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We're back!  "How you feeling,  Hot, Hot, Hot?"  Hey, look at it this way - when I left Phoenix this past Friday morning (5:00am) to fly home, it was already 95 degrees, and the sun hadn't even begun to peak over the desert.  Dry heat, yes, but let's face the facts.  95 at 5:00am, 115 at 3:00pm - that's just plain hot.  How do those folks do it?  Yikes!

Hey, be sure to check out "Mrs. N's Container Garden Recipes".  Just click on the container recipe button to the right of this newsletter.

[It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants.  The question is: What are we busy about?" -H.D.Thoreau]

*Whether it's the weather - Feeling hot, hot, hot.  That's the weather.  And in many cases, the soil is getting pretty dry.  So if you discover you'll need to supplement a lot of missed rainfall, with the soil being dry, it may be better to water for 1/2 the amount needed, shut off the sprinklers for 15-20 minutes to allow that water to soak in, and then do the remaining amount needed.  And do remember that if the chances look pretty good that a rain shower will hit your area, watering before the shower actually helps to wick-in whatever rainfall you get.  Adding a little moisture before the rain reduces initial runoff from the shower. 

[What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?]

*What's bugging you? - Bagworms continue to eat evergreens and in some landscapes, they are becoming apparent to me, but obviously not the homeowner.  Look for browning and or disappearing needles on evergreens.  Look for the little cone-like bags hanging from the branches, with foliage eating machines inside.  If you don't stop them now, soon it will be too late!  It won't be long until yellow jackets will be making a nuisance of themselves (actually getting a few early calls already!).  A story last week out of Alabama says that after a very, very mild winter for them, they are discovering gigantic yellow jacket nests, some the size of a Volkswagen Beetle!  And, these super colonies appear to have multiple queens, which is very unusual.  (Although the queen survives, most yellow jacket nests are killed out over the winter by cold weather.)

   This week, Buggy Joe Boggs is reporting summer aphids pushing out a lot of summer honeydew (stuff that falls on your car, lawn furniture, you, etc.), dog day cicadas starting to sing (it's the boys singing) which means you'll also start to see cicada killer wasps buzzing around, tops of conifers dieing out (pines and spruce mainly due to white pine weevil, while juniper and arborvitae due to bagworm defoliation), Japanese beetles munching away in pocket populations around the area, rust mites on bald cypress, boxelder bugs showing up again, brown patch in lawns, and loads of leaf spots, leaf diseases, etc.  By the way, Buggy Joe will be on vacation next week, so have fun Joey!

[I was at the bookstore and asked the clerk where the self-help section was.  She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.]

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

"I have a watering problem with a couple of my pots.  With the heat, they're drying out too quickly.  I can barely keep up.  Any suggestions?"   -Absolutely!  Try adding 'Soil Moist' crystals to the soil.  Take a pencil, poke several holes down into the soil, and very carefully add a few crystals to the holes.  Fill back in.  They absorb moisture and hold it to help replenish the soil when it dries out.  Also consider using 'Aqua Cones' to drip water your pots between your waterings.  They attach to a 2 liter pop bottle, and when placed into the soil, they slow drip water your pots!  They really do help!

"Today we saw the coolest thing in the garden!  It looked like a cross between a hummingbird and a moth.  It moved like a hummingbird, the wings were like a moth, the straw-like thingy on its nose was like a moth, but was the size of a smaller hummingbird.  And it didn't mind all of us gazing at it.  What was this amazing little creature?"   -You already said it.  It's a hummingbird moth.  Pretty cool, eh?

"We have suddenly seen these enormous green beetles (3x the size of Japanese beetles), hovering 2 feet above our turf.  When they land, they burrow into the turf.  What are they, and do I need to wear a flack jacket while they visit?"   -These very cool slow moving loud buzzing bombers are 'Green June Beetles' (June, even though they appear in July).  They're usually in low numbers, so damages from adults and grubs are minimal. They love lawns with thatch or high organic matter in the soil.

"Can you give me the recipe for the homemade fungicide your were talking about on the radio show?"   -Yes, and it will vary from gardener to gardener recommendations.  And do remember that I am not one for using home remedies, with the exception of a couple that I know are used regularly and are pretty much fool proof.  There are many commercially made fungicides available at your local garden stores that do an outstanding job for you and your plants, and are labeled for the specific fungus or disease that you are trying to control.  But here's one that will cover a few different common lea problems.  1 tablespoon baking soda, and 2 1/2 teaspoons horticultural oil dissolved in 1 gallon of water.  Use this as your foliar spray.  And do not spray when the temps are above the mid 80's.

"Ron, where do I go to download your garden show?"   -Go to www.55KRC.com, and follow the directions. 

"Now that the new growth has hardened off, can I prune my Japanese yews and boxwoods to even them up?  How far back can I go?"   -Yes you can even them up at this stage, but if you go back really hard, that's basically what you'll see for the rest of the year.  Save any serious hard pruning on these plants for early next spring, before the new growth appears.

"How do I get rid of 2 small patches of clover in my lawn, without destroying the lawn?"   -Funny thing- before weed killers, clover used to be a part of the lawn mix, but today has become known as a weed.  It's greener than the grass, as it takes nitrogen from the air and puts it in the soil, which is a good thing.  But if you want to get rid of the patches, go after it with Trimec or a Chickweed / Clover Killer in mid to late October.  Or, you can kill out the patches in mid August, and reseed or re-sod those areas in late August / early September.

"My crabapple was beautiful this spring, but now some of the leaves are yellowing and falling off.  What happened?"   -Chances are your crabapple may have apple scab, leaf spot, or simply suffering from dry soils and the heat.  If it's a leaf disease, too late to do anything besides rake up the leaves and pitch them (the tree will be okay).  If it's from the heat and dry conditions, water as needed. 

"When's the best time to feed my azaleas?"  -I like using Dr. Rhodo's feeding schedule.  Immediately after flowering, again a month later, and 1/2 rate in late fall.  Dr. Rhodo is Chris Trautman of Mobray Gardens in Amelia.

"Is it too late to apply a grub preventer to my lawn?"   -Nope, but get on it right away.  If not, then you'll be using a grub killer such as Dylox later in the summer (one time kill).

"My butterfly bush has been flowering like crazy, but now all I have are a few flowers and lot's of dead ones.  Is that it for the year?"   -Nope, but you need to do a little deadheading.  Go through and clip out those dead flowers.  That will encourage new growth and more flowers.  Some folks forego the deadheading and just shear back the entire plant.  That's up to you.

"Tell me more about killing weeds with vinegar.  Does it matter what type of vinegar?  Will it also kill the grass?"   -No and yes.  Doesn't matter what type of vinegar is used, but the higher the percentage of acidic acid the better it works.  And it is a non selective vegetation killer, meaning it kills what you spray it on, weeds, grass, and all.  Vinegar is strictly a foliar kill, and does not kill the roots.

[If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is it homeless or naked?]

This week's Success Tip for your garden - No doubt about it; summer is here and so is the hot dry weather!  And depending on the rainfall in your area, that means sprinkler time and watering your lawn and foundation plants.  But what about the larger trees and evergreens in the yard?  They’re big and mature with lot’s of deep roots, so they don’t need watering in the summer, right?  Wrong!    Larger trees in the yard need supplemental watering during dry periods just as much as the lawn and the foundation plantings.  As a matter of fact, when it comes to down to a push and shove on who gets the water first, it should be these guys, who are basically irreplaceable.    Contrary to what most folks think, larger trees roots do not go way down into the ground.  There are no tap roots here, and the majority of this trees root system can be found in the top 30 inches of the soil.  So when the soil dries out, they too become just as susceptible to drought as the smaller plantings.   The best way for homeowners to water their larger trees is by using a Ross Root Feeder.  This tool was originally designed for fertilizing trees with a water soluble fertilizer injected into the soil, but also makes the perfect tool for injecting plain old water into the root system.    Attach your Ross Root Feeder to the garden hose, turn on the water, and insert the tool into the soil about 15-18 inches deep.  Let it soak there for about 20-30 minutes, then move it about 15 feet and insert into the soil again.  Keep doing this, working away from the trunk of the tree in a spiraling pattern, to the drip line or tips of the branches.     As a general rule, plants would like 1 inch of rainfall every 10 days or so during the summer, and if you don’t get it naturally, you need to supplement.  For larger trees like these, if you water like we just talked about once every 3-4 weeks, that will get these larger plants through a drought period in good shape.  Remember, you can replace the lawn and foundation plants, but you can’t replace a mature tree like this.

Watering the Container Garden While You’re Away - If you’re a container gardener, then you’re committed to watering.  But what happens when you need to go away for a few days?  Well, here are a few hints to keep your plants watered, without having someone stop by and do it for you.   1.) If possible, group your plants (indoors or out) together in a semi shadier location.  Grouped plants shade each other, won’t dry out as quickly, and the shadier location helps slow down water loss as well.   2.) If you used Soil Moist when first planting your containers, great!  These small crystals absorb 200 times their weight in water, and re-release it back to the plants roots when the soil dries out, cutting your watering as much as in half.  If you don’t have Soil Moist in the soil, it can be added by punching several long holes with a pencil or dowel, and then dropping a few crystals in each hole.  3.) Water your plants thoroughly just before you leave, whether they need it or not.  That way the soil, the plant, and the Soil Moist have been recharged with maximum amounts of water.  4.) Supplement additional water needed by adding an Aqua Cone or 2 to each container.  These cones, when attached to a 2 liter bottle filled with water, will slow drip water into the soil over an extended period of time, adding moisture to the soil as it is used up by the plant.  Again, extending the amount of time before the next watering would be needed.  5.) And lastly, if you’re going to be gone for a week, this is one time, and the only time, we will suggest placing a saucer under the pot and leaving water in the saucer.  Again, this is the only time we would recommend doing this, but it will extend the time before the next watering is needed.     In some cases, doing all this may last from 2-3 days to a week without adding more water.  Experiment before you leave, to make sure you know how long it will last for your plants.  Soil Moist and Aqua Cones - two great ways to help you water, whether you’re home or on the road.

Now's a great time to take plants growing indoors, outdoors, and hose them off!  Hosing off houseplants cleans off the dust, washed off the bugs, and makes your plants feel a whole lot better!  And it's easier done, being they are outside!  (If insect sprayings are needed, this is also a good time to do that.) Warning: Do not leave your plants sitting in the full sun while outside.  They're not used to this and could scorch.  Clean them and set them in the shade or filtered sunny area.  But not in full sun for long periods of time.

Keep deadheading those annuals and perennials as needed.  This keeps the plants fuller, nicer looking, and helps re-blooming.  Annuals getting a bit leggy?  Feel free to cut them back hard.  In 2-3 weeks, they begin to re-grow and then re-flower and look very nice for the rest of the season.

[If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he had the right to remain silent?]

*From the Garden to the Kitchen / Hey Rita, what's cooking? - Yardboy, my Swiss chard is over 3 feet high! I’m growing “Bright Lights” with those beautiful red, yellow and orange stems. And yes, Yardboy, the stems are edible. Along with sautéed zucchini, of which I have an abundance, we’ll be “eating from the garden” a lot.    I’m cooking the chard to go with a favorite: salmon.  Cold water fish, like salmon, contain Omega 3’s, Yardboy and that’s good for your cholesterol and your brain!  You can serve the salmon alone or with other dense leafy greens that contain folate, vitamin B6, calcium and other nutrients.   

SIMPLE PAN SEARED SALMON WITH STEAMED GREENS - Heat skillet over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons olive oil and a large clove of garlic, sliced.  Sauté garlic just until it smells fragrant and starts to turn golden. Remove if you want but I leave it in.   Add a bit more oil if needed, then add about a tablespoon or so of lemon juice.  Turn heat to high.  Add salmon and shake pan so fish doesn’t stick.  Cook until golden brown on each side, but don’t overcook.  Serve with steamed greens or simply alone with pan juices, adding a lemon wedge for garnish.  

SPEEDY STEAMED GREENS  -  Leave a bit of water clinging to chard, spinach or other green leaves after washing. Put in a big pot and cover. Turn heat on high. Greens will wilt nicely after a couple of minutes.   Even tastier:  Film a pan with olive oil and add a bit of chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Add washed greens. Cook, stirring often, until slightly wilted.  Season with sea salt.  

TO SERVE: Make a bed of spinach.  Lay salmon on top. Drizzle with pan juices. YUM!

-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]

[Just curious - do the people in Australia call the rest of the world 'up over'?]

*Yardboy's plant to ponder - I guess that I can't help bringing up the entire group of flowering hydrangeas.  Sure, we've been talking up a storm about Endless Summer, and the new Blushing Bride (and enjoying their beauty), but there are so many other species and varieties of flowering hydrangeas available, that I wish I had room to plant nothing but a hydrangea garden.  Lacecaps and mopheads, Lady in Red, Big Daddy, Annabelle, Glowing Embers, Pee Gee, Unique, Pink Diamond, All Summer Beauty - there are literally hundreds of different  hydrangea varieties available today.  And I love the Oakleaf hydrangeas, especially Alice for a large bold hydrangea, and Snow Queen, planted right by my front door, full of upright creamy white flowers that seem to last almost all summer long.  And don't forget Limelight, now showing its upright limey green flowers which fade to shades of pink, and the late spring blooming climbing hydrangea - perfect for that shady area, but grows in the sun as well.  So many to chose, with so little space to plant them!  Check out the many varieties of hydrangeas available.  I'm sure there's one or many perfect for your landscape!

[Can a stupid person also be a smart-elick?]

A little bit of this and a little bit of that - A new study has shown that compounds in the plant "Callicarpa americana" (Beautyberry) may help to keep insects away.  Scientists from U. of Mississippi have responded to a folklore about the plant having these qualities, and sure enough, the plants ability to repel mosquitoes is for real!  Scientists have actually identified the naturally occurring chemicals in the plant responsible for the activity, but don't look for it to show up on shelves anytime soon.  They still need to scrutinize toxicity levels and evaporation rates, before attempting to formulate the 'skeeter repellent.

State Officials Remind Citizens To Keep Ash Tree Storm Debris In Emerald Ash Borer Quarantined Areas!  Citizens who are cleaning up outdoor storm damage are asked to abide by the EAB quarantines in northwest and central Ohio, while disposing of ash tree damage.  These quarantines have been aimed at stopping the spread of EAB (ash tree killing insect), by making it illegal to move ash wood out of 14 Ohio counties.  The fine for doing this is $4,000.  Quarantines also make it illegal to move ash wood from Michigan and seven infested counties in Indiana into Ohio.  For more information visit www.emeraldashborer.info, www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab, or call 1-888-OHIO-EAB.  (The Emerald Ash Borer is a non native insect from Asia, capable of wiping out all ash species in North America, and can be spread through firewood and ash tree materials.  It was first discovered in Michigan.)

[Why didn't Tarzan have a beard?]

Classes, Seminars, and upcoming Special Events - Meyer Aquascapes is sponsoring a Water Garden Tour in Cincinnati /Northern Kentucky on July 22 and 23.  Tickets are $10.  There will be 33 ponds, some with waterfalls and streams, and all very nicely landscaped.  Tickets are available through Boone County Extension, by calling (859) 586-6101, or by calling (513) 941-8500.  This is a great tour for pond enthusiasts, pond owner wanna-be's, gardeners, or just to enjoy other folks ponds and gardens!

Kinkead Ridge Estate Winery will be doing another vineyard tour this year (weather permitting) at Kinkead Ridge Vineyard, 4288 Kinkead Road, Ripley Ohio, on September 2 and 4.  The winery (904 Hamburg Street 937-392-6077) is open Saturdays from 11am-5pm until Labor Day. (www.kinkeadridge.com)  This is an award winning winery!

Granny's Garden School in Loveland is seeking donations of pint and quart jars, as well as funds for purchasing new sprinklers.  Send donations to Granny's Garden School, c/o Loveland Primary School, 550 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland Ohio 45140.  Or contact Roberta Paolo / schoolgarden@fuse.net.

Tomato Tasting Party, Thursday, August 17, 6:30pm at the Boone County Extension Office.  For admission, you need to bring one or more tomatoes for sampling (make sure you know the variety).  FREE  - Call 859-586-6101.

Lunch and Learn Series - Herb Garden   August 2, 12-1pm, Civic Garden Center, tour the herb garden, learn about herbs!  FREE but need to call 513-221-0981 to register.

[Does that screwdriver really belong to 'Phillip'?]

That's it for this week.  It's hot, so be careful working outside.  Now do yourself a favor.  Go out and have the best weekend of your life.  See ya.  RW, the yardboy.

[Catch Natorp's own grown yardboy Ron Wilson during the week:  -55KRC The Talk Station 'In the Garden with Ron Wilson' every Saturday from 6-9am  - Satellite Radio / XM TalkRadio 165 every Saturday from 6-9am  -610 WTVN (Columbus) every Saturday from 10-12pm  -Friday mornings at 8:06am on 55KRC's 'The Morning Show' with Jerry Thomas and Craig Kopp  -Thursday and Saturday mornings on Local 12 News (WKRC) Homeworx Team   -Garden expert for 'HomewoRx' with Gary Sullivan on Local 12, Sunday at 11:30am.  Be sure to listen to 55KRC The Talk Station for the best in talk radio! (Home of programming director Tony 'Big Dog' Bender, and executive producer Joe 'the original Joe Pro, who without Joe, the show just wouldn't go' Strecker.)

[What ever happened to Preparations "A" thru "G"?  -this week's point to ponder from The Big Dog.]