Photo by Dave Gordon
Story on page seven
Slime molds are common during warm, wet weather Slime molds are common and appear suddenly during warm, wet weather. Most people become alarmed and automatically assume that they are seeing something that is doing harm to their lawns or landscapes. However, slime molds are rarely harmful to plants.
or wash it off with a strong stream of water. Excessive thatch accumulation also increases the probability of slime mold occurrence.
There are many different slime molds. Some look like alien blobs growing on and over thinning areas of the lawn, mulch in plant beds or One of the more common slime molds found in lawns looks like on top of soot on the grass blades. What you are seeing is the spore mass compost. when this “mold” goes into a reproductive state. This white, gray The slime or darker spore mass will cover the leaves but it is only on the molds are surface of the grass blades. It is not functioning as a pathogen not fungi but (not entering and infecting plant tissue). It is just a cosmetic are classified issue. As a matter of fact, it can be rubbed off or washed off as plasmodia revealing healthy green grass blades underneath the soot-like or Protista. spore mass. The different types are reThis particular ferred to as slime mold remyxomyquires no cetes or dictyosteliomycetes. They are more closely related to chemical conamoebas and certain seaweeds than fungi. trol. It is not a plant disease. It Slime molds are varied, interesting and misunderstood. Some will go away on have descriptive names such as scrambled egg slime, dog vomit its own usually slime mold and wolf’s milk. within days of Here are a few links with more information on slime molds. The appearing. It one from Rutgers Extension includes a link to some very intermay appear to esting time-lapse videos. move around the yard as different sections go into a reproduchttps://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/11118 tive stage. https://www.mushroomexpert.com/myxomycetes.html The best advice is to let it “run its course” and continue correct https://wimastergardener.org/article/dog-vomit-slime-moldlawn watering, mowing and fertilization practices. In areas fuligo-septica where it really bothers you, remove the slime mold by mowing 2
How is it possible that September has arrived? It seems like only a few
A new fiscal will begin October 1st. Our newly elected officers will carry on a proud tradition of making our new year even bet-
months ago that I became President of ter. Our organization will continue to move forward to serve the the Okaloosa County Master Gardener needs of our community. Organization.
Again, I appreciate your effort and support.
So much has been accomplished in
Dave Gordon
the past nine months. Our accomplish-
ments are because of you-Master Gardeners. I have observed many individuals heavily involved in helping to move our group forward. Fall is fast approaching. The Black Gum trees are beginning to show leaf color as they are among the first trees to show leaf change-early August. Native fall flowers are starting to bloom and will continue to do so into November. In the late afternoon,
I hear katydids singing in the trees with a variety of other insects joining the chorus. Our garden plants will show a new flush of blooms as the second spring arrives. The heat and
Dave Gordon, a hardworking group of MGs ,and Larry with his newspaper support helped to kick off our fundraising for a new building. Dave presented Pollinators Paradise to a full house (44) at the annex. We followed with a record-setting plant sale of $432.00. Thanks to: Dave Gordon Lee Vanderpool Carol B
humidity certainly takes a toll on people and plants. October is
Ada
my wife’s favorite month with all of the wonderful changes that
Fabians
it brings. Drive along some of the country roads in the coming
Ginny H
months to view some of our beautiful native wildflowers.
Debbie S
As I close out my presidency, I want to personally thank each of you for your support and kindness. It has been my pleasure to serve as your President and hopefully make a posi-
Alene Joyce Donna S
tive difference in our organization. Thank you.
3
Getting Prepared for Lawn Winterizing While suffering through the dog days of summer, we need to begin preparing our lawns for the winter. Lawn winterizing products will soon be in local stores. Unfortunately, many products marketed as “winterizers� contain a high percentage of nitrogen fertilizer. If nitrogen is applied in the fall, it should be done at least 8 weeks before the average first frost date, which is typically the first week in November here in Northwest Florida. This allows time for the turfgrass to go dormant before cold weather can cause injury.
The fertilizer analysis gives the percentage of available Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in the product. Potassium plays the key role in winterizing because it has been shown to enhance cold tolerance of turfgrasses. If selecting a winterizer fertilizer containing nitrogen, be sure that the nitrogen content is low compared to the potassium.
Potassium is integral to many growth processes in plants, including: photosynthesis, starch and protein production, enzyme reactions, water movement, protein synthesis, cell When applied too late, nitrogen fertilizer will promote wall components, and fruit development. Sandy soils tend shoot growth at a time when the grass metabolism is slow- to be more deficient in potassium, because it is leached ing. This results in a depletion of carbohydrates and stress easily. Soils with a low pH (acidic soils) may contain on the plant. The new growth has a low cold tolerance and enough potassium, but it is not available to plants. Having is often killed. Additionally, the nitrogen is available to the a soil test performed is the best way to determine the need developing cool-season weeds and may increase the incifor potassium. Kits are available at the University of Floridence of large patch disease. da Extension offices. Prepared by: Sheila Dunning
Centipede grass
Continued on page 5
4
Besides applying potassium, there are cultural practices that help warm-season turfgrasses maintain optimum health through the winter. First, increase sunlight to the turf. As deciduous trees defoliate, keep the fallen leaves off the lawn. The turf that has been growing in shade has experienced reduced photosynthesis and, therefore, less carbohydrate production. Carbohydrates are needed for increased cold tolerance. Second, loosen compacted soils through spike aeration. However, core or plug aeration should not be done until after spring green up. Finally, raise the mowing height in late summer. Not only will this promote deeper rooting, but will leave more leaf tissue for photosynthesizing and shading out weed seed.
Prepared by: Sheila Dunning Commercial Horticulture UF/IFAS Extension-Okaloosa County
850-689-5850 sdunning@ufl.edu
“Pursuit to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (As Amended) this University of Florida Affirmative Action Plan ensures equal employment opportunity and advancement opportunity to all individuals. The University does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, family care status,
protected veterans status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law.� Guest Lecturer Larry Williams Continued from page 4
5
Dave Gordon’s Butterfly Program
Wren egg in MG greenhouse
Wakaebisu Azalea E & L Fabian
Spring Plant sale
Ann Foley….” Where did all the plants go?”
Garden Snake ( E & L Fabian)
6
Honesty Reigns The pictures tell the story. Approximately five miles from our farm in Darlington, is a small farm that produces honey and syrup. If you recall, last January I sent in an article and pictures to the Compost Pile regarding syrup making. A farming family has built a small building to sell their products. Soft music is always playing and the interior is decorated with a Coca-Cola theme. A small money box, for change and placing payment, is on a table. All of the
products are marked with the price. No one is there to monitor your coming and going. If you return an empty jar you can discount 25 cents off you purchase.
I have spoken with the owners and they have never encountered a problem. Thankfully, there are still good, honest people in our community. Dave Gordon
7
September What to Plant Annuals/Bedding plants: Try ageratum, celosia, zinnia, and wax begonia for color into fall. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_annual_landscape_plants Bulbs: Add color, texture, and pattern to the garden with the many varieties of elephant’s ear (Alocasia spp.), calla, narcissus, and zephyr lily. See Elephant's Ear: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_elephants_ear and Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_bulbous_flowers Herbs: Plant Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic herbs Vegetables: It is time to establish strawberry plants. Other veggies to plant now are broccoli, carrot, cabbage, collards, and many others. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_vegetable_gardening
What to Do Lawn insects: Continue to monitor the lawn for signs of insect damage. Fall armyworms, chinch bugs, mole crickets, and sod webworms are still active this month. See Insect Management in Your Florida Lawn: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/IR00002848/00001
Lawns: The last fertilizer application should be around the middle or end of September in north Florida. Choose a fertilizer with no or very little phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a need for it. A fertilizer containing controlled-release nitrogen yields longer-lasting results. See Lawn Fertilizer: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_lawn_fertilization Fertilizer Bans: Certain municipalities in north Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the
summer rainy season (June–September). See if such an ordinance exists in your area. Lawn weeds: Maintain healthy grass because it is the best defense against weeds. Avoid "weed and feed" products; only apply herbicides to areas with weed infestations. See Lawn Weeds: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_lawn_weeds Garden for hummingbirds: Plant firebush, firespike, russelia, and
other plants to supply nectar for visiting hummingbirds. See Hummingbird Gardening: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_hummingbird_gardening Vegetable garden: Prepare the fall vegetable garden if not done in August. Using transplants from your local garden center will get the garden off to a fast start, but seeds offer more varieties to choose from. For a list of Florida-proven performers, See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
Perennials and bulbs: Divide and replant those that have grown too large or need rejuvenation. Add organic matter to new planting areas and monitor water needs during establishment. See Seeds and Propagation (Lawn and Garden): http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?
topic_garden_propagation
Humor by : Scott Berry
8
N
o matter which language is used, I hope these words convey how
deeply we trainees feel. THANK YOU… to all the Master Gardeners for embracing the class of 2018 and making us feel part of the group. Grazie for your warm welcome from day one in Crestview. Merci for your patience during our training (which will be years in the making!). Domo arigato for your kindness in teaching us new skills and methods. Debby Bruning
Kathy Foster
Margaret Wagner President Dave Gordon’s motto of “Be Kind’ is evident in the way MG’s have mentored us in all activities. THANK
YOU… We look forward to one day being able to follow your examples with the next class of trainees. Appreciatively, Kathy Foster
Marsha Palmer
Pam Kildow Photos by : L & E Fabian
Stan Peterson 9
10
11
Get ready, over 1,500 plants in stock! We have a lot of fall bloomers, natives and pollinator plants. Prices will be the same as last sale, $5.00 per pot or five pots for $20.00. Plant Sale volunteers needed: •
Friday, September 21st 9:00-finish (should be done by 11:00 with lots of helping hands
If you have a wagon or cart, please bring on Friday, only. •
Saturday 22nd: 7:30-workers arrive (please park at Gulf Power if possible)
The sale will be 8-11 this year, we have found the last hour 11-12 is not very busy •
11-finish move unsold plants to the nursery and clean up
Workers-please wear name tags. If you have an MG apron or garden apron, please wear, you will find the pockets handy, and it will help customers recognize us as help. Jobs: 1) Parking/loading (Scott lead) 2) Entry door greeter 3) Cashiers/ticket writers (Karen B lead) 4) Information booth (Ada lead) 5) Floor assistants (Karen W lead) 6) Nursery (Lee/Ann F lead) 7) Holding area (Dave/Ann P/Sarah leads) 8) As needed floaters (Alene/Mary Grace) We found last year that floaters that would pitch in as needed were a saving grace. Several folks have signed up, and I have your names on the list from the
general meeting. If you have not signed up, please send me an email for days/time and where you can work. All help is appreciated. Vases: We need floral vases to display blooms for sale if you have any to donate. Also, if you have any pretty blooms in your yard on sale day please bring for display.
12
13
14
15
16
Romans and Greeks cooked with it. King Tut was even said to have seeds in his tomb. Commonly prescribed to prevent plague and to cure hiccups. You would think an herb with such a pedigree would be a lot more common in our gardens today.
It could be that Anthriscus cerefolium or Chervil, has the reputation for not performing well in hot weather. It could also be that folks apply too much heat in either preparing it or drying it and rendering the taste to something akin to yesterday's newspaper.
Be that as it may, chervil deserves a spot in your herb garden. A member of the carrot family, it has white, umbrella-like flowers, ferny leaves and an anise-like flavor. It comes in both curly and flat leaf varieties and can grow up to 2 feet tall.
As was mentioned, chervil doesn't do well in hot sun. Plant it where there will be some shade during the hottest period of the day. Its thin structure allows it to be planted among taller plants that will provide it some protection. Seeds require light to germinate so should just be pressed into the soil and the soil kept moist. Once sprouted, thin the plants to 10 inches. Harvesting can begin in about eight weeks after germination. You should harvest just before the flower clusters open or better yet remove the flower stems to encourage new foliage.
Chervil may be used with spring vegetables and in late summer it is good with cold soups and salads. It is high in protein,
calcium, and magnesium. It is reported to help with stomachaches and to lower blood pressure.
Use caution when drying this herb. High heat renders it tasteless. Air drying is the preferred method. If you are adding it to a dish, add after you have removed the dish from heat (if that's your cooking method).
Note: As with all herbal preparations, medicinal use has not been approved by the FDA and no herbal preparation should be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Herbal supplements are not regulated and care should be exercised when purchasing. Only purchase those products from reputable sources. Always check with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements and make sure to provide a complete list of herbal supplements you are taking to your medical provider. Marg Stewart
17
18
Blue Porterweed Stachytarpheta jamaciensis or blue Porterweed is a Florida native that produces small blue flowers throughout the spring and summer in north Florida. It is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators. Blue Porterweed is often confused with Stachytarpheta urticifolia, a non-native cousin that grows more aggressively. Blue porterweed tends to reach 1 to 3 feet in height and width. It is extremely attractive to pollinators. It produces small, blue to purple flowers. Each individual flower stays open for only one day, but the plant produces such a large number of them that they are very showy and attract plenty of butterflies. Blue porterweed plants grow best in full sun to partial shade. When they are first planted, they need moist soil but they can handle drought after they are established. They can tolerate salty conditions, too. Throughout the
year, you can prune them lightly to maintain an even height and attractive shape. Blue porterweed will be available at the fall plant sale at the nursery on September 22. We also have red, white and pink porterweed.
Leland Vanderpool
19
ed from collection in the wild. However, that shouldn't be a problem because we aren't going to eat this right? Right. ReZamia floridana or Coontie is a Florida native plant that bemember that a few of the early Florida invaders died from Coonlongs to the prehistoric cycad family. This is one time I will rectie bread that was made from ill-prepared flour and a few Union ommend highly that you DO NOT harvest this plant. The whole soldiers met their maker in the same manner. It's alleged to plant is toxic if ingested. have been done on purpose but no one knows for sure. Put it another way--I did a quick search on availability of Coontie flour BUT, the Seminole Indians figured out how to make a flour our and even Amazon doesn't have it. of the plant. The process began with cleaning off the root, pounding it up to break the fibers, washing it some more, and So, enjoy the plant, include it in your landscape and provide a pounding the fibers into a pulp. The pulp was then soaked in a host for a rare butterfly. But keep your bread making reserved creek with flowing water and then strained. The fibers were for a bag of all-purpose flour okay? thrown away and the residue was left to ferment for a few days. Margaret Stewart The residue was then spread out to dry and resulted in a yellowish-white flour. Further washing produced a whiter flour.
Not only did the native people use this plant but between 1896 to 1925 there were at least eight different Coontie mills in operation. One mill processed up to 15 tons of Coontie flour per day. Considering that it takes one ton of Coontie root to make 200 pounds of flour, it's easy to see why the Coontie plant was almost driven into extinction.
The Eumaeus alata butterfly (though to be extinct but wasn't) lays its eggs on the Coontie. Even though this is a rare butterfly it isn't covered by endangered species laws due to a bureaucratic snafu. How's this for silly: it was declared extinct but when it was re-discovered someone didn't change something and you can't protect something that is extinct. Yup, governmental hooey.
Coonties are a common native landscape plant which has replaced the natural population. Take note that Coontie is protect-
His finest hour lasted a minute and a half. —Phyllis Diller
Why does “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same thing? Special thanks to Karen Harper for proofreading this publication. Editor: Kent Beck Humor by : Scott Berry
20
21
THE PECAN: Queen of Nuts Over 100 years ago, across what is now the Southeastern United States,the only native American nut tree, The Pecan, was estab-
1775 Thomas Jefferson and George Washington planted pecan trees. The trees at Mount Vernon are the oldest living trees on the the estate.
lishing itself not only an American favorite, but desired through-
In 1886 a most important event occurred that still has an impact
out the world.
today, the The Pecan is one of the
pecan pie was invented. The pecan is the official tree of the state
few indigenous plants
of Texas and Alabama and Arkansas adopted it as the official
to have evolved into an
state nut (no pun intended).
international trade crop with the United States
Lockey, of Course....
providing over 80% of the worlds supply. In
Spicy\Salty Pecans
Florida, pecans are grown primarily in the
1/2 cup oleo or butter, melted
northwest area of the
2teaspoonssh Worcestershire Sauce
state, with about 1% of the national production coming from the state. The history of the
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
pecan is very close to the history of the development of the Amer-
1 teaspoon
ica of today. In the 1500's, Native Americans relied on the pecan as a food source as well as using the bark and leaves for medicine. In 1528,
Spanish explorer, Cabeza de Vaca became the first European to relish the pecan after being captured by a Native American tribe living on the Texas coast. In 1758 the French settlers in New Orleans introduced the praline and in Photo by: HENRY FIELDS
1quart pecans Combine first five ingredients, mix well, add pecans and toss to coat. Spread pecans on cookie sheet. Bake at 300 deg for 20 to 30 mins. Stir frequently until pecans are crisp, drain on paper towel. Cool and store in airtight container 22
Email ads to shalmarkent@cox.net ; by the 20th of each month
For sale ($10)-6 hand made African violet pots, used. Pick up at 121 Country Club Road, Shalimar. Lockey Buhrow Wanted: Ceramic, clay or pretty plastic pots that nursery can plant for upcoming plant sale September 22nd. Not too heavy to transport when planted, please. arogle1968@gmail.com
Free to good home
6 Elm trees. In pots, 3.5 ft. arogle1968@gmail.com
Wanted: Small to medium sized working chipper/shredder. Contact: mgstewart2008@yahoo.com
One female cat looking for a home. Backstory-In April I went for a walk and had a very pregnant cat follow me home. I think she had been dropped off along the road (it’s a wooded area) because she was pregnant (again). I ignored her for 3 or 4 days and she never left. Then, right before the last cold spell, I brought her in the house because I was afraid she would deliver the kittens and they would freeze to death and she was such a small cat she would probably only have 2 or 3 kittens. 3 days later she delivered. My husband woke me up because he found her in labor in the office room of the house. I went in to check on her and she had 2 kittens and delivered one more while I was there. It was still the middle of the night and I figured she had things under control and was done anyway, so I went back to bed. Next morning I awoke to 8, yes, 8 kittens. I doubt it was her first litter –probably her second because she cannot be more than a year old. Anyway, she was a WONDERFUL mom. I have found homes for all the kittens ( I kept 2) but MUST find a home for mom (aka Butterfly) as she is not being nice to my 2 cats. She has been spayed and is current on shots. And, she has 7 months left on her Seresto flea collar. She’s very sweet, likes people and is OK with dogs. I’d keep her if she would just play nice with my 2 veteran cats, but that seems unlikely. Please Help! Stacey 23
I finally managed to finish up my bee hive quilt that's been sitting around for a while. It was immediately claimed by the furry member of the family. Walter decided it was his since it coordinately so nicely with His Royal Orange Majesty. I was slightly embarrassed by how long this particularly project had remained in stasis. The fact was I couldn't make up my mind how I wanted the quilting part to end up. There was also the binding, couldn't make up my mind on that either. So the quilt sat, lonely and waiting to be finished. Finally I just threw caution to the wind and decided that I'd just do the first thing that came to mind (I ended up tying it--quilters will know what that is). We will not discuss how many knots I finally ended up doing--I'm still in therapy over that. The binding ended up being pieced out of scraps from the quilt itself which made a soft, flannel rather pretty finish. But all of this got me to thinking, how many 'projects' do we leave sitting around because we get stuck on just one aspect of it? We can't find the 'perfect' place, or the 'perfect' piece to finish something so we leave it. In our mind's eye we see the end result but perhaps we can't locate all the components to make that vision happen. That leaves a project undone and a sense of frustration that we can't get rid of. Open up a closet, shed, or even a corner of the garden and it's looking at us--the undone project. Instead of getting stuck on the 'perfect' part that we just have to have, why not throw caution to the wind and work with what we do have? Like the pieced binding, taking some parts and a little more work created a unique finish. Half the battle is just getting to work on a project, regardless if we have the 'perfect' part. The happy surprise at the end when it's finished is that the result is
fine, functional and there's another check mark on our to do list. Satisfaction in getting something done. So this month I challenge you to pick just one unfinished project. Something that you've had sitting around for a while and just get to it. Don't get stuck on the 'perfect' details and work with what you have. It will turn out fine in the end and you'll be glad that you did. Walter agreed, it was much better to have a cozy snooze spot than a pile of fabric that mom wouldn't let him nap on. Plentiful Plantings Marg
Just wanted to remind you that the CV Landscape workdays are resuming in September remember that schedule that went out at the first of the year??? First one is September 12th. I know a lot of interns are excited because they need this to complete their training. Please mentors, accompany your intern to this event! I know it’s hot but the weeds are taking over and the beds are a mess. Many hands make light work. And don’t assume your MG friend is going so you don’t need to because that’s probably not the case – they are doing the same thing . Drinks will be available and if enough of you RSVP to let me know you are coming, I might be able to rustle up some light refreshments. Stacey 24