THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 23, 1994 TAG: 9410210076
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Long : 127 lines
RED, BLUE, BLACK or white - wild berries are among fall's showiest sights. ``But be cautious which one you use as home decorations or allow children to pick,'' warns Dr. James Hardin, professor of botany at North Carolina State University. Some of the showiest berries, like baneberry or nightshade, also are among the most poisonous. Even those from common ornamental plants such as dogwoods, hollies and mondo grass contain potentially harmful toxins. COVERING A LOT OF GROUND
There's a trend toward using more interesting combinations of low-growing plants that enhance each other. ``The New Groundcovers,'' a special issue of The Avant Gardener, tells how it's done. This special issue describes almost 200 uncommon and unusual ground covers. For your copy, send $2 to The Avant Gardener, P.O. Box 489, New York, N.Y. 10028. MOVEMENT TOWARD MULCHING
Perhaps because of increased yard-waste disposal legislation, mulching mowers now account for more than 70 percent of lawn-mower sales. While I was in Indiana recently, an extension agent told me it is against the law in that state to send any lawn waste to garbage dumps. You either have to compost it or find your own disposal site, usually for a fee.
Already 17 states enforce statewide laws banning yard waste from landfills. Toro, the lawn mower manufacturer, says to remember that not all mulching mowers are created equal. It's important to compare features, as well as price, to find the best ``deal'' on a mulching mower. Some are better than others.
Many manufacturers, particularly of off-brands sold in discount stores, have attempted to convert their old bagging mowers into mulching mowers by simply closing off the deck. Results have been less than adequate. If the deck and blades aren't designed to finely chop grass and leaves, clumps are going to form on the lawn. The mower also will easily stall in damp or tall grass. OF MITES AND MARIGOLDS
If your marigolds turned brown and died in August or September, check for small webs on the foliage. They are the telltale sign of spider mites, says Mary Lee Johnson, flower trials manager at Johnny's Select Seeds, Albion, Maine. Spider mites overwinter on plant debris in the soil and attack many garden plants when temperatures are hot and humidity low.
Marigolds are one of the first flowers they go after. The mites reproduce every two weeks during summer, quickly becoming a problem. To control them, clean up and destroy all plants left in your garden this fall. Make sure you buy healthy plants next spring.
First signs of spider mite damage are pale-colored leaves with tiny white holes, indicating where the mites are feeding. During next year's growing season, remove dead bottom leaves where mites may hide.
By the time you see webbing, it's too late to control them. Spray twice a week with an insecticidal soap, making sure to cover leaf tops and bottoms. Spraying keeps leaves moist and kills spider mites by suffocation. You can also spread diatomaceous earth around infected plants to help prevent mites from crawling onto other plants. ORNAMENTAL TREES
James Ault, plant physiologist and propagator at Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square, Penn., says for a fast-growing vase-shaped small ornamental tree, he recommends either ornamental cherry or flowering crab apple, both of which provide filtered shade throughout the growing season. The cherry (Prunus x Okame) reaches a height of 25 feet and has a spread of 25 feet. It has pink flowers in spring but is sterile and doesn't set fruit. The crab apple (Malus hupehensis) grows 20 to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Pink buds open to white flowers in spring, followed by red-cheeked yellow fruit in autumn.
Of the two, the Okame is better for this area. I have the flowering crab, and although it is healthy, the fruit in the fall is a nuisance. It bears heavily, year after year, and despite what many books report, birds do not eat the fruit. They ignore it, as do the raccoons. MOLE CONTROL
Whether certain plants repel moles is debatable. Garden writers Doc and Katy Abraham of Naples, N.Y., have a list of plants that supposedly repel moles and the sources for those plants. For a copy, send a stamped, addressed envelope to this column. Please mark your outside envelope ``Mole Controls.'' COLORFUL CALENDARS
'Tis the time for 1995 calendars, and Workman Publishing has released five new ones. Probably the most interesting is ``Glorious Flowers: The Madderlake Calendar for 1995.'' Others include ``The Natural Garden'' with Ken Druse; ``Herbs - Bouquets, Recipes and Fine Country Things'' from Emelie Tolley; and ``Gardener's Calendar of Flowers, Gardens and Trees.'' These colorful calendars cost $8.95 and $9.95, available in book and stationery stores now. PLANTING TO SELL
Traditionally more American homes are sold in April and May than any other months. This also happens to be the peak season for colorful tulips and other flower bulbs. If you plan to sell your home next spring, now is the time to plant bulbs to brighten it up. Every garden center has daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinth bulbs ready for planting.
``A colorful, well-kept yard can set the tone for what you'll see inside,'' says Cathy Mitchell, a veteran real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in New York's fashionable Westchester County. SMITHSONIAN SERIES
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington is presenting a three-part series on conservation, environmental awareness and gardening space. Each series will include several courses varying from landscaping strategies to preventing insect problems and pesticide pollution, including a trip to the Smithsonian's Environmental Research Center.
Cost is $100 per person for each course, designed for adults age 18 and above. The first series begins Nov. 2. Call (202) 633-8926. INDOOR HERBS
If you want to successfully grow herbs indoors this winter, chief horticulturist Joe Freeman of Florida's Cypress Gardens says many herbs are surprisingly tolerant of low light. Mint, balm, parsley, creeping oregano and basil can be grown indoors if kept close to a south, east or west window. If they become leggy, add light with fluorescent or ``grow'' lights. To prevent root-rot, be sure to use a potting soil that doesn't stay wet very long. Herbs prefer dry, gritty soil. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Small webs on the foliage of marigolds indicate spider mites.
by CNB