Ramsey County

October 17, 2005

Howdy!!!!
This weather has been unbelievable!@!!!  Next spring should be such a breeze in our yards as we should have them all cleaned up before old man winter comes.  I heard the weather man this morning talking about 70 degree temperatures.  I am however getting tired of cleaning up leaves.  A good old hard killing frost would sure be order to help clean up some of this mess. 

This past weekend I had a chance to take my father and my little girl (Bob) red head (pheasant) hunting and had a very good time.  We saw many birds and unfortunately had our limit by 9 am.  It is such a treat to watch my little girl hunt birds and the ability they have to find them in such thick places never ceases to amaze me.  Between Dad, myself and Dave hunting was fast and furious.  We shot 4 birds that dropped in 7 foot tall cattails and very thick with about 5 inches of water in them and Bob was able to find every bird we shot.  Dad had so much confident, in Bob, that he dropped a rooster thinking it was dead only to watch it run into the cattails.  He said later that he didn’t care because he knew Bob was coming and would find the bird for him.  It would have been fun to hunt longer that morning but Mother Nature provides opportunities for all of us to enjoy and abiding by not only those opportunities but also the written laws leaves opportunities for others to enjoy for a different day.  We had a great hunt, enjoyed each others’ company, had a wonderful stay and visit with the landowner and most of all got to enjoy the great outdoors.  I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT TIME TO GET OUT AND ENJOY WHAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR US.

IS YOUR YARD READY FOR WINTER?

Now is the time to get your yard ready for winter. Late season watering of all newly planted trees and shrubs is highly recommended. Many of these plants, both evergreens and non-evergreens, have a limited root system and may be damaged by lack of moisture in late winter or early spring. Applying water just before the ground freezes up helps insure winter survival.

Foundation plants, especially evergreens may become dry during the late summer and fall. Thorough watering of these plants will help reduce the chances of winter desiccation. After the ground freezes plants are unable to absorb water thus maximum absorption of water before freeze up is important.

Lawns should go into winter at the same height as it has been kept during the growing season.  Allowing the grass to become longer increases the possibility of snow mold and vole damage in early spring. Cutting grass extremely short in late fall makes leaf raking easier, but causes the lawn to be more susceptible to winter damage from low temperatures.

Winter protection is very important for roses. Be sure they have adequate moisture to carry them through the winter. Cut the plants back to 12-18 inches and cover well for good winter survival. Rose cones will not give adequate protection.

             As a general rule, perennials are not cut back in the fall. The remaining tops hold snow and protect the plant root and crown from the severe winter conditions. Peony tops are removed just below ground level after they freeze back and brown. Botrytis blight overwinters on the stems at ground level.

Calendar!!!!!!
            November 15               Farmers Night out, 6 pm
            December 1                 Cattleman’s Night Out 6 pm
            December 14               How much can I afford to pay for rent?
            January 4-5                  Lake Region Roundup 

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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