Fall Leaves Still on Trees?

Maple Tree Disease
The maple's at it again.  Rather than toss her fiery crimson leaves to the ground after the final frost, the Japanese maple has clung stubbornly to withered brown leaves  through this brutal, snowy winter.

The maple in the front fared about  the same, as did the neighbor's pair of flowering pears. 

I found that reassuring. It's unlikely varied and mature trees would suffer simultaneous disease.

Spring's yet to sprung, but it appears that the shaggy trees are the result of an early cold winter.

In southeast Michigan, the "first widespread frost event" of 2017 was reported on October 26th.  The Old Farmer's Almanac calculated the probable date as October 30th, using 1981 to 2010  average "Climate Normals."

Usually the decrease in daylight along with a gradual freeze
allows a tree to begin the gradual process of discoloration coupled with the tightening of the ring at the base.. of each leaf.  The tree, in her own deliberate way, schluffs off her leaves each fall.

In the fall of 2017  the frost was early and hard,
and many trees simply retired ahead of schedule --becoming dormant before the job was completely done.  What's left are muddy looking leaves.

Not to worry.  In the spring, new leaf buds will finish the job, and toss last year's to the ground.

And you thought you were done with fall clean-up?

Grab the rake!

still hanging on:

Black Spots on Maple Leaves

Colorado Pine Beetle Disease

Fallproof Spring Bulbs

When to plant bulbs?
The only difficulty is finding the time.  Fall garden work carries less of an urgency than spring and summer.  Colorful leaves obscure all defects and the neglected home interior needs some attention before the holidays. 

Still, an hour in the yard can yield so much beauty in the spring.  Break away at half-time. You'll thank yourself in the spring.


Spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus and grape hyacinth should be planted in the fall or early winter--so long as a spade can pierce the ground.

Bulbs need at least six weeks of winter freeze in order to bloom.

Tools needed:

• Bucket for sorting the bulbs--toss out any mushy corms.
• Rake
• Large shovel or spade.
• Baby or foot powder (to deter squirrels--they hate the taste, but who wouldn't?)

There are only a few steps:

1. Clear the area with a rake.
2. Dig a trench to the recommended depth (typically six inches)
3. Plant the bulbs in double lines, closely together, pointed side upward.
4. Dust with powder (to avoid rodent snacking)
5. Cover with soil.

Then head back into the house for a warm cuppa tea or chocolate.

LIGHT BULBS:

Planting Bulbs ~~ Pay it Forward

Chinese Garlic Mustard ~~ Winter Weeds and Good Deeds

Impatiens Report 2018

Impatiens blight's a concern in 2018

Can I plant impatiens this year?
Impatiens were once the gold (or pink, or red, or lavender) standard for colorful annuals for shady locations.  Their prolific blooming capacity and mounding capabilities made them the top low-maintenance choice.

It appears the impatiens blight has still not run its course.

Early sightings in the greenhouse were not encouraging.  Sickly stems in May can't be revived by tender care.



Still optimistic, 2017 gardeners planted impatiens hoping for the best.  Dry conditions may have postponed the inevitable decay to late summer when busy lizzies typically peak.

Blight took over by August.

In 2018 the prognosis sadly remains the same. 

Plant at one's own peril.  The only known danger imposed by the continued introduction of these diseased plants is prolonging the mildew--as spores can overwinter in the soil.

Long term effects are not yet apparent.



Downy mildew or impatiens blight has now infiltrated the garden for nearly five years.  Hopeful gardeners continue to plant flats of these lovelies only to find sickly stems at a later time, dependent

upon unpredictable moisture conditions.

Early in the infestation, responsible greenhouses and flower peddlers refused to stock and sell impatiens, but customer demand prevailed, Thus, in recent years availablity has increased, but so has the blight.

Consider healthy alternatives such as begonia, coleus and minimulus. 

ALTERNATIVES TO IMPATIENS:

BYE BYE BIZZY LIZZIES ~ WHAT TO PLANT INSTEAD OF IMPATIENS?

BEGONIA ARE THE NEW IMPATIENS

LOSING IMPATIENS IN 2017