Ski Notes

Circa 1994

- Ann Wolski

• Acorns, pokeweed berries, yew berries and buckeyes are all toxic if ingested by curious children. Vomiting, abdominal pain and sometimes liver and kidney damage can occur. 
• Consider hardy annuals such as carnations, dianthus, dusty miller, pansies and snapdragons instead of mums to provide good bloom well into October
• Prepare trees, shrubs and perennials for winter by making sure they have enough water. Moisture helps plants withstand freeze damage. 
• Early fall is a good time to apply broadleaf weed killer. 
• Water indoor plants less and stop fertilizing as their growth slows during fall months 
• Migrating songbirds can climb heights of 5,000 to 20,000 ft. and travel at 15 to 30 mph, covering 90 to 150 miles per night. 
• Sugar Maples have the most dramatic fall color and are found throughout Indiana. 
• Save plants such as coleus, wax begonias, impatiens or fuschia for indoor growing over winter. Dig the plants and cut them back about half way. Root them in moist vermiculite, soil mix or perlite. 
• Fall aeration of the soil is the best way to loosen it and provide grass roots with more nutrients, air and moisture. 
• Evergreens hung on a door once was an invitation to woodland spirits to enter the home to bring health and prosperity to the household.