Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, Dave Goerig, Tim Malinich, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young.
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April 12, 2007
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This is the Second 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 April 10, 2007 conference included: Carolyn Allen (Clark); Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (OSU Extension Center at Piketon/Hamilton-Clermont); Jim Chatfield (OSU Extension Center at Wooster/Hort and Crop Science); Erik Draper (Geauga); Gary Gao (Delaware); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Tim Malinich (Lorain); 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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BYGLers from throughout the state reported suffering through bouts with temperatures that dipped well below normal. In some cases, records were set. We attempted to capture some of the impacts on plants in the report titled, "The "Perfect Storm:" Frost/Freeze Damage Observations," in the "Hort Shorts" section below.
Erik Draper reported that heavy snow challenged even the best Easter egg hunters this past weekend in northeast Ohio. Erik noted that Chardon, in Geauga County, received 3' (yes, that's feet!) of snow. A snow shovel became a necessary fashion accessory for intrepid egg hunters in his county.
Normally in this section of the BYGL, we provide a table with a range of weather information from OARDC Weather Stations located throughout the state. However, the Weather Station Website is currently undergoing some changes and updates. The information we usually report in "Weatherwatch" is not available on the website during this transition. Look for a return of this informative table in future BYGLs.
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HORT SHORTS
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THE "PERFECT STORM:" FROST/FREEZE DAMAGE OBSERVATIONS
Gardeners across Ohio were battening down the hatches and covering every plant that they could physically cover to protect them from the recent drop in temperatures. The week of above-average temperatures, with some locations in Ohio going into the 80F range 2 days before the freeze, was followed by a sudden drop into the 20F range which led to the "perfect storm" for gardeners. Many are still shaking their heads in disbelief but hey, remember, this is Ohio!
BYGLers had a lively discussion regarding the freeze and potential for plant injury. Obvious signs of injury to flower petals were visible within a few days. Damage to foliage is still showing up daily and damage to branches, stems, and woody tissue may not show up until it gets warmer. BYGLers want to remind readers that it is important to realize that there are many factors that contribute to cold and freeze damage and what might be observed this season could be related to the recent cold snap. However, it could also be related to the fact that it was warm late into the fall last summer and January was above average with no snow cover.
Remember also that the amount and significance of the damage is species-related as well as to the particular growth and development stage of the plant when the freeze occurred. Species in some areas of the state experienced damage while others had none. It will be a learning experience to observe just what species of plants sustained what type of damage. Below is a summary of BYGL participant observations from different areas of the state.
Starting in northwest Ohio, Amy Stone reported that her area recorded a low temperature of 21F on April 7. Prior to the deep freeze; she was going to report observing sedum that was heavily infested with aphids. However, the freeze turned the sedum to "mush," although the aphids survived. Tulips and daffodils appeared to have "melted" on the ground. When daytime temperatures warm, some of the flowers pop back up. Forsythia flowers have turned a not so pretty yellow-brown. The star magnolia flowers in the plant phenology garden are toast. The newly emerged leaves of lilac and viburnums were also impacted. Hostas were pushing up, about 2" above the soil level...only time will tell.
In the northeast part of the state, Randy Zondag reported his region experienced 5 consecutive days with average temperatures that didn't reach the freezing mark. The prolonged freezing temperatures injured early blooming plants including: magnolias; red maple; cherries; quince; forsythia; and white forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum). Randy noted that many of these plants had soft shots, and it will be a wait-and-see proposition regarding long-term injury to the plants. Growers in his part of the state will have to wait to assess freeze damage to the bark and/or cambial layers of certain plants. Randy observed bark splitting on yellow magnolias, crabapples, cutleaf maples, 'Canada Red' cherry, common witchhazel, katsuratree, goldenraintree, and 'Ivory Silk' Japanese tree lilac.
Further south in northeast Ohio, Jim Chatfield reported that at the OSU Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center's (OARDC) Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, early magnolias were just coming into flower when the early April cold spell hit; now the blooms are all blasted. The plants themselves should be fine, though it may be interesting to see if bacterial blight or Botrytis gray mold become issues on the rotted magnolia blooms and adjacent emerging foliar tissue. One bonus for areas such as Wooster is that tiny little emerging red maple fruits (samaras) appear to be freeze-fried. It may be that young red maple seedlings will be less of a nuisance in landscape beds in this area this spring.
In southwest Ohio, Pam Bennett reported that Callery pears and early blooming cherries were beginning to bloom and forsythias were in full blooms; most blooms turned brown. Foliage on many trees and shrubs that had emerged about 1/4" appeared wilted with some of the foliage on callery pears turning brown around the edges. Roses had around 2" of new growth that had emerged; this new foliage is wilted at this time. Perennials that were actively growing and had lush tender foliage received quite of bit of leaf damage. Plants in the Gateway Learning Garden at the Clark County office that require cutting back at this time due to damage are ladies mantle, astilbe, hosta, some early-emerged daylilies, sweet woodruff, and Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'. Sedum that had any new growth was severely damaged. Iris foliage did not sustain any damage. Bulb foliage that did not have winter damage from early in December and January looked pretty good; some but not all species of tulips and daffodils were damaged by the cold.
Further south in southwest Ohio, Joe Boggs noted that his part of the state experienced a string of consecutive days with low temperatures threatening to break records. Indeed, the 23F temperature on April 6 tied a record for that date. Joe reported observing heavy freeze damage to the leaves and shoots of Callery pear, with all cultivars being similarly affected: blackened, drooping leaves mimicked symptoms of bacterial fire blight. Likewise, partially expanded leaves of 'Winterthur' viburnum were blackened, and blackened leaves of saucer magnolias framed partially opened flowers now in shades of brown. Partially emerged white oak and redbud leaves were killed with the leaf tissue retaining color but becoming crisp.
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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 PLANT OF THE WEEK: PRIMROSES. All is not lost in the perennial world due to the recent cold temperatures. Garden centers and greenhouses have plenty of this week's pick available to brighten your garden or even your home or office. PRIMROSES (Primula spp.) are blooming in gardens in central Ohio as well as available to purchase at many area garden centers. The bright yellow, red, blue, white, and pink flowers are held above the foliage and cover this low-growing plant. It prefers moist to wet soil and blooms nicely in the shade or partial sun. Try the cultivar 'Pacific Giants' with its extra large 2-3" blooms.
* WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK: FLOWERING CRABAPPLE. As with many plants, the effects of recent weather on crabapple foliage, flowers and eventual fruits vary throughout Ohio. In northern Ohio, only a few crabapple taxa were showing color on the blooms when the early April freeze hit. Many types remained in tight cluster at most. Further south, blossom and bud damage was greater. As for foliage, unless other underlying factors were involved, most crabapples with wilted foliage should recover. As for the floral show, Jim Chatfield (a.k.a.Crabmandu) predicts a likely extravaganza in several weeks in late April and early May for Crablandia located at the OSU OARDC Secrest Arboretum. Here's a brief list of a few of the crabapples featured in the ONLA's "Landscape Plants of Ohio":
'Adirondack': One of the few crabapples with a narrow upright tree form. Clean foliage, orange-red fruits, and showy white flowers. Excellent autumn foliage and fruit combination of reds and oranges. (Height 15').
'Bob White': Rounded to open tree form. Golden yellow fruits with red blush attractive in fall to mid-winter. Masses of snowy white blooms. (Height 18').
'Excalibur': Symmetrical globe-shaped tree form. Golden-yellow fruits maturing to cider colors are ornamental in the fall months. Petite white flowers and fruits lining branches are an outstanding feature. (Height 10').
'Louisa': Outstanding weeping form with graceful arching branches. Soft pink flowers. Fruits are a golden-orange color. Other crabapples that are spreading-weepers but not true weepers include 'Manbeck's Weeper', 'Molten Lava', Mary Potter' and 'Candymint'. (Height 12').
'Prairifire': Rounded to open tree form. Consistent stunning display of coral-pink flowers. Attractive glossy green foliage with a purple tinge. Purple fruits are ornamental from late June to early December and are paired with orange fall color of spur leaves. (Height 18').
'Red Jewel': Upright oval tree habit with outstanding cherry-red fruits that are highly ornamental little mini-apples all the way into early spring. Snow white flowers. (Height 15')
Malus sargentii: This species is a spreading dwarf form. Excellent petite white flowers and attractive scarlet fruits. Effective landscape use is to plant in groups of three. (Height 8-10').
'Sargentina': A smaller yet variation on the Sargent crabapple, growing to 4-5' in height with dainty white flowers and attractive red fruits.
'Sugar Tyme': Good rounded overall form. But the flowers and fruits are the main attractions. Sugary white mass of blooms consistent from year to year followed by showy apple-red fruits that are ornamental well into the winter months. (Height 20').
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BUG BYTES
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LEAF-FEEDING INSECTS AND THE DEEP FREEZE
We reported in last week's BYGL that the overwintered eggs of EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR (Malacosoma americanum), FOREST TENT CATERPILLER (M. disstria), and EUROPEAN PINE SAWFLY (Neodiprion sertifer) had hatched in southwest Ohio. This week, BYGLers discussed what effects the recent record-setting cold temperatures could have on these and other leaf-feeding insects.
The freezing temperatures probably had little direct effect on the survival of the caterpillars and sawfly larvae. These spring-feeding insects occur over a wide geographical range. While Ohio may have experienced record-setting low temperatures, it is doubtful that temperatures dipped below the range experienced by these insects elsewhere in their geographical distribution. In other words, this is nothing new to these insects, so they are no doubt genetically programmed to handle low spring-time temperatures.
However, the low temperatures did affect some of the deciduous hosts of the tent caterpillars by freezing new foliage. It was speculated that this could have an indirect effect on the caterpillars. For example, Joe Boggs reported that participants in this weeks BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About in Cincinnati observed newly expanding white oak foliage that had been "fried" by the freeze. Some trees had lost all new leaves. While the first instar forest tent caterpillars on these oaks may have survived the freezing temperatures, they will remain without food until new foliage expands. Whether or not the caterpillars will starve to death before new foliage becomes available can only be speculated. Of course, it is important not to paint with too broad of a brush. The group also observed forest tent caterpillars on a hawthorn with no foliar freeze damage, so plenty of food is available to these defoliators.
Dave Shetlar reported that the freezing temperatures have similarly affected COLUMBINE LEAFMINERS (Phytomyza spp.) in central Ohio by affecting the host plant of these midge flies. Dave noted that he had observed larval leafmining activity of the first generation of these flies prior to the deep freeze. However, the freezing temperatures caused a complete collapse of the infested columbine plants. While stopping short of predicting the rare occurrence of leafminer-free columbine leaves, Dave speculated that this serious reduction in the first generation populations in his part of the state could indeed reduce numbers in the second generation.
As noted earlier in the BYGL, the overall affects of the spring freeze varied widely throughout Ohio. For example, many of the plant hosts of Eastern tent caterpillar were largely unaffected by the low temperatures in the southwest part of the state. Tent caterpillars on cherry and crabapples were observed to be alive and well with plenty of available foliage. Other BYGLers reported damage to crabapple and cherry foliage which could present a challenge to the tent caterpillars in their part of the state. The bottom line is that only time will tell whether or not the deep freeze will reduce populations of these and other spring-feeding insects. However, hope springs eternal.
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AMBROSIA BEETLE ACTIVITY
Randy Zondag reported finding ambrosia beetles in traps in northeast Ohio. Ambrosia beetles belong to the family Scolytidae. They bore into trees producing shot-sized holes and release a fungus (the "ambrosia") that is stored in special oral structures called mycetangia. The fungus colonizes vascular tissue and serves as a food for the larvae. The larvae do not feed on wood.
Ohio is home to a number of native species of ambrosia beetles that focus their attention on dead or dying trees. Their ambrosia fungi stain wood so they are sometimes a serious lumber pest. However, in recent years, the eastern and central U.S. has also become home to a number of non-native ambrosia beetles. These non-native beetles will infest living trees, although there is evidence they select stressed trees. Their ambrosia fungi do not stain wood, but the fungal growth will clog vascular tissue causing infested trees to die.
The ASIAN AMBROSIA BEETLE (Xylosandrus crassiusculus ), which is now known as the GRANULATED AMBROSIA BEETLE, was one of the first non-native ambrosia beetles identified in North America, but other Asian ambrosia beetles as well as a few from Europe have been added to the mix. Evidence of ambrosia beetle activity includes numerous shot-sized holes as well as copious quantities of white, fine sawdust-like frass discharged from the holes. The frass may stick together causing infested trees to become festooned with toothpick-like spines of frass protruding from the holes.
Controls include addressing tree stress issues such as poor fertilization, irrigation, etc. Heavily infested trees should be removed and destroyed and trees located nearby should be protected with insecticide bark applications. Pyrethroid insecticides, such as permethrin or cyfluthrin, have proven effective. Applications must be made to trunks and branches at 4-week intervals throughout the growing season.
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HAWTHORN COCKSCOMB GALL
Participants in this week's BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About in Cincinnati observed hawthorn cockscomb galls rising from the veins of its namesake host. The galls are produced by the midge fly Trishormomyia crataegifolia Felt. Opening the hollow galls will reveal the tiny white, semi-transparent midge fly maggots that are responsible for gall formation. As with most insect and mite gall-makers, the midge maggots orchestrate gall formation by exuding plant hormones, or plant hormone analogues. The chemicals direct plant genes to support gall formation on newly expanding leaves rather than the formation of normal leaf tissue.
Currently, the elongated galls are green and measure less than 1" in length. Their pod-like appearance imparts their other common name of HAWTHORN POD GALLS. Mature galls measure 1-1 1/2" in length and their reddened, irregular surfaces cause them to resemble a cockscomb. The galls primarily occur on the veins on the underside of the leaves. They do not disrupt vascular flow in the leaf veins, so infested leaves remain functional. Although the galls cause little harm to the health of the tree, heavily galled leaves become deformed and detract of the aesthetic qualities of the tree.
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DISEASE DIGEST
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THE POWER OF THE (DISEASE) TRIANGLE: PART I
The disease triangle is a familiar concept to all who manage infectious plant diseases. It is the simple concept that infectious disease is a process, involving three facets: a susceptible host plant, a virulent pathogen, and an environment conducive to disease development. A standard test question for pesticide certification always lists these three and asks which of them are necessary for disease to develop. The answer is, of course, all three. If the disease is rose black spot, for disease to occur there must be a susceptible type of rose, the presence of the fungal pathogen Diplocarpon rosae, and the right numbers of hours of leaf wetness to support fungal infection.
The true power of the triangle is to learn how to put triangle truisms to practice when considering how to control disease. For example, when deciding how to control rose black spot, do not simply default to the squirt gun botany solution of which fungicides are labeled. Broaden considerations to include all three facets of the triangle when deciding how to control black spot. Which roses have better genetic resistance to black spot? How can the number of hours of leaf wetness be limited by choices of irrigation type and timing? How can sanitation be used to limit fungal inoculum in the planting? Finally, what is the best use of fungicides to prevent infection?
Following is an example of how to harness one facet of the power of the triangle, the host plant. Crabapple, which is our pick for the BYGL's "Woody Plant of the Week," is used:
Yogi Berra once said that "It ain't over till its over" and he might just as well have said, "A good place to start is at the beginning." The beginning for plant disease management is with proper plant selection. Prevention is the key to disease control and whenever possible prevention starts with selecting plants with good genetic resistance to key disease problems. Learn which crabapples have good genetic resistance to apple scab, but remember that the overall significance of scab resistance may be specific to geographical locations. Then combine this information with which crabapple fulfills the needs of the landscape design. Fortunately, with crabapples there is a good collection of scab resistant taxa over a wide spectrum of horticultural features.
Need an upright scab-resistant crabapple - try 'Adirondack'. Need a spreading weeper - try 'Manbeck's Weeper'. A true weeper with soft pink flowers - 'Louisa'. Wild and crazy growth habit which somehow still works - 'Strawberry Parfait'. Yellow fruits - 'Holiday Gold'. Purple fruits - 'Prairifire'. Bright red fruits that persist well into winter - 'Red Jewel'. A Sargent type with pink flowers - 'Candymint'. How about something new with both apple scab and fireblight resistance - 'Royal Raindrops'.
As noted earlier, it is important to know what works in specific geographical locations. Scab resistance may not be a big factor in the selection of crabapples in some parts of the country. While 'Thunderchild', 'Royalty', and 'Radiant' are scab dogs in Ohio, they show little to no scab infection where scab pressure is low and spring conditions are dry. For example, these crabapples can be good choices in Iowa and Idaho, a fact of some importance for Ohio nurseries that sell out of state.
It is also important to remember that disease resistance is not necessarily forever. While horticulturists are busily involved in plant breeding and in making superior selections, plant pathogens are busily evolving by mutating and genetically recombining. A rose which exhibits great genetic resistance to black spot in one part of the country, or in times past, may not do so elsewhere in the country, or over the years, because of the continual natural development of new strains of the pathogen. 'Indian Magic' crabapple was listed with good scab resistance in the early days of International Ornamental Crabapple Society trials; it now is listed as being quite susceptible.
This does not negate, however, the importance of first considering all options relative to host resistance. Even if horticultural desires mandate planting a 'Peace' rose despite its susceptibility to rose black spot, at least do not choose all black spot susceptible roses for a public rose garden. Don't make it easy for Diplocarpon rosae to feast at a veritable training table of its favorite foods - mix things up a bit. If Verticillium wilt recurs again and again on Japanese maples in a landscape, consider switching to dogwoods or birches. If powdery mildew continually hammers zinnias, consider planting the Zinnia angustifolia, a species that is resistant to this disease. As Yogi also said, "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there."
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TURF TIPS
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WHAT'S UP WITH CRABGRASS?
The strange spring weather has home gardeners and professionals inquiring about the status of crabgrass emergence. With two weeks of warm weather (high 70-80F) earlier this spring, did the crabgrass begin to emerge? If so, did the sequential freezing temperatures kill it, or delay its emergence?
Barb Bloetscher reported from a discussion with Dave Gardner (HCS) that prostrate knotweed has now emerged in Central Ohio, and this annual grassy weed typically emerges 1-3 weeks prior to crabgrass. With that knowledge, he feels fairly confident that pre-emergent crabgrass herbicide can still be applied as long as it is done within the next 1-2 weeks, preferably sooner. He noted that he did not see any crabgrass emergence during the warm weeks prior to the recent cold temperatures, and that crabgrass normally begins to emerge after the soil temperature reaches 55F for 4-5 consecutive days, which has not yet occurred in Columbus.
For best results, apply the pre-emergent herbicide before a rainfall, or water afterwards, if necessary. The products of choice include: prodiamine (e.g. Barricade), or dithiopyr (e.g. Dimension). Dithiopyr also has early postemergence activity for crabgrass plants that have already emerged. Pendimethalin (e.g. Pendulum) has a good reputation as well. REMEMBER that if the lawn is going to be seeded, use siduron (Tupersan) as other products will also prevent the desirable grass seed from emerging!
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THICK THATCH LAYER IN A HOME LAWN
Dave Shetlar reported that he received a phone call from a homeowner who was convinced that her lawn had insect damage. Dave visited the site, and found that the lawn had a thatch layer that was 3.5" thick! When asked how she fertilized her lawn, she said that she would normally double whatever the manufacture's recommended rates. Well, this is a great method to build up thatch!
Since the thatch layer is so thick, curative control measures should be implemented. Dethatchers (i.e. power rakes, lawn combers, vertical mowers) and core aeration are two good ways to reduce thatch. This operation should be done during a cool season of the year when several weeks of good growth and recovery can be anticipated following the dethatching. Experience has shown that early fall is the best time for removing thatch. Very early spring is the next best time. Machines for removing thatch can be rented at most tool and equipment rental companies.
A second option, which research has shown to be the best long-term approach to thatch control, is core aeration. Core aeration, also referred to as aerification, is the process where hollow tines are used to remove plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn and deposit them on the surface. Once the plugs of soil are deposited on the surface, rainfall or irrigation will incorporate the soil into the thatch layer. The infusion of oxygen and the addition of loose soil into the thatch layer will increase aerobic microbial activity which converts thatch to compost. In fact, it's exactly the same process at the heart of a well-tended compost bin.
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EARTHWORM CASTINGS
BYGLers reported that complaints of lumpy lawns are on the rise throughout Ohio. Clients are concerned about small piles of dirt that create a lumpy appearance to the lawn and an uneven walking surface. Organic matter such as leaves or maple seeds (samaras) may be incorporated or gathered around the perimeter of these lawn lumps. Close examination of the piles usually reveals a small hole at the bottom of the pile's center. After this close inspection you should realize that the pile consists of earthworm excrement, or castings.
The most common casting creator is the nightcrawler (Lumbricus terrestris). They live in semi-permanent tunnels deep in the soil and forage at the surface at night. When retreating into their holes, they leave behind the castings which are a mixture of soil particles and digested organic matter. They often pull leaves and other debris closer to the hole as they forage. High populations of worms can leave behind numerous large piles of castings.
Castings will disintegrate with time, but dealing with them as they occur leaves only a few options. Small areas can be raked smooth. Larger areas may need more aggressive treatment. This is where the rolling debate comes in. Done properly, rolling can reduce the height of accumulated castings with little to no damage to the lawn or soil. A heavy roller pulled by heavy equipment will compact soils and damage turf. If rolling is to be done, choose a light roller, such as one of the water filled models and keep the weight down to about 150 pounds or less. Roll after rain or light irrigation when the castings are soft and use a single pass to minimize soil compaction.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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CRESSLEAF GROUNDSEL IN LANDSCAPES
Joe Boggs reported that participants in this weeks BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About in Cincinnati observed mature cressleaf groundsel (Packera glabella), (a.k.a. BUTTERWEED (Senecio glabellus) plants growing in a landscape. This is a native winter annual meaning plants emerge in the fall and produce seed in the spring. As a member of the aster family (Asteraceae; a.k.a. Compositae), mature plants have daisy-like flowers and seed heads that look like miniature dandelion puff-balls. The canary yellow flowers are borne at the ends of thick, erect, stems that are green with reddish-purple streaks. The plant has "cress-like" leaves giving rise to the common name.
Although cressleaf groundsel has a historical range covering much of the northern United States, for reasons that are not clearly understood, this weed has become unusually common in Ohio in recent years in cultivated fields, nurseries, and landscapes. Past reports indicate the weed may have some tolerance for 2, 4-D and may require high rates of glyphosate to be controlled.
Cressleaf groundsel is a heavy seed producer, and the seed can remain viable in the soil for a number of years. The weed should be the target of some form of weed management program aimed at reducing seed production. Hand pulling and contact "burn down" herbicides are effective options if plants are destroyed prior to seed maturation. Cultivation prior to flower production is also effective.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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UPCOMING EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) PROGRAMS ON THE CALENDAR
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to be a "hot-topic" and the reason for several educational programs on the horizon. Homeowners and horticulture professionals who live in or around Summit County should consider attending the Saturday, April 21, EAB program in Hudson, Ohio. The program will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Barlow Community Center, 41 S. Oviatt Street.
EAB, which threatens Ohio's 3.8 billion ash trees and related industries, has been identified in 26 Counties. Citizens play an important role in detecting and slowing the spread of this devastating pest by not moving firewood and ash tree materials out of quarantined areas in Auglaize,
Cuyahoga, Delaware, Defiance, Erie, Franklin, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Marion, Medina, Mercer, Miami, Sandusky, Seneca, Ottawa, Paulding, Warren, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot counties. Maps of Ohio's quarantined areas are available on the Ohio Department of Agriculture EAB website listed below.
For more information about EAB in Ohio, call 1-888-OHIO-EAB, or check out the following websites: http://ashalert.osu.edu and http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab/
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PLANT DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOPS
Plant diagnostic workshops are a sign of the season each spring and summer as we all try to work out why our good plants went bad. OSU Extension organizes a number of such workshops each year for nursery, landscape, yard and garden plants. Here are a few of them scheduled to date (more details later). If you are interested in scheduling a plant diagnostic workshop, give Jim Chatfield (chatfield.1@osu.edu, 330-466-0270) or any of the BYGLers or other OSU Extensioneers a holler.
Following are upcoming dates and locations for plant diagnostic workshops:
May 17: Clinton County
May 17: Knox County
May 21: Hancock County
June 6: Geauga County
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BYGLOSOPHY
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"Always try to grow in your garden some plant or plants out of the ordinary, something your neighbors never attempted. For you can receive no greater flattery than to have a gardener of equal intelligence stand before your plant and ask, "What is that?"" - Richardson Wright
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