• Calendula is the flower for October and is designated as the herb for 2008 by the International Herb society. It is classified as a composite flower, similar to a zinnia or a chrysanthemum. The bright yellow to orange color will add a golden hue to any garden, salads and dips. Calendula is also know as the "Poor Man's Saffron." With its spicy, peppery taste, it will provide flavor to Southwest and Asian dishes. Look for the Bon-Bon series of orange, yellow or mix to lighten up the fall landscape.
• If grub worms are present in the turfgrass, damage symptoms will result in a loose, dead grass on top of the soil with devoured runners. The grubs appear as grayish white fat worms with brown heads and legs hooked in a C-shape. If active feeding is still occurring late in the fall season, control with an insecticide containing imidacloprid followed by deep watering.
• Mulch newly planted trees and shrubs with a two inch layer of an organic cedar or native hardwood mulch to maximize water efficiency and root development throughout the fall and winter months. Replenish the mulch twice a year, but never cover the crowns of the plants.
• Get compost bins ready to handle the leaves that will fall soon. Contact the Extension office Bexar County Master Gardeners at (210) 467-6575 for information about composting.
  
  

David Rodriguez is the County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener "Hotline" (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu.

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