Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, David Goerig, Tim Malinich, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young.
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June 14, 2007
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This is the Eleventh 2007 edition of the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL).
BYGL is developed from a Tuesday morning conference call of Extension
agents, specialists and other contributors in Ohio.
BYGL is also made available on the Internet from the Ohio State University
Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) in Virtual Perspective website
(http://bygl.osu.edu). Additional fact sheet information on any of
these articles may be found through the OSU fact sheet database (http://plantfacts.osu.edu).
BYGL is a service of OSU Extension and is aided by major support
from the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA), with additional
funding from the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA) to the OSU Extension Nursery Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT).
Participants in the June 12, 2007 conference included: Pam Bennett and Carolyn Allen (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic); Joe Boggs (OSU Extension Center at Piketon/Hamilton-Clermont); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Gary Gao (Delaware); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Michael Loos (Cuyahoga); Becky McCann (ABE Center; Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Curtis Young (Allen) and Randy Zondag (Lake)..
Additional factsheet information on any of these articles may be found
through the OSU Factsheet Database (http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/)
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WEATHER WATCH
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The following weather information has been summarized from data collected from June 1-13, 2007. BYGLers have selected six locations to highlight different regions of the state to be included each week as seen in the table below. Additionally, there are weather station sites in Avon (Lorain County), Madison (Lake County), Perry (Lake County), at the Muck Crops Research Station (Huron County), at the North Central Research Station (Sandusky County), and at the Western Research Station (Clark County). The weather data collected from all the sites can be seen at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/newweather/ .
| Weather Station |
Region of Ohio |
Ave. High Temp F |
Ave. Low Temp F |
Total Precip " |
Normal Precip " |
| Ashtabula |
NE |
76.8 |
52.3 |
NA |
2.2" |
| Wooster |
NE |
79.2 |
54.8 |
1.52" |
1.7" |
| Hoytville |
NW |
81.7 |
56.8 |
1.02" |
1.7" |
| Delaware |
Central |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
| Piketon |
South |
83.2 |
57.1 |
0.01" |
1.4" |
| Jackson |
South |
82.7 |
55.7 |
2.35" |
1.6" |
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HORT SHORTS
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GDD (GROWING DEGREE DAYS)
GDD is a measure of the daily maximum and minimum temperature and directly relates to growth and development of plants and insects. The GDD of any zip code location in Ohio is estimated using the GDD of ten OARDC weather stations and available on the web at the site below.
The range of GDD accumulations in Ohio from north to south is 733 to 1,189. Following is a report of GDD for several locations around Ohio as of June 13, 2007: Painesville, 733; Cleveland, 795; Toledo, 893; Canfield, 830; Lima, 844; Wooster, 884; Coshocton, 796; Columbus, 865; Springfield, 1,023; Dayton, 1,058; Cincinnati, 1,116; Ironton, 1,157; Portsmouth, 1,161; Piketon, 1,189; Marietta, 1,112; and Jackson, 1,153.
To put these GDD accumulations into perspective, the following is an abbreviated listing of plant and insect species with their respective phenological event and average GDD accumulations at which these events occur. Due to variations in weather, temperature, humidity, etc., these events may occur a few days earlier or later than predicted by the average GDD. By looking at a city, town, or village near you from the above list, or visiting the above web site, you can see what could be taking place in the landscape around you.
Washington hawthorn, full bloom, 731; calico scale, egg hatch, 748; greater peach tree borer, adult emergence, 775; rhododendron borer, adult emergence, 815; northern catalpa, full bloom, 816; mountain laurel, full bloom, 822; dogwood borer, adult emergence, 830; oakleaf hydrangea, first bloom, 835; cottony maple scale, egg hatch, 851; panicle hydrangea, first bloom, 856; fall webworm, egg hatch (first generation), 867; mimosa webworm, egg hatch (first generation), 874; fuzzy deutzia, full bloom, 884; winged euonymus scale, egg hatch, 892; spruce budscale, egg hatch, 894; winterberry holly, full bloom, 897; panicled goldenraintree, first bloom, 924; June bride littleleaf linden, first bloom, 953; azalea bark scale, egg hatch, 957; Japanese beetle, adult emergence, 970; rosebay rhododendron, first bloom, 1010; greenspire littleleaf linden, full bloom, 1047; southern catalpa, full bloom, 1073; June bride littleleaf linden, full bloom, 1115; bottlebrush buckeye first bloom, 1158; panicled goldenraintree, full bloom, 1251; rose-of-Sharon, first bloom, 1347; and pine needle scale egg hatch, 1349.
Take some time to go to the GDD website at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/ and see what it offers because it is more than just current GDDs. New additions to the Summary of Phenological Events chart include links to factsheets, bulletins and images related to most of the plants and pests highlighted on the web page. The information covered by these materials includes diseases, pests and research.
 
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PLANTS OF THE WEEK
Read all about perennials and landscape trees and shrubs in the ONLA publications "Perennial Plants for Ohio" and "Landscape Plants for Ohio." The descriptions and photographs of plants were provided for these publications by the OSU ENLT Team along with other industry plant lovers. These full-color publications are available at http://Buckeyegardening.com for $5.00. Click on "garden store" and then "ONLA plant guides." ONLA members can purchase these in quantities at a reduced price at http://onla.org .
*PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK. ASTILBE (Astilbe spp.) - These plants are excellent for shady, filtered shade, or early morning sun and afternoon shade sites. There are numerous cultivars that are used in the perennial garden. They require consistently moist soil rich in organic matter for the most part; however, some of the newer cultivars tend to tolerate poorer soil conditions. They do not like, however, for the soil to dry out completely. Astilbes come in many colors, including pinks, peaches, reds, purples, and whites.
A. arendsi cultivars include 'Bridal Veil' (off-white blooms on 30" tall plants), 'Deutschland' (white flowers on 18-24" plants), 'Fanal' (rosy-pink to blood-red blooms on 18-24" plants), and 'Peach Blossom' (salmon-pink blooms on 18" plants).
A. chinensis 'Visions' is a newer cultivar that is more sun tolerant than others. It has blue-green foliage, bears raspberry-colored blooms and gets to around 15" tall.
A. simplicifolia 'Sprite' has shell-pink to rosy flowers on a 12-16" tall plant. The foliage is deep green with bronze tints. Flower clusters age well and make an interesting feature in the garden.
*WOODY ORNAMENTAL OF THE WEEK. EUROPEAN BEECH (Fagus sylvatica) European beeches are most likely too big for many home landscapes; however, consider many of the excellent weeping, variegated or fastigiated cultivars for a very different specimen planting. For instance, 'Purpurea Tricolor' is absolutely stunning right now with the new growth appearing with the pinkish-purple edge alongside creamy white foliage. The center of the leaf is a greenish cast. 'Asplenifolia' is a small tree that grows around 20-30'; tall and has glossy green, fern-like, cut-leaved foliage. 'Purpurea' is an upright form that gets to around 60' tall and has dark purple spring foliage that turns coppery-red in the fall. 'Purple Fountain' is a narrow upright tree with branches that weep downward and 'Rohanii' has purplish-brown foliage with wavy leaf margins. Finishing out the list is 'Pendula' with its weeping habit.
*ANNUAL OF THE WEEK. LANTANA (Lantana spp.) - Lantana is valued for its long season of reliable bloom. Many cultivars display multiple colors within each two inch wide disc shaped flower head. Lantana adds color and form to annual beds and container plantings throughout the summer and comes in a wide variety of sizes, from 5 - 6 foot upright clumps to 12 inch high weeping plants that spread to 4 feet. This plant is becoming ever more popular and has done extremely well in the Cincinnati Zoo Annual Plant Trials. The weeping forms are wonderful for trailing over the edges of planters and walls. They are generally low maintenance, growing vigorously in full sun. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and require little fertilizer. A light fertilization in spring will usually be sufficient. They do well in most soil types, as long as they are slightly acid. If plants outgrow their assigned space, they tolerate trimming back well during the growing season.
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THE WEEKLY WEED
Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant hogweed is our weed of the week. This true biennial plant's flower is a white, compound umbel that can reach up to 5' in diameter and is starting to bloom now in east central Ohio. It sits atop a purple-mottled stem measuring up to 4" in diameter can reach heights up to 15'; tall. As reported in previous BYGL's, giant hogweed is on the state and federal noxious weed list which make it illegal to sell, propagate or transport. If you would like to get rid of hogweed on the property you manage, contact your local extension office for control strategies. Caution should be taken when cutting into this plant as the plant sap is toxic and can cause severe burns on the skin. The Giant Hogweed fact sheet is now available on Ohioline at:
http://ohioline.osu.edu/anr-fact/hogweed.html and http://ohioline.osu.edu/anr-fact/pdf/hogweed.pdf .
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BUG BYTES
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FLAKING PROJECT TO TAKE FLIGHT
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will target areas in Gallia, Meigs, Jackson, Pike, Ross, Greene, Clark, Hardin, Allen, and Putnam counties for GYPSY MOTH treatments designed to slow the spread of this destructive insect by disrupting its mating beginning on June 18. Over 150,000 acres will be part of this year's flaking project here in Ohio. Maps of treatment blocks can be viewed at http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/gypsymoth/ .
Treatments, which are not harmful to humans, will involve the use of low-flying aircraft that will release small amounts of pheromone flakes used for mating distribution. Treatments will occur during daylight hours, typically in the early morning to late afternoon. Depending on weather conditions, the project will run from June 18-26. Pre-recorded updates on treatment blocks will be available to citizens by calling ODA at 614-387-0907 after 6 p.m.
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PROPOSED RELEASE OF THREE PARASITOIDS FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF EAB
United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Forest Service (FS) are proposing the release of 3 parasitoids for the purpose of reducing EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) populations. These parasitoids are known to attack EAB consistently in its native range in China.
The biological agents include the following: a larval ecstoparasitoid, Spathius agrili (Hymenoptera: Braconidae (Yang et al., 2005); an egg parasitoid, Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) (Zhang et al., 2005); and a larval endoparasitoid, Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (Liu et al., 2003; Yang et al., 2006). The initial release of these parasitoids are planned for the summer of 2007 in Michigan.
Entomologists, Leah Bauer, USFS and Juli Gould, APHIS, have spent nearly 5 years doing research on EAB and the parasitoids. These parasitoids are all very small, each attacking EAB in their own way laying eggs in or on the EAB larvae or eggs depending upon the parasitoids species.
For additional information concerning the EAB Environmental Assessment go to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main and select Search for: All Documents, Agency: Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, and Keyword/ID: APHIS-2007-0060, and Submit. The public comment period is available through June 22, 2007. For further information on these biological control organisms, contact: Dr. Juli Gould, Entomologist, Otis Pest Survey, Detection, and Exclusion Laboratory, PPQ, APHIS, Building 1398, Otis ANGB, MA 02542-5008; (508) 563-9303 ext. 220.
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FALL WEBWORM?
Participants at this week's Cincinnati BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About observed small nests of first generation fall webworms (Hyphantria cunea) on redbud. Despite its common name, the nests constructed by the first generation of this moth typically appear in southern Ohio in early to mid-June. However, these first generation nests are seldom as numerous or as large in size as those produced by the second generation. The nests of the second generation caterpillars usually reach their maximum size in the fall, thus the common name.
Fall webworms only feed on leaves that are enveloped by their silk nest. As caterpillars grow in size, they expand their nest by casting silk over more leaves to accommodate their expanding appetites. Although the webworms will feed on almost any shade, ornamental, and fruit tree, except conifers, the first generation seldom produces appreciable defoliation. However, it is recommended that the current nests be destroyed since first generation moths tend to lay eggs on or near the nests from which they developed. This egg laying behavior is one reason second generation nests are larger in size and much more obvious.
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THE WEEKLY BAGWORM BRIEF
Since reporting in BYGL 2007-08 (05-24-07) that overwintered bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) eggs had hatched in southwest Ohio, BYGLers have kept a BYGL-eye on these cryptic defoliators. This week, the group discussed differences between 1st and 2nd instar caterpillar bags, the extended hatch of bagworm eggs, and the occurrence of bagworms in the northern part of the state.
First, the difference between 1st and 2nd instar bags. The 1st instar bagworm caterpillars carry their bags held upward. They have been accurately described by Dave Shetlar as looking like tiny dunce caps. Also, major portions of the 1st instar bags are constructed of tiny sawdust-like frass stuck to the outside of the silk. The 2nd instar bagworm caterpillars, as well as all the succeeding instars, carry their bags held downward like pine cones. From the second instar stage onward, the bags are constructed with plant debris woven into the bag's silk.
Second, Joe Boggs reported that although bagworms have been out and about for almost a month in southwest Ohio, a very high percentage of the populations remain in the 1st instar stage. Pam Bennett noted that bagworms in Springfield are likewise primarily 1st instars. These observations demonstrate that eggs hatch over an extended period of time, as reported in previous BYGLs. They also support the recommendation that control applications should not be made when eggs begin to hatch, but postponed until all eggs have hatched. A good indicator is when a high percentage of the population has reached the second instar stage.
Finally, historically bagworms have been primarily associated with the southern part of Ohio, from about I-70 southward. However, in recent years, bagworms have become a common pest all the way to Lake Erie. Both Michael Loos and Randy Zondag reported observing significant bagworm activity in northeast Ohio, near the lake.
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FLEECY FLATIDS
Joe Boggs reported that the white, fleecy handiwork of PLANTHOPPER nymphs is becoming very evident in southern Ohio on the lower stems of herbaceous perennials and low-growing woody ornamentals. Planthoppers belong to the Family Flatidae (Order Homoptera), and are sometimes referred to as "flatids."
The nymphs of several flatid species cloak themselves in a dense tangle of waxy, white "fluff." They also congregate in groups, or "colonies," and their profusion of flocculent material on affected plant stems draws attention to the insects. The nymphs also produce copious quantities of honeydew which may coat the plant and become colonized by black sooty molds.
Planthoppers are related to aphids and the nymphs are sometimes mistaken for woolly aphids. However, aphids just mosey around while the adults and nymphs of planthoppers...hop. Planthopper adults are 1/4" - 3/8" long, purplish blue, lime green, or powdery white, and they hold their broad wings vertically in a tent-like fashion covering the sides of the body and legs. Aside from providing great entertainment value, these sap-sucking insects usually have little impact on the overall health of landscape plants. They seldom become more than a nuisance pest. If management is required, any insecticide labeled for use on the affected plant will be effective. A course stream of water will also do the trick.
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WALNUT PETIOLE GALLS ARISE
Joe Boggs noted that the fuzzy, brightly colored leaf petiole galls on walnut produced by the eriophyid mite, Eriophyes caulis, are becoming very apparent in southwest Ohio. The galls resemble pubescent pin cushions, and they first appear as greenish-white, irregular, solid, hard masses arising from the leaf petiole. As the galls mature, they become pink and finally deep red. Petioles may have a single gall, or several sometimes overlapping galls of varying lengths growing in a row.
The galls often cause the petioles to become curled and stunted, and they may over-grow leaflets producing a gnarled, twisted mass of petioles and leaflets. While the galls appear to cause little harm to the overall health of the tree, their appearance may reduce the aesthetics of the tree. No control recommendations are currently available; however, pruning and destroying the galls now will reduce mite populations and lessen the future galling of the host.
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CICADAS SINGING
Brood XIII of the PERIODICAL CICADA, Magicicada cassini has emerged in parts of Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, making its high pitched scream, whirr! and breeeh! sounds in their romantic quest to find a mate. Naturally, the flurry of flying harmonic cicadas has called the attention of the media, causing undue panic in areas where this 17 year visitor is not expected. Some "early birds" for next year's Brood XIV have been heard in some areas, however, such as the far southwestern corner of Franklin County. Clermont County may also expect some early emergences, as a "good emergence" of Brood XIV is expected in southwestern Ohio counties in areas with mature trees next year.
No preventive treatment is recommended at this time for next year's emergence. The cicadas will only emerge in areas that have been left relatively untouched for generations. Although some people believe that the nymphs injure tree roots, this claim has been unsubstantiated. Only the 1-2" diameter branches of trees and large shrubs will be damaged when the adult females insert rows of eggs under the epidermis of the branches.
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WINDSHIELD WIPES
BYGLers also ran into or over a few other insects this week including:
* SQUASH VINE BORERS ADULTS have emerged in Franklin County, therefore, squash growers should be covering or treating their squash vines now. Remember to avoid placing any insecticide on or near the flowers as honey bees and other hymenopteran pollinators will carry the insecticide back to the colony and kill the colony. Another alternative to spraying is to plant a "trap crop" of squash slightly earlier than the desired crop, and remove the trap crop as soon as the squash vine borers begin to attack the vines.
* TERMITES were identified as the culprits that chewed through the liner of a pool. Dr. Susan Jones (OSU Entomology) stated that both termites and ants can tunnel through various fabrics and materials that are used as pool liners. The soil under the liner can be treated, however no guarantee exists that the underground marauders won't eventually return. A better solution may be to relocate the pool or place an impenetrable surface under the liner.
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DISEASE DIGEST
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A PEACH OF A LEAF CURL
Amy Stone received peach leaves with peach leaf curl. Peach leaf curl is a fungal disease, though not a problem every spring, it can be severe during cool, wet springs that follow mild winters. The leaf curl fungus damages peach trees by causing an early leaf drop. This weakens the trees, making them more susceptible to other diseases and to winter injury.
Symptoms of leaf curl appear in the spring. Developing leaves become severely distorted (thickened and puckered), and have a reddish or purple cast. Later, as spores form on the leaf surface, the leaves become powdery gray in color. Shortly after this, the leaves turn yellow or brown and drop. There is no secondary spread of this disease from leaves infected in the spring to new leaves produced later in the growing season. Once infected leaves drop, no further symptoms will appear during that growing season. Diseased twigs become swollen and stunted, and may have a slight golden cast. They usually produce curled leaves at their tips. Though rarely seen, flowers and fruit may also become diseased. They drop shortly after they are infected. Diseased fruit has shiny, reddish, raised, warty spots.
Leaf curl is not difficult to control. Since the fungus survives the winter on the surface of twigs and buds, a single fungicide spray, thoroughly covering the entire tree, will provide control. If leaf curl does result in significant defoliation in the spring, the fruit on affected trees should be thinned to compensate for the loss of leaves. Over cropping the tree will weaken it and make it more susceptible to winter injury. For the most current spray recommendations, commercial growers are referred to Bulletin 506 A2 "Ohio Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide", and backyard growers are referred to Bulletin 780 "Controlling Diseases and Insects in Home Fruit Plantings."
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BLACK KNOT OF PLUMS AND CHERRIES
Several BYGLers have received phone calls about black knot of both ornamental and fruit plums and cherries. The black knot fungus mainly affects twigs, branches, and fruit spurs. Usually, infections originate on the youngest growth. On infected plant parts, abnormal growth of bark and wood tissues produce small, light brown swellings that eventually rupture as they enlarge. In late spring, the rapidly growing young knots have a soft (pulpy) texture and become covered with a velvety, olive green growth of the fungus. In summer, the young knots turn darker and elongate. By fall, they become hard, brittle, rough and black. During the following growing season, the knots enlarge and gradually encircle the twig or branch. The cylindrical or spindle shaped knots may vary from one half inch to a foot or more in length and up to 2 inches in diameter. Small knots may emerge from larger knots forming extensive galls. After the second year, the black knot fungus usually dies and the gall is invaded by secondary fungi that give old knots a white or pinkish color during the summer.
It is important to prune off diseased branches. Make sure to cut at least 2 4 inches (5 10 cm) below each knot because the fungus grows beyond the edge of the knot itself. If there are very few healthy branches left, one may have to replace the tree. It is a good idea to plant cherry or plum cultivars that resistant or less susceptible to black knot. When possible, remove wild cherries or plums since they served as the potential disease reservoirs. Fungicides can offer significant protection against black knot, but are unlikely to be effective if pruning and sanitation are ignored. When disease pressure is high, fungicide protection may be needed from bud break until early summer. For the most current spray recommendations, commercial growers are referred to Bulletin 506 A2 "Ohio Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide," and backyard growers are referred to Bulletin 780 "Controlling Diseases and Insects in Home Fruit Plantings."
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POWDERY MILDEW ON RESISTANT VARITIES
BYGLers have noticed powdery mildew on plants that have never shown the tendency before. After Becky McCann reported powdery mildew on Phlox paniculata 'David', Joe Boggs noted he has even seen it on dandelions. Powdery mildew fungi infect almost all ornamental plants. They are commonly seen only on those plants more susceptible to the disease.
Powdery mildews often appear as a superficial white or gray powdery growth of fungus over the surface of leaves, stems, flowers, or fruit of affected plants. These patches may enlarge until they cover the entire leaf on one or both sides. Leaf curling and twisting may be noted before the fungus is noticed. Severe powdery mildew infection will result in yellowed leaves, dried and brown leaves, and disfigured shoots and flowers. Although it usually is not a fatal disease, powdery mildew may hasten plant defoliation and fall dormancy, and the infected plant may become extremely unsightly.
In controlling the disease, attempt cultural management before treating with fungicides.
If fungicides are deemed necessary, begin treatments as soon as mildews are detected. A labeled fungicide can be applied to protect uninfected foliage, but is not useful in "curing" the disease.
Remember that each species of powdery mildew has a very limited host range. Infection of one plant type does not necessarily mean that others are threatened. For example, the fungus that causes powdery mildew on lilac does not spread to roses and vice versa.
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MOIST CHAMBER
The emergence of specific symptoms due to infections of diseases during the week included:
* FIREBLIGHT was noted by Erik Draper in NE Ohio and is beginning to show that characteristic leaf and twig desiccation resulting in the "shepherds crook" on young, newly expanding apple twigs. Remember that this disease is caused by a bacterium, therefore trying to use fungicides to control or prevent this disease is really has no affect at all.
* EARLY BLIGHT ON TOMATOES was also mentioned by Erik Draper as beginning to show up as the typical bull's-eye or target shaped lesions on tomato leaves. This fungal disease, caused by the pathogen Alternaria solani, is the number one disease that causes tomato leaves to begin to turn yellow and dry up, starting at the bottom of the plant and working its way to the top of the plant.
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TURF TIPS
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WATERING TO KEEP LAWNS ATTRACTIVE AND HEALTHY
A major detriment to lawn attractiveness and health during the summer is a lack of soil water. During the hot, dry periods, growth of most of our lawn grasses will cease and the grass will turn brown and go dormant or die if supplemental water is not provided. During the driest period of the summer, our lawns usually will require about one inch of water every week to stay green and growing.
According to Karl Danneberger and David Gardner determining the need for supplemental watering includes:
A few tips for effectively watering lawns:
As Dr. Danneberger quips, "This isn't brain surgery - if the soil is dry, turn on the water".
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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LESSONS FROM THE HAMILTON COUNTY EXTENSION RELOADED TOUR
As previously reported, the Hamilton County Extension Reloaded Tour, held in conjunction with the monthly Cincinnati Flower Growers Association (CFGA) meeting, was moved from April 4 to June 6 due to a conflict with Easter. The tour, organized and led by Dave Dyke, encompassed seven greenhouses and one garden, the Delhi Floral Paradise Gardens - which is a cooperative project of many greenhouses and garden centers and township officials. Additional Extension participants were: Claudio Pasian, Dennis Lewindowski, and Luis Canas.
The change of date was perhaps beneficial. Approximately 20 individuals participated in the actual tour at any given time, compared to around 15 in past years. Attendance at the wrap-up at the CFGA was 36, about the normal attendance for a meeting this time of the year. In addition, a good product inventory was available for observation and discussion, sales trends could be discussed, and challenges and opportunities were fresh in everyone's minds.
Sales lessons learned included: Large items, container plantings of annuals and vegetables, were hot items. Annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetable sales were all up across the board. There was a fairly strong interest in heirloom vegetables but minimal questions or interest in organically produced products. Tree and shrub sales were slow. GERANIUMS, especially red ones, and LATANA sales were very strong. Identification of lantanas as good butterfly attractants added to their sales appeal. DRAGON WING BEGONIAS were in short supply. Fancy begonias and tropicals are strong sellers now for garden center restocking. Tropicals, such as MANDEVILLAS and HIBISCUS, have also been strong sellers for landscape installation by commercial landscapers.
A survey of growers at the evening wrap-up revealed that, on a year-to-date basis, the sales of 12 growers who were able to supply precise sales figures were up by an average of 17% over last year, with a range of 0% to +36%. All Cincinnati area growers agreed that May was either the best ever or the best within the last 10-12 years (1 respondent), due largely to the very, very good weather throughout the month. One grower, whose business is approximately 30 miles north of Cincinnati, complained that May was not a good month for him due to wet weather the first 2 weeks of the month.
Other lessons learned: Some growers were cutting back on plant growth regulators and instead are using watering and fertilizer to control plant growth, especially with coleus. Customers loved the deep blue pots with the logos of one grower, many of which were subsequently returned to the grower by customers who didn't want to throw them away. A specialist in tropical plants who has had to deal with Cuban laurel thrips on several occasions has found that Conserve has given him the best control.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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10th ANNUAL GREEN INDUSTRY SUMMER SESSION SET FOR AUGUST 1
This August 1, 2007 all Northwestern Ohio industry professionals are invited to attend the 10th annual educational event, held at Owens Community College in Toledo, OH. Credits for ONCT, ASLA, ISA, Pesticide Applicators, and/or Master Gardeners will be available. For questions-- contact OSU Extension, Green Industry Center (419-354-6916).
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DELAWARE COUNTY LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP
OSU Extension in Delaware County is pleased to offer a landscape and garden diagnostic workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on June 25. This program will be held in room G35 of Hayes Service Building at 140 North Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43105. It is open to Master Gardeners, home gardeners, garden center employees and landscapers. Jim Chatfield and his new sidekick, Gary Gao, will be the featured speakers. There is a $15 fee, which includes the program, refreshments and a certificate of completion. Please contact Cindy Kaelber of OSU Extension-Delaware County by phone at 740-833-2030 or email at kaelber.1@cfaes.osu.edu for a registration form.
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40TH ANNUAL NURSERY GROWERS OF LAKE COUNTY OHIO (NGLCO) FIELD DAY
40TH ANNUAL NURSERY GROWERS OF LAKE COUNTY OHIO (NGLCO) FIELD DAY is August 14, 2007. The NGLCO Field Day will be held at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland Ohio. The program this year will feature garden tours of the 3500 acre Holden Arboretum - this year featuring a garden railroad. Time and location information will be on the following website http://www.nglco.com/fieldday.htm . Master Gardeners and students will receive a special price. For further information call 440-241-7969.
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BYGLOSOPHY
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"Though snails are exceedingly slow, there is one thing I'd like to know.
If I out run 'em round the yard, how come they beat me to the chard?" - Allen Klein
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