Garden almanac, Garden Pests

In The Garden This Week

Let’s talk about a few garden things in the garden this week. Leave hail damage garden plants and flower plants alone. By now you should see what is dead or dying so remove them. Most plants will set leaves and reflower, we have plenty of time left. Trees with split trunks should be removed. If over ½ of the tree is gone, consider removing and replacing it. For slightly damaged trees, trim to the nearest large branch or trunk. Keep well-watered but let the fertilizing go till next year. Do not paint over any wound, let the air dry it out.

Late blight on tomato plant.

There have been a lot of lower leaves on tomato plants yellowing and drying up, you might be dealing with early blight. It’s a pesky fungus that thrives in hot, humid weather. The best way to manage it is by applying a fungicide to protect the unaffected leaves, especially after it rains. And if you’re watering, try soaking the ground instead of watering overhead to keep things in check. You might start using a fungicide if they were wounded by the hail.

Now, onto weeds. Roundup, which is now made by Bayer, has been a go-to for nonselective weed killing. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, is also available under other labels now that its patent has expired. The key difference? The concentration of the active ingredient. Roundup usually ranges from 41% to 50%, but you can find generic versions with up to 54% glyphosate. Just be sure to read the mixing instructions carefully!

Needle cast disease on evergreens.

If you’ve got pines and notice the older needles dying, especially on one side, it could be a needle cast fungus. While fungicides can help, they must be applied early in the season. For now, just keep your trees well-watered.

And don’t forget to keep deadheading (removing dead blossoms) your annuals like snapdragons, coleus, marigolds, zinnias, and daisies to keep them blooming until the first frost.

Puncture vine.

Lastly, the weed of the week is the puncture vine. It’s sneaky and can be painful if you step on it barefoot or in stockings. You’ll usually find it in gardens, flowerbeds, or along gravel roads. The best solution? Hoe it out and never let it set seeds.

Dragonfly on a coneflower.

On a brighter note, dragonflies are out in full force, which means mosquito populations are dropping!

Garden almanac

This Week in the Garden

Well, this week in the garden is becoming more stressful. My apple tree is slowly falling over (it will be removed this fall after harvest). Some squash plants died because of borers.

Late Blight Fungus on Tomatoes

The tomatoes have been hit by early blight. Early blight is a fungus that causes the lower leaves to yellow and dry up quickly. Use a fungicide like Daconil to protect the nonaffected leaves. Pick off the yellow and brown leaves and throw them away. Water on the ground and do not use a sprinkler. This fungus has been worse this year with the warmth and humidity.

Sphinx Moth

Some people think moths are a problem this year. Moths are great pollinators. While not as pretty as butterflies, they outnumber butterflies by 5 to 1. They like trumpet-shaped flowers like moonflowers and datura. The big moth flying around now is the sphinx moth coming from the tomato hornworm. I did see several flower moths which were a bright furry pink but I did not have my phone to take a picture.

South Dakota Cicada

I have been hearing our annual cicadas humming. These are not the 15- or 30-year cicadas they have in the southern or eastern part of the country.

Cicada Killer Wasp

You may notice little hills with a hole in the top around areas with soil. These are cicada wasps that catch the cicadas, take them back to their home, and lay eggs on them. The eggs hatch and feed on the paralyzed cicada. They are harmless to humans.

Emerald Ash Borer

In our area, we have native ash borers that cause many problems. The emerald ash borer that has been found around Sioux Falls area has now been found around Brookings County. There are other great trees to plant than green ash trees.

Be careful of some of the homemade weed killers and insect sprays you can find on the internet. Some cause more problems for the plants and environment, especially the ones that use salt or acid (vinegar). For instance, using anything with an oil in it above 85 degrees will harm the plants.

Do not forget to deep water your young trees and shrubs with this upcoming heat wave.

Landscaping decor

Gardens are Magical Places

Gardens are magical places where nature and human creativity come together. One of the most enchanting ways to enhance your outdoor space is by incorporating antiques into your garden landscape. These pieces bring a sense of history, charm, and uniqueness that modern items often lack. Let’s dive into how you can infuse your garden with timeless elegance using antiques.

Finding the Perfect Antiques

First things first, you need to find the right antiques. Start by exploring local salvage yards, antique shops, and estate sales. These places are treasure troves of unique items, each with a story and character. When you find something that resonates with you, imagine how it might look nestled among your plants and flowers.

Don’t forget about online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and specialized antique sites. You can find various garden-appropriate antiques, from vintage wrought iron gates to weathered statues. Just check seller ratings and reviews to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

Integrating Antiques into Your Garden

Now that you’ve found some treasures, it’s time to integrate them into your garden. Antiques make excellent focal points. Imagine a vintage sundial or an old stone bench becoming the centerpiece of your garden. Position these items where they can draw the eye and invite visitors to explore further.

Pairing antiques with the right plants can create beautiful, harmonious scenes. Picture a rusted iron trellis intertwined with climbing roses or an ancient stone urn brimming with cascading ivy. These combinations can evoke a sense of timeless beauty.

Pathways and entrances are also great places for antique elements. Old cobblestones or bricks can form charming paths, while a vintage gate can serve as a welcoming entrance that hints at the delights within.

Practical Considerations

When it comes to practicalities, keep in mind that antiques, especially those made of metal or wood, can be susceptible to the elements. Treat wooden items with sealant to prevent rot, and apply rust-resistant paint to metal pieces to ensure they last.

Security is another consideration. Some antiques can be valuable and may attract unwanted attention. Make sure heavy items are securely placed, and consider discrete security measures for smaller, more portable pieces.

Personal Touches

Every antique has a story, and incorporating pieces that resonate with your personal history or passions can make your garden even more special. Perhaps an old farm tool reminds you of your grandparents’ garden, or a Victorian-era statue reflects your love for classic art. These stories add layers of meaning to your garden.

Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and eras. A 19th-century wrought iron bench can look stunning alongside modern sculptures and contemporary plants. The key is to balance and blend elements in a way that feels cohesive and natural.

Conclusion

Incorporating antiques into your garden landscape is more than just a design choice; it’s a way to create a space rich with history, charm, and personal significance. Whether you’re an avid antique collector or just starting, these timeless pieces can transform your garden into a living work of art. Embrace the beauty of the past and let it blossom in your garden today.