February 2019

February 2019

Photo: DAVE GORDON

Be Picky When Picking Peaches Each winter, scores of backyard gardeners purchase and plant peach trees in North Florida. Regretfully, many of these trees are impulse buys with little or no thought given to the variety of tree for sale or the requirements to grow peaches.

tion of hours at an air temperature of 45°F or less during the dormant season (November-March). If a peach tree does not get the correct amount of chill hours, it will grow poorly and will produce few to no peaches.

All too often, ultimate failure results.

Peaches are one of the most difficult of the home garden fruits to grow successfully. Choosing the right variety is not as simple as deciding which muscadine or tomato variety to plant.

For example, peach breeders have developed peach varieties with various chilling requirements for different parts of the country. Peach varieties’ chilling requirements vary from as low as 75 to more than 1,000 hours. It’s important for the backyard fruit enthusiast to match the correct peach variety with the expected chill-hour range. In general, choose varieties with chilling requirements from 400 to 650 hours in North Florida.

Peach varieties have “internal clocks” commonly referred to as chilling requirement that keep the tree “asleep” during winter. Chilling units are estimated as the accumula-

Chilling hours aren’t the only concern. Peach breeders have also been successful in developing varieties that are resistant to certain diseases, such as bacterial spot.

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They’ve developed varieties with yellow or white flesh and a succession of varieties that ripen throughout the summer.

It’s best to choose varieties that ripen early in Florida to avoid the rainy season, when diseases are more difficult to control. However, because each variety has a ripening period of about two weeks, some people decide to select two or more later ripening varieties to extend the harvest season. But if you do this, be prepared to extend your pest control efforts, too.

Unfortunately, a number of insects and diseases love peaches as much as you and I. The peach breeders are working to develop more resistance to these pests. Brown rot, Rhizopus rot, scale and bores are just a few of the problems the home gardener interested in peaches must deal with.

Unlike some fruits that tolerate some pests and still produce a fair amount of edible fruits, peaches must be cared for with diligence.

Morning Glow ( Camellia Japonica).

About the size of an human hand.

CED and Cattlemen’s President accepting the donation of Gift cards purchased from donations received at the Christmas Party.

If you’re committed to growing good peaches, good luck with your venture. If you’re not committed, I suggest you patronize a local peach producer, produce stand or grocery store and enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor.

The below UF/IFAS Extension publications provide additional info. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg367 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1218

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg374

Larry Williams Residential Horticulture Okaloosa County Extension University of Florida/IFAS

Contributed by: DAVID EDMIISTON 3

Last month, I was lamenting that I was unable to see the Camellia garden at UWF during the Camellia show. To rectify the situation, my husband and I went over to Pensacola at the beginning of January before the students started back. It was glorious.

Most of the camellias were in bloom. As you know, it is very different seeing flowers on the bushes versus a single blossom in a vase with a leaf that might not be from the same bush.

I was amazed at the variety of leaf shapes and of course, all the flowers. I was very excited to see a large Camellia sinensis (tea camellia) since I now have one. It had pretty miniature white flowers on it.

If you are interested, the Pensacola Camellia Club is giving a free tour of the garden on February 24, from Noon to 4pm. Also, there will be a plant sale.

Did anyone see the Super Blood Wolf Moon lunar eclipse? We spent a very cold hour and a half outside watching it. We just used binoculars and it was amazing the detail we could see on the moon. It was so clear and dark enough that we could see a galaxy in Orion also. I am a little disappointed that we didn’t drag out the telescope now that I’ve learned that people were able to see (and photograph) a meteor hitting the surface of the moon.

We have quite a bit of activity coming up. The first field trip of the year is on February 14 to the Panhandle Growers in Jay. Information has already gone out. The BIA Home Show is the last weekend of February (23 and 24). We always need people to help man the booth. It’s a great way to show the public what we do. A sign-up list will go out shortly. Please volunteer if you are able.

It was interesting to see how the different camellias drop their flowers. Some had a carpet of petals beneath them and others the flowers drop whole. At first, I thought someone had picked We have some cold weather coming. I hope everyone stays warm. See you next month! them and let them drop. Later, I found out that Camellia japonica naturally do this and the flowers from Camellia sasanqua shatter easily and the petals fall in a carpet of color.

– Debbie Sewell I took a huge number of photos with my phone in hopes that I could narrow it down to just one as my favorite. Fat chance! I did make sure that I took a picture of the sign and the flower so maybe someday I can choose one for my yard.

Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

I recommend that if you would like to spend a very enjoyable couple hours viewing all the camellias that you go to the campus on the weekend. There is construction near the garden and they have closed off some of the parking lots, so be prepared for a bit of a walk.

Went to the air and space museum but there was nothing there.

You know the indestructible black box used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that?

Humor provided by: Scott Berry

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Firewood: The current cold snap might border and for commercial businesses

The Accidental Pest As we fight the never-ending battle against undesirable insects and plant diseases, did you ever wonder where they all come from? I posed this question to the internet and here are two responses: "If

you build it (or plant it) they will come�... “I think it happened when Eve ate the Apple?? " Well, maybe. Other likely explanations are that they come in under their own steam (flying, creeping, crawling, hitching a ride on birds or other critters, and other modes of movement), or the wind and weather bring them in.

What you may not have considered is the possibility that you might inadvertently be bringing insects and plant diseases into your own garden! We can do little about insect migrations or the weather but you may be surprised that some of your normal activities could be responsible for spreading insects and diseases and some of them are quite serious.

Here are just a few things to consider:

have you searching for firewood so you

with a valid permit. Florida also regulates

can get some use out of the fireplace that the movement of firewood and other is just room dĂŠcor for most of the year in

wood products within the State. Most of

Florida. However, if you have a wood-

the Florida State Parks prohibit gather-

burning fireplace and are not careful

ing firewood on site and encourage the

about where your firewood comes from,

purchase of local firewood for camping.

you may well be accidentally helping to

Within the state of Florida, multiple state

spread some devastating tree diseases,

authorities highly encourage both resi-

such as laurel wilt, sudden oak death,

dents and visitors to use local sources of

beech bark disease, and oak wilt. Fire-

firewood (within 50 miles of where it will

wood can also transport many invasive

be transported and used) to prevent the

insects such as the emerald ash borer,

movement of pests. (http://tinyurl.com/

sirex wood wasp, Asian longhorned bee-

nanz6m4) Know where your firewood

tle, and the gypsy moth. The regulation

comes from! If it's not local (within 50

governing the movement of commercial

miles) then be sure the distributor has

shipments of firewood is this: Florida

complied with the law as stated. You can

regulates the entry of out-of-state fire-

read the regulation in detail here: http://

wood and other wood products into the

tinyurl.com/oo5gsbu

state under its plant protection laws and rules. All types of out-of-state firewood are prohibited via this regulation- hardwood, softwood, seasoned and greenunless the firewood is accompanied by a permit issued by the state plant protection organization at origin. There are also limited exemptions for sources of firewood within 50 miles of the Florida state 5

bark or bark that is loose (a sign that the wood

weeks. But it's worth remembering that plants

is very dry). Not only will this reduce the threat

that haven't been properly cared for at the

of spreading diseases, your fire will be easier to

nursery are very likely to be stressed and there-

start.

fore susceptible to disease and insect infesta-

5. Reduce your need for an open fire by cooking over gas or charcoal when possible.

If you are a camper and use firewood while camping, you are asked to follow these guidelines to help curb the spread of insects and disease:

tions and you don't want to introduce either into your own landscape. Make a donation to charity if you feel the need to rescue something.

More details are available here: http://

And while most of us know better than to at-

tinyurl.com/oqwq55k and here is a video on

tempt to smuggle such things as citrus trees in-

this subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch? to Florida, sometimes the temptation is great while traveling to bring home a plant that v=Wt5sKDRd6XI catches your eye. Don't. But if you must, follow

Plant material, seeds, soils. Always in-

the guidelines at this website. Page 2 includes

1. Leave firewood at home and purchase aged

spect plants before bringing them into your gar- instructions for obtaining a plant import permit

firewood near your campsite location. Many

den. Here's a photo that should give you pause. from the USDA: http://tinyurl.com/q7b3ewd.

parks offer firewood for sale at a reasonable

It was taken by a North Carolina extension

price or private sellers will have it available just agent at her local plant nursery: http:// twitpic.com/1wsuu0 Most of us would recogoutside the park. nize that as a sick plant that should be de2. Firewood purchased at or near your destina- stroyed but it would also make me wonder tion should be used during your camping vaca- about the other stock in a nursery that didn't tion. Don’t leave any unused wood behind and

care enough to remove such an obviously dis-

don’t take it with you to another destination.

eased plant from its display shelves. I'd also

3. If you can't burn all of your wood, donate it to a fellow camper.

encourage you to resist the marked-down reject plants that you see at some of our local plant nurseries. I've fallen for those once in awhile

4. When buying firewood, make sure you re-

and have been afflicted with nothing more dis-

ceive pieces that are dry and have either little

astrous than a dead plant within a couple of

I've purchased plants and seeds on eBay several times and while most of them arrived with USDA plant inspection stickers on the packaging, I can't honestly say if they all have, so I've discontinued that practice.

Sod and soils can be a source of noxious (and obnoxious!) weeds such as nutsedge that, once

introduced into your yard can be very difficult to eradicate. This article from the Clemson Cooperative Extension describes some ways that nutsedge sneaks in to our yards and how to combat it if it does: http://tinyurl.com/kj6lmlt

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And speaking of sod, I installed four pallets of

-Mart exclusively, but there have been some

St. Augustine sod in my yard one summer and

fairly well-publicized incidents there of snakes

one of the pallets contained a brown recluse

in the garden centers and/or in the bottled wa-

spider. Fortunately I recognized it immediately, ter displays: http://tinyurl.com/m6kjdbf destroyed it, and then took care to wear gloves

http://tinyurl.com/m7p5fo8. And in the potato

during the rest of that project. As far as I could bin: http://tinyurl.com/o6lhlsb You really have determine, it was one of a kind and almost cer-

to love the store clerk who offered to refund her

tainly hitched a ride in from the sod farm which money for the potatoes if she 'had a valid re-

is located in the western panhandle. That inci-

ceipt.' To me, the snake would have been suffi-

dent sure kept me on my toes for a day or two,

cient proof that she really should get her money

inspecting every spider I saw verrrry carefully.

back. :)

The point is, we must be vigilant at all times to avoid accidentally spreading harmful insects and plant diseases both inter- and intrastate.

Yes, there are comprehensive regulations in place to help protect Florida but manpower to enforce the regulations in many cases is limited.

That means it's up to us to voluntarily comply with the laws and, as master gardeners, to help educate the public about them. Do what is within your ability to be part of the solution, not the problem.

Finally, in an article about accidentally importing pests into your home and garden, I would be remiss if I didn't mention some of the more infamous incidents that have occurred. These all involve snakes and, this is not to pick on Wal

KAREN

Firewood Movement Regulations Firewood Movement Rule, Rule No. 5B-65, in Effect 8/10/2010: The movement of commercial shipments of firewood, unprocessed wood products and other regulated articles into the state is prohibited unless the shipper has entered into a signed compliance agreement with the state of origin under a master permit that has been issued to the state of origin by the Director. Locally produced or harvested firewood and unprocessed wood products are exempt from this rule provided they are not moved 50 miles from the distribution point.

For more information, download and read the Firewood Rule 5B-65 Background Information [ 170.41 KB ].

Concerning the status of a new Extension building in Fort Walton Beach.

Brief History: In the fall of 2018, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) submitted a request for funding for an Agriculture Education and Promotion Facility to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This request was reviewed for completeness of application and then ranked according to percent local match. The Okaloosa County BCC's request ranked 9 out of 13 projects sent on to the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House and Governor’s Budget Office for funding consideration in 2019.

Who to Contact: You are welcomed to contact our local Representative and Senator and ask them to support this request. Their names and a link with their contact info is below: The State House District 4 - Mel Ponder The State Senate District 2 - George Gainer Contact can be found here: https://bit.ly/2FREnP7 For Additional Information: If you have questions about this project, please contact Jennifer Bearden, Interim Okaloosa County Extension Director, by email (bearden@ufl.edu) or phone (6895850).

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Caring for the Plants You Brought in for the Winter Sheila Dunning Commercial Horticulture Agent II

der to adjust to the light change. The new leaves that grow back will be accustomed to the lower light. Remember that if those plants are going back outside in the spring.

They will need to be shaded for a while or the new leaves will sunburn.

Winter is probably the easiest time of year to kill the plant you brought in from the cold. And, the fastest way is by overwatering. Grueling growing conditions like low- To help plants cope with changing light er light levels, dry air, shorter days and levels: chilly temperatures really stress out plants, · Move plants closer to windows, if which makes them susceptible to insect possible. and disease problems. Then the pests finish them off. · Clean windows to allow maximum light transmission.

The secret to helping plants survive winter · Shift plants to new locations near is adjusting care routines to suit seasonal brighter windows for winter. growing conditions. Here are a few things to consider. · Wash dust off plants so leaves can make maximum use of available Light light.

In winter, the sun is lower in the sky and · Add artificial light. Fluorescent light levels near windows drop up to 50 bulbs provide adequate light. percent. Houseplants that grow near a They’re cheaper than traditional sunny eastern or northern window in sumgrow lights and produce less heat. mer may need a southern or western expoPosition bulbs 4 to 12 inches away sure in winter. Likewise, tropical plants from plants for effective results. that were able to withstand direct sun outside will need to be in the brightest spots possible or may require extra lighting inside. Plants are likely to lose leaves in or-

Temperature

Most of these plants and prefer temperatures between 65° F and 75° F during the day and about 10 -15 degrees cooler at night. For tropical plants, temperatures below 50° F can cause problems. Hopefully, you had the chance to bring them in with the first cool spell a month ago.

Adjust thermostats for your comfort, but remember your plants need some consideration. ·

Avoid placing plants near cold drafts or heat sources.

·

Keep plants several inches away from exterior windows.

Humidity

Homes may offer only 5-10 percent relative humidity in winter. Houseplants like 40-50 percent. Signs of low humidity stress on plants include brown leaf tips and appearance of pests like spider mites.

·

Raise humidity around plants with a room humidifier.

·

Place plants on a pebble-lined tray filled with water. Keep the water level just below the pebbles. As the

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water evaporates, it raises humidity around plants. ·

light and temperatures increase. The right time to repot most tropical and houseplants is during periods of active growth – in Mist plants with room-temperature waspring and summer. The exception is potted ter. Avoid wetting walls or furniture. woody plants that go completely dormant in winter. Transplant those prior to bud break Water in early spring.

The most common problem plants suffer from Upcoming Events in winter is overwatering. Most plants need soil to dry out almost completely before watering.

January 4, 2018 – Pesticide Applicator How can you tell if plants need water?

Training Inside and Outside ·

Don’t just spot test the soil surface.

Plants need water when the root zone is dry. Poke your finger into soil up to 2 inches. If the soil is dry, water.

·

Lift the pot. Soil is lighter when it’s dry.

Learn how wet soil feels by lifting pots immediately after watering.

·

Exceptions to drying out between watering: Potted citrus and ferns require consistently moist soil. Always research plant moisture needs if you’re unsure.

January 8, 2018 – Pesticide License Training CORE/Aquatic/Natural Areas January 10, 2018 – Serv Safe Training

Morning Glow ( Camellia Japonica).

Nothing more needs to be said..

Lockey

When you do water, never allow plants to sit overnight in water that collects in the drainage saucer.

Fertilizer, Pruning and Repotting Save these tasks until spring. Winter growth is usually leggy. Prune and fertilize to encourage bushy growth when the sun9

Crestview Landscaping Thank yous to the following people:

Schedule for 2019

Margaret Wagner, David Stever, Con-

Feb 6th

nie Wood, Donna Stuart, Margaret

March 6th

Stewart, and Lynda Penry for braving

Thank you to Deb Bruning, Donna Edmiston, Karen Blurton and Kathy Foster for going to Wewahitchka yesterday for our Landscape Workday day of service. We met 4 MGs from their county (they have less than 10

April 3rd

MGs so that was a great turnout for

May 1st

them) installed a butterfly garden,

Sept 4th

weeded and pruned and played with

Oct 2nd

the neighborhood dog. And the

PLEASE save these dates!

Nov 6th

weather could not have been bet-

Stacey

Dec 4th (if needed)

the cold and working at the CV land-

scape and cleaning out the MG closet. I appreciate the help!!!

ter! And thank you to Sheila for driving. On our way home we drove through Mexico Beach and the Tyn-

Nighttime Gardens Gardening for the day is common. Deliberately gardening for the night can take a little reframing, but is well worth it. White and silver plants can really shine in the moonlight. Some flowers are only fragrant at night, adding another sensory dimension to your evening garden experience. The final element to bring your nighttime garden together is the lighting; whether you consult a professional or carefully string your own fairy lights, additional illumination is an important part of making your night garden glow. http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/moonlight-gardens.html

dall AFB area. There is SO much work to be done over there – piles of debris as high as a house are still everywhere. If you have the itch, I’m sure a day of service would be appreciated at any time.

Stacey Editor: Special thanks to Karen

Harper for proofreading the newsletter and to all that contribute to this publication.

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Out of the Box Landscape Workday Thanks to Stacey Taylor for organizing an Out of the Box Landscape Workday/Out of the County Day of Service on January 8, 2019 when she packed up tools and plants and people. Debbie Bruning, Donna Edminston, Karen Blurton and Kathy Foster traveled with Stacey and Okaloosa Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent Sheila Dunning to Wewahitchka to assist Gulf County Extension Director Ray Bodrey. They went to lend a hand to Gulf Coast MG’s Patty Dunlap, Jill Bebee and Anne Geace and cleaned flower beds of branches and shingles; weeded, pruned, and created a pollinator garden with plants donated by OCMGA’s nursery.

While their extension office survived Hurricane Michael, the roof was damaged and blue tarp covers the south side. Everyone was appreciative of the landscape work as there are only seven Master Gardeners to help at two offices in Gulf County. And in two different time zones!!

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Bahia (Paspalum notatum)

IFAS Publication #ENH6

ID Features: Wide, course blade with hairy margins. Seed head has two to three spokes often resembling a peace sign.

Growth Habit: Spreads slowly by strong elongated rhizomes (underground stems).

Cultural: Coarse textured, tough turf. Tolerates partial shade, prefers sun. Good drought and wear tolerance. Excellent choice for homes on large lots or acreage with little to no irrigation. During extended periods of drought, Bahia will go dormant until conditions become favorable for regrowth.

Concerns: Requires routine overseeding to maintain turf density. Pensacola variety has tall unsightly seed stalks.

Unattractive seed heads, is sensitive to overwatering, susceptible to weeds and mole crickets, and grows poorly in shaded areas. Weekly mowing is often needed, with a heavy-duty mower (tough seed heads) Planting Method: Sod or seed. Plugging or sprigging is not recommended.

Ideal Soil Type: Grows best in sandy soils with a low ph. Optimum pH is 6.0.

Recommended Mowing Height – 2 to 4 inches Native Habitat: South America Reference contributed by: JOHN SWEDA 12

Bermuda (Cynodon spp) IFAS Publication #ENH19

ID Features: Gray-green blades, short and narrow with rough edges. Seed head has three to five spikes that looks like a pinwheel.

Growth Habit: Spreads by stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground). Deep roots.

Cultural: Dense, medium to fine texture. Full sun requirement. Excellent heat and tolerance. Its deep roots make it resistant to drought, weeds and high traffic. Establishes quickly and handles traffic well. High maintenance for nutrients and mowing.

Concerns: Poor low disease, insect, temperature and shade tolerance. Rapid growth can make this grass aggressive for the homeowner.

Planting Methods: Established by planting sprigs, sod, or plug. Reproduces via stolons and rhizomes.

Ideal Soil Type: Grows in many soil types. Optimum pH is 6.5 to 8.0.

Recommended Mowing Height – 1 to 2 inches, with a reel mower Native Habitat: Africa

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Zoysia (Zoysia spp) IFAS Publication #ENH11

ID Features: Dark green stiff blades are short and sharp pointed with thatch that creates a cushion like feel. Stolon has an alternate growth habit.

Growth Habit: Spreads by stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (underground).

Cultural: Dense, tough turf tolerates light shade but prefers full sun. Good heat, drought, traffic, disease and cold weather tolerance.

Zoysia will go dormant after a frost, but resumes growth once the soil returns to 70 degrees (slow to green up). Very low maintenance, requiring very little water and fertilizer.

Concerns: Slow to establish. Slow to green in spring and enters dormant period earlier than other grasses. Damage causes divot like appearance in early stages of recovery.

Planting Method: Seed, sod, sprigs or plugs. Seeds cannot be covered!. Reproduces via stolons and rhizomes.

Ideal Soil Type: Adapts to a variety of soil types, but thrives in soils low in potassium. Optimum pH is 6.0 to 7.0.

Recommended Mowing Height – Medium- to coarse-textured zoysia should be mowed weekly, or when they reach a height of 3–4 inches. They should be mowed at a height of 2–2.5 inches with a rotary mower. Fine-textured maintained at heights below 1 inch require more frequent mowing. Clippings should be left on the ground after mowing.

Native Habitat: China, Japan, and Southeast Asia

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Centipede (Eremochloa ophiuroides) Publication #ENH8

ID Features: Pale yellow-green short, flattened blades with strong mid vein. Seed head is a slender spike. Stolon has alternate growth habit.

Growth Habit: Spreads by short, flat, leafy stolons (above ground).

Cultural: Low, slow growing, medium textured turf. Tolerates light shade but prefers full sun. Popular low maintenance lawn in the Panhandle. Requires little fertilizer or maintenance.

Concerns: Slow growing. Poor low temperature, salt and wear tolerance. Lacks deep green coloration when healthy. Do not over fertilize, especially with nitrogen. Fair shade and drought tolerance. Susceptible to nematodes and ground pearls.

Ideal Soil Type: Grows best in sandy, mildly acidic soils, infertile soil. Optimum pH of 5.5 to 6.4. Iron chlorosis (yellowing) may occur if pH is above 6.5–7.0.

Recommended Mowing Height – 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Heavy thatch if not mowed correctly or excessive nitrogen (centipede decline).

Planting Method: Plugs, sprigs or sod. Seeds have low viability. Spreads by stolons.

Native Habitat: China and Southeast Asia

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Saint Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) IFAS Publication #ENH5

ID Features: Wide, flat blue-green grass blades with “boat shaped tip.” Seed head is a thick spike that resembles asparagus. Stolon has opposite growth habit.

Growth Habit: Spreads aggressively by long, thick stolons (above ground).

Cultural: Very coarse textured turf. Shade tolerant. Saint Augustine is resistant to drought and can tolerate higher levels of salt. St. Augustine establishes quickly.

Concerns: Poor low temperature tolerance and wear. Susceptible to cinch bugs and diseases.

Ideal Soil Type: Grows in many soil types – optimum pH between 5.5 and 6.4.

Recommended Mowing Height – 3.5 to 4 inches. High Crown. Can produces heavy thatch if not mowed correctly.

Planting Methods: Plugs, sprigs or sod – seeds are rare and not very viable.

Native Habitat: Gulf of Mexico REFERENCES: https://www.ensec.net/grass-types All pictures with permission from ENSEC. The Florida Lawn Handbook, third edition and IFAS lawn links 16

February Author: Sydney Park Brown2

Flowering plants: Many trees and shrubs will be in bloom, including red maple (Acer rubrum) and star magnolia (Magnolia kobus var. stellata). See Southern Tree

What to Plant

Fact Sheets: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/department_envhort

Annuals/Bedding plants: Plants that can take a chill include dianthus, pansy, viola, and dusty miller. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

-trees Vegetables: Plant potatoes now. Start with healthy seed pieces purchased from a local nursery or online seed catalog. Continue to plant cool-season crops. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_vegetable_gardening

topic_annual_landscape_plants Bulbs: Try dahlia, crinum, and agapanthus. Provide ade-

What to Do

quate water for establishment and protect them from

Palms: Give cold-damaged palms proper care to encourage

cold with mulch. See Bulbs for Florida: http://

their recovery. See Cold Protection and Chilling Damage of

edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers

Landscape Plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_landscapes_and_cold

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/weather/preparing-the-landscape-for-cold-weather.html

17

Citrus: Avoid pruning until spring. Cold temperatures may still injure citrus. See Home Citrus Culture: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_citrus_home_citrus_culture

Roses: Prune roses this month to remove damaged canes and improve

Here is a calendar item to put on your calendar.

The Master Gardener State Conference will be held in Kissimmee, Florida at the Embassy Suites on October 20-23, 2019. I'm told that the conference website will be up soon.

Larry Williams

the overall form. After pruning, fertilize and apply a fresh layer of mulch. Blooming will begin 8–9 weeks after pruning. See Roses: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_rose

Shrubs: Make certain that you know the height and spread of any shrub you plan to install. Not all shrubs are suitable for planting next to homes or under windows. See Shrubs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_shrubs and The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant

Selection and Landscape Design: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/ FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_v090110.pdf Lawn: Apply a preemergence weed killer (not a “weed and feed” fertilizer) when temperatures rise to 65°F for 4–5 days to prevent warmseason weeds. Timing is important for good control. See Lawn Weeds: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_lawn_weeds

Citrus and other fruit trees: Fertilize now if not done in January. Frequency and amount of fertilization depend on the age of the tree. SeeHome Citrus Culture: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_citrus_home_citrus_culture and Temperate Fruit for the Home Landscape: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_home_temperate_fruit

On January 25, in celebration of Arbor Day, Okaloosa County Master Gardeners and Extension Agent Sheila Dunning (not pictured) planted 450 long leaf pine seedlings at Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island. The seedlings were donated by Whitfield Farms & Nursery of Twin City, Georgia and installed by Stan Peterson (Niceville), Margaret Wagner, (FWB), Velda Dougherty (Destin) Carol Baker (Shalimar), Dick Hickenbotham (FWB), Deb Bruning (Niceville) Don Lounsbury (Niceville), Kathy Foster (Okaloosa Island) and Alene Ogle (Santa Rosa Beach)

18

Humpty Dumpty was really quite whack-ed.

eggs, pour slowly and evenly over the entire dish. Bake until

You can’t eat eggs that haven’t been crack-ed.

center is set (about 30 min. or more). Sprinkle with paprika.

Cool to room and cut into squares.

Jalapeno Fudge: Nita Brewer, former MG

ZIPLOCK OMLET: 

1 large pot of boiling water



1 – quart slider freezer bag per person



Permanent marker



2 large or extra -large eggs per person



A variety of ingredients-cooked sausage, ham, pepper,

Tomatoes, Cheese, etc.

Guests write name on bag

•

4oz. can jalapeno peppers

•

12 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

•

12 oz. Monterrey cheese, grated

•

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

•

¼ Cup finely diced onion

•

Paprika

•

12 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly butter 9x13 baking dish and spread ½ the peppers on the bottom, spread both cheeses

Guests crack 2 eggs into bag and shake it-zip it, of course Each guest adds ingredients of choice to their bag-shake it Squeeze air from bag and zip Place bags into rolling boiling water for exactly 13 minutes Limit the number of bags to 6-8 per pot Open bag and the omelet will roll out easily.

evenly over the bottom and distribute the remaining peppers evenly over the cheese. Add seasoning (except paprika) to the https://www.pinterest.co.uk/n/217580225730342964/?lp=true

Recipes: Lockey...of course

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QUOTABLE QUOTES”:

I hate the running bean; I hate the humble pea;

I have a garden of my own

I hate celery and radishes and common salsify

But so with roses overgrown

I hate the Brussel sprout and the foreign artichoke

And lilies, that you would it guess

I tremble and I shudder, it’s lucky I don’t choke

To be a little wilderness

Adan Shaw, a school boy, age 12 (1921)

Andrew Marshal {1621 – 1678)

That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

That which we call a rose by any other name would still have thorns somebody that I know (1930 - )

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/44794/44794-h/44794-h.htm

Go, little brook, and wish to all Flowers in the garden, meat in the hall, A bin of wine, a spice of wit, A house with lawns enclosing it,

Gardening requires a lot of water Mostly in the form of perspiration Lou Erickson (1840-1921)

A living river by the door, A nightingale in the sycamore!

Robert Louis Stevenson {1850-1894) 20