May was truly a wet month, just as Earl Finkle, weather forecaster on The Farm Report said that it would be. He also said the storm system, which has plagued us for the past several weeks, would be followed by a hot, dry summer. He was certainly correct on the first prediction of the storms.
Wet conditions have delayed many plantings where the soil is too wet. Fungus problems have been numerous. For the first time our pansies were affected and it was necessary to remove them when the fungus spread rapidly.
There are other problems this spring. Starting a new garden is a real challenge. During prolonged wet periods, fertility levels may drop below what is best for plant growth. New vinca suffered severely from this problem.
Vinca is surging ahead to become one of America's favorite annuals for summer bedding. This annual will take summer heat and dry soil without complaint and there are exciting new introductions this year -- two spreading ones -- Dawn Carpet and Pink Carpet.
There is a new red, called Pacific, Passion (purple) and Apricot Delight (a unique apricot with a deep raspberry eye.)
However, the vincas planted in new beds here have not been at all happy with the wet weather and cool nights. Lower leaves have turned yellow and on most of the leaves have yellowed. In ordinary weather and in an ordinary season, this would be known as chlorosis when the leaves or trees and shrubs turn pale and the veins show up dark green.
So much has been coming across my desk about the new vincas and their many merits as a bedding plant that it was the choice for the new garden in front of the new house. A challenge it is even though news releases say it will thrive in sun or shade, hot or cool, moist locations.
"This plant will stay fresh and perky even in late summer when all other annuals are looking tired, and it is hardly even bothered by insects. It will brighten your garden borders, edgings, patio or window boxes under almost any growing conditions," says the news release from W. Atlee Burpee Co.
Vinca plants have glassy, rich green leaves, a perfect foil for the colorful (and white) single flowers about 1 1/2 inches across. They bloom profusely in fresh colors ranging from snow white to scarlet red. Some varieties "wink" with contrasting eyes or centers on the blossoms.
It all sounds so alluring, but not one person has been able to diagnose the problem of their just standing there and getting more and more yellow leaves.
There are always new plants and new products on the market. This year we are trying a new soil mixture, Sunshine Water Saving Mixture, in a wire basket with a new plastic liner that allows the basket to hold more water. It is called E-Z Linger, by M&M Nursery of Orange, Calif. Into these two new products we have planted the new Purple Wave spreading petunia. The first ones are blooming now, but a neighbor has a hanging basket of them that really cascades down. Would you believe their seeds are listed in catalogs as 10 pelleted seeds for $3.65?
In Robert Dingwalls Horticultural News Service letter, he recommends spraying roses with baking soda spray, using 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, or Kocide or Phaltan spray after every heavy rain. He also recommends applying 3 tablespoons of epsom salts per rose bush following by a feeding of liquid fertilizer, according to label directions.
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The very next day after the Ladybug story on Butterfly Gardening came out, a wonderful booklet form Brooklyn Botanic Garden arrived. This latest guide tells how to attract butterflies to gardens and get them to linger there. A complete encyclopedia of butterflies, it covers 20 of the most commonly found species, with gorgeously detailed full color illustrations, information on butterflies' ranges, habitats and favorite food plants.
This small 112-page booklet, is available at bookstores and garden centers or by mail for $6.95 (plus $3.75 for handling and postage) from Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225.
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