Leaf Diseases...that kill our plants.

This is a perfect visual to understand how a microscopic spore spreads in the plant tissue. This is how it starts folks. So now imagine hundreds or thousands of these spores landing on your leaves. It's easy to understand how it spreads so quickly. "Before I knew it the entire plant was affected!" Yup.
How can we lessen our chances...let me count the ways.
1. Start by buying plants that are disease resistant. It should be listed on the plant tag or seed packet.
2. Heirloom plants offer little or no disease resistant, hybrids typically offer resistance to multiple
    diseases.
3. Never compost or till under vegetable matter from the garden. Spores travel by wind & water. The
    closer potential problems are, the more likely they will revisit you, and revisit you, and revisit you.
4. By the time we actually 'notice' the problem, it's advanced. You can remove some of the affected leaves,
    being careful not to touch good leaves or you are the infector! If a plant has disease on 30% of it, pull
    it up and get it in the trash.
5. The best option is to use a fungicide, especially if your garden has a history of problems. A fungicide 
    spray is only a preventative so start a spray program right after planting. See how it creates a barrier
    (gold shaded section in the diagram on the left). After you have an issue a fungicide cannot help. You can
    purchase fungicide at most garden centers, and most will require a couple of applications. But if it saves
    the garden, it's worth it. I have heard that skim milk, mixed with water, (1 part milk & 4 parts water) also
    works. Get it now, so you are ready later!  
 
In about 2 days we should have a winner (if you are a follower) see Jan. 1st posting for details. Don't forget to notify me it it says 15,150 when you log on, I will not know who it is unless you tell me!

Alliums...get'em here!

Alliums are a diverse genus of plants we love for different reasons. This genus includes, onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, asiatic lilies, and the flowering alliums shown here. Above is Allium albopilosum, common name is 'Star of Persia.' This beauty blooms early from May-June. The huge flowerheads are 10" across, and the plant is 14-24" tall.

This tiny headed beauty is Azureum 'Azure Blue.' These flowers are only 1.5" across and bloom in June on 24" stems. A very striking cornflower blue color.

Above is Allium multiblubosum (no common name). I love love this one in bouquets. This awesome flowerhead is 3-4" across on 18-24" stems. On these flowerheads, it is really obvious how they are comprised of tiny flowers in these round clusters.

Above is Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation.' Big 4" flowerheads on 24-30" stems. These gorgeous guys bloom May-June. All these types of alliums are like tulips, the foliage dies back and basically dissappears after it's bloom period. Knowing that, they are great to locate in the perennial bed that fills in over the summer - so you won't notice the bald spots in the garden.
These are all fully hardy here and will increase in blooms every year. Unless you are an experienced bulb mover, I would not recommend digging and dividing these, just give the plenty of space to begin with. The best time of year to dig and divide is in the fall, after the foliage is totally gone...so where are they? You will likely find them after your shovel just cut thru them, get my point? =)

Alliums prefer full sun. I have not had rabbits bother these in my area, must be the onion flavor. Plants need little to no care once planted. Earthworks will have all of these and more for sale in May. To see details on the 'follower' gift certificate contest, see my Jan 1st. posting below.

Almost 15,000 visits to my blogspot!

I think that's great! If you are an avid follower, then you know I have on occasion offered some 'gift' for being the one to reach a certain number. Since I want to give new folks a chance too....whomever is the 15,150 visitor will win a $20 gift certificate for any of our plant related products. (sorry, does not include Ciabatta bread) Every time you visit the blog, check the number on the 'stat' counter, if it says 15,150 you win. Please contact me by leaving a message here or by email. It will only 'count' you once per half hour, so you can't pop on and off. ddenise58@msn.com
Did I mention you must be a "follower" to WIN? Sign-up today!