winter trees, part ii
TRANSCRIPT
to plant a peach
tree but just have-
n’t done so?
Trees are the foundation of a landscape as they add dimension, focal points and height
indicators. Many trees here in north central Florida are deciduous but still add a unique touch
that catches the eye. Last month I wrote about the attributes of winged elm (ulmus alata) and
river birch (betula nigra) both dropping their leaves for the winter months, nevertheless still
very attractive with the unusual bark that becomes more evident after the leaves have fallen.
Trees are like food, not everyone will like every tree and much depends on appearance and
growth rate, rather than what it offers for protection during the cold, or how it is used by
wildlife and even how much water (or how little water) is needed to keep the tree healthy. I
have many trees that I love, yet I also have many that I dislike for various reasons.
Red cedar or southern red cedar (juniperus virginiana or j. silicicolo) are evergreen trees that
require little care. They prefer a sunny location with minimal amounts of water. In fact, after
establishment this tree is drought tolerant and does well with rainfall only. It makes a
beautiful screening hedge. Grouped together they are rather impressive looking; yet they are
also lovely as a single specimen tree.
Dense but fragrant scaly needles that appear to be bluish green to yellow green in color offer
a wonderful nesting or hiding site for birds. The fruit/berries on this tree are an important
food source for wildlife. These trees are male and female and can be identified by the color
of the bloom in spring. Cone-like male flowers are green, while female flowers are
yellow-green. Both varieties of this tree are native to Florida but also range as far north as
Canada for the red cedar and South Carolina for the southern red cedar. They may be
propagated by seed, grafts and cuttings.
These trees have done well in my landscape in a variety of areas. I have a single cedar planted
in the front yard that only received sunlight in the morning and is set up on a drip irrigation
system. I have two additional trees in my side yard which received full sun and occasional
water, when I remembered (in other words, basically neglected). The two trees in the side
yard are growing faster with no care and minimal water. This would be an excellent choice
for an area that tends to be dry.
A rather unusual tree also planted in my landscape is the Contorted Mulberry tree (Morus
australis Tortuosa). This tree is a rapid grower under the proper conditions, reaching a
height of twenty-five to thirty feet. Deciduous in nature but as the very large leaves drop in
the fall they first turn bronze yellow. The leaves are six to seven inches in length and nearly
as wide and dark green in color as they re-emerge in the spring. They prefer full sun and will
tolerate most soils.
The flowers of this tree are not showy; rather it is the unusual contorted branches that make this an ideal specimen tree. They appear as twisted corkscrews that zig-zag up and down the
Kathleen Patterson, FYN Program Coordinator
Table of Contents:
Winter Trees, Part II Timely Gardening Tips
The Invisible Itch What’s Bugging You
Cold Weather Protection
Upcoming Events Published by Norma Samuel UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service Horticulture Agent
MARION COUNTY GOVERNMNT
January 2013
Timely Gardening Tips for
MARION COUNTY
by David Y. Goodman,
UF/IFAS Marion County
Master Gardener, In-Training
January is a time of rest and
reflection for most Marion
County gardeners. Before too
long, we’ll be planting our
seedlings and biting our nails over late frosts… but right now,
we’re in the coldest month of
the year and there really isn’t a
lot to worry about. That
said - the excitement of new
challenges is building as each
new seed catalog arrives in the
mail.
I admit it – I’ve got “seed fever”
right now and there doesn’t
seem to be a cure. I’ve already
bought a quantity of grain corn
seed to try, some bizarre
cucumbers, dwarf papaya seeds,
heirloom tomatoes, and all
kinds of other exotic stuff.
Setting goals is another good
idea. Did you grow enough
tomatoes last year? Do you
wish you’d taken better care of
your lawn? Have you wanted
Winter Trees, Part II
rather long branches. These branches are sometimes used in arrangements.
There are other varieties of mulberry but this is certainly my favorite. Friends who visit
my landscape are always amazed at the unusual twisting branches. The red mulberry
produces edible fruit but I have yet to see any flowers or fruit on the contorted mulberry.
In ten years this tree has reached a height of nearly fifteen feet with the lower branches
having diameters of four inches or more.
Proper plant selection for your specific site conditions will promote a healthy tree that will
thrive with minimal amounts of care. Native or non-native trees are good choices for the
landscape if they fulfill the requirements for right plant-right place; the most important
principle of The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program.
Next month more on trees; some that people love, and others that the neighbors hate.
I’m not about to complain about any of my neighbors trees; any tree is a lovely addition to
the landscape and so what if it loses a few leaves? Mother Nature intended it that way,
and besides; they make great compost!
.
Winter Trees, Part II Kathleen Patterson, FYN Program Coordinator (continued from Page 1)
Page 2
Timely Gardening Tips for
MARION COUNTY
by David Y. Goodman,
UF/IFAS Marion County
Master Gardener, In-Training
(continued from Page 1) to plant a peach tree but just
haven’t done so? Make some
resolutions and plans and then
write them down.
For example, during 2012, I
harvested over 330lbs of food
from my gardens, despite having
had a run-in with herbicide-
contaminated manure that wiped
out a lot of my spring beds. My
goal for 2013 is to produce over
1000lbs of food. Manageable? Just
barely! It gives me a solid target
to hit – and if I decide to grow
zucchini, I might just make it!
On the non-edible side of the
fence, we’re ticking off the days
until azalea season now. If your
plants are looking leggy – don’t
trim them. Leave those poor
things alone until after they
flower or you won’t get blooms.
You can, however, mulch and
weed around them so they look their best for their grand
appearance next month. This is
the month to think about
“hardscape,” that is, the
landscape elements of your
property that aren’t living. Fixing
ponds, mending fences, laying
pavers – all these tasks are very
nice in our wonderful January
weather. If you put it off too
long, it’ll get hot… and the jobs
are unlikely to get done at all.
(Trust me – I’ve been there and
done that!)
Get outside – get working – and
have a wonderful 2013.
I am one of those gardeners who itches and scratches (then worries) and swats and
shoos. I imagine imperceptible nematodes getting into my socks, spiders crawling down
my neck and chiggers imbedding themselves into my waistband. I squirm and swat and
mash and scratch. I worry that bugs are down my shirt and in my pants. Sometimes my
head gets so itchy, I’m sure I have lice, especially after being around a bunch of kids.
We all have experienced this itching sensation and almost always attribute it to bugs.
After all, they bite, sting, and creep around looking for revenge. Insecticides are not
always the answer. Knowledge is power. The thinking person recognizes that there
could be many causes of itching and irritation other than pests. Our world contains so
many chemicals, contaminants and artificial stuff these days, so we should think that maybe
it’s an allergy, a new cosmetic or medication. Maybe it’s a reaction to an environmental
contaminant. All of these can produce reactions similar to insect bites. This is not to
minimize a person’s affliction; it just reiterates the importance of keeping an open mind to
the possibility of non-insect causes of such reactions.
Most bugs that bite are visible and leave welts. Many bite only in certain areas of the
body. Fleas, mites, lice and chiggers are all suspects with fleas being the most common
source of bites within the home. Fleas are most often associated with pets, although the
presence of mice, rats, squirrels, skunks, or raccoons can also result in fleas infesting a
home. Lice also cause intense itching and irritation. When they were little girls, the day
care center discovered lice on both my daughters. They waited for me to arrive that day
outside in the hallway wearing non-returnable ski caps. Needless to say, I was totally
embarrassed but you know, this can happen--especially with kids.
Mites are very tiny insects which occasionally infest structures and bite people. Mites can
usually be traced to birds nesting in the attic or on a window ledge or to an infestation of
mice or rats.
There are two exceptions where the source of irritation is too small to be seen with the
naked eye: the scabies mite and the chigger. Scabies mites burrow into the skin and their
itch is usually between the fingers, the bend of the elbow or knee and between the
shoulder blades. If you get this itch, you should go right to the doctor. Chiggers (the
larval stage of the harvest mite) live in tall weeds and grass and also in Spanish moss on
the ground. They crawl onto people and move upward until they find a nice, tight spot
like between your skin and clothing, like your waistband or inside your socks. Chiggers
make a hardened red welt which begins to itch a day or two after exposure. Delayed
irritation is common with bug bites as well as exposure to poison ivy or poison oak.
Are you getting itchy just reading this?
Have you changed your shampoo recently? Used a different brand of dryer sheet in the
laundry? Did you try a different cleaning product? Perhaps you’re on a new medication?
There are literally hundreds of non-insect agents capable of causing itching and irritation
because they can cause reactions similar to insect bites. Certain types of clothing like
children’s sleepwear by law must be made with fire retardant fabric. Poor little kids are
exposed to this chemical now every night. I recently bought a really pretty cotton
bathroom rug. On the underside was a tag that read “Flammable”. Really? I just wanted
a cute cotton rug. I guess I won’t light a candle near it. What’s in this rug, anyway?
There are so many physical irritants from synthetic carpets, drapes, upholstery and
The Invisible Itch by Anne Lambrecht Master Gardener
Page 3
UPCOMING
LECTURES/EVENTS: Educational seminars and events
are presented by UF/IFAS
Extension Agents and or
Master Gardeners.
Unless otherwise indicated, to
pre-register, please call
671-8400 or e-mail
JANUARY
Tuesday Gardening Series
Improving Your Soil
Learn about composting, soil
testing and plant nutrient needs
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
10:00 a.m.—Noon
UF/IFAS Marion County
Extension Service Auditorium
Marion County Public
Library System
Headquarters—Ocala
Location Master Gardener
Series
Your Florida Garden
January 12, 2013
2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. Marion County Public Library
System Headquarters-Ocala
location
Marion Oaks Public Library
Master Gardener Series
Fertilizer: What’s Good, What’s
Bad
January 17, 2013
10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Marion Oaks Public Library
Florida-Friendly
Landscape Challenge Learn how to make the outdoors
the best room of your home and
save time and money. Door prizes,
free giveaways and lunch will be
provided.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Marion County Extension Service
Auditorium
Cost $10 per person
Please pre-register by
The Invisible Itch by Anne Lambrecht Master Gardener
(continued from page 3)
clothing that can cause itching. Other sources of irritation can be insulation fibers released
into the air by heating/cooling systems in need of repair. Sometimes fibers embedded into
drop-ceiling tiles to soften sound can fall down and irritate our skin. Dry air in the winter
can make us itch and indoor air pollution in energy efficient structures and airplanes where
air is recirculated over and over can irritate our skin. And let’s not forget formaldehyde,
tobacco smoke, solvents and resins in paints, glues, adhesives and pesticides. It’s a harsh,
harsh world out there.
If a person believes they have been bitten by insects that are too small to be seen, strips of
cellophane tape may be patted over the affected area and placed into a sealed plastic bag.
Most small biting arthropods move slowly and will be picked up by the tape if present.
Bring the sample in to your extension agent for a look under a microscope. But first rule
out all the other irritants this world has to offer.
For more information, refer to edis.ifas.ufl.edu publication #ENY-269
What’s Bugging You? by Urban Horticulture Agent Norma Samuel
Find out what local residents are calling in about.
I have recently removed a pine tree and my husband ran the small branches through the chipper. Can I use the wood chips on my vegetable garden beds?
The answer is no. Fresh wood chips are excellent to lay on the paths in the vegetable
garden. However, they should be allowed to decompose for about six months before
you place them on the beds. The fresh wood chips would draw a lot of the nitrogen
needed for plant growth from the soil and generate heat that can be harmful to your
crops.
UPCOMING LECTURES/
EVENTS: (continued from Page 3)
Gardening 101 Tips for the novice gardener and
residents new to Marion County to
garden successfully.
January 28—February 1, 2013
6 p.m.—8:30 p.m.
UF/IFAS Marion County Extension
Service Auditorium
Cost $25 per person / $40 per couple
Please pre-register by
January 18, 2013
Items below are
available for
purchase at the
UF/IFAS Marion County
Extension Service. Please
come to see these
Page 4
Foundation for the Gator Nation
An Equal Opportunity Institution
Page 5
We took the annual trek to North Carolina to spend Christmas with my sister and her
family. It was awfully cold up there. On the way home I called my neighbor and she told
me that the temperature in Ocala was 34°F. It was a degree below the low temperature
we had that same morning in NC. This month the cold weather sometimes persist for
days at a time, so you will need to offer your plants some protection. I try to avoid being
in the cold unnecessarily, so I prefer to implement practices that help to increase cold
tolerance of plants. Here are a few that I strongly recommend you adopt.
Right Plant, Right Place – Select plants appropriate for USDA Hardiness Zone 9a.
Plants with higher zones will require cold weather protection. Know the various
microclimates that exist within your landscape and plant tender plants in the warmer
areas. These can be along a fence that will protect the plants from cold winds and
areas with good drainage. Avoid low areas as these create frost pockets.
Proper Plant Nutrition – As a general rule of thumb, avoid late season applications
of nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen application will stimulate a new flush of growth that
does not get enough time to harden and is more susceptible to frost damage. The
last fertilizer application for the year to lawns should be potassium at a recommended
rate of ½ lb per 1000 square feet.
Avoid Late Summer Early Fall Pruning. Pruning late in the season will also
result in a new flush of growth that will be susceptible to cold damage. So avoid what
seems to be the customary practice of whacking plants like crape myrtles back in the
fall.
Proper Mowing. Mowing turf at recommended heights will promote deeper roots
that are known to be associated with increased cold tolerance. See “Mowing Your
Florida Lawn” for mowing heights that are specific to your grass type (http://
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/LH/LH02800.pdf).
Protection Before the Freeze. The day before the freeze is expected water landscape
plants well. This will allow the soil to absorb more solar radiation and the heat will be
reradiated at night; thus, keeping the plants warm. Adding a layer of mulch also helps to
keep that heat around the root zone of plants. Sheets, quilts, black plastic, and frost cloths
are all appropriate for covering plants. The cover should extend to the ground and should
not touch the leaves. The leaves that are in contact with the cover can suffer cold damage
because of the transfer of heat from the leaves to the cold cover. Immediately remove
black plastic the morning after the freeze as black absorbs the heat of the sun and will
result in high temperatures that can damage the plant. There is also the option of moving
plants indoors or inside the garage for some warmth.
After the Freeze. If you did not protect plants like firespike and firebush, the entire
plant may look mushy if it is not in a protected area. Avoid cutting frost damaged plants
back until spring. Pruning them now will result in new growth that will only get damaged
again with the onset of another frost.
Types of Frost Damage. The damage resulting from cold weather may not
manifest itself in some plants until months later. Symptoms may include: water
soaked and wilted leaves, marginal leaf burn in evergreens such as hollies; splitting of
the stem or bark; or frost cracks running the length of the tree; and desiccation
(drying out) if the ground gets frozen within the root zone of the plant.
Have fun keeping yourself and your plants warm.
Cold Weather Protection by Urban Horticulture Agent Norma Samuel
Tuesday Gardening Series The indiscriminate use of fertilizer, water and pesticides can have a negative impact on our environmental resources.
Our Tuesday Gardening Series is geared towards reducing pollution from the home landscape. Sessions will be held
every second Tuesday at UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road from 10am – noon.
FREE!
Soils and Fertilizer
January 8: Improving Your Soil Linda Krausnick &
Learn about, composting, soil testing Jo Leyte-Vidal, Master Gardeners
and plant nutrient needs
February 12: Fertilizing Your Florida Lawn Steve Oldham, MG
Learn how to read a fertilizer label, amount and timing of applications and spreader
calibration.
March 12: Fertilizer Options for your Vegetable Garden Jo Leyte-Vidal, MG
Know organic and inorganic fertilizer options, how to read a label, and how to apply.
Water Conservation
April 9: Drought Tolerant Plants* Ed Steppe, MG
Learn which plants will thrive in the Florida heat
May 14: Watering Your Lawn and Landscape Ed Steppe and John Vanlue, MGs
Learn watering needs of plants, timing and application and how to troubleshoot
irrigation problems
June 11: Installing a Micro-Irrigation System** Jim Jaudon, MG
Hands-on workshop on how to install a micro-irrigation system
July 9: Rain Barrels** Kathy Patterson, FYN Coordinator
Learn how to capture rain water at this hands-on rain barrel workshop
Pest Control Options
August 13 Common Insect Pests and Their Control * Norma Samuel, MG Coordinator
Learn to identify and control insect pests
September 10 Beneficial Insects in the Garden Norma Samuel, MG Coordinator
Identify the good bugs that visit the garden and help to control the bad bugs
October 8 Common Plant Diseases and their Management Norma Samuel, MG Coordinator
Covers diseases of lawns, landscape, and vegetable gardens
November 12 Common Invasive Weeds and Their Control* Luke Connor, MG
Learn to ID and control of weeds in the garden Norma Samuel, MG Coordinator
December 10 Florida Friendly-Landscaping Leandra Grigsby, MG
Tying it all together plus other practices that will help you to create a beautiful garden
* Workshop includes a garden tour
** Supplies available for purchase.
