Having recently judged fruit, vegetables and herbs at the Kitsap County Fair, I’d like to pass on a few tips to those planning to exhibit their produce next year.

Before sharing this advice, though, I want to commend all who submitted entries this year. In a season that won’t be remembered as a great one for gardens, many of you managed to coax out some impressive produce. Keep up the good work!

My fellow judges don’t have the bully pulpit I do, so hopefully the comments that follow will reflect their views as well as my own.

For starters, all of us recommend exhibitors follow the written standards for horticultural exhibits in general and for the specific kinds of fruits and vegetables entered. One of the key general standards is that exhibited items be of marketable quality. That means they shouldn’t be diseased or damaged by pests. Moreover, I interpret that standard to mean that they are ripe, not tiny and immature. So if you’re exhibiting red eating apples, they should be full-sized and properly colored as well as free of damage.

As an example of a specific standard, snap bean entries call for 12 pods with stems on. Successful exhibitors will provide 12 pods, not 10 or 15 and they’ll leave some stem.

Where do you find these written standards? I found them online by typing in Kitsap County Fair. When the site came up, I clicked on Exhibitor Guides. Next I chose Open Class. From the list that appeared, I clicked on Horticulture. At that point, I was looking at the written standards for horticultural entries.

For judges to award blue, red and white ribbons, the exhibits should meet those written standards. Though we have some discretion in deciding the awards, it’s hard to be lenient when basic standards like number of items in an entry, trim directions and marketability are ignored.

Beyond the written standards, there are other niceties of exhibiting. Judges pay attention to how fruits and vegetables are prepared for show and to uniformity of appearance. Flavor doesn’t matter; much as the judges might want to sample a juicy looking peach or tomato, we can’t.

If your entries need to be cleaned, do so carefully with a soft brush. Scrubbing beets for example, can result in abrading the skin and giving them a patchy look. I’ve seen patchy potatoes and carrots too.

The best exhibits show attention to uniformity. To win a blue ribbon, the three crookneck squash on the plate will be of similar size, shape and color. Stems will be trimmed to a similar length. It’s the same, whatever the fruit or vegetable; successful exhibiting is about showmanship.

If I judge again next year, I want to pass out more blue ribbons. Hopefully these tips will encourage more of you to show off what you grow and do so to best advantage.

MORE ON LATE BLIGHT

Several weeks ago I mentioned that Ortho had discontinued Daconil 2787, one of the most effective protectant sprays for tomato late blight. Thanks to Sam Rader of Valley Nursery, I can offer a bit of encouraging news for Daconil users. He informed me Ortho Disease B Gon Garden Fungicide contains the same active ingredient — Chlorothalonil — as the old Ortho product. And according to Sam, it lists tomato and potato early and late blight as diseases controlled.

Maintaining your pool correctly is of great importance and yet there are so many pool owners that do not abide by this fact, leaving their pools uncared for. Although most pools are located outside which makes maintaining them slightly easier, it is crucial that you find out if the laws concerning superior safety regulations are in place with your swimming pool.

Most home buyers in Bulgaria feel it is important that the home they buy comes with a pool. Some buyers won’t even look at houses that do not include a pool. On the other hand, there are some people that won’t look at houses that do have a pool, especially those with small children, who feel that pools are a safety threat to their children. And others simply don’t wish to keep up with the expensive and demanding upkeep of pools.

Though swimming pools can seem like a luxurious feature with your home, they require an immense amount of time and money and it is because of this that a lot of home buyers decide against having a pool. It requires even more upkeep in Bulgaria, as the winters are so harsh.

Nevertheless there are endless advantages to buying a house with a pool. Firstly, they add value to your house. Secondly, if you have kids a swimming pool in the back garden can be a great tool for fun and activities, keeping them entertained. Pools are useful for unbearably hot days when you can instantly get cool. Another advantage to pools is that they are great to use to get fit; swimming, water sports and other activities are all great sources of exercise.

For more indepth information see our Swimming Pools Project: Part One

 

 

 

Tools, tips and gardening treats

Labor Day weekend is a fitting time to talk about favorite tools. My personal favorite is the hori-hori. Fellow garden writer Ann Lovejoy mentions this tool periodically but it bears repeating.

The hori-hori is an all-purpose tool that can be used to weed easily and effortlessly. No weed can stand up to the handy hori-hori. It’s a great digging and planting tool. One edge is serrated to quickly and neatly slice through tangled-up roots when removing plants from containers. It’s nifty for digging holes to plant bulbs and containerized plants. It’s great for mixing up soil in raised beds. The list of its attributes is seemingly endless.

It’s about 11½ inches long with the blade being a bit longer than the wooden handle. It looks like a knife on steroids. Be sure to purchase one with a handy leather sheath with a belt loop. That way you’ll always be able to find the hori-hori; either in your hand or on your belt. Many local nurseries carry the hori-hori.

Vivian Tucker, one of my gardening neighbors, received a gift from her husband Larry. He found her a “Versa Planter Multi-Purpose Garden Tool with Leather Sheath” offered online by Jackson Professional tools. The only downside I found was it is a bit heavy in the hand. Vivian loves this tool. Check it out at:

http://jacksonprofessional.com/products/sub-family.aspx?LineId=306FamilyId=307

Four-tined digging forks are essential for every gardener. These handy tools usually have a D-handle. I rarely have to use a shovel or spade because the digging fork is great for loosening up soil. It’s also perfect for prying loose and separating perennials and other plants when they need dividing.

Everyone needs a weeding bucket. Five-gallon buckets work well. Look for tubs with rope handles, they’re larger than the five-gallon buckets but are usually made out of lightweight materials. You won’t have to make so many trips to the yard recycle bin or the compost pile with a larger yet lightweight container. Also search out the new canvas varieties — even lighter and more portable. They also fold up for more compact storage.

What’s Up in September

Chimacum Woods, a Rhododendron Nursery on the Olympic Peninsula, featuring many unusual rhody species, features open garden days on Labor Day weekend, Saturday September 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday September 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Labor Day, Monday, September 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Three weeks later they’ll celebrate the beginning of fall, the best season to plant rhodies, on Saturday September 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday September 23 from noon to 5 p.m. Wander the garden (six acres of woodland rhododendron plantings) or take a tour, enjoy light refreshments with like-minded gardeners, ask Bob your rhody questions. Visit www.chimacumwoods.com for driving directions. Chimacum Woods is a few miles west of the Hood Canal bridge at 2722 Thorndyke Road, Port Ludlow. Phone: 206-383-2713 or 360-437-2713.

Sundquist Nursery is open on Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The garden open is called “Harvest Days: Kaleidoscope Foliage.” Nils Sundquist says, “The meadow is swollen to excess. Seed heads, tawny grasses and colorful leaves complement the year’s final flowers. Foliage and late blooming perennials, ferns and grasses for sale. Everything is wonderfully grown and fall is an excellent time for planting.” Visit http://www.sqnursery.com/page/page/2699970.htm for driving directions.

Sales galore at local nurseries are a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Check out your own favorites during September. As Nils and Bob say, “Fall is the best time for planting.”

School has begun, and fall activities with our local clubs and associations are getting under way as well.

The Lutherville Garden Club kicks off its year Thursday, Sept. 6, with a panel discussion on recycling, “Reduce, ReUse and ReCycle: How the Three R’s fit into Gardening.” Members who are active in recycling will share their tips.

Club meetings are held at Providence United Methodist Church, 1318 Providence Road, and begin with a business meeting at 11 a.m., following by luncheon and the presentation.

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In addition, members are invited to submit arrangements for review by members who are qualified judges, who give advice on how to prepare their items for an actual flower show. This mini-flower show is part of every meeting and provides a great opportunity for beginners to the learn the rules and regulations of participating in a flower show.

The club has several ongoing projects, including garden therapy sessions with the residents at College Manor, and maintaining the Trackside Garden along the light rail tracks on Front St. in Historic Lutherville, along with a Young Gardeners group for children and youths.

If you are interested in learning more about this active and interesting club or attending a meeting, give program coordinator Joyce Morgan a call at 410-252-4665.

The Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Road, invites you to “Cruisin’ for Our Heroes” on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event honors county service and military personnel and features fire engine rides, antique fire engine demonstrations, along with a display of antique cars and motorcycles.

Those attending can watch the Red Knights, a local firefighter motorcycle club, arrive en masse at the start of the show. Children of all ages can run through the cascading streams of water as Engine 7, a 1922 Ahrens Fox pumper, reunites with the 1905 Hale Water Tower, both of which served Baltimore City during the early 20th century.

In addition, you can peruse the Fire Engine and Memorabilia Flea Market. This event is sponsored by the Baltimore Commission on the Arts and Sciences, the Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office, and many local businesses.

Outside events are free, and the fire museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at regular admission prices. To register a vehicle, or for a table in the flea market, call 410-321-7500, Ext. 101, or 410-235-6144. For more information about the show call the museum at 410-321-7500 or e-mail info@firemuseummd.org.

Registration dates have been set for several Lutherville-Timonium Recreation Council programs.

Aerobics fall sessions begin next week. Sign-up and first class for the Monday and Thursday 4 p.m. class is Monday, Sept. 10, in Spangler Hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Historic Lutherville. The Tuesday and Thursday 7 p.m. class in the Ridgely Middle School cafeteria begins on Tuesday, Sept. 11. The fall sessions continue through Dec. 6. If you have any questions, call instructor Karen Yeagle, at 410-321-6399.

Ballet registration will be held Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of Timonium Elementary School. Classes begin in October and continue through the recital in May. This program is for girls and boys ages 4 to young adult; participants need to be 4 or older by Dec. 31, 2012. The pre-ballet through intermediate level classes are Saturdays, with advanced en pointe classes on Monday evenings. Call AnnaMarie Scharbeck at 410-252-8797 for details.

In addition, tap and jazz classes are offered to boys and girls age 4 years and older. In addition, there are hip-hop and lyrical classes, where age minimums vary by class. Six companies will be formed, in addition to the adult classes in tap, jazz, lyrical and Tappercise. Auditions for the companies will occur in September. Classes meet at Lutherville, Pinewood or Timonium elementary schools, depending on the class, and run September through May.

Walk-in registrations will be held Wednesday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., in the Lutherville Elementary activity room; Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Timonium Elementary gym lobby; and Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Pinewood Elementary cafeteria. However, it is suggested that you pre-register by mail as soon as possible to get the desired classes. Go to http://www.ltrc.org for registration forms and information, and class schedules. For details, call Val at 410-733-2188, or email LTRCMissVal@gmail.com.

Don’t forget the Lutherville Community Association yard sale next Saturday, Sept. 9.

If your community has a yard sale planned for the fall, let me know so I can share it with your neighbors.

So for sott’aceto (preserving in vinegar), marinate just one
vegetable or invent a mix that can be stored for months or nibbled straight
away. Try sliced courgette, red pepper and basil, or green beans with sliced
shallots and mint or, my favourite, pickled fennel. Choose vinegar
carefully: sherry with thymed carrots; balsamic with tiny borrettane onions;
or raspberry vinegar with beetroot. Use the best, and banish malt vinegar
for ever.

To make pickled fennel, finely slice your bulbs, blanch for a few minutes in
salty water, drain, dry and pack into a sterilised jar. Simmer enough
vinegar to cover your veg, add a teaspoon each of fennel seeds and
peppercorns and a couple of bay leaves. Check that the contents are
submerged.

Sott’olio (preserving in oil) is a more short-term method to
preserve special offerings such as asparagus with mint, cauliflower with
coriander and chilli, or artichoke hearts and lemon, by first cooking in
vinegar and herbs, then covering in marinade. Such mixes will keep in the
fridge for up to two months.

Harvest eight artichokes, then trim off stalks and all outer leaves till you
reach the heart, spooning out the choke and slicing in half. Dunk in lemon
juice, then blanch in 300ml vinegar and a teaspoon of salt till softish.
Drain, cool, and bring to the boil in a marinade of 450ml of best olive oil
and 75ml of lemon juice with a few peppercorns. Spoon the artichokes into
jars and cover with marinade.

For passata (bottled tomato sauce) turn San Marzano cooking tomatoes into
bottles of ready-made sauce. The seed varieties ‘Astro’, ‘Follia’ and
‘Scatalone’ are available from alpineveg.com .

Try simplifying the process, which normally involves blanching, skinning and
deseeding, by using a magical passata machine (from Seeds of Italy) that
removes skin and pips from any fruit or vegetable. Add a little salt and
basil with an inch layer of olive oil to seal. Put the sealed bottles in a
saucepan of water, ensure they are submerged and simmer for 10 minutes.

Leave the bottles until the water has cooled. The passata will keep until
2013.

How to sterilise jars

• In a preheated oven (150C/300F/Gas 2) place washed and dried
jars for five minutes.

• In the dishwasher on a very hot cycle.

• In sterilising solution, such as Miltons.

Glass Kilner-like storage jars for bottling are best (from lakeland.co.uk
or jamjarshop.co.uk) but I often reuse
favourite jam jars.

SARAH ON APPLES AND RASPBERRIES

We all have our price. Mine is raspberries. Considered by some as a poor
relation to the strawberry — which I find too sweet and gaudy — for me,
their tangy bite is the highlight of the British summer, especially if
freshly coaxed from the cane. I have let my once-serried ranks of raspberry
bushes take over much of the back of our garden and we feast on them fresh
from June to early September, then enjoy them as jam for the rest of the
year.

All that preserving sugar, however, somehow demeans them and the cloying
sweetness masks their fruity delicacy. In addition, miraculous though the
summer glut is, after a while the eighth dish starring the particular fruit
or vegetable being harvested can become dispiriting. So this year I have
found alternative ways of prolonging the lives of our raspberries, and other
home-grown fruit and vegetables, so not a berry, pepper, apple or chilli is
wasted.

Dehydration

My first attempt with the raspberries was with a food dehydrator. A simple
mechanism that slowly extracts all water from fruit, meat and vegetables, it
can prolong the life of most garden produce. I also added a few early
windfall apples. They were not quite ripe, but dehydrating concentrates the
sweetness so it is a great way for saving apples that have fallen from the
tree too soon. The kitchen filled with a heavenly aroma as the fruits
surrendered their juices.

Mixed with a basic muesli base of toasted oats and nuts, the dried raspberries
and apples add sweet, fruity bursts to an otherwise dull breakfast.

Store any dried fruit in airtight jars in a cool, dark place and check every
so often for spoiling; dried this way your produce can last for months. Just
be aware that very juicy fruits, such as strawberries, need to be cut up
into tiny pieces before being put in the dehydrator, otherwise the time it
takes to dry them whole – more than 24 hours – could cost you as much as it
would to jet them in from Spain.

Fridge jam

While turning raspberries into conventional jam in my view spoils them,
“fridge jam” creates a delightfully fruity preserve that still retains the
raspberries’ essential tartness and, if stored cleverly, can last almost as
long as ordinary jam.

Fridge jam is simple and fast to make. Once you have picked your berries,
instead of adding the same amount of sugar as for conventional jam-making,
add only half that amount; so for 4lb of raspberries, add only 2lb of sugar.
Don’t worry about it not setting: add the juice of half a lemon and some
lemon pips tied up in muslin for extra pectin and it works a treat. Once the
berries have cooked gently for about 10 minutes, releasing their juices, add
the sugar and boil until when you scoop a bit out onto a cold teaspoon it
becomes sticky.

Preserve the jam in sterilised jars, the smaller the better, and once opened
keep in the fridge.

Vacuum sealing

Vacuum sealing is a way of extending the shelf life of fresh food by up to
three times, either in the pantry or in the fridge, and means soups and
stews can be rotated much more slowly without having to freeze them, so the
family barely remembers it has had curried pepper, carrot and chicken soup
for the fourth time.

An added advantage is you can cook in larger batches, saving both your, and
your oven’s, energy. My vacuum-sealed curried pepper, carrot and chicken
soup lasted more than 10 days in the fridge and tasted just as good on the
10th day as it did on the first.

The sealer is also rather exciting and I must admit that when it first
arrived, even though the instructions say “This is not a toy”, I started
sealing anything — grapes, pencils, coins — just to watch them shrink into
little rigid packets. Shrink-wrapping berries before freezing them also
helps retain their structure so when defrosted they don’t just become a
soggy mess.

• With thanks to Andrew James (andrewjamesworldwide.com)
for the loan of the food dehydrator (from £43.95) and vacuum sealer
(from £38.95)

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean that it’s time to give up on gardening just yet.

Now is the time to start growing cool weather crops – flowers and food – and preparing your yard and garden for winter.

Preparation for winter is key to cutting back on unnecessary work and for having a successful garden and beautiful yard in the spring.

Here are some tips for getting your end of the summer growth under control, and what to plant, when and where.

1. Clean and weed
Even before all the leaves have fallen, begin raking them up and readying them for either your compost or for mulch. Pile up dead plants from the garden, ones that may be exhausted from bearing fruits or veggies and any flowers or bushes that need cut back. Make sure to separate and get rid of anything that might seem diseased and any weeds you don’t want popping up from the compost you use next year on your garden.

2. Plant for the present
Once the heat has given up, it’s perfect weather to begin planting your fall flowers. Pansies work great in cooler weather and will bloom even until colder months, like December. You can also begin planting cool weather vegetables, like greens. 

3. Plant for the future
It’s also the right time to begin planting your bulbs and seeds for spring. Bulbs are best when they’ve “hibernated” throughout the weather, with at least one good freeze to get them into dormant stage.

Fall also boasts perfect conditions for sowing hardier annuals, like cosmos, poppies and larkspur. More often than not, seeds sown in fall and conditioned by a winter freeze will be ready to burst through in the springtime.

4. Plant trees and shrubs
Fall is the time to plant ornamental shrubs and trees, without the worry of summer’s heat. If planted in the early fall, they’ll have time to establish a good root system before winter’s freezing temps arrive.

5. Mulch!
Mulching is the best way to protect your soil and your perennials during the cold weather. Straw or mulched leaves are both good options – you’ll most likely already have the leaves. Cover newly planted bulbs or seeds and build up mulch around tree trunks and shrubs to help protect from freezing weather.

—————————————————————————

For more on gardening, tech geekery, food and music, check out
twinklevanwinkle.com. Find Twinkle on
Foodspotting, Tumblr and
Twitter.

Twinkle VanWinkle ponders, creates and discovers cool stuff about music, movies, food, fashion and so forth. Her thoughtful writings and interactives give great advice about healthy food, cooking tips, DIY projects, fashion and more. She’ll teach you a thing or two about music as well. Along with producing dynamic entertainment content for LIN Media, she is a mother, musician and social media fanatic.

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For almost 20 years, sisters Nan Forrer and Carole Brodman have gardened at their respective Muhlenberg Township homes.

They share plants and tips, commiserate when things don’t go their way and celebrate the joy they get from their gardens.

“Every year, one of my very favorite things is to go plant shopping in the spring with my sister,” Nan said. “We’re very supportive of each other and our gardens. I’m always lamenting my garden, and she says she loves it. Sharing gardening is good for the soul.”

However, Nan admits she’s very little help to Carole.

“She has a natural knack for gardening,” Nan said. “She just is excellent at problem solving. I will have the family over for dinner and I often drag her out to the garden in the spring. She always has good advice.”

Carole’s garden began when her home was built.

“I had a house that was newly built and was sitting on top of a mud pile,” she said. “It was really a struggle. I had to deal with the clay and a lot of rock and leftover debris from the builders. My daughter and I used a pickax, and the garden I have now started as an oval garden by the fence in the back. Then I did more with the front, added a perennial border and then in the back added more shrubs to the perennials.”

Nan’s garden grew up around the house her husband helped design and build.

“This was a field before we moved in,” Nan said. “I always wanted a yard where I had lots of flowers. I love flowers. I like to bring them into the house.

“First I added the border beds and then the interior beds, herb garden and annual garden. The pond at the side of the house was built by one of my sons and his friends. That really became a cornerstone of the property at that side of the house.”

As the years passed, Nan’s garden microclimate changed as well.

“We have very different looks to our properties and we have different microclimates, even though we only live just a few blocks away from each other,” Nan said. “We can’t do the same thing in our gardens.

“When we moved in, the neighbors in the back had big shade trees, and we planted a weeping willow and two pears. Then other people moved in and they chopped down those trees. A few years ago, we had to have the willow taken down. Every time something happens, you’re almost starting all over again. What was a shade garden is now a sun garden.

“I’m still working the kinks out on that. I have a huge hosta that now gets sunburned because it needs more shade. My sister suggested I put it behind the ornamental trees and plant something that likes the sun better.”

“Every year, it’s a completely different ballgame,” Carole said. “Soil conditions change from year to year, not to mention weather. Every year is a gamble.”

“And over the years,” Nan said, “my garden has changed a little to accommodate my grandchildren. A part of the garden had to become their magical place. I was captivated with the idea of rooms in a garden and went along with that idea. One of my rooms has to become a playroom, but I didn’t want that to dominate the rest of the garden, so I worked in nooks and crannies for sandboxes and playhouses. That’s been a new but pleasurable challenge.”

Carole’s garden is filled with perennials, most of which she’s divided and replanted.

“I always advise to use what you have by dividing plants,” Carole said. “Perennials are terrific to have. They get to a certain size and you can get multiple plants. It’s one way to save a lot of money. If you buy shrubs, they last a long time and take up a big space. Then you can underplant with annuals to fill in. I’m partial to dahlias because I love the colors and they have nice big flower faces. I do like impatiens because of the beautiful color combinations.”

Nan, on the other hand, loves roses.

“I think roses are my all-time favorites, but they are the fussiest,” she said. “I work full time but I keep trying to grow roses. They’re the only plant I’ll fuss with. I also like day lilies and any fragrant flower, like lavender and lilacs, and I’m partial to hyacinth because of my grandmother. She’s where we get our gardening interest. She also always had beautiful roses and enjoyed gardening.”

“Gardening is just a pleasure for both of us,” Carole said.

Contact Stephanie Caltagirone: life@readingeagle.com.

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FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Just because summer’s winding down, it doesn’t mean your gardening has to.  Mark Armstead from Linder’s shared some tips on how to get your garden ready for fall.  He also answered a couple of questions from our KARE at the Fair audience.

For more gardening ideas, stop by Linder’s at 270 West Larpenteur Ave. in St. Paul.

For more information, call (651) 488-1927 or visit linders.com.

(Copyright 2012 KARE. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

CORPUS CHRISTI —
It is not too late to set out another planting of many warm season annuals, such as marigolds, zinnias and periwinkles. They will require extra attention for the first few weeks, but should provide you with color during late September, October and November.

Mary Lambert

NATURALISTS CLASSES: South Texas Master Naturalists will start the next fall training program today. Information: 361-563-2147 or Bchase.1128.edu@gmail.com.

VEGETABLE GARDENING: Nueces Master Gardener Carol Krank will give details and hints on raising the cream of the crops in the “Secrets of Successful Fall Vegetable Gardens” from 10 a.m. to noon today at South Texas Botanical Gardens Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St. Cost: $8; free/members. Information/reservations: 852-2100.

VEGETABLE GARDENING: Nueces Master Gardener Carol Krank will discuss fall vegetable gardening at 2 p.m. Sunday at Turner’s Gardenland, 6503 S. Padre Island Drive. Free. Information: 991-9002.

ORCHIDOLOGY CLASS: The Orchidology Class meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at South Texas Botanical Gardens Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St. Meeting the first Thursday of each month on a continuing basis, the orchid class series, taught by orchid curator Sam Jones is an ongoing. Free. Orchids for sale at most meetings. No reservations necessary. Information: 854-7624.

REPTILES EXHIBIT: The new Resident Reptiles exhibit is on display from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 8 in the Visitors Center, South Texas Botanical Gardens Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St. Presented by Billy Feamster. Children are welcome with accompanying adult. Cost: $8; free/members. Information/reservations: 852-2100.

BIRDS OF PREY: Local naturalist and Hawk Watch education coordinator Beth Hoekje lectures on identifying common birds of prey at the “Introduction to Hawks Raptors” seminar, from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 22 at South Texas Botanical Gardens Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St. Cost: $8; free/members. Information/reservations: 852-2100.

HERBS IN SOUTH TEXAS: The seminar “Growing Herbs in South Texas” is from 10 to noon Oct. 6 at the South Texas Botanical Gardens Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples. Nueces Master Gardener and Turner’s Gardenland certified nursery professional Carol Krank reveals her recommended herb varieties and growing tips for successful herb gardening and harvesting. Cost: $8. Information: 852-2100.

ASK THE GARDEN PRO

Q: My grass looks horrible and I am afraid I might have a fungal problem. It started dying this summer. How can I control the fungus to save my lawn?

A: Turfgrass death at this time of year is usually due to drought or heat combined with a weak root system, or insects feeding on the roots. The weak root system may be an effect of earlier fungal problems, but it has been too hot for turf fungi to be actively growing. Fungal treatments don’t cure your grass, but keeps fungal growth at a minimum, so application now is a waste of time and money.

The root damage probably occurred in the winter and early spring, resulting in stunted roots that can’t provide adequate water for the hot, dry summer conditions. As a result, the grass dies now instead of when the fungus was actively growing. Once damage is done, the grass must regrow a healthy root system which is a function of watering and fertility, not fungicide application.

Once you’ve scaled your library down, it’s time to pack.

* Use small boxes, as medium or large will be too heavy and more apt to be dropped, damaging toes, the books inside or landing on other boxes.

* Always start by lining the box with plain newsprint paper.

* Group the books by size.

* If you’re packing books out of a bookcase, pack from the bottom shelf up and have your boxes nearby. After you fill the first box, place the second box on top of the first. That way you are working from bottom to top from your bookcase into the boxes.

Books can be packed any of these three ways:

* Flat on their backs
* Standing upright,
* Sideways, with their spines downward and pages facing up

You’ll probably find using a mix of these methods works best, to fill in odd pockets of space. This is where your Tetris skills come in! And the best part: the books don’t have to speed up as they go in the box!

There will invariably be some leftover space in each box. Use crumpled packing paper, peanuts or bubble wrap to snugly fill the gaps.

Never pack books with pages facing down, as this stresses the spines and can bend the covers and pages.

Magazines are best stacked flat.

There is some disagreement about whether, when books are standing upright, their spines or their open edges should be touching the side of the box. The Betty Brigade believes it’s safest to touch the open edge of the book to the side of the box, and then pack another section of books “spine-to-spine” against the first section.

Pages should never be touching pages, whether the books are hardback or paperback. If you start another row next to an outward facing row of books, place paper between the rows, and turn the books sideways to the open-faced books.

When pages must face pages, separate them with packing paper.

Don’t pack books too tightly together, or you may damage them when unpacking later. For fragile books, photo albums or first editions, line the box with bubble wrap first. Wrap these volumes in craft or packing paper (not newspaper) and separate them with cardboard to keep them from damaging each other.

Before sealing a box, always cover the top layer with a sheet or two of packing paper.

If you’ll be storing the books for awhile, try to get a climate controlled storage unit, so the books aren’t subject to high heat or moisture. Also if you have precious books in storage, wrap them with acid-free paper, which won’t rot or discolor over time.

Okay, now we just have to figure out how to use of your World of Warcraft skills…