LADYBUG SAYS... APPROACH OF FALL MEANS GARDEN CHORES AT HAND

Days are becoming shorter and cooler each day, and the full significance of autumn soon will become apparent as the leaves will be coloring and falling. Mother Nature has blessed us with the third mildest summer since records have been kept, and ample rainfall.

There are many chores to be done at this time of year to pay dividends in the garden next year. Gardeners ask many questions regarding work to be done now and plantings for the future.

Plant perennials this fall for a burst of bloom next spring or summer, to add charm, beauty and easy color to your garden. The "big six" of favorites would include iris, peony, poppy, daylily, phlox and chrysanthemum, but many others have qualities you will enjoy.

For color all summer, choose golden coreopis, hibiscus, candy lily, shasta, daisies, veronica or pink rudbeckia. For shady spots, try the fluffy astilbe in pink, red or white or the foliage of the many varieties of hostas. Dwarf gaillardia or coral bells brighten any garden, and alyssum and perenial candy-tuft are great for edgings or for rock gardens.

This is an ideal time to divide and replant peonies. Plant peonies in full sun and rich soil. They should be planted so that when the soil has settled, their eyes are approximately 1 1/2 to two inches below the soil surface. Planting too deeply is the main cause of their not flowering. Botrytis blight is a familiar enemy of peonies, causing blackened stalks and leaves and the buds to darken and not open at blooming time. In the fall, cut foliage to ground level and destroy--do not put on compost. Spray the ground with zineb, ferbam or copper sprays and again in early spring when the pink triangular growth is appearing.

Nature's way is usually the best way. Autumn seeding of lawns comes closest to nature's way. By this time of year, temperatures have cooled off, days are shorter and the soil moisture is ideal for germination of seed and early seed establishment.

At this time of year, many annual weeds have finished their growth cycle and will not compete with seedling lawn grass plants. Four to six weeks before the first frost is about the ideal time to plant a new lawn or overseed one that needs repair.

Ground sulphur, copperas and epsom salts should be added to lower the pH and to correct the lack of iron for better color of azaleas, rhododendrons and hollies. This also helps with winter hardiness. Broadcast around the base and water in well. Remember these are shallow rooted plants, so do not cultivate as this may injure or destroy the root system. Add mulch where needed.

Questions are often asked about ground covers. There are many excellent ones to use in shady areas where grass will not grow, or if there is a slope too steep to mow. First, remove all of the straggly grass and rework the soil, adding some super-phosphate. Pachysandra, vinca (perennial vinca), ajuga, hostas and creeping juniper may be used.

Liriope, both solid green and striped, and ajuga may be divided and set out now to become well established before frost.

To enliven shaded corners or in a garden to be enjoyed at night, use flowers with variegated foliage, strong leaf forms and textural interest. They look cool and refreshing and provide color in places flowers will not grow.

Fill a deep bucket with sand and add oil, suggests the Gardeners of America. After use, stick your tools in the sand. They will be cleaned and oiled and ready to use.

Fall planting has the advantage of cooler growing weather for shrubs and evergreens that are available at nurseries and garden centers. Fall planted stock develops good root system before cold weather comes. Moisture is more plentiful this year than in previous years.

Prepare the hole for planting larger than needed, and incorporate organic materials into the soil. Dig a large hole--half again the size of the root ball. Mix equal parts of organic matter in the backfill of the hole. Add enough mixed soil so when the plant is placed in the hole the top will be at a slightly higher level than before. Fill in only half way and water well. Then firm well to remove air pockets. As soon as the water is gone, fill the remainder and water again to required level. Mulch well.

Do not prune any spring flowering shrubs as buds are already forming for next spring. Prune evergreens, such as yews and junipers, but avoid pruning boxwoods as this will stimulate new growth which might be subject to winter kill.

Dividends next spring come from planning and planting this fall.