Blue Mist Spirea

Master Gardeners: Mulch Gone Bad

A recent entry on the blog of Professor garden, by the Michigan State University Bert Cregg, provides information on the potential in the hot weather of the year for lots of mulch go wrong.

The problem, sometimes called "sour mulch" or "toxic mulch," occurs when the mulch is left in large piles and undergoes conditions where there is not enough oxygen, known as an anaerobic environment. The result is the production of acids and other compounds that can be released into the air when the mulch is placed in the beds, especially in hot weather. These vapors can quickly damage the annual and other sensitive plants.

Mulch in this disease is often characterized by a "sour" odor. Good mulch should be fertile ground or fresh cut woody smell.

If you suspect that your mulch has turned sour, (your nose is the best indicator) before using the spread on your garden beds to help dispel toxins and water before or immediately after application. Fine, shredded mulch is more sensitive to the condition that the coarser the mulch, because it is easier for the finer mulch to prevent duplication and circulation of air, creating anaerobic conditions that cause the problem.A University of Arkansas extension sheet has more details: http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-6138 pdf.

Cregg is one of four professors who contribute to the extension blog of Professor http://www.gardenprofessors.com garden. Summer Blooms

Master Gardener Kathy Engle describes some perennials that bloom in summer the garden this time of year. Lavender Mist Thalictrum, otherwise known as the street Meadow Mist Lavender is a big, impressive, tufted plant with lots of appeal. When in flower, I always wonder why I have no more of this amazing plant.Lavender Mist Thalictrum will produce an impressive backdrop for a natural garden of wildflowers with its airy open habit. Planted in part shade in my garden, this street prairie is over 6 feet tall. Lavender Mist is more vertical, but much more breathable than other prairie streets. This allows the plant to show its purple stems and draws attention to the lavender flowers with yellow anthers. The result is a hazy cloud of graceful lavender flowers that never fails to attract attention as it is mixed with other flowers. Lavender mist meadow rue is a plant very careless not bothered by insects.Note to self: buy more lavender mist for next year!

TheGardenLady's Garden | The Garden Lady

Garden Bust by Dara Mina Ceramics with plant in head behind and primroses that are in seed in front.

I try to have flowers blooming as long during the year as flowers will bloom. That means that only when there is snow on the ground is my outdoor garden without flowers. Most of my flowers are in the sunny part of my property-in the front. The photos you see of my grounds are mostly taken on the sides to show how wooded and shady the property is.

People passing TheGardenLady’s yard have asked how many different flowers I have planted in my garden. I have never kept track. But since so many people have asked, I forced myself to sit down to make a list of plants on my property this year. I mostly have perennials growing.