SUMMER IS TIME FOR A GOOD BOOK!
for discerning weeders
Events…..pg 3 Nature trail…..pg 5 Book review…..pg 7 And much, much, more!
The Foundation for the Gator Nation..... An equal opportunity institution.
July, 2016
SUMMER IS COMING! Now is the time we celebrate our Nation’s birthday! Cookouts, trips to the beach, outdoor fun. Make sure you take the time to apply that sunscreen! It’s also a prime time for pop-up thunderstorms. Remember...when thunder roars go indoors! Our gardens may droop in the heat and so will we! Stay hydrated and keep an eye on neighbors and pets. It doesn’t take much for heat related illnesses to rear their heads. And as much as we enjoy eating the produce of our vegetable gardens, there are a lot of critters out there who want to eat them (and us!) as well. Do a daily check and prevent the interlopers from getting out of hand. Get out that bug spray and avoid becoming a snack yourself! We still have work to do in the Nursery. More help means less time everyone has to be outside in the heat. Plant clinics still need help and the offices can always use a hand or two. Perhaps you’d rather help with the Nature Trail. Or maybe help out with the monthly seminars. No matter what your interest, there are plenty of jobs to go around!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Stay safe this summer and enjoy!
Terrific Trees
2
Event Calendar
3
July Chores
4
Wildlife Happenings
4
On the Trail
5
Info graphics
6
Gardener Holidays
6
Ye Olde Farm
7
Book Review
7
Field Trip Photo Montage
8-9
Get the Lead Out!
10
Just for Fun
10
Recipe Round-Up
11
Last Word
12
With many of our contributors on vacation and with the on-going nursery work...this edition is like most of the meals we eat during the hot summer months…..LIGHT!
On the Cover - A lovely butterfly garden. Cover photo courtesy of UF/IFAS; Photo above is Elsie Thai plumaria courtesy of D. Stever (taken by his better half!)
Enjoy the lighter fare and stay tuned for a full house next month!
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
TERRIFIC TREES
courtesy of S. Dunning
This article originally was published in local newspapers and on our blog by Sheila Dunning, UF/IFAS Commercial Horticulture Agent
10-20 feet high and wide, that looks best unpruned. If pruning is desired to control the size, it should be done in the winter, since it is a deciduous tree and the blooms form on new wood. The chaste tree can take care of itself, but can be pushed to faster growth with light applications of fertilizer in spring and early summer and by mulching around the plant. There are no pests of major concern associated with this species, but, root rot can cause decline in soils that are kept too moist.
The showy chaste tree makes an attractive specimen as the centerpiece of your landscape bed or in a large container on the deck. Easy-to-grow, drought resistant, and attractive to butterflies and bees, Vitex agnus-castus is a multi-stemmed small tree with fragrant, upwardly-pointing lavender blooms and gray-green foliage. The chaste tree’s palmately divided leaves resemble those of the marijuana (Cannabis sativa) plant; its flowers can be mistaken for butterfly bush (Buddleia sp.); and the dry, darkened drupes can be used for seasoning, similar to black pepper, making it a conversation piece for those unfamiliar with the tree. Vitex, with its sage-scented leaves that were once believed to have a sedative effect, has the common name “Chaste tree” since Athenian women used the leaves in their beds to keep themselves chaste during the feasts of Ceres, a Roman festival held on April 12. In modern times, the tree is more often planted where beekeepers visit in order to promote excellent honey production or simply included in the landscape for the enjoyment of its showy, summer display of violet panicles. Chaste tree is native to woodlands and dry areas of southern Europe and western Asia. It will thrive in almost any soil that has good drainage, prefers full sun or light shade, and can even tolerate moderate salt air. Vitex is a sprawling plant that grows
Flame lily (gloriosa) on the left and tomato damage due to a hungry mockingbird. Photos courtesy of D. Stever
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
For details on any of the upcoming events, go to www.ocmga.org/Calendar.html
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
JULY CHORES
compiled from UF/IFAS Gardening Calendar
Annuals/Perennials: Coleus, crossandra, ornamental pepper, Continue to monitor your lawn and landscape for pests and and tropical milkweed planted now should last until fall. other problems. Monitor rainfall and watch out for drought Butterfly lily gladiolus, and society garlic may be planted now. stress. Helpful Links Palms/cycads: Continue planting palms while the rainy season is in full swing. Support large palms with braces for 6-8 months Gardening with Annuals in Florida after planting. Never drive nails directly into a palm trunk. Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide Palms for North Florida Vegetable Gardening: Watermelon, pepper, okra, southern Transplanting Palms in the Landscape pea, and eggplant can be planted now. Maintain consistent Pruning Young Trees irrigation. Scout daily for caterpillars and aphids. Pruning Mature Trees Azaleas at a Glance Lawn: Before treating for lawn pests, find out if an insect is Deciduous Fruits for the Home Gardener in North Florida really the culprit and treat only the affected area. Rule out Bulbs for Florida disease or sprinkler malfunction. Questions? Not sure if you are dealing with a pest or something Pest management: Summer is a perfect time to solarize your else? Contact our Master Gardener Help Desk for assistance vegetable garden. It takes four to six weeks to kill weeds, disease when and nematodes. necessary, 850-689-5850 (Crestview) or 850-651-7476 (Fort Walton Beach). Shrubs/Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and prune if needed. Azaleas should be pruned by mid-July to protect developing buds. Newly planted peach and nectarine trees should be fertilized now. Apply 1/2 pound per tree of 8-8-8 fertilizer.
WILDLIFE HAPPENINGS
compiled from wec.ufl.edu
July and the dog-days of summer have great wildlife activity to enjoy here in the Panhandle of Florida: Birds: -Shorebird migration starts in mid-July and peaks in August. Be on the look out for nesting shorebirds and keep your vehicles and dogs from disturbing them. -Swallow-tailed kites begin gathering as do purple martins and tree swallows in preparation for migrating south for the winter. Mammals: -Baby raccoons, foxes, armadillos, possums, and bobcats leave dens and begin following parents. Reptiles: -Alligators and crocodiles will begin hatching in the later part of the month. Special Date in July July 22, 1982 the first Florida bog frog was discovered in a Panhandle wetland.
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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June, 2016
ON THE TRAIL There has been a fantastic effort put forth by the new interns at indentifying and marking the plants along the trail. This is not an easy task. Within the selection there are a number of oak trees from both the white oak group and the red/black group. According to the UF/IFAS bulletin FOR51, Common Oaks of Florida there are nineteen species of oaks native to Florida and more than 300 species worldwide. In our small little corner of the world, it appears that we have at least seven or more of these species present on the trail.
by B. Bayer muehlenbergii, the chinquapin oak, has a leaf margin that looks like the teeth of a circular saw blade. The live oak, Q. virginiana, sort of stands alone with its oblong leaves that have no lobes. This one should be easy to ID but Mother Nature throws us a curve. The red/black group has three members that have leaves that resemble the live oak leaf. The closest being the laurel oak, Q. laurifolia followed by the willow oak and the bluejack oak.
On the trail, probably the best known red/black oak is the water oak, Quercus nigra. Although the leaves are quite variable, there are usually enough spatula shaped leaves to distinguish this tree. Two other species have leaf shapes that appear similar: the turkey oak and Finding these oak trees is not a problem, they are plentiful. What the southern red oak. The makes identification difficult distinction is found at the are the similarities that exist base of the leaf. If it appears between the species. In rounded or bell-shaped, it is general, white oaks have the red oak, Quercus rounded leaf tips and rounded falcata. The turkey oak leaf resembles a turkey foot but the lobes while the red/black oaks tell-tale characteristic at the leaf base comes to a sharp point are usually pointed or tipped rather than rounded. with fine bristles. The white oak, Quercus alba, the overcup oak, Q. lyrata and the Ed. Note: There are copies of a trail guide, created by our post oak, Q. stellata all belong interns, available at the front desk of the Extension Office. to the white group and conform to the roundness rule. However, another member of the group, Quercus
The Jokester Why do they lock gas station toilets? Are they afraid someone will break in and clean them?
Do you have moss growing in your garden/landscape? Have you ever REALLY paid much attention to it?
Have you logged your hours?
Check out the Washington Post article at
Your hours count!
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
http://wapo.st/1VTm0uF
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July, 2016
INFO GRAPHICS
GARDENER HOLIDAYS July 4th - Independence Day July 24th - Parents’ Day Monthly Observances Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days National Blueberries Month National Grilling Month National Honey Month National Ice Cream Month National Horseradish Month National Parks & Recreation Month Smart Irrigation Month Wheat Month Weekly Observances Beans and Bacon Days 6/30-7/4 National Moth Week 23-31 Garlic Days 29-31
by Staff
International Cherry Pit Spitting Day 2nd Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day 6th Chocolate Day 7th Grange Day 9th Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day 27th
Happy Birthday to: K. Beck A. Foley S. Gerber J. Hays A. Ogle C. Strom
The Jokester If God wanted me to touch my toes he would’ve put them on my knees!
Daily Observances An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
A CREEK RUNS THROUGH IT The flower garden is beginning to really mature and produce lots of flowers for the butterflies and hummers. Many of the plants are perennials and need some time to recover from the winter days. It has been interesting watching the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds gather nectar from the red passion vine. If anyone would like to have one let me know. It is not invasive like the purple passion vine.
by D. Gordon All of the scuppernong vines are going to produce a nice crop from which to eat and make jelly. It is sometimes a battle as to gets more-birds or other animals. That’s why you have more than one vine. It would be nice to have rain every week for the plants but that doesn’t always happen. Most all of the plants survive without too much artificial help. The carpet grass and centipede certainly receives only rainfall and does well. Hot weather and humidity is here until about the middle of September and everyone will need to keep a close eye on their plants. I hope everyone enjoys their gardens until we get some relief in the fall.
A nice row of crinums is in full bloom. Some of the plants were given to me by various Master Gardeners and have done well. A Red Rocket Crape Myrtle has been attracting a lot of attention from various butterflies. There is a host of plants in the garden and every organism should benefit from the foliage or the blooms. Two of the bluebird houses are producing a second hatching of babies. I have placed several houses on other properties and they have also had bluebird nests. The Purple Martins are gone from the houses but continue to fly around the area. They are usually migrating south by July 4th.
BOOK REVIEW Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
by E. Smith professor of geochemistry and geobiology at the University of Hawaii.
WOW ! No book review can do justice to this book. Non-fiction that flows so smoothly it is reminiscent of a novel. A very I highly personal story about a journey of discovery both in science and recommend this life with ongoing developments in both. Her Scandinavian book ! heritage and growing up in Minnesota greatly influenced her self sufficient and tenacious personality. This book is divided into three main sections ; Roots and Leaves, Wood and Knots and Flowers and Roots. This division may sound like a text book but it is not. Hope Jahren‘s writing is both educational and humorous with a very deep understanding of life in it’s many forms. From the remains of very ancient trees above the arctic circle to the lowly moss and lichen and through the apparent intelligence of a seed she researches. As you follow her thoughts you may develop a reverence for the life form that sustains the earth with all of its inhabitants. Most of us have no idea of the difficulties that can be encountered in the ivory towers of academia, especially if your position involves not only teaching but research as well. Funding for research greatly depends on ones ability to diplomatically and scientifically beg for money. When it doesn’t come through you are faced with what we used to call “midnight requisition” and dumpster diving. Along with government permits, travel expenses, unexpected weather and rigid administrators, research can be exasperating. Through her perseverance and ability she has shattered the glass ceiling in her field and with awards galore she is established and world renowned. She is now a tenured An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
FIELD TRIP TO HARRISON FARM Photos courtesy of B. Bayer. Master Gardeners recently went on a field trip to a local farm.
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
FIELD TRIP TO HARRISON FARM (cont’d) Photos courtesy of B. Bayer
From all accounts an amazing place with lots of fresh blueberries that were willingly tested by our intrepid master gardeners. Not to mention other produce that was offered. We’ve been invited back for a visit in the fall and for those who couldn’t make this trip, if we schedule again make sure you don’t miss it!
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
GET THE LEAD OUT! The lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala) is a small, fast-growing mimosa tree native to southern Mexico and northern Central America (Belize and Guatemala), but is now naturalized throughout the tropics. Common names include white lead tree, jumbay, and river tamarind. In its native range, it will inhabit grassy hammocks and areas with sandy, well-draining soil, while elsewhere it emerges in a multitude of dry disturbed sites.
by D. Stever The lead tree is listed as a Category II Invasive by the FLEPPC. More Information: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ fr367
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the lead tree was known as the 'miracle tree' because of its worldwide success as a long-lived and highly nutritious forage tree. As well as forage, the lead tree can provide firewood, timber, human food, green manure, and shade as well as erosion control. The tree is frost-sensitive, and, except in much protected areas, it is killed to the ground during most winters in northern Florida, but re-growth is rapid and most lead trees recover sufficiently to produce a large crop of seeds. The seeds germinate readily without treatment and large numbers of seedlings have been observed around mother plants in the Gainesville area. In the tropics, where the lead tree is still widely grown as a green manure and forage crop, it has become an invasive weed, due to its rapid growth, high drought tolerance, and prolific seed production.
FLORIDA STATE ___________
staff
Just for fun...did you know that we now have an official State State soil - Myakka fine sand honey? Tupelo honey was designated by legislature in their latest State stone - Agatized coral session as such. State tortoise - Gopher tortoise State wildflower - Coreopsis Florida’s State tree is the sabal palm. The 1953 legislature designated it as the state tree and the 1970 session mandated And yes, we even have a State tartan….who knew…... that the sabal palm should replace the cocoa palm on the state seal. There are other state symbols that you may or may not be aware of. State animal - Florida panther State beverage - Orange juice State bird - Mockingbird State insect - Zebra Longwing butterfly State flower - Orange blossom State freshwater fish - Largemouth bass State fruit - Orange State gem - Moonstone State heritage horse - Florida cracker horse State marine mammal - Manatee State pie - Key lime State reptile - American Alligator State rodeo - Silver Spurs State saltwater fish - Atlantic sailfish State saltwater mammal - Dolphin State saltwater reptile - Loggerhead turtle State shell - Horse conch An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
The Jokester Borrow money from pessimists…. they don’t expect it back.
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July, 2016
RECIPE ROUND-UP
staff Easy Tres Leches Cake Ingredients:
Shrimp Ceviche Salsa Ingredients 1/2 lb. shrimp, cooked, tail removed, diced 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced 1/2 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup finely diced red onion 2 tbs. fresh chopped cilantro 2 limes, freshly squeezed 1 tsp. sea salt flakes 1/2 tsp. fresh-ground pepper
1 package white cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare mix) 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 cup milk 1 cup whipping cream 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed Fresh fruit of your choice (optional) Directions: 1.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray of your choice.
2.
Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes.
3.
Meanwhile, combine sweetened condensed milk, milk and cream. Poke holes all over the cake with a toothpick. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over top. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes to absorb liquid. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
4.
Spread whipped topping over cake. Garnish with fruit if desired. Re-cover and refrigerate until serving.
Directions: 1.
Stir all of the ingredients together until well combined.
2.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3.
Serve with favorite chips
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
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July, 2016
M. Stewart —Editor S. Farrell , K. Harper, V. Graham and S. Berry—co-editors
Have pictures or an idea for an article? Send it in! Articles and pictures are always welcome.
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.
LAST WORD It began innocently enough. I mean, what could possibly happen during a trip to the curb with the garbage can. Now we aren’t supposed to have the cans at the curb before 5 o’clock in the evening on the day before trash pick-up. That means that I usually get involved with other things and when I remember--it’s late. And this time was no different than all the others-late….and dark. Did I mention it was dark? We have the trash cans like everyone else. You have to position them a certain way during the week otherwise the lid will blow open and you’ve have 30 gallons of water in there when a storm hits. However that position is not the best one to ‘grab and go.’ It takes a bit of effort to get the can in position so it doesn’t beat you down the driveway or in the alternative flop over and spill its contents across the lawn. So here I am, maneuvering the waste can and avoiding either of the above disasters when I felt movement on my foot. Keep in mind that it was late and I was wearing flip-flops. I freeze and in a moment realize that it isn’t one of the cats from the neighborhood or is it a snake. Whatever is on my foot has multiple legs and it is BIG! Did I mention it was dark? I look down and indeed there is something very LARGE crawling on my foot. And by crawling I don’t mean in the process of leaving--I mean it appears and feels to be investigating. Well, I immediately I did what you really should not do in such a situation--reacted like any other full-blooded American would--cue the weird high kick, back-pedal sort of movement (and no, it wasn’t pretty.) Flip-flop went in one direction and I went in the other. Thankfully, still unidentified BIG thing went with the footwear. I can see that THE THING is still on the flip-flop and appears to be attacking it. No kidding--it was now really scurrying over the shoe and grabbing at it. Okay, time for action. Find a large jar and trap the offender. Scoot lid under and successfully trap the foot invader. I look at this thing and have no idea what I have captured. Heading in to the house with my prize isn’t an option. Happy Hubby wouldn’t be so happy to discover a BIG bug entering his
An Okaloosa County Master Gardener Publication
by M. Stewart domicile. By now I have also determined that this bug has BIG jaws and super long antennae. Hit up the internet but I couldn’t find my bug. I found similar ones so I knew I was trying to find something in the long-horn beetle family but that was about it. Time to bring in the big guns. Mr. (or Mrs. I didn’t ask) Bug goes into the Extension Office and it is determined that my foot intruding bug is Prionus pocularis Dalman in Schoenherr. Riiiiiggghhhttttt. Leave it to me to have a bug that doesn’t even have a common name. Instead, it has one that makes me feel like I should name it Farfenugen or something. Now this particular long-horn beetle goes for the roots of pine trees. There wasn’t anything major listed as being wrong with having this bug around. I took exception to the first line which stated, “Is able to draw blood when it bites.” I said the thing had HUGE jaws! Oh sure. Go ahead and laugh. In the light of day (and with a suitable application of rubbing alcohol to send him to the great beyond), Mr. Prionus was a very interesting bug. Big eyes and antennae that appeared to be scale covered. Little hooks on his feet and more scale/feather-like structures on his legs. Indeed, very interesting….under the microscope….with him being very dead. And yes, we did determine that he was indeed a he. In the mean-time, I am keeping an eye out for any potential relatives that may want to take a jaunt through the yard. I don’t need a repeat performance. Someone might actually be a witness next time! I think Happy Hubby should take the trash to the curb from now on.
Plentiful Plantings
July, 2016