Boxwood 2011 Kansas Shrub of the Year

These are my boxwood that I have had for 8 years. They are slow growing. Watering on occasion is all I have done to them. 'Green Velvet' is the cultivar, but there are several that are similar. A great plant and worth of being our 2011 shrub of the year.

Unwanted Trees

The dormant season is a good time for me to get caught up on unwanted tree management. Young sapplings can be physically removed if I can't find someone wanting the trees. Some that have gotten to big such as these hackberries, I use an herbicide on the cut stump.
Treat the freshly cut stump with either an 8% triclopyr or 18% gylphosate product. Use a paintbrush and use the concentrate herbicide on the cambium. The outer ring of the tree is all that the herbicide needs to be applied too. Read and follow product label for best use.

Tree Wrap

I recently got a replacement sweet cherry tree. For winter protection, I mulched and placed a plastic tree wrap around the trunk. I suggest using a wrap during the winter to prevent any chewing on the bark by voles or rabbits. We have young cats and I have witnessed them clawing the bark on many trees.

Sunscald is a term used when cells on the trunk of plants are killed typically on the south and west side of the plant. A tree wrap may prevent injury to these cells during the winter period.

Carrot Harvest

Carrots take a while to grow but the wait is worth it. These were started in this plastic bag lined laundry basket in July. The use of potting media allows for nicely shaped carrot roots. I used a mix of carrot varieties to get the different colored roots. The cool nights in the fall make for tasty carrots. I plan to plant for a spring crop next April.

Officer Know How

Fall is the time of year when many groups elect new officers. Many people are hesitant to take the plunge and give an office a try - but there are many rewards to be gained by serving in an officer role.

Officer endeavors help members to learn:

• Responsibility
• Interpersonal Skills (how to work with others)
• Communication Skills
• Leadership
• Self-Confidence

Officer duties vary per organization and officer role. Set a goal to try out a new officer role this year. Who knows what you might learn!

Popcorn Harvest

The only good thing about this year's popcorn crop was the little time needed for shelling. I got 1.5 poppings out of the crop. It did taste good!

Our sweet corn crop was similar. We hope for better next year.

Ornamental Grasses

Most grasses are well adapted to growing in our environment. There are a wide range of grasses to choose from. Now is a good time to view them as they finish up blooming and turning their fall and winter color.

Join me for a walking tour of the grasses at the KSU Gardens (1500 Denison Ave.) on Saturday, October 16 beginning at 10 am.

The handout can be used as a self-guided tour. It is under Landscape Grasses at http://www.riley.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=199

Gear Up for National 4-H Week

Fall is here -- and it even is starting to feel like it in the weather department too! National 4-H Week will soon be here; October 3-9, and Riley County 4-H clubs are busy planning for the week.

Randolph Ramblers will be performing a song and skit for 4-H Sunday. They have been busy practicing and will share it on October 17 at 9:30 a.m.

College Hill will be visiting Manhattan Broadcasting to promote 4-H and share 4-H made treats.

Bonfire 4-H members will be sharing brochures about their club and their 4-H experience with their classes at school.

The Riley County 4-H Ambassadors will be visiting local radio stations and sharing more about the 4-H program.

The Extension Office will be conducting a special science experiement on carbon footprints with the 4th grade at Manhattan Catholic Schools.

What are you going to do to celebrate National 4-H Week? Email your ideas to afeld@ksu.edu