Junecompost2018finalv3

Buhrow cabin in River Falls, Alabama Photo courtesy of Bob Buhrow

Christmas Lichen There may be as many as 15,000 species of lichens. The photo in question in last month’s newsletter was taken at Dave Gordon’s property in Northern Walton County. It was a type of lichen commonly referred to as Christmas lichen (Cryptothecia rubrocincta). It is found in Florida and the Gulf Coast north to North Carolina, Mexico, Central America and in parts of South America. The name Christmas lichen is due to its beautiful red and green color. It many times will grow in a circular fashion similar to a Christmas wreath. The epithet "rubrocincta" means "red wreath." Sometimes it is known as Christmas wreath lichen.

When lichen growth is abundant on dying limbs and branches, it’s time to ask, “Why is the plant growing poorly?” Diagnosing the problem may be difficult, requiring considerable plant knowledge.

Reasons for a plant's poor health can range from incorrect plant placement or poor growing conditions to injuries from mowing equipment and misplaced lawn chemicals. Trees and shrubs planted too deep will usually be in a state of poor health.

The plant may be declining from lack of fertilizer or because the pH is incorrect. Or it may be due to an older plant's natural decline.

Correctly identifying and correcting the cause(s) for poor growth will allow the plant’s health to improve and lichens will gradually disappear.

Christmas lichens seem to be more common on the trunks of oaks in more open bottomlands and swamps where there is adequate sunlight. In Brazil this lichen has been used to make a red dye.

Here is a link to an interesting website on various lichens. http:// natl.ifas.ufl.edu/biota/lichens.php

Lichens typically include an alga and a Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Okaloosa County, fungus growing toJune 1, 2018 gether in a symbiotic relationship. The alga supplies the fungus with carbohydrates through photosynthesis; the fungus protects the alga from drying.

Lichens are not pathogens, nor are they parasitic to plants. They simply need something to structurally support them.

As a tree or shrub declines in health, the canopy thins, allowing more light to penetrate the plant. The additional light and the plant’s slow growth allow lichens a better environment to grow.

Lichen photos: Larry Williams

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both Pam and Joe for the effort to make both of these projects

Our area is desperately in need of rain. The weather forecast, for the past few days, is that a low pressure area is in the gulf and will bring some much needed rain. As of today, May 15th, we have not received any. It appears to be more scattered showers than widespread coverage. I hope this changes in the next few days.

come true.

Summer is fast approaching and many of our members will be traveling or on extended vacations. Our organization always has individuals that step up and fill in the gaps. Again, it takes all of our members to keep everything running smoothly. A big thank you to everyone that is involved in helping make the Master Gardener Organization a winner.

By Dave Gordon

As I stated in an earlier email, thanks to everyone who helped make the plant sale a huge success. Everyone who purchased plants, raved about the quality of the plants. Many individuals mark this event on their calendars and look forward to the sale each year. Another sale is being planned for the fall. Again, thanks to everyone that participated.

A new laptop has been purchased for use with the nursery. This will be a huge help with the inventory and label making. Thanks to the membership for being so supportive.

The lecture series is continuing to be very successful and well attended. Very positive responses were received for the Classes for Lifelong Learning. Again, this doesn’t happen without a number of Master Gardeners being involved.

Pam Allen is continuing to move forward with a grant to secure a new extension building in the south end of the county. As you know, everything takes time to fall into place. Joe Michetti is hoping to have a new remodeled office opened by the end of the summer. This has been an ongoing endeavor for some time. Thanks to

We celebrated Dave Gordon’s birthday at the May Master Gardener meeting. Dave was born and raised in Crestview where he developed a natural affinity for the outdoors and horticulture. He taught science in Okaloosa County schools, starting in elementary schools and then “graduated” to teaching middle school students. Dave was an exemplary teacher and led summer workshops for teachers. Dave, as president of OCMG leads by example, he cares about people and encourages the members to reach out and support each other. We are fortunate to know Dave and we honor him as a dedicated, compassionate leader. Lynda Penry

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ognize this molecule? It's also found in chocolate (which explains why eating that chocolate bar feels so good!) There are other reports of the plant's ability to lower blood pressure and prevent tooth decay.

To use, harvest leaves early in the morning after the dew has dried. Wash the leaves thoroughly and dry them. They must be dried to a golden brown state. You may keep the dried leaves in a sealed container that is kept in a cool, dark place. Before making tea, check the leaves for any mold. Add 1 teaspoon per cup and add hot water. Allow to steep for 6 minutes. Add sweetener to taste. You may increase the amount of leaves to 1 tablespoon but be aware that if you don't drink coffee or tea on a regular basis-you don't want to do this prior to planning an outing. It could be a 'moving' experience.

Berries of a Dodds Cranberry yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Dodds Cranberry'). IFAS, Edward Gilman)

Before heading out to the yard or other area to harvest, be aware of your sources. Make sure the area hasn't been treated with a pesticide. Be sure that you are harvesting the correct plant. Only harvest unblemished leaves. And, like with any new food, try a small quantity first to make sure you aren't allergic to it.

Need a quick pick-me-up? Hit that mid-day slump and you just don't want to brew a whole pot of coffee? Did you know that there Who knows. With the ecological pressures on the coffee producing areas of the world, bringing yaupon tea back into the mainstream is a caffeine source right outside? may provide a bit of relief. As a side note: I personally don't like Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) contains between .65 percent the taste, but I'm not a huge green tea fan either. If you like green and .85 percent caffeine by weight. (Coffee is 1.1 percent and tea tea, chances are you'll like this. I wonder how StarbucksÂŽ would leaves come in at 3.5 percent.) Yaupon was used by the indigenous market this?

Margaret Stewart tribes in the South and Southeast and was introduced to the Spanish settlers as a stimulating beverage. In fact, the Seminoles would drink copious quantities of the beverage in the early spring to inSources: duce vomiting and diarrhea, effectively 'cleansing' themselves after the winter months. (makes the vomitoria name very appropriFlorida's Edible Wild Plants, by Peggy Sias Lantz ate don't you think?)

UF researchers discovered that you can increase the caffeine concentration in the leaves through the application of nitrogen fertilizer...to the tune of a 265 percent increase! Yaupon also contains the related stimulant (and mood booster) theobromine. Don't rec-

http://news.ufl.edu/archive/2009/06/native-hollycan-provide-caffeinated-antioxidant-rich-beverageuf-experts-say.html

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IN MEMORIUM Robert Lowell Thomas 1935-2018

Mr. Robert Lowell Thomas, Sr. (Bob Thomas) at the age of 83 was delivered to heaven.

Karen Kirk-Williams teaching a class on Cottage Gardening

Master Gardener Webinars Webinars provide a convenient and free professional development option for people who want to learn new strategies and tools without taking time off work and paying travel expenses. Each hour-long session will be recorded and available on our website to view whenever you'd like.

Webinars will be facilitated in Zoom. For help, see "Getting Started" on Zoom.com. Webinars that were recorded prior to this date were in Adobe Connect and must be converted for you to access them. Please bear with us as we make the transition.

Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?

What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

The biggest lie I tell myself is, "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it.”

Humor supplied by: Scott Berry

Bob was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, on February 16, 1935 to the late Sarah Elizabeth Thomas and the late Robert Lowell Thomas. Bob graduated from DeFuniak Springs High School as Class President of Class of 1953. He later went on to study at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Florida. He chose to be a Gator for the remainder of this life. In 1961, Bob started his career at Eglin Air Force Base working as a defense contractor specializing in electronics. He oversaw security testing and installation for major Air Force bases throughout the world. Bob had a passion for surf fishing which he shared with family and friends and possibly a few strangers along the way. Bob was friendly and outgoing who was happy to share a smile and a joke or two. Bob was a long time active member of the Fort Walton Beach Elks Lodge 1795. He also enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Master Gardeners Club of Okaloosa County since 1999. Bob and Martha were long time members of the First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach. He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Jean Thomas and their sons, Robert Lowell Thomas, Jr. and his wife Holly and his daughter’s, Ashley Marie Thomas and Emily Grace Thomas. William Todd Thomas and his wife, Nancy. Bradley Scott Thomas and his son’s Nicholas Scott Thomas, James Braden Thomas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm at McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548. Immediately following the Service, there will be a reception at Brooks Beal Center, 100 Beal Pkwy Northwest, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be given to First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, FL, 21 First St Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 in honor of Bob's memory.

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Mother’s Day Cycle

made it back to the safety of the ponds. The eggs should take about 6 weeks to hatch.

Isn’t it ironic that this mother chose Mother’s Day to complete the cycle of life.

By Dave Gordon

Nature has an amazing way of continuing to deliver surprises. This turtle (Eastern Chicken Turtle) was found next to our sidewalk early one morning on Mother’s Day. As you can see from the photo, this turtle is one that stays in the water a great deal of the time-notice the algae on the carapace. Where did the turtle come from? This turtle traveled from Chestnut Creek or from ponds several hundred yards from the house. Why did the turtle choose this particular spot?

An opening had been dug in the ground for the depositing of eggs. The rear of the turtle was slanted into the ground for the laying of the eggs. My wife and I watched, from a distance, about 45 minutes for the ritual to take place. After the eggs had been laid, the turtle covered the area and headed back to water. My guess is that the turtle

Photos: Dave Gordon

The chicken turtle is similar in appearance to the eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta picta), but has an unusually long, striped neck that is close to the length of its shell, with a yellow stripe on both the forelegs and rear legs. It has webbed feet to help it swim. It has a distinguishable net-like pattern on its carapace. The carapace is pear-shaped, and is an olive to dark brown. Females are usually larger than the males, and males have a bigger, longer tail. Males also have longer front claws. At birth, chicken turtles are one inch in diameter, and adults reach from 10.2-25.4 cm. The chicken turtle is medium in size compared to other turtles. Wikipedia 6

Marrubium vulgare or horehound is an herb in the mint family. The white hairs give this herb a distinctively hairy (or hoary) appearance. It has been used medicinally for centuries to sooth coughs.

water for 10 minutes. Discard the leaves. Add twice as much honey as the remaining liquid and stir the mixture smooth.

Blend 2 cups of sugar with 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar in a saucepan and add the horehound-honey mixture. Stir over medium heat until the sugar melts. Reduce the heat and continue stirring until a dollop of the mixture forms a Up until 1989, hard ball when dropped into when the FDA Marg Stewart cold water (250-266 degrees challenged it for efF.) Immediately pour into a ficacy, you could still find horehound sold buttered baking dish. Once the as a cough remedy. However in 1990, Gercandy starts to harden, cut it many endorsed it as an effective treatment into squares. Once it's comfor coughs, colds, and indigestion. You can pletely hardened, roll each still purchase horehound candy from many If you decide you want to grow horehound, piece in powered sugar and then granulatdifferent sources. Take note that too much plant it in a pot! Since it is in the mint fam- ed sugar. Store in an airtight container. will have a laxative effect and ingesting 10 ily it can be invasive in the garden. Cut off grams daily may negatively impact heart flowers to minimize the spread. Pinch back Note: As with all herbal preparations, merhythm. Caution should also be exercised often to encourage bushy growth. Horedicinal use has not been approved by the when first dealing with the plant itself as it hound will grow in any type of soil but preFDA and no herbal preparation should be may cause skin reactions in those who are fers full sun and well-drained locations. used in place of medication prescribed for sensitive to it.

Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or diviyou by your doctor. Herbal supplements sion. Seeds should be direct sown and kept Horehound is a perennial that may grow are not regulated and care should be exerfrom one to three feet tall. It is considered evenly moist until they germinate. Once cised when purchasing. Only purchase the plant is established, very little supplea weed in many parts of the country and those products from reputable sources. mental irrigation is needed. Plants grown grows quite well in our area. The flowers Always check with your doctor before takfrom seed won't bloom until the year after are small and not showy. The leaves are ing any herbal supplements and make they're started. slightly serrated and arranged alternately sure to provide a complete list of herbal on the stem. Seeds are tiny and are conTo make old-fashioned horehound candy: supplements you are taking to your meditained in burr-like pods. boil a quarter cup of the leaves in 2 cups of cal provider.

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Karen Harper

one, Pink Coorong, has a healthy crop of

dwarf tomatoes are incredibly healthy but

With the tomato growing season in full

fruit that look like they will be in the 3”-4”

it’s early in the season and disease has yet

swing, my dwarf tomatoes are thriving and

range at maturity. As the photo shows, I

to rear its ugly head among any of my

setting lots of tomatoes. I discovered (too

have my dwarf tomatoes in nine containers plants. I have noticed what I think is some

late) that even though they are short and

and they don’t take up much space, an area leaf-cutter bee activity on my standard to-

very robust,

mato plants

they definitely

but thus far,

do require

they’ve left

staking. They

the dwarf

seem to be

plants alone.

topping out at

Maybe those

about 2 to 3 ft

thick leaves

each and the

that the

branches are

dwarfs have

short but

are too

hefty and

tough for the

those thick,

leaf-cutters!

rugose leaves

To date, the

have some

only damage

weight to them! So, in the future I will put a small tomato cage into each container before planting to avoid the broken branches and trauma (mainly to me) that occurred from staking them after they had already flopped over. Three of my four varieties are setting tomatoes that will remain small but

to them is about 12 ft. square. This compact aspect of

dwarf tomatoes is very appealing and if all goes well with them I will be expanding their territory in my garden and reducing the amount of space given to their illmannered, sprawling cousins. So far, the

Photos : Karen Harper

man-made. Karen-made, actually, since I am the one who had to stuff their thick, already inflexible branches into tomato cages after they staggered left and right without support. So far, I give the dwarf tomato project two thumbs up!

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9

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Outreach Report ... Membership Meeting ... May 23, 2018 •

Jennifer Yelverton and Lynda Penry presented a program to •

The May Lecture on Cottage Gardening, presented by Karen

15 children and 15 parents on May 16 at the Niceville Public

Kirk Williams, followed by a successful mini plant sale was

Library.

attended by 28 people. The next presentation in the Lecture Series will be Canning and Preserving by. Bill Buckellew and Marg Stewart on June 20th in Crestview.

•

A number of Master Gardeners were available to answer questions at various area Garden Club Plant Sales.

•

The May 11th Plant Clinic was well attended. The next one is scheduled at the Annex on June 8th, 9- 12. Volunteers

should arrive by 8:30.

•

Mary Grace Evors reported that first grade gardeners in Mrs. August class had a successful gardening year. They celebrated their success at their Mother’s Day Brunch with a centerpiece made of vegetables that they harvested from their garden. Mothers and students alike enjoyed eating the raw carrots. Each student took home a bag of potatoes carrots and green beans.

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Zucchini Gummy Candy

http://www.commonsensehome.com/

Spiced Roasted Carrots

Ingredients: 8 cups summer squash or zucchini, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Ingredients:

1 can fruit juice concentrate (11.5 ounce)

1 can water

Directions: 1. Place cubed zucchini in a large, nonreactive pot.

Pour in juice concentrate and water.

2. Cook gently until translucent and tender, about 30 minutes. Drain in a colander and then spread out on dehydrator sheets so the pieces are not touching.

3. Dehydrate at 135° F. for 8-12 hours or until tacky but no longer moist.

4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a month or in the freezer for longer storage.

Note: You can dehydrate using your oven BUT most ovens will not have a low enough temperature. You have to use the lowest setting possible and leave the door open. If you have a gas oven, the pilot light usually provides enough heat again, leave the door ajar to allow the moisture to leave.

2 Tbs. coriander seeds 2 Tbs. cumin seeds 3 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 4 x 1/2 inch sticks 3 Tbs. butter, melted 8 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 2-3 Tbs. honey Minced, fresh cilantro (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400° F. In a dry, small skillet, toast coriander and cumin seeds over medium heat for 45-60 seconds or until aromatic, stirring frequently. Cool slightly.

Grind in a spice grinder, or with mortar and pestle, until finely crushed.

2. Place carrots in a large bowl. Add butter, honey, garlic, salt, pepper and crushed spices. Toss to coat. Divide carrots between two baking sheets coated with cooking spray, spreading evenly.

3. Roast 35-40 minutes or until crisp-tender and lightly browned. Stir and rotate pans halfway through cooking.

Sprinkle with cilantro before serving if desired.

Note: You may substitute two tablespoons each ground coriander and ground cumin in lieu of the whole spices. Before using, toast in a dry skillet until aromatic. Also, save those pepper grinders! You can always use this as a spice grinder!

Recipes and photos courtesy of Margret Stewart

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What to Plant

What to Do

Annuals/Bedding Plants: Annuals that can take full sun during hot summer months include celosia, portulaca, vinca, and some coleus. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_annual_landscape_plants Perennials: Add bright color to the landscape with perennials. See Perennial Landscape Plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_perennials

Pests: Monitor the landscape weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which insects commonly attack a plant can aid in identification and treatment. See Landscape Pest Management: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_pests Irrigation: If rainfall has been lacking, watch for drought stress and water as needed. See Landscape Irrigation: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_irrigation

Palms and cycads: Watch for nutrient deficiencies or environPalms: Summer’s warm, rainy weather is the perfect time to plant mental problems with palms and correct using an appropriate palms. Make sure not to cover the trunk with treatment. SeePalm Nutrition: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ soil. See Palms: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_palms topic_palm_nutrition Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, Summer-flowering shrubs: Prune lightly during the warmer and rosemary. Pinch back regularly to prevent flowering and en- months to encourage more branching and blooming. Azaleas can hance branching. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs still be pruned in June without removing next spring’s flower buds. See Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs: http:// Vegetables: Plant okra, southern pea, and sweet potaedis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tree_pruning to. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_vegetable_gardening Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area.

Lawns: Yellow and brown patches in St. Augustinegrass can be caused by chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take time to determine the cause so your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass does not grow well by replacing it with a more adapted turf or groundcover. See Garden Pest Insects: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_garden_pest_insects and The FloridaFriendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/ FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_v090110.pdf, and Ground Covers: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_ground_covers Eggplant Source: EDIS Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

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9-page document describing the identification and uses of Florida native Cocoplum. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep553

and cooling degree-days, and methods for calculating HDD, CDD, and GDD. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae428

Late winter freeze events eliminated the 2018 peach crop in Quincy -https://tinyurl.com/y7egdbzk

Pensacola Bay part 1 of 18 - https://tinyurl.com/y9annbvo

How to succeed with hydrangeas - https://tinyurl.com/yco3lgk3 So many irises for the Florida garden - https://tinyurl.com/ y7elg44y 4-page fact sheet provides basic information on CPCL 02-6848 and CPCL 05-1201, two up and coming sugarcane cultivars, and yield and disease information - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc104

6-page fact sheet presents recommendations for control strategies of cogon grass that will work in mixed pine-hardwood forests and pine forests. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr411 4-page document discusses typical DDIS hardware and camera, the DDIS process, sample types, user roles, DDIS for Extension clientele, and DDIS Mobile. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae225

Dark Southern Drywood Termite Kalotermes approximatus Snyder - 5-page fact sheet covers identification and 3-page document that explains the function of calcium, describes its distribution, history, biology and management. http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1208 situations where applications may or may not be of value and identifies calcium sources. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep554

Dimorphic Jumper Maevia inclemens - 3-page fact sheet to 3-page document discusses the function and forms of magnesium help you learn about this interesting and possibly agriculturally beneficial spider. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1209 in turfgrasses. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep555 4-page fact sheet explains how to “bee-proof� your house and yard and develop a bee safety plan as well as what you can do if you encounter a swarm or a colony of bees and how to treat a bee sting. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1205 The mystery of Florida Betony - https://tinyurl.com/y7plx5qf Septic systems and floods - https://tinyurl.com/yadkvn6s

Eastern Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki - 5-page fact sheet explains how to use this fish to control mosquitoes and also discusses other native fish species that may reduce mosquito populations. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa202 Swimmer's Itch - Learn how to swim safely and avoid this itchy skin rash in this 3-page document. http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1200

4-page fact sheet describes proper interpretation of rainfall event probabilities and recurrence intervals, with a focus on rainfall, Florida FFA vegetable judging competition study guide - 7but its explanations and concepts can be applied to other extreme page guide with links to articles about insect often used in hydrologic phenomena such as flood and drought. http:// the judging competition. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h388 edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae523 5-page document discusses growing degree-days, use of the AgroClimate website to track and forecast GDD accumulation, heating

Water trees of Montenegro - https://tinyurl.com/yc2bxv47

Compiled by : Marg Stewart

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Monarda fistulosa, the wild bergamot or bee balm, is a wildflower in the mint family grows well in Northwest Florida. This plant, with showy summer-blooming pink to lavender flowers, is often used as a honey plant and garden ornamental. It attracts both pollinators and hummingbirds.

Monarda fistulosa is a perennial wildflower that grows from slender creeping rhizomes, and commonly occurs in large clumps. The plants are up to three feet tall, with a few erect branches. Its leaves are about 2-3 in long, lance -shaped, and toothed. Its compact flower clusters are solitary at Monarda fistulosa in flower. the ends of branches. Each cluster is about 1.5 in long, containing about 20–50 flowers. Wild bergamot often grows in rich soils in dry fields, thickets, and clearings, usually on limy soil. The plants generally flower from June to September.

Monarda fistulosa plant

The plant is noted for its fragrance, and is a source of oil of thyme. Limited numbers of this plant are available at the Master Gardener Teaching Nursery.

By Lee Vanderpool Photos : Lee Vanderpool

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Joyce Waters-Smith

what tools you absolutely need and ones that would be nice to add to your wish list. You’ll be able to see all the different tools a well as additional information on dehydrating and fermenting. Safety in food handling and processing will also be covered.

Okaloosa Master Gardeners Bill Buckellew and Margaret Stewart will present this lecture. Combined they have over 50 years of canning experience. You’ll get your questions answered and get ready to dive into the fun and satisfying world of canning and preserving.

Or has it become a healthy attitude among younger or younger at heart gardeners to eat more healthy foods straight from the garden or farmers market. You don’t have to grow your own fruits or vegetables to learn the benefits of canning fresh ingredients for use in cooking later. You might desire more control over what additives are in your food, or you might want to control what pesticides or lack thereof have been used to grow your food.

The Farmers markets are full of fresh produce, as well as road side stands. Our gardens are giving us more vegetables than we can possibly use and we’re thinking about buying a bushed of those delicious Clanton, AL peaches, but what will you do if you can’t eat them all in a couple of days. Can them! Maybe you are new to the art of canning or an old pro, you won’t want to miss our June Okaloosa County Master Gardener Lecture.

Join us for our program that will cover the art of canning fruits, tomatoes, pickles, jams, jellies, and much more! We’ll cover the basics of water bath canning and pressure canning. Learn

Join us Wednesday June 20th from 10 am until 11 am, at the Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview, FL. All of the Master Gardener Lectures Series are free and open to the public. Call 689-5850 to reserve your seat. Our Lecture Series runs monthly from March thru September. The class location rotates from Crestview to Fort Walton Beach.

The Okaloosa County Master Gardeners have 3 office locations to assist you with your gardening and grass questions. In addition, you can bring your soil samples by our office locations for a PH soil test. Our Fort Walton Beach office is located at 127 Hollywood Blvd and is open for walk-ins on Fridays until Noon. Our Niceville location is at the Niceville Youth Center, at 200 Campbell Drive and is open on Mondays from 11 am to 1 pm. Our Crestview office is located at 3098 Airport Road and is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday.

Call 689-5850 before going to insure there is a Master Gardener on duty to assist you. Soil testing at the Crestview location is on Mondays only. For on-line assistance, please go to gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu or solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu.

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BACKYARD LANDING PADS DRAGONFLY’S NEED THEM! The picture on the left shows three back yard predators perched and ready for the kill.

Provide stakes around your yard and they will come. It all happened by chance. A bamboo skewer in a potted plant became

With enormous compound eyes its kill rate is tremendous. Dragonflies do not bite humans, their lower mandible is too weak to break the skin and act only defensively.

The insect thorax muscles work independently and allow it to be very maneuverable, flying sideways or backwards. The adult diet consists mostly of flying insects.

my first dragonfly launch apparatus and

The dragonfly is indeed one of the most

landing pad.

interesting and versatile of insects. Let’s

This odd creature has incomplete metamorphosis with only three stages to its life cycle- egg, larva (nymph), and adult. Eggs

help keep it around for pleasure and well Ecology. *Wikipedia, MNN

are laid on or near fresh water, larva is hatched and spends up to two years in water. In this stage the larva has gills and feeds on aquatic life. Some dragonflies spend as long as a year in this stage and molt many times. The adult is hatched and in the process develops lungs and feeds primarily on flying insects.. The adult has a relatively short life span. Relatives of the dragonfly include the mayfly, damselfly.

Entomologists say that the dragonfly is one of the oldest insects on the planet Earth having a history of 300 million years. With

Thought for the Day My face in the mirror is not wrinkled or drawn My house isn’t dirty. The cobwebs are gone.

My garden looks lovely and so does my lawn.

I think that I might never put my glasses back on.

stealth, this predator catches its prey, dismantles and devours it while in flight.

(Author unknown) 17

§

Fences or hedges surround the garden to provide a framework, with little attempt to formalize plantings or coordinate colors within

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Plantings appear natural or randomly placed with walls and fences dripping with climbing vines and flowers

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Arbors, trellises, arches and pergolas are draped with climbing roses and other flowering vines

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Use natural, relaxed lines – no straight lines or rows, and no square raised beds. Use gentle, sweeping curves

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Use plants that are well-suited for north Florida, especially those recommended by UF/IFAS, so that pesticides won’t be needed

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Consider informal or rustic hardscape features such as benches, chairs, swings, fences, arbors, trellises, gates or yard art

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Include paths, especially ones that curve out of sight, which can be made of pavers, stones, brick, mulch, gravel, turf or swept earth

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Include flowering plants, including old-fashioned & native flowers, plus useful or edible plants such as herbs, vegeta-

§

bles & fruit §

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To minimize maintenance & expense, start small and add to your cottage garden planting over time

Aim for a garden that’s relaxed, colorful and fun – and filled §

Perennials need to be divided every few years, which will

with flowering plants

provide new plants for your garden

Cottage gardens feature heavily planted bedding areas with few foliage plants or large areas of turf

Photos courtesy of Karen Kirk– Williams

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§

Select plants according to your growing conditions such as sun, part sun, or shade; and moist, average or dry soil and group plants with similar irrigation/water needs together to reduce water usage

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Within these “garden smart” guidelines, have fun and be creative! Cottage gardening style means less regard for design rules

This is a traditional way of growing climbing roses on open trees such as Chaste tree and Fringe tree, etc. The roses grow up through the trees and reach towards the sun, and often bloom while the tree is dormant or not in bloom

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Amend the soil prior to planting with lots of

§

Space large plants, shrubs & trees according

organic material such as compost, peat moss,

to their mature size. Consider planting flow-

well-composted manure, etc. “Amend once,

ering annuals & perennials slightly closer

mulch forever”

than recommended to create a lush look and

Mulch bare areas around all plants, which reduces weeds, retains moisture, and provides a natural, slow-release fertilizer as it

reduce weeds. As they grow, you’ll have to divide these plants every few years. If not divided, their ability to bloom will decline

decomposes over time

Cleome Photos courtesy of Karen Kirk– Williams

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£ £ £ £

£

Cottage garden & Old-Fashioned Plants

£

Rabbiteye Blueberry Vaccinium spp. 2-3 varieties needed for cross-pollination. ‘Brightwell’, ‘Powderblue’, Tifblue’ & ‘Woodard’

‘Lady Banks’ Rose. Yellow or white spring blooms. Thornless, very large climber with willow-like leaves

o

Althea/Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus – Vase-shaped woody shrub. Long bloom season in white, pinks, blues & purples

English Dogwood/Mock Orange Philadelphus spp – Large shrub with showy white spring blooms. Some are highly fragrant

o

Cleome Cleome hasslerianana – Spider flower. 3’-6’x1’-2’. Blooms Jun-frost. Drought tolerant. Attracts butterflies & hummers

Hollyhocks Alcea rosea – Tall biennial. ‘Indian Spring’ cultivar blooms 1st yr. Summer bloom. Leaves prone to fungus

o

Confederate Rose Hibiscus mutabilis – Double or single blooms open white and fade to dark pink over the day. Blooms in fall. 12’

Sweet Peas Lathyrus odorantus – Highly fragrant vining plant.

Variety of colors, summer bloom. Good cut flower

£

Hollyhocks Alcea rosea Sun/PS. Plant seeds in Oct, blooms in spring. Look for ‘Indian Springs’ or other varieties that bloom 1st year

£

Zinnia – Full sun. 6”-3’. All colors except blue. Pinch when young to encourage branching. Remove spent blooms for re-bloom

£

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta S/PS. Reseeding biennial, performs like perennial. 24”x12”. Blooms mid-summer into fall

£

Gaura Gaura lindheimeri Sun. Hardy perennial. Pink/white blooms on long, swaying stems.

Blooms spring till frost. Attracts pollinators.

£

Gloriosa Lily Gloriosa spp.

Sun/PS. Unsual, strikingly beautiful blooms on long climbing stems that cling from curling ends on each leaf

£

Lantana Lantana spp. Sun. Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri) Hardy. Look for sterile noninvasive varieties such as ‘Patriot’. Pollinator magnet. Drought & salt tolerant

£

Philippine Violet Baleria cristata) 3’ x 5’ - Full sun best, Fall bloom - long blooming

Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis) Crinum Lily Crinum spp. – Very hardy. Long bloom season.

Divide plant to spread. Pink, red & bi-color

£

“Peggy Martin” Climbing Rose – Medium pink. Thornless, repeat blooming. 12’-15’. Disease resistant

£

‘Climbing Pinkie’ Climbing Rose – Light pink. Nearly thornless, heavy repeat bloomer. To 8’

£

‘Climbing Cecile Brunner’ – Very fragrant. Small light pink blooms. Heavy spring bloom, sporadic repeat

Photos courtesy of Karen Kirk– Williams

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£

£

£

£

Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifolia) Very drought & salt tolerant, 3’x3’. Blooms spring till frost Salvia Salvia spp. Many varieties, colors & sizes. Most take full to part sun. Forsythia sage takes shade.

£

£

Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus spp.) Fall bloom. 4-8’, depending on variety. Attracts butterflies & birds. Naturalizes Gromphrena ‘Fireworks’ Gromphrena globosa Sun.

'Ever Sapphire' Agapanthus

£ Pink Buttercups. (Oenothera species)

frost Larval host plant of Sulphur butterflies Chaste Tree Vitex agnus-castus Sun/ PS. 10-15’ tall x 15-20’ wide. Showy purple/blue/white bloom spikes in summer. Butterfly & bird magnet Firebush (Hamelia patens) Native. 6’ x 4’. Red/orange tubular blooms. Hummingbird & butterfly magnet. Blooms till frost. Dwarf also available Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia PS/Shade. Native, 6-10’ x 4Cassia 6’. Huge, cone-shaped flowers in summer Cassia bicapsularis) persist for months. Fall color Bee Balm Monarda spp. Part sun. Unsual blooms on 2-3’ tall x 18” plants. Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and especially bees Yarrow Achillea milleforia Sun. 2-3’ tall plants with fernlike foliage.

Semi-evergreen. Attractive blooms in various colors. Long bloom season ‘Louis Philippe’ or ‘Cramoisi Superieur’ Rose Sun. Hardy China antique shrub rose that blooms almost all year. Red blooms

Drought tolerant. Tolerates poor soil.

Reseeds readily£ EdObedient Plant Physostegia virginiana Sun, PS, Shade. Average/moist soil. Pink blooms in summer/fall £ Daisy (Oxeye) Leucanthemum vulgare Sun, PS. White daisy blooms in summer. Naturalized wildflower £ Pink Buttercups Oenothera speciosa Sun/PS. Naturalized wildflower well-suited to cottage gardens.

Blooms in spring

£

o Agapanthus ‘Ever Sapphire’ – New repeat blooming Lily of the Nile. Intense blue flowers. 24”x12”

Steps for Converting a Typical Development Landscape into a Florida-Friendly Landscape http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep396

£

£

UF/IFAS Publications Florida-Friendly Plant Database floridayards.org

Gardening with Annuals in Florida edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg319

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‘Endless Summer’ Hydrangea & ‘Encore’ Azalea – Look for new cultivars that are repeat blooming. Protect from afternoon sun

£

Bottlebrush Tree (Callistemon citrinus) Blooms 3 - 4 times a year, Flowering Vines for Florida http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg097 Evergreen. 18’-20’ tall Cape Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) Blue plumbago/Leadwort.

Landscaping for Wildlife http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Blooms spring till frost topic_landscaping_for_wildlife Cassia (Senna bicapsularis) Blooms Nov – Jan. 8’- 10’ if not killed by

£ £

Gardening with Perennials in Florida http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ mg035

Photos courtesy of Karen Kirk– Williams

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Florida-Friendly Gardening http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_enviroscaping Annuals in Florida http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_annual_landscape_plants

Mail Order Sources for antique roses antiqueroseemporium.com (Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham, TX.) rosepetalsnursery.com (Rose Petals Nursery in Newberry, Fl.)

Edible Landscaping http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep146

rosesunlimitedownroot.com (Roses Unlimited in Laurens, SC.)

Butterfly Gardening http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_butterfly_gardening

petalsfromthepast.com (Petals from the Past in Jemison, Al.)

Hummingbird Gardening http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_hummingbird_gardening

kandmroses.com (K & M Roses, MS – Sells roses grafted on Fortuniana root stock)

Florida Native Plants http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_native_plants Mulch http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_mulch

'Lady Banks' climbing rose

'Climbing Pinkie' rose

Photos courtesy of Karen Kirk– Williams

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Okay, it's official. There is a word that I am here by declaring void in daily use....HACK. Yes, HACK. For some reason known only to the good Lord and the internet, the term HACK has become synonymous with any hint, tip, trick or otherwise questionable activity that is purported to make our lives easier, reduce signs of premature aging, and have unicorns dancing in our front yards. Okay, maybe not the premature aging part but definitely the unicorns.

these HACKS. What's wrong with calling them tips? Hints? The best parts (or worst part as far as I'm concerned) is that either the proposed HACK has (a) no instructions (b) not applicable in any normal life style (c) takes far longer to achieve than the actual task or (d) requires trips to Pottery Barn, Hobby Lobby, Ace Hardware and more tools than I have in my toolbox!

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good shortcut now and then.

Who doesn't enjoy spending a few minutes less cleaning the bathroom? But when it comes down to purchasing a gizmo to fold shirts that then require another gizmo to store them because they won't fit in the dresser....that's carrying things a bit too far! Clean off your counters is another favorite HACK popping up. Really? If I had to dig in a cabinet for the coffee maker every morning when I first stagger out of bed--there's going to be heck to pay. When I need a spatula I don't want to be digging through a drawer with gumbo covered fingers to find it.

I'm not against shortcuts or tips or hints. I'm against using this word HACK to the point of lunacy. There are so many words in the English language and thanks to the internet, even though we have on-line thesaurus, we're slowly degrading and diluting our Just yesterday I had deleted the 478th flashing headline that was conversations. Tell me you have a unique way of dealing with a promising to give me shiny floors and battle bad breath when I problem and I'm all ears. Tell me that you've discovered a HACK decided to do a quick head count of how many HACKS were being for a shiny faucet and I'll tune you out in a heartbeat. shoved into my news feed. Not wanting to waste an entire day, I set the timer for 15 minutes. In 15 minutes I was presented hacks My goal now is that for the next 30 days I will not click on anything that uses the term HACK. Hopefully the algorithms of the for: (not presented in any particular order) kitchen cleaning, electronic world will take the hint and leave me alone. So excuse kitchen organizing, kitchen decorating, dish washing, bathroom me while I shut down the computer, turn off the lights, and head cleaning, bathroom decorating, gardening, weeding, cooking, out into the garden. There are weeds out there that need HACKcloset organizing, more on kitchen stuff, painting, car care, car ING! cleaning, garage organizing, computer use, filing and bills....the list goes on. But you get the general idea. It appears that the in PS thing is to claim you've found an easier way to do something and Walter is doing fine. He's enjoying the increased activity in the post a HACK for it. garden and in the library. He wishes everyone a happy summer There are HACKS for your counters and your cabinets. HACKS with lots of lizards to chase, birds to watch, and sunbeams to abound for organizing and cleaning. HACKS for the cat...no snooze in.

Marg wait...he's just dislodging a hairball, disregard that one. All of Photo: Margaret Stewart

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