THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 12, 1994 TAG: 9406100075
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
DATELINE: 940612 LENGTH: Medium
Spider mites on march
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Spider mites, often called ``red spiders,'' are out in full force. I found them on my roses and they destroyed my Foxgloves. . Leaves turn yellow, and the plant looks worse each day. Spray heavily the undersides of leaves every other day with a high pressure hose and knock them off. Or use Orthene or malathion..
Glue trick
Rosarians have long used Elmer's glue to seal up ends of large canes that are cut off. This is to prevent the rose cane borer from entering the plant. Now the American Camellia magazine is recommending that you treat any wound made to eliminate dieback with a paste made from equal parts of the fungicides Captan and Benlate. Then cover that with Elmer's glue to seal the wound.
Magazine's best
Fine Gardening magazine has published two new books. Each is a collection of the best in Fine Gardening over the past few years. ``Great Gardens'' profiles ``18 excellent gardens. ``Garden Design Ideas'' is a collection of 231 articles illustrating the elements of garden design presented in practical terms. Each book is softback and costs $14.95. If you can't find them, call 1-(800)-283-7252.
Bug-fighting plants
Joe Freeman, chief horticulturist at Cypress Gardens, the tropical showplace near Winter Haven, Fla., recommends companion planting for a bug-free garden. He suggests protecting collards from flea beetles by interplanting with tomatoes or clover. By growing broccoli and cucumbers in the same bed, gardeners can often avoid the ravages of cucumber beetles. He points out that herbs contain aromatic oils that are natural insect repellents. Mints and rosemary repel many caterpillars, while catnip is a deterrent to flea beetles. Thyme, basil, dill and chives all give neighboring plants relief from caterpillars, flies, beetles and aphids. Garlic also keeps bugs away. Most herbs and many flowers attract beneficial insects that help control bug problems.
Free bulletin
Gardener's Supply Co. has a free bulletin, ``The Natural Way for Lawn Care.'' To order, write Gardener's Supply Co., 128 Intervale Road, Dept. 1016, Burlington, Vt. 05401.
Garden talk
Horticulturist Andre Viette can now be heard on WTAR 790 Radio every Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon. To talk to him, call 1-(800)-274-4273 between 4 and 7 p.m. any Sunday. The show is recorded and played a week later.
Shrub list
The Avant Gardener has published ``Get the Best of Shrubs,'' naming new species, select cultivars of native or exotic shrubs, and a source list. Edible ornamental shrubs are also included. For your copy, send $2 to Avant Gardener, P.O. Box 489, New York, N.Y. 10028.
Ant control
Virginia Beach animal nutritionist and avid gardener Lynn Christian reports that borax is lethal to ants. Christian uses small saucers filled with honey to attract the ants, and borax to eliminate them. You might want to try this non-chemical control in your kitchen.
Mum tip
Pinch back your mums now and continue through July 15. This forces them to branch out and look better.
Keep sharp
Make sure to keep your mower blades sharp. Dull mower blades shred grass, causing yellowish tips. Sharpen them several times per year.
Herb guide
Determining the right name for an herb is often a puzzle. A new booklet will help. ``Herbs,'' a cross-referenced list of common versus scientific names, covers nearly 800 species, varieties and cultivars. It's compiled by Jim Wilson, host of TV's ``Victory Garden.'' For your copy, send a check for $6 to Jim Wilson, P.O. Box 305, Donalds, S.C. 29638.
by CNB