Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, TN » gardening tips http://mghc.org Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, TN Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:36:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Native Plant Symposium Coming in March http://mghc.org/2012/01/12/native-plant-symposium-coming-in-march/ http://mghc.org/2012/01/12/native-plant-symposium-coming-in-march/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:41:13 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3450 The Chattanooga Native Plant & Wildflower Group of the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is proud to present its first annual native plant symposium “Chattanooga’s Native Beauty: Gardening with Native Plants” on Saturday, March 10, 2012.  The symposium will be held at Chattanooga State Community College campus in its Humanities Theatre.  The program will begin [...]]]> The Chattanooga Native Plant & Wildflower Group of the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is proud to present its first annual native plant symposium “Chattanooga’s Native Beauty: Gardening with Native Plants” on Saturday, March 10, 2012.  The symposium will be held at Chattanooga State Community College campus in its Humanities Theatre.  The program will begin with registration at 8:00 am, with speakers to start at 8:30 am.  The $45 registration ($40 if you register before March 1)  includes program materials, refreshments and lunch.   There will be door prizes as well.

The schedule of speakers is as follows:

“Role of Native Plants in Biodiversity”
Richard Clements, PhD
Chattanooga State Community College

“Butterflies and Native Plants”
Paulette Ogard and Sara Bright
Authors of “Butterflies of Alabama”

“Growing Native Plants”
Margie Hunter
Author: “Gardening with the Native Plants of Tennessee”

“Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines”
Speaker: Avi Askey, Owner, Overhill Gardens Native Plant Nursery, Vonore, TN

“Landscape Design Considerations with Native Plants”
Sam Rogers, ASLA
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Authors Margie Hunter and Sara Bright and Paulette Ogard’s books will be available for purchase at the symposium.

Master Gardeners who attend may earn 5 continuing education credits (CEUs).

For more information and to register, go to this website:  www.chattanooganatives.blogspot.com  You may also download a brochure by clicking here.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2012/01/12/native-plant-symposium-coming-in-march/feed/ 0 Gardening with Useful Native Plants Presentation on December 5 http://mghc.org/2011/11/22/gardening-with-useful-native-plants-presentation/ http://mghc.org/2011/11/22/gardening-with-useful-native-plants-presentation/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:42:18 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3359 The Southern Appalachian region is, next to Southern China, the most botanically rich region on earth. Most of the plants growing around us have been used as food and medicine for hundreds or thousands of years. Some of our native plants risk being overharvested because the global demand for them exceeds the supply. Join Holli [...]]]> The Southern Appalachian region is, next to Southern China, the most botanically rich region on earth. Most of the plants growing around us have been used as food and medicine for hundreds or thousands of years. Some of our native plants risk being overharvested because the global demand for them exceeds the supply. Join Holli Richey, MS, MSW, MAT at 6:00 PM  Monday, December 5 at Green|Spaces to learn about the medicinal properties of plants native to this region and how you can “garden with a mission” by incorporating them into your yard and garden for both personal use and conservation.

Holli Richey is a clinical herbalist, counselor and teacher who practices with an integrative approach to mind-body-spirit healing.  Holli’s philosophy of healing is that our body is wise, and our symptoms are our teacher. Through listening to our symptoms—whether they seem to be speaking from the mind, body or spirit—we gain awareness of our patterned approach to life, and discover new ways in which to shift toward wholeness.

This is a regular monthly meeting of the Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group, a special interest group of the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County.  Educational presentations count as continuing education units.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/11/22/gardening-with-useful-native-plants-presentation/feed/ 0 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Control http://mghc.org/2011/09/27/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-control/ http://mghc.org/2011/09/27/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-control/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:45:11 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3325 According to Tom Stebbins, UT/TSU Extension Agent for Hamilton County, we are starting to see the next insect pest invader – the Brown Marmorated Sting Bug (BMSB).   His office is just starting to get reports from Chattanooga area homeowners about this  member of the stink bug family.

Adults are approximately 3/4 inch long (17 mm) and [...]]]> According to Tom Stebbins, UT/TSU Extension Agent for Hamilton County, we are starting to see the next insect pest invader – the Brown Marmorated Sting Bug (BMSB).   His office is just starting to get reports from Chattanooga area homeowners about this  member of the stink bug family.

Adults are approximately 3/4 inch long (17 mm) and are shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces.  They are the typical “shield” shape of other stink bugs, almost as wide as they are long.  To distinguish them from other stink bugs, look for lighter bands on the antennae and darker bands on the membranous, overlapping part at the rear of the front pair of wings. They have patches of coppery or bluish-metallic colored puntures (small rounded depressions) on the head and pronotum. The name “stink bug” refers to the scent glands located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen and the underside of the thorax.

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an insect not previously seen on our continent, was apparently accidentally introduced into eastern Pennsylvania. It was first collected in September of 1998 in Allentown, but probably arrived several years earlier.  This true bug in the insect family Pentatomidae is known as an agricultural pest in its native range of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Recently, the BMSB has become a serious pests of fruit, vegetables and farm crops in the Mid-Atlantic region and it is probable that it will become a pest of these commodities in other areas in the United States.

BMSB becomes a nuisance pest both indoors and out when it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days in search of protected, overwintering sites.  BMSB  occasionally reappears during warmer sunny periods throughout the winter, and again as it emerges in the spring.  The BMSB invasion will probably be as bad as ladybugs or boxelder bugs.  Like other insects, BMSB get into houses through small cracks or poor screens.   As a result, the best approach to control is to tighten up your homes for winter with caulk and insulation.   Sprays are not the answer.

The University of Maryland has an informative video on BMSB control:

http://www.growit.umd.edu/FoodGardeningVideos/Video-StinkBugControl.cfm

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/09/27/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-control/feed/ 1 September Natives Meeting http://mghc.org/2011/08/28/september-natives-meeting/ http://mghc.org/2011/08/28/september-natives-meeting/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:07:03 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3302 Title: Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group Location: Chattanooga Area Food Bank Conference Room Description: The monthly meeting of the Natives will feature a presentation by Sean Crimmins, talking to us about “Native Plants in Erosion Control.”

Sean Crimmins is President of TPG Green Solutions, LLC and a nationally recognized erosion control specialist. TPG Green Solutions provides support [...]]]> Title: Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group
Location: Chattanooga Area Food Bank Conference Room
Description: The monthly meeting of the Natives will feature a presentation by Sean Crimmins, talking to us about “Native Plants in Erosion Control.”

Sean Crimmins is President of TPG Green Solutions, LLC and a nationally recognized erosion control specialist. TPG Green Solutions provides support for projects related to erosion prevention, porous pavement, green roofs, rain gardens, shoreline stabilization, wetland enhancement and stormwater management. Sean received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Shortly after college Sean held positions in which he: managed over 8,000 lakes and ponds for fish surveys, fish stocking, aeration, and weed and algae control, and designed and supplied bioengineered solutions for shoreline projects. Later Sean was regional sales manager for North American Green (the world’s largest rolled erosion control blanket manufacturer) in TN, KY, IN, MI, OH and PA. Before starting TPG Green Solutions, Sean was the national sales manager for D2 Land and Water Resources, Inc. for its specialty erosion control materials division. In his position with D2, Sean managed projects designed to utilize specialty materials to control erosion, enhance wetlands and stabilize shorelines.

In October, we will resume our regular meeting schedule — first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2011-09-12

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/08/28/september-natives-meeting/feed/ 0 Why Do Some Trees Lose Their Leaves in Late Summer? http://mghc.org/2011/08/19/why-do-some-trees-lose-their-leaves-in-late-summer/ http://mghc.org/2011/08/19/why-do-some-trees-lose-their-leaves-in-late-summer/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:26:32 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3282 (This article is a reprint of an article by UT Extension Specialist David Mercker that appeared in the August 2011 Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries Update Newsletter)

Normally every year in late summer, when temperatures aren’t fit for much, Extension Specialists and County Agents receive inquiries on why some leaves are prematurely dropping from trees. It always [...]]]> (This article is a reprint of an article by UT Extension Specialist David Mercker that appeared in the August 2011 Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries Update Newsletter)

Normally every year in late summer, when temperatures aren’t fit for much, Extension Specialists and County Agents receive inquiries on why some leaves are prematurely dropping from trees. It always seems to coincide with high late summer temperatures and low precipitation. Annually when mowing our lawn, I notice both our river birch and willow experience this phenomenon. It’s been noticed with tulip poplar, sycamore, elm, hackberry and redbud too.

It became a personal challenge to determine what these species have in common. Other than all having yellow autumn color, was there another characteristic that contributes to this situation? With some discovery, surely another more telling similarity exists. And I think I’ve found it.

A few years ago, Dr. Jennifer Franklin (UT Tree Physiologist) and I developed a publication titled Tree Growth Characteristics. In that, readers gain a general understanding of how trees grow. One of the characteristics that we addressed was shoot growth patterns – - specifically that leaves are produced from the shoot (branch tip) either: (1) continuously throughout the growing season, or (2) in discreet growth bursts termed flushes. Trees with continuous growth, normally called sustained growth, continue to produce leaves as long as growing conditions are favorable. It seemed fitting then, that such trees might abort leaves when conditions aren’t favorable. Hmmm. In other words, they “over produce” leaves, then in an effort to conserve limited moisture in harsh, hot times, they rebalance by aborting leaves. Normally the oldest (interior) leaves are the first ones aborted.

When the list of seven species, mentioned above, were compared to our list of species having sustained growth, all of them fit. Trees that most often lose leaves prematurely all have sustained growth. Here’s the telling message: if you have one of these seven species and leaves are prematurely falling, it’s likely normal. Watering the trees might be beneficial, but not necessary, because, again, this is normal.

I hope these thoughts help answer the perennial question of why some leaves prematurely drop from trees. For a better understanding of this subject and subjects related, see:

https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W227.pdf

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/08/19/why-do-some-trees-lose-their-leaves-in-late-summer/feed/ 0 Rain Barrel Update http://mghc.org/2011/08/11/rain-barrel-update/ http://mghc.org/2011/08/11/rain-barrel-update/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:00:12 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3258 In case you didn’t get a chance to participate in the rain barrel workshops MGHC offered this year, don’t despair. Building a rain barrel is a relatively easy Do It Yourself job. The University of Tennessee through the Tennessee Yards and Neighborhoods initiative put together a publication that provides clear instructions on building your own [...]]]> In case you didn’t get a chance to participate in the rain barrel workshops MGHC offered this year, don’t despair. Building a rain barrel is a relatively easy Do It Yourself job. The University of Tennessee through the Tennessee Yards and Neighborhoods initiative put together a publication that provides clear instructions on building your own rain barrel. You can access the information here.

One challenge for DIY’ers is finding an appropriate rain barrel.  The ideal barrel is thick walled plastic or other non-reactive material that will hold water.  It is important to find containers that held non-toxic or non-corrosive materials.  For example, look for barrels that held food products or gentle cleaning products like shampoo.  And always rinse your barrel before using.  You can check the classified ads in the paper or Craig’s list; be sure to ask how the barrel was used in its previous life.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/08/11/rain-barrel-update/feed/ 0 Raised Bed Building Workshop http://mghc.org/2011/07/14/raised-bed-building-workshop/ http://mghc.org/2011/07/14/raised-bed-building-workshop/#comments Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:07:49 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3235 Title: Raised Bed Building Workshop Location: Chattanooga Area Food Bank – Pavilion Description: We will once again be offering a Cedar raised bed building work shop at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Demonstration Garden Pavilion. We will begin building @ 9:00am and break for a pizza lunch around Noon. We will have some large fans, cold water [...]]]> Title: Raised Bed Building Workshop
Location: Chattanooga Area Food Bank – Pavilion
Description: We will once again be offering a Cedar raised bed building work shop at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Demonstration Garden Pavilion. We will begin building @ 9:00am and break for a pizza lunch around Noon. We will have some large fans, cold water and the shade of the pavilion to work in.

If you or Your Church, Civic, or Community Organizations have recently discussed the idea of a community garden, this work shop is for you! In addition to the hands on building of the (7) currently ordered beds, we can help you create plot plans, consider best locations, and create building material lists.

There is no charge to attend, you can not beat the smell of fresh cut cedar, and Master Gardeners will earn volunteer hours or CEUs. Put your name on your charged up cordless tools and bring them along with your spouse or friends for a fun and creative activity.

For more information contact Bud Hines
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2011-07-23
End Time: 15:00

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/07/14/raised-bed-building-workshop/feed/ 0 Why is My Oak Tree Losing Bark Update http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/why-is-my-oak-tree-losing-bark-update/ http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/why-is-my-oak-tree-losing-bark-update/#comments Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:47:39 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3189 Since the original posting of the “Why is my Oak Tree Losing Bark?” post last year, the question continues to be raised in Tennessee and around the country.  The original post covered one possible explanation – the Smooth Patch Disease of White Oak which is just a fungus that feeds on bark but does not [...]]]> Since the original posting of the “Why is my Oak Tree Losing Bark?” post last year, the question continues to be raised in Tennessee and around the country.  The original post covered one possible explanation – the Smooth Patch Disease of White Oak which is just a fungus that feeds on bark but does not otherwise harm a healthy tree.

Hamilton County Extension Agent Tom Stebbins provides some additional observations below.

Why is so much bark falling off my trees?

This is an observation I heard from many homeowners last year and now again this year.  Some people made their own diagnosis and blamed the pile of bark on squirrels or birds.  Squirrels might explain some of the problems. Incisors of squirrels can grow up to six inches per year.  So, they are constantly chewing and gnawing to keep their teeth short. It would take an army of squirrels to do the damage reported.  Some people report they don’t have many squirrels but still a lot of bark falling around the trees.   Birds could also be looking for insects. Some bark would come off by their pecking.  Again, it would take a fleet of birds to do the reported damage.  There would be bird droppings all over the base of the tree.

There may be multiple reasons for bark flaking.  The primary and consistent cause for bark flaking is from natural tree growth.

Most trees have a growth spurt in the spring. When moisture is plentiful and the sap is rising to support newly formed leaves, tree trunks expand from the living cambium cells. This is a ring of cells just under the bark.  As the tree expands in diameter and circumference, the inflexible, dead cells of the bark are pushed further out and are not able to stay attached to the tree trunk. Thus the bark exfoliates.  This is a natural process that occurs every year.  In some years and in certain trees there may be more growth.  We have had several years of fall drought which have stunted growth.  Now abundant fall and spring rains have caused some trees to have a growth spurt.

The same process occurs in all trees.  Some trees like red oak have thick, tighter bark. This bark is more corky and flexible. This bark is able to hang on the tree, retain more flexibility, and exfoliates much more slowly than those with thinner bark. Trees like white oak have thin, flaky bark.

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/why-is-my-oak-tree-losing-bark-update/feed/ 0 2011 CAFB’s 24th Annual Spring Garden Tour http://mghc.org/2011/06/09/2011-cafbs-24th-annual-spring-garden-tour/ http://mghc.org/2011/06/09/2011-cafbs-24th-annual-spring-garden-tour/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:24:10 +0000 hajones http://mghc.org/?p=3149 This past weekend, June 4-5, 2011, people braved record-breaking temperatures to take part in the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s 24th annual Spring Garden Tour. The tour took visitors through two community gardens and five private gardens.

The St. Alban’s Community Garden and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s Evelyn Davenport Navarre Teaching & Enabling Garden offer opportunities [...]]]> This past weekend, June 4-5, 2011, people braved record-breaking temperatures to take part in the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s 24th annual Spring Garden Tour. The tour took visitors through two community gardens and five private gardens.

The St. Alban’s Community Garden and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s Evelyn Davenport Navarre Teaching & Enabling Garden offer opportunities to the public to grow their own vegetables, flowers and herbs. While St. Alban’s rents raised beds for families to grow their own produce, they also host a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays as a community service to offer locally grown produce to the area. The CAFB’s teaching garden offers educational workshops to the public to teach earth-friendly methods of gardening and provides low-income residents the use of raised beds to grow produce for themselves and their neighbors.

The private gardens on the tour this year belonged to Jane & George Diamantis, Jon Nessle, Patsy Boles, Kim Million, and Marge & Ron Pasch. With homeowners giving tours of their gardens, the tour featured a variety of gardening styles. From formal English gardens with fountains and statuary, Japanese-influenced gardens, perennial gardens to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, or natural woodland landscapes, the tour had plenty to pique everyone’s gardening interest.

The proceeds from the 24th Spring Garden Tour will be used to assist the Chattanooga Area Food Bank in providing food for those in need.

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/06/09/2011-cafbs-24th-annual-spring-garden-tour/feed/ 0 May Tennessee Yards & Neighborhoods Class http://mghc.org/2011/05/02/may-tennessee-yards-neighborhoods-class/ http://mghc.org/2011/05/02/may-tennessee-yards-neighborhoods-class/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 18:58:24 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3102 There will be another TN Yards and Neighborhoods class next week.  It is a six hour class that meets May 10th and 12th from 6 to 9 pm at the Hamilton County Agriculture Center, 6138 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga, TN.

The class covers lawn care, landscape design, water management, mulching and soil management for homeowners.  Students get [...]]]> There will be another TN Yards and Neighborhoods class next week.  It is a six hour class that meets May 10th and 12th from 6 to 9 pm at the Hamilton County Agriculture Center, 6138 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga, TN.

The class covers lawn care, landscape design, water management, mulching and soil management for homeowners.  Students get a notebook, rain gauge, hand lens, and two free soil tests all in a nice TN Yards and neighborhoods cloth bag.

Cost for the class is $35 or $50 for a couple.  The class counts as as six hours of continuing education (CEUs) for any intern or Master Gardener.

To register, call the Hamilton County Ag Center 423-855-6113.

 

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