When can I cut back the peony foliage? 

Cut back the peony foliage after it has been destroyed by a hard freeze.  Cut off the stems near ground level.  If the peonies experienced foliar disease problems, remove the plant debris from the area and destroy it. 

Are the seeds of the horsechestnut edible?

Horsechestnuts and buckeyes (Aesculus species) should not be confused with true chestnuts (Castanea species). The seeds or nuts of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata), Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), and the Allegheny chinkapin (Castanea pumila) are edible. The seeds of horsechestnuts and buckeyes are considered poisonous.

The two groups (genera) are not difficult to tell apart. The leaves of horsechestnuts and buckeyes are opposite, palmately compound, with five to nine leaflets. The fruit is a three-valved capsule with a thick, leathery husk. The outer husks are often spiny and contain one to six shiny brown seeds with a large, light-colored spot or eye; hence the common name of buckeye. Chestnut leaves are alternate and simple. The fruit is a spiny bur containing two or three chestnut brown nuts. The American chestnut was once a major tree of forests in the eastern United States and a commercial source of chestnuts. Today, it has nearly disappeared, a victim of chestnut blight introduced into this country in 1904.

When should I fertilize the lawn in the fall?

Fertilizer applications can be made in September and late October/early November. September fertilization promotes a moderate rate of shoot growth and helps to thicken the turf. An application of fertilizer in late October/early November (at the time of the last mowing) promotes root growth and early green-up next spring. Apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in both September and late October/early November.

What causes my peaches to rot and turn brown?

Brown rot is a common fungal disease of peaches and other stone fruits. Affected fruits develop circular light brown spots that expand rapidly and rot the fruit. Sometimes the fungus that causes this rot is visible as ash-gray tufts. The fruits may fall from the tree or develop into shriveled “mummies” that stay attached to the branch.

Brown rot can be prevented through sanitation (removing infected fruits) and avoiding wounding the fruit. Fungicide sprays applied throughout the season, starting at bloom, can also help.

What is the large black and yellow spider in my garden?
Some of the most common spiders in gardens are the Argiope spiders. They are also commonly called garden spiders. There are many species, but most have distinctive yellow and black abdomens and silver cephalothorax (the front part of the body with the head and legs). Garden spiders build large webs that they use to capture insect prey. Garden spiders are not poisonous and can be left alone when found in your garden. If one has made a web across a garden path, the web can be knocked down, or you can move the spider to a better spot in your garden. 

-30-