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Sing along everybody!  "It's summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime, summertime, summertime, sum -sum summertime, summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime, summerti-i-i-i-i-i-me!"  Or how about "In the summertime when the weather is fine, you can stretch right up and touch the sky."  Or we could reach way back and sing "Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, those days of soda and pretzels and beer!"   Okay, let's reach even further back and sing "In the good old summer time, in the good old summer time, strolling through the shady lanes with my baby mine."  Summer 2006 is here!

[A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. -James Dent]

*Whether it's the weather-  Even after a drenching 2 hour downpour, it was amazing to stand under a large shade tree and point out to the homeowners how dry it was under the tree, and how dry it was (you could see the wet / dry rings under the smaller boxwood plants) under evergreens, whose foliage acts like an umbrella and sheds the rainfall.  Again, this is a trying time for new and established plants as we move into the summer.  Rain showers are a wonderful thing, but please do not be fooled.  MBWA - manage by walking around and looking.  Check your different areas in the landscape for wet and dry spots and water accordingly.  Next time you're walking around, check the soil moisture level between the backs of the foundation plants and the foundation.

[Ah summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.  -Russel Baker]

*What's bugging you? - Ants, big black ants!  First time we've had this many in the house!  Time for ant baits and sprays, cucumber peels, etc.  Also having loads of calls from folks wondering about all the tan/gray moths flying around in the woods - which of course are the moths from all the Forest tent caterpillars we had earlier.  If you look closely, you'll see their cocoons in bark crevices, etc.  This week, Buggy Joe Boggs (OSU Extension) is reporting nests of the first generation of the fall webworm in locust, scarlet oak sawfly feeding on oak leaves, millipede invasions into homes after rainfalls, powdery mildew showing big time on herbaceous and woody plants, black spot, leaf spot, apple scab, frog eyed leaf spot, guignardia leaf spot on horsechestnuts, cedar hawthorn and cedar apple rust showing up on leaves, cedar quince rust on hawthorn fruits, leaf blight in lawns, red thread hanging around in a few lawns, ticks here and there, and chiggers are now in full glory ready to suck your juices like microscopic Dracula's from the edge of the woods.  No, they do not burrow into your skin, and no they don't suck blood.  They simply hang on, and suck juices from the skin.  Their saliva liquefies the tissue, an they ingest your skin slurry.  Yeah, baby!

Catch the Buggy Joe Boggs Report Saturdays at 8:43am on 55KRC radio!

[Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. -Sam Keen]

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

"We loved Natorp's landscaping designs at Homerama, but need to know the name of a grouping of  plants you used.  They were planted in a mass planting between the walk and foundation, at the walkway entrance (off the driveway), and looked very similar to a low growing corn plant, with a maroon like foliage.  Can you tell me what they are?  It was a very different look!"   -I'm glad you asked.  Those are 'Royal Burgundy Millet'.  They will reach 5' and eventually a burgundy like millet seed plume on top!  These are perfect for growing in containers, and as you saw at Homerama, work quite nicely in the landscape as well.  Natorp Landscape Designer extraordinaire Eric Foell told me this was his way of "thinking a little bit out of the box" - "doing something a little more out of the ordinary".  And that it is! 

"I have never had aphids on my herbs before!  What can I use to get rid of them - I don't want to use regular bug sprays because we eat the herbs and use them cooking."   -Spray them off with a strong stream of water, and or use Insecticidal Soaps.  The soaps are all natural and very safe for edibles.

“I just pruned off the suckers around the base of my crabapple, which are an annual problem, and I already see a couple coming back.  Is there anything I can do to stop these suckers - they’re driving me nuts!”  -Yes, there is an answer for you!  It’s called Sucker Stopper.  Simply remove existing suckers, and then spray the area where the suckers usually grow.  Sucker Stopper is a growth inhibitor, and will stop sucker growth for over a year, and help maintain your sanity!

“I have a problem with thistle growing in one bed in my landscape.  I cut it off, but it just keeps coming back, and it’s driving me crazy!  1.) Is this the results of a nearby bird feeder where I use thistle seed?  And, 2.) How do I kill the thistle forever, before I do go crazy?”         -Well, first, remember the thistle seed you feed the birds is not really thistle seed.  It’s a seed imported to the U.S., sterilized before it gets here, and is called Niger seed.  Similar to thistle, but it’s not!  Secondly, where you have a patch of thistle growing, remember you are dealing with a very extensive root system below the soil surface.  When you pull or cut thistle, it simply re-grows 3-4 new plants.  Spray the thistle with Roundup, which will kill the existing plant and some of the roots around it.  When it pops up again, do the same, and keep doing this until you eventually kill the entire system of underground thistle roots.  It may take all season, but persistence will pay off in the end.  Interesting fact about thistle roots - they can remain viable, underground, for over 100 days, without any foliage on top.  Combine that with their extensive root system, and you can see why it takes so long to get rid of a patch of thistle. 

"What is the difference between hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora roses?"  -Hybrid teas are generally upright growers, and has a large bloom at the end of the stem.  Floribundas are typically smaller plants with smaller blooms in that are mostly in clumps (but there are a few singles).  Grandifloras are almost a combo of the above two, with some one bloom stems and some cluster stems, but usually a larger flower.  Don't forget you also have miniatures, climbers, shrubs, wild, English, polyanthas, whew!   By the way, many of these roses require regular deadheading to encourage new flowers throughout the summer.  Otherwise, many will bloom, set fruit, and bloom no more!

"Is now the time for grub control on my lawn?"  -Yes, anytime this month and in to early July is good.  Use a grub preventer such as Bayer's Grub Control or Scott's Grub Ex.  Make sure what you're applying is a grub preventer (which lasts for a couple months or more in the soil), not a 'one shot'  grub killer, like Dylox, which would be used later in the season to kill existing grubs in the lawn.

"We are installing new landscape beds in our yard and were wondering, do we still need to apply a pre emergent herbicide in those beds, now that summer is here?"   -YES!  Weed seeds are blowing into the beds all the time.  Preparing new beds will turn up new seeds that may have been laying dormant for years.  So by applying Preen now, you'll stop those weed seeds before they ever get growing.  Our landscape crews will apply a pre emergent to new beds right on into the fall.

"I heard someone talking about using "Lion Manure" in their garden to keep animals away.  Have you heard of that?"   -Well, I have, and for me it's strictly hear-say, and I know it is available here and there.  But I have no experience using it!  I do know that it needs to be from lions (big cats) that have not been fed meat products.  Interesting information about circus animal manure - an elephant can produce up to 164,000 pounds of waste per year which is considered a 'hot' manure, and needs to be composted before use (similar to horse manure).  Giraffe manure is also 'hot', and one giraffe produces about 18,000 pounds per year (and is similar to sheep manure).  Just some of those facts you can't live without!

"What's that spray formula for killing moss?"   -Do remember there are several commercially made moss and algae killers available for you.  The home remedy is one small box of baking soda dissolved in 2 gallons of luke warm water.  Kills the moss but not other plants.  Won't stain, either.  Temporary fix, but it does work.

“Exactly how late can I plant veggies in our area?”   -Based on our average first frost (Early October), Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, corn, cucs, and such until the end of this month / first of July.   Many of the greens, beets, radishes, beans, onions, etc. go into July and early August. 

“Can you tell me about using Epsom Salt around tomatoes and peppers?”  -Using Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) on tomatoes and peppers has been around for many years.  And those that use it all have a different method or amount they use.  You can do anything from sprinkling a tablespoon or two in hole when you plant them, and doing it again mid season, to watering them about 3-4 times during the season with 1-2 tablespoons dissolved in a gallon of water, to spraying the foliage 2-3 times during the season with 1 tablespoon dissolved in 1 gallon of water.  Pick one and try it.  Moderation is the best way to try it.  Many rose growers use this as well!

"How do I tell the difference between Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace?"  -This quickly invading plant is toxic to humans and livestock if eaten, and it’s aggressive behavior, prolific seed production, and tolerance of shade has allowed it to spread like crazy.  It simply crowds out desirable plants, or takes over where other plants are not growing.  Poison Hemlock may have a similar appearance to other plants such as Queen Anne’s lace, edible species of wild carrots, even Elderberry.  But here’s what to look for to identify poison hemlock.  1.) It’s an erect plant, growing 3-8 feet tall  2.) Its semi shiny leaves are pinnately compound, multi-stemmed, and fern like in appearance.  3.) The flowers are a cluster of 5 petaled white flowers with an umbrella appearance that occur June thru July.  Many flowers are produced in a more open and branching inflorescence. 4.) And here’s the real identifying characteristic-the erect smooth stems are a semi shiny green, no hairs on the stems, they’re hollow, and they have these purple maroon blotches.  That’s the give away for poison hemlock.  If you find poison hemlock in your landscape, make sure the kids know what it is before they pick you a nice bouquet of poison hemlock flowers!  It is easy to get rid of - wearing gloves and long sleeves and physically remove it and throwing it away works great.  Mowing it off early with a mower or weed whip will work.  Or spraying it with a non selective weed killer like Roundup will take care of it.  But do try to get rid of it before it goes to seed - that’s how it spreads so quickly.

[Sunburn is very becoming, but only when it is even.  One must be careful not to look like a mixed grill.  -Noel Coward]

This week's Success Tip for your garden - Get Those Kids Gardening!  The closest most kids get to gardening is being ‘rooted’ to the floor watching TV or playing video games!  And when they get older and have a home of their own, are they going to know what to do with their garden, lawn or landscape?  Probably not, unless we can get these kids involved in something green, like plants!  To get kids involved in gardening, remember the 3 golden rules of kid’s gardening:  1.) Make it easy. 2.) Make it fast. 3.) Make it fun.  Here are a few suggestions for kid’s gardening: 

Growing a vegetable garden can help teach young minds valuable lessons about how the natural world works.  It also gives them first hand experience at gardening, and a great excuse to get dirty.  If you have a spot in your yard for growing a garden, keep these tips in mind: -Select a sunny spot, and let the adults do all the hard work (tilling, raking and initial weed pulling)  - Let the kids do the planting.  The adults should show them how far apart and how deep to plant seeds and plants.  - Use can’t fail veggies from seed like beans, radishes, cucumbers, squash, lettuce and spinach, as well as zinnias and sunflowers.  From plants, peppers, tomatoes, marigolds, petunias, snapdragons, and of course, herbs!  - Find plants with funny names like balloon flowers, strawflowers, spiderwort, money plant, and catnip.  -Who said plant in straight rows?  You can, but if you want to make it a little more fun, try planting in circles or patterns.  Maybe plant their initials.  And label plants with painted rocks or wood or labels purchased at the garden store.  And sign it, as in who this garden belongs to!

 Container gardening:  Don’t have room for an in-ground garden?  No problem; try container gardening!  As a matter of fact this may be the best way to grow.  Give the kids their own containers and let them grow their own plants.  Try an upside down tomato, taters in a basket, herb gardens, salad bowl add-ons, or an entire mini garden in a large tub.  Be creative, ‘cause if it grows in the ground, chances are the kids can grow it in a pot, and even better! (Check out our tip sheets on container gardening)

[Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines.  -Satchel Page]

*From the Garden to the Kitchen / Hey Rita, what's cooking? - Yardboy, you know how it is some mornings (well, to be honest, most  mornings) – you get up, your feet hit the floor, and you’re off and running, sometimes without a decent breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day. Or say you have a picky eater at home – a kid who can’t tolerate anything solid before lunch. That’s where smoothies fit in, since they’re easily absorbed and can be chock full of good things.  I always add a shake of nonfat dry milk powder to my smoothies for a boost of calcium and protein without added fat.  This is especially important for teenage girls, who never seem to get enough calcium.  Sneak it in any way you can! And don’t be shy about throwing in a few sweet herbs in your smoothie, Yardboy.  Try some mint, lemon verbena, lemon balm or even a few lavender leaves.  Leftover smoothies can be frozen.

ORANGE DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE - This tastes like an Orange Julius and is one kids really like.  Flax contains Omega 3’s and fiber.  The kids will never know you put it in.  Store flax seed/oil in the refrigerator.  You'll need: -1 can, 6 oz, frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed -2 cups milk -1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar or equivalent substitute -2 teaspoons vanilla -8 ice cubes -1 tablespoon dry nonfat milk (opt) -1 teaspoon ground flax seed or oil (opt) -Place all ingredients in blender.  Blend until smooth. 

CRANBERRY LIME SMOOTHIE - 1 banana, chunked up -1-1/2 cups orange juice  -6 oz frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed but undiluted -1 lime, zest and juice -1 cup ice or more as needed -To prepare ahead:  pour orange juice over banana and refrigerate up to several hours.  Place banana and orange juice, cranberry juice and lime zest and juice in blender.  Blend until smooth.  Add ice and blend again until smooth.  Serve with mint sprigs or lime wedges.

RON’S PINEAPPLE POWER PITCH SMOOTHIE -This one’s named after you, Yardboy, and is one of the favorites in my book The Official Snack Guide for Beleaguered Sports Parents!  You'll need: -1 banana, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder, Sugar to taste: start with 3 tablespoons, 1 teaspoon vanilla, Couple handfuls of ice cubes.  Cut banana into chunks and put in blender jar. Add everything else and blend until smooth.

-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]

[Iced Tea is too pure and natural a creation not to have been invented as soon as tea, ice, and hot weather crossed paths.  -J. Egerton]

*Yardboy's plant to ponder - She was the 2003 Perennial of the Year, and still a winner in my book, not only for the landscape and perennial garden, but for container gardening as well.  Her name is 'Becky', and more specifically she is Leucanthemum s. 'Becky'.  And she is definitely one of the finest Shasta daisies you can plant.  Clean heavy foliage, bushy upright growing plants that require no staking, with stiff flower stems that stand up to rain, supporting absolutely outstanding bright white with yellow center flowers, that keep on coming June through early September.  Great cutting flower, I love it, and so do the butterflies!

[All of us could take a lesson from the weather.  It pays no attention to criticism.]

A little bit of this and a little bit of that - Still time for one last slow release feeding for the lawn if needed, as well as spot treating for weeds, mow at a higher height during the summer, throw clippings back into the turf, change directions each time you mow, never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blades each time you mow, treat weedy grasses growing in groundcover and landscape beds with ‘Over The Top’ which can be sprayed over the top of desirable plants and groundcovers! (read the label for restrictions), treat nutgrass showing up in lawns now with ‘Nutgrass Nihilator’ (add a little ‘Spreader Sticker’ with it), watch for bagworms and treat with Bt (add ‘Spreader Sticker’) now, fluff mulch to keep it fresh looking, re-Preen now, or add Preen to landscape beds if you haven’t already to stop weed seeds from growing, it’s okay to remove entire branches from trees now (if they’re hanging down too low and in your way), harvest your herbs on a regular basis, clip out dead branches as they appear on trees and shrubs, keep weeds under control early, apply grub control if grubs have been a problem in the past, look for standing water in your yard and figure out how to get rid of it, as that’s your best control for mosquitoes!

   Now is the time to start monitoring the vines of your squash, gourds, pumpkin, melons and cucumbers for squash vine borer.  Chemical controls include spraying or dusting the vines with an appropriate insecticide, on 7 day intervals.  You can also use grow covers to protect plants from the adult moths.  Crop rotation also helps as they do over-winter in garden debris and old vines.  Once discovered, it is possible to take an exacto-knife, slice one side of the vine, pull out the borer, and then cover the damaged vine with a little soil to help it re-root.  Some folks will pile a little soil over the vines about 3-4 feet away from the center of the plant, helping the vine to root farther away from possible attacks to help save the vine in case it is attacked.  A late planted crop may be another way around the borer, assuming you’ll get a late frost for extended production.

[Weather means more when you have a garden.  There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in and around your lettuce and green beans.  -Henry Van Dyke]

Classes, Seminars, and upcoming Special Events -  There are so many garden tours going on its unreal! 1.) Historic Lebanon, June 24/25, 11-5, $8, starts at Lebanon Station (932-3430)  2.) Monfort Heights / White Oak, June 24, 10-4pm, $8 in advance, available at Cheviot Savings Bank (Monfort Heights). 3.) College Hill Garden Tour, June 24, 11-4pm, $8 in advance (513-588-6465)  4.) Newport East Row Gardens, June 24/25, 10-4pm, 11 home's gardens in this historic neighborhood, live music, favorite plant lists and history of homes and gardens, 2 relax areas along the way with drinks and cookies, $15 at Watertower Square parking lot (www.cityofnewportky.org/garden_club)

[Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.  A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world.  -Ada Louise Huxtable]

OBKB.  That's it for this week.  It is the first weekend of the  summer.  Go out and make it the best first weekend of the summer, 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 and Joe "without Joe this show just wouldn't go" Strecker) , as well as on satellite radio XM TalkRadio 165 from 6-9am, then from 10-12pm Saturdays on 610 WTVN (Columbus), every Friday morning at 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). We are now podcasting the 6-9am Saturday radio show!  Go to www.55KRC.com to find out how!]