Ornamental Grasses

The new ornamental grass bed at the Riley County Office Building has done well this year. These were planted this spring. They have been watered along with the turf. Stop-by and see them as many are now blooming. Each variety has a label to identify them. Next spring would be a good time to plant your favorite grasses. Here is the link to the publication that describes these grasses. http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf3048.pdf

Fall Lawn Decisions

This is what my front lawn looks like going into mid-August. It wasn't watered at all this summer. Last fall and spring were a struggle for it with little moisture and warmer than average temperatures. Besides proper mowing, I plan to fertilize it with Urea once the heat breaks and some natural rain occurs. September is the best time to fertilize tall fescue lawns. Learn about seeding and fertilizing at the "Back to Gardening" event at Pottorf Hall on August 30 beginning at 6 pm.

Its Cracking

This soil crack is 2 inches wide. It is the biggest one I found in my yard. We missed another rain chance last night. Hopefully, we will get rain and cooler temperatures so that we can decide what to do this fall with the lawn. August 30, at 6 pm is a program on fall lawn care at Pottorf Hall in preparation for Lawn Labor Day weekend.