mh april 2015
TRANSCRIPT
April 2015
An occasional report on what’s growing at Maypop Hill Nursery and the Miley homestead in Norwood, Louisiana; to subscribe to the free newsletter, contact us by email: [email protected] web: maypophill.com
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) were accidentally introduced into the US decades ago. They are difficult to control, even with commercially-available products that have hazard warnings on their labels.
Since Maypop Hill has beaucoup fire ant
hills and a decision to be eco-friendly, we studied the problem and took the orange oil treatment recommended by the Dirt Doctor, Howard Garrett. We adapted this recipe to a simple and easy-to-remember formula.
To our surprise and delight, the formula worked overnight, and
it will be used on a regular basis as a spray to keep the ants away while protecting the ecology.
Just as the human body needs beneficial bacteria to function properly, many plants need to have certain kinds of spider-web-looking fungi
on their root systems. Some plants, in fact, wither and die quickly if they are planted in soils deficient in a root fungus they require. Examples on Maypop Hill include Trailing Arbutus and Spicebush. Can you buy mycorrhiza? Maybe. Can you make your own? Maybe.
Here is one idea on the interwebz. http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-
gardening/creating-your-own-mycorrhiza-
zbcz1403.aspx
2
One of the online catalogs
we receive is from a non-profit
organization that works to
preserve non-GM seeds
(non genetically-modified).
“Seed Savers Exchange members comprise a
network of 13,000 backyard preservationists.
Our members value biodiversity and understand its
importance in a changing climate and a complex
food system.”
http://www.seedsavers.org/
Some vines are garden thugs.
They pop up where they’re not
welcome and are hard to control.
With a little ingenuity, or in our case,
dumb luck, some grow where they
will be easy to control.
(Clematis crispa)
is a small and
delicate-looking
vine. It’s actually
pretty tough
and well-behaved,
a charming petite
perennial with blue
urn-shaped flowers
from spring
into fall.
Pest or wild pet? Many wildlife gardeners detest squirrels who eat seed they put out for
birds. We gave up trying to chase Sparky away and bought him a corncob feeder, which he ignores. Sparky goes straight to the black oil sunflower seeds. Live and let live.
Maypop Hill Nursery & Publications Betty and LJ Miley, specializing in native plants & sustainable land use
web: maypophill.com email: [email protected] 4
Star Anise (Illicium floridanum)
Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus floridus)
Nature comes
up close and
personal with
window views
of birds
and plants.
Indigo buntings
eat white proso
millet at
feeders, while a
woodpecker
prefers
suet cakes
Rose Milkweed (Asclepias
incarnata) and visitor
4
The Gloster Arboretum, in Gloster, Mississippi, which is a little over an hour north of Baton Rouge,
has a large collection of native azaleas that bloom from
March into April.
Some of the mature specimens, unfortunately, are being crowded
by volunteer trees and vines.
Several groups are interested in identifying and preserving these and
other special and spectacular species, such as the
Cowcumber Magnolias
One project, initiated by Linda Auld of New Orleans, is presented on
page 5 of this newsletter. Linda has set up a program
to collect donations to fund the preservation, conservation,
and education of native plant species at the arboretum.
The project also wants to continue planting wildflower plots to
“Help Bring Back the Monarchs.”
http://www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2014/0
9/project_monarch_teaches_school.html
5
Linda B. Auld
2009 Jefferson Hwy.
Jefferson, LA 70121
March 23, 2015
John James Audubon Foundation Board of Directors RE: Gloster Arboretum
Since 1993 my friends and I have been hiking and enjoying Gloster Arboretum trails. On many
occasions, we have been thrilled to discover rare native plants as well as several rare insect species
thriving on this unique and precious parcel of Mississippi land. Several arboretum members agree
with me that in the spirit of fulfilling the arboretum mission statement, " Preservation, conservation,
education", we feel strongly about the following issues:
1) "Preservation": We are requesting that the arboretum hire John MacDonald, Mississippi State
University research associate, who has been commissioned by national organizations like The Nature
Conservancy to document rare plant species in forests. (resume attached) Since it is his occupation,
John has the equipment to pinpoint and document locations of rare native plants. His fee is $400.00
per day and estimates it will take 4-5 days of hiking and investigation to complete. Charts of his findings
can be posted inside the main arboretum house for interested members /visitors to view, learn, and
enjoy. I am also requesting free lodging at the main house while he is performing his survey tasks.
We are working on finalizing the first possible 2016 date for this survey. As of today, I have a list of
pledges totaling $ 1,300.00 to pay for this but am working to have the full amount by the time the
survey is completed. ( see pledge attachment)
"Conservation" : My second wish is for approval and permission to add Mississippi native milkweeds,
coneflowers and sunflowers to the Sarah Gladney garden. National organizations such as MONARCH
WATCH and North American Butterfly Association are asking members to encourage the installation of
butterfly/pollinator gardens in public places such as parks, schools, etc. as part of the response
throughout America to "Help Bring Back the Monarchs!" We certainly want to do our part! Asclepias
incarnata, Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias viridis and Asclepias perennis are the species that over a dozen
volunteers throughout Louisiana are currently growing for my butterfly projects. We are hoping these
plants will be ready by the end of May. These plants would not only be excellent additions to the "bare
spots" of the existing garden beds but would also provide nectar for hungry butterflies. Adding
Coreopsis tinctoria would also enhance the wildflower patches.
3) "Education": The addition of more plant/tree identification labels is needed. Perhaps a college
student or the Mississippi Native Plants Society might consider lending a hand with installation/funding.
Thank you for considering these issues. Contact me at 504-841-0199 Work...or 504-421-8285 cell.
Email address is [email protected]. I look forward to another exciting year at Gloster Arboretum!
Sincerely,
Linda Auld