Q&A Master Gardeners

I have a row of 4-5 year old lilacs with a fence around it to ward off deer. The plants are outgrowing the fenced area. At what point are they safe to leave unfenced and have the deer not devour them? When we attempted to open them a couple of years ago, the deer devoured the lower 3-4 feet. We don’t want that to happen againof expandingcourse.Dowejustkeep the fencing forever?

Ihaveplentifuldeerwhodon’tusually bother my mature lilacs, so you will not need a fence forever. The deer will eat young growth,but once the plants mature the growth isn’t attractive to

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Livingston County

them. It will be a gradual process. Mature size for a lilac is about 12 feet. I’m not sure about their current size. Have you tried a deterrent spray? The most effective sprays contain egg solids, Liquid Fence and Deer Out are two examples. These products will probably reduce the damage,but not prevent all damage. Usually, deer will cause the most damage just as leaves emerge, so spraying the bare branches should reduce damage.

We are building a 3ft high berm of dirt in front of some black walnut trees to act as a barrier and shield.The area in front of the black walnut trees is sunny most of the day. We plan on planting either forsythia or lilacbushesonthetopof theberm since they are fast growing and can grow to a height of 8ft. Any suggestion on what else might work as a good 8-12ft barrier. We are also looking for a fast-growing ground cover to plant on the sides of the berm so we don’t have to weed it. Any suggestions for the ground cover? Thanks!

“Landscaping and Gardening Around Walnuts and Other Juglone Producing Plants” CCE article gives a list of plants that tolerate juglone: https://extension.psu. edu/landscaping-and-gardeningaround-walnuts-and-other-jugloneproducing-plants

Class of 2023

Best wishes for a bright future!

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GRADUATION ETIQUETTE

Stick to paper invitations. Many schools provide students with invitations, but graduates and their families can choose to buy their own. Paper invitations are more personal than digital alternatives. Paper invitations also give the impression that the ceremony will be formal.

PRACTICAL GIFTS FOR RECENT GRADUATES

Money: Money remains a one-size-fits-all gift that can be put to many uses. Invest in a graduate’s future by buying stock in a stable company, contribute to a college savings account or help grads begin paying back their student loans.

To all the graduates, whether from large or small schools, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on reaching this signi cant milestone. As you prepare to embark on your journey beyond high school, whether it be college or starting a career, we commend your determination and spirit.

A Sweet Way to Start the Day

Start each school day on a sweet note with all-natural sweetener instead of syrup on breakfast favorites. Maguey Sap is an unrefined and unprocessed alternative sweetener with unique flavor. Buy a bottle of Maguey Sap.

Maguey Sap Glazed Bacon

Yield: 8 slices

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

8 slices hickory smoked bacon

4 tablespoons Maguey Sap

Heat oven to 400∞F.

On foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, arrange bacon in single layer (use baking rack for crispier bacon). Bake until fat is rendered and bacon is beginning to brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Remove from oven and brush one side with Maguey Sap. Bake another 3-5 minutes, or until coated side of bacon is browned. Remove from oven and flip each piece using tongs. Brush second side with Maguey Sap. Bake another 3-5 minutes, or until browned.

Drain away grease and allow bacon to rest 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite pancakes.