Don’t panic this time of year when you see flying ants and termites. Ants by nature — once their colonies are established, usually after three years or so — have a flying stage where the reproducing males and females grow wings, leave the colony and set out to establish new ones. It sometimes seems like the flying ants number in the hundreds, but don’t worry, very few of them actually survive. And most of the time they make their new home in the woods and meadows, and not in or around our homes.
Even though the gardening season is winding down, we can still immerse ourselves in garden-themed activities. WSU Extension in Kitsap…
Even though the gardening season is winding down, we can still immerse ourselves in garden-themed activities.
It’s nearly the first day of fall. Along with the approaching date we’re also experiencing fall webworm infestations. Don’t panic though, these caterpillar tents and moth larvae are nothing like the spring into summer onslaughts of tent caterpillars we sometimes encounter.
Sally Santana, religious leader and local writer, recently sent out a plea to as many of us Master Gardeners as she could reach. She knew that our local food bank cupboards are often bare. We were asked to spread the word to all local gardeners and community groups to grow fresh produce to donate to Kitsap’s food banks and soup kitchens.
This has been the strangest gardening year that I can remember. But, at my age, there are many things I can’t remember, and many things I think are strange. Maybe we have had more unusual years than this after all. If the phone calls and visits we’ve had to the Extension Office Master Gardener Clinic are any indication though, it has absolutely been a strange gardening year.
A relatively new pesky weed, Birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus, has been cropping up all over Kitsap County lately. The common name comes from the seed heads which look like tiny bird feet (even through the feet have six to eight toes). It began its rampant spread about three years ago, but it’s promising to be as noxious as some of our official “noxious weeds.” The ironic fact about this plant is it has been used in many states for deer fodder and forage for cattle and other grazing animals. It’s a forage plant that does not cause bloating. Birdsfoot trefoil was imported from Europe. Native peoples also harvested the seeds for food. It thrives in areas where rainfall is more than 20 inches a year and when temperatures are cooler. Does that sound like our area? Yes, indeed, it does.
Washington State University’s Kitsap Extension is one of Kitsap’s best-kept secrets. Right here in Kitsap County there is a wealth of research-based and extremely useful information from both Washington State University and University of Washington just waiting to be tapped with residents of Kitsap County.
It’s an exciting weekend up ahead for avid gardeners. The long-anticipated 20th anniversary Bainbridge in Bloom garden tour will be July 11 through 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. To celebrate the event’s longevity, they’ve rolled back ticket and event prices. More information can be found at the Bloom Web site, www.gardentour.info, or by calling the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council (BIAHC) at (206) 842-7901. Tickets are available at many of our local nurseries. The site also lists the locations for various food and refreshments interspersed at several locations this year.
We’re never too young to learn about gardening. This summer you’ll find garden learning experiences for youngsters at the Anna Smith Park located at the intersection of Tracyton Boulevard and Fairgrounds Road in Bremerton. Join WSU Kitsap County Master Gardeners in the garden this year with hands-on explorations of seeds, herbs and worms.
The famous, much loved and enjoyed Bainbridge Island garden of David Lewis and George Little is in its last season at the current site. Internationally known Little and Lewis are embarking on a new set of adventures. They’ll still design and install gardens and will continue to create their art consisting of sculptures, mirrors and paintings. This talented team is creating a smaller garden and gallery at a new Bainbridge Island location.
Five of the homes we’ve lived in here in Kitsap County have had a madrone Arbutus menziesii in the garden. It may be my most favorite of all the trees.
Unwanted guests. We’ve all had them once or twice, right? No, no, I’m not talking about people; I’m referring to weeds and insects. What’s a person to do? Reach for a pesticide? Usually not! Most of the time problems are easily solved without using anything toxic at all.
What’s Up’s columnist in the garden Peg Tillery waxes on the joys of May — plant sales.
What’s Up gardening columnist Peg Tillery weighs in on the continuously cold days of April and what it means for your plants
What’s Up gardening columnist Peg Tillery dishes out the low down
What’s Up gardening columnist Peg Tillery on Gwen Kelaidis book “Hardy Succulents — tough plants for every climate.”
What’s Up gardening columnist Peg Tillery sporadically suggests hot spots for early summer
What’s Up gardening columnist Peg Tillery puts a little different spin on water and weeds
What’s Up gardening columnist Peg Tillery sends out heads ups.
