Here it is the first of June and we are still trying to dry out. This spring will be one for the record books. Most of my blooming plants are just bursting with blooms—but I would like for things to dry out for now. There are certainly going to be big problems with a lot of our plants because of all the moisture we have received.

I reported a few articles ago how wonderful our ash tree is doing (this is the one that we had treated). I noticed there have been leaves dropping off onto the ground. I got on line and found this article from University of Illinois horticulturist Nancy Pataky and it is as follows: Ash Leaf Drop. Leaf drop of ash trees at this time of year is usually caused by a fungal disease called ash anthracnose.

The problem occurs on susceptible ash species (especially green ash) in extended periods of cool, moist weather. If these conditions persist, secondary infections occur, and lesions become more visible. Hot, dry weather shuts down the disease. The causal fungus, Discula fraxini, infects expanding leaves, resulting in water-soaked to brown areas. This early infection may kill young leaves and shoots.

When infection occurs at the base of the leaf rachis, the leaf may drop from the tree. This symptom looks much like a late frost. Often callers complain that their ash trees look like they are in the midst of autumn leaf drop.

Young leaves may have pin-point-sized, purple lesions. Older leaves may appear somewhat distorted as they continue to grow around these early lesions as seen in the first image. Later, but when leaves are still succulent, anthracnose lesions appear as black blotches. As leaves mature, the lesions become tan. When leaves reach full size and stems become woody, they resist infection.

We do not see ash anthracnose on mature foliage in warm weather. Hopefully we can get back to some normal weather—whatever that is.

GARDEN QUESTIONS FOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Q: My roses have black and yellow circles on the leaves and some of the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. What's wrong with them and what can I do? A: Your roses have black spot—one of the major fungi that affect roses. Affected leaves have black circles with yellow edges. When the plant is heavily infected, it can lose all of its leaves and become weak and subject to other problems. Black spot is spread by water that remains on the leaves of the plant so be sure to water the root zone carefully to avoid splashing water up on the leaves. Also, provide roses with air circulation—keep them well-spaced and away from, walls and building.

Q: What impact does a black walnut tree have on tomatoes? A: It can kill them. The root of a black walnut produces a toxin called juglone which will poison tomato plants as well as most other plants. Q: Is insecticidal soap the same thing as dish soap? A) NO! Insecticidal soap is a commercial product that was developed to kill certain insects while not harming beneficial ones. It is biodegradable, breaks down within a couple of weeks, and is safe to use with pets and people. In order to be effective, insects must come in direct contact with the soap.

Q) Should the foliage on my peonies be cut back after blooming? A) No. The foliage should not be cut until it has been killed by a hard frost. The food manufactured in the foliage is stored in the roots, and thus helps produce flowers for the following year. If the foliage is cut back shortly after blooming, the plants are deprived of their next year's food supply.

Q) Will the tulip bulbs bloom again after the flowers are cut off? A) They will not bloom again this year but if most of the foliage is left to die down naturally you will have more blooms next year.

Q: My beautiful spirea bushes appear to be dying back—some of the leaves and twigs are dying and look like they've been burnt. What can I do? A: Unfortunately, not too much. Your spirea has fallen prey to fire blight—a disease transferred by rain and insects. Caused by bacteria, the blight causes leaves on affected shoots to die and drop. Dying branches look scorched. You can prune below the affected areas and hope it will pass or apply an antibiotic. In the future, try not to over fertilize your spirea bushes as this makes them more susceptible to fire blight.

GARDEN TIPS: Grass clippings may be used as mulch in flower beds and vegetable gardens if allowed to dry well before use. Fresh, damp grass clippings will rot and may attract pests. Grass clippings from a lawn that has been treated with an herbicide may be used after the third mowing. There are many garden practices that can be used to reduce insect and disease problems. Here are a few ideas -Control weeds in and around the garden, mulch is good for this. Do not overhead irrigate late afternoon and evening. Do not work in the garden when the plants are wet with rain or dew. Remove disease infected foliage and/or plants. Also, four or five layers of newspapers serve as effective mulch around trees or in gardens. Cover the newspapers with shredded bark or sawdust to reduce the white glare and to prevent them from blowing away.

Upcoming Workshops:

· There is still room in the Insects—Friend or Foe class Extension Master Gardeners will be teaching

for 8-11 year olds on Tuesday, June 16. This is one of the Summer College for Kids sponsored by Lake Land College. Call 234-5434 by Tuesday the 9^th to register your child.

· The Coles County Extension Master Gardeners will host "Gardening for All Seasons" on Saturday June 13. The tour will allow you to see how plants look in the home setting—you can "have it all" on an urban lot. See a berm, lily beds, shaded bench and tropical areas, plus a raised vegetable and asparagus bed. Gather at 316 Briar Lane at 10 a.m. to register and participate. If you have questions, call the University of Illinois Extension Office, Monday through Friday at 345-7034.

If you have any horticulture questions, call the U of I Extension office 345-7034. Volunteer

Master Gardeners are in the office on: Monday—2 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday—9-11 a.m.

This column is based on information and materials at the University of Illinois Extension office, located at 707 Windsor Road, Suite A., Charleston, 61920; phone 345-7034; or web site: www.extension.uiuc.edu/coles/