weed ‘em and reap

Weed ‘Em & Reap | June 2018 1

Master Gardener News

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dottie Kreps [email protected]

Sarah Kreps1st Vice President [email protected]

Mary Ippel2nd Vice President [email protected]

Deanna [email protected]

Kate [email protected]

Nancy [email protected]

Kathy [email protected]

Barry [email protected]

Judy [email protected]

QUESTIONS?Contact the helpful staff of theDelaware Co. Extension Offi ce Room 202, 100 W. Main Street Muncie, IN 47305-2879Phone: 765.747.7732

NEWSLETTER SUBMITTALSTo submit an article for the upcoming newsletter or to report an error in the publication, please email [email protected]

Please join us for the 2018 Summer Picnic on Wednesday, June 27at the Juanita Hults Environmental Learning Center. The property, managed by Ball State University’s Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Management, features fi ve ecosystems including a wetland, tallgrass prairie, hardwood forest, agricultural fi eld, & successional areas. Dinner will be served at 6pm followed by a tour of the land. Master Gardeners are asked to bring dining utensils, a dish to share, and a chair. Contact Sarah Kreps with questions.

Upcoming Meeting

Stay connected with the DCMGA by visiting delcomastergardener.org to learn more about upcoming activities, view photos from recent events, and read the latest edition of the newsletter.

WEED ‘EM AND REAPTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE DELAWARE COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION | JUNE 2018

Remember to report your volunteer and educational hours at www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener.

Purdue Master Gardener Basic TrainingDelaware, Jay, and Blackford Counties

Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training will be held Thursdays, 6 pm to 9 pm, from August 9 through November 8, 2018. Location to be determined. Contact Mark Carter (Delaware Co.) at [email protected] or 765-747-7732; Larry Temple (Jay Co.) at [email protected] or 260-726-4707; Sarah Bolinger (Blackford Co.) at [email protected] or 765-348-3213.

In addition to being one of the most recognizable garden-friendly insects, the lady beetle is one of the most prolifi c eaters. A single adult lady beetle can consume 50 to 60 aphids per day - along with scale insects, mealybugs, leafhoppers, and mites. It is estimated that a single lady beetle can consume as many as 5,000 aphids over its lifetime (about 1 year).

—Source: University of Kentucky Extension Service

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2 June 2018 | Weed ‘Em & Reap


May Treasurer’s ReportKate Bell, Secretary

Date of Report 6/6/2018 Budget 1/31/18 2/28/18 3/31/18 4/30/18 5/31/18 TotalBalance brought forward * $10,030.08 $10,150.54 $10,173.93 $10,069.29 $9,652.57Income $120.46 $130.39 $260.42 $1,316.94 $2,206.15 $4,034.36Expenses $0.00 $107.00 $365.06 $1,733.66 $981.13 $3,186.85Balance on hand $10,150.54 $10,173.93 $10,069.29 $9,652.57 $10,877.59

IncomeMG Dues $120.00 $130.00 $60.00 $30.00 $340.00Banquet $675.00 $675.00Garden FairGarden WalkFuture Master Gardeners $170.00 $100.00 $270.00Mini Master Gardeners $320.00 $8.25 $328.25Plant Sale $2,097.50 $2,097.50Education & Projects $200.00 $100.00 $300.00Miscellaneous $21.50 $21.50Advanced Garden SchoolInterest $0.46 $0.39 $0.42 $0.44 $0.40 $2.11Total $120.46 $130.39 $260.42 $1,316.94 $2,206.15 $4,034.36

ExpensesMini Master Gardeners $650.00 $648.26 $648.26Future Master Gardeners $650.00 $9.10 $353.30 $362.40Farm Fest $650.00 $107.00 $139.98 $246.98Education & Projects $2,550.73 $100.00 $266.00 $366.00Trees Committee $500.00 $0.00Farmers Market $200.00 $30.00 $30.00Garden Fair $100.00 $25.00 $25.00Garden Walk $300.00 $0.00MG Scholorship $150.00 $0.00High School Scholarship $200.00 $0.00Living Lightly Fair $200.00 $70.00 $70.00Washington Street $100.00 $0.00Growing Through Gardening $400.00 $50.00 $50.00

Fund RaisingPlant Sale $275.00 $234.28 $234.28

Association Expenses $0.00Banquet $100.00 $773.00 $773.00Board Expenses $100.00 $0.00Booklets $225.00 $95.08 $95.08Insurance $350.00 $0.00Meetings $200.00 $11.01 $11.01Misc. $200.00 $12.30 $262.54 $274.84Picnics $150.00 $0.00Website $250.00 $0.00Postmaster/Newsletter $100.00 $0.00Total $8,600.73 $0.00 $107.00 $365.06 $1,733.66 $981.13 $3,186.85

* $30 to be Moved from Education and Projects to Cover Dinner for Mark and Annette at the Awards Banquet* $15 Reimbursement Check to Marilyn Marks for pre-paid Banquet reservation ~ not able to attend.



May Meeting MinutesWednesday, May 23, 2018

The May Master Gardener Monthly Meeting was called to order by Sarah Kreps at 7:00. Forty one (41) Master Gardeners and guests were present.

Sarah introduced Susan Klinger, Regional Manager at Burpee Seeds. Susan indicated that there are two divisions within the Burpee Seed company: catalog and retail sales. She manages retail sales of Burpee products. Her territory includes Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri.

Susan began her presentation by providing a brief overview of the W. Atlee Burpee & Company (informally known as Burpee Seeds). W. Atlee Burpee was born to a French-Canadian family living in Pennsylvania in 1858. As a child, Burpee began experimenting with breeding of poultry, livestock, and plants - even though the science of breeding was relatively new at this time. With a $1,000 loan from his mother and a brief time at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Burpee established his own poultry breeding company. By 1876, his company started selling seeds when immigrant farmers wrote to him expressing that they missed the type, characteristics, and germination rate of vegetables from the Old Country.

In 1880 the W. Altee Burpee & Company was one of the fastest growing mail-order seed companies in the nation. The company sold seeds to the East Coast, Great Lakes, and Great Plain states. Burpee seeds were sold to home gardeners, rural farmers, and vendors in small towns. W. Altee Burpee assured a high quality, one-year satisfaction guarantee from date of purchase of each seed packet.

Burpee also recognized the value of innovation. He started breeding hybrids and traveling to various countries to collect new and unique seeds. In 1888, needing to expand his current operations, W. Altee moved to a 60-acre farm near Doylsestown, Pennsylvania. The new Fordhook Farm was the first farm in the country to initiate seed trials and breeding programs. The farm produced the first iceberg lettuce that could be shipped greater distances. Yellow-kernal Golden Bantam corn was introduced in 1902; edible corn before this period was primarily white.

In 1915 Altee’s son, David Burpee, took over the company after Altee’s death. Following in his father’s footsteps, David introduced a new range of hybrid flower and vegetable seeds. Hybrids offered more colors, greater amounts of blooms, longer growing seasons, enhance flavors, higher yields, and greater disease resistance.

During the 1950 and 1960s Burpee Seeds allied with George J. Ball, Inc. (Ball Hort) to extend its commercial line of seeds. By the 1992 Ball Hort had acquired Burpee Seeds with George Ball, Jr. serving as President. George Ball Jr. continued with breeding innovative varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Burpee has introduced a number of improved varieties of flowers, vegetables, and herbs over the years. They include the first yellow African Queen impatient, Rolly Polly Zucchini, Ruby Anne red sweet corn, and the French Vanilla white hybrid marigold. Susan noted that all Burpee-brand seeds are non-GMO. The industry standard is a 90% germination rate for seeds. However, Burpee seeds strive to achieve a 99% germination rate for each of their products. Many of the fruit and vegetable seed found on the market today are hybrids. Susan noted that Burpee has started to explore reintroducing some heirloom varieties, such as Brandywine tomatoes, that are known to be tried-and-true. However, Burpee does not offer many heirlooms that do not provide consistent success.

Better Bush Tomato and French Vanilla Marigold

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Burpee offers six specific collections of garden products. They include:

1. Space Savers2. Amazing Veggies3. Foodie Fresh4. Grow Organic5. BOOST High Nutrition Veggies6. Fresh Flavor Herbs

Most of Burpee’s revenue still comes from catalog and mail-order sales.

Susan indicated that marketing trends have shown that consumers and home gardeners are moving away from seed starting in preference for pre-grown starter plants. Burpee Plants™ was launched in 2009. Plant starts are offered in select retailers such as Menards, Rural King, and Lowes. In addition, Burpee partnered with Bonnie Plants to create the Foodie Fresh Brand™. The program works with local greenhouses to produce seeds and plants for local resale.

Burpee also introduced the Take 2 Combo series. Take 2 Combos feature two compact varieties of vegetables that can be inter-planted in containers.

Studies conducted by Burpee have found six key characteristics desired by consumers when purchasing fruit, vegetable, and flower seeds. They include:

#1 Bigger & Tastier #2 Bold Colors#3 Easy to Grow#4 Faster Growth & Abundant Harvest#5 Ability to Grow in Pots#6 A Focus on Nutritional Values

Burpee Seed has also started to look at ways to solve food deserts (communities and neighborhoods that lack access to nutritional & healthy foods) as well as targeting Millennials through community gardening programs.

A new Burpee branding campaign was launched in early 2018 and featured a re-design of the seed packets.

Some of the top-selling Burpee plants include Fourth of July Slicer Tomato, Presto Basil, and Gold Standard Bell Pepper. Burpee also offers soil amendments, pots, and seed starting kits.

Susan concluded her presentation and answered questions from the audience.

Burpee Take 2 Combo: Homeslice and Sweetheart of the Patio tomato

Tangerine Dream Sweet Snacking Pepper

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Call To oRdeRDottie Kreps called the business meeting to order at 7:50pm after a brief 5-minute break. Dottie noted that a list of brainstorming ideas for future products was listed at the front of the room. Master Gardeners were encouraged to vote on the top ideas in order to priorities efforts. appRoval of MinuTesThe minutes posted in the May newsletter were accepted as written.

TReasuReR’s RepoRTKate Bell, Treasurer, reported there is $8,757.91 in the DCMGA account. Some outstanding expenses and revenue from the 2018 Plant Sale have not been recorded. Outstanding expenses include $337.01, for the Future Gardener Camp, $648.06 for the Mini-Master Gardener Camp, and $50.00 for facility rental. The treasurer’s report was accepted.

CoMMiTTee RepoRTsGarden WalkNancy Miller reported that the 2018 DCMGA Garden Walk would be held on Sunday, June 24th. The Walk will feature six gardens in the Muncie area. The committee has flyers and tickets available for distribution. Tickets will also be sold at the Minnetrista Garden Walk. A pre-walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 23rd at 5:30 pm for those who plan to volunteer during the event. It was announced that those who plan to volunteer at the Walk would not need to pay admission. However, guests attending with volunteers would have to purchase a ticket. Advance ticket sales are $5. Tickets can be purchased at each garden for $7. There are still a few volunteer slots available at some of the gardens. A sign-up sheet was placed at the front of the room on the information table. arbor dayLaura Shadoin reported that the Muncie Arbor Day Festival on May 12th featured great weather, many visitors, and fun children activities. Eighty-two trees were planted in Heekin Park.

living lightly fairBecky Byrum announced that the Living Lightly Fair would return to the Delaware County Fairground on Saturday, September 29 after a brief hiatus. The

DCMGA will have an educational booth at the Fair. A planning meeting has been scheduled for 7pm, May 24th at Becky’s home. Becky indicated that a sign-up sheet would be available at the August monthly meeting.

Growing Through GardeningKathy Hudson reminded members that the Growing Through Gardening School would be held on Saturday, September 22nd at the Southside Church of the Nazarene. The committee is looking for items to be donated for the silent auction. Kathy noted that auction items do not necessarily have to be garden-related. Contact Sarah Kreps or Fran Meyers to donate an item.

The committee has obtained four speakers for the school, but would like to have one additional speaker for the lineup. The committee is also looking for make-and-take ideas. The next planning meeting will be held one hour prior to the scheduled June 27 monthly meeting. A final location will be announced.

Garden fairDottie Kreps reminded members that the Minnetrista Garden Fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 2nd. The Master Gardener booth theme will be “Bee Friendly”. Dottie needs a few volunteers to work the 2-4pm shift. A sign-up sheet was placed on the information table at the front of the room. Contact Dottie with questions.

plant saleNancy Reynolds reported that the Plant Sale was successful even though attendance was smaller than the previous year. Nancy acknowledged that several other community events occurred throughout Muncie on the same day as the Plant Sale. She suggested that the location of the event needs to be re-evaluated for next year in order to be more visible to the public. The Plant Sale raised roughly $2,000. Expenses include $175 for rental of the senior center and a small fee for refreshments. Nancy thanked everyone who helped to prepare for the event and those who volunteered during the sale. Nancy announced that leftover plant stakes would be sold for $0.50 each. Contact Nancy to purchase a stake.



Clarification was requested on the required number of plants donated in order to record 1 volunteer hour. It was assumed that 1-hour could be recorded for every 10 plants. Mark Carter indicated that he would confirm the requirement.

Manor view GardenBarb Crawford stated that a community workday would be held on May 25th at the Manor View Garden. All are encouraged to attend. Master Gardener volunteers would help teach others to plant flowers beginning at 5:30pm. Barb indicated the existing soil is tough and that topsoil is being imported. The Manor View Garden is located near the former Borg Warner factory at 5901 W 11th Street. Another work day would be scheduled for either June 2nd or 30th.

neW BusinessBarb also reported her concern with the lack of native perennials offered by the annual IDNR tree sale (editor’s note: the sale is offered by Soil and Water Conservation District, not the IDNR. A separate Tree Sale is offered by the IDNR later in the year). Barb has talked with Becky Dougherty, Administrator for the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District, about including other deciduous native plants.

Barb Crawford also announced that the local Girls Scout troop would be planting native plants at Marrow Meadows, on either May 31st or June 7th. A final date would be dependant on when the ground could be tilled. Master Gardeners are encouraged to attend. Contact Bard for more information.

The Monarch Club of Blackford County is planning to attend the Fort Wayne Monarch Festival on Septemer 9th and 10th. All are welcome to attend. A sign-up sheet was posted on the table at the front of the room.

Dottie requested members to share images of plants or Master Gardener-related events in order for them to be posted on the DCMGA social media page. Barb Crawford inquired about the procedure to submit information to Facebook. Dottie indicated that members should submit digital images to [email protected].

Mary Ippel and Mark Kreps reported that the Suzanne Gresham Center community garden would begin planting vegetables from 9am-12pm on Saturday, June 2nd for the 2018 growing season. The staff would like to have a few Master Gardeners on hand to help train volunteers how to properly plant tomatoes, peppers, and other crops. Mary announced that 4-5 volunteers would be needed. Contact Mary or Mark with questions.

farmer’s MarketDottie reports that potential dates to host a DCMGA booth at the Farmer’s Market have been sent to Minnetrista. Dottie has not heard back from the Market Manager yet. A sign-up sheet would be available at a future meeting.

Kennedy library sensory GardenSarah Kreps reported that the Kennedy Branch library would like to create a sensory garden in a vacant lot north of the library. Dottie and Sarah attended a meeting with Dennis Everett. The library would like the aid of Master Gardeners to plan a design for the garden. The library would like to include raised beds and a sensory garden. In addition assistance would be needed by Master Gardeners to help train volunteers how to plant flowers in the garden. A community gardening workshop may be planned for July. More information will be provided at a later date.

unfinished BusinessNew Master Gardener badges that were not picked up at the Spring Banquet were distributed to members.

Cheryl Haas noted that she is looking for the owner of a bamboo platter that was left at one of last year’s meetings by a hospitality volunteer. Please contact Cheryl to claim.

Alice Crouse reported on the Eaton Church Community Garden. The group obtains plants from Berne, Indiana. Leftover watermelon plants were available at the front of the room.



exTension RepoRTMark Carter introduced Laurynn Thieme to the group. Laurynn is a Ball State Natural Resources and Environmental Management graduate student with an undergraduates degree in landscape architecture. She is interning with the Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources office this summer and will be helping Mark with coordinating various Master Gardener events. Her email is [email protected].

Mark assured members that he not leaving his position as the Master Gardener liaison. However, he will be devoting more time to agriculture fieldwork and drone operation.

Laurynn Thieme reported that the Master Gardener Basic Training Course would be held in Farmland this fall. Speakers have been scheduled including joint presentations between Mark and Laurynn. Classes will begin August 9th and end on Nov. 8th. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6-9pm. A sign-up sheet was available to anyone interested in following up with interested candidates of the class. Information cards were available to be handed out to potential students. All Master Gardeners are encouraged to attend one night of the class to introduce themselves and help the students with any questions. All applications are due with the money by July 26th. Application are available online, in the Master Gardener newsletter, and on the DCMGA website. Mark also reported that the Tippecanoe County-Purdue greenhouse trip will take place on June 24th from 8:00am until 4:30pm. A sign-up sheet was available at the meeting. A bus would be ordered if 40+ members registered. A catered lunch at the Tippecanoe Extension office would be provided. Cost to participate is $20. Payment is required prior to the trip. Payments can be made to the extension office, Dottie Kreps, or Mark Carter. Three hours of educational time or 4 hours (including travel) would be available to participants.

Dottie Kreps asked those with a May birthday to stand and be recognized. None were present.

Dottie announced that the next Executive Board Meeting would be held at the Delaware County Extension office on May 6th beginning at 5:45pm.

A webinar would be held following the meeting on 501(3)c training. All are encouraged to attend.

Sarah Kreps announced that the June Master Gardener meeting would be the annual Summer Picnic. Sarah is looking into reserving a space at Belgian Horse Brewery. The final location will be announced at a later date.

Having no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Deanna Hines, Secretary

Purdue M.G. Merchandise Now Available

Did you know that you can easily purchase Master Gardener-branded apparel now through the Purdue Master Gardener website? Simply visit www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/ and click on the “Purdue MG Merchandise Available!” link on the left side of the webpage. Shirts, decals, aprons, and hats are available through Freckles Graphics based in Lafayette, Indiana.

“There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.”

—Janet Kilburn-Phillips



Guests are invited to watch at IDIS members present their most prized, rare, and colorful daylilies and irises in a juried competition. Admission is free. The competition and judging will run from 1pm to 4pm at the Sullivan Hardware & Garden Center, 6955 N Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis.

Indiana Daylily-Iris Society’sAnnual Daylily Show

Saturday, June 30 | 1pm

In recognition of flower arrangement as an art form, the Brown County Art Gallery will exhibit floral paintings and flower arrangements for public viewing during the Paint & Petals Gallery Exhibition in Nashville, Indiana. Arrangements will be on display beginning at noon on Saturday, July 7 and last through Sunday, July 8. Awards will be distributed for amateur and professional displays as well as a special People’s Choice recognition. The exhibition is open to the public with a paid $5 admission fee.

Paint & Petals Gallery Exhibit

Saturday, July 7 | Nashville, IN

Join the Iris Growers of Eastern Indiana for their annual plant sale at Minnetrista. The sale will begin at 11am and last through 3pm. Please call 765-213-3540 for addition information.

Iris Growers of Eastern IndianaIris Sale

Saturday, July 14 | Muncie

You grew too many herbs? We don’t think there is such a problem.

Join the Herb Society of Central Indiana as they teach gardeners about how to harvest, dry, and preserve your herbal garden’s bounty. You will be grateful you did on a cold, snowy day as you prepare pesto for supper with basil from your garden. Or perhaps you’ll brew a pot of hot herbal tea to keep you warm.

Speakers will cover different ways to dry your herbs, and preserving them in oils and vinegars. You’ll snip fresh herbs from the gardens to make a soup wreath to take home. You’ll also go home with lots of information, recipes, and inspiration in the form of handouts. Of course, there will be herbal goodies to sample.

Space is limited, so reserve a spot by contacting the Garfield Park Conservatory (317) 327-7066. The Garfield Park Conservatory is located at 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis.

Garfield Park Workshop:Help! I Grew Too Many Herbs!

August 11 | 10 am - 11:30 am

The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting orders for 2018 Fall Tree Sale. Deciduous and evergreen trees, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, wildflower mixes, and perennials are available for purchase.

Order forms can be downloaded from www.delaware.iaswcd.org. All orders and payment are due Friday, August 17, 2018. Potted plant orders can be picked up at the SWCD office, 3641 N Briarwood Lane, Muncie, from September 19-21. Bareroot plants should be picked up October 25-26.

Contact Becky Daugherty, 765-747-5531, ext. 3 or [email protected] with questions.

Delaware Co. Soil & Water Conservation District2018 Fall Tree Sale

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2018 Garden Fair at Minnetristaphotos by Kyle Koger

The Delaware County Master Gardener Association joined seventeen other exhibitors along with the familiar Minnetrista Farmers’ Market vendors during the 2018 Minnetrista Garden Fair. Mild temperatures and colorful displays of flowers, vegetables, and yard art greeted Muncie residents on Saturday, June 2 at the Garden Fair. The Master Gardener booth features various home gardening brochures, announcements for the Growing through Gardening seminar, and packets of garden seeds. Several Master Gardeners were on hand under the blue canopy tent to answer gardening questions and distribute tickets for the upcoming Garden Walk. Other Master Gardener volunteers were spotted throughout the Garden Fair greeting visitors and distributing official Garden Fair flyers. Thank you to all those who helped at the Garden Fair. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event.

LEFT: Deanna Hines, Linda Osborn, Paula Sampson, Nancy Reynolds, Dottie Kreps, Sarah Kreps, and Sandy Kreps look on as they volunteer at the DCMGA booth at the annual Minnetrista Garden Fair.

ABOVE (L to R): Mark Kreps, Mary Ippel, and Kathy Hutson pose with children at the Meridian Service Suzanne Gresham Community Garden. The Master Gardeners helped train the students and staff on how to plant and care for vegetables in the garden.

Mark your calendar for the 2018 INPAWS Annual Conference! This year’s conference will be held at the IUPUI Hines Hall in Indianapolis.

The conference features several lectures by well-known ecologists, environmentalist, landscape designers, and native plant experts. Enjoy a continental breakfast, lunch, stroll through the garden vendor market, books from the INPAWS bookstore, and networking with other gardeners.

More information at www.inpaws.org/gatherings/annual-conference/.

INPAWS Annual Conference

Saturday, November 3rd

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Calling all gardeners, crafters, and hobbist! Entries are now being accepted for the Delaware County Home & Family Arts Open Class. This is an opportunity to show off your crafts, flowers, garden produce, and any other items. Consider entering these as an exhibit in the Open Class.

A copy of the Adult Open Class booklet and entry form can be found at api.ag.purdue.edu/api/DepotWS/File.ashx?t=f&i=71862, or can be picked up in the Purdue Extension Office, Room 202, County Building, Muncie.

The Home and Family Arts entries will be on exhibit from July 13 - 18 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. If you have any questions, or would like a booklet mailed to you, please call the extension office at 765-747-7732.

Call for Entries:Delaware County Home & Family Arts Open Class

July 13-18, 2018 | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

GaRden-RelaTed exhiBiT CaTeGoRies

Floral DesignIncludes silk flowers, dried flowers, and live plants.

Fruits and Vegetables, Backyard GardenExhibit will consist of a certain number of specimens of one variety to be staged on a round white plate.

Fruits and Vegetables, FruitsExhibit will consist of a certain number of specimens of one variety to be staged on a round white plate.

Fruits and Vegetables, VegetablesLargest, tallest, or longest garden specimen.

Fruits and Vegetables, SideshowAny vegetable specimen showing unusual or abnormal growth.

Horticulture, Cut Specimen

Horticulture, Plants

Horticulture, Cut, Single Stem, Spray Herbs

Horticulture, Container Grown Herbs

Flower Arrangements, Fresh Flowers

QUESTION: Can travel time to Master Gardener-organized events be recorded as volunteer hours?

- Mary Ippel, DCMGA

ANSWER: Travel time to-and-from approved volunteer activities can be recorded as Master Gardener volunteer hours. However, travel time to attend educational activities should not be recorded.

- John Orick, State Coordinator

Join Chris Wilhoite, a long-time IHS member, as he attempts to demystify some unusual and underused garden perennials. Chris, along with his wife Cynthia, are owners of Soules Gardens, a nursery on the Southside of Indianapolis specializing in hostas, daylilies, and rare and unusual perennials. Indianapolis Hosta Society meetings are held at the Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis. Meetings begin at 6:30pm and are open to the public.

Indianapolis Hosta Society’sUnusual & Underused

Garden PlantsMonday, August 13 | Indianapolis

Recording Volunteer Hours Clarification

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Summer has finally arrived in Indiana, bringing budding trees and flowers, longer days, and the return of farmers markets. With over 150 farmers marketsthroughout the state, you are sure to find one near you. Some of the larger markets can be overwhelming to navigate, making it difficult to know if you’re getting the best deals. Here are some tips to help you make the most of out of trips to your favorite farmers market.

Before heading to the farmers market, decide on your budget. This will help you prioritize purchases and keep you from overspending. Another way to avoid going over budget is to bring cash. Paying with cash helps you keep track of the amount you’ve spent so you can more easily stick to your budget. And most farmers appreciate exact change and prefer cash.

Don’t forget to bring your own reusable grocery bags. This keeps expenses down for farmers and is better for the environment!

When you first arrive, avoid being overwhelmed with choices by browsing the entire market before making any purchases. See what each farmer is offering, what looks best, and who has the best prices. While you are browsing, talk to the farmers and ask questions about their produce.

Making the Most of Trips to Your Favorite Farmers MarketBy Angie Frost & Arin Weidner, 4-H Extension Specialist, Purdue ExtensionPublished: May 23, 2018

ABOVE: Firm Root Farm, a vendor at the Minnetrista Farmers Market, offers locally-sourced maple syrup, sunflower cuttings, and other seasonal commodities. The farm is operated by Seth and Kelci Wright.

Questions to ask at your local farmers market:Where is your farm located? The answer is important if you are interested in purchasing the freshest and most locally grown produce. The term “local” is typically defined as within 100-150 miles of the market.

Did you grow or raise the produce you’re selling? Sometimes vendors buy wholesale items and resell them as their own. If you would rather purchase from a farmer instead of a wholesaler, this question is an important one to ask.

What growing practices do you use? Some vendors may be USDA organic certified; however, many others adhere to sustainable practices but do not have the certification. The USDA organic certification is expensive and not always affordable to small-scale farmers. Without a visible USDA organic seal, you’ll have to ask how the farmer handles pests and diseases, especially if you’re interested in avoiding pesticides.

When was the produce picked? Most farmers pick their produce the morning of the market to ensure peak freshness and maximum nutrition. You may want to pass if the produce was picked more than a day ago, because fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients once they are picked.

How should I store and prepare my purchases? Farmers generally have great tips on storing and preparing the items they sell. Ask how long different items should last, so you can prioritize eating them. (continued on next page)

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Also ask for recipes and ideas for consuming the items you’re purchasing. For example, ask how to use the greens attached to root veggies like beets and turnips. Did you know that you can eat the leafy green tops of carrots?

Now that you’ve made a round through the market, talked to the farmers, and gotten the answers to your questions, it’s time to purchase the items that appeal to you. As you shop, purchase heavier, larger items first and more delicate and tender items last. This fills your grocery bags in a way that protects your purchases. Be mindful of how much you can consume during the upcoming week. You don’t want your food dollars to go to waste because the produce you purchased spoiled before you could eat all of it.

You may get the best selection if you arrive early, but you may get the best deals if you arrive late.

Farmers don’t like to pack up leftover goods and drive them back to the farm, so they’re likely to offer discounts near closing time. Farmers work long, labor-intensive hours to bring you the best produce they can offer. So while produce at the farmers market may seem more expensive than from the grocery store, you’re getting much fresher, higher-quality produce while supporting local farmers.

how can you make the most of your next trip to the farmers market?

Bring cash and reusable grocery bags, browse the entire market before making a purchase, and ask question about the produce you purchase. Get to know the farmers, and ask if they have a mailing list or social media presence to stay connected throughout the season.

If you are in an Indiana 4-H club or are a 4-H club leader in Indiana, consider inviting a farmer that sells at a local farmers market to attend a club meeting, hold a taste testing with locally grown produce, or take a field trip to a farmers market.

If you are interested in more information about farmers markets or other healthy food choices, contact Angie Frost at [email protected] for more information. You can also visit the 4th H podcast website for more helpful healthy tips. Visit our Indiana 4-H Facebook page (@Indiana4H) and tell us how you plan to enjoy the best that summer has to offer from the farmers market!

Don’t forget to “Pledge your health to better living” by making visits to farmers market visits a part of your summer agenda. Get to know the farmers who provide us with amazing local food choices.

ABOVE: Sandy Burrell of Northern Tropics talks with a customer about garden mums at the Minnetrista Farmers Market. Northern Tropics offers fresh fruits and vegetables, heirloom tomato plants, annuals, perennials, pumpkins, and unique tropical plants.

Did you know that Minnetrista has a Community Culinary Herb Garden? The garden, located just south of the Orchard Shop courtyard, features a changing display of basil, rosemary, fennel, lettuce, chives, and other edible plants. Community members are encouraged to pick and use the harvest goods from the Culinary Herb Garden. Raised planters have also been installed to provide access to the garden for those with limited mobility. To read more about the garden, visit minnetrista.net/blog/2018/06/04/other-happenings/summer-culinary-herb-garden/

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Blueberry DaySaturday, July 14 | 9am to 4pm

Tuttle Orchards offers customers a chance to order flavorful blueberries from Northern Indiana and Michigan in 5lb boxes once a year. All blueberries must be pre-purchased by Saturday, July 7 in order to be picked-up on Saturday, July 14.

In addition to pick-up of blueberries, customers will have the opportunity to enjoy the all-you-can-eat Blueberry Pancake Breakfast from 9am until 11am. The menu includes pancakes with blueberry syrup, biscuits with blueberry preserve, homemade egg casserole, and Hoosier-raised bacon. Cost is $10 per person if tickets are purchased in advance; $12 at the door. Children 10 and under are $5 in advance; $7 at the door. Drinks including milk, coffee, Blueberry slushi, and others are an additional fee.

Tuttle Orchard’s Blueberry & Peach Days

Enjoy these upcoming days filled with good food, family fun, and tasty recipes.

The Tuttle Café will also have many blueberry-themed treats for sale too. Grab a blueberry pie, blueberry muffin, blueberry walnut salad, or toasted ham and Brie with Blueberries on a pretzel bun.

Children activities that will be available include a zucchini decorating class (10am-2pm), wagon rides (10am-4pm), and other crafts. Each activity costs $2.50.

Peach DaySaturday, July 21 | 9am to 4pm

Pre-order your peck or half bushel box of peaches from Tuttle Orchards. The Farm Store will also offer peach samples from 10am to 4pm.

The Tuttle Café will offer many peach-themed menu items too. Grab a melon and peach salad, pulled pork sandwich, tomato pie, peach cupcake, or delicious homemade peach ice cream (while supplies last).

Children activities that will be available include the Tractor Town Kid’s Farm (10am-5pm), wagon rides (10am-4pm), and other crafts. Each activity costs $2.50.

Blueberries, peaches, and meal tickets can be pre-purchased by contacting Tuttle at 317-326-2278 or [email protected]. Tuttle Orchard is located at 5717 N CR 300 W, Greenfield, IN 46140.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed. If in terms of ten years, plant trees. If in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

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Join the Cope Environmental Center in Centerville for the monthly Flora and Fauna program. The July lecture will focus on the medicinal plants and herbs found in the East Central Indiana region. Participants will discuss how knowledge of medicinal plants has evolved over time and different methods of medicinal preparation. The Flora and Fauna program is free and open to the public. However, donations are appreciated. The Cope Environmental Center is located at 1730 Airport Rd, Centerville, IN 47330.

Cope Environmental Center’sMedicinal Plants

Saturday, July 21 | 12:30-2:00pm

Soil is a very important part of life here in Indiana, where we are surrounded by agricultural fields. But how can we help promote good soils? Compost! Attendees will begin the program by learning about Cope’s worm composting bins. Participants will then hike down to the south end of the property to talk about Cope’s three-bin composting system as well. The Flora and Fauna program is free and open to the public. However, donations are appreciated. The Cope Environmental Center is located at 1730 Airport Rd, Centerville, IN 47330.

Cope Environmental Center’sCool Composting

Saturday, July 28 | 12:30-2:00pm

ABOVE: A combination of early-flowering Clematis ‘Niobe’ and Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) decorate the yard of Master Gardener Mary Ippel.

— submitted by Mary Ippel

A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.

— Doug Larson

In today’s busy world, it’s important for us to prepare fast, nutritious meals that appeal to our families and fit within the family budget. But delicious, mobile, and appetizing meals don’t just happen. They have to be planned. Learn how to plan and prepare delicious foods that are easily transported to working farmers with Atina Rozhon, Health & Human Sciences Extension Educator in Jennings County. Register online at: https://extension.purdue.edu/pages/event.aspx?intEventID=20326&ED=33112

Women in Agriculture WebinarQuick and Easy Meals to

Take to the FieldAugust 21 | 12-1pm

Join Hancock County Master Gardener Elaine Whitfield as she talks about basic care and maintenance of your trees, including trimming, soil care, and insect problems. All are welcome. The event will be held at the New Castle-Henry County Public Library Auditorium, 376 South 15th Street. Contact Krystal Stanich, (765) 575-4558, with questions.

Shared Harvest Program:Give Your Trees Some Love

August 13 | 6:30-7:30pm



ALEXANDRIA, VA. (April 15, 2018) – Americans concerned about saving bees and our food production systems are being asked to #beecounted and help the National Pollinator Garden Network reach one million bee-friendly gardens by National Pollinator Week, June 18-24, 2018.

Saving pollinators has become a national obsession. Since 2015, over 700,000 pollinator gardens have been designed, planted and registered across the United States.

National Pollinator Garden Network Seeks 300,000 Pollinator Gardens to Reach Goal of One Million Registered Gardens

Campaign seeks action from people across the country to help restore habitat for pollinators

“One thing is clear, Americans love pollinators and their efforts are paying off. Research in recent studies have shown that even small gardens can make a difference for pollinators by increasing diversity of bee species across urban and suburban landscapes.” says Mary Phillips, senior director at the National Wildlife Federation, one of the founders of the network.

By creating, planting and maintaining garden, and registering it on the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge map, Americans can contribute to revitalizing the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across the U.S.

“Anyone can plant for pollinators and join this effort to reach one million,” explains Phillips. “Every habitat of every size counts, from window boxes and garden plots to farm borders, golf courses, school gardens and more. Anticipation is growing across the National Pollinator Garden Network’s 50 conservation, garden trade, voluntary civic and federal partners, as we rally to get the remaining gardens to be registered.”

These bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats and other pollinators fertilize one-third of food crops while flying from plant to plant. They “play a critical role in food security,” says Val Dolcini, president of the Pollinator Partnership, one of the network’s founding organizations.

In fact, one out of every three bites we eat is the direct result of a pollinator’s work, contributing $29 billion to America’s food production, according to Cornell University. But pollinator declines in recent decades have been steep and severe due to habitat loss, parasites, pesticides, and other threats. Monarch populations, for example, have plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years.

To help pollinator numbers increase, the National Pollinator Garden Network launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge to inspire people and organizations to create more pollinator habitats. The network provides plant lists, hand-outs, lesson plans, training guides and many other resources to help people spread the word, grow beautiful gardens and drive conservation efforts. “Leaders in the garden trade and horticulture sector have stepped up to meet consumer demand for pollinator friendly plant material and educate its professionals on sustainable methods that support habitat” says Craig Regelbrugge of AmericanHort.

“The 700,000 registered gardens show a pollinator movement is underway,” explains Phillips. “I know there are many out there that simply need to be registered, and many empty plots of land awaiting planting.” (continued on next page)

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The National Pollinator Garden Network calls on the community of concerned Americans to do their part and create healthy, lasting habitats for wildlife like pollinators.

The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge has been launched by The National Pollinator Garden Network, a partnership between conservation organizations (Pollinator Partnership, National Wildlife Federation, AmericanHort, American Public Gardens Association, American Seed Trade Association, KidsGardening.org, National Gardening Association, and the National Gardening Bureau), gardening groups, volunteer civic associations and participating federal agencies to inspire people and organizations to create more pollinator habitats.

Contact: Anna Vecchio, National Wildlife Federation, [email protected], (202) 797-6662. For more information on the NPGN’s Million Pollinator campaign, visit millionpollinatorgardens.org/.

With over 391,000-known species of vascular plants on Earth, it can sometimes become challenging to remember and describe a specific plant to another gardener. Many gardeners use the common name when describing a plant. However, this can prove challenging when one species of plant may have multiple common names that are unique to a specific region of the world or share a common name with another plant on a different continent. American hornbeam is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is also commonly blue beech, musclewood, or ironwood. However, the moniker of ironwood is somewhat ambiguous because it can also be used in reference to the native Hop Hornbeam tree.

In the mid 1700s Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus developed a formal system for identifying plants called binomial nomenclature. Carl utilized two words to denote a

What’s in a name? Understanding how to read a plant’s scientific name

http://www.winternet.com/~chuckg/dictionary.html

http://njha.org/contests-projects-activities/horticulture-identification-judging-contest/plant-nomenclature/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/latin-plant-names.htm

http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~hollin/botany/latin/dictionary.html

http://www.mobot.org/mobot/LatinDict/search.aspx

https://joegardener.com/podcast/031-botanical-latin-101-the-non-geeks-guide-to-the-language-of-plants/

https://awaytogarden.com/decoding-botanical-latin/

species of flora or fauna. Today we call this two-word title the botanical -or scientific- name of a plant. The first term indicates the plant’s generic name (genus). The second word identifies the specific epithet (species). The language of Latin was used to write the Botanical Name.

Botanical names may be intimidating to some gardeners who don’t know Latin. However, understanding that the second word (specific epithet) of a plant’s botanical name is often a descriptive word (i.e. adjective) can help ease some confusion. These words often describe a unique plant characteristic such as a color, form or growth habit, plant origin, or the name of the person who discovered the plant. Below is a brief list of websites that offer a sampling of common Latin words used to describe popular plant names.

Carl Linnaeus

Plant tags in public landscapes often help gardeners identify plants by both botanical and common names



SPECIFIC EPITHET

ENGLISHTRANSLATION

alba White

ater Black

aurea Chartreuse

aureolus Golden

azur Blue

chrysus Yellow

coccineus Scarlet

erythro Red

ferrugineus Rusty

haema Blood red

lacteus Milky

leuc White

lividus Blue-gray

luridus Pale yellow

luteus Yellow

nigra Black/dark

puniceus Red-purple

purpureus Purple

rosea Rose

rubra Red

virens Green

alpinus Alpine

amur Amur River-Asia

canadensis Canada

chinensis China

japonica Japan

maritima Seaside

montana Mountains

occidentalis Western America

orientalis East Asia

siberica Siberia

sylvestris Woodland

virginiana Virginia

contorta Twisted

globosa Rounded

gracilis Graceful

maculata Spotted

SPECIFIC EPITHET

ENGLISHTRANSLATION

nana Dwarf

pendula Weeping

prostrata Creeping

reptans Creeping

humulis Dwarf

hirtus -a Shaggy/Hairy

saccharum Sugar

stilla Drop

iridescens Iridescent

nutans Nod

verticalis Vertical

gymno Slender

pungens Piercing/Sharp

magnus Large

fragans Fragrant

polifolius White-leaved

reticulatus Netted

insititius Grafted

anthos Flower

brevi Short

fili Threadlike

flora Flower

folius Foliage

grandi Large

hetero Diverse

laevis Smooth

lepto Slender

macro Large

mega Big

micro Small

mono Single

multi Many

phyllos Leaf/Foliage

platy Flat/Broad

poly Many

versicolor Various colors

capestris Fields/Plains

SPECIFIC EPITHET

ENGLISHTRANSLATION

claudens Closed

scoparius Broom-like

rugosus -a Wrinkled

sculptus Sculpted

semper Always/Ever

compactus Compact/Dense

lobatus Lobed

spinarum Spiny

masculatus Male/Masculine

cristatus Crested

cyathodes Cup-like

mollis Soft and hairy

dentosus Toothed

nidus Nest

terminalis Terminal

discolor Two colors, not uniform

divaricatus Spreading

divergens Spreading

effusus Loose-spreading

odorus Fragrant

typhinus Fever

esculentus Edible

evectus Extended

http://www.winternet.com/~chuckg/dictionary.html

http://njha.org/contests-projects-activities/horticulture-identification-judging-contest/plant-nomenclature/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/latin-plant-names.htm

http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~hollin/botany/latin/dictionary.html

http://www.mobot.org/mobot/LatinDict/search.aspx

https://joegardener.com/podcast/031-botanical-latin-101-the-non-geeks-guide-to-the-language-of-plants/

https://awaytogarden.com/decoding-botanical-latin/



Often mistaken by the casual gardener as a type of milkweed, common dogbane is a native herbaceous perennial that offers an abundance of value for native insects and pollinators.

Standing at 2 ½ to 5 feet tall at maturity, common dogbane features an erect red to glaucous (bluish-green) stem with an abundance of opposite, elliptic-oblong green leaves. The leaves turn a semi-attractive yellow in late summer. The leaves resemble those of marsh milkweed.

Nevertheless, the most common way to distinguish the two plants is by the stem. Milkweed stems are hairy, while dogbane stems are glabrous (smooth). Dogbane stems terminate into panicles of flat-headed dome-shape white flowers. The flowers produce a sweet aroma that can sometimes last for months. The pollinated flowers are replaced with 4-8” long dark brown follicles (seedpods that open along one side). Similar to milkweed, the silky fibers attached to the seeds distribute the offspring several hundred feet away from their parent plant.

Botanically speaking, both dogbane and milkweed belong to the same family, Apocynaceae. However, dogbane is found within the genus Apocynum while milkweed is classified within the genus Asclepias.

The stems and leaves of dogbane contain a milky, bitter-tasting, and toxic latex called cardiac glycosides. The chemicals in cardiac glycosides inhibit function in the heart muscle by reducing the sodium-potassium pumps in the membranes of the cardiac muscle cells. Exposure to small quantities of the latex may produce skin irritation or discomfort to humans, but can be deadly to insects and other smaller mammals.

Dogbane prefers landscapes and gardens with full sun and wet-to-mesic soils. Dogbane readily tolerates saturated soils during the spring, while also enduring periods of drought later in the summer. As a pioneer species (one of the first plants to emerge in an ecosystem), it can be found along disturbed wet prairies, soggy thickets, moist meadows, and poorly drained areas along fence rows. The long, rhizomatous

root system often forms colonies of plants in a confined area.

Common Dogbane also takes the common name of Indian Hemp due to the Native American’s use of the stem’s strong and silky fibers to make baskets, blankets, netting, and rope.

The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service list common dogbane as “very high” in terms of importance to pollinators. The abundance of nectar produced by the flowers attracts insects such as the cuckoo bee, plaster bee, Sphecid wasp, Syrphid fly, skippers, and beetles. It is a host plant to the larva of the Delicate Cycnia moth, Six-spotted Gray, and Gracillariid moth. Insects that feed on the leafs include the dogbane beetle, red milkweed beetle, large milkweed beetle, and aphids.

Sources:Bhaduri Hauck, Sara. Toxic Plant Profile: Milkweed and Dogbane. University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 09 Oct 2015. Web.

Borge, Mary Anne. What Good Is Dogbane? The Natural Web. 8 July 2014. Web.

Hilty, John. Common Dogbane. Illinois Wildflowers. Web.

COMMON DOGBANEApocynum cannabinum

2018 PURDUE MASTER GARDENER BASIC TRAINING CLASS

The Delaware County Extension Office will be hosting Master Gardener basic training classes for Master Gardeners of both Delaware County and Jay County. These will take place from August 9 to November 8, 2018 from 6-9 PM and will be held at the Davis Purdue Ag Center at 6230 North State Road 1, Farmland, IN 47340-9340.

COST: $100 per person or $150 per couple This includes:

- Your choice of book or USB thumb drive - Additional books or USB thumb drives available for purchase

SIGN UP DEADLINE: July 12th Applications due by July 26th Sign up at the Delaware or Jay County Extension Office- Call Mark or Laurynn at 765.747.7732 or Larry at 260.726.4707 Class Date Educator #1 Orientation 9-Aug Mark Carter Soils and Plant Nutrition 16-Aug Mark Carter Herbaceous Ornamentals 23-Aug Beth VanSickle Pesticide Safety/Alternatives 30-Aug Fred Whitford Plant Disease 6-Sep Mark Carter/Laurynn Thieme Weeds & Home Lawn 13-Sep John Orick Insects 20-Sep Bill Horan Vegetables 27-Sep Mark Carter/Laurynn Thieme Plant Science 4-Oct Rosie Lerner Pollinators 11-Oct Roy Ballard Woody Ornamentals 18-Oct Lindsey Purcell Rain Garden 25-Oct Mark Carter/Larry Temple Wildlife Pest 1-Nov Jonathan Farris Tests/survey/finish up 8-Nov Mark Carter



2018 PURDUE MASTER GARDENER BASIC TRAINING CLASS

The Delaware County Extension Office will be hosting Master Gardener basic training classes for Master Gardeners of both Delaware County and Jay County. These will take place from August 9 to November 8, 2018 from 6-9 PM and will be held at the Davis Purdue Ag Center at 6230 North State Road 1, Farmland, IN 47340-9340.

COST: $100 per person or $150 per couple This includes:

- Your choice of book or USB thumb drive - Additional books or USB thumb drives available for purchase

SIGN UP DEADLINE: July 12th Applications due by July 26th Sign up at the Delaware or Jay County Extension Office- Call Mark or Laurynn at 765.747.7732 or Larry at 260.726.4707 Class Date Educator #1 Orientation 9-Aug Mark Carter Soils and Plant Nutrition 16-Aug Mark Carter Herbaceous Ornamentals 23-Aug Beth VanSickle Pesticide Safety/Alternatives 30-Aug Fred Whitford Plant Disease 6-Sep Mark Carter/Laurynn Thieme Weeds & Home Lawn 13-Sep John Orick Insects 20-Sep Bill Horan Vegetables 27-Sep Mark Carter/Laurynn Thieme Plant Science 4-Oct Rosie Lerner Pollinators 11-Oct Roy Ballard Woody Ornamentals 18-Oct Lindsey Purcell Rain Garden 25-Oct Mark Carter/Larry Temple Wildlife Pest 1-Nov Jonathan Farris Tests/survey/finish up 8-Nov Mark Carter



I wish to become a Purdue Master Gardener Volunteer and would like to be accepted into the training program. I understand that upon successful completion of training, I will agree to complete a minimum of 35 hours of public education service representing Purdue University.

Name (printed) _____________________________________ Signature_______________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________ State_______________ ZIP____________________________________

Telephone (_______) ______________________ Email_____________________________________________________

Please answer the following questions so we can match your talents to our volunteer needs. No experience is required, but we would like to know what your interests are.

Years of gardening experience __________________________

Please list any special training or experience gardening ____________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list areas of specialization or hobbies (i.e. vegetables, greenhouse, roses, etc.) ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list any garden affiliations _____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some of your hobbies not related to gardening? _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why do you wish to become a Master Gardener? ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you employed in the horticulture profession? (Garden center, nursery, etc.) _______________________________

If so, who is your employer? _________________________________________________________________________

2018 Delaware County Application

For office use only

Amount ___________ Date __________ Check # ___________Sharing? ________



HOME (Indoor plants and activities)• Indoor plants will require more frequent watering and fertilization as they increase their summer growth.

• Houseplants can be moved outdoors to a shady location, but pay close attention to their watering needs.

• Cut garden flowers for indoor beauty. Recut the stems again just before placing in water. Add a floral preservative, and change the solution frequently.

• Root cuttings of houseplants and garden plants to increase your collection or share with a friend.

YARD (Lawns, woody ornamentals and fruits)• Prune spring-flowering shrubs after blooms fade.

• Apply fungicide to prevent and control black spot on roses.

• Water newly planted trees and shrubs. Water deeply every seven to 10 days when rain is lacking.

• Propagate deciduous shrubs, such as forsythia, lilac, pyracantha and weigela, by stem tip cuttings.

• Remove faded flowers and seed pods on lilac and other spring-flowering shrubs.

• Many fruit trees had few to no flowers this year thanks to the brutal winter, but some apples and pears may still have fruit set. If they have much of a crop, don’t be alarmed at June drop of some fruit. It is a natural thinning process for most trees to prevent excessive loads, though might not be as much to thin this year. Thin remaining fruit, if necessary, or prop up heavy branches to avoid breakage. Most fruit should be spaced 6 to 8 inches apart on a branch.

• Keep grass mowed regularly, but mow high to help protect the crown of the plant from heat stress.

• To keep lawn green and growing, water as needed to supply a total of 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. If left unwatered, lawns will turn brown and become dormant during extended hot, dry spells, but will green up again when conditions are more favorable.

GARDEN (Flowers, vegetables and small fruits)• Discontinue harvest of asparagus and rhubarb around mid-June to allow foliage to develop and store food reserves for next year’s harvest. Fertilize and water when dry to promote healthy growth.

• Mulch to control weeds and conserve soil moisture after soil has warmed. Many materials such as straw, chopped corncobs, bark chips, shredded paper and grass clippings can be used.

• Blanch (exclude light from) cauliflower when heads are just 2 inches in diameter. Tie leaves up and over the developing head.

• Keep weeds controlled. They’re easier to pull when they are still young.

• Start seeds of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower for fall garden transplants.

• Plan now for your Halloween pumpkin. Determine the days to harvest for the particular cultivar you want to plant (usually on the seed packet), and count backward to determine the proper planting date.

• Harvest spring plantings of broccoli, cabbage and peas.

• Remove cool-season plants, such as radish, spinach and lettuce, as they bolt, or form seed stalks, during hot summer weather. Remove spent blooms of peony, iris, delphiniums and other flowers. Remove tops of spring-flowering bulbs only after they have yellowed and withered.

• Continue planting carrots, beans and sweet corn for successive harvests.

• For staked tomatoes, remove suckers (branches that form where the leaf joins the stem) while they are 1 to 1.5 inches long to allow easier training.

Monthly Gardener ChecklistJUNE 2018 – written by Rosie Lerner, Extension Consumer

Horticulturist, Purdue University

weed ‘em and reap

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