Late Summer Edition - August/September 2006

 

Late summer already?  You're busy in your garden harvesting zucchini like crazy and wondering if your asters will bloom again this fall.  The late summer is a great time in the garden.  Things to do and things to think about can occupy all of your waking time.  We've got some new features to showcase and new information to share.  We've said a temporary good bye to our Gallery page while we improve it for next spring.  So, hop in and take a look.  More updates coming to the site on a regular basis. 

 

• In YOUR BACK YARD we introduce our new Weblog - The Seasoned Gardener packed with information for both Seasoned Gardeners (Baby Bloomers) as well as all gardeners.  This edition has information here on the following topics:

 

• August is the best time to reseed or renovate your lawn - See why.

 

• A not so pleasant surprise in your garden - Elegant Stinkhorns!

 

• Don't Blame The Dog! - "Dog Vomit" Slime Mold is common and ugly but it is harmless

  

•  WHAT'S NEW takes a look at some new tools for gardeners and how ergonomics is playing a bigger role in the design of garden tools and other garden products.

 

• You can click on the direct link to the Seasoned Gardener Blog on our homepage now.  We have temporarily taken the gallery out of the web page for some updates and improvements.  Look for a return in the next edition.

 

• Our FEATURE ARTICLE talks about mulching and why grass clippings may not be the ideal material for mulching gardens.  Lots of information on why we mulch and how mulching adds to the gardening experience.   

 

 

There are plenty of other things to do at this time of year in the garden.  If you have a vegetable garden now is the time to figure out how to sneak zucchini onto your neighbor's porch without being caught. 

 

Potted chrysanthemums are showing up in stores in the Midwest, and bulbs are not far behind. 

 

Garden centers are running clearance sales on some good looking trees and shrubs and fall is a great time to plant these additions to your landscape. 

 

Fall grub control should start soon.  If you put down one of the "Season Long" controls in June or July you should be covered, but if you didn't you can still control grubs with one of the "24-Hour" control products.  Grubs will damage lawns in the fall so watch for telltale damage from skunks and raccoons in your lawn as they dig up these juicy treats. 

 

It's a little early to start talking about leaf rakes and compost bins, but we are only about 100 days from Thanksgiving at this point, and the "W" word comes right after back to school in stores. 

 

Have a Great Gardening Day!

 

 

The Plant Doctor - Chicago