By mid-June, we’ve now heard the last of the Brood X males calling from the trees, we’ve felt the last of them bumping into us while flying to and fro on their breeding mission, and we’ve seen the last of them on our sidewalks and streets.
There are some residual effects, though.
You will notice, especially in mature hardwood trees, a lot of dead branch tip-ends naturalists refer to as “tree flags.” These flags will never inspire striking up the band for a rousing few verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner;” no, these flags are just dead tip-ends of branches left over after female cicadas slit open tender branches to deposit their eggs.
While not harmful to established trees, the amount we’re seeing probably exceeds expectations. Columbus’s west side properties, with their large lots and many mature trees, are looking especially hard hit. Don’t worry west-siders, no permanent damage has been caused; but do expect more yard clean-up as the flags are gradually blown down from upper branches.
The wildlife, especially the birds, seem stunned, too — not by the amount of tree damage, but by the free bug buffet all dried up and blown away. After gorging on all-you-can-eat bugs for the past two months, it’s to be expected. They seem to be asking "Why? Why? Why?"
Plant progress
Perennials in my yard continue their growing progress ahead of schedule.
As of mid-June, my daylilies, which normally bloom through July, have sprouted seed heads in preparation for the next growing season. My beautiful lime green-leaved spiderwort is kaput early, too. All that can be done now is to cut it down now and hope for a re-bloom whenever cooler temps arrive to stay.
I’ve noticed, too, in nearby fields, that Queen Anne’s lace, always considered a fall plant, is already in full bloom. I guess you’d say it’s getting hard to predict exactly what may be left in the garden come September.
I know one thing: all of my healthy and bright foliage plants of different textures and colors are the stars of the yard now that the temper-mental potted annuals are requiring so much to keep them going. I know now why nurseries are routinely stocking more varieties of grasses, coleus, and hosta plants. I can also see the rationale of a local Big Box garden section carrying a pot refresher.
Starting in late June, they started stocking replacement container plants to supplement gardeners’ colorful flower displays. Good thing, because mine and others’ around town are looking thin and scraggly. By all appearances, they may not make it to the Fourth, let alone to the end of the summer!
Another thing I’ve found useful is the wisdom of mixing plant fertilizer in with my 2-gallon watering can. I choose a natural fertilizer – fish emulsion – because it’s natural, dissolves quickly and easily, and won’t burn plants. I feed plants weekly through the growing season and find that it helps border-line plants perk up with a better success rate.
Luckily, we who are thrilled by gardening and natural life are a hearty and resourceful bunch with a come- what-may attitude. If we weren’t, how could we survive the uncertainties which are part and parcel of enjoying nature and all she has to offer?
Stay happy, don’t forget your hat, and see ya out there!
Becky Pinto has been a Master Gardener since 2006 and was the Master Gardener newsletter editor from 2006-2019. She’s a Silver Level Master Gardener, based on cumulative volunteer hours served in the program. Her columns typically publish on the second Saturday of each month in The Republic. All opinions expressed are those of the writer. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
