Garden Club News

09 June 2005

Gardeners:

The garden swap on Monday went well.  If you weren't there, you missed out 
on the Olivers giving away strawberries from their plot!  The next garden 
swap is Tuesday June 21, 2005:  12:00 - 1:00 pm.

Cucumber beetles have been spotted (and the associated damage!) in the West 
Campus plots.  You may want to inspect your cucumbers, melons, squash and 
pumpkins.  

Many folks have been cutting bamboo and harvesting bamboo shoots.  This has 
been very helpful in controlling the spread of the bamboo patch. However, 
there are a few problems developing.  A lot of the bamboo stalks are being 
cut off at "bungee stick" height, which presents a safety hazard.  Please 
cut bamboo off flush with the ground.  I know it will still grow a bit 
higher, but do what you can to prevent safety hazards.  I find that the 
best tool available for cutting the bamboo are "bypass lopping shears".  
These have long handles for leverage, but short, stout blades.  They are 
usually used for pruning branches.  They cut the bamboo in a single stroke 
and can cut it off at the ground level.  Please also try to deal with any 
trimmings you generate.  Leaving the trimmings on the plot is not desirable.  
The debris provides cover for animals and new bamboo shoots.

Happy Gardening!



Anne-Marie Novo-Gradac, Ph.D.