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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

July 22, 2014 Kim’s Weekly Garden Newsletter



These weekly garden notes are written by Kim Willis, unless another author is noted, and the opinions expressed in these notes are her opinions and do not represent any other individual, group or organizations opinions.


Hi Gardeners
Lily Vice Versa, a hybrid lily.



Its 88 degrees and humid today and once again we are looking for storms later.  These storms will be scattered so if you have containers that need watering better not wait for rain. 

I am getting tomatoes more frequently now- love those Early Girls.  My tomato plants however are really starting to suffer from fungal disease.  I also started getting a few ripe raspberries this week.  Once again I am competing with wild birds and chickens for my berries. My early sweet corn has some nice ears forming and the pumpkins are as big as soccer balls now.

The Oriental and Trumpet lilies and their hybrids are beginning to bloom.  I love the smell of lilies although some people do not.  My Casa Blanca lilies aren't as tall as they are most years; I suppose that’s caused by the hard winter too.  My new lilies are quite short but I know lilies tend to be smaller the first year they bloom in a new spot.

I just had to go outside and rip Jewelweed away from my office window so I can see out again.  After the rain last week it grew by leaps and bounds.  I like to leave some around the yards for the bees and hummingbirds but I don’t like it blocking my view and breeze.   Another weed that is sky rocketing toward the sky is lambsquarters.  There’s an article below on that weed.

As far as the noxious weed – Giant Hogweed – that I spoke about last week is concerned - so far no cases in Michigan.  I spoke with MSUE in Livingston County today and they said no hogweed has ever been identified in that county. They do get tons of photos and samples and all have turned out to be cow parsnips or water hemlock or other weeds.

I am a bit concerned with the attitude of various regulatory agencies toward the plant.  The USDA is the one that puts out bulletins warning about it and listing it as a dangerous weed that needs reporting.  But when they are contacted they say to call the state department of agricultural and natural resources and when they are contacted they say to call MSU Extension.  According to one county horticulture agent MSUE doesn't have any funding or agreement with those other agencies to remove hogweed.  They will ID it if they can but they won’t come to your home.

This ho hum attitude is not what it takes to keep a dangerous plant from taking hold in Michigan.  I know that the vast majority of calls about hogweed turn out to be some other plant from Queen Anne’s Lace to water hemlock.  I even got photos of ferns and cheese mallow which look nothing like hogweed from people wanting to know if they have hogweed.  But still if the plant is to be kept out of the state we need some agency to step up and be responsible. To me it seems like it should be the USDA or the MDA that is responsible for eradication and site visits.

Well it’s hot out today but I hope you can get outside to just sit a while.  Take off your shoes and socks and let your bare feet rest on the ground.  The earth contains an electromagnetic field that helps set your internal clock and keeps you healthy and happy.

The benefits of cinnamon

Two new and interesting studies on the benefits of an ancient spice have recently been published.  Food researchers have been trying for years to find natural food additives that can control harmful bacteria in foods.  Researchers at Washington State University found that Cinnamomum cassia oil can be used to kill food bacteria without harm to humans or animals.  Ten drops of oil to a liter of water will kill E.coli bacteria. 

Researchers developed bio-films for packaging meat and other foods subject to spoilage and food borne pathogens.  They also recommended that the Cassia oil be added to food washing solutions for produce and meat.  They also suggested that the oil could be incorporated into ground meat.

In other news about cinnamon Cinnamonum verum, the sweeter cinnamon often used in cooking, may have some benefit in treating Parkinson’s disease.   Researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that cinnamon, given orally, was metabolized into sodium benzoate.  Sodium benzoate was found to reduce the loss of important proteins in the brain, improves neurotransmitter levels and improves motor function in animals with Parkinson’s disease.  If you know someone with the disease it sure wouldn’t hurt to add abundant cinnamon to their diet.

This weeks weed- Lambsquarters

Young lambsquarter plants.
Common Lambsquarters, (Chenopodium album ) is also known as White Goosefoot, Fat Hen, and Mealweed and it gets those names in an interesting way.  Europeans used the weed to fatten poultry and sheep, and also as a cooked green, similar to spinach.  Native Americans collected the seeds, which were eaten raw or ground into a flour to cook.  They also ate the plant as a green. 

Common Lambsquarters is an annual plant that grows just about anywhere.  It likes rich soil and often comes up in manure piles and barnyards.  Animals eagerly seek it out to eat when it is young and tender.

Common Lambsquarters has roughly triangular leaves, with notched edges and sometimes small lobes.  One large leaf on the tip of a stem is often followed by two small leaves that are opposite of each other.  The rest of the leaves are alternate on the stem.

Flowers of lambsquarter
Lambsquarter leaves have a grey, somewhat fuzzy underside, especially when young.  The plant makes thick sturdy stems that have vertical ridges and are often red tinged.  It can grow to 3 feet or even larger in great spots.

The plant has inconspicuous, greenish grey flowers that look like tiny knots on spikes near the top of the plant.  Common Lambsquarters produces two kinds of seeds, a hard, black round seed that can survive in the ground for a long period of time, and a lighter brown, flattened oval seed which generally germinates quickly.  The plants produce thousands of each type of seed each year.

Feeding sugar to bees may be part of their decline

Bees are on the minds of many gardeners these days and many gardeners have begun to keep a hive of bees as a hobby.  Bee keepers have long used the practice of giving bees’ sugar water to eat when food supplies are scarce.  Now researchers are saying the practice of feeding sugar solutions to bees may be a contributing factor to what is known as colony decline or collapse.  Both cane/beet sugar and high fructose corn syrup were found to be poor sources of bee food.

Let’s face it; sugar is not good for us or many other animals.  Bees are designed by nature to feed on honey from their hive when nectar and pollen are scarce.  When bees are fed sugar or corn syrup researchers found that an organ called the fat body (similar to our liver and fat tissue) had different gene activity than bees eating honey. This gene activity was related to immune function, metabolism, and brain function.  Colony collapse has often been linked to poor immune response and poor storage of fat reserves in bees.

This study was done by the University of Illinois Institute for Genomic Biology and published in Scientific Reports.   An earlier study done there found that honey has the ability to neutralize some pesticides that bees consume while foraging.  The take away from this is that bee keepers should leave enough honey for the bees so that they don’t have to be fed sugar solutions and if supplemental feeding is necessary, pure honey might be the best choice.

This also got me to thinking about our practice of feeding hummingbirds a sugar solution.  Could we be hurting the hummers?   I have written to the researcher, Gene Robinson, who worked on the bee study to see if he has any thoughts on that topic.  I’ll keep you informed.

Plant fungicides may cause resistance to human fungicides

This is the season for fungal diseases to run rampant in the garden, given the right conditions.  Fungal infections plague all living creatures and man is no exception.  Aspergillus fungal spores are found in soil (and also in other places, even indoors) and gardeners may be more susceptible than others to breathing in the spores which can cause allergic reactions or the more serious disease of the lungs called Aspergillosis.  People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to fungal diseases but people with normal immune systems may also become infected.

Aspergillosis is treated by giving people anti-fungal medications called triazoles.  These are very similar to fungicides used in agriculture/horticultural to control fungal infections in plants. In studies done in the Netherlands and now from Radboud University Medical Centre and The University of Manchester it was found that Aspergillosis and other human fungal diseases are becoming resistant to anti-fungal medications. 

The current research found that resistant strains of fungi were more common in agricultural areas where the use of crop fungicides is common.  The research strongly suggests that just like antibiotics used in livestock are contributing to strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria, crop fungicides are causing fungicide resistant strains of fungi.

Fruit fungus may cause asthma in humans

So on to more fungal news.  Alternaria alternate is a common garden fungal disease that infects many kinds of fruits and vegetables.  You have probably had this fungus in your garden at one time or another.  Different kinds of produce have different names for the disease symptoms Alternaria alternate produces, but the same lovely fungal species is involved.
Alternaria fungal disease of tomatoes - fruit root and early blight. Photo from coursewares.MJU.ac.th

Early blight of tomatoes and potatoes, leaf spots of fruit trees, fruit spot on peppers, black rot of carrots, head rot of broccoli are all Alternaria alternate diseases.  Apples, cucumbers, kiwi, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, broccoli- all produce can basically have some Alternaria alternate fungal disease.

Research done at the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid has found that Alternaria alternate fungi can cause asthmatic reactions in people when they ingest the fungi on fruits or vegetables.  Research suggests this fungus could be a major cause of childhood asthma.  Alternaria alternate can also cause fungal infections of the skin, eyes and lungs in humans.

Alternaria alternate fungi generally create rotted areas on fruits and vegetables but can be present on produce with no visible signs.  The fungi can be found on fruits and vegetables in stores and farm markets as well as on the farm and in the garden.  This is another reason why you must thoroughly wash all produce, even organic produce, which may be even more susceptible to Alternaria alternate spores being on it, because no or weaker crop pesticides are used.  Also do not eat fruit and vegetables with rotted areas or use them for canning or juice.

Cannabis may shrink tumors

Marijuana- a medical miracle drug.
Yes I love good news about cannabis.  I believe the medical uses of this plant are many and it is being underused and understudied.  However some countries are actively researching marijuana’s medical properties.  Research done recently at University of East Anglia and Universidad Complutense de Madridin, Spain has shown that the active ingredient in cannabis- THC –shrinks or stops the growth of cancerous tumors.


The research was done with human breast cancer tumors.  Research suggests it’s effective on other forms of cancer tumors too.  The researchers say they hope a synthetic drug can be developed that mimics THC but I say – just legalize marijuana and let people self-medicate without fear.


Lovely Lantana

If you are struggling with sandy, poor soil in a sunny location and want lots of color then lantana is the plant for you.  This lovely plant thrives in situations many plants would struggle in.  Lantana flowers attract butterflies and bees. It is a favorite of swallowtail, skipper and some brush footed butterflies.  The foliage is also a food plant for some moth and butterfly caterpillars.

There are several species of lantana; they are native to tropical America and Africa.  Some lantanas have naturalized in the southern states and have become invasive pests, even if they are beautiful.  Gardeners will want to stick with hybrid lantana plants that are sterile, even if they plan to grow them in the north as an annual.  The sterile varieties bloom better and longer.   These are the varieties most often found in the garden shop.

Lantana- tough but pretty.
Lantanas come in upright and trailing types.  The leaves of Lantana are long, gray-green and blade-like with toothed edges.  They feel rough to the touch and have a strong odor when crushed.  While some people profess to like the smell, most avoid bruising the leaves after smelling them. 

Lantana flowers come from the tips of the plant and from where leaves join the stem in half round clusters of numerous, small 4 petal flowers.   The small flowers turn color as they age so most flower clusters contain two or more colors.  Colors are in the hot range of oranges, yellows, and reds, with a few pinks and lavenders.    The flowers also have a slight scent, which again, some like and some don’t.

DANGER- Wild Lantanas produce small fruits that are juicy and blue-black.  Birds are fond of them but they are poisonous to humans and animals.  The sterile varieties found in garden stores don’t produce fruit.

Growing Lantana
Because the best varieties for blooming are sterile, gardeners usually buy plants.  Lantana seed can be found in some catalogs though.  Many lantanas are not labeled with variety name in garden stores.

Lantana is a tender tropical plant.  It must not be put outside until all danger of frost has passed.  In the north it is generally treated as an annual.  In frost free areas it can be planted in the ground and is perennial. 

Lantana must be planted in full sun.  It thrives in well drained sandy soil of low fertility.  In rich moist soil it is prone to disease and produces more leaf than flowers.   While drought tolerant, lantana plants must be watered until they form a good root system.  They will also bloom better if they are watered once a week in hot dry weather.

Lantana is a great container plant as long as the container has good drainage.   They should be watered a little more frequently in containers than in the ground.  Try to water the soil around the plant and not get water on the leaves.  Wet foliage may cause disease problems.

Plants in containers may benefit from a little slow release fertilizer but lantana plants in the ground seldom need fertilizer. If the plants get woody and lanky cut them back by a third.

Deer and other animals do not usually eat lantana, although some insects do.  If grown in moist areas the roots may rot.  Lantana in shade is prone to fungal disease.
 
Remember- bare feet on the ground makes you healthy and happy.

Kim Willis
 “He who has a garden and a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero


More Information

Controlling raspberry cane borers
Wilting shoot tips signal that this easy to control pest has found your raspberry patch.


Posted on July 8, 2014 by Mark Longstroth, Michigan State University Extension


This time of year, Michigan State University Extension educators, including myself, get calls from homeowners complaining that the shoot tips of their raspberries are dying. I ask if there are two rings cut into the stem below the wilting. If the answer is yes, I know they have the raspberry cane borer.

Raspberry cane borer, Oberea bimaculata Oliver, is a beetle pest of raspberries that is widespread in Michigan. The beetle lives its life feeding on raspberries. The adults emerge in June. They feed on the tender shoot tips of new raspberry canes. The females lay their eggs about 6 inches below the tips of the new primocanes (first year shoots emerging from the ground). First, she chews two rings around the stem about 0.5 inches apart. Then she lays an egg between the girdles. The girdling causes the stem tip to wilt.

Control is easy and organic, just remove the portion of the stem between the two girdles and throw it in the trash. If not removed, the larvae burrows down the cane to the base and into the crown the next summer. Affected canes are weak and often break or die the next year. The larva pupates in the soil and emerges the next year to attack the shoot tips.

This pest seldom requires insecticide sprays and can be controlled by scouting for wilting shoot tips in the summer and removing the stem sections with the eggs before the larvae can burrow into the cane. If there is a severe pest infestation, pesticide sprays are targeted on the adults in the immediate pre-bloom period, just before the flowers open.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu.

Events, classes and other offerings
Please let me know if there is any event or class that you would like to share with other gardeners.  These events are primarily in Michigan but if you are a reader from outside of Michigan and want to post an event I’ll be glad to do it.
Master Gardeners if you belong to an association that approves your hours please check with that association before assuming a class or work day will count as credit.
Do you have plants or seeds you would like to swap or share?  Post them here by emailing me at kimwillis151@gmail.com

New - Eastern Michigan State Fair- July 29th – August 2nd  Imlay City Mi. (M53 just North of I69)
One of the best fairs in Michigan is early this year.  See the large Master Gardener exhibit as well as other exhibits of flowers, veggies and fruits.  Lots of animals, fair food and carnival rides too. Daily circus and alligator shows. Rodeo on July 29th, 7 pm.

Price- July 29th and 30th all tickets are $10.00 before 2 pm otherwise admission is $15.  Admission price includes all shows and rides.  Parking is free. 

Weeds and Herbs from the Wild -Tuesday, August 19 at 7: 00pm at Seven Ponds Nature Center 3854 Crawford Road, Dryden, MI 

The Friends of Herbs at Seven Ponds will host speaker: Jim McDonald- innovative Michigan herbalist and wildcrafter. He will share with us what herbs and weeds can be harvested during this time of year. Preregistration is required by calling 810-796-3200 to reserve your seat. Join us for a wonderful informative program, cost is $5.00 per person.



Herb & Butterfly Garden Tours -Sunday, August 10, 2:00 pm -Seven Ponds Nature Center, 3854 Crawford Road, Dryden, MI 


We have the loveliest cultivated gardens totally maintained by volunteer gardeners. This is a walk suited for those who cannot venture too far from the center. Non-members- $3.00 adults, members and children 12 and under free.  (Tour is being conducted by park naturalists.)


Garden Party & Daylily Dig- Sat, July 26, and Sunday July 27- 9am-6pm, Merrittscape, 5940 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford Township, MI.

Featuring over 200 varieties of award winning daylilies for sale.  You pick 'em, we dig 'em. 1000's of plants. We have over an acre and one half of spectacular ponds and display gardens to enjoy and inspire.  248-681-7955.

Cool Plants for Shady Areas- Sat, August 9, 10am English Gardens, all locations (Ann Arbor, East Pointe, Clinton Twps., Dearborn Heights, Royal Oak, Commerce Twps., West Bloomfield  call 1-800-335-Grow

Creating a beautiful garden is possible even in the shade.  This program will cover basic information on planning, planting and maintaining flowers and plants in the shade. Special emphasis will be given on perennials. FREE. www.EnglishGardens.com.

Michigan Ag Expo 2014- July 22, 2014 - July 24, 2014 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Ag Expo is Michigan’s largest outdoor agricultural show. With more than 250 vendors, demonstrations, educational sessions, and ride and drive equipment available, there is something for everyone. Admission to the show is free!
Visit the Ag Expo 2014 website for more information. http://agexpo.msu.edu/

Garden Day August 2, 2014, 8 am – 4:15 pm,  Michigan State University Department of Horticulture, East Lansing Mi.

MSU’s annual garden day is on Saturday this year.  The keynote speaker is Amy Stewart, author of Wicked Plants, Flower Confidential, and The Drunken Botanist and other books.  Ms Stewart is also the concluding speaker and you can also stay for a reception after the event where she will discuss the Drunken Botanist. You can choose from a number of excellent workshops/classes, 1 morning and 1 afternoon session. Classes include Herbal housekeeping, Best Herbaceous perennials, Creative Containers, Dividing Perennials, Herbs at Home, Pruning Basics, Gardening in the Shade, Unusual Trees and Shrubs, Creative Edge, and Going Native.

Cost of the event is $85 until July 22nd , $95 after.  Lunch and free parking included. Additional $39 for evening reception.  Go to hrt.msu.edu/garden-day-2014  for class descriptions and to register.

The Lapeer area Horticulture Society is looking for new members.  There are no education or experience requirements to join; only a love of gardening is needed.  The Horticulture Society meets the third Monday of each month for socializing, networking and a brief educational presentation.  Everyone is invited to join.  Dues are only $15 a year.  For more information on joining or meeting locations contact Bev Kobylas at bkobylas@yahoo.com

Newsletter information
If you would like to pass along a notice about an educational event or a volunteer opportunity please send me an email before Tuesday of each week and I will print it. Also if you have a comment or opinion you’d like to share, send it to me. Please state that you want to have the item published in my weekly notes. You must give your full name and what you say must be polite and not attack any individual. I am very open to ideas and opinions that don’t match mine but I do reserve the right to publish what I want.
Once again the opinions in this newsletter are mine and I do not represent any organization or business. I do not make any income from this newsletter. I write this because I love to share with other gardeners some of the things I come across in my research each week. It keeps me engaged with local people and horticulture. It’s a hobby, basically. I hope you enjoy it. If at any time you don’t wish to receive these emails just let me know. If you know anyone who would like to receive these emails have them send their email address to me.  KimWillis151@gmail.com


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