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The Fayetteville Observer, N.C., LIve Wire column
[April 17, 2013]

The Fayetteville Observer, N.C., LIve Wire column


Apr 17, 2013 (The Fayetteville Observer - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Q: Who can tell me how to safely get rid of lily pads in the 11-acre pond behind my house Some people told me to use Roundup, but I don't want to hurt the ducks and wildlife that are in the pond. -- D.M., Fayetteville A: Extension agent Kenny Bailey would be happy to talk to you about this.



He's at the Cumberland County office of the N.C. Cooperative Extension. Reach him at 321-6871 or [email protected].

Bailey said you're right: You should never use a chemical application designed for land use on water. That includes the herbicide Roundup.


There's an aquatic version of Roundup called Rodeo, and it might work on your floating plants. It also might not. Bailey said he'd like to talk to you to verify the sort of plants here. That way, he can recommend the right herbicide to use. It'd be to your benefit since you would not waste time and money on an herbicide that might not work and you wouldn't apply chemicals unnecessarily.

Meanwhile, be careful when you fertilize your lawn. Like weeds in your lawn, water plants respond to applications of fertilizer. We suspect you're not deliberately fertilizing the lily pads but you may be doing so inadvertently if you're not careful with how much fertilizer you put down and when you apply it. If it rains soon after the application, it may be getting washed into the pond before it's had a chance to seep into the ground.

The lily pads -- or lily paddish plants -- are not robbing your pond of oxygen for the fish. Indeed, they're likely contributing oxygen to the water.

Q: I've been watching SonLife Broadcasting Network with Jimmy Swaggart, and have noticed that I no longer see some of my favorites, like the female singer BJ, the saxophonist and his wife, Beulah, and the male singer Curtis and his wife, along with a few others. What happened to them Can I look forward to their return -- R.K., St. Pauls A: You may be watching reruns -- and maybe they'll come back on.

BJ Vavasseur resigned from Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in June of last year when she was told she could not work there only part time, something she wanted to do. She has her own ministry now. See bjvavasseur.com for more information.

Vavasseur also travels with Marty Martinez Ministries, as does saxophonist Roy Chacon, whose daughter is married to Martinez. For more, see martymartinezmin.org.

Curtis and Charmaine Bridgeman moved to St. Louis three years ago. He works at a church there.

Live Wire seeks to answer questions of general interest and consumer topics within two weeks. Initials are used to identify questioners when names are given. Contact Live Wire via Live Wire's Facebook page, at [email protected] or at 486-3516.

___ (c)2013 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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