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Just when I thought we were rolling into the spring season, Mama Nature grabs us by the ear and lets us know who's in charge.  And, that we'll roll into the spring season, when SHE says she's good and ready!  Yes maam!

[You know you're living in 2006 when you tilt your head sideways to smile.]

*Whether it's the weather - A sudden change in weather, indeed!  Colder temps and a little bit of snow has moved in, and of course now everyone wants to know if this will affect their plants that are 10 days ahead of schedule.  Time will tell, obviously, but if anything, it'll be some of the more extended flowers that get damaged first.  As for the foliage, in most cases, woody plants have the ability to send out a second round of foliage buds if needed.  I think they're okay, but we'll know in time.  One thing for sure; ain't a darned thing we can do about it! 

By the way, The National Climatic Data Center has declared the 2005-2006 winter season as the 5th warmest December thru February period on record for the contiguous United States, with January dominating the higher winter averages.  Overall, winter precipitation was near average for the nation, but extremely dry conditions prevailed throughout much of the Southwest, central and southern Plains.  The Far West and Northwest was above averages for rainfall, Arizona experienced the dries winter on record, as many other states were very close to the same.  Drought affected about 25% of the contiguous U.S.  How was the winter precipitation in your backyard?

[You know you're living in 2006 when you haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.]

*What's bugging you? - Now we're starting to get calls concerning insects appearing indoors from nowhere!  Asian and regular lady bugs, leaf-footed bugs, box-elder bugs, and now the occasional attic flies are "dropping out of the ceilings", and those little brown millipedes are showing up around door jams as temperatures begin to warm.  Most household sprays may knock them down by contact, but they have little residual action.

Dr. Dave Shelter (The Bug Doc) says it won't be long until grubs will be back at the soil surface (if not there already), so look for raccoons and skunks digging in your yard to munch on these early spring appetizers.  In addition to the grubs, they will also be enjoying night crawlers, and other bug like goodies found in your soil.  DO NOT TREAT FOR GRUBS.  But, what you may want to try, is applying Milorganite (natural fertilizer derived from processed human waste) in the area where the critters are digging.  Seems golf courses are having good success repelling raccoons and skunks from digging in areas where Milorganite has been applied. 

By the way, watch for a new "mole control" to become available in the future.  It's Talpirid - causes neural edema and swelling of the brain in the mole.  They will be available in a worm like form, which will be inserted into active mole runs.  Sounds like this one is getting some good feedback from field studies.  We'll keep you informed.  For now, keep trapping, keep removing them physically, keep using Bonide's MoleMax as a repellent if you'd like, or inject Bonide's Moletox Baited Gel into their runs. (Thank you Dr. Shelter for your input!  Hopefully Buggy Joe will be pupating soon and back in business!)

[You know you're living in 2006 when you have 15 phone numbers for your family of 3.]

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

"In our condo community, they put 3-4 inches deep of mulch up the base of a variety of trees.  Seems that you caution people against doing this, right?  Also, what does referencing a tree as 3 1/2 inch cal. mean?"   -Great questions!  'Cal,’ stands for the caliper of the tree trunk - diameter.  (Ex. 3 ½ inch trunk diameter.)  As for the mulching, we know, through experience and much research, that mulching depths are best kept 1-3 inches, and in most cases, less is better.  And, through experience and much research, we also know that piling mulch against the trunk of a tree, will indeed, over time, begin to cause decay of the tree trunk, which could lead to death of the tree.  Our / my recommendations is to mulch 1-3 inches, less is better, and never place the mulch against the trunk of the tree.  The mulch should actually look like a donut, with the tree planted in the hole in the donut.  Hope this helps. 

"I'm looking high and low for products to help with vegetation control in my pond (Rodeo is one).  Any suggestions?"   Try contacting The Pond Doctors (812-623-2253) or Jones Fish Hatchery (513-561-2615).

"Question about Preen.  If I use Preen now in the beds, can I still plant grasses and other plants later this spring?"   -Absolutely!  Make sure you always read the label for restrictions, but this will be fine.  Now, do remember that Preen creates a barrier in the mulch or soil that helps keep weed seeds from growing through it.  When you plant, or move the soil or mulch, you break the barrier.  So, after planting is finished, re-apply Preen to those areas.  Same goes if you're core aerating your lawn in the spring.  Core aerate first, then apply the pre emergent later.  You don't break the barrier that way.

"I have several Silver Maples that get a gall on the leaves every year.  My research says spray with a dormant oil in early spring.  True?"  -There are several types of galls that maples (and other trees) may get on their leaves, and to be honest, are rarely to never sprayed for!  Those galls are mostly aesthetic and cause no harm to the tree.  They may leave a hole in the leaf later, but that's it.  So, in my opinion, I wouldn't spray for them.

"Do I still have time to start seeds indoors for spring planting?"  -Yes you do.  Check the back of your seed packs and see how long it takes for the seeds to germinate and then be ready for transplanting into the garden.  Then, count back from May 15th (frost free date for our area).  That's when you should start the seeds indoors.  It's about 6-8 weeks for tomatoes, so count backwards from May 15th, and you get "RIGHT NOW"!

"Where can I learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer I keep hearing about?"   -Go to www.emeraldashborer.info .

"Ron, wanted to thank you for recommending Doak's Animal Removal Service (722-2145).  He captured 2 groundhogs, and was a real treat to work with.  Loved his knowledge about the critters!" -You are welcome.

"Ron, just a tip to share with you; when planting spring or summer bulbs, or even smaller potted perennials and shrubs, I use a post hole digger.  It's quick, easy, and seems to work better for me that a shovel or spade."    -Great tip!  Thank you!

[You know you're living in 2006 when every commercial on TV now has a web site at the bottom of the screen.]

This week's Success Tip for you garden - Container Gardening Basics:  Container gardening allows anyone the opportunity to grow plants.  Annuals, perennials, herbs, trees ands shrubs, vegetables, water plants; if it grows, chances are it can be grown in a pot.  Container gardening is mobile, can be a quick fix, quick spruce up or decoration, can be short or long term, helps to extend the seasons, can be year-round, and works for homeowners, condo and apartment dwellers, kids, senior citizens, physically challenged, or anyone who just wants to do a little gardening.  So, let’s take a look at the basic materials you’ll need to get started with container gardening.  Here’s what you’ll need:

1.) The first thing you’ll need is the container.  And you know what?  Any container will work, as long as it’s large enough to support the root system of the plants you intend on growing in it, and that it has excellent drainage holes.  There are so many pots and decorative containers to chose from today, it’s unreal.  But again, size and great drainage are the 2 most important factors.  Do not add gravel to assist in drainage.  All it does is add weight to the pot!

2.) Next, you’ll need a good soil-less potting mix.  These mixes are what the professional use, and although there are many brands to chose from, the basic ingredients include sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and sometimes a small finely ground pine bark.  Forget the 99cent bags of muck-invest in the soil-less mixes. And remember, you can use them year after year.  Depending on the soil-less mix, you may want to add extra Pine Soil Conditioner to the mix (25-30% pine soil conditioner).  Combining soil-less potting mix and Pine Soil Conditioner makes one very nice growing medium!

3.) Soil-less mixes are basically nutrient free, so you’ll need to add a little fertilizer to the mix.  Use a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote for a slow all season feeding, and then supplement additional feedings as needed with good old Miracle Gro, Fish Emulsion, or fertilizer of your choice, and feed as needed depending on what you’ll be growing in your containers.

4.) And here’s a real secret to container gardening.  Plants in containers will be depending on you for water.  So make sure you have a good water wand.  And to help cut down on your watering, add Soil Moist to your soil-less mix.  These tiny polymers absorb water, swelling to 200 times their original size, and as the soil-less mix becomes dry, the Soil Moist releases water back to the soil, basically cutting your watering in half.  Also consider using ‘Aqua Cones’ to help reduce your watering times.

Okay, now you’ve got the basics for container gardening.  The rest is up to you and your imagination.  “If it grows in the ground, chances are it’ll grow in a pot.  And if you aren’t doing some type of container gardening, you just aren’t gardening!”

[You know you're living in 2006 when you get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.]

*From the Garden to the Kitchen / Hey Rita, what's cooking? - Yardboy, we ate at a trendy Italian restaurant this week, and, as is custom, a bottle of infused herbal olive oil and balsamic vinegar were brought to our table along with crusty Italian bread for dipping.  The waiter told me that the herbs were simply put into the oil on a daily basis. Now I like to cook my herbs in the oil slowly to bring out the flavor.  No kidding, Yardboy, this recipe rivals anything you could get in an authentic Italian restaurant. Not bad for a Lebanese woman cooking Italian!

RITA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT’S HERB DIPPING OIL - It’s a great way to use those dry herbs that are just about ready to be replaced with fresh!  Now go to taste on this. Add more, or less, of any herb. Wonderful paired with balsamic vinegar.

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon each dry herbs: rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil
Dash red pepper flakes (opt but good)
Pour olive oil into small saucepan or skillet.  Add herbs and spice.  Slowly cook until garlic is golden but not brown.  Pour into shallow bowl and surround with French, whole grain or Italian bread. Store leftovers in frig and use within a few days.

Why this recipe is good for you:

• Olive oil is a healthy fat, one we should be using frequently.  Extra virgin is from the first cold pressing of the olives, and this oil has the most flavor and the least amount of acid.
• Rosemary is full of antioxidants.  Also it’s great for your memory.
• Thyme is like a medicine chest in a plant.  It’s antibacterial and is wonderful for your respiratory system.
• Oregano, well that’s about the most healing herb on the planet. Good for your joints, and the immune system.
• Basil has potassium and iron.
• Whole grains have a lower glycemic index and your body absorbs them slower, so you don’t get a surge of carbs/sugar in your system.
• Cayenne pepper is actually good for your tummy and is used in some topical creams for sore muscles.  Copyright 2006 Rita Heikenfeld

-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 / Part time Witchdoctor and maker of strange potions    [life@communitypress.com  attn: Rita]

[You know you're living in 2006 if you're reading these and nodding your head!]

*Yardboy's plant to ponder - Perennial of the Year – Dianthus g. ‘Firewitch’  A German hybrid noted for its blue green foliage, heat tolerance, and the fact that it’s the longest flowering of dianthus, Firewitch produces brilliant, bright-magenta pink, clove scented blooms that reach 6-7 inches above the evergreen foliage.  Heavy mid-spring bloomer, followed by sporadic summertime and fall re-bloom if deadheaded.  Low maintenance evergreen groundcover that grows best in full to partly sunny areas, with well drained slightly alkaline soils.  Butterflies enjoy this dianthus’ nectar!  (Be sure to water during drought.)  *Chosen by the Perennial Plant Association.

[Always drink upstream from the herd.]

A little bit of this and a little bit of that - Obviously, this weeks colder weather and little bit of snow has put outdoor gardening at a bit of a stand still.  So, take this time to make sure your gardening tools and equipment are cleaned, oiled, fixed and ready to go for the season.  Spray paint those handles orange so you can see them better in the garden.  Had your mower serviced yet?  If not, you'd better get busy.  As soon as this snow disappears and the weather warms, the first mowing will be taking place.  And trust me, that's right around the corner.  Get that mower serviced, AND MAKE SURE THE BLADES ARE SHARPENED AND READY TO MAKE CLEAN CUTS!  The first mowing in the spring is a very important mowing, as it helps pull up dead grass and low lying debris, pulls the grass blades up, and helps to get sun down into the soil and get things warming up.  It's simply amazing how your lawn responds to that first mowing!

[Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.]

Classes, Seminars, and upcoming Special Events - Here are a few of the many classes being offered by the UK Cooperative Extension Service, Boone County.  For more information or to register for these and other great spring classes, call 859-586-6101.

"Dogwoods with Dr. Paul Cappiello" - 4/15/06 - 10:00am. 
 "Groovy Groundcovers for Great Landscapes" - Mike Klahr - 4/25/06 -6:30 til 8:30pm.   "Tantalizing Tomatoes" - Come find out how to grow America's favorite vegetable. Seedlings of tomatoes available. -5/5/06 - 9:30 - 11:30am. 
ALL are FREE and open to the public.

Granny's Garden in Loveland Needs Your Help! - Unfortunately, part of Granny's Garden was destroyed by vandals this past weekend.  But, coordinator or the gardens Roberta Paolo says that won't stop this on going educational garden.  On Saturday, April 8th, from 10-2pm, volunteers are being asked to come and help clean up the damages and the rest of the gardens.  Shovels, wheelbarrows, saws, and a little elbow grease will be needed.  Can Roberta count on you?  E-mail schoolgarden@fuse.net or call 324-2873 and let her know.  Many thanks to YOU for helping!

Is your non-profit club, group, or organization looking for a great fundraiser?  Why not try selling Natorp's Gift Cards?  For more information, email me at rwilson@natorp.com. 

[Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.]

OBKB.  That's it for this week. If you're walking in the Mini Heart Walkathon Sunday, I'll see you there with my buddies from 55KRC.  (I'm gonna smoke you, Big Dog!)  Go Bearcats Basketball - beat South Carolina!  (Hey Nancy; do us a favor and just hire Andy!) Now, do yourself a favor.  Go out and make this the best weekend of your life.  See ya.  RW, the Yardboy.  (Oh yeah, thanks to my daughter Megan for the "Living in 2006" stuff!)

[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 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, occasional appearances on 'Homeworx' (Sundays at 11:30am Local 12), and read his monthly column in your local Community Press Papers.]