Nl december15

20 15 R, BE EM D EC

...for discerning weeders

Inside This Issue!

Dilly Daffy’s!

Smelly Situation Garden Glories And much more!

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GIVING THANKS GARDENING (AND OTHER) HOLIDAYS FOR DECEMBER Worldwide Food Service Safety Month Cookie Cutter Week 1st—7th Hanukkah 7th—14th Gluten-free Baking Week 13th—19th Christmas Bird County Week 14th—1/5 Kwanzaa 26th—1/1 Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day 1st National Cookie Day 4th World Soil Day 5th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 7th Gingerbread House Day 12th Green Monday 14th Cat Herders Day 15th Short Girl Appreciation Day 21st Candy Cane Day 26th Bacon Day 30th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A. Bower K. Blurton P. Garrett K. Kirk-Williams L. Mackie A. Phillips A. Rosati A. Phillips

If your birthday is this month: Your trees are: ash, hornbeam, fig, beech and apple.

Your flower is narcissus or poinsettia.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Your birthstone is tanzanite, zircon, or turquoise.

Your colors are cream, gray, maroon, teal and red.

Activity Calendar

Plentiful Plantings

Smelly Situation

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‘Berry’ Irritating

4

Wildlife Happenings

5

Ins and Outs

5

Attention

5

Info and Updates

6

Poinsettia Ponderings

6

Daffy About Daffies

Sign in to VMS and log in your hours!

You may access the VMS site by clicking on the link below:

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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Garden Glories

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When is a Park a Preserve?

10

Info-graphics

11

Seasons’ Greetings

1

7-8

Recipe Round-up

Last Word

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An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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THE GOOD...THE BAD...THE SMELLY…

by K. Harper

Mothballs are poison. You probably already knew that, just based on their obnoxious smell. But did you also know that they’re classified as a pesticide? They are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Mothballs are composed of naphthalene or 1,4-dichlorobenzene. Both of these substances undergo sublimation, meaning that they evaporate from a solid state directly into a gas. This gas is what is toxic to moths and moth larvae, and keeping it within airtight containers of stored clothing is the purpose for which mothballs are intended. Any use outside of that purpose is Illegal and ill-advised.

Here is a recent application to the EPA for a widely-available mothball product called IMS Original Mothballs: http:// tinyurl.com/og74cdd and here is the 9-page (!!) MDS sheet for the product: http://tinyurl.com/nwobqcp This is serious stuff.

So if you, master gardener, have been in the habit of advising people to use mothballs in the home and garden for any other purpose than to kill moths in stored clothing, it’s high time to rethink that advice. Not only are they highly toxic to humans and animals, their toxins can get into the soil and groundwater.

Mothballs may even harm the plants you are trying to protect.

And yet the internet is positively riddled with sites telling folks how to use mothballs to repel all kinds of varmints, including rats, mice, squirrels, snakes, armadillos, etc. Here is a typical site that I found easily, just by searching for “mothball uses”: http:// tinyurl.com/qcvmbvk

ready given birth, mothballs are not going to have much effect. When we were new to Florida and armadillos some 23 years ago, I was advised to put mothballs under my barn in a tunnel that a very active armadillo had made. I put the mothballs in the tunnel and the armadillo did disappear. But after many years here and observing how armadillos operate, I now know that they dig holes and tunnels in search of grubs and other insects and that they move on to a new area whenever the insect supply runs out. So that armadillo most likely was ready to head to more rewarding digs anyway. And fortunately, I did not asphyxiate my horse who lived in the stall above the tunnel. Mothballs get anecdotal credit for repelling varmints but often this happens because (1) they were applied at the time of year that the animal was getting ready to leave the nest site anyway; or (2) the animal is just checking-out the area and never intended to remain at all; or (3) the physical So, what exactly are mothballs? Mothballs used to consist mainly disturbance of applying the mothballs (not the odor itself) drives of naphthalene, but due to naphthalene's flammability, many the animal away. modern mothball formulas instead use 1,4-dichlorobenzene. The latter chemical is also known as para-dichlorobenzene, pAlternatives to mothballs as a varmint repellant: dichlorobenzene, pDCB, or PDB, making it harder to identify Traps. The persistent use of traps is a good way to reduce rounless all of these synonyms are familiar to the consumer. Both dent populations. of these formulations have the strong, sickening odor often assoFences. Although you may not be able to construct rodent-proof ciated with mothballs. Note that naphthalene and 1,4fences around your entire property, fencing in your garden area dichlorobenzene should never be mixed, because they react chemically to produce a liquid which may actually cause damage is a good way to get rid of rodents. Use material with openings no more than 2 inches wide. To keep out gophers, groundhogs to the clothing items that are stored with it. and rabbits, build the fence 3 feet high with an additional 6 Health risks: The US Department of Health and Human Serinches underground. vices (DHHS) has determined that 1,4-dichlorobenzene "may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen". This has been in- Neatness. Keep brushy areas trimmed down and cleared as dicated by animal studies, although a full-scale human study has much as possible to reduce their appeal to wild animals in search of a home. If you keep birdfeeders on your property, keep the not been done. The National Toxicology Program (NTP), the area beneath them cleaned up, removing spilled grain and seeds International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the daily, thus reducing the attraction of a free meal at your place for state of California all consider 1,4-dichlorobenzene to be a carbunnies, squirrels, rats and mice. And bears, if you live in my cinogen. Exposure to naphthalene mothballs can cause acute Poquito Bayou neighborhood! anemia in people with certain genetic conditions. IARC further states that acute exposure causes cataracts and retinal hemorRepellents. You’ll find many products at your garden center rhage in humans, rats, rabbits, and mice. 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is that claim to repel animals. Some are more effective than others, a neurotoxin. It has been abused as an inhalant, causing a variety so be prepared for some trial and error. Used clay cat litter someof neurotoxic effects. Mothballs containing naphthalene have times chases off burrowing animals if you pour it directly into been banned within the EU since 2008. The National Pesticide the burrow openings. Hot pepper spray may be effective in deterInformation Center has all of the pertinent regulations and ring squirrels and rabbits. warnings governing mothballs if you’d like to read further: Here is some state- and animal-specific advice from the pros on http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/mothball/regulation.html repelling or removing unwanted animals from your property: “But it works!” There are many repellent products available http://www.wildlife-removal.com/index.html. Click on each that contain naphthalene and sulfur having labels that do allow animal for advice on how to deal with it. Note that snakes are their use to repel rodents, snakes, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, said to pretty much crawl right over mothballs without giving bats, woodpeckers, and others. The manufacturers of these prod- them much notice. ucts claim that these “area repellents” irritate the animals’ noses or respiratory tract and drive them away from their nesting sites. OK. So we know now that mothballs shouldn’t be used for any For most situations and most animals, this is simply not true. If other purpose other than to repel moths from clothing. But if the animal has multiple nesting sites or has just recently moved you’re like me, after reading these details, you wouldn’t touch a mothball with a ten foot pole, even if moths were devouring your into the area, mothballs *may* cause it to leave. But if there is best outfits. So what can you do to protect your stored clothing only one prime nesting site available, and if the animal has alAn Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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SMELLY cont’d. instead? Well, one of the best things to do is to store only clothing that has been freshly laundered or dry-cleaned. This is because moths are powerfully attracted to the scent of perspiration, food stains and other human stuff. If you’re getting a visual now of Grandma salting away Grandpa’s suits that could probably stand on their own and compounding those odors with that of (ewww) mothballs, you’re not alone. CLEAN the clothing first before storing it. Alternatives to mothballs to control moths include freezing the clothing, washing it in hot water, and/or thoroughly vacuum cleaning it. Camphor is also used as a moth repellent, and unlike naphthalene and dichlorobenzene, it is not regarded as a carcinogen, though it can be toxic in large doses.

Living the casual life in sunny Florida, most of us are probably not faced with the problem of protecting valuable furs and wool-

ens for long periods of storage time, but if you are or know someone who has the need, here is some good advice from the University of Kentucky on the proper use of mothballs as well as other strategies to keep your garments safe from pests: http:// www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef609.asp So, please consider all of the above information and go forth in your master gardener-ly duties adding mothballs to the list of home remedies and old wives’ tales to warn folks about.

Ed. Note: At the recent State conference one of the general session presentations was on this topic. Turns out, a lot of Master Gardeners and an Extension Agent had been giving out the information that mothballs were a good snake repellant. Tsk tsk.

‘BERRY’ IRRITATING

by D. Stever yellow for a short time in the fall. The golden yellow fruit is quite attractive as it persists on the tree during the fall and winter.

When eaten in quantities, the fruit is poisonous to people but not to birds. The wood is very brittle but it has been used in cabinet making.

It is killed back to the ground in the northern end of its range and is often seen as a several-year-old sprout. . It grows anywhere in any soil except wet soil. Its leaf litter can increase the pH of soils and add nitrogen, significantly altering soil chemistry. The most effective method for controlling Chinaberry is with herbicides.

Chinaberry is a listed class II invasive in the state of Florida.

More Information: Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) is commonly known by many names, including White cedar, Bead-tree, Cape lilac and Persian lilac. It is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae.

The plant was introduced around 1830 as an ornamental in the United States (South Carolina and Georgia) and widely planted in the southern states. This fast-growing tree can form dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation. Chinaberry fruit is poisonous to humans and small mammals. Leaves and roots release compounds that inhibit the germination and growth of other plant species.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st406 http://wiki.bugwood.org/Melia_azedarach http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/meaz1.htm

Today it is considered an invasive species as far north as Virginia and Oklahoma. But nurseries continue to sell the trees, and seeds are also widely available. It has become naturalized to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Americas and is planted in similar climates around the world.

The Jokester The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

Chinaberry grows under a variety of conditions, but is most invasive in disturbed areas. Specimens are frequently found on rural home sites, both abandoned and occupied, throughout the southeast. In the South Carolina piedmont, Chinaberry commonly invades open pine stands in the absence of fire, particularly following the treatment of other non-native invasive plant species such as kudzu.

The clusters of lilac flowers are fragrant in the evening but are often hidden by the emerging foliage. The leaves turn a vivid An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS

courtesy of www.wec.ufl.edu/extension

December is here! The National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count begin mid-December. (The Christmas Bird Count—A Long Tradition) (Annual Summaries of the Chistmas Bird County, 1901-Present) BIRDS This is the best time for watching waterfowl on wetlands, lakes, and prairies. Great horned owls and barred owls are courting. Look for Goldfinches at feeders. Yellow-rumped warblers will show-up at feeders if it is cold enough. Bald eagles tarts hatching about Christmas day.

INS AND OUTS OF THE P.D.C. At the recent Master Gardener Conference we had a good introduction to the workings of the UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center...by the director, Carrie Harmon, PhD.

by L. Fabian  They don’t work weekends and samples will rot waiting in line.

 Use crush proof containers.

She made no bones about it. Send good, fresh samples and they The price is the same whether you manage to get a viable sample will diagnose your problem. That will be $45, thank you. Send to them or not. dried, rotted or baked samples that reveal no pathogens and that will be $45, thank you.

For those growing what is termed ‘high quality turf’ (not your front lawn!), there is a special service called Rapid Turfgrass The Plant Diagnostic Center (FEPDC) serves the state and region Diagnostic Service (with appropriate price increases). This serand will diagnose commercial, homeowner and extension plant vice is pricier because the lab has a short turn-around time, the disease samples for turf, ornamental, fruits and vegetables and involvement of the UF Extension Turfgrass Pathologist and a full other plants...not sure what “others” would be. I suppose trees time student dedicated to this service. There are some other tests and shrubs would fall under “others.” I noticed online that they that are run which push the price up. Don’t worry about this one can now accept and diagnose samples from outside the US. Of unless you are planning on managing the Augusta golf course. course, there is a whole other set of permits and forms for international service.

I hope none of us need this service but I’m glad it is there should the need arise.

Larry Williams once sent off a sample of Florida anise for us that we suspected had Armillaria root rot. There was no definitive http://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/plant-diagnostic-center/ pathogen found. That will be $20, thank you. Prices were lower 10 years ago!

The handout for Sample Collection and Submission (available at the URL given elsewhere) will let you know just what it takes to get a good sample into the Center’s hands.

Don’t forget to include the Submission Form which is much more detailed than a soil sample test form.

Rules for submission––

 Don’t wait too late, find out the problem while the disease is still manageable.

 Take your sample BEFORE you spray with the pesticide de jour.

 Don’t send dead samples; send declining matter that is still     

alive with green material.

Send more than you think they will need.

Send roots: keep intact but shake off excess soil. Keep moist.

Do not mix samples; keep different ones in different bags.

Complete the form with ALL the data asked for.

If you can’t take or send immediately, keep it cool. Send early in the week.

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UPDATES AND INFO  Org. Notes: We are still in need of a Speaker’s Bureau chairperson. Your duties would be to act as the contact point for groups/individuals who are seeking to have the Master Gardeners present.

 Org. Notes: We are still in need of a co-chair for Outreach to handle the influx of youth activities. You would be responsible for coordinating and getting the information out to the membership for volunteers.

 Interns: Don’t forget to bring your folder every time you participate during your internship. The trainers have to be able to sign off on the particular activity. If you have any questions make sure to contact your mentor or one of the mentor coordinators! That is what they are there for!

staff vide the proper credit to your source. If a presenter was unable to share their presentation, please contact the presenter directly for information on the subject. The PowerPoint presentations are posted as PDFs on the conference website and you will find them linked in the agenda. http:// conference.ifas.ufl.edu/gardener/agenda.html

 The following publications are now available on EDIS and are alternate versions of pages published first on the Featured Creatures website: Laurelcherry Smoky Moth Pineapple Mealybug Interesting Links:

 There were many great presenters at the recent Master Gar- Vintage Extension movie: http://unwrittendener Conference. Many have graciously allowed the reproduction of their presentations online in an effort to help you continue your education beyond the meeting room walls. If you reference material from any presentation, please pro-

record.blogs.archives.gov/2015/11/25/gobble-gobble-americasthanksgiving-turkey-tradition/

POINSETTIA PONDERINGS

by D. Stever

The Aztecs called poinsettias "Cuetlaxochitl." During the 14th 16th century the sap was used to control fevers and the bracts (modified leaves) were used to make a reddish dye.

Montezuma, the last of the Aztec kings, would have poinsettias brought into what now is Mexico City by caravans because poinsettias could not be grown in the high altitude.

In the 17th century, Juan Balme, a botanist, noted the poinsettia plant in his writings.

sett’s discovery of the plant. Prescott named the plant the poinsettia in honor of Joel Poinsett’s discovery.

A nurseryman from Pennsylvania, John Bartram is credited as being the first person to sell poinsettias under its botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima.

In the early 1900's the Ecke family of southern California grew poinsettias outdoors for use as landscape plants and as a cut flower. Eventually the family grew poinsettias in greenhouses and today is recognized as the leading producer of poinsettias in the United States.

The botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was assigned to the poinsettia by the German botanist, Wilenow. The plant grew http://extension.illinois.edu/poinsettia/history.cfm through a crack in his greenhouse. Dazzled by its color, he gave it the botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima meaning "very beautiful."

Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico being appointed by President John Quincy Adams in the 1820's. At the time of his appointment, Mexico was involved in a civil war. Because of his interest in botany he introduced the American elm into Mexico. During his stay in Mexico he wandered the countryside looking for new plant species. In 1828 he found a beautiful shrub with large red flowers growing next to a road. He took cuttings from the plant and brought them back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. Even though Poinsett had an outstanding career as a United States Congressman and as an ambassador he will always be remembered for introducing the poinsettia into the United States.

The Jokester Reintarnation (n) : Coming back to life as a hillbilly

William Prescott, a historian and horticulturist, was asked to give Euphorbia pulcherrima a new name as it became more popular. At that time Mr. Prescott had just published a book called the ‘Conquest of Mexico’ in which he detailed Joel PoinAn Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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DAFFY ABOUT DAFFIES! Avid gardeners enjoy what is going on in their gardens, even when it is too hot to work outside, or too cold for very many flowers to bloom. They are always looking ahead and planning.

For example in the fall thinking about what to plant that can be enjoyed in spring. Daffodils speak spring with their showy faces and variety of colors. However, not all daffodils can with stand our particular climate and flourish in our warm winters and wet summers with high humidity.

Linda Van Beck tells us that garden daffodils began as wildflowers in the Mediterranean basin. The greatest number of daffodil species excelled in both the alpine and coastal environments of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Of the 28,000 hybrid daffodils adapted to such alpine and arid environments, only a handful bloom well with the seasonal extremes we live with in the coastal south.

by A. Rosati of the circle, rather than in rows.

When to Plant Fall planting is recommended when the soil is cool. October through mid-November allows time for the roots to develop.

Select a site that has full sun to light shade depending upon the growth requirements for the cultivar. The soil should be free of tree and shrub roots. Watch out for blackberry root runners. It should be noted that if you cut larger tree roots, smaller tree roots will appear that will be detrimental to bulb growth.

Depth and Spacing Generally plant bulbs pointy ends up in a clump (5 bulbs) in a hole 4-6 inches deep.

Spacing bulbs at about three times their width. That’s about 25 large hybrid bulbs per square yard according to the Florida Daffodil Society. General rule for depth is to plant three times the height of the bulb.

"Daffodils have numerous common names, and common names for the same flower can vary widely from region to region across the south. Some names Erlicheer courtesy of Florida Daffodil Society Fertilizer are narcissus, jonquil, Lent lily, Easter flower, butter cup, dirty mop, old fashioned, sweeties Daffodils are not heavy feeders. If you need to fertilize, a baland daffies.” anced fertilizer low in nitrogen can be applied in early October and after blooming.

Not all daffodils are yellow. White, orange, reddish pink, and green are included in the color range. A flower's color code is Planting, Bulb Care and Growing Tips from the Van determined at the time of peak bloom. The Royal Horticulture Beck's Society recognizes combinations of color and 13 divisions of groups of daffodils sharing botanical characteristics such as Some common misconceptions regarding planting daffodils are number of flowers per stem, cup shape, or petal orientation. that the bulbs should be refrigerated (pre-chilled) before plantThese divisions are trumpet, large-cupped, small-cupped, douing and that fertilizer should be put in the planting hole. Van ble, triandrus, cyclamineus, jonquil and apodanthus, tazetta, Beck says, “Only the bulb goes in the hole!” Pre-chilling seems to poeticus, bulbocodium, split corona daffodil cultivars, other daf- kill the flower in the bulb. If you purchase pre-chilled bulbs from fodil cultivars, and daffodils distinguished solely by botanical catalogs, know that they are sold for indoor bulb plantings. name.

Other important things to know: Bulbs that that have been proven to grow in zone 8b in Florida, and across the south from Charleston, South Carolina to Hous Do not leave bulbs in the sun, even for a few minutes. This ton, Texas, can be purchased through the Florida Daffodil Socican kill next year’s flower! ety, in nurseries and from reputable sources/catalogs to avoid  Do not pull the offset (slab) off the bulb. viruses and bulb-fly issues. The daffodil society sponsors bulb  Leave the stems after blooming. You may pinch sales through organizations such as Master Gardeners and garor “deadhead” spent blooms. den clubs. In 1994 the Florida Daffodil Society established test  Do not fold, braid, twist, tie or otherwise abuse daffogarden in Tallahassee. Daffodils can start blooming in November dil foliage for at least six weeks after blooming. and end in early April. Check out their web site for photos.  Do not cut foliage for arrangements! The foliage will not hold up and cutting robs the bulb of vital energy proSome of those suggested cultivars that are able to perennialize duction. here are Avalanche, Carlton, Erlicheer, Golden Dawn, Ice Follies,  When cleaning bulbs, be careful not to tug off sections of the Monal, Nir, Nony, Soleil d Or, and Trevithian. basal plate. Do remove excess tunic material even if the bulb feels dry. When the bulb is ready for storage, the tunic Where to Plant Bulbs usually pops off.  Bulbs are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.

Whether you select single, or double flowers, bulbs can be Mulch! Chopped mulch is best. Oak, pecan. dogwood..these planted in naturalized areas with scattered drifts, or under trees are acidic and good for daffodil soil preparation. Keep beds and scrubs, or other perennials which fill in the holes in the covered in mulch year round to help keep the soil temlandscape when the bulbs have fished blooming, as well as, in perature constant. Do not use wood chips, or colored wood rock gardens, or near water. Think about shallow rooted perenproducts. Over plant for the best year-round appearance! nials such as verbena, or annuals like zinnias marigolds, cucum-  Bulbs are best dug when foliage is going down, but may bers and squash. Some suggest that bulbs can be planted in be transplanted (with dirt) any time, provided they are wagroups of ten with a loose circle of seven and three in the middle tered well for two weeks.

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DAFFIES cont’d.  Plant bulbs as soon as you receive them. Bulbs belong in the ground, not in the garage. This is especially important for species and intersectional hybrid bulbs.  Water well from the time the leaves break ground until the bulbs bloom, preferably 1” a week total.  Misting buds and flowers can offset damage and rapid dehydration caused by heat waves and wind.  Stop watering after the bulb has bloomed—late season watering encourages bulb rot.

References Florida Daffodil Society. www.FlaDaff.com Gilman, Edward F. "Narcissus Spp. Daffodil, Narcissus." FP 423. Solutions for Your Life. UF/IFAS Extension. Feb. 2014.

Martin, Tovah. "All-American Daffodils.”

Country Gardens magazine, Spring (March) 2015. Photography by Kindra Clineff.

IceFollies courtesy of Florida Daffodil Society

So enjoy your achievements as well as your plans, but consider planting some daffodil bulbs to brighten you landscape!

Rhoades, Heather. "Daffodil Planting Care Tips: How to Plan Daffodils in Your Garden." Gardening Know How. 2015.

Van Beck, Linda M. and Sara L. Daffodils in Florida. A Field Guide to the Coastal South. 2004

RECIPE ROUND-UP

staff

In honor of the holidays, what says it better than home-made cookies? Well, let’s go a little international this time.

SOPAPILLAS (Soap-pa-pea-yahs) Spanish

Kiflis (Kee-fleas) Hungarian

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 2 tbsp. shortening 3/4 cup warm water Oil for deep frying Honey 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. sugar Whipped cream

3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 pound cream cheese 1/2 pound shortening 2 cups confectioner’s sugar Pastry filling of your choice: Lekvar (prune) and mák (poppy seed) are the most common. However, you can also use mandulás (almond), sárgabarack (apricot), and málna (raspberry)

Mix flour, cream cheese and shortening until a soft dough forms.

Pinch off dough into 50 balls. Put into a bowl and refrigerate Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Rub in the overnight. shortening until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.

Gradually add enough of the water to form a dough. Wrap the Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove dough balls from refrigerator dough in plastic wrap and let sit 1 hour. and roll each one out on a board coated with confectioner’s sugar. Only work in small batches at a time, keeping the rest of Working with half the dough at a time, roll it out into a square, the dough refrigerated until needed. keeping it as even and as thin as possible. Cut into 3-inch Fill each square with 1/2 tsp. of desired filling. Roll from one corner to form a crescent shape. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet (only put one flavor at a time on a sheet.) Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on sheet for about 3 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

squares. When both pieces of dough have been rolled and cut, set the squares aside.

Heat the oil to 375°F. Add a few pastry squares, using tongs to push them down gently into the oil. Cook in batches until golden on both sides, turning them once. Note: They are going to puff up. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Serve sopapillas with honey, cinnamon mixture and whipped cream on the side.

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GARDEN GLORIES

Burgundy hibiscus bloom.

Grown from our nursery!

Courtesy of D. Stever

Hardy gloxinia (Seemannia sylvatica) Photos

by R. Voelker courtesy of L. Vanderpool

Orchid (Epidendrum nactumum) Photos by R. Voelker courtesy of L. Vanderpool

Camellia sasanqua, ’Midnight Ruby’ and Camellia brevifolia Photos by R. Voelker courtesy of L. Vanderpool

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Orchid Bulbophyllum hydrid, ‘Howard’s Dream’ Photos by R. Voelker courtesy of L. Vanderpool

December, 2015

WHEN IS A PARK A REFUGE? Here’s a question for you...when you visit a park or preserve...do you really know the difference between the two? What the heck is the difference? Is there really a difference between a national park and a national forest? Yes, Virginia, there really is a difference between all of these things.

A National Park is a large public natural space that has been kept wild. They were established by Congress (Yellowstone was established in 1872) and there are more than 400 areas today maintained by the national parks Service. Gulf Islands National Seashore is a national park.

A State Park is like a national park only it is under the management of an individual state. According to the National Association of State Park Directors there are 7,804 state parks in the US and within those parks 221,101 campsites, 8,095 cabins and 38,383 trails. Between Tallahassee and Pensacola there are a total of 34 state parks and historic sites (about one fifth of all the parks in Florida!). Here are the ones in Okaloosa County; Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park and Henderson Beach State Park.

National Forests and national parks are often confused. The easiest way to tell the difference is the level of conservation. National forests tend to allow a wide array of activities from the cutting of trees for timber, cattle grazing, mining and various forms of recreation. There are three of these areas in Florida: Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala.

National Preserves are managed similar to that of a national park. However, activities like hunting, trapping, mining, oil and gas exploration are generally allowed. We have one in Florida and it isn’t the Everglades! Big Cypress in Ochopee is the national preserve in Florida.

A National Monument is a piece of land or historical site that has been granted protection by Congress or by the President.

Activities that went on BEFORE the area was declared to be a national monument are usually permitted to continue. We have several sites in Florida, mostly old Forts.

by M. Stewart tion, photography, education, hunting and fishing. In addition to conserving and managing natural spaces, they also help to restore habitats under certain circumstances.

Waterfowl Production Areas are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These were created to preserve wetlands and grassland that are vital for waterfowl and other species. If you’ve never heard of this it’s because about 95 percent of these areas are located in what is referred to as prairie pothole areas of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Montana. Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho and Maine also have these areas in their borders.

National Grasslands were established in an effort to keep the grasslands healthy. There are 20 of these areas that cover almost 4 million acres. These aren’t refuges and the land can be used for other activities. Most of the national grasslands extend from North Dakota down to Texas. Three more can be found in Oregon, California and Idaho.

National Marine Sanctuaries protect more than 170,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters. The sanctuaries are in place to help preserve biodiversity, historical sites (shipwrecks and naval battlefields) and the economic benefits that come from a thriving ocean and lake system.

So get out there! No matter what the designation, we have lots of natural spaces within Northwest Florida for you to enjoy. Before you head out, here are a few tips: Check before you go! Some areas have designated hours of operation. There are some areas that are only accessible by walking and some that require a bit more stamina than you may be prepared to use. While a few areas have bathroom facilities, you don’t want to be caught with your pants down if they don’t.

Always follow the rules! If the signs say that you should stay on the path—stay there!

Don’t leave anything behind! Whatever goes in with you comes out.

National Recreation Areas were established to provide the There may be wonderful plants and cute animals. They belong in public with natural spaces . These spaces are different than nathat area and not in your pocket! tional parks and forests in that they are chosen for their ability to fulfill demands for recreation rather than preservation.

Most of all have fun and enjoy what nature has to offer!

State Nature Preserves are areas where environmental preservation is the top priority. They are used for scientific research as well as an educational resource. While the public is allowed to enjoy these areas, human activities are regulated.

The Jokester Is there another word for Synonym?

National Wildlife Refuges were built specifically to create a network of habitats for wild animals. These areas are managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Refuges aren’t available for the most part for camping. They are used for wildlife observaAn Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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December, 2015

INFO-GRAPHICS

Okaloosa County represented at the 2015 State Master Gardener Conference (left to right) M. Stewart, E. Fabian, L. Fabian

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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December, 2015

LAST WORD

y M. Stewart

I just know that you’ve all been waiting with bated breath to hear about the outcome of Thanksgiving dinner featuring Turkzilla (aka the 36+ pound turkey).

Well folks, let me tell you that it was a Thanksgiving that I’m sure that our family won’t soon forget. It shall evermore be known as the Great Turkey Trauma of 2015.

Now, I was very proud of myself. Spent the previous night getting the pies done and prepping all the ‘stuff’ that you need for stuffing. The vegetations was chopped and in nifty little containers in the refrigerator. Bread was thawed and prepped.

Yes, sir! I was ready.

Thanksgiving morning dawned, well actually at 4 o’clock in the morning dawning is not what is going on outside. It’s dark!

But I was awake! Off to the kitchen. Get the oven fired up.

Check. Wrangle monster bird into pan (without throwing out back). Check. Remove innards. Check. Make the stuffing and stuff. Check. Get turkzilla into the oven. Double check!

I am so awesome! All of this and it’s just now 5 o’clock in the morning. I didn’t break anything and I didn’t hurt myself. Yes, indeed……….I should have known that the Fates were laughing…...I should have known………

Since I’m going to be hosting the festivities this year, there are still a lot of things that need to be done. Off I go! Well, by 7 a.m. I need to sit down. I did. Mistake. I doze off. Mistake.

I come awake to…..SMOKE! DO I SMELL SMOKE???? Oh (expletive)! Run into the kitchen and see smoke pouring out of the stove. Oh (expletive)! Remember that the alarm is still set so turn that off. Throw open window and door. Grab fan and put that in front of door. Gotta keep the smoke from getting to smoke alarms!

I open the oven to retrieve turkzilla (actually remembered to pull over a lower stool and cover with towels so I don’t burn anything) and get bird out.

Did I mention that smoke was pouring from the stove? Did I mention that the oven is set at 350°? Yeah, once that door opened—Mt. Vesuvius erupted in the form of billowing, choking smoke. I run outside to breath and back in. I know there are no flames but by now the smoke has reached the alarms.

I run into bedroom and witness Happy Hubby throwing off his C-Pap (Kudos—he didn’t hang himself on the thing) and say, “I have a problem!” His response, “Ya think?!?”

He comes running into kitchen with me and we’re trying to evacuate the smoke—it hasn’t gotten to the main alarm system…...yet. Too late! Main alarm starts going off. H.H. is in charge of shutting it off.

Two relatively intelligent people don’t stop to think that the smoke has reached that part of the house and no matter how often we hit cancel...that alarm will continue to go off.

Cue the alarm company calling.

Alarm Person: “We’re receiving an alarm.”

Me: “We don’t have a fire...just turkey juice on the bottom of the oven. We’re fine.”

AP: “Are you sure everything is okay?”

Me: “Oh yeah, we’re fine and there is no fire.”

AP: “Okay, what is the emergency code?”

Now folks, if you have an alarm system you know that if you goof and set it off, you have a secret code to cancel everything right? Quick! What is yours? Yeah, I thought so—you don’t remember yours either.

Me: “Oh (expletive)!”

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

AP: (chuckle) “No, that isn’t it. Try …..” (and she gives me a hint) Me: “Yeah, it’s _______.” (oh I’m so pleased with myself) AP: “Yes, that is correct. Fine, we will cancel the fire department.

I’m thinking, “Okay, we’re squared away with that.” H.H. and I continue to open doors and windows...remember I told you that I was up at 4 a.m.? Remember that H.H. had been sound asleep at this point? Needless to say that we have been accomplishing all of this in a slightly ‘exposed’ status. (slightly not completely you dirty minded people you).

Suddenly, as H.H. goes through the living room he states, very calmly, “Fire truck is here.” I look to see H.H.’s southern exposure vacating the area (with me in hot pursuit) so we can grab any clothing we can to greet the morning’s visitors.

Not only did the fire company show up….they couldn’t show up in the little white SUV right? Oh no…..it’s a fire truck…..a BIG, RED, SHINY, RUMBLING, fire truck.

I’m certain that truck wasn’t as red as my face at this point.

Me: “But the alarm was cancelled.”

Fire Guy: “Yeah, but we have to show up anyway.”

And show up they did. Not just with the truck but with the whole brigade! Yeah, come on in….why not. They confirm that there is indeed no fire and we’re complemented on our smoke evacuation efforts. Now they need a name for their report, I give them Happy Hubby’s. (yes I’m evil) Now the problem. How am I going to get this bird done?

Okay, call mom. She’s a block away.

Me: “Fire up your oven.”

Mom: “Why?” Me: “Long story short—fire department just left and I need to bring the bird to your place to finish cooking!”

Needless to say I had to explain a few minor details and once she stopped laughing long enough...got my son up so he could bring up the truck. We put the bird from Hades on the tailgate and I ride shotgun with it. Wouldn’t surprise me a bit if that turkey had tried to fly away at this point.

We get it into mom’s oven, call the would-be visitors and tell them to push dinner time back an hour or so. I head back to my house to continue getting the smell and smoke out of the house as well as clean the oven.

Two scrubbings later and the oven is burnt turkey juice free.

The house doesn’t stink (much). Now my neighbor hollers over and…

Neighbor: “Everything okay? We saw the fire truck.”

Me: “Yeah, just turkey juice on the heating element. Why did you wait so long to check?”

Neighbor: “Well we figured since the lights weren’t flashing on the truck things weren’t too bad.”

Such nice neighbors...then again, they are used to my antics over here...although they usually don’t involve emergency vehicles idling by my driveway.

Phone rings.

Mom: “Well, between the 4 cups of broth you got out and the 4 cups I got out, the bird has behaved.”

Me: “Great.”

Mom: “I’m calling to let you know that it’s done.”

Me: “(expletive, expletive)….What? Because it’s only 3:30 p.m. This bird was supposed to take 12 hours to cook! It’s been out of the oven, gone for a drive and then back into the oven!

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December, 2015

M. Stewart —Editor S. Farrell , K. Harper and S. Berry—co-editors

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Send it in!

Articles and pictures are always welcome.

Mission To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

LAST WORD cont’d.

What do you mean it’s done?”

Mom: “It’s done, trust me.”

Okay, I have nothing else ready to go.

Call the visitors to tell them dinner is back on for 4:30-5 o’clock and go into Energizer Bunny mode to get the sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and all the rest of the stuff finished in time. Confirm that house doesn’t stink anymore (thank God).

Visitors arrive. Turkey has been partially carved and arrives in multiple pans. Rest of food arrives and heads into the pristine oven to be warmed up if needed. The conga line of dishes commences and the food goes to the table. Remainder of turkzilla is on the platter and taken to the table.

I will mention that before everyone arrived and while I was still in ‘I-can’tbelieve-this-is-happening-I’m-ready-to-cry -mode,’ Happy Hubby stands there, looks around, and says: “Well, we always wanted to know if that alarm system really worked or not!” Bless his heart for always finding the silver lining.

When all was said and done, everyone had a good time, the food was excellent and the turkey was one of the best that we’ve had.

But let me tell you this…..next year we are having HAM!

Plentiful Plantings

From Our Family to yours Wishing You All A Wonderful Holiday Season

Vision To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

December, 2015