In This Issue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Garden Tasks to Prepare for Winter
 
It won't be long before we can expect a freeze to knock back our gardens. Before that happens though, there are some things you can do to prepare for that event. Obviously any basil, peppers and tomatoes will be inedible after a freeze so picking and preparing in some way beforehand (pesto, freezing, etc.) is a good idea.
 
For many ornamental plants in the garden we only expect to get one season's enjoyment from them, but some tender plants can be saved for next year. Some like brugmansia and gardenia can be dug, potted and put in a garage for the winter. And while the garage is not an ideal spot and plants will look a little rough by spring, most likely they'll bounce back if they are watered occasionally. Geraniums are easily propagated by cutting; they can overwinter in a sunny window. Dahlia tubers can be dug, allowed to dry and can be stored in a cool, dry spot. You can write the variety name or color with a marker right on the tuber. Seeds from heirloom vegetable and non-hybrid plants can be saved to plant next spring. Annual such as zinnias, marigolds, salvias, nasturtiums and many others can easily be saved. This is also a good time to divide and replant some perennials like hostas, daylilies, and irises that have become too big. They will benefit from less crowded conditions.
 
If you plan to shake things up in your perennial garden this winter, mark plants now, because there won't be a sign of many of them later in the year. So while they garden season is winding down, there is still much to do to keep our gardens looking good and to extend the life of plants for next season's garden.
 
 
 
 

  


Important Dates
 
October 6
Water Supply & Distribution Task Force Meeting
3:00 p.m.
Commissioners Meeting room in the Historic Courthouse
October 20
LGCCA Meeting
3:00 p.m.
Commissioners Meeting room in the Historic Courthouse
October 20
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
6:30 p.m.
Highland Lake Inn
October 21
Board of Commissioners Meeting
9:00 a.m.
Commissioners Meeting room in the Historic Courthouse
October 31
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Hendersonville
November 2
Board of Commissioners Meeting
5:30 p.m.
Commissioners Meeting room in the Historic Courthouse
November 3
Water Supply & Distribution Task Force 
3:00 p.m.
Commissioners Meeting room in the Historic Courthouse
 

Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer
 
Did you know that colds, flu and most sore throats are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? Taking antibiotics for viral infections could do more harm by increasing your risk of getting an infection later that is resistant to antibiotic treatment.
 
Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world's most pressing public health problems. Widespread inappropriate use of antibiotics is fueling an increase in drug-resistant bacteria. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria create new strains of infectious disease that can quickly spread throughout the community. They are more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat. Smart use of antibiotics is the key to controlling the spread of resistance.
 
You can help prevent antibiotic resistance by taking antibiotics only to treat bacterial infections, not for viral infections like a cold, a cough or the flu. Take antibiotics exactly as your health care provider tells you. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication, even if you are feeling better. Do not save antibiotics for the next time you get sick and do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness and taking the wrong medicine could delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply. Do not demand antibiotics when a health care provider has determined they are not needed.

  Parks & Recreation Happenings
 
Stoney Mountain Activity Center - Taekwondo, ballet, tap and many more activities! Please contact Karen Saine at (828)697-4900 for more information.
 
Youth Basketball - Begins September 21, 2009 for grades K-6th. Games are played at local elementary school gyms on Saturdays in January & February.
 
Movie in the Park - "Monsters vs. Aliens" will be shown at Jackson Park on fields 8 & 9 on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and concessions will be available. Bring a chair and a blanket and come watch a movie with us!
 
Cyclo Cross Races - Will begin in November. More information to come.

Agricultural Drought Relief
 
The Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District is currently accepting applications for the N.C. Agricultural Drought Recovery Program through October 30th. This program was made possible through a $6 million grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
 
This funding can be used for the installation of 4 best management practices:
     1) Renovation of pastures killed or damaged by the drought. (Hay land is not eligible). Participating farmers must agree to manage fertility, stocking rates, and start/stop grazing heights to minimize the potential for overgrazing and to ensure that a good stand is maintained.
     2) Drilling wells for farmers whose existing water supply for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or was inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds are currently not eligible).
     3) Renovating existing ponds and constructing new ponds for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or were inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds are currently not eligible).
     4) Retrofitting existing irrigation systems to conservation irrigation and micro irrigation. These practices are intended to:
          - convert center-pivot and lateral move irrigation systems to employ drop nozzles or low-pressure spray nozzles. This practice can also be used to convert an existing traveling gun system to a center-pivot or lateral move system using drop nozzles or low-pressure spray. The practice can also be used to equip existing irrigation equipment with end-gun shut-off devices.
          - replace and/or reduce the use of fertilization such as the traveling gun, center-pivot and furrow irrigation systems unless agronomic necessity (e.g. frost/freeze protection, soil setting) suggest alternate or temporary methods of irrigation.
 
A 10-year maintenance  agreement is required for each practice in order to receive funding through this program. If you have any questions, feel free to call Jonathan Wallin or Laurie Brokaw at the Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District at (828)697-4949.