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8 - North Countryman • Weekly Columns

May 28, 2011

Wet weather brings garden diseases May’s Workout of the Month

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t seems that our weather is seldom ideal for the garden. Sometimes, it is too hot and dry. And other times, like this spring, the weather is too cool and wet. Cool wet weather brings a whole host of issues in the garden. Many people in the area cannot even get into their gardens because the soil is so wet or even under water! Cool, wet weather is ideal for the spread of garden diseases. Many funguses thrive in weather conditions similar to what we have been experiencing. Unfortunately, once a leaf or part of a plant is infected there is no way to cure the plant. You can only keep the fungal disease from spreading. Therefore, prevention is the best step against fungal diseases in the garden. Fungi are reduced by growing plants in sunny locations with good air circulation and by reducing water contact on leaf surfaces. Diseases can be prevented by removing and destroying affected leaves that fall to the ground and by watering at the base rather than overhead. Pruning the lower leaves, to prevent soil from being able to splash onto the leaves, is another way to prevent fungal disease from infecting roses, shrubs, and tomato plants. If disease pressure is severe, there are both

conventional (man-made) and organic (naturally derived) fungicide that can be used. It is important to remember that these products only prevent fungal infection and do not cure them. Most of the organic products have to be purchased, just like the conventional products, with one exception. A 10 percent milk solution — 10 parts water to one part milk — has been proven to be an effective preventative against powdery mildew. Also remember that no matter what type of fungicide you use, read the label carefully and follow its instructions. Always think about your safety first! Finally, the easiest way to prevent fungal disease in the garden is to purchase disease resistant plants. Many plants are naturally resistant to certain diseases and others have been bred to be resistant. You can find resistant roses, phlox, tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins for example. Having a plant that is resistant to fungus is the easiest way to prevent garden diseases! Anne Lenox Barlow is a professional horticulturist who enjoys gardening with her family in Plattsburgh. She also chronicles her gardening experiences at her blog www.northcountrygarden.wordpress.com. She can be reached at a.lenox.barlow@ gmail.com.

Our Furry Friends Our Furry Friends is a weekly feature brought to you by Denton Publications. For more information about these and other fine pets available for adoption, contact: Adirondack Humane Society 134 Idaho Ave., Plattsburgh, 561-7297

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ot 10 minutes? Good! Here’s your

workout! Plank - Lie on your stomach with your feet together and forearms placed on the ground. Clench your fists under your shoulders, draw-in your navel and contract your glutes. Lift your body off of the floor and raise up until your body forms a straight line from head to toe. Beginners hold up to 20 seconds. Intermediate hold for 30-45 seconds. Advanced hold for 60 seconds. Single leg bicep curl to overhead press - Stand on your left foot, while holding a dumbbell in your right hand, at your side. Curl the dumbbell to your chest. Next, press the dumbbell overhead, fully extending your arm keeping your palm turned away from your body. Return to the starting position and repeat 12 times on each side. Squat Jump with Stabilization hold (bodyweight squat for beginners) –

Adirondack Humane Society

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Nermal

Marietta

ermal is a tiger mix that was hit by a car and suffered a fractured pelvis. She is healing and gaining strength everyday. Nermal has tested negative for FeLV/FIV. Marietta is an approximately 7-month-old boxer brought in as a stray. While she could stand to put on some weight, she is very healthy and looking for someone to love her as much as she could love them. Marietta has been spayed, vaccinated and dewormed.

St. John Feral Cat Fund

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ummer is a domestic short-haired female who was rescued from Plattsburgh this month and is very sweet and affectionate. She is spayed and has had her first vaccinations. She needs a forever home where she can be the only cat. Romeo is a young male tuxedo kitty who lost his people when they moved and could not take him. He is super loving, neutered, and up-to-date on all of his vaccinations.

Summer

Romeo

Elmore SPCA

St. John Feral Cat Fund (Located in PetSmart Adoption Center) 67 Consumer Square, Plattsburgh 534-0824 Elmore SPCA, 510 Arthur Road, Peru 643-2451

Stand with feet straight and shoulder-width apart. Draw-in belly button and squeeze butt muscles. Jump up, raising arms above head, and land softly; hold two seconds. Perform 10 reps. Beginners perform one set, intermediate perform two to three sets, an advanced perform four to five sets. Choose the appropriate level for your current state of fitness. If you are unsure of how to safely complete the exercises listed, please consult with a qualified fitness professional and always get permission from your doctor before starting any exercise program. Corinna Maggy is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist offering private personal training, classes, and weight management programs. She can be reached at 605-3549 or corinnamaggy@yahoo.com.

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Ruficus

Snoopy

uficus is a large male adult bloodhound mix who came into the shelter as a stray. He’s not well-trained but has a huge capacity to love. Ruficus is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccines. Snoopy is an adult male tri-colored beagle who dotes on human attention. However, there are times when he can be very skittish. Come in and meet this sweet, shy boy and perhaps take him into your home. Snoopy is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccines.