september 2013 master gardeners of rutherford … · september 2013 master gardeners of rutherford...
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CONTACT US!
Master Gardeners of Rutherford County
UT/TSU Rutherford County Extension
Lane Agri-Park
Suite 101
315 John R. Rice Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: 615-898-7710
Fax: 615-898-7999
Email: [email protected]
Editor Email: [email protected] or
MASTER GARDENERS OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN September 2013
Volume IX, Issue 9
Officer Elections 1
Bird of the Month 2
Favorite Containers 2
Herb of the Month 3
Organic Pest Control 4
Seasonal Eating 4
Classes / Events 5
6
Inside this issue:
The
Scoop
NEXT MEETING
September 16
Moved to Community
Center
Speaker: Mitchel Mote,
Extension Agent
“CSI for Plants”
How to use clues to
diagnose what is wrong
with your plants.
Officer Elections to be held in September Hard to believe it’s that time again! Our by-laws were changed in 2012 to make revisions to how our elections are held. These changes were made to give new incoming officers a chance to get involved on the board and “learn the ropes” of managing the association before assuming duties in January. A slate of officer nominations is to be presented to the Association each
August Voting by the membership takes place in September Officers-elect are installed in October in order to work with existing officers
for 3 months New officers assume duties January 1 This year’s nominating committee was led by Jack Smith, assisted by Les Heaberlin and Barbara Mullins. The committee was unable to find any one in our membership willing to become a board member and has presented the current officers for re-election. Ken Roberge, President Carol Reese, Vice President Marilyn Rogan, Treasurer Teresa Fly, Secretary All of the current board members have agreed to continue another year, but have requested that other nominations be taken as well at the meeting. Due to the her mounting responsibilities both as a volunteer and with her job, Carol Reese has indicated she has no interest in becoming President in the future. Ideally, the vice-president is a candidate who will be able to move up to the role of President at some time in the future. This gives us the benefit of their experience both as a Master Gardener and as a leader in the association. You must be a certified Master Gardener and current member of the association to be a Board Member. Nominations will still be accepted at the September meeting. If you, or someone you know, would like to be part of setting the direction for the Rutherford County Association in 2014 there will be nomination opportunities at the meeting. You can also contact one of the nominating committee members. If you have any questions about what any of these roles require please contact
Janie Becker .
SEPTEMBER 16TH MEETING WILL MEET AT COMMUNITY CENTER
Page 2 The Scoop Volume IX, Issue 9
This months container garden was submitted by Jack & Katherine Smith. Katherine wrote: “ due to the limited space in our yard, we have to grow nearly everything in containers”.
“Hardy Gardenia”
This fragrant plant grows best in partial to full sun. It needs regular watering This slow growing variety, will form a low mound 2 to 3 feet tall, making it a great choice for containers.
Well drained soil, rich in organic matter and acid fertilizer applied after blooming will keep it happy. Prune to shape after flowering. Keep roots cool with a layer of mulch. Remove faded flowers to encourage reblooming.
Bird of the Month - …….Mockingbird
GROW IT! IN CONTAINERS
WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!
What is YOUR favorite container? Have you planted something spectacular for the fall or seen a great combo in someone else’s garden? What plant combinations have YOU used lately? What are your tips for a successful container? Used any unusual containers? Send a photo and a brief description to [email protected]
If you’ve been hearing an endless string of 10 or 15 different birds singing outside your window….. You might have Tennessee’s State bird: the Northern Mockingbird living nearby. These gray, non-descript birds pour all their beauty into their songs. They sing almost endlessly. They can sing up to 200 different songs— other birds songs, their own songs and even those of insects and amphibians These lively birds are very territorial. They can be fairly aggressive when protecting their nests. They will even dive bomb larger animals that come to close to their nests. This behavior only lasts as long as the chicks are vulnerable. Mockingbirds feed naturally on insects and wild berries. To attract them to your back yard feeders, try dried fruit and suet offered on platform feeders. They will also take seeds from almost any type of feeders. Before you attempt to attract Mockingbirds to your backyard feeder, think twice. While their songs are lovely—there is no off switch! A lonely bachelor bird calling for a mate all night long can cause some aggravating sleepless nights! These birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Act— so your only option may be earplugs. ~ Linda Lindquist, CMG Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology For more information : www.allaboutbirds.org
As Mrs. Maudie Atkinson said in the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird: "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." ~ Harper Lee
Master Gardeners & Interns….
Are you up to date on entering your hours?
http://mastergardener.tennessee.edu/
Page 3 The Scoop Volume IX, Issue 9
Herb of the Month: Prickly Pear Cactus ~ by Doris Paramore, MG
Cacti do not normally spring to mind when we think of herbs however they do fall into this category. The prickly pear cactus has an array of culinary and medicinal uses, and is also used in body care products, supplements and beverages. It is one of the most widespread cacti with over 350 varieties worldwide. In fact, Tennessee has its own native prickly pear cactus variety which appears to be currently doing well as it is not listed on the 2012 Tennessee Rare Plant List. The Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia Humifusa) is a low growing perennial cactus that is both useful and lovely to look at when its profuse rose like flowers are in full bloom. These native cacti bloom in May and June and have beautiful yellow flowers with bright red centers. They are a low maintenance plant and can handle heat and drought conditions as cacti have evolved to do. During the winter months in Tennessee they tend to shrivel up a bit but bounce right back each spring. A few years ago I transplanted a bunch of them that were growing wild on our property where my husband was mowing them on a regular basis. I put them right on top of a rocky spot in the yard with barely any soil and they have thrived. The advantage of selecting that spot was that it covered an area where grass would not grow but also where weeds would not grow. You really do not want to have to weed around cacti. Anyone who has tried to weed a cactus bed can attest to that! It is illegal to Pick Prickly Pear Cactus in some states and some varieties are known to be poisonous so it is important that you know what you are doing before venturing out for cacti. The fruit of the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus is very small and really not worth trying to harvest. I understand that the pads can be eaten but I have never tried to cook any. The pads and fruit of other varieties are an integral part of Mexican and South American cuisine and this plant is also cultivated for its many culinary and medicinal uses in Africa and Europe. My husband makes a great jelly with the fruit from the larger non native varieties when he can find them. I find that it tastes somewhat like cranberry jelly. The plant
can be used in beverages such as herbal teas made from an infusion of the dried flowers and you can also make a Prickly Pear Cactus margarita with the fruit!
Prickly Pear Cactus is also being increasing studied for its potential health benefits. Anyone interested in learning more about the many uses of this hardy and versatile plant can refer to “Prickly Pear Cactus Medicine” by Ran Knishinsky, or visit his website @ www.cactusmedicine.com. The book can also be ordered from this website. I found it to be interesting and a good introduction to the history and uses of this herb.
Microwave Cactus Jelly Recipe * 2 ½ cups prickly pear cactus juice 1 box powdered pectin 3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 ½ cups raw sugar In a 3 quart casserole, combine the cactus juice and pectin. Stir until the pectin is dissolved. Microwave on high for 7 to 14 minutes or until boiling, stirring every 3 minutes. Continue to boil for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice. Gradually stir in the sugar until blended. Microwave on high for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture returns to boil, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent boiling over. Continue to boil for 2 minutes. Skim the foam from the top. Pour the mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars. Cover with hot sterilized lids and screw bands. Invert the jars and quickly return them to the upright position. *Source: Prickly Pear Medicine by Ran Knishinsky
Page 4 The Scoop Volume IX, Issue 9
Organic pest control: Neem oil ~ by Mayo Taylor This is the first in a series of articles about products available for the organic control of pests and diseases of plants. “Organic” in this case means Certified Organic under the guidelines of the U.S.D.A. National Organic Program (NOP). In general, organic practices emphasize the improvement of soil health and fertility through soil building and crop management techniques that reduce the likelihood of diseases and pests. Insecticides, fungicides and other products are permitted as needed when other management techniques fail to control a problem, but the guidelines prohibit the use of most synthetic and some non-synthetic compounds. The goal is to avoid compounds that are toxic to humans and animals, destroy the microorganisms that are essential to soil fertility or persist in the environment (i.e. do not biodegrade). See the references below for more information on the National Organic Program in general and the listing of allowed and disallowed substances. Of course, as consumers we do not have to refer to those criteria each time we consider a possible pest control product because manufacturers submit their products to be “Certified Organic.” Just look for the label at your favorite horticultural supply store. Where does Neem oil come from? It is pressed from the seed of the Neem tree (Azadirachta Indica), a member of the mahogany family that is native to India but is also found in other tropical and subtropical areas. The form of oil used in pesticides and fungicides is usually cold pressed. The active ingredient in the oil is Azadiractin. Neem has been used for centuries as an insect repellent in India and other areas. What is it used for? In gardens the oil is applied to control insects, nematodes and mites through direct toxicity and as a growth regulator
and to combat fungal diseases such as mildew, black spot and anthracnose. It can be applied to foliage or poured onto the root zone. It is most effective on immature insects. Neem is used commercially on both food and ornamental crops in field and greenhouse applications. It is used in mosquito repellents, flea shampoos, lice treatments and even in bed bug treatment. It is also found in unrelated products such as toothpaste and cosmetics. How is it applied? Neem oil can be purchased as an oil spray, insecticidal soap, granules, dust or wettable powders, either alone or in combination with other compounds. Because it has relatively low toxicity it is important to thoroughly cover the affected plants and to renew after rain. The half-life of azadiractin can be as short as an hour in water. It is not a contact poison but rather kills eating and sucking insects by interfering with feeding and disturbing growth hormones. Does it affect bees and other pollinators? It is best to apply in early morning or evening when pollinators are not active but the National Pesticide Information Center describes it as “practically non-toxic” to bees. How about its impact on other organisms? Neem oil is non-toxic to birds and mammals. It does have low toxicity to fish and aquatic organisms so the usual care should be taken when applying near streams or ponds. It can be a strong skin irritant for some people so care should be taken to avoid exposure when applying. In the unlikely event of ingestion it can also cause stomach upset. Of course, for all pest control products, including natural compounds such as Neem, be sure to follow instructions about the amount to use and best practices for applying. Sources: Guide for Organic Crop Producers. U.S.D.A. http://tinyurl.com/knc9nls Greenshare factsheet: least toxic pesticides. University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program. http://tinyurl.com/l38gfx9 The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. (Code of Federal Regulations) http://tinyurl.com/k5jkww8 Neem Oil. National Pesticide Information Center. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html Photo provided: Neem tree in an African village. Credit the National Institutes of Health.
Neem Tree / W. Africa
Page 5 The Scoop Volume IX, Issue 9
Herb Day 2013 Saturday, October 26th, 2013
The Herb Society of Nashville will present Herb Day 2013 on Saturday, October 26, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. The theme is OKTOBERFEST! Jessica Younker of Craft Brewed Bottle and Tasting Room will talk about German beers and the now popular craft beer movement in America. Chris Hudgens of Bon Appétit acclaimed Porter Road Butcher will provide a demo of sausage making. And Kim Christen of Worm’s Way will talk about how to maintain our herb gardens indoors – in the winter! All speakers are from Nashville. Adding to the festivities will be unique vendors and music The event will be held in Botanic Hall at Cheekwood Botanic Gardens in Nashville. Admission is $45 ($40 for registrations before October 12) including lunch. For more information, contact Shirley Hercules
Seasonal Eating -
Conifers with Southern Charm
October 10-11 Dixon Gallery & Gardens
4339 Park Ave. Memphis, TN
www.conifersociety.org
Tour Memphis botanic gardens, private conifer gardens, Brusel’s
Bonsai Nursery (the largest bonsai nursery in North America)
visit Jackson for more private tours and spend time at the Tn
Research & Education Center. Speakers include: Carol Reese,
John M. Ruter, Jason Reeves, Sue Hamilton and Andy Pulte.
FREE POWERPOINT CLASS OCTOBER 23
10 TILL NOON COMMUNITY CENTER CLASSROOM
Several RCMG’s have recently said they would like to lead classes or discussions, but don’t feel confident in their ability to produce a Power Point presentation to go along with it. PP is not always needed, but when it is, it can be a very effective teaching tool. Brad Greenfield, UT Central Region IT Specialist has agreed to teach “Getting Started with PowerPoint” on Oct. 23rd. This is a great opportunity for our Rutherford County Master Gardeners and interns to gain some PowerPoint skills to enhance presentations and teaching opportunities. There are a limited number of laptops we can use, but if you have one with PP on it, kindly bring it. You must register by calling Janie Becker at 615-898-7710 Space is limited so if you are interested, register early!
Grilled Apples with Parmesan Cheese &
Honey Cheese & fruit are a natural combination. Try this tasty recipe with seasonal apples or pears!
4 large tart applies (like Granny Smith) Cored & cut into 1/2 inch rings, then cut in half again. 4 oz Parmigianino Reggiano cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler. 1/4 cup honey
Spray grill rack with cooking spray and heat until smoking. Thread apple slices on skewers. Place on grill until warmed through and well marked. (about 5 minutes). Transfer to large platter. Lay cheese over warm apples and drizzle with honey.
~ Submitted by Linda Lindquist, CMG
“The Scoop” is the official newsletter of the Master Gardeners of Rutherford County, Tennessee and is published by email the first week of the month. Those members without email and who are not able to attend meetings may receive the newsletter by U.S. Postal mail.
The deadline for articles, and other items to be included in the newsletter is the last Friday of the month. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the Lane Agri Park at 6:30 p.m., unless specified. Membership is $25 for a single or $35 for a couple at the same address. All memberships are valid January thru December and are pro-rated for new members only.
Trade and brand names are used only for information. UT/TSU Extension does not guarantee nor warrant the standard of any product mentions; neither does it imply approval of any products to the exclusion of others which also may be suitable.
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, county governments cooperating, UT Extension and Tennessee State University.
Page 6 The Scoop Volume IX, Issue 9
printed in THE SCOOP are
Articles for the October Edition of “The Scoop”
Due by Friday, September 27.
Master Gardeners at the Market-September 2013
Reggie Reeves, Committee Chair
September is here, and you can almost sense fall in the air. While August found the Market awash in a sea of fresh produce, September begins to signal a gradual change in what is in season at the Market, with late summer produce like apples and pumpkins now starting to show up. The rush of August at the Market also found our volunteers very busy at both the concessions window and information table. Over the month of August, 18 of our members and interns donated over 90 man-hours of community service at our Farmers Market concessions window and information table. In addition to answering gardening related questions and informing folks about the Master Gardeners of Rutherford County, our volunteers also began letting folks know about our upcoming Master Gardener and Garden Basics classes. Our presence at the Farmers Market has proven to be a valuable way to recruit new folks to these classes, may of whom will hopefully become future Master Gardeners. Our volunteers at the Market also try to keep folks informed about the ongoing Educational Programs that are being offered at the Market this summer. Master Gardener participation in these Educational Programs was strong during the month of August, with 4 of our members, Richard Lee, Don Richardson, Carol Reese, and Barbara Crick, all presenting programs to enthusiastic audiences. In September, Larry and Pat Richardson will present a program on Roses on the 6th; Linda Lindquist will present a program on How to Make a Grapevine Wreath on the 10th; Anna Paddon and Sherril Vick will present a program on Cooking with Herbs on the 13th; and Emily Arnold will present a program on Bringing in the Houseplants on 20th. Please plan to
come out and support your fellow Master Gardeners during these programs. Educational Program schedules available at the Farmers Market and on the Farmers Market Facebook page. And remember, these programs are a wonderful opportunity to come out and support our Market, learn some new things, and meet interesting people, all while taking care of some of our CEU requirements to maintain Certification.
The Farmers Market T-shirts, hats, visors, and totes are also still available, with proceeds from the sale of these supporting the continuation of the wooden token EBT/credit/debit card system at the Market. Also, if you have not tried it yet, please come out on Fridays to take advantage of the food trucks that are offering delicious lunch items from 10:00 to 12:30 or so. The continuation of this service will depend greatly on how successful they are.
Thanks to everyone who has helped out in any way with our Master Gardeners at the Market activities! It simply would not happen without your participation. Any Master Gardener or Intern who has questions or would like to participate in any of these opportunities is welcome to contact me, Reggie Reeves, via e-mail at [email protected] , or at 615-210-3050. Please plan to sign up to volunteer for a morning or two at our next Association meeting on September 16th.
Just Love Coffee??? We’ve partnered with Just Love Coffee by serving it at the Farmers Market but did you know when you buy this coffee you can help Master Gardeners as well? For every bag of coffee purchased thru this link:
https://justlovecoffee.com/about/beneficiary/mastergardeners/ RCMG’s will receive $5! You can also buy at their Murfreesboro store (149 MTCS Dr.) —just tell them its for Rutherford County Master Gardeners and we will still get the benefit—and you will save shipping costs. Just Love Coffee supports many community organizations, but their real mission is raising money to help children. Ready their story at www.justlovecoffee.com