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    • Submit Your News
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  • News
    • Online Puzzles
  • Community
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​news

Take poinsettia off Santa's naughty list

12/8/2022

 
by Linda Geist, University of Missouri Extension

     A century ago, poinsettia was added to Santa’s “naughty” list, but the plant’s reputation for being poisonous is unfortunate, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Its pretty bracts and leaves pose no danger to people and pets, other than possible allergic reactions.

     The myth that poinsettia is toxic can be traced back to a 1919 incident in Hawaii involving the death of a 2-year-old child, presumably after eating poinsettia leaves. Later, it was revealed that the child died from other causes and poinsettia was not involved. However, the damage to poinsettia’s reputation was done and word of its toxicity spread quickly.
     “You cannot un-ring a bell,” Trinklein said. “Once a myth gains traction, dispelling it becomes quite a challenge.” Modern-day media unfortunately often continue to include poinsettia on lists of toxic holiday plants, he said.
     In a 1971 study funded by the Society of American Florists, scientists at Ohio State University fed lab rats “extraordinarily high doses of various portions of the poinsettia.” A human would have to devour several pounds of poinsettia to get an equivalent dose. Yet the rats appeared to be fine. Scientists observed “no mortality, no symptoms of toxicity nor any changes in dietary intake or general behavior pattern.”
     In the 1990s, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh analyzed almost 23,000 cases of poinsettia ingestion reported by poison control centers. More than 92% of patients showed no ill effects at all, and no one died or became critically ill.
     However, Trinklein notes that poinsettia’s sap, which has several proteins in common with natural latex rubber, can cause allergic skin reactions. Therefore, the plants should be kept out of the reach of children.

Of bracts and cyathia

     Poinsettia remains the nation’s top-selling potted flowering plant. The fact they are sold only in a narrow span of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is testimony to Americans’ admiration for the plant, Trinklein said.
     The colorful part of the poinsettia that we enjoy isn’t a flower. What look like petals are specialized leaves called bracts. The true flowers, called cyathia (from the Greek for “cup”), are the small, yellow structures in the center of the bracts.
     When choosing a poinsettia plant, look closely at the cyathia. Their presence indicates the plant is still young. If the cyathia are missing, it’s likely the plant is past its prime.
     Also, check leaves and bracts for wilting, which could indicate root problems, Trinklein said. Examine the underside of the leaves for insect infestation or damage.

Sun, little water

     Proper care helps the poinsettia stay vibrant throughout the holiday season. Two things are key: Place them in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
     If your plants came wrapped in decorative foil, make sure there’s a hole in the foil so water can drain. Water if the pot feels light when you pick it up. If the soil’s surface is clammy or moist to the touch, wait to water. Fertilizer and plant food are unnecessary.
     Poinsettia plants can bloom another holiday season for those up to the challenge, said Trinklein. For information on how to save and rebloom a poinsettia plant, visit- 
https://extension.missouri.edu/news/poinsettias-can-bloom-again-next-year-with-tlc-2966

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The poinsettia's small flowers are surrounded by colorful leaves called bracts. Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service.
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7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

12/8/2022

 
     The holiday season is here, and homes everywhere are filling up with friends and family. But things like clogged drains, burned out light bulbs, leaking toilets, unwelcome guests like mice, and slick sidewalks are a fact of life – and it can happen at the worst times. Westlake Ace Hardware suggests these simple tips and products to keep on hand to make household repairs quick and simple – and let you get back to enjoying the holidays!
  1. Give your walk a clean sweep – Sweep, shovel, or use a leaf blower on walkways before guests arrive so they won’t accidentally slip or pick up debris on their shoes to track through your home. If the walks are icy, apply ice melt.
  2. Light it up – Buy a supply of energy-efficient LED light bulbs that shed a softer light and show true whites inside a home. Also, consider adding a nightlight to bathrooms or dark hallways so guests can find their way in an unfamiliar space at night.
  3. Take a shower in the guest bathroom – Test shower heads you never use to make sure the water pressure is up to your standards. If not, consider soaking the shower head in CLR or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water to remove mineral deposits. If that doesn’t help, it’s a quick fix to replace the showerhead with a new one.
  4. Banish bathroom blunders – The time for a bathroom emergency is NOT while you have a house full of guests. Check your house’s bathroom sinks, faucets, and toilets in advance. Tighten leaky faucets, clear drains of clogs, and fix the toilet valve or flapper if it’s continually running or not filling properly. If you don’t already have a plunger and sewer snake on hand, those can be invaluable tools. Insta-Flow is a great way to quickly unclog sinks.
  5. Freshen the air – Replace the furnace filter so the air inside your home doesn’t smell dusty and stale. If the air inside already feels dry, consider purchasing a humidifier to add moisture to the air for everyone’s comfort.
  6. A touch of fresh paint – Starting a major renovation is not advised during the holidays, but it can be a good time to paint over chips and nicks on doors, door frames, cabinets, and baseboards. Just be sure to leave several days for the paint to dry before guests arrive.
  7. Uninvite unwanted furry guests – Unwanted guests like mice and rats may try to make their way into your home to escape winter’s cold and enjoy the warm and dry environment. 
    • If your fireplace wood is stacked right next to the house, consider moving it away from the foundation and outer walls. 
    • Minimize clutter in the garage so pests can’t find places to nest. Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans.
    • Rinse recycling items before tossing in the bin to avoid tempting rodents with food remnants. If you’re storing dog or cat food in the garage, make sure containers are sealed tight. And keep the garage door closed to prevent rodents from walking right in. 
    • An adult mouse can squeeze through a dime-sized hole, so seal off all possible access points throughout the house with steel wool. 
    • Bait stations are a good option for basements, garages, attics, and other tight spaces. Rodents eat the product then wander off to meet their end. Bait stations can be disposable or refillable. While bait is highly effective, it should not be used in high-traffic areas or around pets. 
    • If you’d prefer a non-toxic, poison-free option, the Victor PestChaser Plug-In Electronic Rodent Repeller drives away rodents by emitting a highly irritating noise that only rodents can hear.  
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Using Fireplace Wood Ashes in the Garden

11/24/2022

 
     by Kelly McGowan, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulturist in the Southwest Region

      Nothing is cozier than a wood burning fireplace on a cold winter night. Once that fire is gone, ashes make a great soil amendment and have been used by gardeners for generations. Ashes are a good source of plant nutrients, especially calcium. While the calcium is good for plant health, it can work similarly to lime and effect soil pH, the acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity, of the soil. Excessive use of wood ash can lead to a pH above the ideal level, which in turn can affect nutrient availability.
     It can also increase levels of phosphorus and potassium to high levels. Be careful to not over apply and soil test every one to two years to monitor soil fertility and pH. It is easy to get too much of a good thing! The recommended amount is five to ten pounds per 100 square feet.
     Ash can be applied pre-planting and incorporated in the soil, or used as a side dressing around growing plants. Store unused ashes in a dry place. If stored outdoors, the weathering process can decrease its nutritive value.
     Make sure to only use wood ash and never ashes from burning trash. Trash burning ashes contain toxins that are undesirable in the vegetable garden. Also, keep in mind that wood ash is highly alkaline, so wear a dust mask and other protective equipment when handling to prevent inhaling or getting into your eyes.
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​Quick Repair Projects to Prep Your Home for Winter

11/10/2022

 
     (StatePoint) It’s fall, which means it’s time to roll up your sleeves, make minor fixes and prepare your home before it’s time to hunker down for winter. Here are four easy DIY projects that will ensure your humble abode is in tip-top shape before the cold weather arrives.

Patch It Up
      If you experienced storms this past season, survey your home’s exterior for any damage. Take a walk around the grounds and look at the siding and the condition of the roof, including the garage and porch.
     Use T-Rex Waterproof Tape to temporarily patch small holes in vinyl siding, loose shingles or leaks in your gutter. The tape is formulated to withstand extreme temperatures and can stretch up to 700% of its original length, so it can be used for any indoor or outdoor job that requires a waterproof seal.
     Making quick repairs will save you from expensive water damage costs down the road and help prevent any further issues arising during the cold weather season.

Lawn Improvement
     As the leaves fall off the trees and onto the ground, an alternative to raking is to pull out the lawn mower. Trim the leaves into smaller pieces, which can then be used as natural mulch around the yard and garden. Layer the compost around perennial beds or other plants to provide insulation and protection through the winter.
     Mid-to-late fall, with the warm soil and cool air, is also an ideal time for planting grass seed, and fertilizing and filling in holes with the leaf compost. This will put you on a path to a greener lawn next spring.

Prepare the Deck
     Before the first cold front approaches, make sure to clean up the patio or deck and store outdoor umbrellas, cushions and rugs in a safe spot in the garage or shed. If you notice any rot or wetness on the deck, it can be a simple fix by replacing the wood boards or using a wood filler to prevent further damage.
     Winterize large patio furniture and protect items that are staying outside with a weatherproof cover. To keep the covers in place, secure them to the bottom of the furniture. 


Squeaky Clean Exterior
     Once the patio is prepped, turn your attention to the rest of the exterior. Debris and stains collected on the outside of the house during summer can set over the winter, so it’s a good idea to power wash away the dirt.
     Start with the driveway, deck and windows and then take time to wash the siding and gutters, as long as you spray water in a direction that won’t force it behind the siding or under shingles. This project will help remove lingering grime, mold and mildew and ensure the outside area is clean and ready for winter.
     After checking off these projects on your fall list, your home will be properly prepped so you can relax, slow down and enjoy the season.
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​Order apple trees in fall for spring planting

10/13/2022

 
​by Professor Michele Warmund, University of Missouri Extension Horticulturist
 
     Fall is prime time for harvesting juicy, crunchy fresh apples at their peak of perfection.
If you want to add an apple tree to your property, make sure to peruse the nursery catalogs and place an order for apple trees to plant in your yard.
    Placing an order now will ensure the delivery of the more popular, disease-resistant cultivars for planting next spring. By February or March, most of the apple tree inventory will have been sold, leaving the less desirable stock available for purchase.
     Planting disease-resistant cultivars is a recommended control strategy used to limit fungicide use. Some apple cultivars have been bred for resistance to four main diseases: apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight and powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is typically the least serious disease of the four.
     Besides disease resistance, there are several other factors to consider when selecting any fruit tree for planting.
     Chose a cultivar that is available on a rootstock that produces trees that will fit the allotted space for at least two trees, since most cultivars require cross-pollination for adequate fruit set. Cultivars on dwarfing rootstocks, such as M.9, G.11, G.16 and G.41, will be smaller than those on a semi-dwarfing rootstock like M.7 or MM.111.
     Select an apple that doesn’t ripen in the summer months. Warm weather causes ripened fruit to be soft. Many of the recent introductions can be picked in September or later, when nighttime temperatures are generally cooler. This results in better fruit color and firmness.
     Lastly, choose a cultivar with your preference for sweetness, tartness, sugar/acid balance, flavor and texture.

Here are some apple cultivars to consider:

Liberty is the most widely planted scab-resistant apple cultivar in Missouri. This cultivar produces medium-sized fruit with a mildly tart flavor during September. Liberty is favored due to its resistance to apple scab, fire blight, cedar apple rust and powdery mildew.

Crimson Crisp trees produce medium-sized, dark red apples with a firm, crisp texture and a mildly acidic flavor. Its fruit ripens a few days earlier than Liberty and can be stored for at least four months in refrigeration. This cultivar is resistant to apple scab and somewhat susceptible to cedar apple rust and powdery mildew.

Crimson Gold
 is another scab-resistant cultivar that ripens at the same time as Crimson Crisp. However, Crimson Gold apples have a peel color of reddish-orange blush with a yellow background and fine-textured flesh with a sweet-acidic flavor.

Ruby Rush
 is a selection of a GoldRush x Enterprise cross that has resistance to apple scab, fire blight and cedar apple rust. Trees grow vigorously but can be prone to biennial bearing if developing fruit are not properly thinned early in the growing season. Ripens in September to early October.

Galarina
 trees grow vigorously with an upright-spreading growth habit. This cultivar also has resistance to apple scab and powdery mildew. Apples are small to medium-sized with orange-red peel and a sweet flavor resembling Gala.

Querina
 is an introduction with Jonathan apple parentage. Trees are scab-resistant but susceptible to cedar apple rust. The dark red, medium-sized fruit have a sweet-tart flavor and ripen in October.

Winecrisp
 trees are resistant to apple scab and fire blight but susceptible to cedar apple rust. The apple peel is dark red but can have a dull, rough surface. Fruit has a sweet-tart, spicy flavor that is enhanced by refrigeration.

Enterprise
 is an older, reliable cultivar that ripens in late October. It is immune to scab, resistant to fire blight and cedar apple rust and moderately resistant to mildew. The fruit are medium to large in size with tart flesh, but the red peel tends to be thick.

Goldrush
 is another older cultivar that is immune to apple scab and moderately resistant to powdery mildew and fire blight but susceptible to cedar apple rust. The fruit ripens late in the season after Enterprise. It has medium to large yellow fruit with a sweet-acidic flavor that tends to mellow when cold-stored.

​    For more information, see the MU Extension guides “Apple Cultivars and Their Uses” at extension.missouri.edu/g6022 and “Home Fruit Production: Apples” at extension.missouri.edu/g6021.
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Gardening in September

9/15/2022

 
by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension


​     September is a busy month for gardeners. If you have a vegetable garden, this month is often when you have a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. And by the end of the month, it’s time for the sweet potato harvest. Be sure to cut the green vines off the sweet potatoes 2-3 days before digging them up to help toughen the skins and prevent damage to the sweet potato. The less damage they have to the skin, the longer they will last in storage.
     Have you ever grown garlic? Garlic is used in salad dressings, marinades, sauces and as a flavoring agent for meats, veggies and soups! It also has several health benefits. 
 
     Learn to grow your own garlic! Join the free class online, on September 20, 6-8pm.
 
Topics include:
• when to plant
• nutrient, weed & pest management
• harvesting and storage
 
     This virtual workshop provides research-based information for gardeners about garlic production cultural practices, right planting time in Missouri, and selection of good planting stock. This program also provides information about nutrient, weed and pest management. Participants will learn about harvesting, storage and marketing. 
Cost: Free
Contact: Field Specialist in Horticulture Dhruba Dhakal,  dhakald@missouri.edu , 573-581-3231 to join the class.
 
    Other September gardening tasks include the following:
 
Ornamentals:

  • Ornamental plant care- Spring bulbs can be planted as soon as available. Wait until late Oct. to plant tulips.
  • Divide peonies now. Replant in a sunny site and avoid planting deeply.
 
 
 
Lawns:
  • Cool-season grasses are best fertilized now.
  • Begin fall seeding or sodding of cool-season grasses.
  • Lawns may be top dressed with compost.
 
 
Veggies:
  • Sow seeds of radish, lettuce and other greens now for fall garden.
  • Harvest herbs now to freeze or dry for winter use. 
 
Portions of this article were reprinted from the MU Extension Lawn and Garden newsletter.
Please feel free to contact Horticulture Instructor Cathy Bylinowski, bylinowskic@missouri.edu if you have more gardening questions. 
​
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August in the Garden

8/4/2022

 
​by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County, MO
     August looks like it will be hot. Even with challenging weather conditions, there are many important gardening activities we can do this month.

Outdoor Flowering Plants and Ornamentals
  • Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered.
  • Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground.
  • Refresh mulch, check for weeds and water landscape beds.
  • Take a break from the heat, sit in the shade, and take time to enjoy your landscape!
  • Keep an eye out for spider mites on ornamentals. They love it hot and dry. Frequent, strong jets of water can help reduce mite populations.
  • Avoid pruning shrubs and trees now. Pruning now will promote new growth that will not harden by winter which can lead to winter damage.
  • Powdery mildew on lilacs, phlox and zinnias is unsightly, but causes no harm and rarely warrants control with fungicides.
  • Start ordering spring flowering bulbs, but wait to plant them until fall.

Edible/Vegetable Gardening
  • Water garden vegetables thoroughly in times of drought.
  • Many herbs self-sow if the flowers are not removed. Dill, lemon balm, oregano, basil and cilantro seeds fall around the parent plant and come up as volunteers the following spring.
  • A cover crop adds organic material when it is incorporated into the soil the following spring. Later this month, plant a winter cover crop to enrich your garden soil. Wheat, cereal rye and red clover are good choices. Plant no later than November 1st.
  •  Many fall vegetables can be planted until late August or early September depending on the days to maturity for each crop. Vegetables for fall planting include lettuce, radishes, spinach and turnips. For planting dates, see MU Extension Guide G6201 Vegetable Planting Calendar https:// extension2.missouri.edu/g6201
  • Compost plant materials from the garden as crops are harvested and prepared for cooking or preservation. For more information on composting, see MU Extension Guide G6956 Making and Using Compost https://extension2.missouri.edu/

Fruits Production
  • To reduce the number of pests on your fruit trees for the coming year, pick up and discard spoiled fruit lying on the ground.
  • Prop up branches of fruit trees that are threatening to break under the weight of a heavy crop.
  • Harvest cantaloupes when the melons pull easily from the stem, watermelons when there is a hollow sound when thumped and the skin loses its shine, and honeydews when the blossom end is slightly soft or springy.
  • Harvest early season apples when the under-color turns from green to red.

Turfgrass
  • Fall seeding- Make plans for fall lawn renovation if needed.
  • Purchase necessary grass seed and fertilizer.
  • Have soil tested if you are unsure of basic fertility levels.
  • Links for MU Publications on lawn care here- https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6700
(Information adapted from the Garden Spade newsletter- https://mailer.missouri.edu/p/42N5-3DV/garden-spade)

Have an abundance of zucchini this summer? Here’s a tasty way to use extra:

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1 banana, mashed
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup zucchini, washed and shredded (about 1/2 large unpeeled zucchini)
1/4 cup chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk together applesauce, oil, milk, banana, and sugar in a separate bowl.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until just moistened.
  5. Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips.
  6. Divide the mixture between 12 muffin tins. Bake until a tester (knife or toothpick) comes out clean (about 18 minutes).


    ​(Recipe from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Spend Smart. Eat Smart Program: https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/chocolate-chip-and-zucchini-muffins/)
Contact Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline for gardening help- 816-833-TREE (8733), mggkc.hotline@gmail.com. (Please include your county, phone number and any pictures that would help us assist you with your email) You can contact Cathy, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, for more gardening information.
 

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Mulches can help garden soil stay cool during the heat of summer

7/21/2022

 
by Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor
     Help your plants beat the heat with mulch. Maintain 2-4 inches of an organic mulch to keep the soil cool, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein advises. This promotes root growth and curbs soil moisture loss. By blocking sunlight, mulch also prevents weeds from germinating. Finally, organic mulches improve soil structure as they decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
     Remember, do not create mulch “volcanoes” especially around trees or shrubs. While mulch “volcano” around the trunk of trees can be seen around town, it is not a recommended practice and can jeopardize the health of your plants. Instead, create a mulch “donut” or “bagel” around the roots of the plant. Expand the mulch bed to the drip line or beyond if possible. Do not place mulch directly on the stem or trunks of trees and shrubs because this can encourage pests such as mice and voles to chew on the stem, cause plant diseases, and create soil health problems.
     Good mulch materials include dried grass clippings, shredded leaves, pine needles and ground softwood tree bark. Bags of cotton burr compost can also be used for mulch in vegetable or flower gardens.
     Gardeners may see problems with nitrogen deficiency when they plant into existing mulched areas. Mulch can fall into the planting holes, where soil microbes will break down organic matter in the mulch, consuming nitrogen in the process. Nitrogen deficiency often results in lighter green leaf color, weak or slow growth, and even yellowing and loss of lower leaves.
     To counter this, spread a fertilizer high in nitrogen in recommended amounts on the soil surface before applying mulch. For established mulch, add more nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season as mulch decomposes.
     For tomatoes, avoid high nitrogen fertilizers since they will encourage foliage at the expense of tomatoes. Tomatoes do benefit from mulching during the heat of summer.
     While sour mulch is not a common problem, hardwood mulches tend to break down more rapidly, which makes them more likely to become sour than softwood mulches. Good mulch should have the aroma of freshly cut wood or good garden soil. Sour mulches smell of ammonia, sulfur, or vinegar.
    “The benefits of mulching greatly outweigh the concern of plant damage from sour mulch,” Trinklein said. “However, be aware of the problem and check mulches before applying.”
      Once mulch is established, it may not be necessary to add new mulch every year. This especially is true in areas where it initially is applied more thickly, such as around trees and shrubs. However, adding a thin layer of new mulch often improves the appearance of the landscape.
     Mulches help to make gardening more sustainable, Trinklein said. “Their ability to conserve water, retard weed growth and eventually add nutrients to the soil make their use a logical way to reduce the inputs needed to grow an attractive garden.”
     For more information, see the MU Extension publication “Mulches” (G6960), available for free download at extension.missouri.edu/p/G6960. This publication has an extensive list of the pros and cons of different types of mulch.
     Missouri Department of Conservation also has a good guide sheet on mulch recommendations for trees-
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/mulch.pdf
     Have more gardening questions? Please feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, for more information.
     You may also call or email the Extension Master Gardeners Hotline for assistance with common gardening problems or questions -
816-833-TREE (8733) – 24-hour voicemail
mggkc.hotline@gmail.com
​
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Beneficial Insects: To Know Me is to Love Me

6/9/2022

 
Guest contributor, Sara Scheil is an Emeritus Extension Master Gardener and a Missouri Master Naturalist. She established and manages St. Paul’s Community Garden in Independence, MO, where participants can grow vegetables. The perimeter of the garden is surrounded by many Missouri native wildflowers which support beneficial insects including pollinators.
     Ever meet someone new and not think much about it? Then, someone tells you how amazing this person is and why? Suddenly, this person becomes interesting and respect is generated! This can be true of many beneficial insects, including pollinators.
     Let me tell you about some beneficial insects that you can invite and get to know right in your own garden, especially if you plant Missouri native flowers.
     The black and yellow, fuzzy bumblebee (Bombus spp.) is really quite docile and getting a close look at it is easy. Missouri has at least 6 species of native bumblebees. They visit an important native plant, the Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), in my garden and when the pink fragrant clusters of flowers burst open in June, the bee has to work hard to obtain the nectar, the sweet energy food, and pollen, a source of protein. The bee has to perform “buzz pollination” by pressing its thorax against the base of the anthers which hold the pollen and vibrating its flight muscles without flapping its wings. This releases the pollen for the bee. You can actually hear this happening; it sounds much like a middle C musical note. The pollen collects on the bee’s upper hind legs in a structure called corbicula or pollen basket. Next time you take a look at a bumblebee, look for this feature.
     These two food sources, pollen and nectar, are what bind the plant world and the insect world in a strong symbiotic relationship which had lasted for thousands of years. The bee receives the food it wants and the plant is aided in pollination, the act of transferring pollen to the flower’s pistil to generate seeds- the ongoing goal of all living things to perpetuate their species.
      Another beneficial insect that we humans normally scorn is the Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.) that usually annoys us by building its compartmental nests under the eaves of our homes. Because this insect feeds on caterpillars and beetle larvae, they are good biological control insects- who needs chemicals with insect control by the wasps?
     Paper Wasps love the Rattlesnake Master plant (Eryngium yuccifolium), native to Missouri. With characteristics like the yucca plant, this flowering plant offers interesting texture to a native plant garden. Each round, white flower head on a long stem has 106 five petaled flowers and blooms from July to September. Besides wasps, this plant attracts butterflies and beetles who value this plant for the nectar offering hydration and sugar. Bumblebees forage, in addition, for its nectar.
    For more information on native plants, beneficial insects, vegetable and ornamental gardening, feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension, bylinowskic@missouri.edu.
 
Resources: Missouri Extension; M401 brochure; Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm; Attracting Native Pollinators; The Xerces Society Guide
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Great Golden Digger Wasp Sphex ichneumoneus, a gentle and benign wasp, gathering nectar and pollen from a flowering oregano plant. Photo by Sara Scheil
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Bumble bee Bombus spp. gathering pollen on thistle flower. Photo by Sara Scheil
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Lilacs

5/5/2022

 
by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County
     Maintaining a yard and garden can take a lot of time, energy, and money. There are many rewards for all that effort; one is the wonderful fragrance of Common Lilacs. If you have been thinking of getting a lilac for your yard, May is a good time to plant one.
     There are many species and hybrids of lilacs. They all need:
  • Full sun- The ideal spot to plant lilacs is in an area with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day). They may not bloom if planted in too much shade. Newly planted lilacs need a couple years before they bloom.
  • Well-drained soil- Lilacs like slightly alkaline and moist soil that does not stay soggy.
  • Room to grow and good air circulation- Lilacs need room to grow to their mature size. Good air circulation helps with disease prevention.
  • Water lilacs during dry periods to help the plants stay healthy.
    Do research on the wide variety of lilacs available before purchasing one. Here is a short list of lilacs that meet a wide range of landscaping functions:

Old Fashioned or Common Lilacs
- Syringa vulgaris
     Common Lilacs bloom from mid to late April through mid- May. They grow to 15 feet tall. The fragrance is special- a mixture of sweetness and intense perfume. In my mind there is no other flower fragrance else like it. Smelling a cluster of lilac flowers is a yearly, spring treat!
Pruning a portion of the old wood on Common Lilacs helps prevent borers, powdery mildew, and increases longevity.

More Lilacs


French hybrids
Lilacs- These are dense, upright-growing shrubs. The flower color of these lilacs ranges from white to pink to lavender to blue and purple. Both single and double flowered forms are available. The flowers of most varieties are very fragrant. They grow up to 15 feet tall and 3-4 ft. wide

Korean Lilac-
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula, also known as Korean Lilac “Miss Kim”. They grow 4ft to 9ft. tall and 5 to 7ft. wide.

Dwarf Korean Lilac
- Syringa meyeri, grow up to 5-8ft tall, 5-7 ft wide. Both of Korean lilacs have a sweet scent. They will bloom 1-2 years after planting.

Japanese Tree Lilac, 
Syringa reticulata, is a medium to small tree. They grow up to 25 feet tall. Japanese Tree Lilacs have a rounded form and spreading growth. Large clusters of fragrant white flowers appear about mid-June, or about 4 to 6 weeks later than Common Lilac.
The odor is different than Common Lilac. It is sweet, similar to privet flowers. The bark is reddish brown and attractive in winter. It is considered one of the hardiest lilacs.

Planting
- Plant lilacs no deeper than they were planted in the pot you bought it in. Lilacs benefit from light mulching, especially as they are getting established. Remember no mulch volcanoes! Keep mulch off the trunk of the plant.

Pruning
- Proper pruning is necessary to keep the plants attractive and to promote heavy flower production. After the plant becomes established, about one-third of the old stems should be removed each year. Older lilac stems may be attacked by borers. Proper pruning helps to minimize this problem.

Some Lilac Diseases and Pests

     Powdery mildew looks like whitish powder on the leaf. It is caused by a fungal infection. It is can be a problem on some lilacs. Be sure to prune lilacs to increase air circulation. While powdery mildew can be unsightly, it will rarely kill the plant. Fungicides can be used to prevent powdery mildew. Be sure to read the label before use.
     Lilac borers can be a problem. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the recommended strategy for controlling this and other pests. IPM starts with simple pest control methods before using any chemical insecticides.  For more information, review this link to the Missouri Botanical Garden-  https://bit.ly/3vVFZzO
     Need more information on lilacs or other ornamental plants? Feel free to contact me or the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline- 816-833-TREE (8733) mggkc.hotline@gmail.com.

Picture
Lilac flower close-up. Used with permission of Pixabay. Photo by Adina Voicu.
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