Lisianthus is an ideal cutting flower, with both attractive flowers and a long vase life.The flower is elegant in form and easily mistaken for a rose. Eustoma is native to the Western continental United States where it is known as the prairie gentian. Plant breeders have done a great job of developing new flower colors (in both single and double-flower forms), different heights and branching habits, as well as heat and cold tolerance.

Easy to grow, and will 'fill in' around itself, as it sends out runners. Its bright yellow spires are comprised of successive bracts from which spring open-faced white flowerlets. As a potted plant, P. lutea is a reliable and productive bloomer. It takes well to severe pruning (prune down after blooming period to the height you like best ) and tolerates varying light levels.

Fungus diseases: If your lawn is developing areas that yellow and then turn brown, and you cannot find any insect pests, then you may consider the possibility of a fungus disease, particularly if you have been watering a lot, or watering at night. Closely examine the grass blades to see if they appear to be rotting off where they're attached to the stem. If so, then a fungus disease is a good possibility. Of course, if you see mushrooms, you definitely have fungus!

A healthy lawn can fight off enemies such as fungi, weeds, and insect pests. Keeping your turf grass cut at the correct height and applying water at proper times will go a long way in fighting off lawn pests. Most turf diseases thrive under certain conditions that include moisture and temperature, and nitrogen supply. That is why you will notice that diseases appear during certain seasons. Aside from extreme weather conditions, improper watering, too much or too little fertilizer, improper mowing height, soil compaction, uneven grading, accumulated thatch, overuse of lawn pesticides, or any combination of these may make your lawn more susceptible.

• Remove excess thatch and do not leave clippings in the area affected.
• Avoid light, frequent watering. Water only in the early morning, water deeply, and water as infrequently as possible.
• Mow frequently at recommended heights.
• Aerate compacted soils.
• Fertilize only with the proper fertilizer for your turf type, and follow timing and amount directions exactly - both too much and too little nitrogen can encourage fungus (of different types).
• If the fungus is appearing in a 'low spot' where water tends to sit, build up the area or consider a water-loving turf alternative.
• Plant disease-resistant grasses.
• Top-dress with a thin layer of an organic mulch, such as Gardner & Bloome Soil Building Compost. In addition to building healthy soil, there are also many beneficial microbes and naturally occurring substances in organic mulching materials that suppress disease organisms.

Curative

The problem with using fungicides for lawn diseases is that by the time the disease is recognized and the cause identified, the infection has often run its course. The damage is done and no amount of fungicide can restore the damaged grass. However, spraying the grass in the area with a fungicide can kill existing fungus and help prevent further spreading. In the long run, though, the lawn care measures you adopt (topdressing, watering and fertilizing properly, mowing at the correct height, aerating, and reducing thatch) more effectively address present and future disease problems in most lawn disease situations.

This Week's Question:

What kind of fungus might be found at a fairy-tale fancy dress ball?

Tiebreaker:  What type of fungus do garden gnomes shelter under?

This Week's Prize:  hanging basket ($17.99) of the winner's choice

August is a month of triage for our heat suffering garden but also the time to prepare for a winter's harvest of select tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, spinach and squash. Come on in a see us about the options of seed versus pony packs and what proper soil preparation and nutrient applications you will need.

As for triage for the garden, let's review the necessary steps mandated by our heat. The two requirements to survive the sun and heat are proper watering habits and a generous layer of mulch. Water can not be a "feast or famine" occurrence this time of year.

You should be watering generously in the early morning. Build a reservoir for your thirsty plants to draw from and give the soil a 2-3" blanket of mulch to reduce evaporation. This will assure cooler roots and adequate moisture to combat the challenges of a hot sun and excessive heat.

Container plants have a more critical need for watering and mulching. Unlike "in ground" plants that combat the sun, a container loses moisture more rapidly, as they often sit on decks or balconies, and will require daily care from the combination of reflective heat and the natural elements.

With all that to worry about, the good news will be the beginning of a winter's harvest by starting seeds over the next few weeks. Start planning for your winter tomato crop now. Come on in and we'll review the options.

Are you ready for a winter salad and soup menu? Consider multiple varieties of herbs, lettuce, celery and endive. Soups begin with carrots, beans and cabbage. Let us help you lay out your winter garden. We can help with soil preparation (including starter fertilizer), as well as the proper plants and schedule for planting.