July 2018 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends, It’s hard to believe July is here. What happened to June?! The following are some tips for July: - If any of you are having problems with the lily leaf beetle one of my readers sent me a suggestion – sprinkle coffee grounds on the ground around the lily plants. I have been doing this for the last month and have had very few beetles, eggs or larva. Whether it’s a coincidence or not I’m going to keep it up. Just sprinkle used grounds after making coffee. If you don’t make coffee you might be able to get used grounds from a coffee shop. http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2001/07/cornell-cooperative- extension-master-gardeners-spot-invasive-unpleasant-beetles-new - Another insect I’ve had trouble with this season is the 4 lined plant bug. It’s a common insect that unfortunately feeds on a wide variety of perennials. It’s small, black with 4 green stripes down its back. The telltale signs are small circular brown spots of the leaves, often in lines. Their active season is just about over but they have laid their eggs in the stems of the plants infected. The important thing for prevention is at the end of the season cut back the plants, including stems and discard. For more information go to: entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/Poecilocapsus_lineatus.htm - Be on the lookout for Japanese beetles. I saw the first 2 making whoopee on a spirea last week. Haven’t seen any since but that’s a sign that they’re on their way. Check out the plants you know they go to and be vigilant dropping them into a container of soapy water. If you get the first ones you’ll have far fewer in the long run. https://blogs.cornell.edu/willow/files/2014/10/Japanese-Beetle-Popillia-japonica-fact-sheet-16vi6b4.pdf - Powdery mildew is starting to show up on some of my plants. It looks like a white powdery covering on the leaves. Once you see the first signs remove those leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide specifically for powdery mildew. There are some available that are not harmful to the environment. Fungicides are best used before the symptoms show up so if you have plants you know are susceptible start treatment now. Powdery mildew may look awful but it won’t kill the plant. Make sure you disinfect your hands (gloves) and pruner before moving to another plant. - As the flowers on perennials fade, snip them off at the next leaf join (known as dead heading). This will encourage those perennials that rebloom. - Then there’s weeding… Just when you think you’re finished more pop up. Try and keep up or at least remove or deadhead weeds before they drop seed. If you haven’t mulched this will help control the weeds. We reuse pots so please drop off left over pots and flat trays at my home, 170 Pine St (driveway on Lawrence) or 37 N. Union in Wmsvl. (behind the house by back door). I do not use 6 packs or pots smaller than 4 inches. THANKS! - Upcoming Garden Events: Lessons from Nature Classes: To register call 652-2432 or e-mail [email protected] If you have a group of 3 – 5, I will schedule a class at your convenience. Classes are being scheduled now so call or e-mail to set an appointment. Hypertufa Planter class: Hypertufas are light weight concrete planters. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2. Concrete Birdbath and Stepping Stone Class: Make your own garden art birdbaths and stepping stones. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2. Draped Concrete Planters: This is a new technique that looks liked draped fabric but is concrete, really interesting looking. The cost is $30/person including materials. Each person makes 2. Open Gardens, Garden Walk and other garden tours: for complete information and schedules go to:  ardensbuffaloniagara.com Open Gardens is a great way to see wonderful gardens without the crowds and parking problems of Garden Walk. There are over 70 gardens in Erie and Niagara Counties open on either Thursdays or Fridays in July. Times and dates vary so check the schedule. My gardens will be open on Fridays in July from 10:00 – 2:00. Please stop by and say hello. (170 Pine St., E. Aurora) We’re the yellow house on the corner of Pine & Lawrence. Park on Lawrence. Buffalo Garden Walk is July 28 & 29. This is the largest Garden Walk in the country and a great way to get a lot of good ideas. There are also numerous neighborhood garden walks each weekend. Garden Consultation: Mid-summer it’s an ideal time for a garden consultation. We will cover whatever questions and concerns you have from maintenance to disease and insect control. Just give a call or e-mail. Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St. E. Aurora, NY 14052 [email protected] 652-2432 Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. 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