Overseeing the gardens of a city museum is a somewhat atypical post in the gardening world, but a fantastic one (as head gardener at Londons Garden Museum, I should know). Horticulture is combined with history, education and storytelling, which inform plant choices, design and presentation. Errol Fernandes, head of horticulture at south Londons Horniman Museum and Gardens, which houses the collection of the 19th-century tea trader Frederick John Horniman says conversations with visitors regularly stray beyond gardening into the realms of art, collections and curation.

Fernandes, who took on the role last spring, oversees 16 acres of tropical, medicinal and rockery plantings, mature trees and large areas of parkland grass. He draws inspiration not only from his horticultural studies and experience, but a background in art and curation (he initially studied fine art, painting and photography). A painters eye, therefore, informs his approach to planting and garden maintenance.

We meet on a gloriously bright, late-autumn morning in the museums award-winning Grasslands Garden, designed by plantsman and Olympic Park landscape designer James Hitchmough to reflect North American and South African native prairies. Fernandes is busy editing the garden in preparation for winter. Traditionally, perennials are cut back entirely to ground level in autumn, or in early spring ahead of new shoots. However, Fernandes argues that, with considered editing, these gardens can be enjoyed throughout the winter.

Though we keep as much in place for wildlife as possible, were also cutting away bits that are letting down the picture, he says, indicating a section recently worked on: an array of shimmering ornamental grasses and perennials that have lignified (grown woody), glowing gold, silver and maroon-pink. In the past, these beds were left until February, but were recognising that there is a balance between naturalistic planting looking intended and looking unkempt. I think its really important to step back and observe.

Describing his approach to composition, Fernandes uses terms more common in photography and painting: apical points, triangular repetition, aspiring towards a sense of balance. Were all very used to pointing our camera at things and I encourage my team to do the same to imagine the viewfinder and assess whats spoiling that image. Has a plant collapsed? Is there something theres too much of? You want the plants to be able to jostle together but not outcompete each other, so close attention to what is happening on the ground is important, too.

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He sees the autumn into winter period as a time of adjustments, where he might chop back a plant if its flopping too much and let others die back gradually to prolong interest. I think the contemporary horticulturist looks at structure and form in a different way. We are looking at seed heads, sepia tones. We often talk about how a plant dies does it die gracefully? Thats really important here.

In the Grassland Garden, tall seeding plumes of goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) and wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) contrast with the darker tones of echinacea and false indigo (Baptisia australis); the sharp outline of the tall sea holly (Eryngium yuccifolium) sits against feathery bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) all perennials with fantastic winter attributes. Its important to have species that provide contrast, says Fernandes, and a good range of textures, too, from soft to rigid and spiky.

Before turning to professional gardening, Fernandes worked in fashion editorial then in outreach roles at the Tate and the V&A, before doing an MA in art psychotherapy. Being introduced to horticultural therapy inspired him to retrain as a gardener, studying at Capel Manor College in Enfield, on the edge of north London.

The course offered Fernandes a sense of belonging: It felt like, finally, this was where I needed to be. This is what my passion is. After graduating, however, he was surprised at how hard it was to secure a horticultural traineeship. I attended interview after interview. Many national, leading horticultural institutions repeatedly fed back that it had been between me and an equally strong candidate; my college tutor was scratching his head saying: Why arent they giving it to you? It just felt odd that it was such a struggle.

He eventually landed a traineeship at the esteemed Chelsea Physic Garden and went on to work at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath before joining the Horniman. However, his experiences have led him to question a lack of diversity in horticulture (he is a British-born Asian of British immigrant parents from Africa). Fernandes grew up with an interest in it his mother was a florist. But I couldnt imagine myself in that profession; I didnt see anybody like me a person of colour within it.

This is a complex issue, he says, and deeply rooted. My mum used to take us to various houses and gardens, and sometimes wed get quite a frosty reception. We knew what it was about, though my mum tried to shield us. I think the industry, and society as a whole, often find it difficult to imagine people from diverse backgrounds working in horticulture, particularly in higher-level positions. In a strange way Ive had to fight through my own bias to be here.

But there are encouraging signs, he says. He recently met three young students of African and Afro-Caribbean descent at a Horniman gardening study day: I asked each of them about their journey into horticulture. It felt like a profound shift. Fernandess enthusiasm for making horticulture more inclusive and diverse is well suited to the Horniman, which is endeavouring to engage new audiences within its south London community.

Right now, his creative energy is turning to fresh projects in the garden plans for 2022 include planting a micro-forest to provide a green buffer between the gardens and the busy, polluting South Circular road; and an educational border filled with drought-tolerant plants. Reducing mowing to increase biodiversity is a priority roughly an acre of lawn is given over to long grass and mown paths as is a more sustainable approach to planting, with plans to replace the traditional annual bedding in the historic Sunken Garden with longer-term schemes.

Bedding is so wasteful, he says. The constant intervention that it requires has a negative effect on the health of the soil. So weve been thinking more carefully about what we plant now, including more perennial bulbs tulips, narcissus and hyacinth that can stay in the ground for two to three years.

Fernandes is also keen to deepen the link with the museums internal displays. Its extensive musical instrument collection is reflected through plantings such as bottle gourd (from which percussion instruments are made) and Arundo donax (used for woodwind reeds). Fernandes is now looking to interpret the taxidermy bird collection, with illustrative, informative new planting.

Gardening must continue to address issues such as sustainability and waste, and the challenge of our changing climate. But artistic vision can inspire change, too: there seems to be an increasing crossover between art and gardening, championed in recent years by galleries such as the Hepworth in Wakefield and Hauser & Wirth in Somerset (and before that Derek Jarmans Prospect Cottage in Kent). For me, gardening is an artistic, creative process, says Fernandes. I entered into it for love, and then passion got ignited.

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Ways of seeding: the designer changing the way we look at gardening - The Guardian

This would be a fascinating final-four showdown for Barty against another Roland Garros champion, last years victor Barbora Krejcikova. Theres a little bit of a pattern here Krejcikova, fresh off her Paris heroics, was one of the players the world No.1 beat at Wimbledon a few weeks later as Barty went on to accomplish a childhood dream by triumphing on the London grass. The right-handed Krejcikova has been making strong inroads in the womens game in recent times, her season-ending world No.5 coming off a ranking of 65 one year earlier.

MADISON KEYSAGE: 26COUNTRY: United StatesRANKING: 51SEEDING: n/aHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 2, Keys 1

Madison Keys used her big-hitting game to put the heat on Paula Badosa in the fourth round.Credit:Getty Images

This, too, would be a semi-final clash with plenty of appeal as American Keys has a wealth of experience at the majors that belies her current ranking. An Australian Open semi-finalist seven years ago, Keys has also gone deep at Roland Garros (2018 semi-finals), Wimbledon (2015 quarter-final) and on home turf at the US Open (2017 finalist). In some ways, of the three different players who could attempt to stop Barty from reaching Saturday nights final, Keys could be the most dangerous.

One of the following players will have the world No.1 in their sights if she wins through to Saturday nights title showdown.

DANIELLE COLLINSAGE: 28COUNTRY: United StatesRANKING: 30SEED: 27HEAD TO HEAD: Barty 3, Collins 1Made the semi-final of the Australian Open in 2019 and is a ferocious competitor who claimed titles on Italian clay and American hard courts last year. Her trainer and partner is Tom Couch, the son of the late AFL Brownlow Medallist and Geelong champion Paul Couch. Beat Elise Mertens in three sets on Monday to make the quarters.

ALIZE CORNETAGE: 32COUNTRY: FranceRANKING: 61SEED: N/AHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 1, Cornet 1.The veteran showed her resilience with a come-from-behind win over 29th seed Tamara Zidansek in scorching heat to make the fourth round, and provided one of the upsets of the Open when she toppled dual grand slam winner Simona Halep on Monday.

IGA SWIATEKCOUNTRY: PolandAGE: 20RANKING: 9SEED: 7HEAD TO HEAD: Barty 2, Swiatek 0The 2020 French Open champion plays an aggressive style of tennis and hadnt dropped a set leading into the fourth round clash with Sorana Cirstea. Cirstea took the first set of their clash on Monday night but Swiatek fought back to take the victory and keep her title hopes alive.

KAIA KANEPICOUNTRY: EstoniaAGE: 36RANKING: 115SEED: N/AHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 1, Kanepi 0The Estonian veteran knocked out Australian wildcard Madison Inglis in the third round. She backed that up with a victory over Aryna Sabalenka on Monday night. Sabalenka, the world No.2, has been battling a dreadful case of the serving yips recently and is yet to make a grand slam final. But a fascinating rivalry had developed between Sabalenka and Barty and Kanepis upset win takes the Belarusian off the board.

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The players who could stop Ashleigh Barty from reaching the womens final - The Age

Gardening season has been put to bed for winter, but you may still have questions. For answers, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State Universitys Extension Service. OSU Extension faculty and Master Gardeners reply to queries within two business days, usually less. To ask a question, simply go to the OSU Extension website, type it in, and include the county where you live. Here are some questions asked by other gardeners. Whats yours?

Q: We have a previously very healthy hybrid maple (Acer saccharinum x rubrum) that appears to have developed a black weep and crack on the trunk.

We planted it in 2009 as a balled-and-burlaped nursery stock tree, and it has thrived until a year ago. (The trunk went from 2-inch diameter to about 15-inch diameter in 12 years.)

The weep developed after we had a professional pruning a little over a year ago. From what I can find on the internet (photos), it appears to be phytophthora fungal infection.

Is it possible to restore the trees health, or will the rot result in a potentially structurally unsafe tree over time? What should we look for in an arborist? I know you probably cannot point us to specific companies, but if you can give us a tip, thatd be really helpful. Multnomah County

A: Argh, that doesnt look good. But it may not be the end of the tree. Phytophthora is probably a pretty good guess, but there are several other possibilities. Here is a link to the PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook re: maple and phytophthora diseases.

This includes both cultural and chemical solutions, although chemical methods are generally protectants, there are phosphonate fungicides that appear to slow the phyphthora down.

First you may want to look at the drainage situation around the tree. Does it appear compacted and perhaps there is standing water a lot of the time? This can facilitate phytophthora. Is there any way to improve the drainage issue if you think it may be a problem?

Regarding arborists, you may want to try a consulting arborist one that can do diagnosis and recommend treatments, but wont be the one to do the treatments, so they are not likely to recommend things that arent absolutely needed.

Here is the PNW ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) website with a find an arborist page, with a directory.

In the directory, the arborists will note whether they are consulting arborists or not. Dave Shaw, OSU Extension forestry specialist

Apple treeOSU Extension Service

Q: I just noticed this as I started pruning my Liberty apple tree. What is it and how should I deal with it? The entire branch is nonproductive perhaps I should cut it back to the trunk?

A: This is likely apple anthracnose canker. Infection generally occurs during fall rains and first appears as a small, circular red spot on the bark; new cankers are most visible when the bark is moist. The discoloration extends into the tissue as far as the sapwood, which contains the functioning vascular tissue.

Disease management relies heavily on pruning out the cankers to remove the inoculum source. Stems or trees that are heavily infected with cankers should be removed from the orchard and burned. The mainstay of apple canker control is pruning out the cankers. If the canker pathogen is a fungus, prune off the cankers in early summer. After that, spray the area with a Bordeaux mixture or approved fixed copper materials. Since fungal cankers only attack apple trees suffering from drought or other cultural stress, you may be able to prevent these cankers by taking excellent care of the trees. Chris Rusch, OSU Extension Master Gardener

How is this conifer doing?OSU Extension Service

Q: Im not sure what the correct name is of this conifer. It looks nice on the outside, but underneath there is a lot of dry leaves. Last year it was the same. Is that normal? Should I do anything? Multnomah County

A: Actually, the conifer is in excellent condition. And thats in spite of the direct heat from it receives from both the west and the south; the limited rooting area; and the heat reflected from paving on two sides! The dense growth is simply shading out some of the interior growth, a normal occurrence. Such shade is not a problem and that sort of dead growth may be removed whenever it is seen, The only thing you need to do is to remove each brown branch at its source, but dont cut the brown off in such a way that leafless stubs remain. With conifers, bare branches dont re-sprout. Jean Natter, OSU Extension Master Gardener diagnostician

There are many azalea hybrids. This one is fragrant.OSU Extension Service

Q: Can you please tell me what type of plant this extremely fragrant, yellow-flowering bush is called? Linn County

A: This is an azalea (Rhododendron species). There are many azalea hybrids, so what species it is exactly is unclear. However, Rhododendron luteum would be a good guess as it is both yellow and perfumed. James Mickley, OSU Extension Herbarium curator and instructor

Either seeds or seedlings can be planted in a straw bale garden. Oregonian file photo. Marv Bondarowicz/staff

Q: Can I set straw bales up in February for the rain to soak them then fertilize two weeks prior to planting in April? Lane County

A: That will usually work. Often in the first year the first planting is done in a trench in the bale with fertilizer. Adding fertilizer now will also help prepare the bed. The straw breakdown creates some heat from composting once temps reach into the mid-50-60s. Pat Patterson, OSU Extension horticulturist, retired

ClematisOSU Extension Service

Q: The photo Ive attached show a clematis vine on an L-shaped trellis (I dont recall the plant variety). I have another, too. They were planted about two years ago and never bloomed very well (probably due to my lack of care!)

They began blooming this year in early to mid-April. The best blooming plant faces south (but my house is about 25 feet away) and only has growth at the base and at the top (no growth in the middle). The other struggling plant faces west, but is shaded in the afternoon by another wing of my house, but it has absolutely no growth from the base to the top, and is only flowering at the top.

The plants get about six hours of sun. I dont know if I should prune it, and if so how much and when? What would cause the bare portions of the stems? I have not fertilized it. Washington County

A: Some clematis literally jump out of the ground the spring after they are planted whereas others slog along, takingseveral years to gear up. Those available with their rootball wrapped in plastic are often sluggish. Except for the bare stems, yours currently look fine.

I doubt theres anything to be concerned about as long as the bare portions didnt have leaf spots or other problems. Clematis growing in clay-based soil seldom need additional fertilizer, but may do well with a boost after they are pruned.

Clematis thrive with annual pruning, with the timing varying according to the group the clematis belongs to. In general, a useful guideline is after bloom. A practice that works well with large-flowered spring-bloomers such as yours is to cut back the stems to about 12 inches, then wait for the abundant new growth that will support next years flowers.

You can fertilize after pruning to help the clematis put on new growth. If it has a second bloom later in the year, dont prune again. A second bloom is likely to be less showy than the first. Youll find lots of clematis info, with the bulk of the basics on the first several pages, here: A Clematis for Every Garden

-- Jean Natter, OSU Extension Master Gardener diagnostician

Shiny geranium (Oregon State University)LC-

Q: My yard is mostly shady. It was invaded by shiny geranium (Geranium lucidum) about two years ago. We can keep it out of the raised flower beds pretty well but the lawn is awful. Weve tried heat killing it with black plastic (reused) tarps. It works, but they just re-invade. We dont want to use Roundup. We are not physically capable of hoeing them myself anymore and the yard guy is understandably reluctant to keep fighting such a tedious battle. What other options are there? Clackamas County

A: Shiny Geranium is an aggressive and tenacious invasive weed. It sets so many seeds that areas with the plants develop a heavy seed bank in the soil. There are details offered in some resources Ill share, yet the basics are control it twice a year, cover the seeds with deep mulch to inhibit germination and establish plants to cover or inhibit the geraniums growth.

In the lawn your strategy could include regular mowing to reduce seeding and keeping the turf very healthy. This means appropriate fertilization, mowing, watering and rejuvenation when the grass thins.

Healthy lawns require sunshine, though. Is there a way to get more sun to the area? Alternatively, other plantings might be a solution. Or regular organic mulch application?

Heres a prior answer about shiny geranium options.This Oregonian article has Extension Service information. And,thisposting from King County in Washington is fairly detailed. Learninghow and wherethe plant grows is useful when needing to disrupt it. Jacki Dougan, OS Extension Master Gardener

Read more from the original source:
Ask an expert: There may be help for this maple with possible root rot - OregonLive

Clapham Common will welcome a large butterfly meadow in the coming months as part of a new environmental initiative.

The project is being primarily funded by Wild Clapham, a charity organisation set up by The Clapham Society and Friends of Clapham Common, with the aim of increasing biodiversity on the Common as well as bringing the local community closer to its growing wildlife population.

Already, Wild Clapham has completed a number of projects throughout the Common, planting 72 trees in 2021 and introducing large areas of scrubland with indigenous shrubs that provide an ideal habitat for bees and butterflies.

The significance of their new conservation project lies in the reality that 76% of the UKs resident and regular migrant species of butterfly are currently in decline due to shifting patterns of climate and weather, as well as deterioration and destruction of habitat.

This is of great concern, not just for the butterfly species itself, but for the state of the environment as a whole, as butterflies are important indicators of more general biodiversity issues.

Adrian Darley, a member of the Wild Clapham committee who also runs a volunteer group for the wildlife area on the Common said: Ive lived locally for about 30 years and looking back on that period, Clapham Common was always great if you wanted to kick a football around, but really very low in biodiversity terms.

For the most part, the Common is made up of amenity grassland with either flat grass or tree trunks covering around 80% of its surface, meaning it offers little for the surrounding wildlife.

The conservation project will involve removing around six inches of topsoil, before seeding the ground which will result in the growth of wildflowers.

According to Darley, this new project will also positively impact the local community in terms of mental health:

Since the beginning of the pandemic more people have been working from home and, as a result of this, are keen to spend their free time in the fresh air.

This butterfly conservation project were working on will provide a dual benefit: not only will it improve biodiversity in Clapham Common, the increase in wildlife will also be more interesting and enjoyable for people to look at.

Gareth James, a member of Friends of Clapham Common, who also sits on the Wild Clapham committee said:

The butterfly meadow will take a year or two to establish, but once it is up and running it will be really educational for both children, as well as grown-ups, to experience, and it will really help our declining butterfly and moth species.

Lambeth Council have given their support for the project to go ahead and work will begin in March on the meadow which is to be located on the north edge of Windmill Drive.

Image credit: Wikimedia commons

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Butterfly conservation project planned for Clapham Common - South West Londoner

With a series of impressive wins to start the season, Alex de Minaur's motto to stay positive in 2022 is already paying off.

Melbourne, Australia , 20 January 2022 | Darren Parkin

Alex de Minaur is hoping his early season momentum rolls on as he shoots for a return to the worlds top 20 this year.

A difficult end to 2021 appears a distant memory for the young Australian, who has hit the ground running at the start of a new campaign.

The world No.42 backed up some strong ATP Cup performances in a polished first-round display against Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti at Australian Open 2022.

After being challenged early and falling behind, De Minaur took complete control of the match to win 18 of the last 24 games.

A new years resolution to stay positive at all times was a driving factor.

For me, the most important thing was my attitude. You know, that was what won me the match. I was positive throughout the whole night, De Minaur said.

I didnt let anything get in my head, and I just kept on going. I was playing every point for its merit, and eventually things started to go my way and I was able to take control.

Positive vibes only for 2022 is my motto.

In his first-round match, de Minaur was edged by Musetti in short rallies, with the Italian winning 47 points to 42 on rallies of four shots or fewer.

But on the longer points, his work-rate and tenacity stood out. He won 74 points to 42 on rallies of five or more shots.

Im cautious of myself as a competitor, as well. I feel like if Im on top and Im focused and determined and trying to win every point, I can be a very difficult opponent to beat, and especially when Im staying tough, the Australian said.

I had that in the back of my head. I knew I needed to start the sets well and hopefully get that early break so Im just happy with my level all around.

In the lead-up to Wimbledon last year, was a semifinalist at Queens and won a first title on grass in Eastbourne, elevating his ranking to a career-high world No.15.

In the weeks that followed, the 22-year-old contracted COVID, forcing him to miss the Tokyo Olympics. He won just five of his last 17 matches for the remainder of the season, with his ranking dropping to No.42.

> READ: De Minaur off to a winning start at Australian Open 2022

De Minaur began his pre-season training in Alicante, Spain, alongside his golden retriever Enzo,

The strong fitness regime served him well as he started the new year with wins over Matteo Berretini and Ugo Humbert both high-ranked opponents at the ATP Cup in Sydney.

We had a tough group at the ATP Cup, and we were very close to getting through, said De Minaur.

I especially stepped up when I needed to and had quality wins against Berrettini and Humbert.

Humbert is one of the biggest ball strikers, especially in an indoor court and in fact that match was huge for me, because it got me the last seeding for this week, so it gave me a little bit of protection in that sense.

It was a very tough pre-season. Its always good to see things going well so that gives me a lot of confidence.

At 22 years old, De Minaur is still at the start of what should be a long and successful career. He notes the positive influence of Australian players including Sam Stosur in his formative years.

Stosur is playing her final main draw singles event at this years Australian Open, and De Minaur recalls the guidance she provided to him as a young boy in Sydney.

Funnily enough, as a kid I actually hit with Sam maybe once or twice in Sydney, and I can really remember those days, he reflected.

I think we might have hit maybe on hard once and on clay out in Homebush. Shes always been an incredible competitor and role model.

I remember even back then with me being a little kid, a little junior, she was very nice to me.

As a determined De Minaur aims to maintain his good form with a win over Kamil Majchrzak a world No.107 from Poland, at Rod Laver Arena today its clear the positive vibes have rubbed off.

Original post:
Alex de Minaur: Positive vibes only for 2022 | 20 January, 2022 | All News | News and Features | News and Events - Tennis Australia

By Jean HansenAdvertorial Writer

With Covid-19 preventing a lot of travel around the country, some homeowners took advantage of the time at home to beautify their yards.

October Yard of the Month winners Sophia Clark and her husband Brian have spent the time improving their property at 2910 Jackson St., by putting in attractive retaining wall planters and in-ground sprinklers, adding plants and working on the flower beds.

The retaining wall planters in front of the property (on both sides) feature different varieties of roses, silver mound (artemisia), marigolds, blanket flowers and balloon flowers.

"Before the retaining walls there was just grass there," she said. "It was so hard to grow grass," said Sophia,who is working remotely for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

The Clarks, who have lived in their Queen Anne Victorian since September 2015, have made other changes including having fir and arborvitae trees removed, and planting lots of flowers in their place. She still has a couple of arborvitae in the beds around the front porch.

"I have moved the flowers around to all different places. Gardening allows me to get out of the house," said Sophia, who traveled a lot with her job before Covid-19.

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She usually tries to give her property a balanced look. As you walk up the steps to the wrap-around porch, there are tall pots with purple fountain grass flanking the sidewalk. Lining the sidewalk on both sides are bee balm plants and rock.

In the right flowerbed in front of the wraparound porch, she planted hydrangeas, hollyhocks (new this year), sedum and ornamental grass. The plant varieties are similar in the left side flowerbed, she said.

The front yard showcases a standalone flowerbed with a cherry blossom tree and daylilies surrounding it.

Sophia then pointed to a flowering pear tree on the parking that they planted for the birth of their four-month-old daughter.

"In the springtime it will have white flowers, so hopefully it will grow. We plan to take a picture of her in front of it every year," she said.

In the side yard, Sophia planted hostas, and the flowers continue on the other side of the white gate. In the backyard, around the foundation, she grows roses and chrysanthemums. Bugleweed provides color all along the side of the fence, and Maiden grass, phlox and coneflower provide interest along the back wall.

The garage is decorated with yard art and provides the perfect backdrop for what she calls her "Everything Flowerbed" because she likes to put "everything" there. She has spirea, blue fuschia, honeysuckle vine, annuals, climbing rose, lilies, columbine, purple leaf Sandcherry, geraniums, dianthus, phlox, Goldenrod and ornamental grass. She trains the climbers by using stakes and trellises.

"This garden is red for Nebraska," referencing her husband Brian's love for the Nebraska Huskers. The geraniums are bright red and the Goldenrod is a state flower.

At the back of their house is a deck, where the Clarks like to entertain. A black pergola overhead minimizes the hot morning sun. Around the deck she has pleasantly scented lavender along with Wisteria, bugleweed, lupine, dahlias featuring big, colorful pink and yellow blooms, marigolds, vinca, and now thriving sweet potato vines that she transplanted from pots.

Other plants you will find in the Clarks' backyard are azaleas and rhododendrons, pussy willow, and more. She strives to have color in her flowerbeds to cover the different seasons so she has pretty plants to look at year-round, and she wants to look for more winter season offerings.

"I try to have as many different plants as I can," she said. "I love having lots of flowers in many shapes, colors and sizes. I was focusing on the 'Wow' factor."

Sophia said she started gardening more when they bought their house and ramped it up during Covid-19 and her maternity leave as a way to get exercise and take a break from being inside the house. She spends about an hour each day and up to four hours during peak seasons. Brian focuses on the grass, doing the mowing and re-seeding, etc., and she does the flowers.

They enjoy their yard by using the hammock on the porch, playing frisbee golf, and spending time working on their old house.

"I love this place," said Sophia, who gets gardening inspiration from her grandmother, who is really into gardening, has big gardens herself, and lives nearby on Nebraska Street. "When we were walking through it, I said 'I'm going to get this house.' I love old houses on Jackson and Nebraska. I love it and I'm definitely going to make the yard my own."

If you would like to nominate yourself or a neighbor for the Yard of the Month, fill out an application and return it to the city manager's office.

Address it to Office of the City Manager, 405 6th Street, 2nd Floor, Sioux City, IA 51101. Or emailjessicajohnson@sioux-city.org.

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Yard of the Month winner adds charm to old house - Sioux City Journal

The first thing you should do about a wet lawn is rule out a few possible causes. Common reasons for soggy grass and muddy divots include everything from concentrated gutter downspout outflow to a poorly managed irrigation system. Once you've figured out why your yard seems to hold water, you can begin to address the issue.

Related: How to Care for Your Lawn Organically

Typically, a homeowner's lot receives grading before seeding or sod placement, says George Bernardon, the vice president of Grounds Management for SSC Services for Education. "Inspectors only ensure that the grade around the structure allows water to move away from the structure and the correct compaction rate is present," he explains. Unfortunately, improper grading can lead to both minor or major dips, depending on size of yard, says Bernardon, which can cause improper water retention down the road.

Another cause for standing water on your lawn might be invisible: According to Bernardon, a compacted sub-surface, or a "fragi-pan," could be to blame. "When grading occurs with heavy equipment and the soil is wet, it severely compacts and seals the soil, not allowing water to move down through the profile, thus puddling on the surface," he says. Additionally, poor drainage can be caused by a combination of the soil and a thick thatch layer: "Thatch greater than three-quarters of an inch becomes impervious to water, and won't allow it to move into the soil profile."

If the grade of your lawn is the problem, Hank Bruno, a horticulturist for the SSC Services for Education at Belmont Abbey College, says you may notice a depression that prevents storm water runoff. "Drainage can be improved by cutting a gentle swale to lower elevations; adding soil (if there are no trees nearby) to raise the low spot; or installing a French drain of four-inch perforated pipe with a sock, gravel, and sand." Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to call in a professional for help with these solutions.

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beautiful landscaped backyard sunny day

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Bruno says some homeowners may find success digging a straight sided hole and studying the soil profile for evidence of a layer of compacted claysomething farmers call a hardpanwhich prevents water percolation. "If it is near the surface and not too thick, it can be corrected with deep tine aeration and the addition of coarse material to fill the holes," he explains. "This may also require professional help. Unfortunately, minute clay particles will migrate with water into these drain holes, so it will need to be repeated every year or so."

If you can't beat it, Bruno says the trick might actually be to embrace the wet spots by planting a rain garden. "There are many plants adapted to wet sites, and they do not require weekly mowing," he says. "There are trees (bald cypress, river birch, black gum, sweetbay magnolia); shrubs (Virginia sweet spire, buttonbush, alder, summer sweet); and perennials (Joe Pye weed, flag iris, mallow cinnamon fern, cardinal flower) that thrive in wet soil." Creative homeowners shouldn't think of these wet spots in the lawn as a problem, but instead treat them as a wonderful opportunity to try something new, he adds.

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Why should we care about pollinators-those butterflies, moths, bees and insects that flutter around us all day? According to Terri Cain, chair of Sustainable Guilford Task Force (SGTF) and manager of the Guilford Community Garden Hub, if you want to eat, you should care.

Presumably you like to eat, and without our pollinators there is no food, said Cain.

According to some recent studies, the increased use of pesticides, herbicides, and loss of habitat have all had a devastating effect on pollinators. The stats are staggering, some species of pollinators, including butterflies, have seen a 99 percent decline in the last few years. The bee die off has been an on-going problem for farmers for close to a decade and without intervention numerous industries including food and farms are finding an increasingly dire situation.

So what can we do?

According to Cain, there are a number of simple steps we all can take to keep our insect friends happy and healthy, whether we live on 10 acres or in a studio apartment.

We really need to help preserve habitat. The mission is resiliency and sustainability and we can all pitch in with that. People can make a huge difference with some simple plantings. Mow less, dont use herbicides or pesticides, and plant pollinator friendly plants, said Cain.

SGTF member Robin Campot said that its easy to make a difference.

Its as easy as just planting these native species in and around your existing ornamental garden. Integrate pollinator plants into your garden design, said Campot. Clover makes a fabulous pollinator. Use that that as groundcover for your garden. Its beautiful and so important for these pollinators.

According to Cain and Campot, though many gardeners focus on spring, autumn is the best time to plant many of the plant species that pollinators will need come spring.

Fall is really an important time for planting, said Campot. The conditions are the best at this time of year and a perfect time to start and seed a pollinator garden of your own.

Cain echoed that advice: People get excited about spring, but fall is the time to do your planting and seeding. It is very important to plant in the fall.

Many pollinators are in a one-to-one relationship with certain plants. The loss of a species of plant means a loss of a pollinator.

Plants like milkweed and others are absolutely crucial for certain species. Monarch butterflies only lay eggs on milkweed. Without it, the species will die off and sadly that is what we are seeing, said Cain.

Guilford High School educator and science teacher Samantha Chiappa and her students have taken this to heart. Her students began designing and constructing a pollinator garden on school grounds to put a solution into action.

We have such a great and supportive principal and staff and the students really responded to that. Everyone got very excited when the project began, said Chiappa. The students really love it. They are outside, which during the pandemic was a great situation, but they like having that combination of hands-on and classroom learning.

The high school garden is set to be tilled down this fall and seeded with an array of pollinator plants.

The kids are really great. They love any opportunity to do something different and the garden really is a source of pride for them. They did the planning, planting, and the design, Chiappa said.

According to Chiappa, the University of Connecticut will actually sample your soil and provide feedback on how to nurture it for pollinator plants. It also can assist in what species might be best suited for your particular soil configuration.

For more information on the Sustainable Guilford Task Force, visit http://www.sustainableguilford.org.

For more information about the Guilford Community Garden and how to help, donate, or obtain more information about designing a pollinator garden, email guilfordcommunitygardenhub@gmail.com.

For more information on the UConn soil testing program, visit http://www.soiltest.uconn.edu/sampling.php.

The Best Pollinator Plants

Dandelions

Asters

Fennel

Milkweed (essential for monarch butterfly reproduction)

Golden rod

Sedum

Clover (great ground cover plant and/or lawn cover)

Queen Annes Lace

Some Tips from the Experts

Dont rake your leaves. Leaves provide essential habitat and cover for numerous species of invertebrates and pollinators like moths, butterflies and bees. If you must rake, try to leave some areas un-raked to provide this essential cover.

Mow around your dandelion patches if possible, or leave sections of heavy dandelion growth alone for chunks of the summer mowing season. These flowers are not only beautiful, they provide crucial opportunities for pollinators such as bees.

Cut the pesticide and herbicide use. Wild flowers, dandelions, and other tall grasses and are a natural and necessary component of a healthy ecosystem and they can be far more esthetically pleasing than an empty green lawn.

Leave sections of your lawn un-mowed and allow it to go wild. Simply by not mowing, a critical and beautiful little ecosystem will develop on your property. Even small areas around the edges of your property or a small patch can be crucial. You can even grow pollinator plants in pots and put them on your steps or deck.

Plant native species that attract pollinators: asters, butterfly bushes, milkweed, and golden rod. Also, fennel and especially clover can be plated as a ground cover for a pollinator garden or even to spread around areas of your lawn to enhance the existing grass.

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Guilford Efforts Underway to Preserve the Pollinators - Zip06.com

RAPID CITY, S.D. The call came in at approximately 1:49 p.m. Monday afternoon for a grass fire located four miles north of Rapid City.

The fire started off of Henderson Drive, west of Haines Avenue. According to the manager of Edgewood Estates, located west of Haines Avenue, the fire started small but quickly took off within 15 to 20 minutes. South to southeasterly winds moving 20-25 miles per hour had pushed the fire north, setting fire to canopies and trees.

Nearly an hour later, at 2:35 p.m., the western edge of Kimberly Circle had been evacuated and closed to the public while mandatory evacuations were declared for the area that is east of Deadwood Avenue and north of Interstate 90.

Multiple sources urged the public to use the PennCo Public Safety Hub as a resource as to which areas were restricted, which areas were evacuated and which areas were in pre-evacuation status.

Efforts were hindered with onlookers blocking the way. Officials from Rapid City Fire Department, Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriffs Office asked the public to please stay home unless you were being evacuated.

We have run into some issues with those onlookers, causing trouble getting access to certain areas, said Public Information Officer for the RCPD Brendyn Medina. They are congesting the roadways were needing access to, get water to, get first responders to. So, really, the biggest plea we are asking right now is that if you have no business to be out here, assisting with the fire, if youre only out here to look, we want you to stay away from this fire.

Around 3:09 p.m., air resources had arrived to the scene to assist with the fire from above.

By 4:07 p.m., the Great Plains Fire Information had updated that the now-named Auburn Fire had burned approximately 100 acres west of Haines Avenue.

Courtesy of Pennington County Sheriffs Office

At 5:03 p.m., PCSO announced on Twitter that the Marvel Mountain area had been evacuated while the area between Deadwood Avenue to Erickson Ranch Road and Haines Avenue to Elk Creek Road was in pre-evacuation. The fire had burned 250-300 acres with zero percent contained by this time.

For ground accessibility, there are paved roads for our engines to actually get up on the hill, which is great. So, they are able to access the fire pretty easily, said Tessa Jaeger, the Public Information Officer for RCFD. We do have all of those different types of engines up there fighting the fire at this point.

Crews continued to work through the Monday night with the objective to construct and strengthen direct and indirect containment lines to maintain a presence near structures.

According to multiple sources, the Auburn Fire would likely be a long-term fire, lasting for two to four days. If the fire line were to jump, southwesterly winds would likely push the fire in western Meade County where there are less roads but plenty of open grassland.

Overnight, the Auburn Fire had grown to 500-750 acres but was 25 percent contained by Tuesday morning. Crews, taking advantage of weather conditions, were successful in conducting burn-out operations and securing the fire line.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Public Safety Secretary Craig Price arrived in Rapid City to meet with firefighters and received a briefing from Incident Commander Tim Daly of South Dakota Wildland Fire. Daly said as of Tuesday morning, no structures or livestock had been lost.

We were able to complete burn-outs along the line to to help secure that fuel in between the fire edge and our indirect dozer lines, said Daly. And as of this morning were at 25 percent containment.

At 12:45 p.m., the Great Plains Fire Info used a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) to determine the perimeter and updated the size to 964 acres. The southern portion of the fire was being mopped up while firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots. Meanwhile, a small burn-out operation was taking place in the northern and western portions of the fire.

Courtesy of the Great Plains Fire Info

Winds were still coming from the south and southeast, and presented a challenge for the firefighters. Fire managers continued to shift resources around appropriately to work to secure the line.

Around 3:00 p.m., PCSO and Meade County Sheriffs Office had announced that all fire evacuations, pre-evacuations, and road closures will be lifted at 6:00 p.m. if conditions remained the same. The areas would be restricted to residents only as there were still emergency vehicles and equipment working in the area.

By 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the Auburn Fire was at 50 percent containment. Crews continued to work overnight to maintain a presence in the area to monitor structures, reinforce containment areas and extinguish hot spots.

Black Hawk Fire Corp prepares to serve supper to hungry firefighters at the Auburn Fire Tuesday Night / Courtesy of @PennCoFire

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Overnight, fire behavior was described as active. Crews continued to extinguish hot-spots, reinforce containment lines, and repair dozer lines.

Courtesy of National Weather Service Rapid City In this infrared image, green vegetation shows up as red while the black shows the burn scar from the Auburn Fire

An aerial observation aircraft flew over the fire and determined that there were no hot-spots outside the fires perimeter. Other air assets remained available if needed.

Great Plains Fire Information announced on Wednesday that the cause of the Auburn Fire is accidental due to a mechanical failure of earth-moving equipment. The equipment had been sitting in a field and had not been operated for a long period of time.

Fire crews continued to fight the Auburn Fire north of Rapid City though out the day. It was still listed as 974 acres in size and 50-percent contained.

In an early Wednesday afternoon update, South Dakota Wildland Fire said south-easterly winds were causing flare-ups within the fire perimeter. A Red Flag Warning due to hot, dry and windy conditions was in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and was a cause of concern for the firefighters.

There were still pockets of unburned fuel within the perimeter that continue to ignite. Residents were expected to see an orange glow or flames after dark.

Wednesday nights operational shift focused on an extensive mop up operation to reinforce containment lines. Lucky for the firefighters, no spot fires emerged and the containment lines held through out the day, despite the Red Flag Warning.

Officials hope that this would be the last night for a night operational shift unless fire conditions change considerably. A rehab plan was in place which included rehabbing and seeding dozer lines, fixing fences that were cut during firefighting operations, and fixing roads and trails that firefighting equipment may have damages.

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A timeline of the Auburn Fire - KNBN NewsCenter1 - Newscenter1.tv

BRIAN WOLFER, Special to the Standard-Examiner

Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Bountiful player Corbin Cottles rushing statistics for the previous two games. The Standard-Examiner regrets the error.

After this week, most region football championships in Northern Utah will either be decided or be pretty easy to figure out. The complicated part is figuring out where teams will land, seeding-wise, in the playoffs.

Heres where things stand in the football RPI with two weeks left in the season. For 6A, 24 schools qualify for the playoffs, the top eight teams get a first-round bye, and seed Nos. 9-16 host a first-round playoff game.

6A: Weber 5, Farmington 9, Layton 10, Syracuse 11, Davis 12, Fremont 15, Roy 16, Clearfield 22

5A: Bountiful 8, Northridge 15, Bonneville 16, Box Elder 24, Viewmont 26, Woods Cross 30

4A: Bear River 13

3A: Morgan 3, Ogden 9, Ben Lomond 11

1A: Layton Christian 5

Below are this weeks games, which are being played Thursday and Friday.

Last weeks prediction record: 9-4. Season prediction record: 82-28.

BOUNTIFUL at NORTHRIDGE

Game of the Week, Friday

Friday brings a de-facto Region 5 championship game between Bountiful and Northridge. One can point to Bountifuls (5-2, 4-0 Region 5) running game as a reason why the Redhawks already clinched a share of the Region 5 title.

Running back Corbin Cottle has put up a combined 540 rushing yards on 38 carries (14.2 yards per rush) with seven touchdowns the last two games, but theyve really locked down their region opponents defensively, allowing only 34 points in four region games.

This is the challenge facing Northridge (6-2, 3-1) as the Knights seek their first region football title since 2003.

NHS quarterback Maximus Fonoti-Maikui is second in the state in passing yards (2,597) and pass yards per game (324.6). Receiver Josh Acord is third in the state with 979 receiving yards and second with 13 receiving touchdowns.

The Knights dont run as often as they pass, but the run game averages 7.7 yards per carry. Defensively, they can key in on the run since Bountifuls offense is Cottle-centric with quarterback Max Barker out. The Redhawks have had their hands full plenty of times this year and done fine.

Prediction: Bountiful

BONNEVILLE at BOX ELDER (Fri.)

Bonneville (4-4, 3-1 Region 5) is very invested in the Northridge-Bountiful result because if the Lakers and Knights win, then Bonneville wins a share of the Region 5 title.

Standing in the Lakers way is Box Elder (3-5, 2-2), which has won two of the last three games thanks to its ground game. Both teams could literally get stuck in the mud Friday playing on the Bees grass field.

The National Weather Service is calling for a 90% chance of rain in Brigham City after multiple days of whats expected to be solid rainfall. Who does that benefit? The team with the better offensive line and the team that runs the ball better.

Prediction: Bonneville

WEBER at DAVIS (Thurs.)

Region 1 plays on Thursday this week since there are region games next Wednesday before fall break starts. Weber (6-2, 4-0 Region 1) has a chance to win a share of the Region 1 title.

BRIAN WOLFER, Special to the Standard-Examiner In this Oct. 30, 2020, photo, Davis receiver David Spjut (4) runs the football as Webers Spencer Hall (80) stretches for a tackle during a 6A second-round playoff game in Pleasant View.

The Warriors have some uncertainty at quarterback as starter Jake Lindsay got hurt in last weeks win, but backup Aidan Carter completed 10 of his 12 passes for 164 yards and two TDs.

Theyre facing a Davis (4-4, 2-2) defense that has some very good playmakers, led by the states leading tackler, linebacker Colby Flint (107 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles). Webers not one to let a chance like this slide by.

Prediction: Weber

MORGAN at OGDEN (Thurs.)

If one looks at results from Morgan (5-3, 2-1 3A North) and Ogden (2-6, 0-3) against Grantsville, indications are there that this could be a pretty tough, close matchup. But if Thursdays game is anything like the teams recent history, it wont be close. At any rate, the Trojans are still in the 3A North region title hunt and look set to rebound this week.

Prediction: Morgan

FARMINGTON at FREMONT (Thurs.)

Farmington (5-3, 3-1 Region 1) doesnt have its leading rusher, Boston Reinhold, anymore due to injury, but the Phoenix still handled Davis last week and present a better running game than what Fremont (4-4, 2-2) faced last week.

Farmington is rolling four straight wins and a defense thats allowed 53 points the last four games, though that defense will have to find a way to slow down Fremont running back Kyler Kotter, who has 413 all-purpose yards in the last two games.

Prediction: Farmington

GRANGER at ROY (Thurs.)

Roy (5-3, 3-1 Region 2) ran for 317 yards and four touchdowns last week. Grangers had issues stopping the run all year and so have the Royals, but the Parker Kingston-led running attack has the advantage.

Roy is still in the Region 2 title hunt, but the Royals need Kearns (3-1 Region 2) to beat West (4-0 Region 2) on Friday to stay in contention. If the Panthers win, the race is pretty much over.

Also, if youre Roy and sitting at No. 16 in the RPI, you want to go 2-0 the next two games and move up 2-3 spots in the RPI so your second-round playoff game isnt at Corner Canyon.

Prediction: Roy

BEN LOMOND at JUAN DIEGO (Thurs.)

Juan Diego is a second-half collapse away from beating Morgan, who in turn put up 69 points against Ben Lomond (1-7, 0-3 3A North) earlier this year.

Prediction: Juan Diego

LAYTON at SYRACUSE (Thurs.)

The computers like Syracuse (5-3, 1-3 Region 1) this week. Recent history also favors Syracuse. Recent trends point toward Layton (5-3, 3-2), which still has an outside shot at a split region title.

Both teams have good defenses and have played many games in the 20s and teens for scoring. First one to 20 points wins.

Prediction: Layton

BRIGHTON at CLEARFIELD (Thurs.)

Clearfield (1-7, 0-5 Region 1) is No. 22 in RPI (the top 24 get into the playoffs for 6A) and unless Pleasant Grove, Cyprus and Copper Hills all start winning (thats unlikely), the Falcons are a lock for the postseason.

A difficult non-region game awaits this week against a team that has one hand on the Region 6 trophy.

Prediction: Brighton

WOODS CROSS at VIEWMONT (Fri.)

Woods Cross (0-8, 0-4 Region 5) has lost three of four region games by single digits, which says the Wildcats are close to a breakthrough.

Viewmont (2-6, 0-4) has had troubles with its defense this year. Playing against a WXHS offense thats averaging 11.5 points per game in the region should be a good chance for the Vikings to have a good game on senior night.

Prediction: Viewmont

MOUNTAIN CREST at BEAR RIVER (Fri.)

This is Bear Rivers (0-8, 0-4 Region 11) best chance for a win the rest of the year. If theres anything going for the Bears, its that theyre playing at home for only the second time this year and the last time they played at home, they scored 42 points with a huge rushing game.

Prediction: Bear River

CANCELED

Layton Christian head coach Ray Stowers told the Standard-Examiner that Monticello has forfeited Fridays game against LCA.

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Originally posted here:
Prep football: Week 9 game previews and predictions for Northern Utah - Standard-Examiner