Western Mountains and High Plains
July, 2006
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
Poison Ivy Gets Pumped Up
One of the scourges of summer is dermatitis from contact with poison ivy. The leaves, branches, and roots of this perennial vining weed contain an oil ( urushiol ) that, once it penetrates your...
The First True Red Hydrangea
One visit to your local garden center and its clear that mophead hydrangeas ( Hydrangea macrophylla ) are very popular. While pink or blue flowers have been the most popular colors, plant...
Veggies Help Prevent Clogged Arteries
Its common knowledge that eating vegetables is good for us, and a recent study helps us understand at least one reason why. In laboratory tests on rodents, researchers at Wake Forest University...
Add Water-Absorbing Gel After Planting
Water-absorbing crystals are often used to keep containers, hanging baskets, and pots moist during dry summer weather. The traditional way to apply the crystals is to mix them into the potting...
In the Garden
Summer Tomato Woes
The summer is sizzling with record-breaking temperatures, and I always get questions about what these high temperatures are doing to the garden. No matter our intentions, Nature has a way of controlling how plants respond. We must be patient and ride...
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Resources
Books
Common Weeds of the United States Common Weeds of the United States , by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Dover Publications,...
Clever Gardening Technique
Homemade Plant Shield for Weed Control Use a plant shield to protect plants from drift when you spot-spray weeds. Cut the bottom off an...
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Regional Reminders
- Don't Prune Spruce Tops
- Check Elderberry Foliage
- Welcome Tiny Brown Bats
- Clean Up Weeds
- Deadhead Coreopsis
