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We're back!  Were you surprised to get your Fall Checklist last week?  See, we're always full of surprises!  You just never know what's going to happen with this newsletter.  (By the way, if you're ever contemplating driving to Phoenix, Arizona, let me know.  I've got the routine down pat, both ways.)     Fall is here and showing all its glory with outstanding fall colors.  It was amazing, driving west to east (from Arizona), how the fall colors were pretty much consistent from state to state.  And the best show - those brilliantly golden yellow aspen trees in Flagstaff.  What a spectacular sight! (and so was the sign that said "Cincinnati 79 miles")

[Time's fun when you're having flies. -Kermit the Frog]

*Whether it's the weather - FREEZE WARNING TONIGHT!  Sunny warm days and cooler nights have set up the perfect weather for great fall colors.  Timely showers have been good, and it looks like the cold weather has moved in for a quick dip in the temps.  If you have vegetables that need to be saved, or tropical plants outside, be sure to bring them back indoors.  Our usual average date for the first good frost is mid October - but could we see snow flurries first?  Speaking with the senior editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac last week, she says they have predicted colder and snowier weather for us this late fall and winter.  Could it be?  Next week we'll look at nature's signs for predicting the winter weather.  What are you predicting?     -By the way, with this quick dip in the temps, don't panic and start mulching and putting hardy plants to bed for the winter.  We have a long way to go before that happens!  It's only a temporary dip and warmer days will be back.  This is not a signal that the season is over!  FALL IS FOR PLANTING, AND FALL LASTS UNTIL DECEMBER 22.  But do be sure your tropical plants are protected!  And, these cold temps will start those summer bulbs dieing back, so you'll be able to dig and get ready to store them away for the winter.  One last note:  Really cold temperatures and freezes can damage pumpkins, so take care of those as well.

   Weather note- January to August was the warmest such year-to-date period (nationally) on record.  It was the 26th driest period in recorded history.  This summer (June thru August) was the 2nd hottest on record (1936 the hottest) with an average national temperature of 74.5 degrees F.

[Shin - a device for finding furniture in the dark.]

*What's bugging you? - I'm good.  How about you, Joe?  This week, Buggy Joe Boggs (OSU Extension) is reporting white pine sawfly activity late in the season, cedar beetles mating (like we really care), the blue-winged wasp cruising turf looking for grub indicators (they dig into the soil, find the grub, lays an egg into the grub, the egg hatches and, well, you know the rest of the story), Emerald Ash Borer detected in 4 new areas in Ohio, shot gun fungus shooting house siding, cars, furniture and nearby stander-bys (if they stand still long enough), and as usual this time of the year, multiple calls from concerned homeowners watching their pines lose their inner needles (all a past of the natural needle shedding process).   -Catch the bug season ending 'Buggy Joe Boggs Report' this Saturday at 8:42am on 55KRC radio.

[Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?]

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

"Brother - last night I came home to a very strange looking, finger like, foul smelling thing growing out of the mulch by the sidewalk.  I thought you were up to your old tricks, but then realized this thing was for real.  Please help your much younger sister and tell me what this foul thing is and how do I get rid of it?"   -Something out of the ordinary happens and you always blame me.  Well, I could have made reference to my brother in law, or one of my 2 crazy nephews, but I will refrain.  That thing is a stinkhorn fungus.  Pretty unique in colors and of course, that hideous smell.  It's the smell that attracts the flies, who in turn collect the spores on their bodies and redistribute them around the area.  Nothing you can do about them besides scoop 'em up and throw them away.  Or hold your nose and enjoy the uniqueness of this strange phenomenon of the fungi world.  I could mention a few other things your sons could do to have fun with them, but as a good brother and uncle, I will again refrain from further comments.

"I've been told it is too late to core aerate my lawn.  Is that true?"  -Nope.  You still have time.  It is best to core aerate when the lawn is actively growing, and yes, it is still actively growing!  I would get it done soon - the sooner the better.  Don't forget that lawns can be core aerated in the spring as well.

"Help!  My pine tree's needles are turning yellow and falling off!  What can I do to save them?"   -Rake them up and put them in a bag?  Great way to save them - Okay, just kidding.  This is a very natural needle shedding process that many evergreens go through, either in the spring or in the fall.  White pine and Austrian pine can scare you pretty good as they loose all but this years new growth, but as long as the yellowing stops at the new growth, your pines are okay.  If it goes to the end of the branches, then you have troubles!

"I saw your recommendation for The Nut Wizard, and ordered one right away.  Let me tell you, it works great!  I needed to pick up the acorns from my pin oak, as my puppy had eaten a lot of them and almost died.  He's doing fine now, and collecting the acorns with The Nut Wizard made it a lot easier."  -Glad to hear it!

"Can I still apply weed killers to my lawn?  You mentioned October being a great time to do this, but with the sudden cold temps, we're not sure if we still can!"   -The temps are a quick drop, so don't let those fool you.  Yes, you can still treat your lawn for weeds, as this is the best time for the most efficient control.  Bonide's Weedbeater Ultra is specially designed to work in cooler temps - as low as 45 degrees!  So, after the cold moves thru, get out and treat the weeds as needed.

"Is it too late to sow some grass seed?"   -Well, let's just say that the window for sowing grass seed and getting it to germinate, grow, and harden off before winter is closing quickly.  Or could be closed, as at this point, you really are in the hands of Mother Nature.  If it stays warm longer, god chance the seed comes on.  If not, the seed stays dormant and comes up next spring.  Next best time to seed will be dormant seeding, which is later this year, or during the winter.  I like mid to late February for dormant seeding.  (Note:  In an emergency situation, for smaller areas, you could sow the seed, apply the starter fertilizer, water, and then cover (tent) with clear plastic to create a greenhouse affect.  That keeps it warmer, germinates quicker, and then open it up and let the grass grow.  Lot's of work, but can be done if needed!)

"Can I use WiltStop for winter protection on my Blue Spruce Trees?"   -Well, according to the manufacturer, there is a chance your blue spruce may turn a temporary green after spraying with WiltStop.  Personally, I don't think about foliar winter protection for blue spruce, as they normally over winter quite nicely. The blue you see is actually a naturally produced clear coating on the green needles, that refracts the light so that we see blue.  That coating also becomes a natural needle protectant  against dehydration, salt damages, etc.   Applying oils or the WiltStop dissolves that coating.  So, yes, you could use it, but I don't recommend it!  (And yes, it would return to blue next spring when the plant becomes active, new growth appears, and the plant begins producing the natural needle coating.)

"Can I be applying fertilizers to my plants right now?"   -Use them sparingly if at all in the early fall, with exception to feeding the lawn.  We don't want to promote new growth on woody plants, or change the plants shutting down process as they harden off for the winter.  Feed trees in late fall, or after they begin showing the shut down for the fall.  Same goes for the other woody plants.  Feed newly planted plants and bulbs with a starter fertilizer, which basically is a root stimulant. And be sure to feed the lawn at least 2 times, once in early fall and once after the lawn has stopped growing for the season.

"As you mentioned earlier, I did paint the plumes on my grasses.  Two are red/gray for Deer Park, and the other Orange/Black for the Bengals.  I've had several nice comments about them!"  -Cool!  Hey, what about the scarlet/gray one for The OSU?

“Now that the Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in our area, what do you recommend for treating our ash trees and protecting them from EAB infestation?”   -Good question, and to be honest, whether or not to try and protect your ash trees is a decision that only you can make.  Answering your question, for the homeowner wondering what they could do for their ash trees at this stage, we can tell you that (DIY) annual applications (applications every year) of Bayer’s Tree and Shrub Insect Control (spring or fall) or annual insertions of Bonide’s Systemic Insecticide Bullets (spring) are recommended for control of EAB in ash trees.  But do note that these may not be 100% in their control, as many other factors can influence their effectiveness (timing of applications, thoroughness of the applications, the tree’s overall health, weather, soil types, cooperation of the tree itself, etc.).    There are also systemic applications and bark spray programs available through certified arborists / registered pesticide applicators, but again may not be 100% effective due to the many influencing factors mentioned above.  (Check with your local certified arborist)   Homeowners should take time to evaluate whether indeed they do wish to treat their ash trees for protection against the EAB, basing their evaluations on personal budgets and cost effectiveness (costs for annual applications of insecticides each year as well as costs to maintain the tree in its ultimate health condition, versus the costs for possible tree removal if the unprotected or protected tree becomes infested, which will require removal as all infested ash trees die within 1-5 years of infestation), the possibility of not having 100% guaranteed protection, and the possibility that the EAB may never make it to their yard.   So, whether or not to treat ash trees for protection against the EAB is entirely up to the homeowner.  Insecticides are available at Natorp’s Garden Stores for the homeowner (DIY) to treat their trees, as well as the EAB insecticidal treatment programs available through local certified arborists / registered pesticide applicators.  What to do is up to each homeowner, but do keep in mind that there is always a chance the EAB may never reach your yard and your ash trees, or it may show up tomorrow, in 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years, or again, never show up.  And during this time, hopefully a cure will be discovered to stop the EAB spread.    NOTE:  The spread of EAB has been largely accredited to the movement of firewood (ash) and ash tree materials from infested areas.  You are now seeing billboards reminding you to not move these products from quarantined or infested areas.  It is against the law, and there is a fine.  Citizens play an important role in detecting and slowing the spread of EAB.  To learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer, visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab, www.emeraldashborer.info, or www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/eab.                      [Natorp’s 06]

[Hey Dr. Lehenbauer - don't you think that it's a bit unnerving for us patients to know that what you do is called "practice"?  Practice?!]

This week's Success Tip for your garden - Light Up Your Yard Next Spring!  If you’re looking for a way to light up your yard next spring, I’ve got the perfect answer.  Plant spring bulbs!  That’s right, plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, alliums, snowdrops and more!  Spring flowering bulbs are planted in the fall, because they need a period of cold before they will bloom.  Planting in October gives them plenty of time to root in before winter, and of course, winter provides the cold temperatures.       Now here are a few tips when it comes to successful spring bulb planting:   1.) Take a moment and read the bulb labels.  Not all bloom at the same time, so by proper planning, you’ll be able to extend your spring flowering from late winter through late spring.       2.) Once you’ve decided on the bulbs you’d like, make sure the actual bulbs you chose are firm, not soft, and look for the largest bulbs.  Make sure you mark the bags so you remember which bulbs are which!     3.) Plant your bulbs in an area that receives at least ½ day of full sun.  Make sure the soil is well drained.  Bulbs won’t tolerate wet feet.  Add Pine Soil Conditioner as a soil amendment if needed.   4.) Plant your bulbs point up.  If in doubt, plant the bulb on its side.  For the larger bulbs like tulips and daffs, plant 6-8 inches deep, 6 inches apart.  For the smaller minor bulbs, plant around 4 inches deep, and 4 inches apart.  And be sure to plant  your bulbs in masses or natural patterns, not in rows like little toy soldiers.   5.) For ease of planting, use a spade and dig out larger holes for massed plantings, or try using the planting auger, which attaches to your electric drill.   6.) Be sure to feed your new bulbs with a good bulb food like Espoma’s Bulb Food, which can be sprinkled into the hole, or over the top.    7.) Once you’re finished planting, be sure to water your bulbs thoroughly.  If it stays dry through the fall, you’ll need to water the bulbs really well, about every 10 days until we get close to Christmas.     NOTE:  If squirrels and rodents have been a problem for your newly planted bulbs, try some of the rodent repellents, or placing chicken wire over top of the planting areas, or just forget all the other bulbs and only plant Fritillaria and daffodils.  Rodents don’t like them, and guess what?  Neither do the deer!

 [What would a chair look like if your knees bent the other way?]

*From the Garden to the Kitchen / Hey Rita, what's cooking? - Yardboy, you know my motto: Love really does start in the kitchen, but it’s nice when that “love” can come in an easy and delicious meal.  These upside down pizzas are great for kids and adults – you can make your own signature pizza.  And if you’re making these with kids, let them decide on the toppings – you don’t have to have exact amounts of anything – just use your good judgment.  Kids are always much more adventurous when they have a hand in the decision making.  These pizzas are great on their own, or as a side for a steaming bowl of chill-chasing soup.  And, yes, this is another great recipe to clean out the veggie bin with!  I let the little ones go out into the herb garden and choose fresh Italian herbs to add to the pizzas.

UPSIDE DOWN PIZZA - For each pizza you’ll need: 1 pita bread, 8”,  1 tablespoon each: (eyeball it – go to taste on these),  Pepperoni slices, quartered if desired,  Diced bell pepper,  Diced onion or green onion,  Diced tomatoes,  Sliced mushrooms,  Shake of Italian seasoning or a few snips of fresh basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, etc.,  Shake of garlic powder (opt),  2-3 tablespoons Mozzarella shredded,  and 1 tablespoon Parmesan.      In a 9” nonstick skillet, put pepperoni slices in. Now add everything else, except Mozzarella and Parmesan.  Cook for a minute or two and then add Mozzarella.  Let it start to melt – this is the “glue” that holds the pizza together.  Place a pita bread on top of this mixture and press firmly.  Gently rotate the pita back and forth and in a circular motion to help combine ingredients together.    Invert a flat plate over pan.  Holding pan and plate firmly together, flip pizza onto plate.  Top with grated Parmesan cheese.  Cut into wedges and enjoy!

-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]

[I just got skylights put in my place.  The people who live above me are furious.]

*Yardboy's plant to ponder - Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze Maple' is today's plant to ponder.  This large moderately fast growing shade tree is a hybrid  maple that combines the best features of red and silver maples.  It has the vigor and adaptability of the silver, along with the beauty and strength of the red.  It was the 2003 Urban Tree of the Year!  Hardy to zone 3, grows 50' x 40', medium green leaves in the summer and brilliant orange red long lasting fall color.  Definitely a great tree to ponder, especially if you're looking to plant a shade tree in your yard this fall!

[My mind not only wonders, sometimes it leaves completely.]

A little bit of this and a little bit of that - You can light- up you yard next spring by planting spring bulbs now.  But guess what?  You can do the same thing, to light up your outdoor containers or to bring spring bulb colors inside your home.  Instead of planting bulbs in the ground, simply plant them in a pot! Growing spring bulbs in a container - Now here’s what you’ll need for your potted spring bulbs project:  -8 inch or larger pots, with good drainage holes in the bottom, -Soil-less potting mix for our potting medium, -A little of Espoma’s Bulb Food, -And the bulbs of your choice.  Any of the spring flowering bulbs will work, so let’s do some pots of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths for great fragrances, and a few minor bulbs, like these crocus, for early colors.  1.) Take your pots and place about an inch or so of soil-less potting mix in the bottom.  2.) Then, evenly distribute your bulbs in the mix, point up, and feel free to plant them a little closer than you would normally in the ground.  For the tulips, place the flat side of the bulb to the outside of the pot.  3.) Cover your bulbs with more of your soil-less mix, sprinkle on a little bulb food, and then continue to fill the pot to the top, lightly compressing the soil as you fill.  4.) Water your potted bulbs thoroughly.  5.) Now, here’s the secret.  You must over winter your potted bulbs in a cold area.  So, leave your pots of bulbs outside.  Once the temperatures outside have become very cold, consistently, move the planted bulb pots inside an unheated garage or shed, put them down in a window well, or actually heel them in the ground for the winter, and cover with leaves or mulch.   Check to make sure they even moisture over the winter, and otherwise, just let them sit.  6.) Early next spring, when the bulbs start to grow, bring them in to the house, or place your potted bulbs in an outdoor planter, give them a light feeding, water as needed, and let them do their ‘spring thing’.  When they’re totally finished, you can take them out of the pot, plant them in the garden and enjoy them for years to come!

Falling Leaves - as the leaves begin to fall, feel free to mow them back into the turf.  This process is a 'thin-layer' composting process, combining grass blades and finely ground leaves.  Do this for mature established lawns.  For new lawns seeded this fall, collect the leaves from the lawn before mowing.  Take collected finely ground leaves and start a compost pile!  By next spring, you'll have organic gold which can be used as a soil amendment, topdressing, etc.  NOTE:  Lawns can take only so many ground up leaves.  Do this during the early and late leaf falling season - you may need to collect leaves during the heaviest leaf drop period.

[I have an inferiority complex - but it's not a very good one.]

Classes, Seminars, and upcoming Special Events - - FARM CITY TOUR - Would you and your family like to visit an array of working farms and learn more about agriculture and agribusiness activities?  Then don't miss the Butler County Farm City Tour, scheduled for October 14 and 15.  You can set your own pace and visit as many places as you like, in whichever order you like.  To find out more and to receive a map, call Butler Soil & Water Conservation District at 513-887-3720.  Now this will be a fun tour! (Tom Study Farm / Contreras Rd. / Dairy, Brent Tincher Farm / Riggs Rd. / Horses, Mark Tincher Farm / Stillwell Beckett Rd. / Sheep, Brian Butterfield / St.Rt.73 / Farm Market, and Jeff Ittle, Green Prairie Turf / Jones Rd. / Sod and Tree Farm.

October 14.  Build a Whimsical Fairy House at the Civic Garden Center, 10am-Noon.  Let your imagination run wild as you create a fairy dwelling out of botanical materials.  Groups can register together and build one house for one price.  Children over 10 may build a house of their own.  Solo adults welcome as well.  We supply the botanical materials and you bring your imagination!  Cost:  $20.00 per house. Reservations appreciated, 513/221-0981, Ext. 18

History of Halloween Brunch -  Sharon Woods Visitor Centre
Wednesday, October 25, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Register here (Register by October 16) This is an adult program designed for seniors.  Join the Hamilton County Park District for a fun and exciting event. The History of Halloween Brunch will be hosted at the Sharon Woods Visitor Centre in Sharon Woods.  Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costume and have their pictures taken. Prizes will be awarded!  There will be pumpkins to decorate, apples to bob for and other screamingly fun activities to enjoy! Afterwards, enjoy shopping at the Nature’s Niche Store, explore the natural museum or take a walking tour through nearby Heritage Village. Cost is only $17.95 per person and includes Brunch Buffet, presentation on the origin of Halloween and its customs, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, apple bobbing, pictures taken, tour of Heritage Village and much more.

Echoes of the Past Tour - Friday, October 20 8 am - 3:30 pm
(Register by October 13) $49.50 per person Register here   Join the Hamilton County Park District for a tour through local history. Echoes of the Past will come alive as we visit historical places and hear about local legends.  Start the day with a hot breakfast buffet at Sharon Woods Visitor Centre. You will enjoy scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, freshly baked biscuits and sausage gravy, assorted pastries, fresh fruit and, of course, coffee and juice. After breakfast, a comfortable tour bus will be waiting to take you on the first leg of our journey back over 200 years.  Shawnee Lookout is home to the Springhouse School and a log cabin built in 1795.   After seeing our early pioneers at Shawnee Lookout, you will journey ahead to the riverboat era. Lunch will be provided at Fernbank Park at the newly renovated Fernbank Lodge. This historical site overlooks the Ohio river in a very picturesque setting. Riverboat music will keep you entertained while enjoying a hot grilled lunch.  Mr. Jim Williams will take you back to the riverboat days with his portrayal on river history.  After hearing of our ancestors and their adventures on the Ohio River, you will then travel to Sharon Woods and the Heritage Village.  Tour guides will take you on a tour of the village. This is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes.

If you need ISA Certified Arborist Continuing Education Credits, or if you just want to learn your trees and enjoy the fall colors, please come to the “Fall Tree & Shrub I.D. Walk” on Tuesday, October 17 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Boone County Arboretum at Central Park, 9190 Camp Ernst Road, Union. Please call 859-586-6101 to register, on enroll on-line at http://ces.ca.uky.edu/boone.  The plant I.D. walk will be led by Mike Klahr, Boone County Extension Horticulture Agent, and Kris Stone, Arboretum Director

[I'm a psychic amnesiac.  I know in advance what I'll forget.]

Wow!  Lot's of stuff this week!  Sorry about that, but we're just trying to keep you informed as best we can.  Now, do yourself a favor.  Go out and have the absolute best weekend of your life.  See ya.  RW, the Yardboy.  Go Bearcats, Go Bengals, and GO BUCKS!

[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 (except during Buckeye football season)  -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 'I like Gary better' Strecker, who without Joe, the show just wouldn't go.)

[Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories. -The Big Dog's point to ponder.]