NL May 14

...for discerning weeders THE HISTORY OF A DREAM INSIDE THIS ISSUE Garden Fitness

3

Milkweed for Monarch

4

News

5

The Good, The Bad, The Invasive

6

When is a Lemon not a Lemon?

7

Fungus Among Us

8

Wildlife Happenings

8

‘Egg-actly’

9

Give Peas a Chance

9

Cold damaged sagos

10

Bok Tower Gardens

10

Updates and Info

11 12

Many of us I'm sure have wonderful memories of 4-H Camp Timpoochee, a picturesque camping complex located on the border of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and nestled on the shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. But many do not know the rich and colorful history of this unique facility. It took the collective efforts of the citizens and businesses of several counties in the Panhandle to make the dream of this residential camp for 4-H youth possible. Camp Timpoochee was actually the first residential 4-H camping facility established in Florida in 1926, and is also one of the first in the nation.

District agent J. Lee Smith started the ball rolling, when he had the idea to look for a permanent place for 4-H youth to camp. His goal was a facility that would one day have cabins for sleeping and storage space for supplies and equipment. He approached his friend and financier, James Pace, who generously donated the land at Stake Point on the Bay. This area had a history of being used as a campground by Native Americans, and pottery shards were and still can be found on the grounds today.

Enthusiastic 4-H boys and girls, and a bunch of chickens played a key roll in the first fundraiser for the camp. In 1927 one hundred and two chickens donated by one hundred and three Escambia County 4-Hers, were sold from a train in Marianna for nearly $500. Records also show that 4-Hers in Washington, Bay, Walton and Santa Rosa counties raised $1,311 in 1928 for the camp, and an additional $1,500 was donated by supporters of the program. Business people in surrounding counties contributed lumber, roofing and nails to help build the facilities.

The camp needed a name and in the 1930s, a 4 -Her from Santa Rosa County, Rusty Grundin, suggested the name “Timpoochee.” As the story goes and I quote “the camp was named for Chief Timpoochee Kinnard, Chief of the Euchee tribe.

The son of a Scotsman and a Euchee Native American woman, the chief was known as “Sam

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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By L. Meyers

Story.” The Euchee tribe befriended the white settlers who first entered northwest Florida, but eventually left the area as settlement changed the area forever. It is said that Chief Timpoochee Kinnard died of a broken heart from watching the wanton destruction of the land he loved. 4-Hers suggested the name to honor the chief and his courageous people.” But according to a history provided by the Baker Block Museum there was confusion about the Indian leaders in the late 1700ʼs to early 1800ʼs involving individuals with similar names in the southeastern Indian community. Quoting from their research “ the man referred to as “Timpoochee Kinnard” would have been Jack or John Kinnard/Kinneird/Kennard/Canard (and other spelling variations), a Creek, not a Yuchi/ Euchee native. Kinnardʼs lands were located in the area of Chehaw State Park in Albany, Georgia as well as other places along the Kinchafoonee Creek and Lower Flint River. “James Seagrove, Indian Agent writes of this man as early as 1792, calling him Colonel.” The researcher was unable to find a photo of him or where he is buried.

There was also “a Yuchi/Euchee warrior and important man, Timothy Bernard/Barnard/ Barnett (whose son has been referred to as “Timpoochee or Timpoigee or Timpugee), (continued on page 2)

Historic original cabin courtesy of Florida 4-H May, 2014

CENTENNIAL

continued from page 1 New cabins

was the assistant to Benjamin Hawkins, Agent for Indian Affairs in this era.” Timpoochee Barnard, at the head of the Uchies, distinguished himself, and contributed to the retreat of the piquet guard . . .“ “Miller's Weekly Messenger reprinted an article from a Milledgeville, Georgia newspaper containing this quote: “Kinnard and Timpoochee (or John) Barnett were conspicuous in this action; the latter evinced military talents which would have done credit to a greater man.” “Timpoochee Bernard is buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. He died near there at about age 58.” All this adds to the colorful history and a little confusion about the origins of the name of the camp.

There have been many changes and improvements made to the camp over the years. In 1984, there was the construction of new cabins, in 1986 a pavilion was erected, and in 1995, Hurricane Opal caused over $100,000 in damage to the camp, and took 15 feet of the shoreline. The camp was rebuilt with the support of federal funds, which replenished the beach area and restored damaged buildings, and in 1998 a marine center was created.

Local businesses and supporters have played key rolls in many of these improvements. Among the four 4-H camps in use in Florida today, Camp Timpoochee is unique because of its facilities for horses and its location on the bay, which provides an excellent area for marine study. The camp is open to the public year round and serves not only 4-H, but also school, church, business, civic, athletic and family groups.

Sources: Florida 4-H; The Baker Block Museum, (photos from Florida 4-H)

The Bay

Auditorium

Photos courtesy of Florida 4-H

Blue eyed grass at St. Marks

Coreopsis in Apalachicola State Park

Photo by J. Montgomery

Photo by J. Montgomery

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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May, 2014

GARDEN FITNESS

by K. Harper

The next time you head out to the garden, consider what you're about to ask of your body. If you're like me, even a quick trip to the garden for green onions for a salad, invariably turns into a longer session than expected. There are some weeds you just can't allow to continue growing, you forgot to give your roses their fertilizer, there's some potting soil in the back of the truck that you need to unload...the list goes on and on. And before you know it, that 5 minute trip to the garden has turned into an hour or more and when you finally straighten up and wobble back to the house, every muscle in your body is screaming, “You've done it again and we're mad as heck and we're not going to take it any more!” How much better off our aching muscles would be if we gardeners would just spend a few minutes preparing those muscles for what's about to happen to them. Doing a simple routine of stretches before heading out to the garden could help ease the body into strenuous work: Stretch your back by lying on the floor, pulling your knees into your chest and wrapping your arms around them.

Hold that position for a minute, relax and repeat 2 more times.

Stretch your shoulders by holding a towel over your head. Bring the towel behind your head, with one hand and lower the other hand to below shoulder height. Hold and gently pull on the towel. Switch sides and repeat. Stretch calves and hamstrings by placing hands on a counter top or against a wall and stretch first one leg behind you and then the other.

Studies show that gardening primarily uses the muscles of the back of the body. Raking and hoeing are done with the large back, gluteus and hamstring muscles. However, the muscles of the chest and core are also used in weed pulling and planting.

Mowing with a (non self-propelled) power mower uses lots of muscles in pushing, pulling and turning the mower. Here is a detailed description of the muscles used in mowing, in case you want to wow your friends who pay someone to maintain their lawn and then pay for a gym membership so they can go work out: http://tinyurl.com/mes83nx Here is a short video that shows in Technicolor all those muscles you're using while pursuing the genteel (ahem) past-time of gardening:http:// tinyurl.com/mp4z7pt . (In case you're wondering, auxiliary mus-

cles are those muscles that the body uses without our conscious effort in activities such as respiration, digestion, etc.) And just look at this hunky guy if you have any doubts that your time spent gardening can be every bit as beneficial (and strenuous)! health-wise as a gym workout: http://tinyurl.com/mesohaf Here are a few tips for minimizing muscle strain in the garden: Do not move loads that are too heavy for you. Split the load or wait until you can get help to move it. Know your limits. Plan ahead. Think before you move heavy things: How you are going to move it, How are you going to get it there, what are you going to do with it once you get it there? (calling for help from your spouse when you get stuck does not count as planning ahead) When lifting, bend the knees and keep the back straight. Try to avoid double handling. Before you move all those heavy bags of mulch or topsoil be sure you're placing them where they're needed so you don't have to move them again! Avoid wheelbarrows with one small wheel at the front. They are very unstable when being wheeled. Get a wheelbarrow with double wheels in front or a single LARGE wheel. Don't fill the wheelbarrow up with too much material, and then go for the 'snatch and grab' method of moving the wheelbarrow. Ouch, ouch, OUCH. Your poor back. Use your equipment wisely.

In spite of your best intentions there will be times (many) when you will over-do it. So how best to recover from the pain? For aching legs, sit down and elevate the legs. This allows the fluid that may have built up in the lower legs and ankles flow back to the body through the veins and allows fresh blood to be carried into the muscles through the arteries. And for your aching back?

Well, I get in the hot tub. That and a glass of wine will pretty much guarantee that even if your back still hurts, you won't care!

But of course it's best to prevent those injuries from happening in the first place, Here is an illustrated how-to guide for doing some of the most common gardening chores in the most efficient, least painful ways possible: http://tinyurl.com/khm5gqo

Pitcher plants Photo courtesy of C. Rose

C. Rose’s secret garden. Photo courtesy of C. Rose 3 An

May, 2014

MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS

by L. Vanderpool A. perennis flowers

There are two communities of monarch butterflies in Florida, transient and resident. The transient ones migrate through the state south to north in spring on its way to northern breeding grounds and north to south in fall, returning to overwinter in Mexico or other southern climes. The resident community remains in Florida throughout the year, breeding in the late spring, summer and fall and overwintering in the southern part of the state through winter. To support both of these communities, many people are returning to planting native milkweed, Asclepias spp., in their garden to provide food for larval monarchs and nectar for adults.

Although more than 20 varieties of milkweed are native to Florida, only three are currently readily available through the commercial trade, Asclepias turberosa, A. incarnata and A. perennis.

Asclepias tuberosa is commonly available through the big box stores and comes in two colors, yellow and red with yellow highlights. Although both color variants are suitable fare for monarch larvae, the red with yellow highlights is preferred due to increased toxicity of the leaves. The poisons contained in the leaves are stored by the larva and help them fend off would-be attackers such as the tachinid fly, a major enemy of the monarch young. This plant reaches three to four feet in height.

Asclepias incarnata has globes of pale pink flowers and is also a good feeding plant for monarch caterpillars. This milkweed is often referred to as “swamp milkweed” because it requires wet, boggy areas or persistent watering to thrive. This plant reaches three to four feet in height.

Asclepias perennis, also referred to as “swamp milkweed”, has relatively small globes of white flowers and is not as showy as A. tuberosa or A. incarnata. It is, however, an excellent food source for monarch butterfly larvae. It MUST have an ample amount of water to survive and reproduce. This variety of milkweed is normally found in the wild on stream banks and in boggy areas. The plant is not as large as either of the other common species, growing to only under two feet in height.

Both A. tuberosa and A. incarnata form seed pods which contain a multitude of flat, brown seeds that are ejected from the pods with attached “sails”, fuzzy attachments which catch the wind and allow the seeds to drift for long distances. A. perennis, on the other hand, does not have the attachments and depends upon water to distribute its seeds.

Perennial plant nurseries will sometimes propagate other species of milkweed, most of which provide sustenance to monarch butterflies and their larvae.

The Master Gardener nursery currently is growing A. tuberosa and A. incarnata. These plants should be available for sale by early summer. I also found A. tuberosa and A. perennis at the Garden Gate nursery in Gulf Breeze. http://www.floridanativenurseries.org/info/why-plant-native/ save-our-monarchs-plant-native-milkweed/ http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/giam/ plants_and_grasses/flowering_plants/milkweed.html

A. tuberosa with Monarch caterpillar A. incarnata with Monarch butterflies

The Panhandle Butterfly House is open for the 2014 season. They sell milkweed seeds for $2 a pack. The Butterfly House is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at the foot of the Navarre Bridge. For more information go to www.panhandlebutterflyhouse.org/visitus.html

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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May, 2014

IMPORTANT! Due to the recent flooding, the Extension Annex, Ft. Walton Beach will be closed until further notice.

The Nursery is still in operation and workers are needed!

Nursery is open on Friday from 9 to noon

There will be a landscape work-day scheduled for May 17th at the Crestview Extension Office Start time of am Jobs will be planting, staking, weeding and clean up.

The general membership meeting scheduled for May 28th may have to be moved to the Crestview location due to the flood damage at the annex.

Christmas Party Committee meeting will be immediately following the June membership meeting at the Shalimar Baptist Church!

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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May, 2014

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE INVASIVES One of the first signs of spring is the blooming of the Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) in yards and along the roads as you travel. This plant is known by many names and is more commonly referred to as the Carolina jasmine (or Jessamine), and is the State flower of North Carolina. This plant should not be confused with the invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).

It is used extensively in landscaping and works well with control. If left uncontrolled it will escape and is well adapted to growth in almost any setting in our area. This is the reason that you notice it this time of year in some of the most interesting places along the roads of North Florida.

The yellow Jessamine is an attractive evergreen vine that tends to remain bushy and compact when grown in bright sun. When shaded though, it will climb up and over adjacent shrubs and trees to heights of more than 20 ft. (6.1 m) in its quest for sunlight.

Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is native to the southeastern United States and is widely grown as an ornamental in mild climate areas.

All parts of this plant are poisonous. http://www.floridata.com The fragrant blooms are also a favorite of butterflies and Humming birds. Deer use the plant for browse as well.

For information on use of vines in the Florida landscape check out this informative circular from the University of Florida. (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg097)

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by D. Stevers

We have a new unwelcome visitor to our area and it could change the Emerald Coast as we all know it. This new invasive species is the Indo Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans). If you are unfamiliar with this fish rest assured that it will become very familiar in time in our area. They grow to lengths of 12-15 inches but can get much larger in more temperate areas of the Caribbean. They are an apex predator and hunt with amazing skill and efficiency. They are venomous using 6 dorsal spines and 1 anal spine to subdue their victims.

This predator was first reported in Florida in 1985 and has spread southward down peninsular Florida and was reported in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. There are many reasons that the Lionfish is not welcome. As an apex predator they have no known enemies. They are voracious eaters and stomach samples have shown all types of fish from tropical to game fish. They prey on many of the juveniles and that is part of the potential to wreck havoc on the local fishing industry.

I stated that there currently are no known predators for the lionfish, but we do have one and that is the sport diver. The Florida Fish and Wildlife service is encouraging divers to harvest lionfish when they have an opportunity during a dive. Reporting the information to local agencies will help gather useful information for future steps in managing this pest. http:// myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/marine-species/lionfish There is a local organization that is also encouraging everyone to be aware of the potential danger of the Lionfish. The Emerald Coast Reef Association has taken the lead on this issue statewide and in our area. The organization sponsored a fishing rodeo in October of 2013. During this tournament 1,737 lionfish were brought in by divers! http://ecreef.org/Lionfish_Pages/ Lionfish_Info.htm Now all is not gloom and doom just yet. Fortunately the Lionfish is pretty tasty. It is a light flaky fish with great flavor. The reef association used the fish taken during the tournament to have a fish fry and take the opportunity to introduce people to the flavor of fresh Lionfish. There are restaurants starting to offer them on menus as well. If you see it at your favorite eating establishment give it a try.

The Compost Pile editorial staff An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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May, 2014

WHEN IS A LEMON NOT A LEMON? Lemon grass is an herb used in many oriental dishes as a seasoning agent. True to its name, lemon grass, Cymbopogon citratus, called ta-khrai in Thai, has a lemony flavor. Cymbopogon citratus is the common lemon grass used in Thai and Vietnamese foods and is readily available in local oriental shops. There are actually around 45 different varieties all called lemon grass and all of which are true grasses just like corn or wheat.

Cymbopogon citratus is grown as an annual garden herb in most of the United States but in north Florida it will usually die back to the ground and, in the spring, will regenerate from the base, especially if deeply mulched during the winter.

Cymbopogon citratus has a slightly enlarged bulbous base which is actually the root producing portion of the plant. This base is very woody and must be removed and discarded when cooking with lemon grass. (You can save the base, plant it in soil or put it into a bowl of water and it will grow a new plant! Magic!)

Lemon grass grows in an ever-expanding clump so planting one stalk or plant will soon generate a multitude of small stalks which may be dug up and divided into individual plants to begin new clumps. Shearing the clump to around a foot in height several times during the growing period will encourage larger and more tasty stalks.

To harvest lemon grass, simply cut a large stalk at the base

‘Gator Glory’ Photo courtesy of M. Stewart

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by L. Vanderpool

leaving the remainder of the clump intact to continue producing new stalks.

When preparing the stalk for use in soups, stir-fry or sauces, peel off and discard the tough outer leaves. (Oriental cooks usually save these leaves and dry them for steeped tea, bundle them and insert into the cavity of a roasting chicken to impart great flavor or use them to flavor chicken soup, discarding them after cooking.)

Near the center of the stalk you will find moderately tender leaves and this is what you are seeking. The tender leaves should be cut very thinly into small circles of goodness. These circles may then be combined with other herbs or seasonings and macerated in a mortar and pestle or ground in a food processor to paste consistency to be used by the spoonful to flavor dishes.

They may also be used fresh, sprinkled on salads or other cold vegetable dishes.

Native to India, this multidimensional herb is used in curries and other local recipes. It also has antifungal properties and also may be used as a lure for bees, attracting swarms from long distances.

It does very well as a pot plant although you may have to decrease the size of the clump or increase the size of the pot after a few weeks, especially during hot weather, since this grass grows very quickly. To divide the clump, merely cut it into several pieces with a knife or saw and replant each piece in its own pot.

Citronella, the basis for many insect deterrents, belongs to the same family as lemon grass. It can be intercropped with vegetables in a garden and is said to allow many crops such as tomatoes and corn to be grown without insecticides. http://www.growingherbsforbeginners.com/how-to-growlemon-grass/

Pelargonium graveolens Citrosa in bloom. Photo courtesy of M. Stewart

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May, 2014

A FUNGUS AMONG US!

by S. Olsen

Tools are cool, in many ways. When we purchased our lot, we had several different kinds of trees which were thinned out by Hurricanes Erin and Opal. As I became more aware of what I had, they became an integral part of our landscape. As they grew and thickened, I became aware of tree diseases. How imperfect of them to get sick! The crowning blow was when my large live oak had this ring of fungus around the base of the tree. It had been left in the U-shape of the back of my house and provided so much shade and so much more in the way of leaf drop. Larry diagnosed Armillaria and recommended that it be cut down. So became my quest to “diagnose” tree problems.

I noticed this oak toward the back of our property that was growing this fungus in a cavity.

This grew and grew. I took a picture and asked Sheila what it was.

She contacted the UF forestry pathologist who said that “this isn’t a pathogen. It is a Hericium species and a saprophyte living on old, dead wood inside the tree.

Probably a member of the Hericium erinaceus group (also known as the “Lion’s Mane Fungus, Bearded Tooth Mushroom, Hedgehog Mushroom, PomPom Mushroom, etc.”). According to literature (and Wikipedia: http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Hericium_erinaceus), it can be considered a medicinal mushroom.”

Wikipedia states that this medic-

WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS

And, no. I didn’t try it.

courtesy of UF Florida Wildlife Extension

May is the onset of Florida’s summer. Night temps can still get quite cool but we’ll start seeing daytime temps in the 80’s and 90’s. Here is what you may see in the animal kingdom this month: Brown pelican and white ibis young are now visible in nests. Painted Buntings nest through summer in northeast Florida Least terns and snowy plovers nest on Panhandle beaches Bald eagles begin migrating north Breeding begins for many resident and summer songbirds The last of the cedar waxwings and goldfinches head for their northern breeding grounds Gray Bats congregate at maternity caves now through midJuly. Alligators begin to court and make loud resounding ‘bellows.’

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

inal mushroom is in the tooth fungus group and is a native of North America, Europe and Asia. It is identified by a tendency to grow all spines from one group and its appearance on hardwoods. A study was done in 2005 on rats that showed that some compounds in the mushroom (threitol, D-arabinitol, and palmitic acid) may have antioxidant effects, may regulate blood lipid levels and may reduce blood glucose level. Pills of this mushroom are used in treatment of gastric ulcers and esophageal carcinoma. Scientists also investigated this for possible antidementia compounds.

Wow! All in my back yard!

But wait, we’re not finished. That forestry pathologist also said that “this is one of the best tasting fungi and never has larvae in it which is always a plus. This will likely grow out more and then I would suggest thinly cut and fried to a slight crispness in butter. It is really good. Some students here have started to cultivate this and we have been feasting on it weekly.”

Height of crocodile nesting in the Keys Loggerhead sea turtles begin nesting on summer nights. Soft-shell and alligator snapping turtles complete egg laying Bluegill are bedding at the full moon Redbreast sunfish and spotting sunfish begin spawning Pompano running in the surf in north Florida Peak flight month for Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly in the Keys White swamp lilies dot wet prairies of the Everglades American lotus bloom at Payne's Prairies State Preserve

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May, 2014

‘EGGS-ACTLY’ THE RIGHT PLANT Consider for a moment the lovely flamered eggplant: http://tinyurl.com/mrlyulz Or maybe you like the tiny green-striped ones better: http://tinyurl.com/lcd9uf8 But wait, you say, eggplants are purple!

Yes, they are. But if you've overlooked some of the lesser-known varieties of eggplant and stuck with the (let's face it) boring purple one all your life, then you've missed out on some really exciting and beautiful plants that you can easily grow in your own garden.

Eggplants are heat-loving plants that thrive in our hot, humid summers. I grow mine in containers but if you have the space, they will thrive in the ground as well. As I write this (Feb. 21) I've already started my eggplant seeds in my garage greenhouse but there is still time to start seeds. You can of course also find seedlings at the garden centers but you'll likely be limited to the more widely-known purple type. Eggplants are very cold-sensitive plants so however you obtain them, you won't want to set them out in the garden until the danger of frost is well past. I try to get mine out by mid April or early May. Eggplants are in the Solanaceae plant family, along with peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco. Their cultural requirements are similar to tomatoes and, like tomatoes, they will do best with a fertilizer that has more potassium and phosphorus and less nitrogen, especially when the plants are flowering and fruiting. A fertilizer with the ratio of 1:2:2 is best. The plants can get quite tall, depending on the variety, so you'll want to provide some support, such as a cage or a trellis to tie them to. Flea Beetles are a common pest and you'll know you have them if the leaves of your eggplant begin to look like they've been peppered with tiny buckshot http:// tinyurl.com/kxeh9vh I would probably go with my spinosad spray http://tinyurl.com/mtcl56d if I felt I needed to spray for flea beetles. However, there are other steps to take to limit flea beetles without resorting to spray and Planet Natural has some

good tips http://tinyurl.com/mjtl2pm Some years ago I started using Planet Natural's yellow sticky traps near my citrus trees to help control citrus leaf miners and I've noticed I haven't had a flea beetle infestation since then.

How to choose among all of the tempting varieties? Well, you can look at the seed catalogs and make your decisions based on the “ohhhh, I love that color” factor. Nothing wrong with that approach and I use it myself pretty often. You could also consider what you intend to do with the eggplant fruits (yes, they are fruits) once you harvest them. Eggplants are extremely versatile and can be used in many different types of cuisine. If, for example, you like to make moussaka or eggplant Parmesan you will probably choose one of the larger types that yield bigger 'cutlets.' For that, the old standby large purple version will do nicely. If you like to use them in curries or soups, you'd probably choose one of the smaller round types that are ideal for this purpose. I like to make traditional Thai curries and for that you really need the hard-to-find Thai pea eggplant http://tinyurl.com/k5vt9th Here are some seed sources, if you'd like to try some of the more exotic varieties: http://tinyurl.com/mzn2bu2, http://tinyurl.com/mq8djwk, http://tinyurl.com/jvqdgnc, http://tinyurl.com/k3bnq8h Here are two article that discuss varieties and provide growing information: http://tinyurl.com/kyxq9nt, http://tinyurl.com/qfqf3z5 Eggplant recipes abound. Here are some to get you started when you've succeeded beyond your wildest imagination and find yourself overwhelmed with eggplants later this summer! http://tinyurl.com/mjafpju, http://tinyurl.com/kjggff7, http://tinyurl.com/lzo5qom

GIVE PEAS A CHANCE The pea is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world.

Although its origin is obscured in history, peas were found in excavations in Switzerland dated to the Bronze Age and in an Egyptian tomb at Thebes. Peas were popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. In fact, the word ‘peas’ is a derivation of the Latin ‘pisum.’ The Anglo-Saxon word for peas was ‘pise’ or ‘pease’ as in the nursery rhyme, ‘pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold.’

Peas were originally grown for their dry seeds, in fact, for centuries people thought ‘green’ peas were poisonous!

Fresh-shelled peas are not mentioned in history until after the Norman Conquest of England. By the end of the 16th century, peas were being perfected in Germany, Belgium, and England.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by K. Harper

courtesy of A. Ogle The earliest colonists brought peas to the New World where this valuable vegetable became a staple in their diets. In 1602, the Mayflower Colony logbook records that peas planted by Captain Gosnold produced respectable yields on the island of Cuttyhunk.

Even Captain John Smith wrote of the abundant crop of peas the Jamestown colonists enjoyed in 1614. To this day, peas are one of our favorite vegetables.

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May, 2014

TREATMENT OF COLD DAMAGED KING SAGOS This has been an extremely difficult year for plants. Cold damage caused by the wide fluctuations of temperature, appear to be everywhere. The best thing we can do right now, is be patient.

Early pruning, fertilizing and over watering can do more damage than good.

One plant that seems to have been hit very hard , is the King Sago, Cycas revoluta. We have become accustomed to seeing some burning and spotting of the fronds due to our winter frosts and freezes but never the complete browning we have experienced this year. Several people have inquired as to what they can do to restore or save this palm.

The King Sago is not a palm, it is a Cycad. Some people think that because they look like palms, they are closely related. Of all the seed bearing plants, cycads are about the farthest plant group away from palms. Therefore, in order to restore them back to their original appearance, they must be treated as cycads and not palms.

Part of the restoration process requires fertilization. Most palm fertilizer are low in nitrogen with a 7-10 percent N. In order to restore the King Sago to its former beauty, it requires between 18 -25 % nitrogen.

The Palm and Cycad Society of Florida (PACSOF) recommends in an article by Tom Broome that a fertilizer with an analysis of 24-7-8 plus minors, with 14 of the 24% being quick release nitrogen. Unfortunately this product sold as Scotts Premix is no longer sold. A second choice was Nutricote 360. This is a plastic coated pellet, 18-6-8 with minors that release over 360 days depending upon the temperature. I have found 2 produces used together and available in small quantities. Dynamite AP is an 18-6-8 with some minors, it has all the NPK in slow release form. This means it will be slow in getting the nutrients to the plants. Combine this with the total water soluble, quick release, of Orchid Plus (20-14-

BOK TOWER GARDENS

13 + minors) at half strength to give a quick boost. Both are sold at Lowes at less than $20 for both.

Now for the process of restoration. Up until now, hopefully you have done nothing. During the first week of April, fertilize with one of the above produces or their equal in the recommended amount. Do not remove anything from the plant yet. This is your protection against a cold snap. Two weeks after fertilization, around April 15, you may see signs of new growth, if not, that's okay. Danger of frost should be over. Prune away all totally brown fronds. This may mean everything but they are no longer of value. Keep the plant well watered but not saturated. If the caudex (trunk) is still firm, just be patient. If it has become soft and mushy, do not give up hope. Cut back until you find firm, living tissue and treat the wound with a copper based fungicide per label directions. If all goes well, you may have a King Sago donut. An option, would be to cut a disc from the good tissue, cut the disc in half diagonally, place the flat portion into potting soil.

It should look like a setting sun. Growth should appear on both sides and individual plants can be removed as they mature.

by D. Stevers

I had the privilege of experiencing one of the most beautiful botanical gardens recently in central Florida near Lake Wales.

The Bok Tower Gardens is a must see if you are anywhere near Orlando. The gardens are an unbelievable collection of plants.

The under story is landscaped with bromeliads by the hundreds.

The blooming and smells of the Camellias and Jasmine are amazing. Everywhere along the manicured pathways are plants that you have probably only seen in pictures.

The garden is a National Historic Landmark established in 1929 with the “The Singing Tower” as its focal point. The tower is a Carillon rising above the gardens to a height of 205 feet and houses 60 bells of different size. The tower is played live at times during the year and electronically at noon daily. What a magical voyage as the bells play and you absorb the beauty around you.

(If you are into useless facts like me there are 4 Carillons in the state of Florida with one as close as Panama City).

Walking the gardens is an easy task with most of the walkways being paved and a few are left as grass covered. They offer guidAn Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

by B. Bayer

ed tours which I would suggest you take advantage of. The volunteers are a wealth of information and can identify the plants that your eyes and mind think it could not possibly be that.

The gardens also house an endangered species plant garden grown and maintained for research use in medicine. Who knows when that scraggly looking thing might become the next miracle drug?

Also located on the grounds is Pinewood Estate. “Pinewood” is a 1930’s Mediterranean-style home depicting the opulence of the time. It was constructed by the Bethlehem steel magnate Charles Buck as a retreat from the cold Pennsylvania winters.

If you are visiting the area you must put the tower and gardens on your to do list. I guarantee you will be pleased.

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May, 2014

UPDATES AND INFO

by Editorial Staff

There are a lot of updated publications out there. Before we get into those, one of our Master Gardeners noticed that one of the lawn care products out there was exceedingly high in nitrogen.

He wrote to Scotts® and the following is their response: “Thank you for your interest in Scotts and for the opportunity to help you with your lawn and garden endeavors.

Unfortunately Mr. Berry, our Scotts Snap Pac Lawn Fertilizer only comes in the 26-0-4 formulation. We have found through several years of testing that this is the preferred formulation for most lawn types. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for your interest in Scotts. Please feel free to contact our company anytime we may be of assistance.”

Now you may ask why the interest. Well, during intern training the Scotts fertilizer spreader and predetermined application package was highlighted because it took the guess work out of applying fertilizer. BUT, the spreader model has changed. It is smaller but also much cheaper. The bad news is the pre-mixed bag and the level of nitrogen. I know that this product is out there due to one home visit with a client who has a centipede grass lawn and this is what they are using! Be aware that this product is out there and you may be dealing with the resulting problems of excess nitrogen use in lawns.

Updated EDIS publications: Roystonea regia: Royal Palm—4 page fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st574 Livistona chinensis: Chinese Fan Palm—5 page fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st365 Spreading Dayflower Biology and Management in Turf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep497 Violet Biology and Management in Turf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep496 Aster leafminer moth—4 page fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1029 Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1027 Iron and Copper for Citrus Trees http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss617 Manganese and Zinc for Citrus Trees http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss616

Sedge Biology and Management in Turf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep492 Other topics of interest: Western Flower Thrips Develop Insecticide Resistance in North Florida Use of Roundup and Similar Products in the Home Landscape Landscape Issues Related to Excess Rainfall and Flooding Kudzu bugs—http://www.kudzubug.org/homeowner.html Take-all root rot is appearing more this season Growing veggies in space Science at NASA—lettuce Local river gauges http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php? wfo=mob Cherry trees bloom six years early http:// www.engadget.com/2014/04/13/cherry-trees-blossom-six-years -early/ It’s important for us to remember as Master Gardeners, that some of the landscape/garden problems that are appearing now...were caused by the stresses of last year’s heavy rains, the ice storm and more heavy rain.

Don’t forget! Even though the Annex is closed until further notice, the Nursery is still in operation. There are plants to be cared for and all the work that goes with propagating etc. Not to mention that we’ll be in floor install mode (hopefully sooner rather than later!). Work days are every Friday from am until whenever.

There’s a man-power shortage for a bit at the Crestview office.

Our intrepid volunteers are taking vacations (imagine that) and the office could use a few souls to man the help desk for the next month. There are two computer in the office so buddy up!

Work day for the Crestview landscape is scheduled Saturday, May 17th from am until finished. Lunch will be provided. There will be plants to go in as well as clean up in the beds and weed removal. Plenty of work and the more folks we have, the quicker it all gets done!

Don’t forget to check out the Master Gardener channel on Crestview Community Television! There should be more programs coming soon! http://www.cvctv.info/channel.cfm? category=The%20Master%20Gardener&id=4430

Black Medic Biology and Management in Turf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep494

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

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May, 2014

M. Stewart —Editor S. Farrell and K. Harper—coeditors

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LAST WORD Forrest Gump once famously said, “Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you’re gonna get.”

Well, I’m changing that. Life is like a bunch of pampas grass that needs trimming.

I have pampas grass. It’s been doing its own thing for several years now and finally got to the point of threatening to begin its own country in the corner of the yard. Okay, time to do some serious trimming. By serious, I mean the utilization of saws, rakes, machetes and any other cutting implement.

Several hours later and two trips dragging a tarp full of debris to the curb, the job was done. Of course, we have thunderstorms the very next day.

Yard pick up isn’t until the day after that. But surprise! Very little of the debris went visiting the neighborhood.

Along comes the yard waste removal crew and when they are done...there is pampas grass parts EVERYWHERE! Okay, other than being on the HOA hit list, not much I can do about it. We’re now in for 20+ inches of rain, wind and whatever else Mother Nature wanted to throw at us.

So why is life like pampas grass? The more I looked at the mess the more it occurred to me...it’s life. Stick your arms in there unprepared and you are going to pay a price. But with a little forethought and preparation, you can tackle the biggest problems without much blood loss (or in my case—one or two Band-Aids...not a trip to the ER).

Then there are life’s problems. Some may seem so large that you aren’t sure where to begin. Pick a spot and start working at it. Like the pampas grass, it took some effort (and blade sharpening) but it eventually got done. Problems are like that, you just start working at it and eventually the job gets done.

Then there’s the clean up. Dragging

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication

12

By M. Stewart all the pieces to the curb. Fine. But the stuff is still there. Likewise, rubbish from problems you deal with. It’s still there. Might be smaller pieces but still there. Then the ‘help’ arrives and ends up making a bigger mess. Same thing with life—there are times when getting help from those who won’t take the time you do causes more hassles.

In the end though the outcome was the same. Thunder, lightning, mayhem and then the next morning the sun came out. No mess left.

I realized that life’s problems may be really large but nothing is so large that you can’t get it to a manageable size (I recommend a REALLY sharp machete).

So, thus armed I’m ready to face the world. Just to test my resolve, I think our recent jaunts into the land of preschoolers has resulted in their sharing a bug with me. Hacking, coughing, sneezing, sniffling...yup....I’ve got a cold. Could have picked it up anywhere but I’m going to blame the kids.

Happy Hubby is keeping his distance (highly recommended) and I’m trying to stay quiet, drink fluids, and imitate a Harbor Seal as infrequently as possible (yes the coughing sounds that bad!).

Tried Vicks® on my feet last night...boy have they changed that stuff. No where near as potent as when we were kids. Also Vicks® on the chest, hot tea with honey/lemon, a couple doses of antibiotics and getting to bed early. Not sure which is working but a repeat is in order for tonight.

So remember, you can handle anything life throws at you and you can be very careful in debris removal...but if you allow the wrong people to get involved you are going to have a bigger mess to clean up and who know what Mother Nature would have in store for an encore! Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day! May, 2014