MANHATTAN – If you’re noticing multiple varieties of peonies growing in the garden, or ants crawling on the buds, Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said this is common and no cause for concern.“Peonies produce nectar on the outside of buds which attracts ants looking for an early season food source,” Domenghini said.
Kansas State University horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini says home gardeners can expand garden space by taking it to the next level…literally.Domenghini said many crops can be grown vertically, including the more traditional tomatoes, pole beans and peas as well as vining crops such as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds.“Elevating plants off the ground increases the air flow which can help prevent disease,” Domenghini said.
MANHATTAN – The petite purple blooms of wild violets, often seen in lawns across Kansas this time of year, serve as a food source to bees and other pollinators, Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said.Broadleaf weeds found in the lawn compete with turfgrass for nutrients and water.Both require some attention.
Dear Amy: My good friends want to downsize for retirement, but the major repairs needed on their house will prevent them from making enough on the sale to buy their next place.They asked me to brainstorm options, and one idea I had was to convert the basement level into a rentable apartment, so they could use the rental income to complete the repairs on their home over time.We did some quick math and their next step was to talk to their financial planner.Well, they decided to go for it, but in my opinion they are making all the wrong decisions!
Q: How much can I safely drink without worrying about damaging my health?
Dear Amy, I’m a 45-year-old woman, married to my wife for five years.
Q: It seems like lots of my contemporaries are getting cancer.
