (Jul 17)
Purchase stones for G4 walkways
Kill hybiscus regrowth: DONE (Jul 7)
Backfill G4

June Bugs

2006-07-04T09:47:00.000-04:00

Going out to garden this morning, I had to wade through the horrific sight of June Bugs. Yup, it's July! These creatures will destroy what the Japanese beetles were trying to munch on. Get out the sprayer again!

August is the time to treat these special guests of the grass and garden. I mustn't forget! I have never treated for grubs in August, but this time is a must. I am not sure of their rate of "activity" and hope they are more active during the day than evening when I really try to get some gardening done.

What's Blooming: June 27, 2006

2006-06-27T16:46:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Echinacea, Yarrow red, Yarrow yellow, Pink Ice, Galardia, Coreopsis grandiflora

Garden 2: -

Garden 3: Jupiter's Beard, Platycodon, St. John's Wart

Garden 4: Heuchera, Stela d'oro, Pink Ice, Spiderwart, Coreopsis moonbeam, Monarda, Feverfew, Garden phlox light magenta, Garden phlox magenta, Asiatic lily red, Shasta daisy, Echinacea, Yellow plant unknown name on right, Mullein

Garden 4 Acquisition: Fishersville

2006-06-25T14:45:00.000-04:00

Today I took the liberty of saving a few more plants from the inevitable. I was able to procure Asiatic lilies (pix) of red, pink and yellow. I also brought home three plants I must identify before I put them into the garden. I don't want any more invasive experiences!

I think one is some type of dwarf salvia and the other looks like sneezeweed or a tall daisy/mum of sorts. Finally, I believe there is a piece of crinum to start.

Now that the plants have a new and CARING home, I am sure they will be much happier :). (Special thanks to the new owner of the home I got these from on Westminister in Fishersville who professes he knows nothing about plants or grass.)

End of June Checklist

2006-06-23T08:33:00.000-04:00

Need to play catchup after being away from the garden:

Feed annuals
Replace spring annuals: DONE
Support Dahlias and Pea Vines: DONE
Spray powdery mildew plants
Roundup on the driplines
Fertilize clematis
Preen Gardens 1-3: DONE
Clean up Gardens
Monitor Stelas for fungus
Cut back Iris
Spray for Beetles: DONE

Dying Daylily Leaves (Virginia Gardener 7/2006)

2006-06-22T08:54:00.000-04:00

Some leaves on my Stela d'oro daylilies completely die starting sometime near the end of May. Do I have a problem or is that normal? All summer long I am having to pick out the dead leaves.
Virginia Gardener Magazine talks about "daylily streak":
Daylily streak disease causes brown streaks or spots with yellow borders on the infected leaves. The symptoms usually progress from the leaf tip to inward and can result in leaves withering and dying completely. This can be treated with fungicides such as mancozeb, chlorothalonil or captan. They help slow the disease development and protect new growth from infection. Remove infected foliage to prevent spreading.

I'll have to monitor closely.

Cutting Back Late Summer perennials

2006-06-20T08:45:00.000-04:00

My "Autumn Joy" sedum loves the soil it's in; raised bed with a lot of organic material. I get maximum height out of each sedum (2 feet) each year. But as the long stems hold water and develop flowers, they get top heavy and flop over during their peak.

This year I have cut the plant back* (June 19) about 10 inches to see what the results will be. I understand the blooms will not be as big, but there will be more of them and the plant will not flop.

*cut sedum back in June and mums back around July 4.

What's Blooming: June 20, 2006

2006-06-20T08:35:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Yarrow red, Yarrow yellow, Coryopsis grandiflora, Ice plant pink, Galardia, Coneflower purple

Garden 2: -

Garden 3: St. John's Wart, Balloon Flower

Garden 4: Coreopsis Moonbeam, Monarda red, Stela d'oro daylily, Ice plant pink, Siberian iris, Feverfew, Coneflower magenta, Rudbeckia Irish eyes, Maltese Cross, Shasta daisy, Geranium

Money Spent: Gardening 2006

2006-06-07T22:17:00.000-04:00

Well, I am not sure I want to do this, but I think it would be interesting to tally up the purchases I make while keeping the garden. Of course I am at a really late start this year (it would be most interesting to start the tally in March).

June:
Summer Annuals: $8.75 (Garden Center in NoVa)
John Deere Gas Trimmer Rental: $31.00 (Rentx, Charlottesville)
Summer Annuals: $8.50 (Corner Store, Ruckersville)
Miracle Grow: $9.95 (Lowe's, Charlottesville)

July:
Discounted Summer Bulbs: $6.00 (Southern States, Charlottesville)
Fertilizer (4-7-10): $3.99 (Southern States, Charlottesville)

Pretty Enough To Eat (Country Gardens Early Spring 2005)

2006-06-06T21:44:00.000-04:00

Plants You Can Use as a Garnish:
Borage-light cucumber flavor
Chive blooms-mild onion to garlic flavor depending on variety
Daylilies-sweet and crunchy like leaf lettuce (Warning: Other lily species are inedible)
Nasturtiums-sweet and slightly peppery
Roses-sweet taste and aroma (remove bitter white area of petal before eating)
Summer and winter squash blooms-sweet taste, similar to nectar
Violas-sweet, similar to nectar

For Looks Only:
Daffodil
Foxglove
Lilies other than daylilies
Morning glory
Peony
Poinsettia
Tulip

Canna Care (Country Gardens Early Spring 2005)

2006-06-06T21:36:00.000-04:00

These instructions are for potted canna success:

Select a large pot-cannas require a deep, 18-24 inch wide pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. Plant the rhizomes 8" apart at minimum.

Plant canna rhizomes 2-3 inches below the soil line and allow 1-2" from the soil surface to the pot rim for watering.

Plant cannas in the early spring after last frost (bring pots inside at night until nighttime temperatures outdoors are above 50 degrees).

Water the container after planting the rhizome. Keep the soil moist, not soggy.

Feed cannas tow or three times a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. (Or mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time.)

After the first fall frost, cut off blackened stalks and dig up rhizomes. Allow the rhizomes to dry out in a garage or basement for a week or tow, then store them in open boxes of dry peat moss, perlite or vermiculite. Replant in spring, discarding any soft or mushy rhizomes.

What's Blooming: June 6, 2006

2006-06-06T07:53:00.001-04:00

Garden 1: Lamb's Ear, Coryopsis grandiflora, Yarrow (yellow), Yarrow (red), Coneflower, Gallardia, Veronica Speedwell, Pink Ice

Garden 2: Stela d'oro (see pix)

Garden 3: Jupiter's Beard, Daylily (red with yellow throat), Geranium

Garden 4: Stela d'oro, Siberian Iris (periwinkle), Siberian Iris (medium purple), Geranium, Sundrops, Spiderwort, Heuchera, Dianthus, Maltese Cross, Clematis

Bayer Chemical Spray Schedule

2006-06-05T21:12:00.000-04:00

I didn't make it by Southern States today. However, I looked at my stock of garden supplies and noticed I had Bayer Multi-Insect Killer Concentrate on hand.

First I walked the garden to inspect the damage. I picked off less than 10 beetles and put them in soapy water to drown. There was minimal but noticeable damage on the St. John's Wort, Cherry and Black Eyed Susans. The directions state to spray the undersides and tops of leaves on the plants at the first sign of damage. What I don't know is, "is this preventive or just kills on sight?" The way the bottle reads, it appears to keep the bugs away. It is unclear.

I mixed 1 T. Bayer with 1 Gallon of water as directed and sprayed:
Black Eyed Susan
Purple Cone Flower
Clematis
Cherry Tree
Crepe Myrtles
Dahlia
Monarda

June 5. July 9.

June = Beetles

2006-06-04T20:48:00.000-04:00

The battle lines have been crossed. I witnessed a few small Japanese beetles on my St. John's Wort earlier this evening for the first time this season. It's just a matter of time before the swarms of them appear to feast on my cherry tree, heuchera, zinnias ('envy') and crepe myrtles.

It's priority to start hand picking (drowning them in soapy water) or spraying this week. I believe Neem is the safest chemical but I have never used it and don't know if it works. I have only used Bayer Chemicals which are harsher. A trip to Southern States is in order to investigate. It would be interesting/depressing to keep a tally on how much I spend on this hobby called gardening.

Interesting and educational information: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/trees/ef409.htm

Powdery Mildew

2006-06-02T11:27:00.000-04:00

The recipe for the homemade powdery mildew fungus control seems to be working. I combined the water and soda first in a traditional sprayer then added the oil and shook. I sprayed all phlox in Garden 4 (Tuesday, May 30...see pix). I went to check Thursday and Friday and no signs of mildew are showing.

Next spraying will need to be Tuesday, June 13. Missed the deadline and sprayed July 9. Many bottom leaves on phlox dead and shriveled.

Recipe:
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 gallon of water in tree sprayer. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons ultra-fine oil spray. Shake and spray.

Tradescantia virginiana

2006-06-01T14:36:00.000-04:00

All of my spiderwart (Tradescantia virginiana) babies have found new homes. I had eight seedlings that came from Grandma's two donations to my garden three years ago. This is what happens when you do not deadhead, let everything go to seed and neglect to tidy up the garden before winter. I gave four plants to a neighbor and four to FT (May 2006). It's time to backfill and remulch.

Aphid Control Test

2006-05-30T22:08:00.000-04:00

I went and purchased corn oil and a spray bottle. While at Southern States for the spray bottle, a rep asked if she could help. When I told her about going natural with the aphid control. She mentioned that not all products there on their shelves were super caustic. She pointed me toward "Safer," a product that is supposed to be well...safer.

I decided to do a test. I sprayed the right half of the Rudbeckia with Safer and the left side with the home mix. The safer costs just under $7.00. The home mix is made of store brand corn oil ($1.69), dish liquid I already had (antibacterial orange scent) and water. We will see what happens.

The photo is on Day 1-pre spraying.

6/5/2006: The aphids appear to be mostly dead, still sticking to the plant, dark brown and shriveled. Each side of the plant looked the same, so it is my assumption that both products are as effective as each other. I re-sprayed the plant on 6/5 with Bayer Multi-Insect Killer since it was already on hand for the beetle spray-down (see 6/5/2006 blog on Bayer).

Aphids and Mildew and Bees, OH MY!

2006-05-29T20:18:00.000-04:00

Can a gardener go away on vacation for a week without coming home to a whole list of things to battle? I guess not this time of year! Garden 4, of course is the garden being attacked.

Aphids are in attack mode on my favorite Rudbeckia "Irish Eyes": I will use the non-toxic oil spray route first. Mix 1 cup corn oil with 1 tablespoon liquid dishwashing detergent. Make spray by using 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil/detergent mix with each cup of water. Coat all plant surfaces thouroughly. If necessary, repeat every 7-10 days. This also works on white flies, spider mites and other pests.

Powdery Mildew fungus is climbing its way up my phlox and lilies: I will go the natural route and use the baking soda method. Hopefully it's not too late as this does not cure what has already been covered by the mildew. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 1/2 tablespoons ultra-fine oil spray with 1 gallon of water. Repeat every 2 weeks.

Bees are borring holes in my garage made of wood behind the garden: Geez. This one is the worst. I had no idea these little workers could do so much damage:

Carpenter bees get their name from their ability to drill through wood and nest in the hole. Their drilling creates a near-perfect hole, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. The hole is usually located on the underside of the wood surface; including siding, soffits, decks, overhangs, fence posts and window frames. Although the hole appears to be only an inch or two deep, it rarely ends there.
The female carpenter bee will turn 90 degrees and bore a channel from 6 inches to as long as 4 feet. This channel serves as a main corridor from which she will drill small chambers a few inches deep. These chambers become egg holders. She will deposit an egg, bring in a mass of pollen for the newly hatched larvae to feed on, and then seal it all off to ensure it's development before she repeats the process for the next egg. The male spends most of his time flying around the nest playing guard. This is ironic as nature has left him ill prepared: he has no stinger! Only the female can sting. Simply killing the male will not solve your problem. You must treat the nest. -carpenterbees.com

June Checklist

2006-05-29T11:38:00.000-04:00

Start feeding all annuals 2x/month: DONE
Pull out spring annuals: DONE
Trim boxwoods (rent gas trimmer): DONE
Start spraying for beetles (cherry, crepe myrtle): DONE
Sow annuals: hollyhock, heliotrope, scabiosa and zinnia-SKIPPED
Continue to support dahlias-DONE
Continue to support pea vine-DONE
Continue looking for aphids and spray with soap mixture: DONE
Spray phlox and lilies for powdery mildew every 2 weeks: DONE

End of May Checklist

2006-05-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

New:
Support Clematis on Arbor: DONE
Support Dahlias: DONE
Support and thin pea plants: DONE
Weed garden 4: DONE
Deadhead all gardens: DONE
Purchase carpenter bee spray

Old:
Roundup on house dripline
Lime back dripline
Remove seed heads from azaleas: DONE
Fertilize azaleas with 30-10-10 Hollytone: DONE

What's Blooming: May 29, 2006

2006-05-29T10:55:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Yellow yarrow, Gallardia, Soapwart, Pink ice plant, Coryopsis grandiflora

Garden 2: Stela d'oro day lily

Garden 3: Geranium, Periwinkle iris, Siberian iris, Jupiter's beard, Amsonia

Garden 4: Spiderwart, Heuchera (see pix), Hot pink dianthus, Clematis, Geranium purple, Geranium pink, Maltese cross, Oriental poppy, Periwinkle iris, Rust iris

What's Blooming: May 17, 2006

2006-05-17T08:06:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Coryopsis grandiflora, Galardia, Soapwart

Garden 2: Periwinkle iris, Purple iris, Yellow iris, White peoney

Garden 3: Preddy Creek Road peoney, Albano Road peoney, Periwinkle iris, Amsonia, Jupiter's Beard, Siberian iris, Montpelier dianthus, Comfrey, Geranium

Garden 4: Clematis, Geranium purple, Geranium pink, Spiderwart, Periwinkle iris, Dwarf yellow iris, Oriental poppy, Rust iris

Mystery Plant = Comfrey

2006-05-17T08:01:00.000-04:00

JP read the last post on the mystery plant and did some research. She came up with comfrey which confirms what I have heard from others. Of course I am now faced with a dilemma since comfrey is considered invasive. I think the comfrey needs to go. However, in the research I have done comfrey has wonderful medicinal purposes:

The herb contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. This means that it will promote the swift healing of damaged or injured tissues, as well as maintaining cell growth and preventing diseases. Comfrey has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions. It is also said to have bone and teeth building properties in children, and have value in treating 'many female disorders'. -Wikipedia

Hummingbird Feeder

2006-05-14T15:46:00.000-04:00

Looks like I am a little late on the feeder dispersement! LT told me that Tax Day (April 15) is a good day to get the feeders out. Here it is a month later and I have my first one on the deck. She says it's ok because it's only the fathers that need the sweet water now while the eggs are still being cared for.

We get the Ruby-throated hummingbird here in Virginia named for the ruby colored neck on the bird. These hummingbirds are attracted to Bee balm, Cardinal flower, Jewelweed, Trumpet Vine, Honeysuckle and Fire pink. What they can not get from these tubular flowers they get from feeders. Mix 4 parts boiling water with 1 part sugar. Keep the food fresh for the birds. Wash feeders with hot water 2x/week.

June 28, 2006-Our male hummingbird is flying solo this year. No female or family. It is going crazy over the blooming manarda currently.

Mystery Plant

2006-05-13T21:28:00.000-04:00

JP moved last year and gifted me a few perennials for which I wished that I had staked with nametags. I could have sworn she said that one of the plants was Virginia Bluebell. I have been told that it is not.

Blooming: Mid-May
Height: 12-16"
Flowers: Light periwinkle blue
Leaves: Silver green with fuzz and embossing
Location: Garden 3

Rumor: If left to seed it will spread wildly.

Weekend Checklist

2006-05-12T14:44:00.000-04:00

New:
Remove baker's rack and pots from back deck: DONE
Pot up annuals for front porch: DONE
Roundup on the back dripline

Old:
Weed Garden 4: DONE
Preen & Lime Garden 4: DONE

Cannas

2006-05-10T20:30:00.000-04:00

Another backyard favorite is the Canna Lily. I thought I would try an on-line distributor since I wanted something different. This is another flower that I can't seem to get up out of the ground to overwinter. I may not end up with any this year, but we will see.

One of the sites that came up on Google is Horn's Farm: http://www.cannas.net/. Apparently, I am really behind the eight ball and these guys are popular since they are sold out of every canna that they farm. They take orders after August 1, 2006. It might be worth checking out!

Looking at:
Orange Beauty, 6' (see pix)
Red King Humbert, 6'
Pretoria, 6'

All of the rest are 4' and under. I am not sure where I would put them.

Dahlias in Garden 4

2006-05-10T20:18:00.000-04:00

I was surprised to see one of the dahlias I neglected to dig up last fall is coming up. I guess that's one of the only pros of having a mild winter! It's white and will be near the arbor, I bought it last year from Lowe's I believe.

The other dahlias I purchased from The Garden Spot went in tonight:
(2) Purple Gem & (2) Apple Blossom: Large flowered dahlia, deadhead for continuous blooms from July to first frost. Height 50", plant 6" deep, needs sun. Keep the soil damp at first. Planting time is from the beginning of April (after frost) to the end of May. Keep cool until planted.

What's Blooming: May 10, 2006

2006-05-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

A list of perennials in all four gardens:
Garden 1: Soapwart, Galardia

Garden 2: Left White Peony, Periwinkle Iris, Purple Iris

Garden 3: Periwinkle Iris, Jupiter's Beard (see pix), Amsonia, Preddy Creek Peony, Albano Road Peony, Montpelier Dianthis, White Azalea, Hot Pink Azalea, Virginia Bluebell

Garden 4: Spiderwart, Periwinkle Iris, Old Fashioned Rust Iris, Coral Bells, Hot Pink Dianthis

Garden 4 Plants: Purchased for 2006

2006-05-09T21:38:00.000-04:00

Mullein (Verbascum 'Southern Charm')-This perennial blooms in summer. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Grows 24-30" tall. Zones 5-9. Beautiful spires of flowers in antique colors, stunning in summer bouquets. Divide every other year to ensure longevity. Planted 5/2006.

Clematis on the Arbor

2006-05-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

I planted Clematis on my arbor 2 years ago and thought it was a gonner when I saw it peter out the first year and was weak last year. This year all of a sudden it is revived and there are buds. I quickly replaced the other side of the arbor with what I think is the same variety thus having hopefully matching plants growing up each side.

Niobe Clematis:
Prune Hard
Blooms June-July
Height 4-6'
Zone 4-8
Flower 6-8" velvety dark red flowers with cream stamens

Clematis needs moist, well drained soil with an exposure of one half a day to a full day of sun. The plant should be mulched and kept moist, especially during the first growing season. Fertilize every four weeks during the growing season with a well balanced liquid fertilizer.

Clematis's feet like to be shaded.

Cut Flower Food

2006-05-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

Listening to a garden talk show on Serius an advisor gave this recipe for cut flower food if you don't have any packets from the florist:

Minimum of 1 Liter water
2 drops liquid bleach
1 T. sugar

LIST: Dig Up Corms, Tubers & Rhizomes

2006-05-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

Before winter dig up:

Freesia-after leaves have faded
Dahlia-when first frost kills back the foliage

Store in dry peat or sawdust in open cardboard container downstairs.

Flirting with Freesia

2006-05-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

While at my favorite garden shop over the mountain, I picked up a few freesia bulbs. Had I actually read the card, I would have noticed the Zone 8 and warmer notice on the sticker. Why would they sell them out of Zone? Well, now I am stuck with them so why not try them. They will be planted in Garden 3 which is up against the house facing west. If these suckers have any chance at all in Zone 7, it will be facing west.

Double Flowering Freesia: Striped Jewel (white with pink stripe) and Pink
Height 16". Planted 14 total.

Planted 4" deep, 8" apart in between purple heucheras and between St. John's Wart and Siberian Iris 5/8/2006. I did not add fertilizer to the bottom of the hole.

Care: Plant 2-4" deep in mid-spring (should plant in April). Apply a high potash liquid fertilizer every 14 days through the growing season. Keep soil just moist at all times. Aphids may attack stems. Treat with soap. Remove spent flower stems. When foliage dies down, lift corms and store them in dry peat until it is time for replanting.

May 2007: This freesia never sprouted.

Azalea Care (from Southern Living 3/2002)

2006-05-07T07:37:00.000-04:00

1. Top of root ball-plant a little higher than the soil.
2. Water 1x/week for first year.
3. Likes acidic soil 5.5-6.
4. Well drained soil and organic matter-raised beds are good.
5. Work in for new planting-slow release fertilizer (cottonseed meal) 1 cup/plant.
6. 2-4" mulch.
7. Like highly filtered shade.
8. Direct contact with fertilizer will burn them.
9. After flowering additional 12-5-9.
10. Prune after blooming before July 4.

May Checklist

2006-05-06T19:54:00.000-04:00

Plant out dahlia tubers: DONE
Plant annuals (may need to guard them against cold nights): DONE
Plant patio containers and hanging baskets: DONE
Prune back spring flowering perennials: DONE
Deadhead daffodils, tulips and other spring bulbs: DONE
Remove seed heads from azaleas: DONE
Fertilize azaleas with 30-10-10 Hollytone: DONE
Support Clematis on Arbor: DONE
Start looking for aphids and spray with soap: DONE
Spray phlox and lilies for powdery mildew: DONE

Preen Schedule

2006-05-06T19:48:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: 4/10/2006
Garden 2: 4/10/2006
Garden 3: 4/13/2006
Garden 4: 5/14/2006

Must re-apply every 9-12 weeks:
Gardens 1-3: June 12-July 3, 2006
Garden 4: July 16-August 6, 2006

Gardens 1-3: 6/25/2006
Garden 4:

Must re-apply every 9-12 weeks:
Gardens 1-3: August 27-September 17 (try earlier rather than later)

Annuals Planted

2006-05-06T19:37:00.000-04:00

Today I put in several annuals into Gardens 1 & 3. I generally don't do annuals because they are water hogs, but they will provide color until I figure out what perenial I want to go in their place.
Garden 1:
Gomphrena "Gnome Purple": Ball shaped blooms on extra dwarf plants. Heat resistant. Good for drying. Full sun, 12" apart, grows 6" tall.

Garden 3:
Rudbekia "Toto Gold": Abundant flowers all summer. 8-15" tall, plant 10" apart.
Lantana "New Gold": One thing I know about this, if you want the yellow, you'd better buy it by Mother's Day or it sells out.

Dahlia Care

2006-05-05T23:43:00.000-04:00

Planting: After the last frost, once soils is workable, plant tubers with eyes up. Plant 4-6 inches deep and 24 inches apart. Rich well-drained soil in full sun protected from wind is ideal. Water after plants are 6" to 12" tall.

Staking: Most dahlias need support. Before planting, drive a stake at least a foot into the ground. Tie off every foot as dahlias grow.

Fertilizing: A week before planting, mix well-rotted manure, compost or 5:10:10 fertilizer into the soil. Stay low on the nitrogen, will get foliage only.

Pruning: Deadheading is key for continuous bloom. When plant is 6" remove all but the strongest one or two stems. Pinch these back. For maximum bloom size, remove all but a few buds.

Pests: Stems shorter than 8" are subject to slugs and snails. Control heavy aphid, earwig and spider mites with insecticidal soap.

Storage: Dig up tubers right after frost blackens the foliage. Cut stems to a few inches, wash off soil. Dry tubers for a day, stems down. Place in a cardboard box and cover with slightly damp sawdust or vermiculite. Store at about 40 degrees. Inspect in January, if tubers are shriveling, mist the sawdust with water until barely damp.

Cutting: Flowers that are cut in full bloom (not buds) tend to last the longest.

Herb Uses

2006-05-05T23:36:00.000-04:00

Bay Leaf-Fresh ones are astringent, aromatic. Use in bouquets, marinades.

Rosemary-Strong, slight camphor taste. Go too heavy and all will taste medicinal. Strip leaves, chop. Perfect match for rich flavors such as lamb, roasted potatoes.

Sage-Earthy, pungent, soft. Snip leaves off stem; chop. Great for bread stuffing. Fry in brown butter and toss with pasta.

Savory-Spicy sweet, grassy. Use in soups and with red meat and poultry.

Thyme-Subtle, earthy, versatile. Go too little and its flavor will underwhelm. Strip leaves with fingers, chop. Ideal with fish or chicken.

Oregano-Chop with a sharp chef's knife to protect the oils. Italian: adds traditional Italian flavor to beef, pasta, sauces, fish.

Tarragon-Well drained soil and sun. Assertive flavor. Licorice-like flavor pares well with steamed vegetables, chicken dishes, eggs and to punch up mustard and mayo.

Lemon Balm-Use in fresh teas, summer drinks.

Chervil-Mild flavor.

Chives: Demand regular watering because their roots grow near the surface. Flavor and texture are best raw. Sprinkle on potato salads, cheese and butter spreads and omlets.

Mint-Will take over the garden. Plant in pots. Harvest herb shortly before flowering to ensure essential oils are at their peak. Keep stems in water for 2 days. Goes well with lamb, pork, fruit salads, vegetables, chocolate or in punch.

Weekend Checklist

2006-05-05T19:54:00.000-04:00

-Bring the mulch from the back of the shed to the driveway: DONE
-Weed and mulch Gardens 1, 2, 3: Weed-DONE
-Visit Milmont Nursery (yah!): DONE
-Plant lantana in Garden 3: DONE
-Weed Garden 4: DONE
-Plant dahlias in Garden 4: DONE
-Preen and lime Garden 4: DONE

Fighting the Grubs

2006-05-05T19:09:00.000-04:00

I stopped at Southern States to check out the lantanas and most importantly to see if I had missed the boat on the grub control. I know if you plan to go the milky spore route that you need to apply the powder once or the granules three times a year for two years anytime the ground is not frozen. When I was consulting with the grub control product woman, I was convinced that I was going to come back with Miagi (my pickup) and pick up 6 bags of Grub Control at 29.99 each (yeah! and this was on sale from 39.99!). I would have to do this three times this year. Seeing what I have seen so far of the grubs, it was well worth the money if it worked!

Well, going out of the store, a man stopped me and introduced himself and gave me his card. He said he couldn't help overhearing my issues and wanted to offer some advise. He was none other than a Virginia Cooperative Extension Expert! He told me that there is no proof that the milky spore (while safe and organic) worked. If I wasn't willing to go chemical, then there was no guarantee that milky spore would do the job.

This puts me between a rock and a hard place. I really did want to go organic, but seriously, I need proven results. The beetles are too much to bare.

Application of the chemical grub control should be in August when the grubs are eggs and near the surface of the soil.

Peter L. Warren
Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Horticulture
Master Gardener Coordinator
460 Stagecoach Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
434-872-4580
peter@vt.edu

Dahlia Notes

2006-05-05T18:01:00.000-04:00

I love dahlias. They might as well be the summer version of peonies for me. I have never successfully overwintered them, but this year I am determined. I bought a few today from the local nursery, "The Garden Spot." A woman who I presumed to be part owner gave me a few great tips:

*Plant the dahlia and when shoots start coming up, cut all but one. This will provide a thick, tough main trunk and larger blooms.

*When dividing the dahlia in the fall, you always have to keep part of the main stalk on each division. She has dipped each tuber in wax to overwinter and keep fresh. If I don't want to do all of that, and open box of peat/sawdust will suffice in a nice cool dry place.

The Peony Report

2006-05-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

I haven't paid for a peony yet and I don't intend to, dang it! The thing is, I have had to wait for 3 years for my first one to bloom. JP and I went on a midnight raid to a location that was clearly neglecting their massive peony on the corner of two streets near by. We were each able to get one, with maybe 2 eyes each and for the first 2 years it was touch and go. I nursed my curbside peony to its first bloom this year. There are five flowers that I will look forward to seeing. The ants are busy sucking the sweet nectar now which tells me all is right with the flower. I can't wait to see it.

Albano Road Peony: Garden 3/side. White. Started blooming May 1.
Forest Trail Peony: Garden 4. Looks like no blooms this year, all foliage, about 3' tall.
Fishersville Peony: Garden 2. Will bloom within next few weeks.
Preddy Creek Peony: Garden 3/side. Fuchia. Will bloom within the week.

Herbs This Season

2006-05-04T20:22:00.000-04:00

Working on the herb garden on my back deck tonight. I decided to forego the little pots that loose their moisture so fast and go with a very large container with eveything planted together. I am hoping the herbs last longer this year that way. I like to have the herbs near my kitchen for fast flavor.

In the pot (which receives morning sun)-
Chives (alliumm schoenoprasum)
Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Kentucky Colonel Mint (for tea, jelly, sauces or juleps!)
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil (Nufar Hybrid of Ocimum basilicum)
Summer Savory (Satureja Hortensis)

Herbs to be planted in Garden 3 near the front door (harsh afternoon sun)-
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Rosemary (Hill Hardy)
Italian Oregano (this will be next to Greek Oregano that overwintered)

Crinkly Lambs Ear

2006-05-03T19:53:00.000-04:00

One of my patches of Lamb's Ear is looking pretty nasty in Garden 3. What is usually lush silvery green foliage is wavy and crimped looking. Typical issues for "Stachys" are rust, leaf spot and powdery mildew. This doesn't look like any of those. The plant is not thriving as it was in other years and in other beds. It all comes from the same original plant which makes it so random. It can't be water logged, because it's in a raised bed. It just doesn't look right.

(I ripped this out 5/6/2006. I believe it was some kind of rot.)

Garden 4

2006-05-03T09:54:00.000-04:00

I have got to get the back garden in shape. There are intruders. Since my spring clean sweep I have been gone or concentrating on the front 3. I know, not fair to the back garden. Anyway, there is this green stringy grass-like growth* on the left side. I believe it looks like threadleaf coryopsis. I don't remember planting any in the back garden. I know it spreads like crazy. I hope I am not doomed. Also, the garden phlox are on crack, spreading like crazy. It's funny because I have three other types of phlox that don't grow in that mannor. I need to figure out which type spreads so much. Note to self: put plant labels on everything!

*5/14/2006-This ended up being some kind of native grass. I did my best to dig it up, but it was so young, I could not get it all. I churned up the grass pretty well into the soil.

What's Blooming: May 2, 2006

2006-05-02T19:55:00.000-04:00

Garden 1: Soapwart (see pix)
Garden 2: Iris-periwinkle, purple traditional and yellow
Garden 3: Virginia Bluebell, Azalea, periwinkle Iris, Jupiter's Beard, Amsonia, Harlowedge Peony, Montpelier Dianthis
Garden 4: Nothing

Iris Log

2006-05-02T19:49:00.000-04:00

Three different types of Iris in the garden...all blooming at the same time. Amazing-the stars are in alignment. How the heck do I get rid of those nasty little aphids though? I know they don't do THAT much damage, but still, they disturb me. My neighbor just brushes them off with her hands. That looks easy and not skeevy, but I am sure they just jump right back on. I don't want to use anything harsh on them. I am thinking of sharing the light periwinkle ones with my workmate. They can use some division this summer. I also have to dig all of them up regardless and raise them. They have sunken down after two years of side dressing with compost.