Fire Ants are a real problem in many areas of the south.  Dusts, sprays, baits, and home remedies have been thrown at them, but still they persist.  If the cooling effects of shade were not enough reason to plant trees, then consider this:  Fire ants will not locate in shade!  Plant trees – be fire ant free!

Home remedies such as grits, cornmeal, and flour are sometimes suggested as safe Fire Ant controls.  According to researchers at Texas A&M, they don’t kill fire ants.  They only force the ants to move the mound.

Texas A&M's website provides an interesting slide show that contains, among other things, a chart of chemical remedies and their possible effect on birds, pets, and humans.  Interestingly enough, Orthene® Dust was the least safe remedy in their studies, followed closely by Sevin® Dust.  The safest fire ant killers are baits.  When properly applied, they won’t harm people, pets, or wildlife.  Always read the label!

Some other tips:  The bait must be fresh.  Apply baits twice a year, once each in the spring and the fall.  Broadcasting works better than just treating the mound area.  Do not disturb the mound!

Blanket Flower 'Frenzy'

There is no law, not even a rule, about plants staying where you put them.  If they don’t thrive in your first chosen garden spot, then dig them up and move them .  Some plants are too attractive to just let hang on and die.  Give them a second chance next year by moving them to a more shady, sunny, dry, or moist position.  Fall is the very best time to dig and move or to plant new.

My front yard took on a new look this year when we removed a section of diseased Indian Hawthorn bushes.  I suffer from an overabundance of shade (no complaints) so sun-loving plants have to be squeezed into pockets of sun that peek through the green canopy.  Removing the Hawthorns opened up some sunny beds where I’ve eagerly experimented with sun-loving planting combinations.

Since the new planting areas are on either side of the driveway at the street, I need low plantings so that our backing out street view isn’t inhibited.  I paired ornamental sweet potato vine ‘Blackie’ with white Wave petunias .  I have to say I have loved the effect.

Vinca Pacifica White

I have always loved the Wave petunias for their labor-saving ways.  They will be back in my garden next year.  They bloom all summer along multiple stems, without deadheading .  They never get leggy, supplying mounds of flowers without any work on my part except to keep them watered.  Last year, the hybrid petunia Wave Misty Lilac never missed a summer beat in just a bit of shade at mid-day.

On the other side of the driveway, I used Supertunias® Mini Silver , cat’s whiskers (a tropical), ‘Black Pearl’ ornamental peppers , alternanthera , and ornamental millet .  The black and white combo has had positive remarks, but the area that has generated the most questions has been the stand of ornamental millet.  Most people have thought they are cattails growing in a sunny, dry spot.

Blackie and White Wave Petunia

I tried Blanket Flower ‘Frenzy’ PPAF this year in a pot.  I love its mini trumpet flower petals.  Next year, I am going for hot colors in the sun.  Gaillardias (also known as blanket flower) and iceplant are going to be my driveway buddies.  I plan to try the newish gaillardia, Oranges and Lemons® along with an iceplant, Delosperma Table Mountain® .  I can see some of you out there turning up your nose.  Orange and fuchsia might not be together in your closet, but in the garden, these colors glow!

---Posted by Coach Anne, July 11, 2008---

Crape Myrtle Trees

Newly planted trees and shrubs should be fertilized in spring, before the summer heats up.  If it is hot and dry in your area, do not add fertilizer to your plantings.  They are unable to take it up in the heat and without water.

Seek out advice from your state university Extension office.  Clemson Extension, (South Carolina)  http://hgic.clemson.edu/hottopics/details/2008/04tree_maintenance.htm has good information at this site on how to apply fertilizer, when it is needed, and how to calculate the amount to apply.

Casa Blanca Lilies

ANSWER:  Monarda or bee balm is one plant that comes to mind.  Another is the lilies, all different kinds.  Casa Blanca lily is tall and throws up marvelous white flowers in the hottest of summer days.  Iceplant is a little ground cover that loves heat, humidity, and no water.  It’s perennial in warmer areas.