LADYBUG: ARRIVAL OF FALL BRINGS MANY CHORES IN GARDEN

There is much activity now in the garden to prepare for the coming fall and winter. The most welcome rain of the 16th filled gardeners with hope and renewed interest after a devastating heat and drought that played havoc with many plants.

Following that wonderful rain, newly planted vegetables seemed to grow inches overnight. Lettuce, radishes, Swiss chard, mustard greens, cabbage and other cole crops turned greener and showed renewed interest in living. Houseplants, outside all summer struggling for existence, certainly enjoyed a good bath by the fresh rain. Annuals in hanging baskets began a new spurt of life, with brighter-colored flowers and green foliage. Everything showed appreciation, even the Southeast Missouri District Fair, which benefited when it did not rain on Thursday this year.

Once more it is planting time. Many perennials need special attention. Peonies should be planted or divided, if needed, making sure the eyes are only an inch below the soil level or they may not flower. If iris have not been divided and replanted, that should be taken care of immediately. The same is true of daylilies.

Clean up old flower beds. Cut back old flower stems and destroy as this is where disease organism and insects carry through the winter. Any healthy plant material may be added to the compost pile. Work additional organic matter into the perennial border and add super phosphate to improve root growth.

Here is a valuable tip from many arborists: Do not let fall go by without fertilizing trees. That is especially true this year, because the wet spring and summer drought have adversely affected many trees. Here at Chateau Estates, the trees have suffered greatly and it is not because they have not been cared for. Two workers have spent the entire summer watering, turning mulch, fertilizing and giving them continued attention. It has been a brutal summer, and many trees and shrubs have been lost.

Authorities agree that cold, dry winter winds steal the life blood from trees and evergreens. Winds remove moisture that cannot be replaced from frozen soil. When fertilized this fall, the plant food is absorbed by the roots while the trees and shrubs are dormant and stored in the plant to help prevent winterkill.

Rose growers tell us not to feed roses from now on as they need to harden off for the coming winter. However, it is important to continue to apply controls for both black spot and mildew as needed until the first frost. Soon roses will be rewarding you with the loveliest blooms of the year.

Foliage of azaleas, rhododendron and hollies should be deep green and glossy. Yellowish foliage is an indication that plants lack iron from soil having a high pH. Copperas, sulfur and Epsom salts will help correct this situation and insure better hardiness for winter. Do not cultivate around the base of these plants because of the shallow root system. Apply mulch for winter protection and retaining moisture. New plants may be set out and older ones moved, if needed. Flower buds are set on these plants so do not prune.

Stress is showing on many trees, shrubs and evergreens in the form of leaf scorch, fungus disease and even dead or dying parts. Drought and high temperatures without deep watering has caused this condition, and it is hoped that nature will help solve some of the problems. Leaves on tree peonies were completely scorched and dried up, which may have caused the plants to die.

Lower fall temperatures help to brighten the intensity of color of many garden flowers. Now is a good time to preserve some of them for winter arrangements. Several drying methods are used to preserve flowers, and about the simplest and cheapest way is to hang flowers upside down to air dry. Very warm, dry air is important for rapid and complete drying. This late in the season, a dry attic or other areas that are heated by sunlight are ideal. Some of the easiest flowers to dry by hanging are celosia, statice and strawflowers.

As days have become shorter, less watering and feeding are required for house plants. Flowering plants need a constant supply of moisture to keep them flowering whether inside of outside. All plants outside should be inspected for insects and sprayed thoroughly before being brought inside.

Now is the time to top dress or repot any plants that are pot bound. Do not bring the Christmas cactus inside until just before the first frost (usually after Oct. 17) because it needs cool nights to set its buds.

Areas of tulips, daffodils, crocus and other spring-flowering bulbs left in the ground from year to year will appreciate a feeding of a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-5 of 12-12-12. This will give better flowering in the spring.

There is much more coming about planting these and other bulbs.

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