By: Karen Mitchell, [email protected]

Fall is quickly approaching, bringing cooler temperatures, refreshing rains, and fewer pests. It’s a perfect time to tackle garden tasks, from pruning perennials to planting vegetables.
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Pruning
Fall is a good time to prune out dead, damaged, or diseased plant material . You can also tidy up perennials that have finished blooming and make light shaping cuts on shrubs. Consider saving some stems when cutting back the spent blooms of herbaceous perennials. When left standing, these stems provide habitat for pollinators and food for wildlife while also adding winter interest to a garden that may otherwise remain empty for the cold months ahead .

 The highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus) provides year-round interest with ornate flowers, bright berries, and
vibrant fall foliage. These spring-blooming shrubs are best pruned after flowering, but damaged or diseased branches can be pruned out at any time.

When left standing, the spent blooms of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) provide habitat and food for wildlife while adding winter interest. Do not prune spring-blooming shrubs such as lilacs, forsythia, or spicebush in the fall, otherwise you’ll cut off next year’s flower buds. The bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangea also produce blooms on old wood . These are best pruned immediately after flowering. Always use sharp, clean tools and cut just above a bud or branch junction at a slight angle. For pruning best practices along with a comprehensive list of recommended pruning times for common woody perennials, refer to Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

The ‘Ruby Slippers’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) should be pruned after flowering to remove spent
blooms, maintain shape, or reduce the overall size. However, spent blooms may be left for continued interest.

Planting
Fall is prime time to plant hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs. The soil remains warm long after the air temperature drops, giving roots time to establish before the ground freezes. Aim to finish planting by mid-to-late October in most parts of Indiana. Consider natives such as purple coneflower, serviceberry, or buttonbush for low-maintenance beauty. Visit the Indiana Native Plant Society’s Native Plant Finder to explore other native options for your landscape.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has a long bloom period starting in June and extending into September or
October. The vibrant blooms also provide food for a wide range of pollinators. It’s also the season for planting bulbs for spring blooms and vegetables for a fall harvest. Tulips, daffodils, and crocus should be planted before the soil freezes to provide a burst of early spring color. You can also sow quick-growing cool-season vegetables like leaf lettuce, spinach, and radishes for a fall harvest. Check out The Fall Vegetable Garden for a planting guide on cool-season vegetables.

The cooler conditions in fall are ideal for cool-season crops like spinach, which prefer temperatures between 50°F and 60°F.

Prep for Winter Protection & Spring Success
Trees, shrubs, and perennials should continue to be irrigated deeply up until the ground freezes. Add a layer of mulch after the soil cools to insulate roots from harsh temperature swings. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks or shrub stems to prevent rot or rodent damage.  Winterize Your Trees offers more tips on protecting your perennials from the often frigid and dry conditions of an Indiana winter.

Adding a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs insulate the roots from harsh temperatures and help to retain
moisture. However, avoid piling mulch against the trunk. Volcano mulching, as seen here, causes problems such as rot and provides shelter for rodents as they chew on the trunk.
 
Referenced resources
 Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs – Purdue Extension HO-4-W
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-4-W.pdf
 
Indiana Native Plant Society’s – Native Plant Finder https://finder.indiananativeplants.org/
 
The Fall Vegetable Garden – Purdue Extension HO-66-W https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-66-W.pdf
 
Winterize Your Trees – Purdue Extension FNR-484-W https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-484-w.pdf

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1. "Corn sweat" or evapotranspiration is the process where corn releases water vapor into the atmosphere, contributing to higher humidity levels, particularly in the Midwest. This phenomenon is more noticeable during heat waves, especially in Indiana and other Corn Belt states, due to the large amount of corn grown there. While the air temperature doesn't increase significantly, the added moisture makes it feel hotter and more humid. 
2. August is known for the invention of many significant technologies and innovations such as the Diesel engine, the cathode ray tube, and the first television system.
3. If you’re out hiking, take a sticky tape lint roller. It is excellent for picking ticks of any size off your skin and clothing. Carry one with you and brush it over your skin and clothes (and pet’s fur) periodically.
4. Divide and spread-out perennials that have started to slow in flower production. Dividing and planting them in August will allow them to acclimate before winter.
5. You can heal paper cuts and stop the pain with chapstick.
6. Falling air pressure causes pain in bird’s ears. If birds are flying low to the ground it almost always means a thunderstorm is coming.
7. The first sandwich was allegedly made on August 6, 1762, and was given the Lord of Sandwich’s name. The dish consisted of meat placed between two slices of bread, which he requested because he was in the middle of a gambling game and did not want to interrupt it.
8. The Baltimore Colts were a professional American football team that played in Baltimore from 1953 to 1983, when owner Robert Irsay moved the franchise to Indianapolis. The team was named for Baltimore's history of horse breeding and racing.
9. For rapid hydration, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and milk are generally considered more effective than plain water. ORS, like Pedialyte, contain a precise balance of electrolytes and sugar that promote faster water absorption. Milk, with its natural electrolytes, proteins, and carbohydrates, also helps with fluid retention and hydration. While water is essential for hydration, these options can be more efficient for rehydrating quickly, especially in cases of significant fluid loss from sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
10. A tsunami is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean, usually the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor.  Other events like landslides, volcanic eruptions, and even meteorite impacts can also displace enough water to generate a tsunami. The name "tsunami" is Japanese, meaning "harbor wave" because they can appear calm far out at sea but cause devastation in harbors and coastal areas.

 

The American Flag: red stripes signify valor, sacrifice and blood
                                white stripes represent virtue and unity
                                blue stripes stand for liberty and freedom
                               “We take the stars from heaven.” (George Washington)

July was originally the month of Quintilis in the Roman calendar. It was the fifth month of the year until January and February were added in 450 BC.

Around 150 million hot dogs are consumed on Fourth of July.

Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. Water in the early evening to minimize evaporation and prevent rot.

Avoid any further pruning of spring-flowering shrubs. These bushes should be setting their buds for next season by this time, so you will want to let them be, so they will have bountiful blooms come springtime!

The wired cage that holds a cork on a bottle of champagne is called an agraffe.

Divide daylilies and irises this month.

If you want pumpkins for baking, autumn decorating, or carving, now’s the time to get your seeds in the ground. Look for compact varieties if you’re short on space, though those vines still require about 6 to 8 square feet to grow. Place a few pumpkin seeds in each hole, and keep watered, especially when flowers and fruits are forming.

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
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“Old Faithful” in Yellowstone National Park is the world’s most famous geyser. It erupts once every sixty-five minutes and lasts for about six seconds. The height of the eruptions is from 120 to 150 feet.
 
 

"Moon trees" in Indiana. Which should you use--gravel or stone--in your landscape? SKI Tip advice and lots more interesting fun facts!!!   https://conta.cc/4kjFgAk

The first day of summer is the summer solstice. This happens in June every year. Solstice means “stilled,” “standing,” or “stopped” sun.

Lightning can strike out of a sunny sky 10 miles or more from a storm. Many lightning casualties occur as a storm approach or within 30 minutes after it has passed.

Apply mulch to control weeds and conserve soil moisture after soil has warmed.

Producing a Tesla battery requires mining several key materials, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Extracting one ton of lithium alone can require up to 500,000 gallons of water.

Moles have an extra thumb on each forelimb that helps them dig. Moles capture earthworms and store them for later—sometimes hundreds at a time. The star-nosed mole can catch and eat prey in 230 milliseconds, the fastest of any mammal.

In case of a flood, put your valuable or cherished papers in the freezer to stop mildew growth and deterioration until you can attend to them.

Selenophile—a person who loves the moon.

Plant marigolds around edges of gardens to keep the insects away.

Deeply water newly planted trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials every seven to 10 days when rain is lacking. Water lawns and vegetable gardens too.

The June beetle sometimes known as the June bug, is a type of insect that lives in the United States only between May and June and eats a variety of plants and bushes.

May 1 is May Basket Day. This tradition was popular through the 19th and 20th centuries, especially with children or sweethearts. The custom was to knock on the door, yell “May basket!” and then run. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss. In Hawaii it’s called “Lei Day,” and people make pretty leis for each other. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May bush; typically, this was a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers and ribbons. People in Britain welcome spring by “Bringing in the May,” or gathering cuttings of flowering trees for their homes. The French have a tradition of giving each other Lily of the Valley since it is their special May Day flower.

Ten women have started the Indianapolis 500: Janet Guthrie (1977-79); Desire Wilson (1982-84); Lyn St. James (1992-97, 200-); Sarah Fisher (2000-04, 2007-10); Danica Patrick (2005-11); Milka Duno (2007-09); Ana Beatriz (2010-12); Simona de Silvestro (2010-12); Pippa Mann (2011,2013-16); Katherine Legge (2012).

Early in the month you can still plant cool-weather crops such as lettuce, radishes, carrots, onions and potatoes.

Prune early-spring-flowering trees and shrubs as blooms fade.

What causes toasted skin syndrome? Exposing your skin directly to low-grade heat repeatedly for long periods of time can lead to “erythema ab igne”. The heat sources can include space heaters at close range, heating pads, hot water bottles, heated car seats and even laptops.

A heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. This combination reduces your body’s ability to cool itself.

The Middlemist Red Carmellia, or Camillia japonica “Middlemist’s Red”, is an exceptionally rare flower with vibrant pinkish-red petals. There are only two living specimens in the world, are in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The way it smells after it rains is called petrichor.

Drought tolerant flowers in Indiana include: cosmos, salvias, annual vinca, narrow-leaved zinnias, portulaca (moss rose), wax begonias, and Melampodium. Avoid impatiens.
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You don't have muscles in your fingers that help you move them. They're controlled by the muscles in your palms and arms.

One of your first springtime chores will be to spruce up your landscape after a long winter. The best and quickest way to give your surroundings a “facelift” is by spreading a layer of fresh mulch. Besides looking great, applying organic or inorganic material around trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and any vertical surface including walls or utility boxes, offers additional benefits.
Organic mulch, in particular, will:

1. slow evaporation of water, saving time on watering your plants and money.
2. insulate the plant roots (cold weather)/reduce soil temperatures (warm season).
3. reduce or prevent soil erosion.
4. keep fruits and flowers clean of soil that might be splashed or spattered onto the plant by rain or water.
5. help control weeds that compete with the roots for water and nutrients.
6. enhance seed germination.
7. provide protection from mowers, other equipment, foot and vehicle traffic.
8. reduce soil borne fungal problems.
9. improve soil structure, fertility, and aeration as it decomposes.
10. create an aesthetically pleasing appearance for any landscape. Choose a dyed mulch that complements the exterior of your home for a wonderful first impression.

There are two types of mulch—organic and inorganic. Organic mulches include bark mulch, pine bark nuggets and peat moss. They break down during the growing season and, in the process, add organic matter to the soil. Organic mulches are attractive, come in a variety of colors and can be used alone.

Marble chips, pebbles and lava rock are common examples of inorganic mulches. They also are decorative and may be used alone or in conjunction with plastics or landscape fabrics. Just remember, even though plastic is used, silt can build up between rocks or chips and create an area for seeds and weeds to germinate. Inorganic mulches do not have all the environmental advantages that organic products provide.

It is important that you don’t spread too much mulch in one area causing plant stress and/or death. New mulch bed layers should be 2-4 inches deep. If re-mulching beds, you may need to remove the old layer and add a light layer (1/2” to 1”) of new mulch twice a year. Try to avoid mulching heavily around perennials like irises and daylilies that multiply by underground root structures.

Avoid covering up trunks and roots as you mulch around trees. Called “volcano” mulching, this practice can lead to insect damage, rodent infestation, bark rot and other diseases. Spread mulch 3-5 inches away from young trees and 8-10 inches from mature trees. Extend mulch evenly to the tree’s dripline.
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When purchasing mulch products, it is important to seek out a reliable source, otherwise, mulch could be full of noxious weeds creating many future problems.
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Calculating how much mulch your job will need can be a snap. Environmental Hardwood Mulch is most effective between 2 and 4 inches thick. If your working area is 10 feet by 10 feet and 3 inches deep, it will require 27 cubic feet or 1 cubic yard. Use the formula below to calculate your mulch totals.

10ft x 10ft = 100sq / 4 = 25 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet = .92 cubic yards
SKI Landscape offers quality hardwood bark mulch in a variety of colors to complement any landscape. Contact us if you have any further questions at 317-757-5000 or www.skilandscape.com.

​March 9 is the start of Daylight Saving Time, which begins at 2:00 A.M. that day. Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set the clocks one hour ahead!

Before alarm clocks, folks hired "knocker-uppers" to tap on their windows and wake them up.
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A sneeze travels about 100 miles per hour.

Bananas are considered berries, but strawberries aren't.

Shamrocks are the national plant of Ireland often worn on clothes on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. They are types of clovers. The word shamrock comes from the Irish word that ultimately means "Young Clover". The shamrock is a three-leaf clover. The odds of finding a four-leaf clover is 1 in 10,000. It is considered very lucky if you find one!

Pot up summer flowering bulbs to be transplanted outdoors later, including tuberous begonias, caladiums and cannas.

Sow seed or plant seedlings of cool-season and half-hardy annuals, including calendula, larkspur, poppy, snapdragons, English daisy, pansies and sunflowers.

Cold and flu season is still plaguing Indiana. The following foods can be added to recipes to help fight ailments: Clementines are rich in vitamin C and loaded with folate, potassium, vitamin A and other disease-fighting antioxidants. Cardamom has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lentils are a frugal protein alternative to beef, chicken and fish. Hazelnuts are a great source of healthful omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and calcium.

The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville, Indiana in 1899.

Insect populations have yet to develop, and the remaining wild seeds, nuts and fruits have either been utilized or become undesirable. Because of these challenges, March is one of the most crucial months to continue feeding your backyard birds.

Read about guarding seeds for future generations, snow pileups, cooking oils for the right culinary masterpiece and much more... conta.cc/3CjRU1D 

1. ​Begin drawing landscape plans and selecting plants. Order seeds and plants.
2. Consider these winter plants in your landscape plan for birds. Trees—crabapple, redbud, spruce, maple, dogwood.  Shrubs—sumac, bayberry, holly, firethorn, viburnum.  Perennials—black-eyed Susan, coneflower, switchgrass, sedum.
3. The odds of being a leap-year baby born on February 29 are pretty slim—just 1 in 1,461 (or 0.068 percent).
4. The birthstone for February is amethyst, which is said to symbolize love. The word amethystos translates to "not drunk" in Ancient Greek. 
5. In the Victorian era, mean-spirited Valentine's Day cards were called "Vinegar Valentines."
6. Pistachios can boost gut health. They are also high in antioxidants, lutein, and zeaxanthin that can help reduce risk of chronic eye disease.
7. Sprinkling baking soda on your front steps will provide traction and melt the ice. Unlike rock salt, kitty litter or sand, it won’t damage outdoor or indoor surfaces or shoes.
8. 90% of the world’s popcorn is grown in Indiana.
9. Gold is the only metal that doesn’t rust, even if it’s buried in the ground for thousands of years.
10. People get more colds in wintry weather than in summer because we spend more time indoors surrounded by co-workers, friends and family who already have colds.  Moisture-less, humidity-free air also dries up airways, making them vulnerable to airborne viruses that invade bodily defenses and come under a counterattack by the immune system.