The holidays are approaching. We are almost ready for the change of seasons. Still there are so many things to do in the garden. We have a couple of ideas in this week’s show. But we don’t want to miss the last fresh tastes of the season either so we also covered stories on apple tasting and picking a ripe squash. The chill is in the air so while you are waiting for it to warm up, grab a bowl of hot oatmeal and a warm blanket and enjoy this week’s show!

This week we featured...

No Ivy League

For some, the beauty of ivy is a must in the garden, but for others it has become a big problem. We met with Rachel Felice from Portland Parks and Recreation, and also the ‘No Ivy League’, to talk about how this little plant has become such a huge problem in the Northwest. English ivy (Hedera helix) is an aggressive, invasive, introduced species. Native to Europe it was introduced to the Northwest where no natural controls exist. The temperate climate creates an atmosphere where it can grow and thrive. Once it escapes into our forests and natural areas it quickly takes over. Once it gets a foothold it will smother the ground wiping out native plants and animal habitats. In the mature form it will start to climb the trees where it can fruit and spread by seed. It will get big enough to either smother the tree or create so much weight that it can topple a tree. The ‘No Ivy League’ was created years ago to help try and remove this plant, and other invasive species from our urban forests, like Forest Park in Portland. You can be part of the removal process and help restore the native habitat during many of the removal work parties that happen monthly. There is also the upcoming big ‘No Ivy Day 2011’ happening October 22nd. Check the ‘No Ivy League’ website for complete details on how to get involved.

Portland Nursery 24th Annual Apple Tasting

A is for apple and you will find a ton of apples at Portland Nursery’s (503-231-5050) 24th Annual Apple tasting at the Stark Street location. Over 60 different varieties of apples and pears are available to taste. There is a kid’s area with face painting and balloon creations. Plus you can stop by on Friday the 21st for ‘Elementary School Field Trip Day’ which is loaded with kid’s activities. Cooking demonstrations, an apple press and live music are also on the list of activities. Another reason for stopping by is to get a chance to vote for the best scarecrow. Fellow shoppers have entered their best scarecrows for the chance to win prizes. You can also shop from a variety of local vendors that will be offering local honey, mustard, jam and a whole lot more. Special events include a special ‘Senior Day’ with discounts for seniors, and everyday discounts on apple prices. Now is the time to also take advantage of all the wonderful fall perennials available at both locations of Portland Nursery. Come see these and a bunch more at the tasting!

Fall Equipment Maintenance

It is the time of year that we are putting away our power tools for the season and to keep them in the best condition for the next year is to give them a tune-up for the winter. Kenny from Stark Street Lawn and Garden (503-255-5393) in Portland showed us how to prepare your mower, blower, chain saw and other equipment for the cold months ahead! The benefit of doing it now keeps your tools in the best condition so you have less maintenance in the future. A couple of pointers… add a fuel stabilizer to all your machines now. Without, old gas becomes weak gas and can foul your engine. Check air filters and spark plugs. Sharpen blades/chains and clean all surfaces. If you are looking for a replacement part, bring the old part with you to the store. If it sounds like too much to tackle, you can always take it to your local Stark Street dealership. They have 5 locations in Oregon.

Fall Lawn Care

We had told you that fall is the time for planting, and Norm McCreight from Lilly Miller and Central Garden and Pet, told us the reason why. The ground right now is retaining all that heat from summer and so the grass seed will grow better now. In the spring the air may be warm, but the soil remains cold so germination is a lot slower. Fall is also the time for fertilizing! To really keep your lawn healthy in the winter and give it a boost for the spring, now is the time to apply a good fall and winter fertilizer. The numbers on the bag can be confusing, but what you are looking for is a well balanced slow release fertilizer. Your lawn is slowly fed all through the winter and then gets a jump start when the temperatures warm up in the spring. Keeping your lawn well maintained in the winter helps to prevent problems later.