HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Dear Fellow Gardeners and Future Gardeners,

I need to correct myself. In my last article I was giving a few helpful hints, and I made significant mistake. I suggested you fertilize your azaleas, then mulch them. Please do NOT fertilize at this late date. June is the last month to fertilize azaleas. Late fertilization will cause them to bloom in the

winter months.

Please forgive my mistake. By all means, put a 3 inch mulch on all your gardens to protect from the weather and to help hinder the growth of weeds. Be sure and remove the mulch three inches from around the stem of the plant.

I hope you are taking advantage of the sales at the garden nurseries in Longview. One nursery is advertising 40 % off all shrubs and one on Hwy. 80 is advertising 50 % off all plants. Now is the time to stock up. Perhaps you will find that special tree to display in your front yard. Gingko Biloba is an excellent choice. It fairly glows with golden leaves in the fall. Another pretty specimen tree is the always faithful Japanese Maple. There are several varieties from which to choose. Another tree is the Fringe Tree. It makes a show in the spring.

I have said before,"Fall is the perfect time to plant," especially shrubs and trees. I have given specific instructions previously. If you did not save that information and want it, feel free to call me at 903-984-3380. I will be happy to share that with you.

There is so much to do before Fall arrives. Have you ordered your Spring bulbs? Time to contact your favorite supplier. Bulbs need to be in the ground by November.

I am still trying to catch the pesky armadillo that is destroying my plants and parts of my yard. We have caught two more raccoons, that makes 8 altogether. The farm is full of raccoons, but I think it needs an armadillo. Is anyone else being harassed by these animals?

Now, go buy your plants and trees, plant them, order your bulbs, and put your feet up and enjoy this respite from the heat. The Happy Gardener

I think if ever a mortal heard the voice of God, it would be in a garden at the cool of the day. F. Frankfort Moore