I love having the trees and shrubs info on the site Gail, so handy for a quick ref.

Also, I have been meaning to tell you that Larry applied lava sand this spring with the spreader, at the same time he applied organic lawn granules. Lava made all the difference - that is the only fert application we've made and it still looks great! I am thinking I should hit it with a seaweed spray right now too, just for backup?
and...
Wonder if they sell a 'striped seaweed spray'?

You are a mine of information, Gail, never heard of cobweb deterent, will look out for that over here. Surprised to see your comment about bringing inside the zonal Pelargoniums, our friends in the West of Scotland (warmed by the Gulf Stream) can leave theirs outside, albeit under an open sided canopy, all winter. Of course for me further South, but no Gulf Stream close by, they would have no chance and struggle to make it even in the geenhouse.

We have had very mild winters the last two years Terry. Several people have told me their geraniums over-wintered in the garden. However, I never take a chance. I can remember several occasions over the years, when the temp fell 50 degrees within hours, and I was frantically hauling plants into the house or garage, trying to cover ones in the ground, etc. At this point in my life, I don't need that stress. I try to have everything safely tucked away in its winter home before the first cold weather.

And, I meant to add that Gail did a terrific job on this months gardening guide. I really appreciated the trees and shrubs section as I am still researching for further fall landscaping projects.

Thank you everyone! So nice to be read! Locally, I've noticed the fall plant sales have begun already! I always expect them to be in September but seems the last couple of years they've started in August. I'm guessing they are tired of watering their stock in this heat.

I've got about 5 oleander that I need to move. They are about 4-5' high and various widths. This past winter they were evergreen. I was thinking that this fall, perhaps if I cut them back a few weeks before t'planting them, it might not stress the plants so much. Comments, suggestions?

I would wait til October. Evergreen or not, it will be less stressful on them AND you. Do you soak the root balls with seaweed/fish emulsion when you move plants? If not, I encourage you to. I will (almost) guarantee you won't lose them by using one or both of the liquids.

Thanx, Gail. and yes, I use the soaking formula. But what do you think about cutting them way back first?

Although it not great for the plant, it's easier on the gardener to cut 'em back first. And Oleander won't take long to spring back up so I say go for it when the weather cools. Oh, and spraying the foliage once it's cut back will help jump start the new growth.

I had an experience with the oleanders that might be of some interest, Caro. When we first moved in here, there were very few things besides weedy grass on the 1/2 acre lot - a pecan tree, the oaks, a few unwanted trees, a nandina, a huge pittsoporum and many oleanders in the worst possible places. The very worst was several running along the front of the house, flat against the windows and up to the roof. Since we were busy knocking down walls and otherwise working on the inside of the house, we only took time to cut the oles off at the ground, instead of removing them right away. Then we had some real winter that year, which did them in. So I wanted to suggest you cover the transplants if we ever see winter again.

Apparently, some are hardier than others. I know you wouldn't know the variety since they were planted by prev owners, but just for future ref, Scott Ogden wrote that the species Nerium oleander will tolerate cold to 15F and some hybrids to 20F with the dwarf 'Little Red' being rated as "cold hardy" - whatever he means by that. I tried some hybrids once, when the long border was rich and moist with lots of stable compost and they rotted in summer. Apparently, they prefer dry limey soil, which is why they survive unaided along our highways. I think they would be great to use within the back of a mixed border where it tends to be drier than an irrigated front edge.

I, apparently, must wrap every transplant. Of all the plants I've bought this year, the healthiest ones, are those that I wrapped with garden cloth until they outgrew it. I've lost none of those wrapped. I've lost quite a few of the non-wrapped ones.

Even one plant that looked like it had collapsed made an amazing comeback once I finally figured out how to keep the garden cloth on it (that was during the gale-force wind days a couple of months ago).

So, my new rule for gardening on this hill is wrap, wrap, wrap!!!

The rule of thumb on Ole's is the red bloomers usually come back from Winter....Any other color and you better pray for a mild Winter!!There is a variety called "Sugarland" that is suppose to take any winter we have?? Good Luck!!

Hi Gail,
I have read you newspaper articles for sometime. I especially appreciate the 3 month organic garden calendar. Last year you mentioned when it was time to put out the corn gluten meal. I know I have the 2002 calendar somewhere but can't locate it. I was hoping it would be in the 2003 calendar but I didn't see it there. When is the time to apply the cgm. Thank you.
Linda Williams

Hi Linda,
I suspect Gail is off stalking feathered friends this weekend and will get back to you here, shortly., , Maggie

Hi Linda! Thanks for joining the forum and reading my calendar/columns. It should have appeared under the September calendar. About the 11th or so. I didn't cut out the page in July so can't double check that. I would wait a few more weeks until the 100 degrees are no longer being felt and the temps are on the downswing. Right now it's too hot for anything to be germinating or moving -- all except those fall migrators. So yes, Maggie, you are right. Feathered freinds are calling. Fall migration has begun. I also will be starting Master Naturalists classes next week and that will occupy all that free-time I don't have! ha!

Okay guys,,, here it is ,, as published in 3 month version, and as it will appear on this site in September org guide.

From the Sept instructions ...
Number 11,
Apply fall application of corn gluten meal to deter seed germination of weeds. Although dustier, organic gardeners report better results from the dust-like corn gluten rather than the granular product. Apply 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet two weeks before fertilizing. Do not spread in areas where you've spread any seed.

Wonderful news about the classes Gail. I know how much you will enjoy it. Strange how folks study under the title of 'master' instead of apprentice over here. I remember folks apprenticing for seven years before being qualified as masters of things such as bricklayer and hairdresser.

Speaking of cultural diversity...
Thought you might enjoy seeing this bit of organic pesticide advice from this week's guest book entries.

~~~~
"Beutiful website. But I wish you would talk more about organic pest control such as we practise here. Grasshoppers are tasty. Don't squash them,eat them with chili and garlic! Beetle larvae taste like Gummi Bears. Thank you."
Sriaporn Paprinorn
Kanchanaburi, Thailand

~~~~~~
raw? fried? boiled?! my cats seem to enjoy them still kicking
I have his/her email if anyone wants to write for recipes
maggie

I think I'll have to think about that entry BEFORE passing the word along - eeeeee!

I don't expect to be a master of anything just because I'm taking the classes! I figure I'll just learn enough to be dangerous! Also, it's a great organization -- to stay certified each member must put in 40 hours of volunteer work in the community -- like taking care of the lovely perennial gardens at the library, helping out at the Nature Center, restoring prairie lands, surveying birds, mussels, amphibians and mammals. It is time for me to give back for all the times I've been blessed.

Hey, wonder if they would give you credit for volunteer hours in my garden too? Got some of everything up there 'cept mussels, unless you count the shells that line the ter beds ;-)

A Brit friend of ours was in the program (not sure if he still is). It brought him much pleasure while acquiring skills and knowledge of Tx natural history,,, so I know you will continue to reap while you give.
oxoxox

You can get credit for most anything as long as it is native to Texas -- so some of your plants would count... :o) I'm really looking forward to learning.