What's "bugging" you today?

Fall is a fabulous time! The early rains clear the air, the sun shines but not so hotly, and we can have a cozy fire in the evening. It is also a good time to put away the bug spray. As the weather cools, insects are much less active on our plants. Many trees and shrubs lose their leaves, leaving nowhere for insects to go but back into the ground.  A little powdery mildew on the lilacs or crape myrtles? Let it be, the leaves will drop soon enough. If you have problems like this, do make sure to rake and clean up under plants that have had issues, so you won't overwinter the pests. Don't compost infected material unless you are sure you are doing real hot composting. Best to put it in the green waste can. Good bye Aphids... see you next spring ( NOT!)