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01 5 ,2 JU LY

...for discerning weeders

Inside This Issue!

FFA Iconic Bird Wildlife Happenings Updated and new publications And much, much more!

The Foundation for the Gator Nation.....

An equal opportunity institution.

HERE’S TO SUMMER! We celebrate our 20th Anniversary this year and last month was our ‘official’ birthday bash. So many people worked on the celebration and gathering all the historical memorabilia to create the displays we all enjoyed. A special thank you to all those who were involved for making a great day!

There has been a lot of work on the Extension landscape and the work continues...sweaty work...whose idea was this anyway to mess with digging, weeding, and construction when the temperatures are soaring? Master Gardeners that’s who! No one ever said that we were in full possession of our sanity. Be that as it may, the pergola is in the process of being installed at the entrance to the native plant trail. Plans are in the works for 4-H to paint the shed and so much more will be happening.

The nursery is still going strong but they do need your help.

Summer vacations have reduced the work force. Take one Friday out of the month and stop in. Lend a hand with potting, pruning, and propagation...a plethora of projects awaits!

We’re also going to be welcoming a new class of Master Gardener trainees. Stay tuned for more updates and a call for providing the refreshments on the first and last day of class. Even those who have been with the organization for quite some time can always attend the training classes and discover new information and refresh those brain cells on calculating fertilizer requirements.

K. Beck A. Foley S. Gerber A. Ogle C. Strom

34th Continued Training Conference October 18-21, 2015 Kissimmee, FL

Plentiful Plantings Your Editor

http://www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ gardener/index.html MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Activity Calendar

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Future Farmers

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Garden Glories

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Iconic Bird

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More Garden Glories

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Wildlife Happenings

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Spiky Weed

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Decorate Your Hat

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Updates & Info

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Recipe Round-up

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You may access the VMS site by clicking on the link below:

Troublesome Daisy

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Wise Words

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Infographics

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https://florida.volunteersystem.org/

Gardening Holidays

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Last Word

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Sign in to VMS and log in your hours!

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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July, 2015

You may access our interactive Events calendar by visiting: http://www.ocmga.org/Calendar.html

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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July, 2015

FUTURE FARMERS Quick. Name a nation-wide organization whose purpose is to teach young people about agriculture. If you said “4-H” and were unable to name any other such organization then you might be from northwest Florida. If, on the other hand, you said “Future Farmers of America,” you might be from other parts of Florida, or just about anyplace else in the U.S. where FFA is better-known than it seems to be locally. Of course we all love and support our local 4-H’ers but missing from the scene here in Okaloosa County is familiarity with FFA and thus the opportunity to learn about another great organization whose purpose is to promote agricultural education for young people. I’ll try to repair that gap in our collective knowledge right now.

What is FFA? FFA is an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. Its goal is to further agriculture education using three components: 1) classroom/ laboratory instruction (contextual learning) 2) supervised agricultural experience programs (work-based learning) and 3) student leadership organizations, including the national FFA Organization, the national Young Farmer Educational Association and the national Post-secondary Agricultural Student Organization). The FFA Mission statement (taken from the FFA Handbook) is: “FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” The organization achieves its mission by emphasizing the following skills: Develop competent and assertive agricultural leadership; increase awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being; strengthen agriculture students’ confidence in themselves and their work; promote the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career; encourage achievement in supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs; encourage wise management of the community’s economic, environmental and human resources; develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communication, human relations and social interaction; build character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism; promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people; promotes healthy lifestyles and encourage excellence in scholarship. And what’s not to love about all of that??

What’s in a name? The official name of the organization is National Future Farmers of America Organization. The contemporary NFFAO is not just for students who want to be farmers; FFA (as it continues to be known) also exists to help advance student education in careers as teachers, doctors, biologists, chemists, business owners, engineers, veterinarians and more.

A brief history of FFA. The FFA grew out of the 1917 SmithHughes National Vocational Education Act, which was enacted by a Congress that recognized that boys (yes, boys only- more about girls, below) were losing interest and leaving the farm. Its purpose was to promote vocational agriculture to train people "who have entered upon or who are preparing to enter upon the work of the farm," and it provided federal funds to be used for this purpose. Over the next decade, schools in at least 18 states An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by K. Harper began vocational agriculture education courses. In 1928, 33 students from those 18 states gathered in Kansas City, Mo. during the American Royal Livestock Show to form a national FFA association. The next year, the official colors of blue and "corn gold" were adopted, and in 1933 the familiar blue corduroy jackets showed up at a national convention. In 1950, FFA received a federal charter from Congress. Today, there are over 7,000 chapters in all 50 states with almost half-a-million members participating. Less than a decade after the formation of the Future Farmers of America in 1928, a national organization for AfricanAmerican boys interested in agriculture formed in Tuskegee, Ala. They called themselves The New Farmers of America. The two organizations shared common goals and creeds. A total of 13 states received NFA charters, and by 1965 the NFA and FFA consolidated in recognition of their shared missions for agricultural education. In 1974, Texas' Fred McClure became the first African-American national FFA officer, and in 1994 Chicago's Corey Flournoy became the first African-American national FFA president.

Girls were restricted from the earliest forms of FFA membership by delegate vote at the 1930 national convention.

This failure to recognize the key role women have played on farms and in agriculture since the earliest history of our nation was not remedied by the national organization until 1969 when females gained full FFA membership privileges by vote of the national convention delegates.

However, many state associations had already been permitting female members for many years. New York's Anita Decker and New Jersey's Patricia Krowicki became the first two female delegates to the national convention in 1970. Today, females represent more than 45 percent of FFA members and about half of all state leadership positions. In 1976, Washington's Julie Smiley became the first female national FFA officer.

California's Jan Eberly became the first female National FFA President in 1982.

FFA Structure. FFA currently has state associations in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin islands. State associations in turns are made up of local chapters. In our part of Florida, there are chapters at Baker High School, Milton HS, Central HS in Milton, Jay HS, Laurel Hill HS, Paxton HS, Florala HS and in De Funiak Springs at the Walton Career Development office. I don’t personally know how active these chapters are.

Certainly I was unaware of their existence prior to writing this article! There is an alumni affiliate branch in Ponce de Leon.

Escambia County also has several FFA and alumni chapters.

Funding sources and ways to contribute. FFA programs are dues-supported. National dues for each member are $7 per year. Additional funding is provided through sponsorships and individual donations at the local, state and national level.

So, how does FFA compare to 4-H? The two programs have much in common but one difference is that FFA is a formal education program sponsored by local schools while 4-H is an after school program sponsored by the Extension Service. 4-H grew Continued on next page

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July, 2015

FFA cont’d. out of local youth programs and clubs that developed around the country at the turn of the 20th century. Corn growing clubs and competitions for young people started up in Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Iowa and other Midwestern states. The boys exhibited corn and garden products and held livestock judging contests.

The girls exhibited sewing and cooking projects and held contests to judge sewing, handiwork and cooking.

reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons.

For more information, please visit the FFA website: https:// www.ffa.org/home The FL website is: http://www.flaffa.org/. You will notice that Florida is kicking off its big annual convention this week!

In some areas, the two programs work together, but in other areas they compete to recruit young people and for resources for competitions like county fairs. Both programs teach skills that are not strictly agricultural such as public speaking and parliamentary procedure. The process of leadership is an important area of emphasis in both the FFA and 4-H.

Ed note: “Learning To Do, Doing To Learn, Earning To Live, Living To Serve.” One of the first things we learned upon joining FFA was the motto. The second was the FFA Creed: “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds—achievements won by the present and past genLocal FFA Alumni. Our editor, M. Stewart, is an FFA alumnus erations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through (I think she’s the only one I know). She shared with me the sym- better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come bolism in the FFA emblem, which I think is pretty neat: Every to us from the struggles of former years.” Unfortunately, when part of the emblem has meaning. The rising sun stands for the budget cuts come along, FFA (and other programs) are some of dawn of a new day in agriculture; the plow stands for labor and the first to go. Encourage your school districts to consider retillage of the soil. The owl stands for wisdom and knowledge. instating programs like FFA that teach leadership, education, The cross section of an ear of corn stands for corn as a foundation crop in our country and as a production item that unifies. and community service.

The eagle stands for the national scope of the organization and a

Nyctocereus serpentine (night blooming snake cactus) courtesy of D. Hickenbotham

Crinum courtesy of A. Ogle

Fireball lilies courtesy of A. Rosati

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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July, 2015

AN ICONIC BIRD

by M. Stewart

This month we celebrate our Nation's birthday. Flags will be flying, fireworks will be popping, and American Eagles will be prominently displayed on everything from dinnerware to decals.

But there is another iconic bird. One that has graced lawns and gardens since 1957. A bird that has the ability to irritate your neighbors and generate a unique fund-raising source (paying to have them removed). Yes, folks, I'm talking about the Pink Flamingo.

Face it. Does anything say kitschy more than a plastic, hot-pink, flamingo in a front yard? Sadly, on June 23, 2015 the creator of this flamboyant yard art passed on. Don Feathersone was a Worcester Art Museum-trained sculptor. He created the beloved (and vilified) bird while working at Union Products. UP was the source of blow mold lawn statuary--most of which was guaranteed to get you a nasty letter from your Home Owner's Association.

Located in Leominster, Massachusetts (who would have hunk),

Union Products churned out freakishly large plastic squirrels, swan planters and many more 'decorations' for the discerning home owner.

Featherstone designed over 650 of these lawn ornaments during his tenure.

The tulip-embossed watering can is still around but the pink flamingo gained a popularity that no one could have foreseen.

Featherstone designed his creation with the aid of a National Geographic wildlife photo spread and later went on to serve as the president of Union Products until he retired in 2000. In 1996, Don was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in art for his Phoenicopteris ruber plasticus. In 1997, Feathersone requested that owners of this peculiar avian species send original photographs that demonstrated their affection for this bird. More than 100 pictures were chosen out of the overwhelming response and made into a book, The Original Pink Flamingos: Splendor on the Grass.

I know that we'll all take a moment to remember our beloved icons creator. Perhaps it's time to scoot that garden gnome over a bit, sidle past the daisy bird bath, and install a pink flamingo in the herbaceous border!

Oriental lily courtesy of S. Farrell

Giant red hibiscus courtesy of A. Rosati

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

‘Elizabeth’ ginger and friend courtesy of S. Farrell

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July, 2015

WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS July brings on the dog-days of summer, our national independence day and loads of great wildlife activity. Here is what you could observe this month.

courtesy of www.wec.ufl.edu/extension Special dates in history: July 22, 1982—The first Florida bog frog is discovered in a panhandle wetland.

Birds Shorebird migration starts in mid-July, peaking in August. Swallow-tailed kites, purple martins, and tree swallows begin gathering in preparation for their southern migration.

Mammals Baby raccoons, foxes, armadillos, possums, and bobcats leave dens and begin following their parents.

Amphibians/Reptiles Young alligators and crocodiles will begin to hatch.

Insects Mosquitos and chiggers are abundant.

WHEN IS A BIENNIAL AN ANNUAL?

by L. Morris

Carduus nutans L. also known as Musk Thistle, nodding thisMature plants range in height from 3 to 4 feet. A single flower tle, or nodding musk thistle, is a weed you don’t want to try pull- head can produce up to 1,200 seeds and a single plant (with its ing out with your bare hands. Usually multiple flowers) produces up to growing as a biennial this weed is actu120,000 seeds which are wind disally a winter annual in warmer clipersed. Seeds may remain viable in the mates. soil for over ten years.

It has an erect, robust stem and grows Musk thistle was introduced into from a fleshy taproot. The leaves are eastern North America in the early alternate, smooth, dark green with a 19th century and has been an invasive light green midrib and whitish margin. species there ever since. It is declared a Leaves are deeply dissected, each lobe noxious weed in many U.S. states. having one to five spines at the tip.

It said on the plant profile that it was Flowers have spine-tipped bracts, are in the surrounding states, but I mowed deep pink to purple, rarely white, and it down in my front yard last week. are arranged in nodding heads. Hence Ref: Weeds of Southern Turfgrasses, UF of Florida, IFAS Extenthe name nodding thistle. sion

Florida box turtle courtesy of S. Farrell

Composting seminar presented by B. Bayer

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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July, 2015

DECORATE YOUR HAT

by A. Rosati

Are you growing succulents because they are virtually trouble free? Although many succulents are native to deserts, others are Florida natives which grow in coastal dunes and sandy soil, require little water, tolerate heat and prefer direct sunlight. Well, ladies, how about using some succulents to decorate one of those hats you need for gardening, or protecting you skin from the elements?

Balaoro makes an alternative suggestion for those who want to try decorating with succulents, but don’t want to glue directly to the hat. Hand-stitch grosgrain ribbon around the crown at two inch intervals which will give a crinkled, wavy effect. Glue cuttings to the ribbon and later remove by cutting the thread.

Store your "living master piece" in a bright, shaded location. If protected from frost, your “succulent hat” can look good for weeks. “To create one that lasts even longer (several months or more), first attach sphagnum moss*** to the hat then glue cuttings to the moss. Roots will grow through the dried glue into the moss. Twice a week or so spritz them with water to keep them hydrated.”

Laura Balaoro, a landscape designer and master gardener in San Jose, California, has started a Facebook group: Succulent Fanatics. If you are interested, there are over 11,000 members. Visit facebook.com/ groups/succulentfanatics.

Balaoro states that succulent cuttings (used as trims for hats) still look good after hours of sun exposure—no water needed and can then be removed from the hat and planted in the garden, or saved to wear again. Balaoro favors small echeverias, graptosedums, crassulas (jades) and cremnosedums. Succulents with thin leaves may droop and large rosettes can weigh down the brim, fat leaves may pop off and cacti are too challenging.

Supplies: You will need a glue gun and glue sticks to attach the cuttings. (Using a glue gun, or any craft glue, does not harm the cuttings). Clippers, long-handled tweezers, and ribbon, as well as, a variety of succulents suitable for the design including some trailing varieties. Some succulents you might try are: trailing senecio, a multistem crassula, orange aloe flowers, moundforming Aeonium ‘Irish Bouquet,’ and small haworthias with pointed leaves, variegated Portulacaria afra (elephant’s food), magenta-edge jade, chartreuse sedum ‘Angelina' and ice plant.

Use whatever you have available and experiment with form and color! Design completely around the crown, or compose clusters with pieces of multiple succulents. Dried bits that remain after the cuttings are removed can be picked, or wiggled off and planted in the garden.

So, now you have the directions for creating a living hat that will get your creative juices flowing, can be assembled in airconditioning and worn in the heat using plants you probably have in your garden!

Baldwin, Debra Lee. "Succulent Chapeaux.” Photography by Ed Gohlich. Country Gardens Magazine by Better Homes and Gardens, Summer 2015, p. 22-23.

For more from Debra Lee Baldwin, author of Designing with Succulents, Succulent Container Gardens and Succulents Simplified visit debraleebaldwin.com.

Knox, Gary, Extension Specialist and Professor of Environmental Horticulture with the University of Florida at the North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy. "Succulents Thrive in Summer Heat.” May 26, 2015. Gardening in the Panhandle, Solutions for Your Life. ***In an article from the University of Florida (2005) it was suggested not to work with dried sphagnum if you have cuts or skin abrasions, otherwise wear a long sleeved shirt and gloves. “A Word or Two about Gardening: Biohazards in the yard: Playing it safe." John McLaughlin, Miami-Dade County Extension, Homestead, Fl., 3-27-05 (copyright 2006).

The Jokester Caterpallor (n): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you are eating.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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July, 2015

UPDATES AND INFO Tawny Crazy Ant—As of 2012, tawny crazy ants have infested 24 counties in Florida, parts of southeast Texas, and other areas of the southeastern U.S. The tawny crazy ant is considered a serious pest. This species infests buildings and greenhouses, attacks crops, domestic animals, honeybee hives, displaces native ant species, and disrupts electrical equipment. This 3-page fact sheet covers the tawny crazy ant’s distribution, description, colonies, feeding habits, and pest status and control. http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1076

staff Ticks & Disease in Florida—http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ global/2015/06/29/ticks-disease-in-florida/ Dish Gardens and Terrariums—http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ global/2015/06/29/dish-gardens-and-terrariums/ Sustainable Car Washing—http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ global/2015/06/29/sustainable-car-washing/

Southern Purple Mint Moth—http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/ hort/2015/06/29/southern-purple-mint-moth/ Micropropagation—Micropropagation is a way to culture plant tissue to rapidly propagate a large number of plants. This 4 Giving Young Wildlife a Chance—http:// -page fact sheet presents an overview. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2015/06/29/giving-young-wildlife-a ep520 -chance/ Biology and Management of Long-Stalked Phyllanthus—5-page fact sheet discusses the characteristics of longstalked phyllanthus and explains how to control its growth. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep518.

RECIPE ROUND-UP

by L. Vanderpool & M. Stewart

SWEET FIG CHUTNEY

MOLDED SEAFOOD MOUSSE

1 pound firm but ripe figs 1/2 cup white raisins 1/2 cup sliced almonds 2 tbsp. cider vinegar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 cup white sugar

3/4 cup boiling water 1 4-serving size Lemon gelatin 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tbs. horseradish 2 tbs. lemon juice 2 tbs. minced onion 2 cups salmon, drained and flaked* 2 tbs. chopped, fresh dill

Quarter figs. Combine all ingredients in a large pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook until figs are tender but not falling apart, about 30 minutes. Place into jars, seal and cool.

Store in refrigerator indefinitely. Chutney is better after it has aged for several days. Delicious with beef, pork or as a foil for hard cheeses.

If you desire a savory chutney, add 1/2 cup diced onions or shallots and two cloves of diced garlic at the beginning.

Stir boiling water into gelatin and salt in a large bowl until completely dissolved. Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, lemon juice and onion. Refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours or until thickened. Stir in seafood and dill. Spoon into 4-cup mold. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Unmold and garnish as desired.

You can substitute 12 oz. crab meat, or 2 cups chopped cooked shrimp OR any combination you like.

Do you have a seasonal recipe or one that you turn to again and again? We’re always on the look-out for recipes to share with our members!

The Jokester I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.

Article submissions are due by the 24th of each month. Photos need to be in a jpeg format. Be sure to supply information about the picture— what/who/where etc. Also, if you didn’t take the picture, please let us know where it came from.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

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July, 2015

TROUBLESOME DAISY Sphagneticola trilobata is commonly known as the Singapore Daisy, Creeping-oxeye, Trialing Daisy, and Wedelia. It is a plant in the Asteraceae (sunflower) family.

Wedelia is a common weed problem in may parts of Florida. Introduced from tropical America, Wedelia has been used in the landscape as a groundcover. People like Wedelia because of its beautiful flowers and its fast growth habit. Quick to form a thick groundcover, Wedelia is a Category II invasive in Florida. It is also considered a serious weed in agricultural settings in other countries.

Wedelia typically invades agricultural areas, along roadsides and trails, along streams, canals, along the borders of mangrove swamps and in coastal vegetation, waste place, and disturbed sites. A dense thicket of vegetation forms and crowds out native and other plant species. This prevents

by D. Stever regeneration and growth of desired species. This species is widely available as an ornamental and is therefore likely to continue to spread further.

Native substitutes: Ernodea littoralis, Beach creeper; Helianthus debilis, Dune sunflower; Hymenocallis latifolia, Mangrove spider lily or Perfumed spider lily; Mimosa strigillosa, Powderpuff; Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Blue porterweed; Zamia pumila, Coontie.

Non-native, non-invasive substitutes: Arachis glabrata, Rhizoma perennial peanut; Bougainvillea ‘Helen Johnson’; Juniperus chinensis ‘Parsonii’, Parson’s juniper; Trachelospermum asiaticum, Asiatic jasmine; Zamia furfuracea, Cardboard palm.

More information: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/468 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep483

WISE WORDS 1. Never cancel dinner plans by text message.

2. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

3. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.

4. Always use “we” when referring to your home team or your government.

5. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

6. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

7. Don’t dumb it down.

8. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.

9. Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly.

10. The best way to show thanks is to wear it. Even if it’s only once.

11. Take a vacation of your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.

12. Don’t fill up on bread, no matter how good.

13. Don’t linger in the doorway. In or out.

14. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.

15. Never get your haircut the day of a special event.

16. Be mindful of what comes between you and the Earth. Always buy good shoes, tires, and sheets.

17. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.

18. When you’re with new friends, don’t just talk about old friends.

19. It’s never too late for an apology.

20. If you have right of way. TAKE IT. 21. It’s not enough to be proud of your ancestry, live up to it.

22. Don’t make a scene.

23. When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.

24. Know when to ignore the camera.

25. Never gloat.

26. Invest in great luggage.

27. When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by Staff 28. Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.

29. Give credit. Take Blame.

30. Suck it up every now and again.

31. Never be the last one in the pool.

32. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.

33. Admit it when you’re wrong.

34. If you offer to help don’t quit until the job is done.

35. Look people in the eye when you thank them.

36. Forgive yourself for your mistakes.

37. Know at least one good joke.

38. Don’t boo. Even the ref is somebody’s son.

39. It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself.

40. Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.

41. Always thank the host.

42. If you don’t understand, ask before it’s too late.

43. There is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt.

44. Be a good listener. Don’t just take your turn to talk.

45. Keep your word.

46. You are what you do. Not what you say.

47. Be kind. Everyone has a hard fight ahead of them.

48. Don’t litter.

49. You won’t always be the strongest of fastest. But you can be the toughest.

50. Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun than sitting on the bench alone.

51. Smile at strangers.

52. Being old is not dictated by your bedtime.

The Jokester If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it FED UP?

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June, 2015

Info graphics courtesy of www.gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu

GARDEN HOLIDAYS FOR JULY Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days (7/3 to 8/15) National Blueberries Month National Horseradish Month National Parks & Recreation Month Smart Irrigation Month Stay Out of the Sun Day 3rd International Cherry Pit Spitting Day 4th Build a Scarecrow Day 5th National Fried Chicken Day 6th Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day 6th Fresh Spinach Day 16th World Snake Day 16th Hammock Day 22nd Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day 27th International Day of Friendship 30th

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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July, 2015

M. Stewart —Editor S. Farrell , K. Harper and S. Berry—co-editors

Have pictures or an idea for an article?

Send it in!

Articles and pictures are always welcome.

Mission To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

Vision To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida.

LAST WORD 20 years. That’s how long the Okaloosa County Master Gardeners have been in existence. We celebrated with a very nice presentation and even had a member from the very first class present. Twenty years.

In that time we have seen DVRs come and go. The I-pod made its debut. GOOGLE arrived in 1998 (can you believe it?). Cars got more energy efficient and recycling became the in thing to be doing. Organic gardening and eating organic has become ‘new’ again.

Since this was a month where the best laid plans got thrown out the window and time got away...I sit here putting this edition of The Compost Pile to bed while listening to my neighbors shooting off fireworks. Let’s just say those fireworks didn’t come from the local tent sale. A short trip across the border and we have our own firework display right here in the neighborhood. I don’t mind. Sure beats hauling a blanket to the nearest show location and dealing with the crowds (and bugs).

I remember 4th of July as a kid. Time in the swimming pool followed by the celebration dinner. The adults always had cocktails before hand—kids had the nonalcoholic version. Corn on the cob that had come from the farm stand up the road...burgers and/or hotdogs that just screamed summer. There was potato salad that had stewed in the refrigerator all day along with deviled eggs. Homemade peach ice cream was an addition one year— although the churning part certainly got old really quick.

After that, and well before dark—off into town. The grown ups toted along beach chairs and as a kid, I got the wool blanket that was always in the trunk of my grandparents’ car. We would walk (horrors) to the ball field and await full dark.

You could tell when the show was going to start because you could see the glow from the cigar that was going to light the fuses.

There were very few ‘special’ displays— mostly just loud and bright aerial fireworks with the finale being a bunch of aerial bombs and a ground display that usually featured a flag along with U.S.A. Then it was back home where there were usually a few bottle rockets and firecrackers to round out the night.

Of course all this was during a time when you could go to the general store with 25

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

By M. Stewart cents and bring home a big sack of candy along with a comic book or two. Cell phones weren’t buzzing and there were no Twitter feeds nor YouTube videos being taken. Perhaps a family movie taken with a big camera but not photos of the fireworks.

Those pictures had to be kept in your memory. Music was delivered via the bandstand and not by ear buds.

You could still buy cherry bombs and sparklers that lasted longer than 5 seconds. The leftover coals from grilling the burgers were good for toasting up some marshmallows on sticks you found in the yard.

We used real butter and mayonnaise. No one worried about too much salt or too much fat on their food. Kids ran around playing tag and knew to be home when the street lights came on. When 4th of July rolled around—we knew to be home when the aerial bombs starting going off. They lit one off each hour prior to the show. Everyone in town knew when the show would commence without even looking at a clock.

I’m sure that the summers of our youth are really a lot better in our memories but I for one miss those times. I miss the television rarely being on. I don’t miss the lack of air conditioning but we all knew how to get air flow through the house. Summer meant dirt between your toes, warm tomatoes fresh from the garden and wet towels hanging by the pool.

The best part was a late night dip, where the water was almost as warm as the night air. You heard the crickets and the whine of a mosquito or two but little else. News of the day was relegated to the world of grown-ups. Wars, riots and other such things were of little concern to a kid and the joys of summer.

So, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pull up a chair on the patio while I enjoy the local fireworks and for just a little while pretend that I’m 10 years old again.

Happy Birthday America and Happy Birthday to the Master Gardeners. Here’s to the next 20 years!

Plentiful Plantings

The Compost Pile is seeking contributing authors! We are looking for a few folks to submit ideas and articles on different horticulture topics as well as book reviews and other items of interest!

July, 2015