Lawn weed

Black medic is really growing well in my field and others in Riley County this year. The clover like leaves and yellow flowers are characteristics. My higher managed lawn is thick and few weeds are able to grow there. Proper fertilizing, mowing and watering is the best way to manage weeds. Black medic's prostrate growth habit can crowd out the desirable plants. Cultivation is one method of management. Herbicides containing MCPP, Dicamba and Triclopyr are labeled for black medic. Read and follow label directions. It is tomato season and products containing 2,4-D can damage sensitive crops. Use caution when applying all herbicides.

Ornamental Grass Bed

This is the new ornamental grass bed by the Riley County Office Building near 5th and Humboldt. It containes a few of the recommended grasses by K-State Research and Extension. You can learn about these grasses in the publication "Ornamental Grasses" at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf3048.pdf

Courthouse Hosta Bed

This is the second year for our Hosta bed. It usually takes 3 - 4 years to get established. Stop-by and see these "Prairie Bloom" varieties suited to the Kansas climate for shade to partial shade locations. The bed is north of the Riley County Courthouse at 5th and Poyntz in Manhattan. The complete list of "Prairie Bloom" Hostas is at http://www.prairiestarflowers.com/Prairie%20Bloom%20pages/Hosta_allpics.html. Information on growing Hostas is at http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc3179.ashx.

Lawn Issue

I was invited to look at this lawn. After discussion, it appears the lawn has several issues. It was over-seeded last fall. Some of the turf is still young. It has been fertilized perhaps too much in places. The leaves and stems had lesions.

Cure - mow tall and water as needed. No fertilizer until fall. If the weather stays cool, the turf will improve. If it come hot, the turf will decline and need attention come fall.

Seed Tape

I'm trying my own seed tape to reduce the need to thin small vegetable seeds. Carrots, lettuce, radish and in the picture spinach are glued to tissue paper and the proper spacing. Two seeds can be used per spot but will require thinning if they both grow.

I hope this solves my issue of thinning at the proper time. Usually, too busy to get it accomplished.

The seed tape can be covered with garden soil or potting media.

Spring is in the Air

Today is a great day to get out and get some work done. At least this honeybee thanks so. This shrub is the fragrant honeysuckle. One of several on the north west side of the courthouse. One of the first shrubs to bloom and the fragrance is wonderful. I suggest you have one. I have two. They get big. Perhaps 10 feet x 10 feet.

Forced Hyacinth

If you recall, I blogged about starting this hyacinth back in November. Now it is blooming. To keep it long lasting, I put it in the coolest room at night and bring it out during the day to enjoy it.

Winter Bloom

While out for my noon walk, I found this witchhazel blooming by the Flinthills Discovery Center. One of my 4 witchhazels are in bloom at home. I love these plants since they add interest to the landscape when nothing else is in bloom. Mine are in part shade. This one and the one beside it is in full sun. Time will tell how well all of them do.