Say goodbye to summer (sniff)
We were treated to a fascinating talk by a butterfly expert at our latest garden club meeting. Most of us gardeners hold a special affection for these delicate creatures. Unfor-tunately, they have declined in number recently. There are two major reasons for this. One, being the loss of habitat and the other the ever-increasing use of pesticides and herbicides.
We can't do much about the loss of habitat as our population continues to grow with need for new subdivisions. On the other hand, we can do something about the use of pesticides and herbicides. We can cut way back and even completely stop the use of many of these and resist the impulse to have our yards sprayed commercially several times a year, as this is so often not necessary.
If a person absolutely must spray for noxious weeds or out-of-control insects, please be careful. Never spray during a breezy day as is will be impossible to control what and where the stuff will land. Also, read those labels as some of these products are lethal and can cause cancer. Scrub hands and change clothing immediately after use.
On a brighter note, wasn't it refreshing to get some cooler weather after all those record breaking 90-plus days? Our normal high temperatures right now should be about 83 degrees. That's more like it.
If you'd like some nice fresh lettuce, now is a good time to plant it. A second planting of radishes should do well now also.
Annual vines are such fun to grow. My sweet peas didn't do as well as usual this summer as they like cool temperatures. Morning glories come in many different colors. These bloom so nicely, but close up in the afternoons. For flowers that last all day, try growing black eyed Susan vines. They are so easy and bloom prolifically. All they need is a sunny area and something on which to climb. I use dental floss to create instant trellises. Vines will climb these quickly.
Be sure to take those bird feeders down periodically and give them a good scrubbing. Feeders become contaminated with droppings and can spread diseases quickly. Rinse with a 10-to-1 bleach solution, dry, refill and hang. Your feathered friends will love you for it.
If you haven't yet dug and divided those big iris clumps, it isn't too late. Go ahead and dig them up with the use of a sturdy garden fork. Pull the clumps apart and toss the old center section. Cut the leaves down to about 5 inches and replant those you'd like to keep. Share the rest with friends.
Other plants to dig and divide now include: coneflowers, blanket flowers, coreopsis, and gloriosa daisies. These all have long bloom seasons, if deadheaded on a weekly basis. Daylilies can be divided now too. Some of the best have a second season of bloom.
Are you wondering when to trim your clematis vines? A sure-fire way to decide is to go by when each type blooms. Do not prune the early bloomers in spring. These can be done right after they bloom. Those blooming a bit later can take some light pruning in spring. The late bloomers can be pruned all the way to the ground in spring as these bloom only on "new" wood. Fertilize with alfalfa meal or pellets.
Some people post a "Beware of Dog" sign. We have one that says, "Caution, Dog Can't Hold His Licker!"
Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. Since then, she has always kept a garden of some sort, growing everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and house plants. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls.