Natter’s Notes

Ants

Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener

Fig 1. Odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile; lateral view. The small petiolar node is hidden by the abdomen. (From www.antweb.org. Accessed 11 January 2018; https://www.antweb.org/specimenImages.do?code=casent0005329)

Ants! They’re likely major players in perhaps one of the oldest good-news-bad-news stories ever.

The good news is that ants are valued for their beneficial activities. They add large quantities of spent plant and animal remains into the soil surrounding their colonies as they cultivate and aerate the soil. They also create channels for water and roots. They’re predators, too, and are members of nature’s clean-up crew, carting away debris that includes stray crumbs indoors and dead insects outdoors.

The bad news is that, outdoors, ants sometimes get carried away. If they aerate the soil in and around a rootball excessively, water passes through the ground too rapidly to soak in, the plant wilts, and may die. Then, too, people take a dismal view of their uninvited excursions indoors when they trail across the floor, headed for the pet’s dish or wayward crumbs.

Overall, it’s safe to say that most people detest the little buggers. People don’t want to control them. They want to eradicate them. Forever!.

Well, the cold, hard truth is this: That’s not possible; ants are here to stay.

Everyone, clients and Master Gardeners alike, must discard their dreams to eradicate ants. The more accurate strategy, although far less comforting, is to hope to manage ants.

Fig 2. Odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile; dorsal view. Notice the small petiolar node hidden by the abdomen. (From www.antweb.org. Accessed 11 January 2018)

Odorous house ants, Tapinoma sessile, are probably the most common house-invading ants across the country. They’re small, dark brown or black ants, 1/16- to 1/8-inch long, with the usual 3 body parts of an insect – head, thorax, and abdomen. The characters which define them as ants are a petiole (a narrow connection between the thorax and abdomen) and a pair of elbowed antennae. The character which differentiates them from other ants is the single node on the petiole; it’s small and hidden by the abdomen. When crushed, these ants emit a rather penetrating odor, likened to rotted coconut.

Colonies are relatively small, to about 10,000 individuals, each with multiple queens. Nests are usually outdoors just below the soil surface, underneath pavers, wood piles, or other debris. But nests may also be indoors, in a wall void or near warmth-emitting sources.

Odorous house ant populations enlarge by one of two methods: mating of reproductives or via budding. Budding may be triggered when a hundred or so workers transport several of the colony’s queens to a new site. With time, a series of closely related, cooperative colonies—a supercolony – forms.

Sweets are a favorite food but they will eat most any people or pet food.

Managing ants requires a multi-pronged approach.

Sanitation (clean up regularly), and store perishable foodstuffs in tight, rigid containers.
Caulk and seal entries such as cracks in the foundation or gaps where utilities enter structures.
Limit honeydew-producing insects: ants, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale, both soft and cottony scales.
Limit access indoors by trimming foliage away from structures.
Use commercially-formulated ant baits and repeat as needed.

Fig 3. Aluminum cast of ant nest (species not identified) reveals the extent to which some ants will go. (Cast by Walter R. Tschinkel, entomologist and former professor at Florida State University.) http://www.core77.com/posts/23607/walter-tschinkels-aluminum-casts-of-ant-colonies-reveals-insect-architecture-23607

Ant baits are superior to sprays but require more time to be effective, occasionally several weeks. The reason? They are shared with other ants within the colony, including the queens. If a bait is ineffective after a week or more, try a different kind. It can be useful to pre-bait by first setting out a small dab of jam or other food.

Active ingredients in commercial ant baits

Avermectin – Derived from soil bacteria; affects the nervous system. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/avermectin
Boric acid – An inorganic compound used in ant management for years. Mode of action unknown.
Fipronil – Causes hyperexcitation of the central nervous system causing convulsions and death. Very active against ants.
Hydramethylnon – Interferes with energy production.
Imidacloprid – Useful in baits for ants that prefer sweets.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) – The queen’s reproductive organs degenerate and immatures die before they become adults.
Indoxacarb – Activated by enzymes inside the insect.
Spinosad – Produced by soil actinomycetes; the insect dies of exhaustion because of continuous activation of motor neurons.
Sulfuramid – Potentiated by enzymes inside the insect body; toxic metabolites inhibit energy production.

Resources

Identification and habits of Key Ant Pests in the Pacific Northwest (http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/PNW624/PNW624.pdf)
How to identify the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/ANTKEY/odorous.html
Professional pest control publications in each Metro MG office contain many insights useful for home-use:
- PCT Technician’s Handbook
- PCT Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Ants
- NPMA Handbook of Pest Control
Life in the Soil (James Nardi; University of Chicago; 2007)
AntWeb – An online database about numerous ant species; https://www.antweb.org/description.do?rank=species&genus=tapinoma&name=sessile

(Click the link below for PDF containing the above text and all the images.)

Ants PDF

“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle … a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.”
– Barbara Winkler

Spring is on the verge of emerging and so is a brand, new Master Gardener season. February is a great month to polish your MG badge and renew your engagement in volunteer activities and continuing education opportunities.

It is also an opportunity for you to help usher in the new class of trainees. Come sit in on one of the MG training sessions (here’s the schedule). Introduce yourself to a trainee. Sign-up for phone clinics and farmers’ markets (via CERVIS,) so new trainees can have the experience of working with someone who can show them the ropes. Share your passion for gardening and the Master Gardener program with the new trainees. Note: phone clinic schedules and farmers markets will open at staggered times in the next few weeks. Please check back on CERVIS if the event you are looking for is not posted.

Display Your 2018 Sticker!

Again this year, we have distributed a new, 2018 MG badge sticker to indicate those Master Gardeners who are up-to-date with their volunteer, continuing education (recertification) hours and have submitted their signed 2018 Conditions of Volunteer Service agreement. You served diligently! Now display your sticker proudly!

To maintain your certification, the following are the minimum criteria for Veteran MGs in 2018

20 hours of volunteer service in Program approved activities
10 hours of continuing education/recertification hours
Submit signed Conditions of Volunteer Service agreement

Start logging your hours on either a 2018 PDF or Excel Volunteer Log Sheet. Once that log sheet is brimming with your annual requirements, please submit your log to the Metro MG Program office, no later than September 30, 2018.

Expand Your Gardening Know-How – Earn your 2018 Garden-Ed Hours

There are many, varied options for Continuing Garden Education/Recertification in 2018.

2018 Master Gardener Training – Attend any of the MG training classes offered in February and March at the 3 Metro-area training locations. Morning sessions and afternoon sessions each count for 3 hours of continuing education. Attending the training classes is a great way to brush up on the basics. Here is the 2018 training schedule along with location addresses.
Online MG Training Modules – Take and successfully ‘Pass’ any of the online MG training modules. All MG training modules are offered free to current Veteran MGs. Look for an upcoming email in late February for registration details. Each module ‘passed’ counts for 2 hours credit.
Hands-on education workshops – Dig in to one of the hands-on workshops being offered as part of the MG training curriculum. A wide range of workshops will be offered…plant propagation, improving garden soil, fruit tree pruning, vegetable gardening, insect ID, and more! Current, Veteran MGs are allowed to take one of these workshops. If space allows, a Veteran can get special permission to take an additional workshop. Veteran MGs will be notified of workshop offerings and registration details via email in March. Each workshop counts as 5 hours continuing education/recertification hours
Watch the OSU Extension Service Advanced training webinars
A wonderful new addition for MG continuing education. The webinars keep MGs up on the latest horticultural science developments. For the upcoming 2018 webinars you must register in advance to watch them ‘live’. Click on the following links to register for upcoming webinars or to access recordings of past webinars. Each viewed webinar counts as 1 hour credit
- 2018 Advanced Training Webinars
- 2017 Advanced Training Webinars

Metro-area Chapter Presentations. The Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Co. Chapters all offer several speakers and classes throughout the year that count as credit. Find designated speakers and classes announced in the three Chapters’ monthly newsletters – easy to locate in the category tabs above, or on the Metro MG Garden Education Events Calendar. Always look for a designation like “approved for MG garden education credit” or “qualifies for continuing education/recertification hours”.
Growing Gardeners Conference Attend classes designated for continuing garden education at the Oregon Master Gardeners Association’s Gardeners Growing Conference (formally known as “Mini-College”). The 2018 conference is scheduled July 12 through the 14^th, at Linfield College in McMinnville. This 3-day conference will offer a wide-ranging slate of garden-focused classes. Any classes designated as continuing garden education/recertification can be counted for 2018 credit. Details have yet to be posted – so be sure to check-out the OMGA website in the spring.
Upcoming education opportunities. Keep your eye out for additional designated continuing education credit opportunities as they surface throughout the year. Be sure to read this monthly MG program newsletter and occasional email announcements.

February Marks the Beginning of 2018 Training

We have a strong line-up of instructors and subjects for our 2018 MG Training classes. The schedule offers some exciting new changes. In support of the goals of the state Master Gardener program, instructors of our in-person classes are adding more interactive and hands-on activities to their presentations.

Join us to hear perennial favorite instructors and plus a few new instructors and subjects. Also, take the time to welcome and introduce yourselves to members of the new class of trainees.

All of the 2018 Training classes will qualify for 2018 MG continuing garden education/recertification credit.

For the detailed 2018 Training schedule, please see the link below.

2018 Metro Master Gardener Training Schedule

Changes to CERVIS Volunteer Registration Service

This year when you sign-up for volunteer events in CERVIS, our online volunteer registration system, you may notice a few changes.

First off, visually it is a bit different in layout, color, and fonts. This system wide change should make navigating the site easier.

We have added shift slots that are specific to 3 different categories of volunteers.

Veteran Only
Interns Only
Veteran or Intern

When registering on CERVIS please sign-up for the appropriate slot.

This change will assist coordinators in adequately filling shifts for their events. This change also will make it clearer and easier for Interns to serve on shifts with Veteran MGs.

All ‘current’ certified 2018 Master Gardeners have access to CERVIS. If you are unable to access CERVIS, please contact: Jordis Yost – jordis.yost@oregonstate.edu or Marcia McIntyre – marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu .

The Good News Gets Even Better!

Last month we posted our Metro Master Gardener Annual Report. The numbers were stunning and a mere reflection of all the good work being done by YOU! Well the good news is even better than we reported. Regarding the number of public contacts Master Gardeners made in 2017, presenting to the community via our Speakers Guild and 10-Minute University we reported 2,820 contacts. Our numbers actually chime-in at 3,927! That is remarkable! Kudos to all who diligently plan, coordinate, prepare, and present engaging, informative, OSU research-based, horticulture research to the gardening public!

Seeking Master Gardener Speakers

Would you like to join in making gardening presentations to community groups through our Speakers Guild? The Metro MG program receives dozens of requests every year for garden presentations. We have a small, but mighty, group of MGs who answer the call and present throughout the 3 counties – but requests greatly exceed what these dedicated MGs can handle. Therefore, we are looking for even more MGs to share their research-based gardening know-how. We will supply support materials, and those interested can shadow experienced presenters. Reach out and have fun making a few presentations a year!

Presentations are needed on a variety of subjects:

Beginning gardening
Vegetable gardening
Fruit trees
Pruning
Composting
Container Gardening
IPM for the Home Gardener
Small Fruits
Perennials
Planting
Soil
Beneficial insects
Pollinator gardens
Tomatoes
Small space gardening
Native plants
Seed starting
Propagation
What’s your garden passion that you are willing to share?

Would you like to be part of this vital community outreach? If so, contact Marcia McIntyre, marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu

Natter’s Notes

Japanese Beetle Eradication: Update

Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener

(Image: Oregon Department of Agriculture)

Japanese beetle eradication: One year down, 4 to go.

Japanese beetles (JB) will remain front and center as important invasive pests in Washington County. The eradication effort began in 2017 and will extend through 2021. The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) 2018 plans are progressing well for the continuing effort against these serious invasive pests of agriculture and home landscapes.

Few questions were submitted to the Washington County MG office during 2017 about JBs, so, ODA did an excellent job explaining the project to affected citizens and recruiting their cooperation. (I responded to just 2 client inquiries, both from far outside the quarantine area. One about the dying birch trees on Cooper Mountain where the client was concerned he “saw some of those bugs” and even “dug some out of the trunk.”)

News from ODA

“Using data from our 2017 trap detections and the resulting predicted JB trap catches for 2018, we have expanded our treatment area for next year in Washington County. As was the case in 2017, consent is needed from residents for ODA and our contractors to be able to enter the properties and treat with Acelepryn G. In January, residents within the treatment area will receive notice in the mail with details about the infestation, our plans for eradication, and consent forms to return to us. Consent can also be granted using our online form. Treatment is scheduled for April and May 2018. In addition to the treatments in Washington County, we also plan to treat [a] small area at Portland International Airport and a residential neighborhood in Oakland, OR, [Ed. Note: Douglas County] based on 2017 detections. These infestations are believed to be unrelated to the Washington County populations.”

ID Characteristics of the Japanese Beetle — *(Image: Oregon Department of Agriculture)*

ODA’s Proposed Response Plan for 2018

ODA’s 2018 Proposed Response Plan for Japanese beetle has been finalized and is now available. As previously announced, all known infested properties will be treated.

ODA’s directives about yard debris

ODA’s “newest alert about the quarantine” describes appropriate handling of potentially contaminated yard debris and contains a brief FAQ. (http://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/documents/publications/ippm/jbyarddebrisquarantineflyerwinter18.pdf)

Male Japanese beetles captured in a pheromone trap. Image adapted from Oregon Department of Agriculture — Male Japanese beetles captured in a pheromone trap.
*(Image adapted from Oregon Department of Agriculture)*

Informational Open Houses by ODA

ODA has scheduled two open house events for Cedar Mill and nearby neighborhood residents to have their questions answered about the JB eradication project:

– Tuesday, February 13 at Leedy Grange, 835 Saltzman Rd, 9:30am-12:30pm

– Monday, March 5 at Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd, 5:15pm-7:15pm

FAQ about the granular Acelepryn G

During 2017, a granular product was applied to turf areas of affected properties using a drop spreader. A detailed FAQ concerning Acelepryn G is at the Oregon Health Authority (http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/HEALTHYNEIGHBORHOODS/PESTICIDES/Pages/Chlorantraniliprole-and-Your-Health-FAQs.aspx)

What to do if a JB is seen

“If you see the adult Japanese beetle within the treatment area then the Oregon Department of Agriculture advises that you dispose of them in a container of soapy water.

“If beetles are observed outside the treatment area please put the specimen in a container or bag and email or call ODA.”

Resources

– ODA news release 2017-12-14: “ODA makes plans for Japanese beetle battle part 2“ (https://odanews.wpengine.com/oda-makes-plans-for-japanese-beetle-battle-part-2/)

– ODA’s Japanese Beetle website, an overview of the infestation and its management, now with extensive updates. (http://www.japanesebeetlepdx.info/)

– “Japanese Beetle Treatment Map with Trap Placement” outlines the proposed 2018 quarantine area in blue while dots indicate individual traps. (http://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=94f352bc881b410a911c252e69ca48f8)

– “Current Suppression and Eradication Projects” contains succinct summaries of the green waste quarantine, the 2017 JB detections, and a list of links to JB resources at ODA. (http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/IPPM/SuppressionEradication/Pages/SuppressionEradication.aspx)

– Oregon Health Authority has an extensive FAQ fact about Acelepryn G, the granular insecticide used against JBs in Washington County. http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/HEALTHYNEIGHBORHOODS/PESTICIDES/Pages/Chlorantraniliprole-and-Your-Health-FAQs.aspx

(Click the link below for PDF containing the above text and all the images.)

Japanese Beetle Eradication: Update, PDF

2018 Here we go!

We are looking forward to a stellar New Year, thanks to your commitment and generosity as garden educators. So get your day-planners ready for some great training and outreach opportunities. Here are a few to start your New Year…

2018 Training
Our 2018 Training kicks off in February. As previously mentioned, we have a strong line-up of instructors and subjects for our 2018 MG Training classes. The schedule offers some exciting new changes. In support of the goals of the state Master Gardener program, instructors of our in-person classes are adding more interactive and hands-on activities to their presentations.

Join us to hear perennial favorite instructors as well as some new instructors and subjects. Also, take the time to welcome and introduce yourselves to members of the new class of trainees.

All of the 2018 Training classes will qualify for 2018 MG continuing garden education/recertification credit.

For the detailed 2018 Training schedule, please see the link below.

2018 Metro Master Gardener Training Schedule

Class Coordinators Meeting for MG Training
MG training could not take place without the fantastic team of MGs who assist with coordinating the classes.

We are grateful to have our three amazing Class Coordinators, Cindy Manselle (Oregon City), Beven Peters (Portland), and Trina Studebaker (Beaverton) returning to lead the charge offering a well-organized and welcoming training environment.

Those of you who are interested in assisting Cindy, Beven or Trina at one of the three training locations, please join us for a Class Coordinators meeting on Tuesday, January 23^rd, from 10am to 2pm at the Clackamas Extension office (200 Warner-Milne Road, Oregon City). We will meet to discuss the upcoming training and will assemble Sustainable Gardening Handbooks for the new trainees.

If you wish to attend the meeting or have questions, please email Jordis Yost, Jordis.yost@oregonstate.edu

If you are interested in assisting with class coordination but can’t attend the January 23^rd meeting, please let Jordis know your interest.

Being an ‘Active and Certified’ OSU Master Gardener

We have updated Master Gardener’s status in CERVIS for the 2018 season based on the completion of the following:

Volunteer hours (20 hrs. for vets) and
Recertification credit (10 hrs. for everyone).
Conditions of Volunteer Service form for 2018 on file. (signed Conditions of Volunteer Service forms need to be submitted EACH year. Download
the 2018 form here)

When these 3 requirements are met, we list you as “Current” in the CERVIS system and you will be able to sign-up for volunteer shifts.
Note: some MGs reported less than 20 hours of volunteer time and/or less than 10 hours of recertification credit. We realize that these requirements have not been rigidly adhered to in the past. However, current statewide guidelines require us to hold back on recertifying MGs until these minimums are met.

If you find that you are no longer able to use CERVIS, contact Jordis.yost@oregonstate.edu or marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu

Also contact Jordis or Marcia if you need guidance in how to reach your minimum requirements to renew your “active and current” status as an MG.

Winter in the Phone Clinic
Winter is a great time to volunteer at the metro-area phone clinics. We get a surprising number of questions from gardeners itching to get out in their gardens. The pace of questions is slower in the winter so it is a good time to come in, be acquainted with the resource library, and maybe even do some detective work regarding your own garden quandaries. Shifts are available on CERVIS or you can email the following coordinators to help you sign-up.

Clackamas County, Janet Hohman (Clackamas Co. staff) janet.hohman@oregonstate.edu
Multnomah County, Susan Marcus susanmultphones@gmail.com
Washington County, David Butt dandubutt@gmail.com

We are opening shifts to the new 2018 trainees starting in late March so this is an ideal time for Veterans and Guides to get their names on the schedules. Having veteran MGs working alongside trainees, offering guidance and assurance is critical for the trainee’s success.

Garden Bridges: Growing Cross Cultural Connection In the Garden

Black and white drawing of a bridge arching over water. — Image courtesy of People, Places and Things

Would you like to garden with immigrants and refugees? Oregon State University is partnering with People-Places-Things LLC. to build relationships between English language learners and Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners will develop their intercultural communication skills, helping immigrants and refugees learn English and gardening skills.

The general commitment is two hours a week in a classroom setting developing relationships with language learners. Then when the weather gets a little better, we’ll welcome Newcomer gardeners and show them around, practicing English and tending your plots together. All experiences will be very practical and hands-on. You’ll make some new friends, learn about the amazing people in your neighborhood, and share your expertise.

Interested in becoming a cross cultural educator as part of this pilot partnership with People-Places-Things?

We will have an info session on Thursday, January 11 from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm at Kelly School Center 9015 SE Rural St in Portland.

Please RSVP to weston.miller@oregonstate.edu if you intend to come or have interest in this opportunity but cannot make this event.

Metro Master Gardeners Annual Report

Dear Master Gardener volunteers,

Welcome to 2018!

The Master Gardener program team (Weston, Jordis, Marcia) and our supervisors at OSU appreciate your participation in our outreach and engagement efforts in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties.

Your volunteerism makes a difference, helping to spread sustainable gardening information in the community.

Thank you for your contribution of time and expertise!

Volunteer statistics- Wow! and thank you!

2017 Master Gardener trainees, Andrea and Lisa, wearing their newly earned Veteran Master Gardener badge. — 2017 MG Trainees, Andrea and Lisa, sporting their newly earned Veteran Master Gardener badge.
*Photo courtesy of Eddie Rosen*

In 2017, we conducted the Master Gardener training for 144 students (with volunteer requirement) plus an additional 15 students enrolled in our certificate option (no volunteer requirement). Of this group, 105 students submitted volunteer hours.

We coordinated an additional 440 volunteers (545 total volunteers for 2017), who provided 38,422 hours of service.

Based on the Independent Sector (https://www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time) value of volunteer time in Oregon of $24.15 for 2017, the in-kind value of this contribution is $927,891 toward this public service of OSU Extension Service. Woo-wee! Master Gardeners are remarkable!

About 18,000 of these hours were applied toward OSU sponsored outreach activities including helplines, plant clinics, and gardening presentations. This volunteer effort produced 48,460 unique educational contacts with adults and 394 pesticide free zone pledges.

Master Gardeners make gardening presentations to the community via our Speakers Guild and 10-Minute University. In 2017, MGs conducted 69 seminar events with 3,927 educational contacts.

As a learning community, Master Gardeners reported 7,753 hours of continuing education credit through recertification classes, webinars, and pest curation groups.

In addition to the activities described above, Master Gardener chapters in the metro area manage multiple demonstration gardens, conduct plant sales, and orchestrate chapter activities.

MG Trainees at Vegetable Clinic — Vegetable Clinic with Weston Miller. *Photo courtesy of Eddie Rosen*

These program statistics paint a picture of an incredible learning community focused on community service. We are in awe!

Thank you to MG program/chapter liaisons!

The MG program team would like to extend a special thank you to a group of MG volunteers that provided us with timely and sage advice during the course of the year through our on-going MG liaison group. With the goal of improving communications between and MG program and chapters (and individual volunteers) and among the chapters, the Liaison group met eight times in 2017.

Thank you to you:

Rich Becker, Multnomah Co.
Kimberly Culbertson, Washington Co.
Jack Lazereck, Multnomah Co.
Cindy Manselle, Clackamas Co.
Janet Weber, Clackamas Co.

We had a great meeting in December with this group and Liaison representatives for 2018. We are looking forward to continued and improved collaboration.

Strategic plan 2014-2019- Update

To guide the MG program into the future, we are working toward the following goals:

Improving the effectiveness of the MG training and volunteer program.
Streamlining branding and communications.
Optimizing resources (financial, human, and organizational).
Expanding our outreach to under-served audiences to promote diversity and equity.
Growing the next generation of gardeners (youth and adults).

Here is an update on these efforts:

1. Improving the effectiveness of the MG training and volunteer program

Jane Collier instructing students at Master Gardener Training — Jane Collier at MG Training

In 2015, we modified the format of the MG program from 11 weeks of in-person classes to a hybrid learning format including seven weeks of in-person training, online content, online final exam in addition to seminars, and hands-on workshops. This format has provided more flexibility and multiple pathways of learning sustainable gardening content for our students. This format has also provided more flexibility for the MG program team to provide the MG curriculum.

New for 2018, we have asked our instructors to include active-learning opportunities for in-person classes, which have been mostly lecture-based. Inclusion of new, hands/minds-on activities is part of a state-wide effort to provide a richer learning experience for our students.

We encourage you to come on out the the 2018 classes to experience this new focus, aimed at supporting adult learning.

2. Streamlining branding and communications

In 2015, the MG program and our area chapters adapted new logos and made efforts to improve MG program and chapter websites and to give them a more universal look and feel. Additionally, we initiated the MG program/chapter liaison group as an important means of getting advice from you, our volunteer network.

We also know that there is much room for improvement in our communications with our volunteers and community partners. Here are steps that we are taking in 2018:

More efficient communications with our Liaison group to make it easier for them to share information from the MG program with chapters and vice versa.
New and improved online newsletter format including email, blogs, and PDF documents.
This annual report that you are reading now.
An annual open meeting for all MGs (coming June 2018).

3. Optimizing resources (financial, human, and organizational).

We continue to benefit from the generous financial support of Clackamas County Extension and Metro. Both organizations provide critical base funding to make our regional effort possible. Thank your to Mike Bondi and Carl Grimm for their support.

Unfortunately, we still need to charge program fees to cover our costs of production. In 2017, program fees provided $64,000 of income needed to conduct the program including materials, transport, and staff time.

We also greatly appreciate nearly $15,000 in donations (over three years) from MG chapters and individuals to support reduced-fee slots for the MG training. These resources have made it possible for us to offer 61 reduced fee slots to community members (over three years). Thank you for your generous support!

4. Expanding our outreach to under-served audiences to promote diversity and equity.

In addition to offering reduced-fee opportunities to train Master Gardeners, we are making efforts to engage with diverse audiences. Here are some recent successes in this realm:

Master Gardeners instruct basic food gardening classes to the community through our partnership with Oregon Food Bank’s Seed to Supper programs.
Conduct focus groups and questionnaires in Spanish-language and with immigrants/newcomers to get feedback about pests and pest control as part of SolvePestProblems.edu, a planned website project to provide comprehensive IPM resources for non-agricultural audiences in Oregon and beyond. We have over 100 points of contact with diverse stakeholders including: Latino, Tongan, Russian, Vietnamese, and immigrant/newcomer communities.
SolvePestProblems.edu is planned to be a state-wide resource with at least 750 content pages available in both English and Spanish. Check out the project website for this planned resource.

For 2018, we are planning a pilot outreach program to reach diverse audiences:

Garden Bridges: Growing Cross Cultural Connection in the Garden

Interested in becoming a cross cultural educator as part of this pilot partnership with People-Places-Things? See details about an upcoming info session in the January newsletter.

5. Growing the next generation of gardeners (youth and adults)

Students at End of the Oregon Trail Garden
*Photo courtesy of Sharon Andrews*

We want to train the next generation of gardeners by providing research-based information.

At the Oregon Zoo backyard habitat exhibit, MGs interacted with nearly 5,000 kids in 2017!

A handful of individual Master Gardeners connect with kids in school gardens through regular programming and consulting services. Thank you to Frank Willie, Kris Lamar, and Jeanine Rychlik for reporting these important efforts in 2017!

Also, in addition to training the next generation of Master Gardeners, the OSU Master Gardener team is working hard to provide gardening information to the general public through public media contacts including our new partnership with The Oregonian.

Monthly “What to do in the garden” video series

We’ve had an outstanding opportunity to collaborate with the Oregonian to produce practical, how-to video series with monthly gardening tips. Thank you to Monica Maggio and Ruban Lawrence for your contribution to these videos. And thank you to 2017 trainee Michelle Nicolosi for fostering this partnership.

Check them out!

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

January 2018

Snow laden branches — Shake snow off branches to keep them from being damaged.
*Photo by Denise Rattan, OSU*

8 tips to gear up garden for cold weather.
(Kym Pokorny, OSU)
http://bit.ly/2ClGiax

The International Space Station had a bright pop of orange, thanks to Astronaut commander Scott Kelly’s green thumb. “Last year, Kelly had to fight off mold that threatened to kill all the flowers in the space station’s mini-greenhouse.”
(Marcia Dunn, Associated Press, Seattle Times)
http://bit.ly/2j1y9Q2

Honey bees fill ‘saddlebags’ with pollen. Read how they keep them gripped tight.
(Katherine Kornei, Sciencemag.org)
http://bit.ly/2o7WB7C

“A Systematic Approach to Diagnosing Plant Damage”. While this was written almost 30 years ago, it is still used as the standard for diagnosing plant problems.
(James L. Green & Joe Capizzi, OSU, Otis Maloy, WSU)
http://bit.ly/2zdBYuj

A Lady Beetle pupae.
*Photo courtesy of Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org*

Don’t miss this webinar: 2018 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Misidentified Pests in the Landscape. Mark your calendars for March 2!
(Learn.extension.org)
http://bit.ly/2jUQlvA

How to store pesticides over winter.
(NPIC, National Pesticide Information Center)
http://bit.ly/29Wxv5i

Watch as a man dismantles a giant wasps’ nest while they swarm around him! This yellow jacket nest was so large it had multiple queens. Scary!(Grace Lisa Scott, Inverse; via Business Insider)
http://read.bi/2CjIv6a

Caterpillar attacks allow aphids to sneak up on plants. A new study indicates that plants prioritize the protection of flowers over leaves and that simultaneous attack by aphids, caterpillars and bacteria leaves plants vulnerable to aphids but more protected from caterpillars.
(Wiley, via Science Daily News)
http://bit.ly/2yuTbvE

Moss in grass. — Moss in Grass.
*Photo by Brian McDonald, OSU*

Watch this informative video from OSU experts that demonstrates how to identify and eliminate moss from your lawn. It is a companion to OSU Extension publication EM 9175, “Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon”. See next entry for link to pdf.
(Brooke Edmunds, Alec Kowalewski, OSU, Youtube)
http://bit.ly/2Arz6bd

NEW PUBLICATION: “Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon”.
(Brooke Edmunds, Alec Kowalewski, OSU, EM9175)
http://bit.ly/2j7oU0t

Revered, then reviled: Tracking the rise and fall of ivy.
(Adrian Higgins, Washington Post)
http://wapo.st/2kt8Eaw

Take a listen! A group of professional nature recordists from around the globe have collaborated to develop Nature Soundmap, an enjoyable and interactive way of exploring the natural sounds of our planet. Combining high-quality field recordings with the latest satellite imagery, the project brings together some of nature’s most beautiful, interesting and inspiring.
(Naturesoundmap.com)
http://bit.ly/1aH67iZ

What’s the largest terrestrial organism? It’s not what you think!
(Jesse Morrison, Mississippi State University, Soils Matter, Word Press)
http://bit.ly/2B1dDY3

In the Pacific Northwest, many new potential threats to natural landscapes and forests have emerged. Read about recent detections, including new species of whiteflies, lace bugs, sawflies, beetles, and earthworms.
(Robin Rosetta, OSU via RNGR.net, USDA Forest Service)
http://bit.ly/2ksGtIX

Are Traders and Traffickers Winning the Orchid Battle? “Orchids are wanted for everything from decoration to food and medicine, but illegal collectors could be wiping out species before we even know they exist.”
(Rachael Bale, Wildlife Watch, via National Geographic)
http://bit.ly/2ClnrfD

Poison ivy an unlikely hero in warding off exotic invaders?
(Pensoft team, Pensoft Blog)
http://bit.ly/2AZmvNN

Horticultural Updates

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

December 2017

Asian Multi-colored Lady Beetle. Photo: OSU

NEW PUBLICATION: Lady Beetles: Should we buy them for our gardens?
(Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Home Garden Series FS268E)
http://bit.ly/2Alv8Vj

“As cities get bigger, gardens get smaller and large trees no longer make the cut. No worries. The plant world teems with appropriately sized trees”
(Kym Pokorny, OSU; source Chris Rusch, OSU MG, OSU Gardening Tips.) http://bit.ly/2AkgTA8

Eleven new and exciting AAS winners, including a Canna, Tomato, Peppers and more have been selected by All-America Selections (AAS), the 85-year-young non-profit plant trialing organization. Each of the varieties was trialed throughout North America by professional, independent, volunteer judges who grew them next to comparisons that are considered best-in-class. (All American Selections) http://bit.ly/2mOVlWh

Your house is a gigantic bug habitat, and there’s nothing you can do about it! In a recent study, each home sampled had an average of 100 species living in it, regardless of how often the residents cleaned or how many pets they had! (Sarah Kaplan, Washington Post) http://wapo.st/2jOQIL2

Nutritional Symbionts: Why some Insects Don’t Have to Eat Their Vegetables- “While many animals, like humans, consume a varied diet to get these nutritional components, some insects have learned how to cheat the system and can extract nourishment from a nutritionally poor food source through symbioses with bacteria. A symbiosis is a long-term interaction between two different species.” (Laura Kraft, North Carolina University for Entomology Today.) http://bit.ly/2jwr6Ci

Learn the benefits and drawback of using ‘rubber mulch” in the home landscape. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU, Home Garden Series FS163E) http://bit.ly/21ll8h0

What are the garden designs trending for 2018? Each year these designers highlight topics of growing importance in the gardening realm. They emphasize the concept of providing pleasure to people in their gardens—whether it’s growing new foods, providing a refuge for wildlife, or creating a relaxing place to share a meal with loved ones. Fun read! (Garden Design Magazine) http://bit.ly/2zou41X

Wisteria growing on trellis surrounding house porch. — Wisteria. Photo: Neil Bell, OSU

Wisteria care: Get out your clippers twice a year and go to town. (Kym Pokorny, OSU; source Neil Bell, OSU) http://bit.ly/2A1k5xs

“Native trees provide more food — caterpillars — for birds than their non-native counterparts, according to a new study with Carolina chickadees in the Washington, DC, metro area. (Adam Thomas, mphys.org) http://bit.ly/2B3kRcu

Tired of Poinsettias? A new take on the Holiday plant! “Whether you’re looking for a host/hostess gift that’s a little bit different or you want to add some living cheer to your holiday decorations, check out these houseplants.” (Meghan Shinn, Horticulture Magazine) http://bit.ly/2gEauVz

The nibble of a green leafhopper is the secret to the sweet flavor and honeyed aroma of an oolong tea known as Oriental Beauty. The bug’s bite sparks a chemical response in the plant, enhancing flavors that delight tea drinkers. “..Getting precisely the right balance of beneficial insects can be tricky. Changes in pests—too many, too few, too early, too late, the wrong ones—is just one of the areas being studied…” (Clare Leschin-Hoar, Tufts University) http://bit.ly/2eiWbnA

The Efficacy of Horticultural Oil and Insecticidal Soap against Selected Armored and Soft Scales study- “Overall, horticultural oil killed a greater percentage of armored scales than soft scales, whereas insecticidal soap gave greater control against soft scales. They suggest that differences were driven by chemical properties of both insect integuments and insecticides.” (Carlos R. Quesada, Clifford S. Sadof, Hort Technology) http://bit.ly/2zW542a

A new set of fossil discoveries show that the evolutionary arms race that are forests started with plants that literally had to rip themselves apart in their battle for the canopy. (Indefenseofplants) http://bit.ly/2hIxJxj

It’s veggie harvest time on the International Space Station. (Linda Herridge and Amanda Griffin,NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center) https://go.nasa.gov/2mQkRug

Plant colors are not all about pigment. (Paula Rudall, Kew Science) http://bit.ly/2zjSqtO

Photo of house plant, Sanservaria — Sanservaria. Photo: Debra Ricigliano University of Maryland

Houseplants for Low Light Conditions. (Debra Ricigliano, Maryland Grow, U of MD) http://bit.ly/2BaMvFB

Old pest makes a return to Northwest fruit, nut trees. Pacific Flatheaded Borers can kill young trees that are stressed or damaged. (Eric Mortenson, Capital Press) http://bit.ly/2iCzjl8

Monet the Gardener: Life, and art, grow at Giverny. (Susan Stanberg, NPR) http://n.pr/2hSMmBR

The hidden world of seeds. (Adrian Higgins, May-Ying Lam, Washington Post) http://wapo.st/2AkOmdE

Some plants grow bigger – and meaner – when clipped. (Diana Yates, U of Illinois) http://bit.ly/2BaCKax

VIDEO: Overwintering Plants in Containers. (U of Illinois Extension, Youtube) http://bit.ly/2hKEnDl

The century long quest to save the American Chestnut may soon be over. (Nick Malawskey, PennLive, Penn State College) http://bit.ly/2A0QOmB

Simple Bacteria Offer Clues to the Origins of Photosynthesis. Studies of the energy-harvesting proteins in primitive cells suggest that key features of photosynthesis might have evolved a billion years earlier than scientists thought. (Jordana Cepeleqicz, Quantamagazine) http://bit.ly/2gCYN4b

Cultivating American Gardens. “ American garden-making has evolved over time, shaped by history, social attitudes, the environment and new ideas.” Take this special visual tour. (Smithsonian Libraries) http://s.si.edu/2BbSny8

Why is it so hard to swat a fly? (Rory Galloway, BBC News) http://bbc.in/2z8SN7h

Why Insects Make Great Ambassadors for Science Education: “…Sensory experience gets visitors in learning mode and piques their curiosity about science.” (Entomology Today) http://bit.ly/2gFH0WV

Natter’s Notes

Slugs & Snails

Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener

Snails and slugs. Ugh. Slime and holey leaves. Yuck. Oregon’s rainforests offer prime habitat where slimy pests thrive.

Pests & natives

Fig 1 – Newly hatched slugs, 1 day old. (J.R. Natter; 2010-10)

“Of the 29 species of slug [in Oregon], 15 are exotic.” (Resource #2.) Of those, the gray field slug is the scourge of home gardeners and commercial growers.

Slug lifetimes vary, from one to two years, according to the kind at hand. (Fig 1) But it’s a different story with snails. Brown Garden Snails (BGS) live to 4 years, Giant African Snails – they’re not here yet – 7 to 12 years.

Invasive Brown Garden Snails, Cornu aspersa were deliberately imported from Europe to California during the mid-1850s to be an upscale edible served in garlic-butter to moneyed goldminers. (Fig 2) Unfortunately for gardeners, snails escaped. Worse yet, when the market went bust, unsold stock was released. (More info at Pacific Northwest Nursery IPM: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/brown_garden_snail.htm.)

The native Pacific Banded Snail, Monadenia fidelis, resembles BGS, but has different habits. It primarily inhabits wooded areas, and is seldom a garden pest. When you compare the brownish shells of BGS and Monadenia side-by-side, it’s easy to see that the pattern on BGS is somewhat tweedy whereas Monadenia is strongly banded. (Fig 3)

The Gray Field Slug, Deroceras reticulatum, also called the milky slug, has cloudy mucus. Although it’s a rather small slug, just 15 to 50 mm long – about ½- to 2-inches – it’s a

Fig 2 – Brown Garden Snails in the PNW often have very fragile shells., (J.R. Natter; 2012-05)

serious pest in both commercial agriculture (especially grass seed producers) and home gardens.

The European Red Slug, Arion rufus, is an accidental import from Europe. A showy one. When disturbed, it contracts into a bell-shaped blob.

Leopard Slugs, Limax maximus, are impressive because of their 4- to 8-inch length when extended. If you’ve ever found a mess of slime on a wall, window, or screen, likely this slug and an intimate buddy were the source. During their unique mating practices, the pair of slugs entwine around each other while suspended from a sturdy strand of mucus. (Explicit images at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nurspest/Limaxmaximuscourtship.htm.

Management of slugs and snails

– Natural slug predators exist, but are unlikely to limit populations as much as desired, especially if you plant from seed – seedlings are choice nibbles — or if your favorite plantings are leafy greens or hostas.

– Several different night-working, predaceous ground beetles labor on your behalf. Scaphinotus species, for one. (See https://www.flickr.com/photos/oragriculture/23611267674/in/photostream/)

– Regularly scheduled search-and-destroy missions, either early day or late evening. Besides that, revenge feels good!

– Forget about sharp things. You know; stuff like DE, coffee grounds and/or crushed filbert shells. Slime has a purpose, one of which is protection. Plus, such barriers must remain dry. (See “Snail barriers” – http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v037n09p15.)

– If you use baits, the best time to apply them is before the snails and/or slugs mate and lay eggs. Some species do so in August, others during fall. Then, some repeat in March.

The future of management

Fig 3 – Differentiate between the native Monadenia fidelis (L) and the pest Brown Garden Snail, Cornu aspersa (R). (J.R. Natter; 2014-04)

As you may know, gardeners in Europe supplement the natural populations of soil-dwelling, slug-killing nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) with commercially reared preparations of the same tiny beasts. (See http://www.slugoff.co.uk/killing-slugs/nematodes.) But, due to strict regulations, those nematodes can’t be exported elsewhere.

But wait. Help may be on the way. Rory McDonnell was hired by OSU about 2 years ago as the Invertebrate Crop Pest Specialist to help farmers manage pesky slugs and snails. (Yea! Gardeners will benefit, too.) He has since located a domestic strain of Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita on the OSU campus. Just as with all potential biological control agents, requirements include extended testing and evaluation prior to formulation and release of a commercially available product. (Keep your fingers crossed.)

McDonnell is also working with essential oils and novel attractants. Among the latter, an extract from cucumber slices looks particularly promising.

Illegal in Oregon

Oh, yes. Forget about pitting decollate snails, Rumina decollata, against pest snails and slugs. These predators are legal only in the 7 southern most counties of California. Simply put: Decollates are illegal in Oregon.

Resources

“Snails and Slugs”- Practical advice for day-to-day management: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html
“Slugs and Snails in Oregon” (J. Vlach, Oregon Dept. of Agriculture): Helps identify Oregon’s commonly encountered slugs and snails; prints well if set up with 2 pages per sheet. http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/ODAGuideMolluscs2016ForWeb.pdf
“Slug Portal” – All-in-one resource about slugs in Oregon. Lots for slime devotees to learn there, including identification, the life of a slug; monitoring; management; research; and more. Go to https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/slug-portal/identification.
“Terrestrial Mollusc Tool” – In-depth identification tool for enthusiasts.: http://idtools.org/id/mollusc/index.php

(Click the link below for PDF containing the above text and all the images.)

Snails and Slugs PDF

Scrub jay perched on an open hand holding peanuts — Photo courtesy of Eddie Rosen

Winter Greetings!

The Metro Master Gardener Team wants to extend warm winter greetings to you all! As the year ends, we reflect on the amazing generosity of YOU! We are grateful for all the hours you have dedicated to educating and inspiring the community to practice successful and sustainable gardening! Thank you for making such a tremendous difference to our OSU Extension Service Master Gardener community and the communities in which we live.

We hope you enjoy all the wonders of the winter season!

Weston, Jordis, and Marcia

Spread the Word! MG Training Registration is OPEN!

One of the most common ways people learn about Master Gardener training is through word of mouth from other Master Gardeners. Now is your chance to let others know about the great opportunities available for serving as a Master Gardener volunteer educator. Registration is now open for 2018 Master Gardener Training! Share the word with your friends, family and fellow community members. Direct those interested to our Metro-area Master Gardener website for easy online registration.

2018 Training Line-up!
We have a strong line-up of instructors and subjects for our 2018 MG Training classes. The schedule offers some exciting new changes. In support of the goals of the state Master Gardener program, instructors of our in-person classes are adding more interactive and hands-on activities to their presentations.

Additions to this year’s schedule are Berries, taught by fellow MG Jane Collier and Plant ID, taught by Jen Gorski, from the Clackamas Extension Forestry Department. We look forward to both Jane’s and Jen’s presentations, which will incorporate active learning.

We are grateful to have our perennial favorite instructors joining us for 2018. Jen Aron, Chip Bubl, Claudia Groth, Monica Maggio, Jean Natter, and Weston Miller.

All of the 2018 Training classes will qualify for 2018 MG continuing garden education/recertification credit.

For the detailed 2018 Training schedule, please see the link below.

2018 Metro Master Gardener Training Schedule

Class Coordinators Meeting for MG Training – Save the Date!
MG training could not take place without the fantastic team of MGs who assist with coordinating the classes.

If you can attend the meeting or have questions, please email Jordis Yost jordis.yost@oregonstate.edu If you are interested in assisting with class coordination but can’t attend the January 23^rd meeting, please let Jordis know your interest.

Evergreen bough — Photo: CC0 by PublicDomainPictures

Seeking Plant Gatherers
Thank you to those who kindly volunteered to assist Jen Gorski, our Plant ID instructor, in collecting plant samples to provide for the class attendees. We still need a couple more volunteers. As mentioned before, this will require some major specimen gathering, and we are seeking a few dedicated MGs to serve as Plant Gatherers to assist with the project.

Jen will coach and educate the team on what plant samples are needed and how she would like the specimens gathered. Volunteers must commit to meeting with Jen in January prior to collecting and to collect the specimens, per Jen’s specifications, the week of February 19^th, come rain, sun, snow or sleet. This will be a great learning opportunity to work with Jen and a lot of fun plant gathering with other plant enthusiasts. If interested, contact Marcia McIntyre marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu

Changes afoot at the Clackamas County Extension Office!

Many changes are afoot at the Clackamas County Extension office. Although most of you do not have contact with the office staff. Their contributions and effect on the Master Gardener Program are invaluable – so we want to share the news and our wishes.

Roxie Applebee — Happy Retirement Roxie!

Congratulations and Our Utmost Gratitude!

The Metro-area Master Gardener team joins in sending our sincere congratulation to long-time Clackamas County Extension Office Manager, Roxie Applebee who is retiring. Roxie has been managing and guiding the office staff for nearly 45 years! We are truly grateful to Roxie for her incredible, dedicated support of the Master Gardener Program. Thank you Roxie for your amazing attention to detail, watching out for the MG program and staff, your kindness, and making the Clackamas office such a welcoming and professional environment! Our utmost thanks!

Photo courtesy of Trisha White

Welcome Lynn!

We want to extend a warm welcome to Lynn Squire the new office manager for Clackamas County Extension. Lynn and his family are moving from Utah for a new adventure in Oregon. We have alerted Lynn to the grey days and rain – but also the many rewards of living in Oregon. We are very much looking forward to working with Lynn and sharing the world of the Master Gardener program with him.

Photo courtesy of Lynn Squire

Thank you Jean!

Many of you who drop-by or call the Clackamas Extension office have had the pleasure of meeting Jean Bremer, our front office support staff, for the Master Gardener Program the past 7 years. Jean’s responsibilities are changing. She now is support for Extension Forestry in the Clackamas office. We will miss her presence working with the MG program, but are happy we will still be seeing Jean at the office daily. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jean for her stellar support of the MG program. Jean we are sincerely grateful to you for all your hard work, diligence, and ever-welcoming, kind and patient presence!

Welcome Janet!

Janet Hohman smiling with a pig — Welcome Janet!

We are pleased to welcome and introduce Janet Hohman, who joined the Clackamas Extension team this past October. Janet is serving as front office support for the Master Gardener Program, and we are looking forward to working with her. Janet has jumped right in, learning the nitty-gritty of our expansive MG program. She has not skipped a beat – and maintains a smile and eager effort with all that has been sent her way. A few fun facts about Janet…she has confessed to LOVING dirt (hey, we are fans too!), has a keen interest in composting, and plays the banjo! If you come to the Clackamas office to volunteer – be sure to join us in giving Janet a warm welcome. We are thrilled to have her working as part of the MG team!

Photo courtesy of Janet Hohman

Keeping the public in-the-know with great garden tips for fall!

Portugal Jardim Tropical Monte Palace Garden

Master Gardeners Invited to Join Portugal Garden Tour

Master Gardener, Jane Miller, is organizing a group of MGs for a journey through the gardens of Portugal, April 10 – 21, 2018. If you are interested in joining fellow Master Gardeners for this private tour of inspiring gardens, please follow this link: Portugal Garden Tour, April 10-21, 2018

Horticultural Updates

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

November 2017

Compost pile with wheelbarrow — Compost. Photo: Tiffany Woods, OSU

What does that mean? Experts take on gardening jargon. (Gardening Tips, Kym Pokorny, OSU) http://bit.ly/2kU9JvA

A Hormonal tug-of-war helps plant roots navigate their journey through the soil. A sophisticated mechanism that allows plant roots to quickly respond to changes in soil conditions has been identified by an international research team. (John Innes Centre via Science Daily) http://bit.ly/2hL7aH9

Podcast: How Plants Work. Learn about the relationship of roots and fungi, ways plants defend themselves, the ‘Wiggle Test”, mulch volcanoes and more. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU, via the Joe Gardener Show) http://bit.ly/2x0alRN

Get expert advice on control of sneaky root weevils with beneficial nematodes. (Gardening Tips, Kym Pokorny & Robin Rosetta, OSU) http://bit.ly/2gnGTlZ

An interesting report of a DNA study, “Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities exposed with new DNA sequencing approach.” (Botanical Society of America via Eurekalert!) http://bit.ly/2kUfQzS

Reducing Lyme risks from Ticks. A long-term study, in Connecticut, of managing Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) shows that clearing the invasive shrub from a wooded area once can lead to a significant reduction in abundance of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) for as long as six years. (Environmental Entomology) http://bit.ly/2igwCIC

Every child belongs in the garden! As the saying goes, more than a seed is planted in a garden. Children can learn not just about how natural systems work in a garden—what critters and plants live where and what do they need to survive, but also about themselves. (University of New Hampshire Extension) http://bit.ly/2wz33Es

Get this printable online publication, Bee Basics, and Introduction to our Native Bees, (USDA Forest Service and Pollinator Partnership Publication) http://bit.ly/2lPqxja

Trees showing fall color (red) — Fall Color. Photo: John Fech, University of Nebraska

Why do trees change color in the fall? (John Fech, U of Nebraska via Gro Big Red) http://bit.ly/2gnlY2q

Can you identify a tree by its bark? (Karen Russ, HGIF, Clemson Extension) http://bit.ly/2gf9CFG

Delayed greening- “By delaying the development of chlorophyll until the leaf is fully expanded and a bit tougher, some plants are maximizing the chances of successfully increasing their photosynthetic capacity over time.” (In Defense of Plants) http://bit.ly/2fAH7Wo

Ants as pollinators? (In Defense of Plants) http://bit.ly/2kT05cG

This alert from PNW Plant Disease Management-White Rust:

Two leaves with White Rust — White Rust. Photo: John A. Greisbach, PNW Disease Management Handbook

“We are into mum season and so we want to have an eye out for white rust. This quarantined disease has been found and eradicated in several nurseries in the greater Portland, OR area off and on since 1995 and in British Columbia since 2001. Usually it is found in nurseries that ‘hold-over’ chrysanthemums from the previous growing season. “(Jay Pscheidt, Facebook)
http://bit.ly/2gfx31L

OSU Extension Service Metro-area Master Gardener Newsletter

Stay informed about the MG program!

Author Archives: mcintyma

Ants

Natter’s Notes

Ants

Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener

Ants PDF

Japanese Beetle Eradication: Update

Natter’s Notes

Japanese Beetle Eradication: Update

Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener

Japanese Beetle Eradication: Update, PDF

Horticultural Updates – January 2018

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Horticultural Updates – December 2017

Horticultural Updates

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Slugs & Snails

Natter’s Notes

Slugs & Snails

Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener

Pests & natives

Management of slugs and snails

The future of management

Illegal in Oregon

Snails and Slugs PDF

Horticultural Updates – November 2017

Horticultural Updates

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Contact Info