March 2015 Volume 18

Richland County Master Gardener Newsletter

The President’s Message...........

All of Ohio is saying “Is it spring Yet?” and “Will Spring ever get here?” but it hits we

gardeners, who are always impatient for growing season, are even more than most

people. As I shoveled the drive yet again, I was trying to find a bright side to all this snow

when I looked at my iris bed no less than four foot of snow (that’s where the excess snow

from the drive is piled) and I realized that the snow benefits our gardens.

First of all the snow has great insulating qualities. My poor iris bulbs had a bad winter last year with the low temps for

days but the lack of snow made it worse for them. Like myself you may have notice fewer or smaller blooms from your

bulbs last year. This year should be better.

Second the snow compacts and holds in place the leaf mulch I spread last fall. Some winters are snowless and windy

and my mulch winds up at the neighbors.

Third this rotten seemly ever present snow it one more example of how fortunate we are to live in Ohio where water is

abundant. Our occasionally summer water shortages are nothing compared to the chronic lack of water to west.

So I guess the snow isn’t sooo bad.

Master Gardener President,

Pat Storms

Richland County Master Gardeners

Current Committee Chairs:

Butterfly/Flag Garden Merrill Tawse

Nature Garden

Phenology Garden Mark Johnson

Stingel Elementary School Garden Mark Johnson

Downtown Mansfield Planters Suzanne Mayer

Community Gardens Jean Taddie

Kingwood Center Projects Janet Steiner

RCMG Speakers Bureau Alan Steiner

Hotline Q & A Judy Huffman

Refreshments/Hospitality Bonnie Sinnhuber

RCMG Displays Jennifer Wehry

RCMG Newsletter Suzanne Mayer

Card Committee

RCMG Coordinator for State MG Amy Crutchfield

RCMG Facebook Page Amy Crutchfield

Malabar Heritage Days Jim Huffman

Kingwood Spring Festival Sue Donahue

Richland County Fair Janet Bixler

Richland County Speaker Bureau

Note: To arrange for a speaker contact the Alan Steiner at

awsteiner@zoominternet.net

Emerald Ash Borer Bob Phillips, Debbie Sickmiller

Asian Longhorn Beetle Debbie Sickmiller

Vernal Pools Merrill Tawse

Insect Identification Merrill Tawse

Vegetable Gardening Mona Kneuss, Jean Taddie, Debbie Sickmiller

Composting Debbie Sickmiller

Integrated Pest Management Alan Steiner, Debbie Sickmiller

Butterflies/Gardening Merrill Tawse

Water Gardens Dalton Derr, Merrill Tawse, Mona Kneuss,

Alan Steiner, Eric Larson

Community Gardens Mona Kneuss, Jean Taddie

Gardening for Wildlife Merrill Tawse

Perennials Mona Kneuss

Annuals Mona Kneuss,

Native Plants Merrill Tawse, Debbie Sickmiller

Raised Beds/Square Foot Gardening Dalton Derr, Debbie Sickmiller

Organic Gardener & Avid Compost Creator Mark Johnson

Gardens not Grass Mark Johnson

Container Gardening Eric Larson, Debbie Sickmiller

Deer Management Eric Larson

Enabling Gardening / Horticulture Therapy Eric Larson

Eucalyptus Eric Larson

Fertilizers Eric Larson

Richland County Master Gardeners MEETING MINUTES

Longview Center

Program:

*What’s Hot—Doug Schuster

Doug Schuster, Kingwood Center Greenhouse manager, discussed the top sellers of Spring/Summer 2014.

*Break

Business Meeting:

*Treasurer’s Report

The treasurer’s report was approved.

*2015 dues are due now

2015 dues are $20 and may be paid to Missy Malone, treasurer. Ending Balance December 8, 2014 ----$2908.08 Petty Cash Balance December 8, 2014 -----$235.72

*Review minutes

The minutes were approved.

*Volunteer Hours & Training Hours http://Ohio.volunteersystem.org

Requirements have been changed to 10 hours of training (CEU’S) and 20 hours of volunteer work. Do not delay in

recording hours into the computer volunteer recording system. Hours may still be added for 2014 and may be entered

as one lump amount. Eventually OSU Extension will monitor the system more closely. A reminder that MGV volunteers

may claim their mileage to their volunteer stations on their income tax if they itemize.

Training hours (CEU’S) may be obtained by attending the 2015 Master Gardener classes. Attending a Master

Gardener meeting counts as one CEU.

New Business

*Child Abuse Training—Required. List of dates will be emailed

OSU is requiring yearly child abuse training. Judy Villard-Overocker received notification that local Extension agents

have been approved as trainers.

Training will be offered by Judy on Monday, April 13th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Longview Center, before the MGV meeting.

Information on additional training sessions will forthcoming. EVERYONE MUST UNDERGO TRAINING BEFORE June

1, 2015.

*Finger Printing—Every 4 years. Will get letter when it’s your year

This is a requirement.

*MG classes

Single class

Make them welcome

There are 28 students. Current MGVs may earn 3 hours of training credit by attending a training class. MGVs do not

have to register. NonMGVs may pay $15 per class, and must register with Suzanne Mayer by the Thursday of the week

before the class.

*Next meeting vote on projects

Leaders need to explain project & needs—Project forms

Forms were distributed to project leaders present. Current project leaders who no longer wish to be a project leader

are asked to inform Pat Storms. Projects will be voted on at the next meeting after the leaders present their projects.

Clarification on what counts as an approved MG project will take place.

Bill Flanegan discussed the project he is leading-The Richland County Fairgrounds Nature Garden.

*Raising Richland—Volunteers & Donations for buckets

Jean Taddie discussed the March 19th Raising Richland Community Garden Summit and distributed flyers. Volunteers

are needed before the event, from 3 to 5 p.m. A few people will be needed from 5 to closing. A sign-up sheet was

circulated.

Donations were requested for stuffing the prize buckets. NECIC and the OSU Extension office will accept items,

preferably by March 12th.

On Feb. 24th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., NECIC will be hosting a farmers market workshop.

Gardenpedia Book—Signed by author.

After discussion, it was approved that author Pam Bennet be invited to speak at a MGV meeting. It was approved that

the committee of Suzanne Mayer, Sue Donahue, Linda Carr-McKinley, Mona Kneuss, and Kathy Mambourg will

preview the book and make the decision as to the club purchasing multiple copies. Missy Malone agreed to manage

the financial details, if books are purchased.

No pictures published in any media without OSU approval

Do not publish any photos until Suzanne Mayer contacts Pam Bennet for clarification.

The Renaissance Theatre is hosting a health fair March 10th, from 11:30 to 6:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Please

contact Pat Storms if interested.

Downtown Mansfield, Inc. requested a donation. It was approved to donate $100 to DMI.

Next meeting April 13, 2015 at 6:00

Kathy Mambourg

Secretary

RICHLAND COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

INCOME AND EXPENSE REPORT

February 9, 2014

Beginning Balance December 8, 2014 2908.08

Revenue: Dues 40.00

MGV Class Payments 15 @100.00 1500.00

Total Revenue: 1540.00

Gross Revenue: $4448.08

Expenses State Share of 2015 Dues 2 @ 10.00 (20.00)

One members’ dues to Petty Cash 1 @ 20.00 (20.00)

Total Expenses: (40.00)

Ending Balance February 9 201 $4408.08

PETTY CASH FUND

Beginning Balance December 8, 2014 $235.72

Revenue: Revenue from one member 20.00 20.00

Total Revenue: _____

$255.72

Expenses: Refreshments/December Meeting 45.72

Past President Gift 44.83

Total Expenses: (90.55)

Petty Cash Balance February 9, 2015 $165.17

What’s Hot at Kingwood Center ........................ Doug Schuster, Greenhouse Manager at Kingwood Center discussed the latest plant choices at Kingwood Center for

the upcoming growing season.

What’s Hot at Kingwood Center ........................

What’s Hot at Kingwood Center ........................

What’s Hot at Kingwood Center ........................

Notes from the Editor................ Just think in about a month we will be outside planning, preparing and planting. Yes folks it’s been a long winter!

Now is the time to think about adding to your landscape and pick out a few trees to

accent your garden. Whether you have a small or large space there are many

suitable trees for our Ohio climate.

Before you rush into a purchase take the time to consider the following

information about some deciduous trees that would be a great addition to your

landscape. Most of us choose a tree for its great blooms, colorful foliage or

interesting texture. However, before you make the final selection consider the

following:

(1) Be sure that the tree is hardy to the hardiness zone of the Ohio county where you live

(2) Keep in mind what size the tree will be when it reaches its mature height and width. Will it interfere with

overhead wires, existing structures or underground pipes?

(3) Select the site of your tree appropriate to the tree’s needs; sun exposure, moisture needs and soil condition

(4) What function do you want the tree to serve? Is it for shade, screening, or the sheer beauty of the tree to serve as a focal point.

(5) Select a tree that is resistant to known pests and diseases, if possible. (6) Lastly, do not forget to take into consideration the maintenance the tree will require. If placed in the wrong

location the tree could become a maintenance nightmare, such as requiring constant pruning due to it was planted in an inappropriate space. Or a tree that constantly sheds limbs/branches or needs loads of attention to thrive.

Take a look there are many beautiful specimens to choose from!

Small Species: Height 15 – 30 feet

Name Attraction Limitation Comments

Aesculus pavia Red flowers in spring Loses leaves early Grows best in full sun

Select a cultivar in late September but will tolerate some

for best flowers shade. Can be grown

as a small tree or

Red Buckeye multi-stemmed large

shrub.

Amelanchier spp. Attractive flowers, bark Somewhat susceptible to Woodland edge plant

and fruit; excellent pests and diseases that can be a multi-

orange to red fall color stemmed tree or

nice winter form multi-stemmed large

Serviceberry shrub

Amelanchier

arborea and

laevis are native

Magnolia stelleta Attractive white flowers Plant in sheltered

Good specimen plant. Grows best location to protect

in acid soil, flower buds sometimes flower buds, avoid

Star Magnolia killed by Spring frost southern exposure

Malus Dark green foliage Disease resistant Plant in full sun and

‘Adirondack’ attractive fall color, well drained soil

cherry red buds opening

Crabapple to large pure white blossoms

Vase shaped form

Acer In Spring salmon-colored Best grown in full sun

pseudoplatanus emerge speckled with to partial shade and

flecks of green, a few well drained soil

weeks later the leaves

become bright pink, by early

summer the foliage deepens

‘Esk Sunset’ to burgundy red

Sycamore Maple

Aesculus pavia Amelanchier spp. Magnolia stelleta Malus ‘Adirondack’

Red Buckeye Serviceberry Star Magnolia Crabapple

Acer pseudoplatanus

‘Esk Sunset’

Sycamore Maple Medium Species: Height 30 – 45 feet

Betula nigra Interesting exfoliating bark Develops iron chlorosis Transplants well.

good for wet areas; fast in alkaline soil pH Prune in summer only

grower; more pest resistant multi-stem is the most (this tree “bleeds”

than other birches common form copious sap if pruned

River Birch in late winter)

Native

Carpinus betulus Low maintenance tree Minor disease Withstands heavy

tolerates wide range of and pest problems pruning; can be used

soils; nice yellow fall color for hedges

European Hornbeam

Nyssa sylvatica Excellent specimen Slow-grower. Requires Difficult to transplant

tree with outstanding soil with pH 5.5 to 6.5 plant in spring

summer and fall foliage Has some disease

and habit. Great fall

color, yellow to orange to

Black Gum red purple

Native

Fagus syvatica Tight columnar habit Plant in full sun

Spring leaf red tones to partial shade

Developing into burgundy

‘Dawyck Purple’ to deep purple

Beech

Quercus

acutissima Suited to smaller Susceptible to iron chlorosis; Holds leaves

spaces than other oaks requires space for wide through winter

Sawtooth Oak tolerates adverse conditions

Betula nigra Carpinus betulus Nyssa sylvatica Fagus syvatica

River Birch European Hornbeam Black Gum ‘Dawyck Purple’

Beech

Quercus

acutissima

Sawtooth Oak Sources: OSU Extension Fact Sheet: Deciduous Trees for Ohio HYG – 1082-01

Fine Gardening February 2015

Large Species: Height more than 45 feet

Name Attraction Limitations Comments

Acer saccharum Brilliant yellow fall Avoid compacted or One of the best shade

color; good suburban dry soils; not tolerant and open-lawn trees;

tree. Nice growth of urban stresses not for crowded

Sugar Maple habit conditions

Native

Fagus Beautiful yellow fall Not tolerant of wet Good for parks and

grandifolia color; smooth gray bark or compacted soil; large-area use;

Difficult to grow grass nuts are edible.

underneath this tree Adversely affected by

Difficult to transplant construction over root

American Beech zone

Native

Ginkgo biloba Pest resistant; tolerates Fruit on female trees is Choose male cultivars

urban stresses; wonderful messy and foul-smelling Pyramidal form when

yellow fall color Slow growing young; variable and

Ginkgo distinctive with age

Quercus alba Brown to wine fall color Acorns can be a litter

White Oak

Native

Ginkgo biloba Fogus grandifolia Acer saccharum Quercus alba

Ginkgo American Beech Sugar Maple White Oak

My favorite Weed By Bob Phillips

Jewelweed fits my life and probably yours very well. It grows on moist, partially shaded somewhat fertile to very fertile ground. It is easily identified as one of the early plants to sprout in the spring shortly after the plant that looks like a dandelion flower with a gooey stem that I use to make cough syrup from, the coltsfoot.................... but that’s another story .............The beginning first leaves of Jewelweed ,actually the cotyledons , look like a radishes’ first 2 leaves but bigger, maybe the size of a 50 cent piece. They can be transplanted to your desired location at this time as roots are still not too long. Once the plant stem is about as thick as a pencil its medicinal properties are effective for me. It is about this time of the Spring season that the mosquitoes are arriving. When one of my friends or a family member get bit I crush the stem and use the juice to apply to the bite. Wait about 10 minutes and repeat the application with another stem. It may take a third application for the itching to subside. The key is not to rub hard, rub the liquid from the stem gently as you don’t want to spread the bites poison under your skin. Try to apply as soon as you feel the itch and you will have much success with the treatment. The treatment works for poison ivy and also other bug/insect bites like yellow jackets and bees. Do not try this if you are hyper allergic to bug bites, bees, poison ivy or mosquitoes. This treatment will not help prevent diseases like malaria or West Nile. As with many herbs, the cure seems to grow near the problem plant. In this case poison ivy. We make a concoction from mature plants (before they flower) taking 10 or 15 plants using everything but the roots. Add a little water and bring to a boil. Remove from the stove, cover and let steep until cool. Strain out particles and put in an 8 oz. jar. We keep it in the refrigerator to use when plants are not available. The plants grow nodules along the stem and these are the easiest place to get juice. Later in the season the flowers are pretty in salads and the seed pods are fun for big and little kids to squeeze and watch them pop.

Calendar of Upcoming Events………..

Master Gardener Meetings 2015: February 9, April 8, June

8, August 10, October 12, December 14

Mark your calendars.....................

Master Gardener Training Classes: Any member may attend these classes free of charge, it is a great

way to fulfill your continuing education requirement. Also if you know of anyone who would be

interested in attending any of the classes the organization is opening up the enrollment. 1 session for

$15.00, 3 sessions for $40.00, or 5 sessions for $60.00. Anyone interested must pre-register with

Suzanne Mayer smayer3@neo.rr.com or Jean Taddie jean@necic-ohio.org. Below is the remainder of

the classes offered.

03/09/2015 - Monday 6 - 9 pm

Longview Center Room 235 A & C Vegetables Mark Johnson

03/16/2015 - Monday 6 - 9 pm

Longview Center Room 235 A & C Soil and Fertility John Makley

03/23/2015 - Monday 6 - 9 pm Take Home Exam

Longview Center Room 235 A & C Wildlife Manage. Presentations Jean Taddie

03/28/2015 - Saturday 9 - noon Pruning Chuck Gleaves

Kingwood Ctr. Exhibit Hall 1 - 4 pm Propagation Mona Kneuss

03/30/2015 - Monday 6 - 9 pm

Longview Center Room 235 A & C IPM Diagnostics Denise Ellsworth

04/06/2015 - Monday 6 - 9 pm Plant Pathology Jim Chatfield

Longview Main Room 235 A & C

04/13/2015 – Mandatory Abuse Training 5:50 PM Judy Villard

Master Gardener Meeting 6 pm Pat Storms

Room 235 A & C

March 19, 2015 5:30 – 8:30 pm Raising Richland Summit: Longview Center. Any member

who would like to help with the summit contact Jean Taddie

Are your kids bored this winter and looking forward to spring? Then bring them to the 5th annual Raising Richland

Community Garden Summit on March 19 at the Longview Center (1495 W. Longview Ave. Mansfield). Youth

activities run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Many hands on activities are being planned for kids from grades 1 – 6. For

instance, they will be participating in identification bingo, food stamping with paint, a seed scavenger hunt, and

making super snacks. With the supervision of the Richland County Master Gardener Volunteers, your child will

have fun while learning something about fruits and vegetables. This event will be FUN for every age, so don’t miss

it. Even adults will have something to do during the youth activities. Adult programs run from 5:30 to 8:30 and

feature speakers, displays and more!

Raising Richland Community Garden Grants

Once again this year, NECIC is offering community garden grants for groups of residents or organizations (schools,

churches, food pantries, and other nonprofits) in Richland County who want to start or expand a community

garden. You can apply for up to $300. Organizations are required to provide a 1-to-1 match. The application form

can be downloaded from our website: http://www.necic-ohio.org/#19 You are welcome to contact us for more

information. jean@necic-ohio.org, 419-525-3101 Applications are due by April 8 before 4 pm.

Library Garden Programs Source: Debbie Smith, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library

Butterfly Plants

Mon. March 9 Lucas Branch 6 pm

Join us for a talk and a slide presentation by Vicki Bright about attracting butterflies to your home garden.

Welcome Back the Bluebirds

Mon. March 16 Bellville Branch 6 PM

Chris McQuillen, a longtime member of the Ohio Bluebird Society, will discuss how to attract Bluebirds.

Raised Bed/Square Foot Gardening

Tue. Mar. 24 Plymouth Branch 6 pm

Tired of back pain while gardening? Want to get more produce with the amount of garden you have? Want to

plant sooner in spring? Then “Raised beds/Square Foot Gardening” is your type of gardening!

**Special Note....Judy Villard will be conducting the mandatory Abuse Training for

Master Gardener members at the next meeting on April 8th. The Abuse Training will

begin at 5:30 pm and the regular Master Gardener Meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at

the Longview Center.