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It's Memorial Weekend!  Hard to believe that the month of May is almost gone, but it is!  And, with the way the weather has been over the past 2 weeks (cool and wet), this weekend will be more like Memorial Weekends of long ago.  At one time, it was thee weekend for plantings all those flowers!  And this will be thee weekend for many gardeners finally getting a chance to plant a few flowers!  Working in the garden, grilling with the family, the Indy 500, the Coca Cola 600, more grilling, and of course, taking time to give thanks that we live in a free nation and honor those who gave their lives for that blessing.  What a weekend!

[Memorial Day was originally designated as Decoration Day - 1868 - by Gen. John A. Logan for decorating the graves of Civil War veterans, and has since become a day on which all deceased veterans are commemorated.]

*Whether it's the weather - Cooler weather has finely moved on (although I have to admit it was great sleeping weather) and sunnier warmer days are here.  (Remember the old saying "be careful what you wish for?)  Anyway, watching newly planted trees and shrubs, I would like to remind you to make sure you're watering them on a regular basis, especially now that the 'warmer weather' is upon us.  Once every 7 - 10 days may works on larger root balls, and more often on smaller root balls, especially groundcover, annuals, perennials, etc..  But you need to check each time BEFORE you water to see if those plants are in need.  I visited a home this week where the irrigation system was already turned on and working on a timer.  Unfortunately, many landscape plants were already drowning.  Irrigation systems are great and a great way to water.  But watering on a timer (for the most part) just isn't the way to go.  Invest in the irrigation system (with separate systems for the lawn, landscape, annuals, etc) and in manual switches for YOU to turn it on and off as needed.  But as the temps warm up, your plants and all their new foliage will be counting on you if Mother Nature doesn't come through.

[Next time you think about kissing a frog, pucker up big time.  They have no lips!]

*What's bugging you? - The bagworms have hatched, the bagworms have hatched!  Keep your eyes open on those evergreens like junipers and arborvitae, pines and spruce.  If you start to see little cone like structures moving within your plants, you have bagworms!  If you do, a good spraying of Bt before they reach 1/2 inch long bags should do the trick.  Those little holes (looks like windows) in your rose leaves are rose slugs at work.  Look for them early morning on the undersides of the leaves.  Lime green, hard to see, but they see you!

This week Buggy Joe Boggs (OSU Extension) is reporting that Forest tent caterpillars have now reached the "huge" status in size.  As Elvis or Mark Houston would say, "That's big, baby, really huge!"  Next step is the cocoon, then the adult moth, a little hoochie - coochie in the trees, the females lay egg masses, and its all over.  Joe is also reporting ash flower galls, hawthorn leafmining sawfly, imported willow leaf beetles (more expensive as they are an 'import'), ash and sycamore plant bugs feeding on the already hit with anthracnose ash and sycamore leaves (can't a tree catch a break?), fireblight on pyracantha, peach leaf curl, oak leaf blister, as well as oak leaves being cupped, brown margins, and narrow shallow lobes, looking as if they had been chewed..  Although bugs get blamed for this one (who else is to blame?) like the cankerworm and oak shothole leafminer (which sometimes can cause similar symptoms), it's usually from newly emerged leaves being damaged from wind, cold temperatures (frost), and even hail.  This is called "tatters" ("shattered, shattered, I'm in tatters").  Again, early in the season and the oaks have the ability to re-leaf.      -Catch the Buggy Joe Boggs Report every Saturday at 8:42am on 55KRC radio.  And be sure to enjoy a cup of Buggy Joe Java "Mothra Latte Grande"!

[Is it okay to listen to AM radio after noon?]

*Question mark and the Mysterians - Here are a few gardening questions from this weeks emailed news bag:

"You are always talking about spraying "Sucker Stopper" on the suckers at the base of trees, but what if I wanted them to grow like a shrub?"   -You don't, in most cases anyway.  For trees and grafted plants, you wouldn't want those suckers growing up from the base.  In many cases, it's a totally different plant growing from the roots.  And if you look closely, those suckers can harbor insect and disease problems.  Aphids love those masses of suckers growing at the base of crabapples.  So, in most cases, especially with trees and grafted plants, it is best to get rid of and keep those suckers from growing.  And that's what "Sucker Stopper" does for as long as one full year!

“The leaves on my honey locust are curled and distorted.  Is my tree dieing?”  -What you see is a very common problem that can happen on honey locust; it’s the Honey locust Plant Bug.  And some years they’re heavy in populations and some years you don’t see them at all.  Plant bugs are a sucking insect, so as those little green guys feed on the juices of the tree, the new foliage becomes yellowed and distorted.  The good thing here - it’s a one generation insect.  It’s early and the locust will releaf.  And no, we rarely ever spray for control.  Your locust will be fine. (soaps and oils if spraying is needed)

“My azalea and rhododendron are finished blooming.  What do I do for them at this stage?”  -If you need to prune, now’s the time.  Deadheading the rhodos by pinching out the old flower heads is a great way to prune.  See those small buds?  They’ll start growing after you deadhead.  For the azaleas, if pruning is needed, feel free to hand prune back into the plant.  They respond quite nicely to a heavy pruning, again if needed.  This is also a great time to feed your azaleas and rhodos with Espoma’s Hollytone.  Feed them now, again in a month, and again late fall at ½ the rate.

"Is it okay to cut the foliage off my daffodils?"  -Remember, they need to stay green for 6 weeks after they finished flowering.  If it’s been 6 weeks, cut them off.  If not, you still have some time to wait!

"Although its not a serious problem, we still get a mole every now and then in our yard.  I am not comfortable using the traps, so what are my other options?"  -Well, you can try the mole repellents and poisons.  Look at MoleMax, which is a granular Castor oil.  Moles do not like the smell of Castor oil, so it acts as a repellent.  Apply the MoleMax to the lawn or flower beds and see what happens.  The other is Moletox Baited Gel, which is a poison that you actually inject into the active mole tunnels.  Pretty safe product for you to use as well.  Try one or both of these options.

"I heard you talking about a new mulch called "SoftScapes" and that it looked like pine needle mulch.  What is it?"   -You need to see it to appreciate it.  It's ribbons of wood, which are dyed and air dried, creating a whole new look of mulch, very similar to pine needles, but fluffier.  It also comes in 3 different colors.  Looks pretty nice!  I'm not a big fan of dyed mulches, but this one looks pretty good to me.

"Rose slugs are already feeding on my roses.  What do I spray with?"   -Consider 2 things.  1.) Bayer's All in 1 Rose Care, which is a systemic insecticide, fungicide, and feed.  Follow up with foliar sprayings of either Insecticidal Soaps or Horticultural oils, and be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves.

"Now that May is almost over, and the gloomy cold wet weather kept us from planting, is it getting too late to do anything with annuals and vegetables?"  -No doubt about it - the past 2 weeks has been gloomy, cold and wet.  Not exactly good planting weather for flowers and veggies.  So the big question now is whether or not it’s getting too late to plant.  Well, as far as I’m concerned, you’re right on time!  25 - 30 years ago, Memorial Weekend was truly the kickoff for planting flowers and many veggies!  Sure, some gardeners would squeak in a few early veggies and annuals, but for the most part, it was this weekend that was the “all clear” weekend, and time to get everything planted.  But many of today’s gardeners are gamblers, taking a chance and planting early, hoping to dodge the frosts, cold and wet weather; which we’ve certainly had over the past few weeks!  Bottom line - now’s the perfect time to plant.  As a matter of fact, flowers and veggies planted now actually get off to a quicker start with warmer soil and air temperatures, than those that have struggled through the colder periods - especially those tomatoes and peppers, who absolutely hate cold and wet feet!  Speaking of tomatoes and peppers, both are available for you to plant right now, whether it’s in the ground or in a pot, or in a hanging basket!  Window box Roma and Compact Tumbler, both dwarf tomato plants, are perfect for hanging baskets or smaller potted plants.  Or, if you’d like to do something a little different, try growing them in an Earthbox (a self watering planter), or upside down in the new Topsy Turvy planter!  By the way, if you are planting flowers and veggies this weekend and you have deer in your neighborhood, be sure to protect your plants with nylon netting, or deer repellent like Liquid Fence or DeerScram.  If you don’t, you may have flowers today and stubs tomorrow morning!  Get out and plant this weekend!

"When is Yardarama this year?"  -Good question!  Yardarama will be held next Saturday, June 3, at the Mason Garden Store from 9-6:00pm.  Check out the larger mention a little further along in this newsletter!

[Why isn't there a special name for the tops of your feet?]

This week's Success Tip for you garden - Should I stake my newly planted tree?  Research has shown that natural movement of a tree trunk by the wind actually stimulates root growth and increases trunk size quicker than those that are staked.  But, there are special circumstances where newly planted trees may need to be staked, including an extremely windy site, planting larger container grown trees, planting larger bare root trees, or if for whatever reason the tree just doesn’t seem sturdy after planting.

   If staking is needed, there are several acceptable methods.  The most common would be a tree stake kit, with 3 stakes placed into the undisturbed soil, and support ropes or wires (covered to protect the tree trunk) anchoring the trunk with the 3 stakes.  A single sturdy stake, driven on an angle next to the tree trunk, into the undisturbed soil, and then secured to the trunk with a figure eight broad smooth surfaced material (hose or tubing with wire inside, polyethylene tape, panty hose, elastic webbing, etc.) would be another commonly used method. Whichever you chose, make sure the material is secure enough to not allow rubbing against the tree trunk.

   Staking a tree should last no longer than a one-year period (or less, if possible), making sure any ties around the tree trunk are adjusted properly during that period to allow for increases in trunk diameter. Do not leave a tree staked for more than one year. For more information on tree staking, or whether a particular tree should be staked, please see one of our Natorp’s Garden Pros.

[Middle age is when you chose your cereal for the fiber, not the joy.]

*From the Garden to the Kitchen / Hey Rita, what's cooking? - Yardboy, today I’m sharing your new favorite dessert: Breton Butter Cake from England. This cake is not too sweet but, as you said, reminds one of those tins of Danish butter cookies. Now don’t be fooled by the batter here, Yardboy. It’s really thick, almost like a shortbread cookie dough. The only bad thing about this recipe is that I eat way too many pieces! And you know what, just like the basil of last week which needed pinching back, my mint needed more pinching this week. So I made a simple mint syrup to pour over the fruit by dissolving 1 cup sugar into 1/2 cup water, then I brought that to a boil, tossed in a good handful of mint (leaves, stems and all) and then turned off the fire to let it infuse. When it was cool, I strained it out – YUM!  This works with any sweet herb, Yardboy.

BRETON BUTTER CAKE WITH BERRIES, SWEET HERBS AND EDIBLE FLOWERS:  2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan - 1 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla - 6 large egg yolks, room temperature - 2-3/4 cups all purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 whole egg, lightly beaten - 9” tart or cake pan, sprayed well - Sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Cream butter and sugar in bowl until light and fluffy.  Beat in vanilla.  Beat in yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add flour and salt and beat just until combined.  Transfer batter to pan and smooth top. I use an offset spatula for this.  Place in refrigerator 15 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and brush top with egg.  Mark a criss-cross pattern with a fork.  Brush again with egg.  Bake until golden brown, 40-45 minutes.  Don’t overbake.  Sprinkle with sugar (I like Turbinado) and then let cool before removing from pan.   Serve with fresh strawberries and blueberries tossed with sweet herbs, like lavender, mint, rose geranium, lemon balm, lemon verbena, etc. and  garnish with edible flowers. My choice would be violets, violas, pansies, or rose petals.  Serves 8-16.  (See my website www.abouteating.com for a full list of edible flowers). 

-Rita Nader Heikenfeld, CCP / Macy’s Regional Culinary Professional / Herbalist / Author / Local TV and Radio Cooking Expert / Adjunct Professor U.C. Clermont College / Community Press Papers /  [life@communitypress.com attn: Rita or www.abouteating.com]

[Why is it called lipstick, if you can still move your lips?]

*Yardboy's plant to ponder - This week, we need  to take a second look at a very hardy flowering shrub that's been around for a few years now, and is just beginning to show it's wonderful late spring flowers.  It's Physocarpus o. "Diablo" (Diabolo), or commonly known as 'Ninebark'.  Diablo is unique with its reddish purple foliage, and wonderful creamy white button like blooms.  It is tolerant of many soil conditions, preferring well drained, and grows in sun or partial shade.  Getting 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide, this is a good controllable substitute for purple sand cherry (purple plum bush form).

[Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?]

A little bit of this and a little bit of that - Nutgrass (nutsedge) is starting to rear it's ugly head in lawns and landscapes, and up until last year, we were using 'Manage' to successfully get it under control.  But this year, Manage is not available!  So, Monterey Chemical has come to the rescue with their new nutgrass control called "Nutgrass 'Nihilator"!  This product can be used in the lawn and in the landscape beds, although it is not an 'over the top' herbicide (try to keep from spraying desirable plants in the landscape).  Read the label for directions and restrictions, but this one's as good if not better than Manage!  Thanks, Monterey, and good bye nutgrass!

Roses are making their way back into the landscape!  Along with the outstanding Knockout series, Brite Eyes (the new disease resistant dwarf climber), and Northern Encore (tree rose hardy to zone 4), the rose varieties you'll find today in our garden stores have been bred for better flowering, good foliage, and better disease tolerance.  Check out the many new varieties available for your garden, including the hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, climbers, shrub, and even the mini roses, which are very hardy for our zone!  Remember roses aren't just for planting in the ground; they make great container plants as well!

If you're looking for a summer flowering shrub with great foliage and great flowers, look no further than the many types of hydrangeas!  Sun or shade, there is a hydrangea for that spot!  And don't forget the climbing hydrangea.  What great foliage, great bark, and wonderful early summer flowers, perfect for the shade garden or in the sun.  Hydrangeas have truly become the "queens" of the summer garden.  Check them out.

Looking for a tough, hardy flowering vine?  Don't forget clematis!  This 'thin-vined' vine is available in so many different colors and flowering times it's unreal!  From the dwarf Raymond Evison series, to clematis that reach 12 feet or more, to the late summer bloomer "Sweet Autumn Clematis" ( a very vigorous grower!), these a pretty cool blooming vines.  And for the most part, pretty easy to grow. 

[Bacteria: the back door of a cafeteria.]

                     YARDARAMA - SAT. JUNE, 3 - MASON STORE!

Classes, Seminars, and upcoming Special Events - Mark your calendars!  Coming up Saturday, June 3, its YARDARAMA!  That's right, its 'YARDARAMA Saturday' at the Mason Garden Store (June 3)!  Enjoy demonstrations, classes, information booths, live wildlife, zoo animals, petting zoos, and a whole lot more.  Bring the family for a fun filled day at the Mason Garden Store's YARDARAMA!  Featured speakers include Tom Schmidt 'The Mole Man', Jerry Burton 'Mr. Bamboo', Jim Sparnall "Mr Water Gardens', Pat Greeson "Mr Container Gardens", and Rita Heikenfeld, CCP, Herbalist, part time witch doctor and maker of strange potions!  Everything begins at 9:00am.  For a complete listing of classes and scheduled events, visit our web site at natorp.com.  We'll see you at this years YARDARAMA!  (Rain or Shine / all under cover)                

Come see Ron Wilson at the Clear Channel Concept Home next Thursday, June 1, from 3-5pm.  For more information, visit our web site at www.natorp.com., or www.wkrc.com.   Tickets to tour the home are available at the door.  Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  Register to win a $100 Natorp's Gift Certificate; he'll also be giving out special Natorp coupons! 

Don't forget that Ron Wilson will also be at the garden stores next week.  Mason Store on May 30 from 3-5pm, and the Florence Store on May 31 from 3-5pm.

[TAPS - "Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the plains, from the sky, all is well, safely rest, God is nigh."]

If you're traveling this weekend, please drive safely.  Now, do yourself a favor.  Go out and make this the absolute best Memorial Weekend of your life.  See ya.  RW, the Yardboy.

[Catch Natorp’s own grown yardboy Ron Wilson every Saturday, 6-9am, ‘In the Garden’ on 55KRC Thee Talk Station (home of the Big Dog Tony Bender -a true pitbull of a man- and the original Joe Pro,  Joe "without Joe this show just wouldn't go" Strecker) , every Friday morning 8:06am on ‘The Morning Show’ with Jerry Thomas and Craig Kopp (55KRC), every Thursday and Saturday morning on Local 12 –WKRC HomewoRx Team, and occasional appearances on 'HomewoRx' (Sundays at 11:30am Local 12).