I’ve noticed that maple trees have been looking sickly the past few weeks. Their leaves are covered with black blotches and they are also shedding leaves much earlier than usual. I checked the website for the UMass Extension Service (ag.umass.edu), an invaluable resource for gardeners and farmers all across the state. The culprit, I’ve discovered, is something called “tar spot.” It is caused by the fungus Rhytisma acerinum and affects mainly Norway, silver and sycamore maples.
Fortunately, tar spot is only a cosmetic problem. It takes hold in springtime and it especially thrives in cool, damp conditions. But it does not interfere with the leaves’ ability to photosynthesize and does not threaten the health of the trees. But since the fungus overwinters in dead leaf debris, it’s best to dispose of dead leaves by bagging or composting them so the spores can’t infect next year’s leaves.
Garden designers like to compose “vignettes” in their plantings, felicitous groupings of plants that highlight each other’s colors, shapes and textures. I spied an accidental vignette in my garden this week: towering wands of white cimicifuga waving in the breeze amidst the bronzed, spent blooms of buddleia.
This time of year, Mother Nature outdoes even the most artful of gardeners, producing eye-popping vignettes everywhere you look. Crimson leaves of Virginia creeper and poison ivy mingle with powdery wands of goldenrod and asters of all shades, white to pale pink to purple.
One of nature’s most perfect vignettes is also a camouflage masterpiece: the monarch butterfly caterpillar, striped black, white, and yellow, feasting on the pale green leaves of milkweed. This spectacular sight is mostly over for the season, at least in my neighborhood. These caterpillars have gone off to pupate in all sorts of places, including on vines, branches, garden planters and furniture…If you keep your eyes peeled, you might be lucky enough to see one.
Yellow jacket wasps are particularly dangerous this time of year. As their population peaks toward late summer and into fall, yellow jackets are especially ornery. This time of year, their appetite turns to sugary substances, including overripe fruit, sweet beverages and greasy foods.
They nest in the ground, in piles of wood or stone, in trees and shrubs, stone walls and tree stumps, and in the walls and eaves of buildings. They also favor nesting near water sources such as swimming pools and faucets.
Because their nests are hidden in places where you’re likely to disturb them accidentally, you need to be constantly vigilant to avoid them. They sting repeatedly, and often attack in groups, delivering multiple stings in a matter of seconds.
If you disturb a nest, walk away slowly and calmly, keeping your hands over your eyes and face. Rapid movement can cause them to attack. If you are allergic, check with your doctor about first-aid treatment including epinephrine kits (Epi-pens).
When working outside, wear light-colored clothing, since yellow jackets are attracted to bright and dark colors. Do not wear fragrances, including scented hair products and skin lotions, because wasps are drawn to such smells. Keep food and beverages covered.
Check work areas before starting in. The vibration of a lawnmower or other outdoor equipment can trigger an attack. Keep a can of wasp and hornet spray on hand to apply to nests.
If feasible, wait till evening to eradicate nests, because the wasps are likely to be at home and inactive at night. If you want to avoid toxic chemicals, there are dozens of online recommendations for non-toxic wasp traps. I won’t vouch for their effectiveness!
There’s nothing like autumn in New England. Communities throughout Western Mass will be celebrating the joys of the season with food, music, art and family fun. Here are some listings:
Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston is a wonderful place to visit, especially in autumn. In addition to the panoramic view of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir, the garden displays hundreds of trees and shrubs known for their spectacular fall color. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tower Hill will host the first of its three fall fest weekends.
The weekend will feature food offerings, including a sweet-tooth celebration of apples, pies, honey and preserves. All are invited to submit entries for a baked goods competition (For more info, go to: www.towerhillbg.org/2017/08/15/sweet-harvest-contest-entry-rules-2017).
Two food trucks will be on hand.
Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear farmer costumes. There will be face painting, story time, live music and other activities. Fest is free with regular admission fee to Tower Hill. For more information, go to towerhillbg.org.
The 9th annual Kestrel Land Trust 5K for Farmland and Farmers’ Market Festival is Oct. 15. There will be a 5K running race on a flat route through historic farmland, or a scenic 2-mile walk along the Connecticut River. The festival will feature local beer from Valley Malt and live music. There will be commemorative 5K-for-Farmland pint glasses for all pre-registrants, who will also be entered into a raffle. A farmers market opens at 10:30 a.m. The race/walk begins at 11 a.m.
For more information and to register for the run/walk, go to Kestreltrust.org.
Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge will be holding its 83rd annual Harvest Festival Oct 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be entertainment, local foods, kids’ activities, a haunted house, regional artisanal handcrafts, a plant sale, a giant tag sale, including jewelry and clothing; and more. BBG is also seeking volunteers to distribute signs and work the festival. Contributions of gently used items/clothing etc. are welcome. Call 413-320-4794 to volunteer or donate. Adults: $7, kids under 12: free.
Mickey Rathbun can be reached at foxglover8@gmail.com.