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The tallest peak
Pat Munts wrote in last week’s issue about how she waits for the snow on Mica Peak to vanish before she plants anything in her yard. That’s still sound advice, but we got our peaks a little confused here at Home, which prompted Shawn McGuire from Mica to write us:
“I read in the home section the old adage about the snow being off of Mount Spokane or Mica Peak before you plant annuals in the spring. We have used this guideline for years and we have found that the Mount Spokane rule of thumb serves us best.
You had noted that the elevation difference between the two peaks was about 2,000 feet when it is only 628 feet with Mount Spokane at 5,859 and Mica Peak at 5,241. Just wanted to share this elevation information with you, as I thought you might find it interesting. Thanks for your article and common sense answers.”
Proof is in the mulch
One reader took us to task for quoting the Mulch and Soil Council in a story about how Formosan termites can’t spread in mulch produced from debris left by hurricane Katrina.
“The Mulch and Soil Council, I’m betting, is not exactly an outfit that has ‘no dog in this fight’ and is likely composed of a rotating group of industry reps. Therefore, they have a potential financial interest in denying that a problem exists. Have they denied that they are generating mulch that contains the aforementioned parasites or live larva(e)?”
Point well taken – according to its Web site here’s who the Mulch and Soil Council is:
Founded in 1972 as the National Bark Producers Associationthe current Mulch and Soil Council has become the non-profit trade group of all producers of horticultural mulches, consumer potting soils and commercial growing media.
The Council can be contacted at Mulch and Soil Council, 10210 Leatherleaf Court, Manassas, VA 20111-4245. Call (703) 257-0111; fax (703) 257-0213; info@mulchandsoil council.org
The spread of an invasive species should not be taken lightly, but among local experts we have not been able to substantiate the claim that Formosan termites can travel thousands of miles, inside plastic bags, to the Spokane area.
If you have concerns about the mulch you’ll use this summer, we suggest you contact the Master Gardeners at WSU’s extension office, (509) 477-2048 or by visiting http://spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/eastside/.
E-mail us at home@spokesmanreview.com.