Ask the master gardeners

Q: I have never had a problem with deer, but now they occasionally come into my garden. With all the deer repellents available on the market, I am not sure which one to use.

A: The deer population has reached an all-time high. These attractive creatures are invading suburban areas at a fast rate and can destroy a garden very quickly.

Many gardeners seek the help of deer repellents, which discourage deer from feeding by giving the plants in your garden a foul taste or odor. Repellents vary in effectiveness, so it is best to alternate a few varieties.

Deer will almost always stay away from plants that offend two or more senses. In addition, they would stay away from a property where they sense the presence of danger (some repellents contain coyote or bobcat urine, two of their natural predators).

Using two deer deterrents together, one that offends the sense of taste in conjunction with one that offends the sense of smell, and alternating different brands, gives the best results. Several brands of commercial repellents, both in concentrate and ready-to-use form, are available in garden and home centers.

Look for the active ingredients listed on the label. Deterrents are usually applied as a spray and should be applied when rain is not forecast for 24 hours. You should cover all portions of the plants in your garden, making sure you reapply to new growth and after it rains.

No matter what you choose to use, the effectiveness of repellents depends on the number of deer in your area, their feeding habits and weather conditions. If the deer are very hungry due to limited food supplies (particularly in late winter and early spring), the repellents may not work.

Fencing the garden may not be part of your plan, but it remains the most effective defense against these hungry creatures.
— Lonna Panatelli, Tuxedo master gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland

Perennials: Continue planting bulbs. Mulch loosely with leaves or straw. Protect from squirrel foraging with plastic fruit boxes, screening or soak them in a deer repellent. A scattering of mothballs might help, too. It is too soon to mulch beds, but collect fallen oak leaves and pine needles to use later, after the ground freezes.

Flowers: Clean out patio planters, tubs and window boxes. Clay containers should be stored in a dry place where they won’t be subject to freezing. Start paperwhites indoors for holiday blooming.

Vegetables and fruits: Cleanup in the vegetable garden should be complete. Continue harvesting carrots, parsnips, leeks and Brussels sprouts. Trim broken branches on fruit trees. Finish cutting raspberry canes if weather permits. Sawdust makes a good mulch for blueberries.

Trees and shrubs: When planting trees and shrubs, the root ball should sit in the hole on undisturbed ground with the crown of the plant at ground level or slightly above. If the hole yields a lot of stones replace with topsoil from elsewhere on your property, not compost or peat moss, so that the new plant will accommodate to your conditions. Unless a newly planted tree is very exposed to winds, do not stake. Do not prune or fertilize. Water regularly, depending on rainfall, for two years. Make sure to keep mulch away from the flare of the trunk.

Lawns: If the lawn showed signs of snow mold last spring, treat it now with a fungicide before snow covers the ground. The last mowing of the lawn should be very short to avoid the grass matting down.

Houseplants: Some houseplants are thirsty year-round and thrive on regular watering — African violets, begonias, Swedish ivies, spider plants and most ferns. However, other popular plants, such as cacti and succulents, go into a winter slump and prefer to be left alone. They should be watered sparingly. Sow seeds of parsley in a pot, moisten the soil and cover with plastic until they sprout. Keep in a sunny spot with houseplants.

General: Store and cover outdoor furniture, picnic tables and garden ornaments. Replace screens with storm windows.

Susan Henry

This time of year, I always enjoy visits to the New York Botanical Garden, because the gardeners there really know how to push the seasons. Take a stroll through the Ladies Border or the Perennial Garden and you’ll see blooms in all directions. It must still be mid-summer, you think.

On a recent visit, all of the fall-blooming salvias caught my eye, especially one called ‘Phyllis’ Fancy.’ It stood nearly 6 feet tall and was completely covered with purple spikes of fuzzy lavender blooms.

Named for Phyllis Norris, this particularly elegant and long-blooming salvia was recently introduced by the University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum. It will start blooming in mid-summer and keep going strong until a hard frost knocks it down.

Like other members of the sage and mint families, salvias are great plants for Hudson Valley gardeners — deer resistant, low maintenance, drought tolerant and very vigorous all summer and fall. Favorites of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, they prefer full sun but tolerate some shade.

In mild winters, experienced gardeners in the Lower Hudson Valley might get ‘Phyllis’ Fancy’ to survive until next spring, but generally speaking, you should treat it as an annual in our climate. It’s definitely one I’ll be looking for in nurseries next year.

To learn more:

“Splendid Salvias—14 Tender Perennials for Summer and Fall Bloom,”
by Bob Hyland, from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Web site

Fall calendar, from the Horticultural Society of NY”

Monday, November 9, 16, 23, 30
and December 7
Interactive Botany
Classroom Series for Children

An innovative blend of hands-on science, reading
and artistic expression

60 minute class + 30 minutes for personalized
library study, individualized inquiry discussion
and healthy snack

For Children Ages 6-8 years

Cost: $20 per session or $90 for all five sessions*

*Enrollment of all five sessions will also include a
free library pass granting borrowing privileges for
the duration of the program.
———————————————————————————————
Tuesday, November 10
BOOKED TONIGHT
“Farm City: The Education
of an Urban Farmer”

Novella Carpenter discusses her memoir about starting a farm ten years ago on the mean streets of Oakland. Learn more about her experience in a recent New York Times interview.

6pm at The HSNY Library
$10 at the door, waived with book purchase
RSVP to Katherine Powis at (212) 757-0915×109 for more information

“Design an Engaging Entryway,” from Fine Gardening

“Improve Your Soil by Raking Less,” from Fine Gardening

“Fanciful Gardens Emerge in a Land of Tan and Gray,” from the NYTimes

Event Announcement from Cary
From the Cary Institute in Millbrook, with their photos:

Sunday, November 8th, 2009
Noon – 2:00 p.m.

CHANGING SEASONS:
A FAMILY FRIENDLY NATURE WALK

On Sunday, November 8th at noon join Cary Institute educators for a late fall walk along paved trails that weave through lowland habitats.

Participants of all ages will look for birds, observe signs of the changing seasons, identify stream invertebrates, and make a bird feeder to take home.

The trail is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera!

To ensure that we have enough craft supplies, please RSVP to (845) 677-7600×121 or freemanp@caryinstitute.org. The walk will begin in our auditorium parking lot, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, N.Y.

Events are free and open to the public

Copyright© 2009 Cary Institute | Cary Institute PO Box AB, 2801 Sharon Turnpike Millbrook, New York 12545-0129 | 845 677-5343

From Nancy Inzinna at the Native Plant Center in Valhalla:

“Native Plant Center Lecture
This lecture is selling out quickly!

“Fax or mail your registration form   by Monday, November 9
Limited Seating

Tuesday, November 17
Invasive Species in the Northeastern United States
James D. Lewis
10:00 a.m. – 12 noon at WCC
Fee: $25 non-members

Invasive species have been identified as one of the three greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. In the northeastern U.S., invasive species have dramatically altered the composition of native ecosystems, resulting in the near loss of native species including American chestnut, American elm, and the spread of purple loosestrife, phragmites and other species. Some current threats to native plants in our region will be discussed, as well as ongoing research into the effects of some invasive species on native and urban ecosystems.

James D. Lewis is the Assistant Professor for Plant Ecology at The Louis Calder Center Biological Station in Armonk, New York. He holds a Master of Science in Ecology from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Botany from Duke University.
Confirmation and directions will be sent November 10, be sure to include your e-mail address.

REGISTRATION FORM
May, 2010 Garden Tour to Washington D.C.
NPC WEBSITE
September, 2009 Newsletter
www.nativeplantcenter.org
Nancy Inzinna
Assistant Director
(914) 606-7870 Phone
(914) 606-6143 FAX
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY  10595
www.nativeplantcenter.org

From the Garden Education Center of Greenwich, Conn.:

“Look what is happening in November !

Red and Green: Jewels that are not just for
Christmas.
Thursday, November 5  10:00 a.m.

Simon Teakle will heighten the senses discussing the glamour and
folklore of rubies and emeralds as well as other red and green
gemstones. In addition to gems, Simon will explore the variety of
jewelry design with this color theme ranging from exquisite
17th century Indian spinels to Art Deco enameling of Cartier.
Who said that red and green was a cliché?  Cost: M $35 N/M $45

Carri Raven Orchid Trunk Show
Thursday, November 12
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The OrchidPhile is comin’ to town! Carri Raven is back with some
of her most unique orchids. Come see what is new and exciting in
the world of Orchids. There is always something to catch your eye.
Exquisite plants will be for sale.     FREE OF CHARGE

Design with flowers from the supermarket
with Miriam Landsman
Thursday, November 12   10:00 a.m.

Making ordinary flowers into extraordinary arrangements
with emphasis on flowers for the holidays. Miriam will demonstrate arrangements for
the mantels, tables and centerpieces. From ShopRite to Whole Foods a world of creativity
in your cart!  Cost: M $40 N/M $50
Photo taken at Cos Cob Farm

Event Announcement (and photos) from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook:

Friday, November 6th, 2009
7:00 p.m.

OVER: THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE
AT THE TIPPING POINT
A Lecture and Visual Journey by Alex S. MacLean

On Friday, November 6th at 7:00 p.m., take a visual journey with author, pilot, and photographer Alex S. MacLean.

Using dramatic aerial photographs, his book, OVER: The American Landscape at the Tipping Point, catalogs our culture’s excessive use of energy and natural resources, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.

MacLean is the recipient of the American Academy of Roma Prix de Rome Award. His book of powerful photographs compels us to reconsider how we live, work, and play, and reveals that our future depends on our commitment to use our land and resources wisely.?
The event will be held in the Cary Institute auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, New York. For more information, call (845) 677-7600×121 or e-mail freemanp@caryinstitute.org. Books will be available for purchase by Merritt Bookstore.

Events are free and open to the public

Copyright© 2009 Cary Institute | Cary Institute PO Box AB, 2801 Sharon Turnpike Millbrook, New York 12545-0129 | 845 677-5343

The NY Botanical Garden will host a free Career Information Session on Wednesday, November 11, 6–8 p.m. in the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall. Pre-registration is encouraged; call 718.817.8747 or 800.322.NYBG (6924). More info at nybg.org, under EDUCATION.

Here’s a link to the nybg blog, with a post from Sarah Lusardi about how the school helped her floral design business.