"Tips for the Garden"

September Issue 2007

The kids are back in school and off to college. This means it is time to get back to work in the yard and garden since you may have put your outdoor living projects off this summer because of bonding, vacations, and sports programs……..or hot, dry weather.

Our yards definitely DID suffer this summer. Thank goodness the hottest month of the year is now behind us. Well, there is no better time to renovate and reseed your lawn than this month of September. In fact, the perfect window of opportunity for yard growth is August 15 - October 15. Even though it may be hot and dry, it is the perfect time of year to aerate and over seed established yards. The process should be done as follows: Cut the lawn a little shorter than normal (2-3 inches). Then run over the yard with a core aerator (this machine pulls plugs out of the ground about the size of your little finger). This whole process works best after a good rain or a deep watering. The core aeration process helps with the soil aeration, lessens soil compaction and makes for better, stronger grass root systems. Now, run a renovator over the area. This machine slices the ground with many little teeth and will break down the dirt clods from the core aeration process and bring up any dead thatch in the area. Now you are ready to sow your grass seed (use a 50% spread rate for a 50% stand of grass) and add fertilizer. A starter type fertilizer that is high in phosphorus is best. For a 50% stand of grass or less, you will not need additional cover such as straw. If you are over seeding bare areas or new lawn areas, you will need to straw these areas to hold moisture for seed protection. For the specific grass seed type, shop for seed specific to your area of need: shade, part-shade and sun, etc. There are special grass seed mixes made up for our Mid-Missouri region that perform beautifully here so, make sure you check that out for guaranteed success. You can then re-fertilize and add a Winterizer fertilizer to the entire area in late October or November. This whole process will “promise” you a beautiful strong lawn for spring of next year. Water is, of course, essential for this growth if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. New lawn installations are also best at this time of year as well. You need to continue thinking about watering during this month…..and remember that there are ways to make it economical and easy, just ask the experts. We are down about 7” of rain for the year and we were down in total from last year also! The wildlife in your yard, as well as all new and established plantings, needs our help this year as we have experienced several exceptionally dry seasons.

Now turn your focus to Fall Decorations….and change the Curb Appeal of your yard by giving it a face lift for fall. Change out those summer containers and flower beds with fall bedding plants that work long into the fall season, which in our case here in Missouri can be thru mid November. You should be able to find such plants as pansies, ornamental cabbage, kale, Fall Magic annuals, ornamental grasses, hardy garden mums and MUCH more. Don’t forget to add in straw, corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds to give it a complete look. Extend the look of your outdoor room and enjoy the extended season. Fall bulbs are available now and should be considered for spring color in your garden! So start to think ahead to next year and get in on the action now.

*For additional information about garden tips for fall, check out this website, www.hillermann.com.

Time to go……….See you in the Garden…………..
Sandi Hillermann McDonald

Key Elements for Attracting Birds

It’s fun to watch the activity of wild birds in your yard. Sitting back and listening to a mix of their songs can help you relax and forget a stressful day. These, as well as diminishing habitat and food sources, are good reasons to attract birds and provide some necessities to help them flourish. Food, shelter, water and nesting habitat are the four key elements that will attract birds to your yard.

Feeding the birds has been a popular hobby for many years. However, we do not always think about different species and the different foods they require. Attract a variety of bird species by using several types of feed such as seed, suet, and meal worms. There are also different types of bird feeders to work well with the different types of food. Plants and flowers also provide a food source for the birds. Many trees and shrubs produce berries and fruit, and flowers provide nectar and seeds.

Birds need shelter not only for nesting but to escape from weather and predators. Trees and shrubs are a natural form of shelter. Plant a variety of them in your yard including evergreens and varieties that provide a food source. Birdhouses or nesting boxes provide places for the birds to raise their young and escape extreme weather. There are different types of houses available to accommodate different species of birds.

Water is a vital necessity for birds in all seasons. Garden ponds, fountains, and birdbaths beautify your yard and provide drinking and bathing sources for birds. We offer all of the above in our Garden Center including pond kits for do-it-yourselfers. Contact our Landscape Division if you’re interested in a professionally installed garden pond. Even plant saucers will work as birdbaths lying in a flowerbed or on top of a tree stump. Change water frequently to prevent disease and mosquitoes. Use a deicer to provide needed unfrozen water in winter. Visit our Garden Center for help with selection. Pick up some of our free information sheets on birds, wildlife, gardening, plants, and more!