The Compost Pile October 2021

SPOOK-TA-CU-LAR EDITION!

for discerning weeders

OCTOBER 2021

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

October, 2021

Peanut Butter Challenge!

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From the Editor

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Alene the Tool Queen

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Wildlife Happenings

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Extension Landscape—Fall Show

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Updated Publications

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Podcasts

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Gardening With Aches, Pains and Injuries

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Well Deserved Recognition

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A Treasury of Watercolors

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Landscape Workday

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Birthdays and Holidays

11

Last Word

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Not sure who was winning...the cart or the Master Gardeners!

Lee and Ed in mechanic mode while Lynn wisely watches from a safe distance.

Photo courtesy of K. Foster

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

October, 2021

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

FROM THE EDITOR Here we are, nearing the end of 2021. Things are

that helps you out? Maybe you have a gardening

still far from ‘normal,’ but we are getting there.

question? Now is not the time to be bashful. Send

Another sign of improvement is the return of The in your stuff and we’ll take it from there!

Compost Pile! Yes, folks, your favorite

It’s good to be back and we look forward to future

publication is returning. We ask for your patience editions. while we lubricate the presses and wake up the contributors.

We plan on providing interesting information you can use in your garden and landscape as well as keeping you apprised of the collective

Plentiful Plantings

The Editors

shenanigans of the Master Gardener Volunteers.

As we did before, we are always looking for content. Do you have a favorite plant you want to highlight? A tip or hint that you’ve discovered

Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) an underused native tree with interesting corky winged bark. Photo

by Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent

Don’t forget to log in your hours into Better Impact.

Please submit articles, photos, recipes, etc. no later than November 30th to be included in the next issue of The Compost Pile which is due out December, 2021

Please remember when submitting photos to let us know who took the picture and provide us some information as to content.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

ALENE, THE TOOL QUEEN

by Linda Timothy

Little did I know when I started Master Gardener School and got a phone call from Alene O., telling me that she was my mentor, that I had struck gold. Six years later, I know I can go to Alene any time I have a gardening question.

Also, little did I know that it was going to be expensive having Alene as my Mentor. She is always finding neat gardening tools, plants, and products that she knows I won’t be able to re-

sist. My favorite up until now has been the Root Assassin™ shovel. I have 3 magnolias, 7 crape myrtles and 6 fruit trees so I have lots of roots. I had no idea that there was a miracle shovel that would cut right through them. Many of my

neighbors have borrowed mine until they’ve gotten embarrassed and bought their own.

Now Alene has found another winner. The FloMaster™ 1/2 gallon sprayer. I have one of the large sprayers with a wand that just sits and takes up space because it’s so much trouble to constantly have to clean, so I can use other products in it that I use on a regular basis. I

It’s very easy to use. Just pump the knob on top a few times and it’s ready to go with a constant spray about 3 feet wide. Push the button on the

handle to stop the spray.

Thank you, Alene for another winner.

knew I was in trouble when Alene held up this small version with a big smile on her face.

I immediately bought one at Lowes®, under $6.

I filled it with Neem oil. Then I realized it would be great for my 3 in 1 fungicide so I bought another. Then during tomato season, I spray constantly with Monterey BT to combat army worms which we’re dealing with in the southern

part of the county because we haven’t had a hard freeze in 4 years...thus the purchase of #3.

It’s great to have these mixed and ready at all

As Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers, we are not permitted to create an implied or outright endorsement of any product or place of business However, we can report on things that have worked for us and tools we discover that make our lives easier.

Individuals are encouraged to do their own due diligence in researching products they might want to use.

times.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

The Bat House constructed on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville in 1991 and now houses over 100,000 bats.

WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS Here it is October and just maybe a hint of Fall is in the air. Here are the wildlife happenings you want to look out for this month.

Birds - Warbler migration peaks early this month.

- Sandhill cranes that nested up north begin to move down.

- Ducks begin to arrive for the winter.

- Grosbeaks, warblers, tanagers, orioles, and thrushes begin migrating south.

rains of October.

Fish - Redfish and trout move up creeks and rivers.

- Fall spawning of redear sunfish.

- Largemouth bass active in cooler waters.

Mammals - Flying squirrels will be moving into pecan groves as the nuts begin to ripen.

- Black bears are feeding heavily in preparation for winter. Drive safely.

Amphibians - Male frogs and toads move to ponds, streams, and ditches to breed during rainy nights.

Reptiles - Flatwoods salamanders breed with the first An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

Information courtesy of Florida Wildlife Extension at UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)

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October, 2021

EXTENSION LANDSCAPE—FALL SHOW

Shhhhh! Don’t tell Larry Williams that we snagged some of his pictures from the Extension Landscape!

Isn’t October a great time of the year?

Upper left: Wild Ageratum (Conoclinium coelestinum) Upper right: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) Lower left: Goldenrod (Solidago)

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

UPDATED PUBLICATIONS -Sample Submission Guide for Plant Diagnostic

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1422

Clinics of the Florida Plant Diagnostic

-Hibiscus Bud Weevil

Network

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1328

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SR007 -Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio

- Common Bark Beetle Pest of Florida https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/4H417

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1107 -Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are bacteria that cause diseases, known as ehrlichiosis and ana-

plasmosis, in humans and other animals. Primarily transmitted through the bites of infected hard ticks. The publication describes the various forms and their tick vectors. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1327

-Growing lettuce in small hydroponic systems— new 6-page publication.

PODCASTS YOU MIGHT LIKE

Naturally Florida is a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here.

Currently on most of the common podcast apps including Apple and Google.

Two Bees in a Podcast is hosted by members of the University of Florida’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory.

Learn about honey bees, beekeepers, researchers, and specialists from around the world in educational, fun, yet practical episodes!

Podcast - Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)

Naturally Florida Podcast - UF/IFAS Extension (ufl.edu)

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

GARDENING WITH ACHES, PAINS, AND INJURIES We’ve all been there. Did a bit too much in the

mission to modify those chores. Always try to

garden/landscape and the following morning we

alternate between hard and gentle activities.

sound like an oversized bowl of rice cereal—

Some design modifications that may help:

snap, crackle, and OW!

1. Locate planting beds for ease of access near

Instead of throwing in the trowel, consider

the back or front door, around the garden

adaptive gardening. This is the process of mak-

shed, and along pathways

ing small modifications to accommodate a gardener’s physical challenges.

2. Rethink how you use some of the garden space by creating foundation beds, ‘mowing’

Why make adaptations? Because the current

rings, and perhaps more vegetables and

aches and pains can prevent us from caring for

fruits

our landscapes. Injuries happen to anyone at any time. Small changes may make those landscape chores easier and completed faster. Not only that but the landscape may be more aes-

3. Landscape for minimal maintenance by choosing a style that takes less work 4. Modify pathways with an eye to safety and

ease of movement

thetically pleasing!

Most of us know to garden in the early morning

5. Make planting beds more narrow to facilitate reaching

or late afternoon. We know to stay hydrated.

That being said, there are times when we’re re-

6. Use containers more frequently

ally bad at pacing ourselves using time and not

7. Use raised beds if bending over causes too

an accomplishment as a measure of success.

Make it a point to take breaks about three times

many problems 8. Don’t forget to utilize trellis plantings to get

an hour. Place seating throughout the garden (preferably in the shade) and not only do you provide a place to rest but also a comfortable

some height and ease of access 9. Pay attention to your tools. It might be time to get a two-wheeled wheelbarrow. Be sure

place from which to work.

to try out the tool before you take it home! Is

We should stretch before heading out to dig up

it too heavy? A little too big for the job?

the yard but be sure to use reputable resources

Check out the kid-sized tools for a light-

for descriptions of stretches. You can also in-

weight option for some tools and DON’T

crease your blood flow with a 10-minute walk.

FORGET YOUR GLOVES!

Stretch periodically while you garden and af-

ter!

Most important is to listen to your body and note what chores make you hurt. Make it your

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

Adapted from Pat Reilly’s presentation at the International Master Gardener Conference 2021

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October, 2021

Congratulations to Debbie Sewell who was awarded Master Gardener of the Year. Due to the pandemic, it wasn’t possible to present the award in person until now.

Debbie has been a Master Gardener Volunteer since 2015. She has served as President-Elect, President and is the Community Outreach/Education chairman.

She has served on many committees and is always there to lend a hand or a swift boot in the keister if needed.

Congratulations again!

Photo by M. Stewart Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent and Debbie Sewell

If you have volunteered to work at the Extension Teaching Landscape you are well aware of our tour de force, Sarah Petty. As the Landscape Chairman, Sarah has remained a force to be reckoned with when it comes to dealing with chamberbitter and any overgrown area will learn not to mess with her fortitude.

For all her hard work and continued dedication to the landscape she was awarded the Pandemic Powerhouse recognition in keeping the landscape going through the difficult time we all faced.

Congratulations Sarah!

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

A TREASURE OF WATERCOLORS

In 2018 a collection of over 320 watercolor paintings was discovered by botanist Mark Whitten at the University of Florida Herbarium. He was rummaging through a drawer for tracing paper when he discovered this treasure.

Likely untouched in the 20 years since the herbarium’s move into Dickinson Hall, the collection was largely forgotten, but the same cool, dark conditions intended to preserve the herbarium’s more than 400,000 specimens also preserved the paintings.

“If you go out looking for these plants nowadays, you can find them but they’re only in little isolated preserves,” said Whitten, a biological scientist at the herbarium. “My impression is what Minna Fernald saw was a much more wild and interesting Florida than what it is now.”

The university has been working to digitize this collection and the portion that has been completed may be viewed at https://ufdc.ufl.edu/ watercolors/all/brief.

You can read the article concerning this find in its entirety at https://tinyurl.com/4bt5h42y.

Artist Minna Fernald donated the paintings of Florida wildflowers to the university in 1942, Dr. Whitten passed away suddenly on April 11, providing a rich record of the state’s past ecologi2019. cal life.

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

LANDSCAPE WORK DAY

Ever wonder what happens during a landscape work day? You never know for sure. Weeding can suddenly turn into finding the leaks in the drip line and repairing it! Many thanks to Jo Black, Noel Brown, John Hittle, Kathy Foster, Dorothy Green, Sarah Petty, Larry Williams, and Sheila Dunning. Our leaks got plugged (most of them) and a big thank you to Larry for the watermelon after!

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

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October, 2021

The following volunteers have birthdays coming up!

Happy Birthday!

L. Buhrow

L. Chambers

P. Collins

A. Donatelli

D. Edmiston

K. Foster

G. Hess

D. Hickenbotham

D. Hittle

J. Jones

J. Martin

L. Timothy

HOLIDAYS OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Apple Month Bat Appreciation Month Corn Month Feral Hog Month National Caramel Month National Chili Month

Banana Pudding Lovers Month Manatee Awareness Month National Pomegranate Month

4-H Week (3rd through 9th) Spinning and Weaving Week (4th—11th) National Food Bank Week (10th—16th) International Coffee Day 1st Name Your Car Day 2nd Pickle Day 3rd National Taco Day 4th Squid & Cuttlefish Day 10th Cranky Co-workers Day 27th

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

National Fig Week (1st –7th) National Split Pea Soup Week (14th—20th) Cinnamon Day 1st Cookie Monster Birthday 2nd National Easy-Bake Oven Day 4th Wiggle Jiggle Jell-O Day 5th Fill Our Staplers Day 8th Doctor Who Day 23rd

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October, 2021

LAST WORD

by Marg Stewart

While I think some kids still respond they want to be President when an adult asks them what they want to be when they grow up, I can honestly say that I never had that thought. I also never imagined that my second go-round as President of our group would be through a pandemic! But I was and now I have passed the torch off to way more adept folks than me.

I can retreat back into my little corner and irritate folks whenever I want to.

Sarah Petty donated a Confederate Rose to the Extension Landscape and I realized it was blooming. The blooms can be seen from the Master Gardener office and it’s a reminder that our gardening season never really stops down here. I think of these flowers as a wake up call that the cool weather is coming and it’s time to hit the dirt!

Get those cool season crops in the ground.

It’s been a rough couple of years that’s for sure.

But we’re emerging from the other side of the tunnel. Oh sure, maybe we’re blinking a bit and a tad hesitant but we are starting to venture out. Life may never be what we refer to as ‘normal’ before all this mess but it will be normalized. We’ll learn some new ways to do things and replace others that no longer work.

But if you think about it, that’s something we do every single day as gardeners. We plant things that end up not being happy in that location or they start to block the driveway, we move them or we get rid of them. The great water feature we had planned sits right where the pipes for the irrigation run OR there’s a huge tree trunk we forgot about. So, we either move the location or change it up for a water feature in a container.

Oh but we have our stubborn streak as well don’t we? Take the beloved pair of pruners or the favorite shovel. We’d just as soon garden naked rather than give them up. Doesn’t matter if they have seen better days, we love them and An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

we won’t part with them. We might toy with the idea, those shiny ads get our attention and we might even given in to temptation and buy a new shovel. But we never get rid of the old one, it stays in the shed. You know you can’t trust that new stuff to last right?

We will manage. There’s a whole new group of Master Gardener Interns going through the program. Congratulations to all of them for getting through the initial training!

New Board members shall steer our ship through the strange waters we find ourselves in. I’m sure we’ll find a few areas with rough seas but I also know there will be more days of calm sailing than we have had.

We’re nearing the end of another year. 2022 is just around the corner and let us make the conscious effort to look forward to the near year with hope and enthusiasm. We’ll keep on blooming.

Remember: When all else fails, crawl onto the back of the couch, get comfy and take a snooze.

Eva swears by it.

Plentiful Plantings 12

October, 2021

The Foundation for the Gator Nation.....

An equal opportunity institution.

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

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

The Compost Pile is a quarterly publication created by the Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers.

Marg Stewart—Editor

Karen Harper, Debbie Sewell—Co-Editors

An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteer Publication

Volume 2, Issue 1