While I think everyone knows how much I enjoy my job, I have just had an experience that really brings it home. We had a sample of a gall brought in that was discovered on a dawn redwood tree. Lots of galls. I could not find any information of such a "critter" on this plant, so I shot digital pictures and emailed them to our state entomologist, Dr. Phil Nixon. He did a literature search and could not find any information on this and so he has asked me to collect a sampling of these galls and we'll rear them out and identify the adults. How wonderful that we can accomplish such work I find it exciting to be involved with an organization of people who are always seeking answers and solutions. I hope you do too!

Help Needed: We still need volunteers to help at the MG help desk for the Chicagoland Gardening Magazine/First Congregational Church of Downers Grove Garden Walk on September 21. We needtwo MGs to work the Help Desk from 3-5 pm. We also need one MG for each shift at the Tomato Tasting Desk. Shifts are 1-3 pm and 3-5 pm. If you are interested, please call the office to sign up.

MG Help Line and Garden Clinic: The MG Help Line has been a raving success. The new approach of sending callers directly to the MG's has been really well received. The marketing campaign that so many of you have been a part of has paid off...we are up a significant amount this year compared to last year: 29% more calls. That's a lot of new clients! Also, The Garden Clinic has really taken off too. As of August 12, we surpassed the number of samples brought in last year. Thank you for all the support and efforts. Also, a special thanks to our secretarial staff, Joan, Carolyn and Judy for "handling" the increase so well.

Butterfly Garden Open House:What a great weekend it turned out to be. So many visitors – everyone was kept busy with clientele, answering questions, conducting craft activities, etc. Special thanks to Eileen Kostock for presenting "Butterfly Gardening" and to Warren Senneke for presenting "Perennials for Your Garden." The garden looked beautiful too. MG's really helped make this event a great success. The Forest Preserve District staff has expressed their thanks, as do we.

MG State Conference: With the conference just a short time away, MG Patty Schreiber has been busy creating our DuPage County MG display. While at the Conference, be sure to stop by and take a look at all the displays. It's always neat to see what other MG programs are doing.

MG Help Line Customer Database: Throughout this year, Joan has been entering our clientele address information into a special database. This information will be utilized in different ways, such as our annual reporting. PLEASE help us by gathering the customers' mailing addresses.

MG Hours' Reports: Since the end of our MG program year is fast approaching, please be sure to take time to complete the volunteer hours form (Interns & Veterans) and training form (Veterans only). Our records must be up-to-date. So many of you have done a terrific job of turning things in throughout the year, we thank you. This is especially meaningful to Joan, since she is the one who does all the data entry. Imagine how much more of a workload there is for her when everyone waits to the last minute.

Graue Mill:The Garden Reclamation Project is well underway. We decided to delay any design decisions until the growing season was in full swing because so many desirable woodland plants began sprouting up between the less desirable invasive plants. Now that we can see what is there, together with Dave Lambert, East Sector Assistant Supervisor of the Forest Preserve Dist. and Sandy Brubaker, Executive Director of the DuPage Graue Mill Corporation, we are developing a new layout. Our hope is to include a meandering path and bench. MG Carol Strelecky has agreed to draw the plan to scale. We really appreciate the work our MG Team has done. Thank you for all the weeding-it wasn't easy in the humidity and heat.

The West Nile Virus Bookmark:We have already distributed over 37,000 bookmarks! Thank you for doing such a great job helping us get these into peoples hands. Our targeted mailing was very successful-many DuPage towns have picked up several thousand copies for their residents. The bookmark and website is now in Spanish too.

MG Graduation and Fall Wrap-up:Mark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 7, 1:30-3:30pm

Very soon you will be receiving an invitation.

Do you have a plant to share with your fellow Master Gardeners? How about a piece of equipment you would like to sell or trade (or donate)? Is there a plant you are looking for that one of us might already have? We'd like to put you in touch with each other. Contact Pat Kosmach at Pkosmach@aol.com or 630-279-1655. She will take the information and put all of it together for the next newsletter.

Our Spring and Summer started out a bit on the questionable side, but look at how truly lovely our summer has been. We've experienced a few "dog days" and although the weeds seem to flourish rain or shine - hot or cold, the moderate temperatures overall have made maintaining the garden more enjoyable. But as is the case, this season is winding down and fall approaches quickly. I know "there is a time to every season" and to be quite honest, it's time for my garden to take a break! I have overhauled, transplanted, divided, split, weeded and purged just about all I can handle for this year. I'm ready to start the clean-up process, harvest my yields and then call it a day! So with that nice sigh of relief on my part, here are some thoughts to entertain.

Going Nuts? ...

As many of us will remember, we were warned about black walnut trees and their potential negative affect on the garden. But some of us have "safe space" and the desire to grow a walnut tree. Walnuts are a delicious addition to many recipes as well as a good snack. There are other nut trees that can grow in Illinois, but by far the easiest and most dependable is the native Black Walnut. There are several varieties listed in our manual that are superior in quality, disease resistance, and good producers, some of which include the self-fruitful "Sparrow," "Beck" and "Emma K." At maturity, a Black Walnut tree is full and attractive in the landscape.

Walnuts prefer, deep, fertile, moist soils but will grow in less favorable locations as well. When harvesting, hull the nuts as soon as they drop from the tree if you prefer the light-colored kernel, as they will provide milder flavor than the dark ones. The hulls are thick and fleshy when mature and can be mashed and removed by hand. After hulling, wash the nuts thoroughly and dry them out of the sunlight for approx. 2 to 3 weeks. They should be stored in a cool, dry place to best preserve their flavor and quality. Refer to the MG manual for further information on this "nutty" subject. And be sure you watch where the squirrels bury their stash and perhaps you might be able to transplant a volunteer sapling... for free!

Peter-Peter Pumpkin Eater...

You know, you never get too old to learn more about things you thought you already knew. I guess I've eaten my fair share of pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and carved an equal share of "Jack-o-lanterns" and yet, there is sooo much more. Pumpkins have a great versatility. Beyond pie, there is pumpkin custard, pumpkin butter, bread, cookies and ... wow... even pumpkin soup! And did you know that it is a delicacy to eat batter dipped and fried pumpkin flower blossoms? (I've really got to try that one!) Even the small, immature pumpkin can be eaten raw with dip or steamed and served as a buttered veggie. Don't forget the seeds~ roasted or sauteed, they are a yummy snack anytime. ... And as for the rest of the rhyme.. "Had a wife but couldn't keep her... put her in a pumpkin shell, there he kept her very well."... Some varieties actually could grow so big. Really! There are pumpkin festivals through-out the country where the biggest pumpkins arrive on flatbed trucks no less... Can you imagine!

Ahhh... the pumpkin... More than just another "cucurbit"!

"Erb or Herb," still the same wonder however pronounced!

This was my first year of actually planting herbs for culinary use and what an amazing difference. My family has noticed almost every time when I have added fresh herbs to old favorite recipes. I felt like Martha Stewart! (She does pronounce the "h" for the record.) The freshness and flavor are well worth the little extra attention that you must afford the plants. I grew mine in containers primarily because I was afraid of the "invasive" tendency of many herbs. I wasn't sure if fresh herbs were going to make much difference so I was cautious this first time around. Needless to say, I will make an actual garden patch next season as a permanent home for these significant recipe additions.

The nice thing about the containers though - I can bring them inside and prolong their use, possibly (hopefully) over the entire winter. In order to do this, the plants must be acclimatized in early fall. Gradually moving them indoors a few hours at a time over several days, adjusting them to both light and temperature changes, will give the plants the best chance of making the transition. Sufficient light will be a major concern in order to keep the plants from becoming lanky and spindly. Fluorescent lights or the very sunniest window will be quite important in achieving success.

Watering only when the soil is dry and then applying just enough so that "some" drains out the bottom of the container will eliminate the risk of root rot. Aphids, spider mites and whiteflies somehow find their way indoors and right to the herbs ... so keep an eye out for pests of any kind. Happy Cook-ing!

Invite Rosemary to your next BBQ ...

Rosemary is a very prominent herb both in flavor and fragrance. Next time you prepare lamb, chicken or veal try tossing some rosemary sprigs on the coals. The addition during the last 10 minutes or so will give your meat a great taste difference and aroma as well. You can use the larger branches as Shish Kabob skewers or you can even use them tied together to make a sauce basting brush, both methods adding a surprising extra flavor! At the end of the season, store by stripping the leaves off the branches and placing them in a freezer bag in the freezer.

Keep the flame burning...

During the summer months, BBQ is a wonderful thing. During the winter, we can still be the keepers of the flame by using our cozy fireplaces. Well-aged wood, preferably hardwoods, makes the best fires. Wood from various fruit trees, apple, cherry, etc. add a lovely sweet smell as the fire burns and is a good way of putting fruit tree prunings to good use. For the small, hard to stack kindling size pieces - try putting them in brown paper grocery bags. Put just the amount needed to start a fire in each bag. When you want to stoke up a cozy fire, place the bag on the log grate, top it with dried, split, well-seasoned logs and light it! While you're pruning, even discarded trimmings such as raspberry canes can be added to the bag of kindling... it's a great way to keep things neat.

"New Age" or just good ol' fashioned "Homemade?"

Essential oils have become very popular of late and just about every type of store offers some sort of "aromatherapy." From lotions to candles to soaps and bath salts, the use of scented oils has its origins right from the garden. The fresh aromas of flowers and herbs can be preserved in oil and it's so easy to do. We are at the end of the season and now is the time to collect the necessary ingredients.

Use fresh, unblemished leaves from lavender, lemon verbena, chamomile, spearmint, peppermint,. or the petals of roses or perhaps calendula. Place approximately ½ cup of tightly packed leaves or petals in a lidded glass jar (one type per jar). Cover with 4 ounces of very good olive oil. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks then strain to remove the plant material and capture the scented oil. Pour the oil into a more decorative vessel that can be kept tightly sealed. Use the oil to scent handmade soaps or use to scent or refresh potpourri. You could even add a few drops to bath water to make it more refreshing! Then breathe deeply and enjoy!

- by Joyce Ernst

Feng Shui means wind and water. It is based on some fundamental common sense and basic psychology. Feng Shui is an art whereby we can change the energy (Chi) of our environment to alter our luck, health, wealth and love life. There are some basic principles you have to learn, but once learned you can apply them to any situation.

So how does Feng Shui affect us in the garden? Color can affect you even if you don't know anything about Feng Shui. However, just knowing a little is fun.

Red plants dominate in a garden. When mass planted, however, it's not restful to sit by. Also, red makes excellent spot plants because your eye is drawn to that area.

White and silver gardens appear fresh and clean and in evening light seem to glow. Too much white can cause a deadness, unless varied by the use of different shades and shapes of green to create a balance.

Yellow is rich and cheerful but in paler forms, or coupled with white, can make you feel uncomfortable. Green is the predominate color in a Chinese garden. A tranquil, restful place can be created by using a variety of shapes and shades.

Blue borders have a sedative effect, but too much blue can be gloomy.

Purple is always outstanding. If you mix it with blues, whites or pinks, it's calming.

Pink is a warm color and it draws your attention.

Orange is rich and warm – a happy color. It's showcased best when planted in front of a dark green background.

Water is of great importance in Feng Shui. In China, it symbolizes the accumulation of Chi (energy) which is synonymous with wealth. A water feature in the southwest corner of the garden can symbolize future prosperity. Water trickling towards the house symbolizes wealth rolling in.

Generally speaking, paths lead to entrances, doors or gates. Remember your Chi. You want it to flow slowly like a meandering brook. A curving path slows the Chi, offering different panoramas of your garden. If your path is too straight, the Chi runs so quickly you forget to look at the garden and just continue to your destination. By placing a few flower urns along the way, the Chi is slowed down and the garden becomes more dramatic.

After picking and choosing the tidbits of information I have just shared, I realize now that Feng Shui is very similar to gardening. You can never stop learning and marveling at what you can do. Hopefully, I have given you enough "Points to Ponder" to pique your interest to learn more on the fascinating art of Feng Shui.

- by Ambi Pellegrini

I look forward to sharing information about unusual herbs with my fellow MG's. Comments, suggestions, ideas, etc....e-mail me at hockeymom@iname.com

Last issue I wrote about a beautiful but inedible herb, hyssop; here is another, not recommended these days as edible, but beautiful also, in a very different way from hyssop, and with an unusual, appealing fragrance.

Curry plant, Helichrysum angustifolium (or sometimes H. italicum) looks like a silvery rosemary plant. It has needle-like foliage which smells like curry when brushed against or crushed. It should be grown near a sunny path or bed edge where its fragrance may be appreciated.

Like most herbs, it likes a well-drained site in full sun. It blooms in summer, producing tiny mustard yellow- flowers in clusters. A member of the compositae family, it is kin to both tarragon and sunflowers. Books say it is supposed to grow to two feet, but in my garden this plant has never made it much past eight inches, making it good for the front of the herb patch. There is a cultivar 'Nana' that supposed to be shorter than the species, which may be what I have, though the plants I have purchased were not labeled as such.

The flowers are everlastings, retaining their color and scent for use in dried arrangements. The plant, however, is not hardy here; grow it as an annual. Some sources say it can be dug and wintered indoors. I am going to try it this year. Check with me in April to see what happens after a winter under the grow lights!

- By Sandy Lentz

Tulips originated in Persia and were introduced to Europe in the 1500's. The name tulip is derived from the word tulband, or turban, because of the shape of the flower. Interestingly, "flamed" tulips a/k/a Rembrandt Tulips are actually tulips infected with a virus and are no longer available for purchase. Instead, "look-a-like" flamed tulips were genetically developed and can be purchased through most bulb companies. The Rembrandt Tulip was named after the famous Dutch master, Rembrandt, in the 1600's. Tulips were all the rage in Europe during this time, and this period became known as "Tulipmania."

Tulipmania was especially widespread in Holland. According to www.bulb.com "Tulips could command a price of 3,000 guilders per bulb, which is the equivalent of $1,500 per bulb today." These bulbs were so prized that they led to the financial ruin of Holland. Luckily, Holland did recover and tulips have since become Holland's national emblem. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Holland's tulip growers. Due to their diligence and skillful propagation techniques there are now hundreds of varieties and hybrids from which to choose; and thankfully, at reasonable prices.

In the language of flowers, tulips represent consuming love. The red tulip conveys a suitors passion. The redness of the flower says "I am on fire with love." The pink tulip represents "love" of "loving." The variegated tulip tells of the recipients "beautiful eyes" and a yellow tulip signifies "hopeless love" or "no chance of reconciliation." According to Forget-Me-Not, A Floral Treasury by Pamela Todd, "Tulips were said to be special to fairies and elves, who sang their babies to sleep beneath them and protected those who cultivated them."

So, plant some tulips this fall to welcome the fairies and their goodwill into your garden!

- By Eileen Kostock

If you have an event you want everyone to know about, please contact Deb McCullough. I need the info one week before material is due in the office.

Many of these events require advance registration and/or fees. For more information or directions to these locations, please call them.

September 4	Cantigny: Mums and Asters for the Midwest
September 6	The Growing Place: Old House Party (Aurora)
	Cantigny: Tomatoes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
	Garfield Park Conservatory: Seed Saving Secrets.
September 6-7	Chicago Botanical Gardens: Garden Clubs of Illinois Flower Show Central States Dahlia Society Show & Sale
September 7	Garfield Farm and Inn Museum: Prairie Walk. The annual September prairie walk is always the most colorful. Reservations Required
September 9	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Herbs from Outside In and Outstanding Shrubs for Fall Color
September 12	Platt Hill Nursery Bloomingdale-Spring Bulbs: There's More Than Just Tulips
September 14	Morton Arboretum-Ready, Set...Let's Grow! Ornamental Plants for Fall
September 15	Chicago Botanical Gardens- How to Create Healthy Soil
September 16	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Landscape with a Mood
September 18	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Great Grass and Perennial Combinations
September 20	Garfield Park Conservatory-Autumn Garden Show
September 20-21	Morton Arboretum-Prairie Heritage Days
	Chicago Botanical Gardens -Made in the Shade: Shade Garden Design Elements, and Illinois Gourd Society Show & Sale
September 22	Chicago Botanical Gardens- How to Overwinter Tender Plants
September 23	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Residential Landscape Planning
September 24	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Fall Containers at the Garden
September 27	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Ornamental Grasses in the Garden
	Platt Hill Nursery Bloomingdale-Putting Your Pond To Bed
	Cantigny Park-Ornamental Grasses
September 27- 28	Cantigny Park-Bonsai Show
	Chicago Botanical Gardens-African Violet Show & Sale
October 4	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Fall Color with Annuals and Harvesting Seed from the Garden
October 4-5	Cantigny Fall Festival
October 5	Morton Arboretum-Ready, Set, Let's Grow-Spring Blooming Bulbs
	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Illinois Mycological Association Show
October 5 & 12	Garfield Farm Museum-Harvest Days
October 7	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Bulbs in the Landscape and Fall
	Wildflower Field ID
October 8	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Your Perennial Garden: Getting Ready for Winter, and Introduction to Design Principles
October 11-12	The Growing Place Naperville-Fall Festival
October 11	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Perennials for Fall Color
	Platt Hill Nursery Bloomingdale-Winterizing Your Roses and Perennials
October 15	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Foundation Planting Design
October 16	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Fall Rose Gardening
October18	The Growing Place Aurora-Wrap It Up Party
October 18-19	Chicago Botanical Gardens-Harvest Market, Midwest Daffodil Society Sale, Midwest Fruit Explorers Show & Sale, and Wisconsin-Illinois Lily Society Bulb Sale
October 22	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Front Yard Design
October 24-25	Chicago Botanical Gardens-HallowFest
October 25	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Conifers in the Midwest Garden
October 29	Chicago Botanical Gardens- Backyard Design
November 1	Chicago Botanical Gardens-A Beginner's Guide to Orchids

- By Deb McCullough

"The Garden Thymes" is the official newsletter for DuPage area MG's. If you misplace your copy, it can be found at our DuPage County Extension website. From time to time, you may have something you would like to share with fellow MG's or perhaps include an article of your own. We would love to hear from you!! For Issue #6, the deadline is October 29. As always, your comments and suggestions are most welcome.

They look like battle-scarred canoes,
My weather-beaten garden shoes.
They have no fear of morning dew.
We launch right out and wade right through
To garden plots, the barn, the shed:
With turned up toes, we plod ahead.
The heels have long ago gone tilt,
Forgetting how they first were built.
Am I complaining? NO SIREE!
They finally feel good on me!

-Author Unknown-