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The Garden Fence

Harford County

Master Gardeners Bimonthly

Newsletter June/July 2020

Our world as we know it has changed. Close social interaction is on a limited number basis. This is how we have been told to stay healthy. Many of our family members are essential personal and cannot do this. Thank you to those who serve on the front lines and behind the scenes. What an emotional toll on us all.

At the present time, “Zoom” is computer platform by which our Master Gardeners are meeting. The May general meeting had 70 ‘zooomers’ (participants). Thank you!! And a special thanks to those who braved the technology and it was their first Zoom meeting.

There has been such a boom of people starting home gardens, that seeds have become scarce. Many of them are going to social media with questions. We encourage MG’s to jump in and answer. Have you joined our newly formed private, Facebook page “MG’s of Harford County”? Our members share what is happening in their gardens. All are welcome to participate; it is really a fun page!!! We are still maintaining our public, Facebook page Harford County Master Gardeners- University of Maryland Extension. This is where you can find Joyce’s daily video posts along with other entries. Please follow it and share.

I miss you all and continue to pray for an end to this pandemic. Hug those you can, call those you can’t. It will brighten their day as well as yours.

Ronnie Grevey, President ‘16

“A garden is a grand teacher, it teaches patience and careful watchfulness, it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust”… Gertrude Jekyll

President’s Message

Inside this Issue President’s Message

Community Greening

Committee

The Franklinia Tree of Joppa

Hall

Locust Swarms Internationally

Invasives in Your Woodland:

Mile-a-minute

Weeds

Sweet Potatoes and Kale

Recipe

MDA Forest Pest Management

2019 Gypsy Moth Post Survey

Report for Harford Co.

Continuing Education

Opportunities

Harford County Master

Gardener Calendar

Officers Ronnie Grevey, President

Anne Bredlow, Vice President

Kim Poehling, Secretary

Carol Linthicum, Secretary

Greg Murray, Treasurer

Steve O’Brien, Newsletter

Editor

Ginny Smith, Newsletter &

Continuing Education

Quick Links

Harford County Extension

Office

Home & Garden Info Center

VMS Logon

Harford County Master

Gardener Calendar

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The Community Greening Committee is a dedicated group of Harford County Master Gardeners who meet monthly following the Steering Committee. The frequency of the meetings changes seasonally and by the number of clientele requests.

Our mission is to provide the Harford County public with knowledgeable tools that promote green communities. We provide education, expertise, and advice for schools, youth groups, and other public organizations that can help them plan, locate, plant, and sustain community gardens. Assisting with Green School certifications has been a frequent request.

The Community Greening Committee redirects clientele to other resources when their requests involve private projects, fund raising tasks, or garden maintenance.

Some partners with whom we have worked (and continue to assist) include Havre de Grace Elementary, the Harford Center, Red Pump Elementary School, the Fallston Library, the Boys and Girls Club of Edgewood, and St. Joan of Arc Elementary in Aberdeen. We have developed Green Wall prototypes that have been on display at the Extension Office, and we are continually monitoring for plant durability and effectiveness. Recently the St. Joan of Arc School has asked for help creating a green wall on their campus.

If you are interested in learning more, watch for email announcements and please plan to drop by the Extension Office the last Thursday of the month after the Steering Committee to attend a Community Greening meeting.

Marsha Brett, Community Greening Committee Chairperson, ‘17

Community Greening Committee

"Zoom" screen shot of MG’s May General Meeting (Photo by Greg Murray)

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The Franklinia alatamaha tree, commonly called Franklin tree, located in the Joppa Hall courtyard at Harford Community College is large and thriving, but most of all, it is so unexpected. I found it a source of wonderment alive with swallowtail butterflies and the buzz of pollinators. How did they find the tree amidst all the parking lots and green desert surrounding the building? The best time of year to see this sixteen-foot-tall Franklinia is late summer to early fall when it will be in full bloom. HCC Professor Stan Kollar planted this tree with his Botany and Biology students in the early 1980s. At that time the Franklinia was about five feet tall. Prof. Kollar designed this garden including both the plantings and the flagstone walkway, and his students helped with both these plantings and the hardscaping. Surprisingly, not long after Prof. Kollar and his students completed the garden, the college administration considered eliminating this courtyard and closing in the space. Fortunately, they discovered the expense to be too great, and the garden remains to this day to the benefit of pollinators and students alike.

The Franklin tree is a member of the tea plant family, Theaceae. Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is harvested, and the ornamental Camellia japonica are also members of Theaceae, but they are native to the Asian continent. The Franklinia tree is native to the banks of the Altamaha River valley in southeastern Georgia. It was discovered by naturalists John Bartram and his son, William, in 1765. William Bartram not only produced detailed scientific illustrations of this tree, but also collected the Franklinia seed and started propagating this species in their garden outside Philadelphia. William named the tree after his father’s friend (and fellow scientist), Benjamin Franklin. Over time agricultural activities along the Altamaha River significantly reduced the species, and it has been extinct in the wild since the early 19th Century.

However, it still survives as a cultivated ornamental tree in special gardens throughout the mid and south Atlantic region (zones 5-9). All Franklinia trees we see today are descendants of the Franklinia trees from the Bartrams’ colonial garden along the Schuylkill River.

According to ‘The Woody Plant Seed Manual’ from the U.S. Forest Service, like many native ornamentals, Franklin trees prefer a moist, acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5) that must be well drained. Although the Franklin tree is relatively pest free, if soil conditions are too wet, seedlings will often suffer from a root rot caused by Phytophthora cinamomi. Prof. Kollar recommends mixing equal parts peat moss, sand, and native soil and mounding about eighteen inches above the natural grade to ensure good drainage as Franklin trees are intolerant of compacted and clay soils.

If you would like to add a Franklinia tree to your garden, plant the seedling in late fall or early spring while the tree is dormant. If you plant the tree in the late fall, and it’s been a dry year, then be sure to water the seedling. The Joppa Hall courtyard is open to the community, and if you would like an idea of how large a healthy Franklinia tree can grow, you should pay a visit to this garden. You can enjoy Franklinia tree blossoms and pollinators if you go in late summer.

References: Blazich, Frank A. and Jason J. Griffin. (2008). The Woody Plant Seed Manual- U.S. Forest Service. (535-536). www.fs.fed.us>pubs_series>wo_ah727

Harankhedkar, Meenal. (2019). Botanist’s Lens: Fragrant Jewels in the Garden at London Town. www.historiclondontown.org. www.bartramsgarden.org www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

Written by Lucy Howard; submitted through Eleanor Cone, ‘98

The Franklinia Tree of Joppa Hall

Franklin tree blossom. Source: Missouri Botanical Garden.org

Franklin Tree. Source: Gardenrant.com

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“Unprecedented” Locust Invasion Approaches Full-Blown Crisis The spreading swarms, triggered by cyclone rains, threaten crops in East Africa By Nathanial Gronewold, E&E News on January 31, 2020

Locust swarms of biblical proportions are threatening crops across a wide swath of Africa and southwest Asia—spurring alarm among top international officials. A major concern is famine. The United Nations is warning that mass swarms of desert locusts are endangering food supplies in eastern Africa. In response, officials in Rome mobilized an emergency briefing yesterday in a bid to raise money—noting the situation has a high potential to devolve into a full-blown crisis. “This is an unprecedented situation that we are facing,” said Dominique Burgeon, an emergency services director at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He said the locust infestation in Africa is now FAO’s top priority. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said he delivered a personal plea for help to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and received assurances of support from the United States. The U.S. Agency for International Development says it released $800,000 to support FAO’s response in eastern Africa. Cyclones that struck the driest parts of the Arabian Peninsula last year triggered the current crisis, creating ideal conditions for the desert locust species to multiply. Left to breed in isolated corners of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the locust swarms crossed to the Horn of Africa where they were given further support by another cyclone. More breeding cycles are expected. The swarms increase in size twentyfold with each successive generation and could reach India by June. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres took to Twitter yesterday in an effort to draw global attention to the worsening outbreak. The swarms are now threatening farms in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia but are expected to spread to neighboring countries soon. The U.N. chief pinned blame for the crisis squarely on global warming. “Desert locusts are extremely dangerous,” Guterres wrote. “Triggered by the climate crisis, the outbreak is making the dire food security situation in East Africa even worse.” The desert locust is a particularly ravenous species that can eat its own weight in food every day. Swarms easily consume entire fields and form mass clouds large enough to block out the sun. They’re quick, too — moving up to 150 kilometers in a day.

Locust Swarms Internationally

Desert locusts swarm across a highway at Lerata village, near Archers Post in Samburu county, approximately 186 miles north of Nairobi on January 22, 2020. Credit: Tony Karumba Getty Images

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“It’s certainly the most dangerous migratory pest in the world, desert locust,” said Keith Cressman, FAO’s senior agriculture officer. “A swarm the size of Rome can eat enough food in one day as everybody in Kenya.” “The next growing season is around the corner,” Cressman added. “That will coincide with a new generation of swarms, so here we have a tremendous threat.” Cressman said governments are trying to contain the swarms with aerial and ground spraying but noted that one such effort in Ethiopia was overwhelmed by the massive size of the swarms. Cressman said FAO is now classifying the situation as “an upsurge, which is one step before a full plague.” The United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund has already authorized a release of $10 million to help governments contain the infestation. FAO is seeking at least $70 million in additional aid and insist the money is needed immediately. The situation is now the worst they’ve seen in 25 years “and the worst Kenya has seen for 70 years,” CERF administrators added. In Rome, FAO’s top leadership said the situation calls for immediate international attention. They promised regular briefings and have scheduled another update Monday in Geneva. “It’s a very critical time,” Qu said. “The international community should act as quickly as possible.” Reprinted from Climatewire with permission from E&E News. E&E provides daily coverage of essential energy and environmental news at www.eenews.net.

Source:https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/newsletters/branching-out/2020%20vol%2028-no1.pdf Photo credits: Invasive.org

With a name like “mile-a-minute,” one might assume that this invasive vine grows quickly. It does. It may not actually grow a mile a minute (60 mph), but experts say that it can grow up to six inches a day and can climb up to 25 feet in a single growing season. That is a significant amount by any standard.

It is also known as “Asiatic tearthumb” or “the devil’s tearthumb,” due to its numerous sharp, downward curving spines on the stem. No matter what it is called, it is a vigorous invasive that may only have just begun to spread in the United States. One estimate surmises that it is only found in 20% of its potential range in this country.

What is it? Mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata) is native to India and eastern Asia. Although the first recorded specimen of this member of the buckwheat family arrived in the US in the 1890s near Portland, OR. it did not become established. However, it apparently arrived on the east coast in the 1930s as a contaminant of nursery stock. In 1989, it was only reported in three states, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. Five years later that number had grown to eight, and by the early 21st century, was found as far north as New Hampshire, and in isolated areas as far west as Iowa and as far south as North Carolina.

Invasives in Your Woodland: Mile-a-minute

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The vine is an annual plant that colonizes a variety of environments in the Mid-Atlantic States. It prefers high moisture sites and requires regular sunlight to thrive. It grows along roadsides, river and stream banks, rights-of-way, and disturbed forest sites. It forms dense canopies, smothering native vegetation attempting to regenerate. It climbs into tree canopies and restricts light to plants growing below. How does it spread? Mile-a-minute spreads both through its rapid growth and through seed dispersal. Seed germination begins as early as mid-March and continues through April. Flowering begins in early June and the seeds are ripe by July, continuing until the first frost. Birds and other wildlife eat the fruit and spread the seeds through their droppings. Unsuspecting humans and domestic animals may also spread the seeds from clothing, footwear, equipment, or fur. The seeds are buoyant for up to nine days, allowing them to be spread by flowing or flooding streams and rivers. Once in the soil, the seeds are viable for up to 6 years. How can I identify it? One of the most distinctive features of mile-a-minute is its triangular leaves. They are light green in color, about three inches wide, and barbed on the underside. Round, leaf-like structures surround the stem, from which the small flowers and fruit grow. The green fruit turn metallic blue as the season goes on. How can I control it? As with many invasive plants, the easiest way to control mile-a-minute is to prevent any individual plants from growing and an infestation from forming. Individual plants can be removed via hand-pulling, mowing, or cultivating. Hand-pulling is actually relatively easy, as the roots are shallow, but gloves must be worn to avoid the barbs and spines. Once pulled, the plant will not re-sprout. Larger infestations will require chemical control. Several herbicides that are labelled for forestry applications have proven effective in combatting mile-a-minute. These include triclopyr, glyphosate, and hexazinone. Regardless of which method is used, it is important to remove the plants before the fruits begin to ripen in mid-July to prevent further spread. For more information: Learn more about mile-a-minute: Mile a Minute Vine—University of Maryland Extension Home & Garden Information Center Mile-a-minute—Penn State Extension Mile-a-minute weed Biological Control—Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team Winning the War on Mile-a-Minute and Kudzu—University of Maryland Extension

Weed (noun)- a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. Weeds are the bane of every gardener’s existence. There are many practices that help suppress weeds, but they will always be a nuisance. Mulch helps, but is it applied correctly? Open mulch space in a garden is an invitation for weeds. Pre-emergents may help, but that would depend on the weed you are battling and how it reproduces and isn’t particularly “sustainable.” Weed identification is key in the battle. In this article we will briefly explore the identification of a few common weeds, and possible solutions.

Weeds

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Garlic Mustard - Alliaria petiolate Garlic mustard is a Class A noxious weed and is a biennial or winter annual herb. This weed spreads by seed and can self-pollinate, helping it rapidly displace native plants. Garlic mustard is an invasive non-native biennial herb. Although edible for people, it is not eaten by local wildlife or insects. Hand-pulling individual plants is effective, but only if the entire root is removed. Flowering or seeding plants must be put in a bag and discarded in the garbage. Carefully and thoroughly clean off boots, clothes and tools before leaving the area to avoid carrying the tiny seeds to new sites.

Creeping Charlie - Glechoma hederacea Creeping Charlie, or ground ivy, is an aromatic evergreen ground cover. It readily spreads from seeds, roots, rhizomes, and stems that root at the nodes. Even if you dig it out, leaving behind just one rhizome fragment can result in a new plant. Creeping Charlie is best removed in either spring or fall. For small patches, hand-pulling in the spring before the plant has flowered is recommended as an initial eradication attempt. However, hand-pulling often requires several attempts throughout the season to fully eradicate the plant. If you decide to use an herbicide, do so in the fall when the plant has reached its prime, before it sends out seeds.

Common Chickweed - Stellaria media Chickweed originally hails from Europe and is now one of the most common weeds on the planet. A single plant can produce 2,500 to 15,000 seeds. The seeds remain viable for over a decade, and several generations of the plant can emerge in a year. They have shallow roots and can easily be removed by hoeing or hand pulling. On the other hand, Chickweed is used as a cooling herbal remedy and grown as a vegetable crop and ground cover for both human and poultry consumption. Chickweed is a not only a super plant in terms of its nutritional acclaim, but it’s also delicious. It’s pleasant and mild flavor is often compared with

corn silk. Chickweed is excellent raw--use it like sprouts; eat it in sandwiches, wraps, salad etc. It’s also great cooked and makes a good substitute for spinach. Contact your local noxious weed program or county extension office for recommendations on herbicides if your infestation is dense. I encourage everyone to research your undesirable plants. Like the chickweed, some may be edible and become your new favorite plant. Always have a positive identification from a reliable source before foraging. The best, most sustainable way to suppress weeds, is to increase plant density of the plants you desire. Preferably natives. Don’t leave room for those weedy buggers to take over. Stay healthy, friends, and happy gardening! Sources:

https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/garlic-mustard.aspx

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-kill-creeping-charlie-2131200

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/how-to-kill-chickweed-best-way-to-kill-chickweed.htm

https://www.bbg.org/news/weed_of_the_month_chickweed

https://www.wildedible.com/chickweed

Darlene Bonaccorsi ‘12

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Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups) 2 tablespoons vegetable broth

¼ cup diced onion

1 bunch kale, chopped (about 6 to 7 cups) Alma’s note: To make this a complete vegan dish, you could add 15 oz can of cannellini or chickpeas. Instructions: 1. Put potatoes in pot and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat until potatoes are soft

but not mushy. Drain. 2. Combine vegetable broth, onion, and kale (also cannellini or chickpeas if added) in a medium-

size skillet. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until kale softens. 3. Add potatoes to skillet. 4. Serve warm.

Makes 4 to 5 servings. Reference: Campbell, LeAnne. (2013). The China Study Cookbook. BenBells Books, Inc. Dallas, Texas 75231.

Alma Illian, ‘04

Invasive gypsy moth populations were low throughout much of the region in 2019. Our past suppression treatments, along with natural outbreaks of the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga, have kept down the gypsy moth population throughout much of the state including Harford County in recent years. We are happy to report that no areas in Harford County will require treatment in 2020. A small management program is needed on the lower eastern shore this year, and gypsy moth populations have increased in western Maryland,

We will continue our annual surveys of MD forests starting in the fall of 2020 to determine the next trend of the gypsy moth population in Harford County. In addition to gypsy moth surveys, Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Forest Pest Management (FPM) surveys for several other damaging threats to the forests of Harford County. Sirex noctilio (an invasive wood wasp), the walnut twig beetle, and Oak Wilt all were not detected in 2019. The Southern Pine Beetle was found at low non damaging

MDA Forest Pest Management 2019 Gypsy Moth Post Survey Report for Harford Co.

Sweet Potatoes and Kale Recipe

Photo credit: Steve O'Brien

Cornell.eduu

Wikipedia photo

Female moth

Male moth

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levels in our Harford County traps. FPM continues to monitor hemlock woolly adelgid populations at the hemlock stands on state land, and treatment occurs as needed. We appreciate the continued support of Harford County residents to act as first detectors and control gypsy moths on home landscapes. You may also visit our website for more information and fliers at https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/forest_pest_management.aspx Email questions to northeastfpm@gmail.com.

Due to the pandemic, most education programs have cancelled classes for spring and summer. The web sites below are still offering a selection of continuing education courses online or webinars. Visit the website to get updates about the offering as some have added workshops at the last minute as restrictions are lessened. Below are suggestions of kinds of webinars and continuing education that is offered at that site. (For new users, highlight the website and select copy into your browser. Search for education selections that are available.)

https://extension.umd.edu/mg/volunteer-resources/continuing-education This is the browser address for University of MD. which offers ongoing continuing education classes on a variety of gardening topics. Webinars are also available. Check the website often as they frequently announce new topics. You can also sign up for updates.

https://extension.umd.edu/mg/volunteer-resources/horticulture-webinars-online-classes-and-other-events - Horticulture Webinars, Online Classes, and Other Events offered by various Maryland Master Gardener locations, as well as many national and international organizations.

https://extension.psu.edu Penn State offers similar continuing education on a variety of topics and webinars. You can also sign up for updates.

https://mtcubacenter.org/programs Mt. Cuba offers a variety of courses online. Courses are offered by listing, program or specific month. June offers workshops on butterfly gardens, native groundcovers, moss gardening, pruning and more.

https://www.ladewgardens.com/EDUCATION/Adult-Education Ladew offers a variety of courses. Currently most have been cancelled through end of May. Check the website often in the summer to check for updates about their garden series or lecture series.

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants HGTV offers many ideas how to use plants as decoration and that are beneficial to the landscape.

https://extensiongardener.ces.ncsu.edu/online-non-credit-courses Upcoming classes offered on annuals, perennials, and groundcovers as well as trees, shrubs, and conifers. Also offering several classes on plant identification.

Continuing Education Opportunities

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Joyce Browning | Urban Horticulturist Master Gardener Coordinator | Harford County Office

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status,

genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

June-July Harford County Master Gardener Calendar

The below Calendar entries are only a small sample of the scheduled Master Gardener events. Please refer to the following link to view the entire Harford County Master Gardener calendar https://calendar.google.com/calendar/b/3?cid=bWFzdGVyZ2FyZGVuZXJzaGNAZ21haWwuY29t MG Stephanie Flash is the contact for changes and additions to our new calendar. Please send calendar requests, changes or additions to mastergardenershc@gmail.com

June 4 6:30 pm Monthly MG Meeting Via Zoom

June 25 10 – 11:30 am Steering Committee Via Zoom

July 2 10:00 am Monthly MG Meeting TBD

July 30 10 – 11:30 am Steering Committee TBD