Before I get into all the questions I have for this week, I just want to thank all of you for supporting the Master Gardeners' plant sale on Wednesday. You are always helping us out by purchasing plants. This sale and the Herb Festival are the two major money raising projects that we have. Our profits are used to support University of Illinois Extension programming in Coles County. An added benefit is that you are able to get some fantastic plants at very reasonable prices. So, until next spring enjoy your plants. Well, I finally have stopped watering my annuals so much. However, you must keep watering your trees and other plants such as shrubs or bushes. As I write this, we are really in need of some more moisture.

The way the trees and plants are looking, we should have a very pretty fall season. Fall color is controlled by both the plant's genetic factors and the environment. Carotene and xanthophylls are yellow pigments produced in foliage all year along with chlorophyll, the green pigment. In Autumn, when short days and cool temperatures slow down the production of chlorophyll and the remaining chlorophyll breaks down and disappears, the yellow pigments which have been masked by chlorophyll show up. These pigments give the Ginkgo tree its clear yellow color. Redbud, Larch, Hickory, Birch and Witch Hazel turn hues of yellow and gold.

Some plants produce anthocyanins (red and purple pigments) that mask the yellow pigments. Some Maples, Dogwood, Black Tupelo, Oaks and Winged Euonymus seem to be on fire with red and purple. Anthocyanin production increases with increased sugars in the leaves. A fall season with sunny days and cool nights increases sugar content of the leaves and intensify fall reds. This also explains the two-tone effect on Green Ash, which exhibit yellow on the leaves where they are exposed to sunlight.

The tans and browns of Oaks are caused by tannins which accumulate as the chlorophyll disappears. Fall colors start in September with Poison Ivy, Ashes, and Walnuts and ends in November with the Larches and Weeping Willow. Frost and freezing temperatures will stop the coloration process and blacken the leaves. Although this year the colors may not be as bold as they have been in years past, it still is beautiful sight to see. So, take a drive and enjoy the countryside.

You can learn more about this process on "The Miracle of Fall" website. Check it out by going to the Coles County Extension homepage: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/coles/. Click on Horticulture & Environment to find 'The Miracle of Fall' link. The website includes foliage update, festivals and events, foliage photos and more.

GARDEN QUESTIONS FOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Q) I have some wonderful sunflowers this year and would like to save the seeds. How do I go about saving these seeds?

A) To keep the seeds for growing or even eating, you have to wait until they are mature. Birds will start lining up just before the petals fall, but the seeds won't mature until the bracts (the petal-like leaves surrounding the flower) turn brown, and the back of the heads turn lime-yellow. Depending on the size and thickness of the head, this may follow the petal's falling by three or four weeks. During this time, you can protect the seeds by covering the head with a paper bag. Cut the mature heads off, and hang them in a dry spot with good circulation. Upside down or right side up doesn't matter, but it takes at least two weeks for the seeds to dry. They are ready when they come out of the head with a gentle rub. My sunflowers were wonderful this year. I think I'll just go to our favorite seed store and buy them next spring and let the birds have these this year.

Q) Can you give me some tips on getting a poinsettia plant to bloom this year?

A) Special care must be given to your plant to insure repeat blooming. Poinsettias need at least 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness per night for ten weeks. Place the plant in a darkened room, box, closet or dark plastic bag every evening. Remove the plant during the day and continue with normal care. Flower buds and leaf colors should occur around Thanksgiving.

Q) I finally was able to get a beautiful butterfly bush to bloom this year, and it attracted huge numbers of butterflies and hummingbirds. How should I prepare it for winter?

A) You do not need to do anything to it until next spring. Then just as the leaf buds are beginning to swell, cut it back to 12 to 18 inches above the soil or just above the highest surviving buds, giving you a taller shrub more quickly. Besides this bush is semi-evergreen, meaning it holds on to its foliage well into the winter.

GARDENING GUIDE FOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS

FLOWERS: Dig dahlias, tuberous begonias, cannas, caladiums, gladiolus, and callas before the first killing frost. Cure in warm room at 45 degrees. Peonies, poppies, and sweet peas (just to name a few) may be planted at the end of this month through late fall.

FRUITS: Harvest apples as they mature. Layer black raspberries and thornless blackberries for additional plants. Make pies for the freezer and jams for the toast.

INDOOR GARDENING: Before returning houseplants to the home—thoroughly rinse off foliage and container, inspect plants for insect pests, and treat if necessary. Remove spent blooms and/or dead leaves or stems. Prune if too large. Discontinue fertilizing in October. Start amaryllis dormancy by withholding water. Place in cool, dark location. Dormancy doesn't begin until all foliage is dead. Plant should remain dormant for 2-3 months.

TREES/SHRUBS: Pine trees begin to drop their older interior needles; it is a natural occurrence.

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

Master Gardeners are in the office on: Monday and Thursday from 2 to 4 p.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/