Nljune16

THE HEAT IS ON! HEAT ZONE VS HARDINESS ZONE

for discerning weeders

Events…..pg 3 Heat Zone…..pg 4 Aphids ………..pg 15 And much, much, more!

The Foundation for the Gator Nation.....

An equal opportunity institution.

June, 2016

SUMMER IS COMING!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW MASTER GARDENERS!

Summer will soon be upon us. There will be vacations and visitors arriving to enjoy our terrific area. It’s also the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Don’t wait until the last minute to have your ‘storm’ supplies ready.

This month also marks the beginning of a new and updated web site for our organization. Those working on this project hope to have it completed before the end of June. Provided the computer gremlins behave--we should be enjoying a new and improved web experience very soon.

This edition of The Compost Pile is also a double header. Since we did not have a May issue, June is extra packed with some articles from May and plenty of pictures and info for June.

Don’t forget that Plant Clinics are still being held and those intrepid folks could really use your help in handling the multitude of residents who come in seeking our assistance. The Nursery staff could also use some willing hands. There will be plenty to do even through the summer months and the more folks who help out the faster the work gets done.

The Free Seminar Series is still going strong and can always use a few extra folks to help answer questions. CLL classes will be starting in September so you know that speakers and helpers will be needed for that worthy endeavor.

There will be Extension Landscape Workdays every Tuesday.

These days will help get areas prepped for future planting and also make sure the area reflects well on Extension and the Master Gardeners. Again, more help means less time out in the heat.

A. Bower D. Edmiston V. Graham G. Hess L. Timothy

WELCOME BACK A. SHERINGO

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2

Event Calendar

3

Will It Grow Here?

On the Cover - A recent staghorn fern workshop provided our members with an amazing demonstration on propagating the featured plant. The above staghorn resides at another residence, looking lovely in a repurposed bird bath.

Cover photo courtesy of S. Gerber; Photo above courtesy of R. Hastings.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

Terrific Trees

1

4-5

June Chores

6

Wildlife Happenings

6

On the Trail

7

Info graphics

8

On the Trail

7

Info graphics

7

Ye Olde Farm

9-10

Transplant

10

Nursery Notes

11

Another Use

11

Gardener Holidays

12

Congratulations

12

Tallahassee Musings

13

Info and Updates

14

Book Review

14

The Bad

15

Nature Trail Event

16

Recipe Round-Up

17

Last Word

18

June, 2016

TERRIFIC TREES

courtesy of R. Hastings

Graft - (a) a bud, shoot, or scion of a plant inserted in a groove, slit, or the like in a stem or stock of another plant in which it continues to grow (b) the plant resulting from such an operation; the united stock and scion (c) the place where the scion is inserted.

We've heard about grafting of a lot of plants. Roses, fruit trees... who hasn’t seen the advertisements for having 5 different fruits on one tree right? Well, we never gave pecans a thought. And whether you pronounce it Pea-Cans or Pea-Cons, we’re sure that you’ll find the YouTube video on grafting pecans very informative. Courtesy of R. Hastings, these photos show his grafting in action. A note is that he learned that the scions need moisture.

Just cover with a long newspaper wrapper and tape securely at the bottom. The scion will be fully wet and cool in a few hours.

Take a moment and check out, Pecan Tree Grafting: Four flap (Banana) Graft, “American Method”

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

For details on any of the upcoming events, go to www.ocmga.org/Calendar.html

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

BUT WILL IT GROW HERE? The Plant Hardiness Map. Most of us are very familiar with the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map. It’s been the gold standard by which plants have been categorized and sold for many years. By using the map to find the zone in which you live, you can determine which plants will (theoretically, at least) survive in your area. The USDA map was first published in 1960, then updated in 1990 and 2012. Today nearly all American references books, plant catalogs, and gardening magazines describe plants using the USDA Zones. The most recent plant hardiness maps are available from the USDA at: http:// planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/Default.aspx . You have to enter one of those tricky validation codes the first time you access the site. Recent refinements in the map have helped pinpoint an area’s typical actual climate with greater accuracy, taking into account that within a given zone, there are likely to be local differences in annual minimum temperatures. Thus, we now know that except for the north end of the county, Okaloosa County is mainly Zone 8b with the northern area being Zone 8a.

You probably already knew that. That is of course very helpful information to have when we go plant shopping and yet, it’s not enough to answer that all-important question: “Will it REALLY grow here?”

If you are a dedicated gardener but not a native Floridian, and especially if you moved here from a northern state, you have no doubt been through withdrawal as you tried your best to get lilacs, peonies, rhubarb, and cherries to grow here, along with any number of the other beloved plants of cooler climates that we remember with such nostalgia. Like me, once settled in Okaloosa County, you may have been lured by catalog descriptions of plants as being ‘hardy to Zone 8’ only to be bitterly disappointed when the plant struggles for a season or two and finally expires. What’s going on, you wonder? This IS Zone 8, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Well, yes, it is. And it isn’t. Our Zone 8 is clearly very different from the Zone 8 that the plant catalogs insist is correct for rhubarb, asparagus, horseradish, Jonathan apples, and Elberta peaches among many, many others. Just have a look at one of my favorite catalogs, Stark Bros. Nursery: http:// www.starkbros.com/ . Every one of the aforementioned plants is cheerfully promised to thrive in Zone 8b. Well, I CHALLENGE you to grow any of those in Shalimar, and to get them to not only survive for a few years but to actually produce well. I’m always dedicated to bending the zone rules with respect to deciduous fruit trees and plants. It’s one of my hobbies. But my successes have occurred because I paid careful attention to not only the hardiness map but to the number of chill hours required by each plant. And we won’t go into my failures here, but there have been quite a few… (Chill hours refers to the average number of hours of below-40 degree temperatures that your area can expect to receive). And as far as ornamentals, another favorite catalog- the very elegant White Flower Farms http:// www.whiteflowerfarm.com/ -assures me that ALL of their lovely peonies and lilacs are suitable for my specific zip code. Pfffft, fuggedaboutit. I know better. And yet, these plant catalogs are technically correct in categorizing all of these plants as ‘hardy to Zone 8b’ because they WILL survive at the minimum An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by K. Harper temperatures of our zone. But clearly that information is insufficient in determining whether a given plant will work for us. Something has been missing from the equation and that missing element is heat. While it’s extremely useful to know the minimum temperature the plant can survive, it is equally, if not more important, to know the amount of heat the plant can withstand.

The Heat Zone Map. In recent years the American Horticultural Society (AHS) has realized that cold isn't the only factor in determining whether a plant will thrive in a given area and has therefore developed a map of the U.S. that shows the amount of heat each area typically receives annually. The effects of heat damage are less readily apparent than those of extreme cold, which will kill a plant instantly. To quote the AHS: “Heat damage can first appear in many different parts of the plant: Flower buds may wither, leaves may droop or become more attractive to insects, chlorophyll may disappear so that leaves appear white or brown, or roots may cease growing. Plant death from heat is slow and lingering. The plant may survive in a stunted or chlorotic state for several years. When desiccation reaches a high enough level, the enzymes that control growth are deactivated and the plant dies.” Which is why the euphoria you experience when you get that peony to survive for a year or two is destined to be short-lived and replaced with the sadness of watching the plant die a slow death. If a plant can’t tolerate the heat zone you live in, there is nothing you can do about it. So you call a Master Gardener for advice. Or you become a Master Gardener. Either way, as a graduate of the school of hard knocks, you begin to look for ways to turn things around because plants are expensive and gardening is hard work and, by golly, you want to increase your chances of success. The AHS has stepped up to the plate. Knowing that 86 degrees F is the point at which plants begin suffering physiological damage from heat, the ARS divided its Heat Map into 12 zones. These zones indicate the average number of days each year that a zone experiences "heat days"- i.e. temperatures over 86 degrees. Zone 1 has less than one heat day and Zone 12 has more than 210 heat days. Again, quoting the AHS, here is how they went about compiling the necessary data: “The data used to create the map were obtained from the archives of the National Climatic Data Center.

From these archives, Meteorological Evaluation Services Co., Inc., in Amityville, New York-which was also involved in the creation of the Hardiness Map-compiled and analyzed National Weather Service (NWS) daily high temperatures recorded between 1974 and 1995. Within the contiguous 48 states, only NWS stations that recorded maximum daily temperatures for at least 12 years were included. (Due to the amount of missing data in Alaska and Hawaii, the 12-year requirement was reduced to seven years at several stations.) Because they were too difficult to map, data from weather stations at or near mountain peaks in sparsely populated areas were not incorporated. A total of 7,831 weather stations were processed; 4,745 were used in plotting the map.” See http://www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/gardeningmaps . The AHS site also includes the Sunset Climate Zones system which, if used by a grower, will indicate whether a given plant can survive year-round in your zone. Our Sunset Zone is 28 and is partly described as: “winters virtually frostless but subject to periodic invasions by frigid arctic air.” Yahhh, buddy!

We know all about that…

The Heat Zone Map is a big step in the right direction and hopefully those who raise and sell plants and seeds will begin to make use of it. Ideally, every plant or seed packet would include information about not only the plant’s cold hardiness but its response to heat as well. According to the AHS, “Thousands of garden plants have now been coded for heat tolerance, with 4

June, 2016

GROW

cont’d.

more to come in the near future.

You will see the heat zone designations joining hardiness zone designations in garden centers, references books, and catalogs. On each plant, there will be four numbers. For example, a tulip may be 3-8, 8-1.

If you live in USDA Zone 7 and AHS Zone 7, you will know that you can leave tulips outdoors in your garden year-round. An English wallflower may be 5-8, 6 -1. It is relatively cold hardy, but can't tolerate extreme summer heat.” I am sure we will all agree, this would be extremely useful information to have about any plant.

The AHS is a little stingy with its map, giving only a small and mostly illegible (even with my eagle eyes) national version. They want to sell you the map, and they offer a nice, laminated poster-size version that is probably well worth the $10 if you have a need to know the heat zones of the entire country: To purchase a map you can order it at their site, or call (800) 7777931 ext. 118. However, this is why you have me. If there’s a free source of information, I’ll find it and here is the AHS Heat Map in useable form: http://www.gardeningplaces.com/ heatzonemap/. Click on any state for a close-up view complete with county lines. They’ve thoughtfully divided Florida into panhandle and peninsula: http://www.gardeningplaces.com/ heatzonemap/florida-panhandle.jpg Now all you have to do is look at the color key, and here it is: http:// www.gardeningplaces.com/heatzonemap/zones1.jpg. And you can see that-quel surprise!- It’s hotter in Crestview than it is in Shalimar. Well, not really a surprise for those of us who live here and know that the Gulf breezes do moderate the summer heat somewhat. Anyway, we can see that most of Okaloosa County is in Heat Zone 9, which means you can expect between 120-150 days per year above 86 F. Those of us in the coastal part of the county are in Heat Zone 8 and will sweat through 90-120 days above 86 degrees annually.

There are some very important considerations to keep in mind when using the Heat Zone ratings. First, and most importantly, the Heat Zone ratings always assume that adequate water is supplied to the roots of the plant at all times. The accuracy of the rating can be distorted by a lack of water, even for a brief period in the life of the plant. Although some plants are naturally more drought tolerant than others, the ratings are assigned on the assumption that you are growing your plants in a protected, artificial environment where stresses are different than in nature. And of course, there are other factors that cause stress to plants and can affect the accuracy of the heat ratings. Some of these can be controlled or at least affected and some of them are facts of life that we have to learn to live with. Among these factors are: Plant location. Obviously, light is essential to plants but it’s also true that light means heat, so it’s necessary to know if the plant should be in full sun, a lot of shade or *some* shade.

During our brutal Florida summers, almost all plants will benefit from at least partial shade during the hottest parts of the day, even those that are described as needing full sun. I don’t think the folks who recommend full sun have ever lived through July and August in Florida! Also “micro-climates” can occur in protected areas that may shield plants from cold and rain.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

Consider the surroundings. If your yard is woodsy, transpiration from trees and shrubs will help cool the air around your plants. Try to remember that benefit while you’re cleaning up after all those messy trees!! If you have lots of structures, the materials from these (be they wood, concrete, brick, etc.) will radiate heat and raise the immediate air temperature.

The amount of care you provide to your plants. Are you REALLY a good, attentive gardener or are you the ‘live and let live (or maybe not…’) type?” This can affect a plant’s ability to survive in less than ideal conditions. Soil pH and nutrients will obviously have a major effect on plants and those are things that you can influence positively. People are always telling me that I can grow anything and my response to that is “with enough time and money, you can too.”

Aeration and drainage. Adequate space between plants and the correct amount of water are important for good aeration.

Plants can literally suffocate or drown in poor drainage situations.

Wind: A welcome pleasant breeze becomes a problem when there’s too much of a good thing. Constant wind on a hot day will suck the moisture out of plants, causing them to dehydrate.

Humidity: My wish list for those who research and provide plant ratings would be to include a Humidity Rating just for Florida. Of course it is one of those factors we can’t really control and while humidity in general is a good thing for plants, I think we can all agree that we have a bit too much of a good thing here when it comes to our summertime humidity levels. Among the many drawbacks of really excessive humidity are: it encourages mold and bacterial diseases as well as insect pests; if soil humidity exceeds a plant’s tolerance limit, root activity slows or shut down and root rot can begin quickly and when root activity slows or ceases, plant growth process slows too; in excessive humidity, plant transpiration and carbon dioxide transfer are reduced and the leaf stomata close. All of this contributes to making it more difficult for a plant to move food materials and nutrients as needed.

For now, while the plant hardiness and heat ratings systems are not perfect, in my opinion that does not diminish their value. As the purchaser of a plant, if the producer and rater of the plant will tell me accurately how much cold and heat the plant can take, I will accept the responsibility for caring for it properly. I’ll also accept that plants will vary in their ability to withstand heat, even among individual plants of the same species and that atypical seasons will occur. And that we have hellacious humidity here! At this time, if the plant you purchase only has one zone label, you can assume is the USDA Hardiness Zone. In the near future, we will begin seeing expanded use of the AHS Heat Zones and you’ll see both ratings on the label. This will be a very positive step towards helping us and those we assist to make wise choices in plant and seed purchases.

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June, 2016

JUNE CHORES

by staff

Annuals/Perennials: Vinca, portulaca and celosia are some annuals that can handle the hot summer months. Consider the multitude of salvias for bright color.

Continue to monitor your lawn and landscape for pests and other problems. Monitor rainfall and watch out for drought stress.

Helpful Links

Palms/cycads: This is a perfect time to plant palms. Watch for nutrient deficiencies and environmental problems. Keep lawn fertilizers away from the root zone.

Gardening with Annuals in Florida Gardening with Perennials in Florida Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide Herbs in the Florida Garden Palms for North Florida Transplanting Palms in the Landscape Physiological Disorders of Landscape Palms

Vegetable Gardening: Southern pea, lima bean, sweet potato and okra are the vegetables that you can plant now.

Lawn: Yellow and brown patches can be cause by chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. If you have areas where grass just won’t grow, try a versatile ground cover instead.

Questions? Not sure if you are dealing with a pest or something else? Contact our Master Gardener Help Desk for assistance when necessary, 850-689-5850 (Crestview) or 850-651-7476 (Fort Walton Beach).

Herbs: Basil, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary love the heat.

Shrubs/Trees: Hibiscus, oleander, and crape myrtle will all benefit from a light pruning now. There is still time to prune azaleas this month without damaging next year’s flowers.

WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS

staff

June brings the first days of summer and some great wildlife activity. Here are some things to be on the look out for:

Mammals: -Red bats and Seminole bats give birth.

Reptiles: -Height of Gopher tortoise breeding season.

Birds: -It’s breeding season for laughing gulls, least terns, oystercatchers, and black skimmers. They nest on spoil islands, undisturbed beaches, and even rooftops when their preferred habitat is unavailable.

-Mockingbirds are protecting their nesting sites and may be aggressive to pedestrians who wander too close.

Fish: -Snook begin moving into inlets and passes.

Cicadas emerge and begin making their classic summer sound. If you’re traveling along the East Coast, 17-Year cicadas will be emerging.

Lizard’s Tail. Photo courtesy of R. Hastings

J. Sweda, W. Buckellew, and L. Chambers at the Emerald Coast Science Center

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

ON THE TRAIL

(MAY)

The newest addition to the trail was planted in early May. It is considered to be an unusual native and is sometimes referred to as a "living fossil." The Florida Coontie is related to other cycads namely the King and Queen Sagos and the Cardboard Palm. Like the Sago, it is a primitive plant that was a dominant plant form during the time of the dinosaur.

Botanists have very different opinions as to the proper name of the Florida Coontie. All agree that it is a Zamia but its botanical name causes disagreement. Some claim there is only a single species the Zamia floridana. Others believe there are several species with different names. The nursery trade stays out of the argument and uses Zamia pumila. Before all of the name discussion the Seminoles had their own name for the plant; conti hateka. (white flour root) The underground stem, more properly called the caudex contains both a starch and a water soluble toxin (cycasin) It is unknown exactly when this poisonous stem became transformed into a valuable food source. There is evidence that the predecessors of the Seminoles, the Calusa and Timucua Native Americans passed on the knowledge. The stems were pounded into a pulp with hardwood pestles, taken to a nearby creek and

ON THE TRAIL

by B. Bayer saturated with water in a bark container. The pulp was washed in a straining cloth and drained into a deer hide. Once all the starch was removed the pulp was discarded and the starchy water was allowed to ferment. After several days the sediment was dried into a flour. The flour was then used to make Seminole bread.

In the 1800s the Seminole technique of removing the poison was learned by the early settlers in the Fort Lauderdale area. By mid-century the plants were being milled by the ton for their starch. One mill was processing as much as 18 tons daily for military purchase during WW1. The once abundant native plant was now decimated. A near final death blow came as the plant’s value was discovered by the nursery industry.

Making the plant a protected species that is prohibited from being harvested from the wild, saved it. Today, the Coontie is included in Florida's Commercially Exploited Plant List which further protects it from being collected in the wild.

(JUNE) Common sense dictates that when a large tree dies, it should be taken down. There are all kinds of scary stories of them falling on homes, cars, fences and other valuable assets. Any good insurance agent will tell you that they present a liability. In a residential or busy commercial area the non-removal could lead to a lawsuit, should it happen to fall. However, is there a time when a large dead oak or pine should be left

by B. Bayer planter. So why did we leave theses snags in place? These are potential high rise condominiums for cavity nesting birds. All through the wooded area surrounding the trail you can find remnants of trees that once housed many different species of birds. The fact that we were building a trail and compost area did not give us the right to deprive the birds of a possible home.

One morning during the Fall of 2015 while we were working in the compost area we heard the unmistakable tapping of a woodpecker. Just above us in the dead pine mentioned above was a male red breasted woodpecker. At the time the entire tree was still standing. Our first thoughts were he is searching for bugs or larvae, but his pecking continued and became more intense. In a short time the beginnings of an entry hole developed. A day or two later, we continued to hear the tapping but could no longer see him, he was inside the pine enlarging the cavity. Every so often, he would emerge and wildly fly around the area. We later learned the male makes the nest to impress the female. If she accepts she will help him finish and they will move in and raise their young. Unfortunately this never happened.

Just above where he had made the opening, the trunk broke .

The new apartment was abandoned before he ever found a wife.

Rumor has it he moved to a better neighborhood on standing? The answer is, Yes. the other side of the building where there are no At the start of the trail we have three large pine trees that are human to disturb him. He probably blames us for dead. If they should fall the only thing that may be destroyed are breaking the tree. Maybe, just maybe, some other other smaller trees or shrubs or possibility do damage to the cavity nester, this Spring, will find this home and compost bins. One of these trees broke off about 40 foot from move in to raise their young. Then all that hard the ground and dropped the remaining 20 feet on the edge of the work will not be wasted. compost area. The only damage done, was the breaking of a large An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

INFO GRAPHICS

by Staff

This is an excellent series of infographics that gives examples of what to plant instead of invasive species. The series covers trees, vines, shrubs and more! We have a copy at the Extension Office.

The Jokester

The Jokester

When people see a cat litter box they always say, “Oh, have you got a cat?” Just once I want to say, “No, it’s for company!”

Law of Gravity Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible place in the universe .

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

A CREEK RUNS THROUGH IT (MAY)

by D. Gordon

meadow of coreopsis and red clover are a picture of beauty.

Nature certainly knows how to put on a show.

The Mountain Laurel along the creek have been a thing of beauty. Many of the blossoms were destroyed by the heavy rain.

Other plants along Chestnut Creek are beginning to flower.

The flower garden for hummers and butterflies is showing promise of being a good year for flowers to draw lots of different organisms.

As the seasons progress bird activity will continue and the

Everything is turning green and rapidly showing a profusion of blooms. There are many different species of birds coming into the feeders. The Indigo Buntings are on time, with their migration, and are absolutely stunning with that beautiful blue color. A number of Purple Martins are flying around the houses and they will begin nesting soon. Ruby Throated Hummers have been enjoying the sugar water placed in the feeder. They have been coming to the feeder about one month. Various species of birds are very active and are looking for nesting locations. One of our bird houses has a family of flying squirrels. They are active at night. One of the Bluebird houses has hatchlings that are already been fed. Another house should have young fairly soon.

All of the rain has been good and bad. The rain certainly provides nourishment for the plants but it sure destroys the beautiful blossoms on the native azaleas and Mountain Laurel.

As you can see from the picture, the blooms are spectacular. The

flower garden will mature with beautiful color. Lots of changes are in store as the cooler weather gives way to warmer temperatures.

A CREEK RUNS THROUGH IT (JUNE)

by D. Gordon

A much needed rain has finally occurred at the farm and has given life to the grass and plants. The grass was really beginning to show a lot of stress since there is no watering system. It is amazing that the centipede grass has been in the field for approximately 75 years without any loving care. It will sometimes look as if it has almost died but will return with a good rain. Our field of coreopsis was beginning to fade and we had it mowed.

Thousands of coreopsis seed and clover will be spread over the entire field.

On the front porch, there is an old basket which once housed a family of wrens. The fledglings have been carefully flying around the porch. Five bluebird houses have produced families and are preparing to raise a second generation of babies. The first generation will assist with the feeding of the newborn. Also, the Purple Martins are incubating their eggs and in several weeks should be feeding the young ones. Other species of birds will begin to bring their offspring to our feeders.

The hummers are continuously coming in for the sugar water.

I saw four different hummers coming and going to the feeder.

They will continue to be in the area until October. south of New Orleans. An article about its survival came to my attention from Southern Living. The beautiful clematis, Etoile As you can see from the picture, the Peggy Martin rose has Violeete, has been absolutely beautiful. After blooming, I have been in full bloom. This rose survived from Hurricane Katrina cut it back and received a second flush of blooms.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

CREEK

cont’d.

The butterfly/ hummingbird garden is beginning to mature and will soon have a variety of blooms for various organisms. The red trumpet honeysuckle is a favorite of the humming birds. It is fun to watch the young bluebirds come into the bird bath and take a bath. If you have bird feeders, be sure to provide plenty of water.

Chestnut Creek has been running low because of a lack of water. It never runs dry since it has a number of springs that feed it. The Sourwood trees along the banks will be blooming in a couple of weeks. There is always a lot of animal activity around the creek since it is a source of water.

In the coming weeks, many plants will begin to produce a show of blossoms. The summer heat and humidity will take its toil unless lots of water is provided. Remember, enjoy your plants.

TRANSPLANT

by W. Buckellew

This is a Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora). They grow out of limestone rocks in the Texas Hill Country, but just like Bluebonnets, practically nowhere else. Every spring, they adorn the barren hillsides with beautiful violet blossoms. It is the second one we have tried to grow. We killed the first with kindness (water, fertilizer, etc.) after one year. We’ve grown this one for over three years now. The secret is to leave it alone… don’t even breathe on it. It only wants the right soil (pH well over 7, so you give it a little lime once in a while). It bloomed this year, and the really neat thing is that the blossoms smell like grape soda pop. It is making seeds (they’re poison), and I’ll give them to anyone willing to try to grow one this fall when they’re ready to harvest. (For more information, go to “Texas Mountain Laurel A&M” on your search engine to get the Texas Extension Service’s article.)

The Jokester Law of Physical Surfaces The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

NURSERY NOTES

by L. Vanderpool

Plant propagation activities continue at the nursery. We have good stock and a diverse selection for your delight.

We have received our last tray of salvia seedlings, Salvia 'Heatwave Brilliance', and they have been potted to be ready for sale at the June meeting. This salvia should rival the Salvia 'Indigo Spires' and Salvia 'Radio Red' in showiness and we look forward to the first blooms.

volunteered to take turns going to the nursery and watering to keep the operation going. Hopefully, this activity can be terminated in the very near future. Ed. Note: The pavers are done! Many thanks to all those who watered and worked in not so ideal conditions!

Another showy acquisition of the nursery this year is Tithonia diversifolia, Mexican sunflower. We got the mother plants from a commercial nursery in Pensacola and have rooted 25 cuttings.

The cuttings are presently in the nursery and will be offered to Master Gardeners at the June meeting. This plant becomes large and requires a lot of space but is spectacular when in bloom. The original plant in Pensacola has been in the ground for several years and dies to the ground every winter but returns each spring and begins blooming in late summer. If you have the room, we think this is going to be the highlight of your summer and fall garden. (Beekeepers delight!)

Tithonia diversifolia. Photo courtesy of L. Vanderpool

Since all of our plants were moved to the parking lot of the annex to expedite the paver installation project, they must be watered each day by "hose dragging". Nursery committee members have

Face it, tomato cages aren’t the most gorgeous items in our gardens. But you can also use them for other things besides tomatoes. Turned upside down, they create wonderful guides for other plants. Still not happy with the looks? Do what A. Ogle did, create garden art! Left is Boone’s Farm, Right is Orchard, and below is Nautical.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

GARDENER HOLIDAYS June 14th - Flag Day June 19th - Father’s Day June 20th - First Day of Summer Monthly Observances Georgia Blueberry Month Dairy Month Perennial Gardening Month National Fruit and Veggies Month National Ice Tea Month National Rose Month Sorghum Month

Weekly Observances National Sun Safety Week - 5th - 11th Carpenter Ant Awareness Week - 19th 25th Watermelon Seed Spitting Week - 23rd 26th National Mosquito Control Awareness Week - 26th - 7/2

Daily Observances National Olive Day 1st Iced Tea Day 10th Corn on the Cob Day 11th Pink Flamingo Day 23rd

S. Olsen C. Reuter M. Stewart S. Taylor F. Todd

Happy Birthday and Happy Belated Birthday to: M. Donavin V. Dougherty L. Fabian E. Farrell F. Frederick D. Gordon D. Green H. Jennings S. Licht J. Michetti J. Montgomery

The Jokester Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and useless junk in our garage?

CONGRATULATIONS

courtesy of A. Ogle

Congratulations to our newest Master Gardeners. These folks completed extensive classroom and hands-on training over a period of months. Science based research from the University of Florida helped provide the basis for practical experience with plants, weeds, soil preparation, insects, irrigation, and propagation just to name a few of the topics covered. Best Management practices for landscape maintenance of lawns, annuals and perennials, as well as preparing and analyzing soil samples were featured.

Comprehensive activities included community outreach programs to educate both youth and adults.

Pictured from left to right: V. Dougherty, D. Edmiston, Larry Williams, Okaloosa County Extension Agent, A. Bower, V. Graham, and L. Timothy.

The Jokester If a turtle loses his shell‌

Congratulations again on a job well done. You are and will be assets to the organization, community and Extension.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

Is he naked or homeless?

12

June, 2016

TALLAHASSEE MUSINGS

by D. Stever

I recently spent a long weekend in Tallahassee. While there the Queen and I took in the Tallahassee Museum located south of town. This is a living museum with an operating demonstration farm of early Florida farm living, including livestock, fruit trees, garden plot and numerous buildings for storage. The garden area was nicely ordered with lettuce and greens growing. It was extremely interesting to view the setting for early life in our area although you were very aware of how difficult it must have been for everyone.

The museum also contains animals that are indigenous to our state as well. The one that caught my attention was the Red Wolf (Canis rufus). They are located in a large open area for observation and I spent a considerable amount of time noticing how very much like our furry house pets their actions and especially their eyes were. It piqued my interest and I began to read the information provided at the site. As I read the history and fate of this animal I realized what I was actually looking at and it made me extremely sad. Having never personally experienced the words other than in reading articles the information sign read “considered biologically extinct in the wilds of Florida”. For me that word extinct is pretty final and rather difficult to digest. The Dodo and Passenger pigeons are extinct, but that was a long time ago and we are better stewards of what we have right?

The Red Wolf was reintroduced by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1987 into eastern North Carolina.

The Red Wolf is now common within the reintroduction area. As a result of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan, and its participating organizations, it is estimated that 110 red wolves are surviving and thriving in the wild, roaming their native habitat of North Carolina.

Introductions in Tennessee however were not successful and have been discontinued leaving only the Carolina group as some sign of success.

I do not like to get on the soap box but I know for me that this experience will make me pause and appreciate maybe a little more the things that I am responsible for in this wonderful world of nature.

If you are in the capital city for a visit I would highly recommend that you put the museum on your to do list.

More Information: http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/ http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/3747/0 http://tallahasseemuseum.org/ redwolf/ http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/ links.html

Turns out that the museum is part of a National program ran by the Federal Fish and Wildlife service. The Red Wolf SSP (Species Survival Plan) consists of a collection of Zoos and nature centers around the United States that are committed to the conservation of red wolves. SSP facilities are essential to the long-term diversity and stability of the red wolves.

Are you going on a trip this summer? Keep The Compost Pile in mind! Take those pictures and share some of your adventures!

Originally distributed throughout the Southeastern United States, the red wolf was nearly driven to extinction by the mid-1900s due to aggressive predator control programs, habitat destruction and extensive hybridization with coyotes.

By the late 1960s, it occurred in small numbers in the Gulf Coast of western Louisiana and eastern Texas. Fourteen of these survivors were chosen to become the founders of a captive breeding population, which was established in the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium between 1974 and 1980. The red wolf was declared “Extinct in the Wild” in 1980 in order to proceed with restoration efforts.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

UPDATED PUBLICATIONS Guide to Olive Tree Nutrition in Florida - 6-page fact sheet that uses many of the existing recommendations for mature, highdensity, and traditional grove spacing as guidelines until data specific to Florida production is generated. It discusses leaf tissue sampling procedures, leaf tissue sufficiency ranges, nitrogen fertility, phosphorus and potassium fertility, boron, concerns for olive production in Florida, and other resources for olive production in the state.

AG405 Florida Flower Thrips - 2-page illustrated identification guide.

IN1125 Zika Vector Control - 7-page fact sheet provides an overview of ZIKV, including its incidence and distribution, transmission and symptoms, and the connection between zika virus and infant microcephaly. Also explains the biology and identification of the mosquito that vectors the virus with a focus on how to manage the vector using inspection, larviciding, adulticiding, monitoring, and personal protective equipment.

IN1131 Spiderwort Control - 2-page fact sheet provides a brief overview of the plant as well as information on control through herbicide use.

AG407 Chili Thrips - 2-page illustrated identification guide.

staff IN1124 Potential Herbicide Damage to Ornamentals - 4-page fact sheet describes the potential problems with metsulfuron herbicides, the areas most susceptible to damage, how to diagnose injury, and how to reduce damage.

FR400 Pond Apple - 3-page fact sheet introduces a salt-tolerant species, pond apple (Annona glabraL.), which has great potential to be used in high-salinity coastal landscapes.

HS1281 Temporary Food Plot Deterrents for Deer - Face sheet presents the results of research conducted at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy into the effectiveness of various strategies hunters and landowners can use to temporarily limit access to new food plots until the plants are well established and strong enough to attract and sustain hungry deer through the winter.

UW410 Citrus Greening ID Sheet - Two-page illustrated identification sheet for Citrus Greening that includes a comparison chart for Citrus Greening, Blight and Tristeza.

PP263

BOOK REVIEW Did you know that there are several beverages made from the agave plant? What about the difference between cider and apple jack? Well, The Drunken Botanist covers all that and much more. The following comes from this book’s Amazon description and sums it up as well as any I’ve seen.

‘Sake began with a grain of rice. Scotch emerged from barley, tequila from agave, rum from sugarcane, bourbon from corn.

Thirsty yet? In The Drunken Botanist, Amy Stewart explores the dizzying array of herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that humans have, through ingenuity, inspiration, and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol over the centuries.

Of all the extraordinary and obscure plants that have been fermented and distilled, a few are dangerous, some are downright bizarre, and one is as ancient as dinosaurs--but each represents a unique cultural contribution to our global drinking traditions and our history.

by M. Stewart Even if you aren’t into stocking up your home bar with goodies from the garden, I think you’ll find this book to be a good one for a lazy summer day with a nice, tall, cool glass of something at your elbow.

The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World’s Great Drinks by Amy Stewart

ISBN-13: This fascinating concoction of biology, chemistry, history, 978-1616200466 etymology, and mixology--with more than fifty drink recipes and growing tips for gardeners--will make you the most popular 400 pages guest at any cocktail party.’

Yes there are recipes in this book. Some of which I think I might just try. Others are definitely NOT for the faint of heart. It’s a good read with a lot of interesting tidbits. For example, the worm in some tequila? It’s a marketing ploy and most of the tequila manufacturers want it banned.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE JUST PLAIN UGLY

by V. Graham

What is an aphid? It is just about a nursery’s or greenhouse owner’s worst nightmare.

Aphids, here in the south, are anholocyclic. This means that the male aphid is completely absent in the reproductive cycle and the female gives birth to new female aphids independently. This can be a large problem because their populations can multiply in a very short period of time. In areas where conditions are right, mainly areas that stay moist and warm i.e. our climate or a greenhouse, these little buggers can replicate themselves in as little as a week.

Aphids cause destruction on plants and do not seem to have a preference between cultivars or in many cases even host family. They suck the juices out of young foliage when it is tender and green and in most cases are not seen alone. They bring along their dreaded friends, more than one species of aphid is usually present in any given infestation. There are many species of aphids found in Florida but the most common are the Citrus and Crapemrytle Aphids. These two species have some differences but share the one distinctive characteristic of all aphids. Aphids are identified mainly by the two spikes, known as the Cornicles, which stick out of their rear abdominal area. These are, in most cases, easily seen with a hand lens but in some cases can be observed without.

The Crapemrytle Aphid is a large problem for the Florida panhandle. One of the most popular trees planted in our area is the Crape Myrtle, the main host for this aphid. This aphid feeds on the new flush of this tree mainly in the springtime when conditions are favorable. It only causes cosmetic damage and has not been found to introduce disease. It does however create another cosmetic problem known as Black Sooty Mold. The aphid feeds on the sugars from the leaves and utilizes what it needs. Its body then excretes what sugars it does not expend as honeydew. The mold then comes in to feed on this excretion thus causing a very unsightly mess.

The Brown Citrus Aphid can cause massive damage on citrus trees independently but also carries citrus tristeza closterovirus or CTV which can wipeout citrus groves. These little critters are difficult to distinguish from the five other species of aphids that also infest Florida citrus.

The nymph stage is dark reddish brown and it has an adult wingless stage that is shiny black.

The adult winged form is however, easily identifiable. It has a black antennal segment, unique to its kind. Other species of aphid that can be found on citrus trees include; black aphid, cotton or melon aphid, spirea aphid, and cowpea aphid. All of these species are affected by the same treatments barring any resistance that may have been developed due to overuse or misuse of any given pesticide.

Now the number one question of the day is… how do we fight this battle? The best control mechanism for aphids is their natural enemies or predator insects that keep them in check.

Lady beetles, lace wings, and flower fly larvae, just to name a few, all feed on aphids. These beneficial insects can keep infestations at bay but their populations can also be affected by the use of heavy chemicals. Insecticidal soaps and systemic treatments can help with large infestations but timing is critical and retreatment may be required.

Aphids, Ants and Caterpillars.

While some ants will manage herds of aphids, in the case of Myrmica ants and lycaenid butterflies is slightly different.

Niphanda fusca butterflies lay eggs on plants where ants herd aphids. The eggs hatch and the caterpillars feed on the aphids.

The ants don’t attack the caterpillars due to the production of a pheromone that make the ants think the caterpillars are really ants. The caterpillars are then carried to the ants’ nest where they are fed and in turn produce honeydew for the ants. When mature, the caterpillars crawl to the entrance of the colony, form cocoons and then emerge. Ants will attack the butterfly but the butterfly has a sticky wool-like substance on their wings that disable the ants’ jaws.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

15

June, 2016

NATURE TRAIL SEMINAR

staff

Our own B. Bayer provided a wonderful seminar on our Native Plant Trail. Attendees were treated to a tour of the trail and it’s obvious that it was enjoyed by all. Photos courtesy of P. Garrett

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

16

June, 2016

RECIPE ROUND-UP

courtesy of V. Graham

Salsa Stewed Beef and Rice from: Great Food Fast Cookbook by Bob Warden Ingredients 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 red onion, diced 1 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed well 2 cups water 1 16 oz. can salsa 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup frozen corn 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup shredded cheese Corn tostada or tortillas (optional) Directions: 1.

Add ground beef, onion, chili powder, and salt to either a pan or pressure cooker on the “brown” setting and cook until beef is no longer pink.

2.

Transfer mixture to a slow cooker or leave in pressure cooker, then add water, rice, and salsa. Secure lid on pressure cooker and cook for 8 minutes on HIGH or slow cook for 6 to 8 hours on LOW.

3.

If using a pressure cooker, perform a quick release of pressure. Stir in black beans, corn, and cilantro. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on “brown” setting until everything is warmed through.

4.

If using a slow cooker, stir in black beans, corn, and cilantro 1 to 2 hours prior to timer completion.

5.

Serve warm on corn tortillas or corn tostada shells topped with shredded cheese.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice from: Great Food Fast by Bob Warden

powder, securely lock the cooker’s lid, and set on High for 5 minutes.

3.

Perform a quick release to release the cooker’s pressure.

4.

With cooker’s lid off, set to High or “Brown.” Whisk together flour and milk, add to the cooker, and simmer for 2 minutes.

5.

Stir in Cheddar cheese and broccoli florets, and let simmer for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and broccoli is warmed throughout. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Scotcheroos From: http://www.ricekrispies.com/recipes/chocolatescotcheroos Ingredients: 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup peanut butter 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal 1 package (6 oz. 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup butterscotch chips Directions: 1.

Place corn syrup and sugar into 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Add cereal. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray.

Set aside.

2.

Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Let stand until firm. Cut into 2 x 1-inch bars when cool.

Note: I put mine in the freezer for about 10 minutes, and then cut them.

Ingredients: 1 Tbs. vegetable oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 1 yellow onion 1 1/3 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth 3/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 1/2 Tbs. gluten-free flour 1/2 cup milk 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed Directions: (pressure cooker) 1.

With cooker’s lid off, heat oil on High or “Brown” until sizzling. Add chicken and onion, and sauté until chicken is lightly browned and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2.

Add rice, chicken stock or broth, salt, pepper, and garlic

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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June, 2016

M. Stewart —Editor S. Farrell , K. Harper, V. Graham 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 ’Tis the season. It’s the season for gnats. I hate gnats. They get in your face, buzz around your ears and generally delight in driving you insane. It’s even worse when they get in the house.

I’m dealing with gnats and I’m not being nice about it either.

Now when you’ve been told by your eye doctor that you have ’floaters’ you’re relived because you realize that you haven’t been seeing things all this time.

BUT, it really causes issues when you have gnats.

First phase: wondering if I saw a gnat or was it a floater? And I would stop what I was doing to wait for this phenomenon to recur. Nothing. So back to what I was doing and WHAM! It’s back!

Second phase: Okay, gnat confirmed.

Now where did the little bugger go? Once again, I would sit there until I got leg cramps but until I started doing something else that $%@# little blighter isn’t going to make an appearance.

Third phase: I now proceeded to the herkey jerk phase. See gnat out of the corner of my eye and try to smash him. We all know how effective that is. Yet, I tried.

Somewhere in my primitive brain parts I thought that being at the top of the food chain entitles me to being able to squash a bunch of gnats. Instead I’m left clapping like I’m at a Greek wedding reception and Happy Hubby wondering if I need to be medicated.

Fourth phase: I’m convinced that these gnats are being attracted to something in the house. I now check every cabinet, every box and every item I possibly can looking for their hideout. Batman had nothing on a secret lair compared to these flying ninjas!

Fifth phase: Eradication. These gnats are going down! This is war! I’m not going to go on a spraying rampage and after checking with the local authorities and finding out there is not such thing as justifiable arson, I’m left with researching gnat removal. If you want to spent an informative evening--Google that one.

So I know have several experiments currently being employed. The apple cider and soap seems to be attracting its fair share of flying demons. I’m not sure if they are meeting their demise or using it as a club hangout though.

Another suggestion was to pour left-over red wine into a jar. Really? Who ever has left-over wine?

One suggestion was to mash up bananas in a jar and cover the top with plastic wrap.

I am left to wonder how the gnats would get in there if it was covered. And my favorite “place rotten fruit in a jar to attract gnats.” Attract them? I’m trying to kill them off!

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by M. Stewart I’ll stick with the cider experiments for the time being thank you.

It would appear that the gnats have even beaten the Internet. Doesn’t surprise me.

Other than the gnat wars and a cat who has decided to be the ultimate in picky eaters...things have been relatively quiet here at the homestead.

Happy Hubby blessed me with a lawn mower for my birthday. (Yes, I asked for one) I managed to mow the lawn and not run into anything. Not only that, I also managed to get the weed whacking and edging done with only one oops. Okay, so the edge went a little off in a few places--no one driving by will ever see it.

You see, we’ve always had someone mow the lawn. Our last guy is just being plain inconsiderate by moving out of state this month. Pricing out the job revealed it was way more cost effective for us to resume the mowing duties.

I had forgotten how Zen-ful you can get when tooling along with the mower.

Zen-ful until you forget (a) it’s going to stop running when you hop off to grab a piece of debris that you don’t want to mow and (b) it’s going to stop running when you put it in reverse and the blades are going. I do wish that the safety people would get a grip and stop putting kill switches on everything.

And the edging/weed whacking wasn’t so bad even if I did have to put new line in the machine. Now that’s a FUN job…..NOT! That line looks so innocent in it’s packaging. Little did I know that it’s just coiled and waiting to strike some unsuspecting victim that unleashes it’s fury from the clamshell packaging. Okay, so maybe dropping said spool didn’t help matters much--but still…..

I even managed to fill up the gas tank on the mower. Will someone please tell me who invented the ‘safety’ gas cans? I would like to go find the guy and give him a good punch in the snoot. Little arrows and sleeves that tell you to push and pull and twist...just to get a thin stream of fuel to come out. This (according to the literature) is to prevent fume build up and accidental spills.

Ummmm, yeah….sure. Let’s just say that my ‘safety’ cans are now ‘fixed.’ I’ll take my chances with something I can use with one hand and not turn into a pretzel trying to turn, twist and slide all at the same time.

So here’s to Summer’s beginning. May our days be summery (without high humidity) and your gas cans be old enough they aren’t ‘safety’ cans!

Plentiful Plantings June, 2016