Gardening
Recent rains help ravaged landscapes
Keith Hansen

Finally!

Fall-like weather has arrived.

Now that some drought breaking rainfall has returned to salvage our ravaged landscapes, there is hope.

Be aware that even after rains, it takes many months for trees and even some our older, larger shrubs, to get back a root system that was as extensive as they had prior to the drought.

Stress on weakened trees can bring other problems such as rots and cankers, so we may see problems continue on into next year, even if rainfall returns to normal.

We are preparing to enter the 100th year that Smith County has had a county Extension agent - W.C. Stallings, the first county agent for Smith County, was hired in November 1906.

He was also the first Extension agent in the U.S. to serve a single county.

We have a wonderful heritage and much of the success of the extension program goes to the volunteers who give their land for demonstrations and time to help educate their fellow citizens with sound, researchbased information to make our lives better.

Although extension has changed over the years, the mission has not, nor has the impact of volunteers.

Master gardeners play a big role in helping the extension office reach a larger audience.

As we move into our next legislative session, it is important that we are able to communicate our successes and impact on the citizens we serve.

In order to help us communicate what you do, we need you to tell us, in a timely way, what you are doing.

That's why we have you submit your reports monthly, if you are involved in a Master Gardener project or activity.

Several of you have not reported anything for the entire year, yet I know that many of you have been quite active at different times of the year.

Please, for the sake of our ability to accurately report what we do, and, for the sake of our wonderful MG Hours timekeeper - Martin Davis, send in your reports as when you are involved in any master gardener activity.

It is much easier for him to record your hours monthly, instead of getting a truckload of them at the end of the year requiring much more time on his part.

The forms are available online on the Smith County Master Gardeners web page, and of course in the office.

Thanks for your attention and cooperation in this matter, and thanks to all of you who have faithfully reported in a timely way, and for all that you do to make life better for your fellow citizen.

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Keith Hansen is the Smith County Extension for Texas Cooperative Extension Office. Visit the Smith County Master Gardner web site at: http://easttexasgardening. tamu.edu

Why fall planting is best By Dee Bishop

Soil is warm and roots begin to grow really fast. Because we have warm winters, roots grow all winter.

We get more rain (usually) in winter and the moisture is stored in the soil. The first days of early spring (sometimes late winter) top growth begins.

By late spring, you have a nice large plant with an excellent root system.

Such a plant can take much more summer heat and drought because of its good strong root system.

A spring planted perennial is only beginning to putdown roots as the soil is still cold from winter and the plant is used to a nice warm greenhouse.

So.... you get a free year of growth so to speak, and a larger healthier plant to enjoy.

Many times there are sales on perennials in fall too, another nice bonus!