Tuesday, August 12, 2014

August 12, 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

Black Beauty lilies with Giant Swallowtail butterfly.
It’s Tuesday and it looks like more rain is on the way. Yesterday I had ¾ inch of rain in my rain gauge but that amount may be off because a morning glory had climbed the post the gauge was on and may have deflected some rain.  But I know we didn't get anywhere near the amount of rain some other places like Detroit and Bay City had. Rainfall totals have been all over the place this summer, some people are getting too much, some too little rain and some just the right amount.

In the garden my mums are starting to bloom.  Echinacea and Russian sage are blooming.  Goldenrod is beginning to bloom. The lilies are still going strong, with Black Beauty being the star right now. The garden phlox are at full bloom.  And this is scary- I am seeing trees starting to color up for fall.

To show just how effective conservation techniques can be one has only to look at the return of the Bald Eagle.  And I can testify they are returning.  We have had a juvenile Bald Eagle and his parents in the area for the last couple weeks.  The young one is very noisy, screaming loudly as he follows his parents around begging for food.  Even though I suspect his parents may have been feeding him my ducks it is interesting to see them.

Rain and cool weather can make some fungal diseases of the garden more common.  Watch for downy mildew in your vine crops like cucumbers and melons.  Conditions are ripe for late blight but so far the disease doesn't seem to be in Michigan. Verticillium wilt can affect a wide range of plants including tomatoes, peppers and beans and it likes cool wet weather.  The only protection from fungal diseases is to apply a fungicide prior to the infection.

While apples will probably be abundant this year the peach harvest won’t be, at least in Michigan.  Many peach trees were killed in Michigan this past winter.  But if you can find Michigan peaches snap them up.  Later in this newsletter I talk more about Michigan peaches.

How do you know if sweet corn is ready to eat?

My early sweet corn is gone and it will be a few more days until the later crop is ready. That early corn was great and I am waiting for the second crop. Some people who are new to sweet corn growing ask how to tell when corn is ready to eat.  First feel the ear, it should feel plump and full.  The silk on the end of the ear should be brown and dried.  Then you can pull back the husk just a little and do the fingernail test.  Poke your fingernail in a kernel of corn.  If it’s too green a watery fluid will leak out.  If it’s too old, no fluid will leak out and the kernel will look doughy inside.  If it’s just right a milky looking fluid will leak out.

By the way you can smooth the husk back down on the corn and let it ripen some more if it isn't ready.  Corn that’s a little old will be tough but generally still edible.  Pick only enough corn that you can eat it the same day.  If you must harvest more for whatever reason store it in the husk in the refrigerator. 

Has someone approached you about allowing a gas or other pipeline on your property?

Exploration for natural gas has become a hot topic in this area.  Some homeowners have been approached by people wanting to buy gas and oil rights or easements or right of ways to cross a property with a pipe line.  This is happening in suburbs as well as rural areas. The people who are offering to buy rights or easements are often very persistent.  They may tell you that the project will go through because of “eminent domain laws”  that is it will happen whether you want it or not because it has been determined that it is in the best interests of the public.  If you don’t make a deal with them you will lose any bargaining power, they tell you.

Never, ever, sign anything or make any agreements without having your own real estate lawyer look over the papers.  There are now lawyers who specialize in oil and gas leases and they advertise in the phone book.  Not all projects will get eminent domain status but you may not know which ones.  And even if they do there are things you can negotiate such as where the line will cross your property.  Even if you want the money and are willing to sell make sure to get a lawyer to check over any contracts.  Yes it will cost you for this but a lawyer can often negotiate better terms and can protect your interests.  The wrong kind of deal or contract can seriously impair your chances of selling your property in the future and make the value of your property go down.

Pollution that makes fish happy

Not all pollution has negative effects, at least if you look at the effect on individual species.  Oxazepam is a drug prescribed to humans for anxiety and depression.  It gets eliminated from the body in urine, and eventually makes its way to the surface waters.  It is a common pollutant in natural waters close to civilization.

A study done in Europe found that perch living in water contaminated with Oxazepam survived their first two years of life better than fish living in uncontaminated water.  The “polluted” perch were bolder and more aggressive than perch raised with no pollution.   Maybe with less anxiety the fish were better foragers and competitors.

Researchers caution that because one species benefited from pollution doesn't mean the pollution is a good thing.  When one species in an environment suddenly gains an advantage over other species it can cause a cascade of events that will disrupt the balance of that environment and possibly result in the destruction of another species.

Faking the light

Rex begonias in natural light.
The most important thing to life on earth is how plants use light to produce energy.  Plants have complex systems that tell them when to grow, produce energy, flower, produce fruit and so on depending on the light available.  They judge how much light is available for these processes using a molecule called a phytochrome, found in plant cells, which measures how much red light is available for plant growth.  These phytochromes regulate whether a plant will grow lanky stretching toward the light, stop flowering because it’s shaded by another plant, or whether it will grow robustly and produce abundant flowers because a proper amount of light is available.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are developing ways to cause mutations in phytochromes so that they think they are getting enough red light and send signals to the plant to grow and flower despite less than ideal conditions.  The plant will think that it’s in full light and produce accordingly.  They envision tiny backyards producing huge vegetable yields despite plant crowding and shady areas producing abundantly.  The researchers published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

I don’t know but it seems that the phtyochromes were in the plants for a good reason.  If the resources for plant growth aren't there how does tricking the plant into believing that they are allow it to grow?   It’s like you working and putting a certain amount of money in the bank to fund what you need to live.  You make decisions on spending based on how much money you have.  But if your bank statement shows you have far more money than you really do and you start spending more money than you actually have – well – I think everyone knows what that leads to- a giant problem.

This weeks weed- Purple nut sedge and our early ancestors

Thousands of years ago, along the White Nile river in what is now Sudan, Africa, some of our earliest ancestors were keeping their teeth healthy by eating a plant that’s now known as one of the world’s worst weeds, purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus).  How do we know? We found traces of nutsedge DNA in their teeth.

New advances in anthropology allow researchers to pull DNA from the calculus (tarter) on the teeth of ancient skeletons and analyze it to see what our ancestors were eating.  While our early hunter-gatherer ancestor’s diet consisted of mainly meat they did eat some plants.  Except in times of famine though, researchers think that most of the plant products consumed were either flavoring, medicinal or part of spiritual rituals. Some plant DNA in the teeth may have come from using the teeth to hold plant products, like vines or branches used in building or making tools, just like many of us use our teeth today to hold nails or needles.  Some fibrous plants were chewed to soften and release plant fibers for making various products.

Purple nutsedge.
Up until the beginning of agriculture and the growing of grains the teeth of early humans was remarkably free of tooth decay.  One reason was the diet, meat doesn't leave sugars on the teeth to cause decay.  But the other reason was that early man knew that certain plants helped keep teeth clean and healthy.  And even after farming began to feed the people, many civilizations continued to munch on purple nutsedge, as evidence from their teeth shows.

Purple nutsedge is a bitter plant, even after cooking. It’s not a plant you would eat for pleasure.  But you might eat it if you were starving and knew it was nutritious or if you knew it was good for you, despite its taste. Think of how many people swill nasty tasting mouthwash around their mouth to keep their teeth clean today.  Or how you expect medicine to taste awful, but you take it because it will make you feel better.  It’s not sure what part of the plant was eaten in ancient times but it was most likely the small tubers that form along the roots.  Those tubers are still used today in herbal preparations.

Present day research shows that purple nutsedge inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes a lot of tooth decay. This fact  (that it kept teeth healthy) seems to have been widely known and the plant was chewed for that purpose even through the Roman civilization.  Ancient medical texts show that purple nutsedge was also used for stomach problems, fever reduction, to bring on menstruation and roasted tubers were applied as poultices on wounds and infections. 

Modern herbal uses of purple nutsedge include treatment of nausea, and to reduce fever, pain and inflammation and as a muscle relaxant.  Quite a few medicinally active compounds have been found in purple nutsedge recently and those products are being studied in a number of research trials.  The plant is still actively used in Chinese alternative medicines.

The tubers of purple nutsedge can be used as an emergency food, despite their taste.  They are high in carbohydrates and loaded with vitamins and minerals.  Our ancestors were very aware of foods that could be eaten when times were hard.  And just as people today develop a taste for spinach, collards and other bitter greens some early people may have actually liked to eat purple nutsedge tubers.

Yet farmers do battle with purple nutsedge with a vengeance.  It is responsible for billions of dollars of crop loss around the world.  It is extremely hard to control with herbicides.  When purple nutsedge gets into a crop field it competes vigorously with the crops for soil nutrients and it also releases compounds from its roots which inhibit the growth of other plants.  It soon forms huge patches where nothing else grows well.  Gardeners also struggle with the plant, it can ruin flower borders or home vegetable patches.

Purple nutsedge is not common in colder climates yet the USDA map shows it established in Minnesota and it has been found in Michigan fields.  In colder climates yellow nutsedge, a close cousin of purple nutsedge is more common and equally obnoxious as a weed.  Nutsedges have grass-like leaves but the leaves are arranged in threes instead of pairs as grass has along the stem.  Nutsedge leaves are thicker and stiffer than grass leaves. Grass stems are hollow and generally round in cross section, while nutsedge stems are solid and triangular in cross section.  

The nutsedge plant sends up spikes of tiny flowers with a purplish tint in purple nutsedge and a golden color in yellow nutsedge.  The flowers rarely produce seeds, instead the plants spread by underground rhizomes and the tiny tubers that form along them. Even a tiny piece of rhizome or tuber can form a new plant.  Golden nutsedge tubers are said to be less bitter than purple nutsedge tubers and Native Americans often included them in sustenance food supplies.

Herbicides struggle to kill the plants and are not very effective. Pigs and poultry are quite fond of the tubers and can clean the ground of them if they are allowed to do so.  That’s one of the easiest ways to get rid of the nutsedges.  Onions and cowpeas are said to inhibit nutsedge growth and can be planted as cover crops to get rid of some of it.  While nutsedge does not like shade it will penetrate black plastic mulch easily and actually likes the heat it provides.  Organic mulches do little good, the nutsedge grows right through it.  But clear and opaque plastic mulch often kill the nutsedge by overheating it.

Making blue hibiscus

There’s a man in Texas that says he has produced a blue hibiscus.  Dr. Dariusz Malinowski, who works at the Texas AgriLife Research Station has been working to produce new and better hardy hibiscus varieties for the last 5 years or so.  He now says he has finally produced the elusive blue hibiscus many plant breeders have dreamed about.
Hardy hibiscus.

In the last few years mauve and lavender shades of hibiscus have come on the market, many from Malinowski’s breeding programs.  But after making more than 1,000 crosses of 3 different winter hardy hibiscus Malinowski claims he has hit the jackpot with a delicate blue colored hibiscus flower.   The plant isn’t on the market yet and Malinowski hopes to deepen the blue color still but he says it will be on the market in a year or so.

The hibiscus research program has produced a number of new cultivars of hardy hibiscus.  Red and bronze foliage, smaller and larger flowers, and new colors are being produced.  While many hardy hibiscus have a darker center or “eye” Malinowski is trying to produce hardy hibiscus with a white eye and dark outer petal color.  He has managed to produce a blush pink hibiscus with a white eye but is shooting for a deep red one with a white eye.  (I’d like to see orange or yellow in the hardy hibiscus, maybe that’s a good goal to shoot for.)

Hardy hibiscus may be a bit flashy for some gardeners but they provide great late season color to the garden beds. They do well in full sun or partial shade. Their huge flowers always attract attention from people as well as hummingbirds.  The newer shorter and smaller flowered hibiscus are good for containers.  The plants are slow to start growth in the spring and many gardeners either plant over them or discard the roots thinking they have died. But if you have patience you’ll be well rewarded.

Michigan peaches

Luscious, juicy, Michigan peaches are hitting the farm markets and roadside stands.  You will of course want to let the juice run down your chin as you eat them fresh at least a few times, but peaches are an ideal fruit for preserving for those long winter days when their golden sweetness will remind you of summer. Michigan ranks 6th among the states for peach production.  We grow a nice crop on the southwest side of Michigan and in the Romeo -Utica area of southeast Michigan.   The Romeo Peach Festival begins the Thursday before Labor Day and runs through the holiday weekend.  You can see their event schedule at http://www.peachfestromeo.com/

When you shop for peaches look for good sized, fully ripe peaches without too much bruising. Peaches do not ripen after picking although they do soften a bit.  A ripe peach usually has a reddish blush over a yellow background color.  They feel slightly soft to the touch and smell very “peachy”.  Peach flesh varies from light to deep yellow depending on variety. There are also some white fleshed peaches but those are seldom seen in Michigan.   Peaches have a fuzzy skin that is usually removed before eating.

There are two main types of peaches, freestone and clingstone with advocates for both.  When cut in half a freestone peach gives up the hard pit easily.  This is the kind preferred for canning, freezing and cooking.  Clingstone peaches can also be used for all of the previous things, although the pit takes a bit more persuading to release the peach flesh.  Some people think the taste is better than freestone for fresh eating.
Peaches.  Credit Flickr 0491

If you are harvesting your own peaches pick them when they are fully ripe, then let them stand a day or two before eating or preserving for best taste.  Peaches must be stored and handled carefully to prevent bruising, which soon turns into a rotted spot.  Use peaches within a few days of picking or buying.   Do not wash them until just before use.

Nectarines are often grown and sold where peaches are sold.  They have smooth skins and can be used in place of peaches in any recipe as the taste is very similar. 
Next week- canning peaches.

Summer is getting shorter- have you had a picnic yet?
Kim Willis
 “He who has a garden and a library wants for nothing” ― Cicero


More Information
Strafing Horseflies
BUG BYTES posted July 31, 2014 Author(s): Joe Boggs, Ohio State University
Editor’s note- They are biting in Michigan too!  This info is applicable to Michigan.

Cindy Meyer and Joe Boggs reported that HORSE FLIES (Tabanus spp.) are on the wing in southwest Ohio.  There are several species of horse flies in Ohio ranging in size from 3/8 - 1 1/8" in length.  All are aggressive and vicious biters, but the bigger ones are particularly menacing. Female horse flies require blood meals to be able to produce eggs.  When she finds a host, the female uses her sharp, knife-like mouthparts to slash upon a wound in the skin; the mandibles of large horse flies are powerful enough to cut through tanned leather!  After opening a wound, the female injects saliva that has anticoagulation properties and she then laps up the free flowing blood.  The bite is extremely painful, and blood continues to flow from the wound even after the female finishes feeding.

Horse flies have specialized vision that allows them to see heat; they literally use thermal imaging to locate their hosts.  The flies are also able to track large moving objects, particularly dark colored objects, even while the flies are in fast flight.  Taken together, their visual acuity allows them to effectively zero in on large, savory, warm blooded animals like cows, deer, people, and of course, horses.  Unfortunately for the flies, their visual perception may also cause them to be fooled.  A dark colored moving car that has been warmed by the summer sun looks to a horse fly like a dark, galloping horse!  Horse flies swarming around moving cars can lead to catastrophic consequences ... for the flies ... with the last thing passing through the fly's minds being their rear ends.

There are a number of things you can do to keep yourself off the horse fly menu.  If possible, avoid horse fly habitat.  Their larvae feed on decaying organic matter in moist soil, so horse flies are frequently found in swamps or near streams and ponds.  If you can't avoid their habitat, schedule your activities to avoid the flies.  Horse flies are active during the day; they can't find their hosts at night.  So, evening pool parties will be free of horse flies.  If you must venture into horse fly habitat during the day, remain alert and take precautions.  Most flies are silent flyers while horse flies produce a loud, buzzing sound.  When you hear the buzz, locate the fly because horse flies love to land stealthily for a quick bite.  However, avoid running; remember that horse flies are attracted to moving objects!  Wear light clothing; dark clothing is like wearing an "eat hear" sign.  Finally, while insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin may provide some protection, horse flies are very good at finding unprotected skin.  Long sleeves, long pants, and neckerchiefs can help to thwart the flies.


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.

New- Annual Herb & Gourd Fest, September 20, 2014, 10 am - 5 pm and September 21, 2014 -11am - 5 pm at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 4952 (888) 957-1580.
There is not a more enjoyable weekend anywhere that you can attend where you can share your gourd art and meet guests from all over the world in this magnificent setting.  Throughout the two days we will have members demonstrating and showing some of the different techniques that they use on their gourds.  We show examples of painting, pyrography, chip carving, filigree work, coiling, weaving just to name a few, and as in past years, we have vendors selling their creations of bowls, vases, sculptures and gourd jewelry.  $12 adult admission to the park.
Kim’s note:  The Michigan Gourd Festival at Imlay City Fairgrounds will not be held this year.

New- Ann Arbor Bonsai Show-Sat. & Sun. Aug. 23 & 24, 10 am-4:30 pm Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI.
Presented by Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Share the tradition of the practice and art of bonsai at the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society annual show at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Bonsai display, vendors, expert advice, and demonstrations. Admission: $3 per adult; under 12 free.

New- Prairie Fire Tales and Walk Sunday, August 31, 2:00 pm at Seven Ponds Nature Center 3854 Crawford Road, Dryden, MI 
Fires were commonplace on the prairies. Come hear some tales and learn how fires helped and hindered. 810-796-3200. Unless otherwise noted, the fee for programs is the regular admission, $3.00 adults, members and children 12 and under free. For the most-up-to date information, visit our website at www.sevenponds.org.

Advance Garden 4-5-6 September 13, 2014 - September 27, 2014 9:00am-1:00pm Oakland County Executive Office Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, 41W, Waterford, MI

This workshop is $125. The fee includes light morning refreshments each day and instructional handouts. There will be a wide variety of design exercises and a recommended garden design book list and web site used in formal and informal gardens. During this workshop, participants will develop skills in the layout of garden beds and small landscape areas using the principles of floral harmony, balance and color. The workshop takes the participants through a successive series of training stages, from simple to advanced garden design planning techniques. This is a comprehensive training class for advanced level gardeners who are interested in learning to expand their garden design skills. It is recommended that you have taken Garden Design 1-2-3 or have other garden design class experience and understand of design concepts of plant layering, spatial balance and axial symmetry. Master Gardeners will receive credit for twelve education hours for attending this 3 day workshop. Contact Linda Smith at 248-858-0887

Canning Pickles Wed, August 13, 6-9pm. Heavenly Scent Herb Farm, 13730 White Lake Rd, Fenton, MI, United States

Learn to make dill, bread-n-butter & brine pickles. Then learn to pickle garden veggies. Cost  $58.75.  810-629-9208.

Ponds & Water Gardens Sat, August 16, 10am, Rocks 'N' Roots, 62520 Van Dyke Rd, Washington, MI 48094
Free class on Ponds for the garden. Rain or shine.  Call 586-752-4900.

Art In The Garden Sat, August 23, 10am-5pm - The Display Gardens on Suncrest 1455 Suncrest Dr., Lapeer, MI.

Watch and talk to artists in the garden.  Master Gardeners will be on hand to talk about gardening techniques.  The gardens are behind the Lapeer County Medical Care facility.  FREE. 248-693-1195, www.lc-mga.org.

Herbal Summer Faire, August 23,& 24  Sat, 10am-5pm & Sun, 11am-5pm Heavenly Scent Herb Farm, 3730 White Lake Rd, Fenton, MI

148 Different Artisans~ Culinary delights, weaving-fiber art, honey, woodcraft, embellished clothing, pillows, painted slate and windows, hand-made bath products, perfume oil & incense, candles, blown glass, garden art, wildlife drawings, pressed flowers, quilts, silhouettes, wire art, beaded jewelry, natural cosmetics, greeting cards, paper crafted items, beaded amulet bags, architectural people and sterling silver necklace ladies, stain glass, Santa boxes, hand-painted items, vintage chenille garments, fused jewelry, recycled art, mixed media art, Hypertufa gardenware and hand-molded, pottery

Admission $2. Master Gardeners on hand, free children’s activities, delectable lunches & more. www.heavenlyscentherbfarm.com.

Tomato Festival -Sat, August 23, Ray Hunter Florist, 16153 Eureka Road, Southgate, MI

Downriver Tomato Festival: Join us at our Southgate location for our first annual Tomato Festival! Festivities will include tomato tastings and recipes, vegetable gardening tips, demonstrations and samples, prizes for the “Largest Tomato” and “Best Tasting Tomato,” plus a Kids’ Coloring Contest! Please register for the contests by 11:30 a.m. Judging begins at Noon. FREE. 734-284-2500.

UP Smart Gardening Conference, Oct. 4  Learn to create edible landscapes, Ramada Inn, 412 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI

Gardening enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about this type of gardening should consider attending this year’s UP Smart Gardening Conference – Edible Landscaping with Smart Gardening on Oct. 4. This is a one-day conference full of great speakers, a garden marketplace, door prizes and lunch. The early bird registration fee is good until Aug. 30. Plan now to attend and avoid a fee increase. Register online for the early bird reduced fee. http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=UPSmartGardeningConference

Cost: Early registration fee of $60.00 per participant by August 29th Late registration fee of $70.00 from Aug. 30th to Oct. 2nd . Walk in registration fee of $80.00 (Includes lunch, refreshments, door prizes, handouts)

Kent/MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden 10th anniversary celebration Saturday, October 4at 5:00pm 775 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

WOW!! Ten Years Old!! Join the merriment and celebration of the tenth anniversary of the MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden at our annual fund raising auction!  Open to everyone-bring your friends. Auction items include new plants, garden tools and gadgets, beautiful local art, pottery, services and so much more.

This event is sure to please with great food, live music and “competitively fun” bidding. Get involved in the bidding excitement as we raise money to support the ongoing mission of the Grand Ideas Garden—one of Kent County’s hidden treasures!

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.



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.  August meeting is at Mayfield Township Hall.  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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