The September Ramble

If you want really interesting Chrysanthemums like this "Matchsticks" variety you’ll have to find an online source and grow them yourself. This hybrid was purchased online through Plants Delights. Planted in the spring it will be a compact but floriferous mum in the fall and is reliably hardy. ANDREW MESSINGER

Four steps to catching voles. Step 1: Locate the home base. It’s usually a 2-inch diameter hole at the base of a fruit tree or where lupines, poppies or other fleshy rooted perennials are growing. This was at the base of a perennial hibiscus. ANDREW MESSINGER

Step 2: Load the mouse trap with a small piece of apple about a third of an inch long and garnished with a small bit of peanut butter. Make sure the teeth on the trap bait holder have grabbed the apple. ANDREW MESSINGER

Step 3: Place the baited trap (gently) a few inches to the side of the residential opening. ANDREW MESSINGER

Step 4: return a couple of hours later to check the trap. If you catch a vole wear a glove to remove it. If the bait was stolen rebait the trap and replace. Repeat as necessary. ANDREW MESSINGER