Lawn Weeds

Now is the best time to manage broadleaf weeds. Dandelions, henbit (picture), chickweed, speedwell, and other weeds are easiest removed when small. A thick, healthy lawn will crowd out most weeds. Broadleaf weed herbicides can be applied anytime the weed is actively growing. Read and follow your products label for best and safest use.

Ornamental Grasses

Even with the heat and drought of this year, my ornamental grasses did well. I did water them some this summer. Ornamental grasses are tough plants. Usually, nothing bothers them. I did witness an issue this year with my Praire Dropseed, Sporobolus heterolepis (picture). They were being mauled. The new kittens born this spring were having a grand time wrestling with them. You can see a healthy one at the planting at the Riley County Office Building, 110 Courthouse Plaza. Join me on Saturday, September 29 at 10 A.M. for discussion on our planting. Meet me at the grass bed.

It's not suppose to bloom now!

My 'Enterprise' fruiting apple is blooming again. I haven't even harvested my fall crop. The summer stress has some spring blooming plants flowering now. I've seen several flowering crabapples and lilacs blooming. Unfortunately, that will take away from our production and flowering next spring. There is nothing to been done, so might as well enjoy the extra color this fall.

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.

Fair Exhibits

These onions are going to the Riley County Fair. The roots and tops need to be removed. The outer leaves will remain and be dusted off. Our 4-H and Open class entries need 3 per exhibit for onions. Go to the http://www.rileycountyfair.com/ to see the fair book with information on classes. Entries need to be brought to Pottorf Hall in CiCo park on Thursday, July 26 from 8 am to noon. Another important reference for exhibiting vegetables is at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/hort2/c405.pdf . This publication gives information on how to prepare the individual crops. 

Rose Blooms

I'm surprise that my hybrid tea roses are still blooming. This vase has my 3 favorite red roses, Mister Lincoln, Olympiad and Papa Meilland. They are all very fragrant. Another worthy red rose is Veterans' Honor. Hopefully, there will be some available for the Riley County fair.
I like to cut my flowers early Monday morning and they usually last on my desk until Friday. It is best to re-cut the stems and change the water daily. One advantage of the hot and dry weather is that I'm having very little blackspot causing the leaves to fall off. I've got a drip tube that I run once a week on these roses. To learn about blackspot, go to http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabid=586#R .