HALLOWEEN PLANTS

This coming weekend is Halloween and over the years there have been many plants associated with this spooky day. The following article is based on folklore found in many plant books I have read through the years and should not be taken seriously. Historical like witches there are good and bad herbs plants. The good herb plants repel evil and act as a remedy against enchantment or spells and lightning.

The following are some herbs and plant materials associated with Halloween: Ash, Bay, Caraway, Chicory, Oxalis, Elder, Hawthorn, Hazel, Garlic, Rosemary, and Thyme.

· The Mountain (Sorbus aucuparia) and European (S. American) Ash trees are associated with Halloween folklore. In the fall Ash leaves change from green to yellow to red. Also, on the ash tree there are clumps of persistent orange-red berries that provide food for birds. These trees are planted near homes; it is said they protect all who reside within. Europeans believe cut branches brought indoors bless the home in the coming year. A piece of bark from the mountain ash carried in your pocket keeps away evil wishes. Furthermore, a small branch put in the butter churn keeps butter from souring.

· Bay (Laurus nabilis) is planted near homes or either side the entrance to prevent evil spirits from entering. Also, it protects the house from lightning and thunderbolts.

· Caraway (Carum carvi) has magic powers, too. It is believed a few seeds placed in a straying husband’s pocket will bring him back and keep him from being lured away.

· Chicory (Chicorium intybus) is very powerful. Whoever possesses it has the ability to become invisible.

· Oxalis, a four-leafed clover, gives the wearer the power to see fairies. In addition, strawberry and viola tricolor are considered protectants and avert the evil eye.

· European Elder (Sambucus nigra) tree is often used to drive away evil spirits and as a charm against lightning. If one stands under an Elder Tree on Midsummer Eve, he/she will see the King of Fairyland and his entourage.

· Hawthorn (Crataegeus) tree is considered magical and protectant. It protects people and animals from witches, spirits, and thunderstorms. Branches hung on New Year’s Day in farm kitchens ensure bountiful harvest for the coming year.

· Hazel or European filbert (Corylus avellana) nuts used at Halloween reveal to unmarried girls who their future husbands will be. Named for each maiden present, a row of nuts is placed among hot embers. The name of the lucky man is whispered and, if the pairing is a successful one, the nut jumps from the coals.

· Garlic (Allium sativum) is worn and/ or hung in the home to prevent bewitching, dispose of vampires and to avert the evil eye. During the times of the plague, it caught any circulating germs.

· Rosemary (Rosemarius officinalis) has many legends associated with it. Tiny bundles are tied together and hung over the cradles of babies to protect them from bad dreams. Sprigs carried in the hands have the ability to keep away witches and evil.

· Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a pleasant legend. It is considered the favorite and cherished herb of fairies. Furthermore, it is believed that if a young maiden places a sprig of rosemary in one shoe and a sprig of thyme in the other, she will have a vision of the man she will marry.

In closing, keep in mind the plant folklore and legends mentioned in this article are to only provide you with a Halloween treat.

OCTOBER GARDENING CALENDER

First Week of October

· Dig up gladioluses, dahlias, tubers and other tender bulbs.

· Plant budded chrysanthemums, the buds will open once planted to add color to fall landscapes. If you buy plants already in full bloom, they will not last long.

· Check your perennials some may not have survived this years heat and droughts.

· Water evergreens if needed.

· Take a soil sample of your gardens and lawn so that the results are available in time to add fertilizer or lime, which will improve or adjust soil fertility.

· Use shedding needles from pines, yews and arborvitaes as mulch around azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and andromedas.

· Bring in your houseplants which have been living outdoors all summer. Be sure to inspect for pests before you bring them in.

Second Week of October

· Dig up and pot an herb plant or two from the herb garden. Parsley, chives, sage, thyme or scented geraniums do well all winter, if watered and set in a warm sunny window.

· Rake and add the leaves that are falling from deciduous trees to the compost pile.

· Pick bagworms from the evergreens and shrubs and destroy them. This will abolish the spring hatching of over-wintering eggs.

· Plant shrubs and divide crowded perennials.

· Prune leaves and stems of herbaceous perennials as they turn brown.

Third Week of October

· Mow the lawn continually so that it will not be matted down under heavy snow (if we have another winter like last year).

· Plant spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.). Master Gardeners are having a Bulb Workshop on Friday, Oct. 15, call 302-730-4000 to register.

· Protect broadleaf evergreens from winter damage caused by wind and sun.

· Rake and clean up rose gardens to prevent black spot and other diseases.

· Keep an eye open for reduced prices on end-of-the-season gardening tools and equipment to be used next year or to be given as gifts.

Last Week of October

· Transplant small trees after leaves have fallen.

· Secure vines to their support systems.

· Clean up garden debris and add to the compost pile.

MASTER GARDENER TIP:

Call your local County Extension Office to see what gardening workshops are offered this fall in Sussex County, 302-856-7303 and in Kent County 302-730-4000.

FALL WORKSHOPS SUSSEX COUNTY

Master Gardener workshops continue through November in Sussex Co. Workshops are free, unless noted, and are in the Carvel Center. To register, contact Tammy Schirmer at 302-856-2585 ext. 544/tammys@udel.edu or register online at http://ag.udel.edu/rec/Extension/MasterGardeners/workshopreg.html. On the list are:

Putting Your Garden to Bed – Cherie Dorfman – Tuesday, Oct. 11 at noon.

Garden Information Resources – Master Gardener Panel – Thursday, Oct. 20

at 7 p.m.

Gifts From the Garden – Tracy Mulveny – Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. Cost is

$5 per person. Limited to 25 participants.

FALL WORKSHOPS KENT COUNTY

Four workshops are on the schedule for Kent Co. Master Gardeners. They are free, except where noted, and will be at the Paradee Center. To register, call 302-730-4000.

Accessible Gardening – Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Fall and Winter Curb Appeal – Thursday, Oct. 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Preparing for Spring – Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Make and Take a Lovely Fall Wreath Thursday, Nov. 17 from

6-8 p.m. Cost: $5. Class limited to 15.

Mail your registration and payment to

Kent Co. Master Gardeners,

69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901.