I begin many mornings in the garden, tea cup in hand. I enjoy observing what is blooming, pulling weeds or looking for a plant that might be in distress.

        This ritual is good for me — and my garden — says Nina Muccillo, who visited this past week. Ms. Muccillo, who has a degree in horticulture and 25 years of interior “plantscaping” experience, is one of those old-fashioned “doctors” who makes house calls.

GARDENING EVENT

The 18th National Garden Railway Convention is under way at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell. The vendor/exhibit area will be open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today. Admission: $6. Information: 385-6599; Web site.

        Normally, I try to overlook pest problems because I don't like using harmful chemicals. This time I had tried a safer, organic soap, (which damages an insects digestive system), but did not have good results.

        After inspecting the plants and soil in containers on my deck, Ms. Muccillo discovered leaf hoppers, white fly and aphids. When she examined the potting medium for one troubled plant, she pointed out pill bugs, who like to eat decaying matter — not a good sign.

        There were certain plants, like the hibiscus I had recently purchased, that seem to attract certain pests — aphids, in this instance.

        Ms. Muccillo recommended treatments containing hot pepper wax and neem oil. She stressed the importance of following the directions on the labels and advised using the treatmenton one part of the plant initially to see how it reacts, rather than dousing the entire plant.

        Where pill bugs had taken over the soil in a jasmine plant, she reminded me about the importance of removing dead, leaves which had fallen into the soil. She suggested removing the plant from the pot, rinsing off the roots and replacing the soil with fresh potting medium.

        If you are experiencing insect pests, here are some resources:

        • Ms. Muccillo offers environmentally friendly treatment for plants. Appointments: 368-3165. • Worm's Way, an organic gardening store, has opened in Erlanger at 1360 Donaldson Highway, (859) 525-9676.

        • Free Plant Health Clinics are being offered 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through July 31, at the Boone County Extension office, 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington; (859) 586-6101. Bring samples of diseased plants.

        • The Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (bygl.osu.edu) is available now through October. Extension agents, specialists and researchers discuss plant problems as they occur each week. It is geared toward the professional horticulturist, but gardeners may find it helpful. Contact Peg St. Clair by phone: 541-4680; Web site: www.gardenersnetwork.org.
       

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