southern charmerextension.missouri.edu/miller/documents/mgnewsletters/2019 newsletters... · rock...
TRANSCRIPT
August 2019
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This Place Is A Real Southern Charmer“Meet Me In
My Garden”
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From the moment I pulled in the drive I could feel a sense of welcoming. Deb Finn and her husband Gary met me before I could get to the door. They greeted me warmly,
invited me to their charming southern porch and began to tell the story of their place. Moving here about 10 years ago they decided to bring a bit of their past with them. The house is a replica of a home in Baton Rouge where they lived for much of their lives. Gary even hauled the hand-crafted cedar windows in a truck from where they were manufactured in Louisiana. Deb had wanted a breezeway between the house and garage but was advised against it because of the colder weather here. She is glad she took that recommendation because that allowed for an entire wall of cabinets to be built for handy access.
These two southern transplants are certainly hard workers. Deb informed me that they have done all the landscaping around their home themselves. This includes all the paths, dry creek beds and water features. Deb did all the designing of her gardens
herself. As you can see in the photos she is not a fan of straight lines. Soft curves and meandering paths are definitely more her style. As soon as the house was built Deb could see that water would naturally flow around the side of her yard, so obviously a dry creek bed would be the perfect solution to handle the heavy rains we often get in Missouri. Rock was brought in and the two of them began to construct the winding path and shape a garden to go between the dry creek bed and house. Deb filled the bed with many perennial flowers and evergreen plants, a garden totem, a bird bath and boulders to create a colorful focal point. Flanking the gracefully curving front walk are many beautiful annuals and perennials. A 2012 LAMG Garden Walk stone holds a place of honor at the beginning of the path.
Top left: A happy turtle makes its way across the lawn after breakfast provided by Deb.
Above left: A charming lamp post greets guests as they enter the Finn’s driveway.
Above right: Flowers cascade from a window box near the front porch.
Right: A bird bath sits surrounded by stachys, juniper, echinacea, liatris, barberry and rudbeckia.
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Deb and Gary are not only great hosts to their human guests, they love to welcome the wildlife in the surrounding woods. As soon as we began our tour we were greeted by a box turtle. Deb said she feeds at least four of them daily. And from around the corner of the house we could see several turkeys making their way across the back yard. Gary told me they come to visit regularly and enjoy the food set out for them. Below the covered deck on the back of the house is an area filled with bird feeders and hummingbird feeders. The only guests that don’t receive such a warm welcome are the deer. Deb has covered many of her plants with light-weight deer netting to try to keep them from devouring almost everything. Deb is always on the lookout for plants that are less inviting for these hungry four-legged eating machines.
Deb had the excavation crew that helped build their house dig a hole for her water feature. About a year later Gary and Deb installed this relaxing oasis in their back yard. The sounds of the babbling water can be heard from the deck above.
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This brightly painted garden totem was a gift to Deb. We both agreed that making totems might make a great LAMG project to sell at the plant sale.
The dry creek bed runs down through the woods and borders this lovely boulder filled perennial bed.
Above: Deb and her long-haired dachshund, Bitsy open the door and welcome me into the “She Shed.”
Left: The metal awning above the door to the she shed is another example of southern architectural details that can be found throughout the property.
Center: Shelves in the shed hold almost anything Deb might need to keep her garden looking amazing.
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One thing Deb made sure her new home included was a “She Shed”! Tucked in beside the garage and behind a brilliant red crepe myrtle bush she now has a great place to store all her gardening supplies and keep plants during the cold months. The first thing Deb did once the room was finished was to go to an antique shop and purchase an old work bench with drawers. It now sits just to the right as you enter the space and it makes a perfect counter top for potting plants and
The “She Shed”storing often used items. No self respecting she shed is complete without a chandelier and Deb’s has a great one with a nice vintage patina.
Peering over the railing of the deck you see a multitude of colorful flowers.
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Another spot that exudes southern hospitality is the deck area on the back of the house. Cozy and inviting, this space is filled with containers brimming with lovely flowers. Gary also has his gardening project here on the deck. He has filled pots with tomato plants, far away from the hungry deer.
A wood-burning stove, a gift from a friend in Baton Rouge takes the chill off early spring and late fall days on the deck.
Oh, and by the way, the view of the lake from up here is awesome.
Gary keeps his tomatoes safe from hungry deer.
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The Finn’s left Louisiana shortly after hurricane Katrina to be closer to family and because Gary has always loved fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Raised in Memphis, he has been coming to this area to fish for most of his life.
Gary and Deb have done an amazing job of transforming their place in Missouri into a charming piece of Baton Rouge. You can tell that they miss their former home but still deeply love this welcoming new “southern charmer” they have created.
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...from a 2500 mile road trip to Pennsylvania. The trip back East had three main purposes: visit the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pa.; spend time to visit and help our 97-year-old Aunt; and visit my husband’s lifelong friend (one day older than my husband). We traveled I-70 to arrive in Pennsylvania, but I-64 coming home. Interstate 64 is 100 miles longer, but much prettier and more interesting. Not too many wildflowers along the roads on I-70, but on I-64, especially through West Virginia, one would think Lady Bird Johnson had a special hand in the wonderful flowers. Sorry, no pictures available. Where there were places to stop, there were no wildflowers. Our travel
goals were accomplished, the Zippo/Case museum was very interesting, about 12 hours of weeding and getting Aunt Ruth’s flower beds in shape, and a great time with a long-time-friend. Enough of the traveling. I missed my flowers and my two tomato plants. No one can give your plants the attention and tender loving care that you do. Recently, in a conversation with my “favorite” sister, I learned of her tomato experience this summer. She has generally been one to experiment with new plants. This year is no exception. She lives near Wichita, KS. and she found a variety of tomatoes that was new to her favorite haunt. They are named “Lemon
Finally home…
Boy,” and true to the name, they are yellow. She sent me pictures of them on the vine, and one sliced open. Sis loves tomatoes, but said this variety has more of a yield than one person can possibly consume. I, in turn, sent her pictures of my three Roma tomatoes and one of “Big Ole Vern’s Italian tomato.“ My plants were started from seed when I was in Texas. The squirrels harvested the “Vern’s” variety while it
was still green. After a few nibbles on the top of the tomato, they carried it up and placed it on my bluebird box. (I’m dusting off my Red Rider as we speak.) Two of the Romas had blossom end rot, but the third matured as we traveled. It was very meaty, but because of it being picked so green, it had very little flavor. This is my third tomato crop since we have lived in Missouri. The first two were total failures, so in a sense, my crop has improved. I really shouldn’t fool myself, I do not have enough sunlight available to produce a good tomato crop. I may give in to reality; there are good people out there selling their wares at Farmers’ Markets. It would be “Un-American” not to support them.
Be kind to our flora and fauna...
Bev Dungan, President
Host: Larvae have been reported from a variety of host tree species. They are commonly found on species of the family (Juglandaceae) including walnut (Juglans nigra), butternut or white walnut (Juglans cinerea), and a variety of hickories (Carya spp.) including pecan. Other hosts commonly listed are persimmon, sweet gum, and sumacs.
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Some of you may have seen this message from Susan Osgood on the LAMG Facebook page. I thought it was particularly interesting and did
some follow up research that I’d like to share.
Susan wrote:While visiting Missouri Wildflowers Nursery in Brazito today, one of the staff found this guy. It is a Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar that is getting ready to pupate. It will become a Regal Moth, which is one of our largest and most spectacular moths. The caterpillar was 5+ inches long. The moth will have a wingspan of 3.75 to 6 inches. He gathered a crowd of admirers.
Here are some excerpts from an article by Donald W. Hall, Entomology and Hematology Department, University of Florida:
The regal or royal walnut moth, Citheronia regalis (Fabricius), is one of our largest and most spectacular moths. Like most other moths, it is nocturnal but is sometimes observed at lights. The imposing larva, known as the hickory horned devil, is most often observed when it is full grown and comes down from the trees to wander in search of a site for pupation.
The regal moth is a beautiful and fascinating member of our native fauna, and its larvae should not be killed. If a larva is found crawling on pavement or in an area of thick turf grass where it would have difficulty burrowing, it should be moved to an area of soft soil or a mulched area where it can burrow for pupation.
Adult: The regal moth has a wingspan of 9.5 to 15.5 cm. Females are larger than males.
What the Devil Is That?
The regal moth is found throughout the deciduous forest areas of the eastern United States from New Jersey to Missouri and southward to eastern Texas and central Florida). It is more common in the southern part of its distribution.
Larva: The hickory horned devil is among the largest of our native saturniid caterpillars. It is 12.5 to 14 cm in length - about the size of a large hot dog. The caterpillars vary slightly in color, but are commonly blue-green. Although the larva has a fierce appearance, it is harmless.
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Bev Dungan’s Garden Orbs On Display
Bev has painted her garden orb, made at the October 2018 meeting, a beautiful shade of
turquoise and strung miniature lights to add sparkle. She then placed the orb on display in the window of her garden cottage window.
Thanks for sharing Bev.
WORkInG ATWIllMOReJuly 12th was another work day at Willmore Lodge. It was a gorgeous day for sprucing up the gardens.
Above: Ralph Duvel and Rita Burks work on the rain garden.Below left: Kathy Fayant cleans up the pool bed.Below center: Norene Field pulls her wagon up the hill.Below right: Nancy Hall and Deb Finn get busy on their bed.
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Ornamentals•Continue spraying roses that are susceptible to black spot and other fungus diseases.•Annuals may appear leggy and worn now. These can be cut back hard and fertilized to produce a new flush of bloom.•Deadhead annuals and perennials as needed.•Feed mums, asters and other fall-blooming perennials for the last time.•Roses should receive no further nitrogen fertilizer after August 15th.•Madonna lilies, bleeding heart and bloodroot can be divided and replanted.•Divide bearded iris now. Discard old center sections and borer damaged parts. •Prune to shape hedges for the last time this season.•Order bulbs now for fall planting.•Evergreens can be planted or transplanted now to ensure good rooting before winter arrives. Water both the plant and the planting site several days before moving.
lawns•Zoysia lawns can receive their final fertilizer application now.•Apply insecticides now for grub control on lawns being damaged by their activity.•Dormant lawns should be soaked now to encourage strong fall growth.•Verify control of lawn white grubs from earlier insecticide applications.
Vegetables•Compost or till under residues from harvested crops.•Sow seeds of beans, beets, spinach and turnips now for the fall garden. •Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower transplants should be set out now for the fall garden.•Begin planting lettuce and radishes for fall now.•Pinch the growing tips of gourds once adequate fruit set is achieved. This directs energy into ripening fruits, rather than vine production.
Miscellaneous•Soak shrubs periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches.•Once bagworms reach full size, insecticides are ineffective. Pruning off and burning large bags provides better control.•Spray black locust trees now to protect against damage by the locust borer.•Hummingbirds are migrating through gardens now.•Watch Scotch and Austrian pines now for Zimmerman pine moth damage. Yellowing or browning of branch tips and presence of pitch tubes near leaf whorls are indicative. Prune and destroy infected parts.•Clean out cold frames to prepare for fall use.•Monitor plants for spider mite activity. Hose these pests off with a forceful spray of water.
Gardening by the MonthA TO-DO lIST FROM MISSOuRI BOTAnICAl GARDen
ASSASSInATeD
A friend of mine in Stillwell Kansas
sent me this photo of an Assassin Bug making a quick lunch of a Japanese Beetle. Unfortunately there are way more beetles than assassins. But it warmed my heart to see this one helping to reduce the Japanese beetle population!
Items for the monthly newsletter are due to the Newsletter Chair,
Ted Ferguson, by the 20th of the month Send to [email protected]
Visit & Contribute to LAMG Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/lakeAreaMasterGardeners
Remember to Report Master gardener volunteer hours online at
www.mg.missouri.edu
Miller County ExtensionP O Box 20
Tuscumbia, MO 65082Phone/Fax 573-369-2394
2019 Club OfficersBeverly Dungan, President Phone: 573-480-3137E-mail: [email protected] Burke, Vice President [email protected] Hall , Secretary Phone: 913-221-9007E-mail: [email protected] Hardesty, Treasurer Phone: 573-345-4900E-mail: [email protected]
Standing Committee Chairs2019 Garden Walk, Gail Conavay 573-286-5064 [email protected]
Club Photographer, Glenda Hinrichs [email protected]
Historian, Sally Burke [email protected]
Hospitality, Rita Burks [email protected]
Membership, Mary Hardesty 573-345-4900 [email protected]
Mu eXT, MoMGA, MG Classes Winnie Mckinley [email protected]
newsletter, Ted Ferguson [email protected]
Projects, Glenda Hinrichs573-552-5337 [email protected]
Publicity, volunteer needed
Plant Sale, Deb Finn 225-324-7011 [email protected] co-chair, Susan Osgood 816-289-4774 [email protected]
Scholarship, linda Shumway [email protected], nancy Hall 913-221-9007 [email protected] & Means, Mildred Webster 573-363-5650 or 573-346-7211Willmore, kathy Fayant 573-836-4106 [email protected]
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JulY MeeTInG
July Lake Area Master Gardeners meeting was held at Willmore Lodge where we learned about
growing sedums and succulents. The class was presented by Elisa Oetting and Beverly Price, both from te Central Missouri Master Gardeners.