LADYBUG: ALTHOUGH MID-NOVEMBER, IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR GARDEN CHORES

Although it is mid-November, don't despair of doing those final garden tasks before the full fury of winter sets in. There will still be warm days and sunshine, so all is not lost. But don't put it off too long.

Clean up those gardens, whether flower or vegetable. Your plants in either category will give you a nod of appreciation when warm days of spring arrive.

Here are some thoughts to help you.

Remove leaves and rubbish left from this year's growth. This material holds insects and diseases. They can carry over. If you compost, use clean material. Bugs and their eggs can last the winter. Diseased plant material will infect next year's growth.

If you can, plow or turn over your garden space. This is cover refuse remaining after cleanup. It will decay faster so disease will not survive.

Save you leaves, if practical. If possible, run them over with the lawn mower or a mulching machine. This will cause them to compose much faster. Use the cut-up leaves to mulch your perennial plants. They will decompose and add humus to the soil, at the same time providing a warming cover during winter's freezes and thaws.

Charred leaves on the lawn will provide winter food for grass is cut finely. Leaves not chopped, however, will mat down, smothering the grass. Leaves are low in nitrogen and high in cellulose. If whole leaves are composted properly they will make a rich, dark humus.

If you do not have a compost container, remember that the city has them available for those who wish them. Call the Department of Public Works.

Speaking of leaves, have you noted that the ginkgo trees dropped theirs in one fell swoop last week? One day these remarkable trees were a gorgeous, shimmering pillar of gold. The next, the golden leaves carpeted the ground beneath the trees.

The ginkgo is the oldest tree extant.

Fossils have been found dating from the Mesozoic Era. The ginkgo is a native of China, and has survived, references say, only because it was cultivated by Chinese monks. Male trees are upright and irregular in form; female are low and spreading.

Only male trees should be planted. The females trees have a fleshy, evil smelling odor.

Most of the ginkgo trees in Cape Girardeau came from the late Allen L. Oliver, who fancied them and gave them to numerous friends. Others have been grown from scion wood or as offspring of his trees. He had a magnificent specimen in his yard at 850 Alta Vista Drive, from which many trees he distributed came.

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Here are a few tips to aid you in these closing days of November:

* Late fall is the best time to plant shrubs and trees. Root growth is most active when leaves are gone.

* Remove all annual materials and soil from outside containers. Clean thoroughly and store for winter.

* Clean all garden tools, sharpen and oil to prevent rusting before storing.

* After the first heavy frost apply superphosphate to rose bushes. Cut foliage back only slightly leaving as much growth as possible for better wintering. This is the reverse of what authorities used to tell us. Now they say to apply 1/4 cup superphosphate to each plant, just before mulching -- 8 to 10 inches deep per plant. Mulch around the base of climbers and secure canes to prevent wind damage. If desired, wrap top canes with burlap.

* Plant spring flowering bulbs, and fertilize new bulbs at planting time.

* Dig, dry, clean and store all tender bulbs after the first frosts. Gladiolus, dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonias should be properly stored.

* Plant peonies.

* Apply winter mulch if it hasn't been done.

* Fertilize established plantings of bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees.

* Keep paper whites in the refrigerator or a cool place until ready to plant.

* After all leaves are down, clean gutters as leaves, needles and other debris will have accumulated. Stopped gutters may freeze and allow water to back up under roofing.

* Keep leaves raked regularly off the lawn. Keep grass cut as long as it is in active growth. Winterized fertilizer should be applied if it has not been done. Do not apply fertilizer to zoysia.

* Houseplants should be adjusting to changes indoors. Leaf drop is usually because of sudden temperature changes, or too much or too little water. White flies may be a factor for leaf drop, or it could be mealy bugs. Inspect plants well. Water with care as plants will not need as much water during the short days. Flowering plants need regular feedings to keep them flowering well. Keep houseplants free of dust by washing with Safer's Insecticidal Soap. Apply with a soft cloth. Fine foliage plants are best washed under a fine spray of warm water. A friend sets plants in the shower for their regular bath.

~Mary Blue is a resident of Cape Girardeau and an avid gardener.