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In this issue for August 2006:
COLUMN FROM SHELLEY RYAN, PRODUCER/HOST OF THE WISCONSIN GARDENER
THE SKINNY ON THE EMERALD ASH BORER LAWN-MOWING TIPS FEATURED BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION - Aug. 20 through Sept. 17 ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE COLUMN FROM SHELLEY RYAN, PRODUCER/HOST OF THE WISCONSIN GARDENER 
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am a plant-a-holic. I see a new plant and I want it! In the next Wisconsin Gardener, airing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, I meet a whole bunch of new plants, and darn it, I want every one of them. The first segment of the program features Roy Klehm, co-owner of Klehm's Songsparrow Farm and Nursery in Avalon, Wis. He showed us a wonderful array of new woody plants for the garden, maples with pink swirled foliage, redbuds with green and white variegated foliage and a hazelnut with purple foliage. I need a bigger yard. As always, this kind of segment reminds me that flowers are great, but mostly short-lived. It's the foliage plants, whether hostas, heucheras, or trees and shrubs, that provide long-lasting interest. This new program also features a segment on creating and using vinegars. It's a great way to use herbs, peppers and even fruits from the garden. This is quite an eye-opener. Who would ever think of using flavored vinegar on pasta or mushrooms? Speaking of which, we will learn to become mushroom gardeners on this program. It's much easier than I expected, and as usual, I think I m hooked. Did I mention I need a bigger yard? Another segment, which as I write this hasn't even been taped yet, features Jim Neinhuis of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Horticulture Department. Jim's passion is growing and roasting peppers. It should be highly entertaining. I sat in on a lecture Jim did in Mineral Point on "The History of Vegetables in Renaissance Art." I've never laughed so hard in my life. If you've heard him on the Larry Meiller show on Wisconsin Public Radio you'll perhaps understand. Of course, now that I've said this, watch him behave. Anyhow, it promises to be an entertaining and flavorful program. So sit back, enjoy and try not to drool. THE SKINNY ON THE EMERALD ASH BORER Here's the skinny on a small bug, the Emerald Ash Borer, which could cause great devastation to Wisconsin's ash trees. It has already been detected in Northern Illinois and is likely headed to the state.- When the beetle emerges from the tree trunk, it creates a D-shaped hole (the shape of its body) that is 2 to 3 mm in diameter. - Peel back bark and look for serpentine tracks in the wood. Emerald Ash Borer larvae cause those. - An infested tree will die back gradually over three years. In the first year, the top third of the tree will yellow and drop leaves. In the second year, the second third will be affected. Finally in the third year, the bottom third will die. During the first year if there is yellow in the top of the tree, check the base for suckers. This is a common defense at the tree s base against the bug but rarely happens if the tree is affected by vercillium. - Look for the beetle itself. It is pretty, a metallic green about 1/2-long and narrow. www.entomology.wisc.edu/emeraldashborer/ LAWN-MOWING TIPS The length grass, as well as how often it is cut, determines the overall appearance of the lawn. Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue are the most common grasses found in Wisconsin lawns and should be mowed no closer than two inches. This length is optimal for shading the grass, preventing weed growth and maintaining a cool temperature. If the grass becomes shorter than the recommended two inches, it is more susceptible to injury from drought and disease. To ensure that the grass is being cut the proper length, place the mower on a hard surface and measure from the blade to the surface. Clippings can be re-used to return nutrients to the soil, which decreases the use of fertilizer.FEATURED BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION - Aug. 20 through Sept. 17 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3 The Wisconsin Gardener "Hot Plants." Producer/Host Shelley Ryan learns more about peppers and new varieties of trees -- two ways to explore hot plants. www.wpt.org/garden/ Funding for The Wisconsin Gardener is provided, in part, by Ariens Co., www.ariens.com/2 p.m. Sundays (Except Sept. 3) Great Lakes Gardener. Get tips on green and growing things in this climate. Tour great Midwestern gardens. www.mptv.org/gardener/ 2:30 p.m. Sundays The Victory Garden. Host Michael Weishan tours gardens and offers tips. www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden/ 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, 27 and Sept. 3 P. Allen Smith's Garden Home. Get inspired to blend indoor and outdoor living. Plus, visit some of the world s most beautiful gardens. "www.pallensmith.com/ ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER How to Subscribe How to Unsubscribe | |||
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