WHEN: MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2014

TIME: 9:15 TO 11:30 A.M.

MEET LOCATION:

INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

DISCOVERY HALL, Third Floor

1202 E. 38th ST., IND’PLS, IN 46205

Our meeting will be held on the 3rd floor of Discovery Hall.

An elevator will take you directly there.

PROGRAM: “LAWN ALTERNATIVES” with Amy Mullen

the Lead Designer/Urban Farmgirl at Spotts Landscaping,

established in 2002 by lifelong gardener Terry Spotts, Spotts Garden

Service works to create earth-friendly gardens that reflect the people

who live and play in them.

Amy graduated from DePauw University with a degree in physics, a

lifelong love of theatre, and a problem-solving style that combines the

approaches from both those fields. A Master Gardener and long-time

communications professional, Amy also blogs and presents on gar-

dening topics.

Amy designed her front-yard food garden to integrate permaculture

principles with a traditional potager style. Her small urban garden

serves as combination mini-farm and ongoing experiment.

NOTE: If you would like to participate in this program and have special

needs, please contact Steve Mayer prior to the beginning of the program,

(317) 275-9290 or E-MAIL: MAYERSL@purdue.edu

OCTOBER PROGRAM

Special points of interest:

NOMINATED CANDIDATES TO 2015

OFFICER POSITIONS

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WHERE CAN I FIND GOOD TOPSOIL?

THE QUESTION BOX by Steve Mayer

OCTOBER GARDEN CALENDAR TIPS

EXTENSION HORTICULTURE HINTS

SEPTEMBER 8TH MEETING MINUTES 2

PRESIDENT’S MUSINGS; VOLUNTEER OPPS 3

EXTENSION HORTICULTURE HINTS

by Steve Mayer

4-6

THE QUESTION BOX by Steve Mayer 6

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Volume 25, Issue 10

October 2014

NOMINATED CANDIDATES FOR 2015 President - Karen Kennedy Vice President - Vickie Davis Secretary - Jackie Sundboom Treasurer - Susan Zordan Membership - Marie Koenig

Communications Coordinator - Carol Hooker

Reminder: Voting will take place during the November meeting.

President, Linda Furuness called the meeting to order at 9:15 A.M. with 81 members in attendance.

A motion was made to accept the minutes for the June 9, 2014 MCMGA meeting as published in the July

issue of The Greenery. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Treasurer, Nancy Snively presented the financial report with the Association having a checking ac-

count balance of $8859.11 and the 2014 State Conference account having a balance of $8592.07. 10% of

the profits will go to Garfield Park MGA and the 90% going to MCMGA will be used for grants, etc. in the

next couple of years.

Vice-President, Karen Kennedy reported that today’s program will be on “Eskenazi Health Rooftop

Garden”, presented by Rachel White, Sky Farmer. October’s meeting will be by Amy Mullen, “Lawn Al-

ternatives”; November’s program will be by Chris Whilhoite, “Hellebores”; and December’s program will

be by Heartland Growers, “Poinsettias to Market”.

Membership Chair, Marie Koenig said that there are 230 paid members.

Assistant Secretary, Carol Hooker was not present. Master Gardener certificates, growth awards

and badges will be distributed next month. Tomato Juice Stand: Pat Brummer thanked all who volunteered. We grossed $8125.12 and netted

$5947.51. Three community gardens, Garfield Park MGA and we participated.

Sunshine Chair: Shirley Fry reported that Sue Zordan and Jamie Gibb each lost his/her mother.

Show and Tell: Dan Anderson brought in several samples of Mist Flower (wild ageratum), a native

plant. They bloom around Sept.1, and require sun/part shade.

Hospitality Committee: Thanks for the food. Please sign up to bring food to the next meeting.

Extension Educator Steve Mayer thanked all that volunteered at the State Fair. More than 15,000

people visited the Demonstration Garden, which is up 13% over 2013. There were 2 people per minute on

the busiest day! There was even a marriage proposal there! Food from the demo garden is going to food

pantries. Scholarships are available for this fall’s MG classes; pays ½ of the $150 fee. There are still open-

ings in the pm and evening classes.

Old Business: Linda Furuness said that August grants were given to Ronald McDonald House, St.

Benedicts, Gardens at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, public gardens at Castleton United Methodist church

and Shalom Mennonite Churches. Carolyn McMahon has agreed to take over as Sunshine Chair. Volun-

teers are needed for next year for the association photographer.

New Business: Linda Furuness announced the following upcoming events:

-Sunday,10/5 at 2 p.m. Holliday Park, sponsored by The Hosta Society, Dr. Paul Capiella will

be speaking on “When Perennials Bloom”

-Thursday, 9/25 at 7 p.m. Ambassador House in Fishers, Windowbox Gardeners is doing a demo

on fall containers; $5 donation.

-Sunday, 9/28 at 3 p.m. Ambassador House, Windowbox Gardeners doing a “Make and Take”

$40.

-Saturday, 10/4 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Hendricks County Fair Grounds, “Adventures in Garden-

ing”, $35 before 9/12, after $45.

-Sept. 20, Hobbs Nursery will have a sale at wholesale prices, 11a.m to 3 p.m.

-Sept. 21, will be Tour de Coop, starts at Agrarian (49th and College).

October’s presentation will be “Lawn Alternatives” by Amy Mullen; November will be

“Hellebores” by Chris Whilhoit; December will be “Poinsettias to Market” by Heartland Growers.

With the introduction of new members and guests, the meeting was adjourned at 10:11 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jackie Sundboom

Page 2

SEPTEMBER 8TH MEETING MINUTES

T H E G RE EN E R Y

PRESIDENT’S MUSINGS—Linda Furuness

INDIANAPOLIS HOSTA SOCIETY (IHS)

V OLU ME 25, ISS UE 10 Page 3

There is a small sitting area at the back of my small garden. It has two wrought iron chairs and a

small end table in it. I find it is a nice place to rest in between garden chores, and my husband likes to sit

there and admire his lawn mowing and trimming efforts.

Occasionally, on a late afternoon we both wander out with our favorite libations in hand to sit in the

garden. We chat about everyday happenings—what we did that day, plans for the next week, what’s hap-

pening with our children and friends. We admire the flowers that are blooming, the progress of the vegeta-

ble beds. Bees buzz in the nearby verbena, birds flit from tree to tree, and the occasional squirrel sprints

across the fence behind us. My fish fountain burbles into its small pond. It is a very peaceful and relaxing

time.

Eventually we start to wander indoors. “How about pizza instead of what’s on the menu for to-

night?” I ask. I think that there must be a fine line between relaxation and laziness! But, then my husband

readily agrees to the choice. He knows what was on the menu!

Your president, Linda Furuness

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:HOLLIDAY PARK

Fridays, October 10th. & October 24th., 9 to 11 A.M., rain or shine: Holliday Park — FREE

Learn & Labor Workshops, sponsored by The Friends of Holliday Park.

During the October 10th. session, horticulturist Chris Turner will share & discuss his favorite Garden

Literature’ & invites participants to bring their favorites to share too.

Saturdays, October 4th. & 25th. 9 to 12 noon: Work Days with Katie Neill, Indy Parks.

All sessions qualify for Master Gardener volunteer hours.

Tools, gloves, water – and bug repellant are provided or bring your own. No registration necessary.

Details at hollidaypark.org/volunteers.

Questions: please check www.hollidaypark.org/volunteers; (P) 317-327-7180. Thanks to all who

have participated in these programs this year. Holliday Park is a better & more beautiful place for all your

efforts which have been recognized & appreciated by its many hundreds of visitors. Shirley Fry

PROGRAM: "KILLER COMPANION PLANTS"

Dr. Paul Cappiello, Executive Director, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

Free and open to the public Sunday, October 5, 2014

Time: Reception 1:15 P.M.; Lecture: 2 P.M.

Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis

Dr. Cappiello will discuss “Killer Companion Plants” that will make your hosta plants shine all

season long. From trees to shrubs, ground covers to perennials, he will cover a list of outstanding plants

that will bring exciting color, texture and form to the hosta garden.

Pat Brummer, IHS, Publicity, 317-251-6465; indianapolishostasociety.org

HORTICULTURE EXTENSION HINTS by Steve Mayer

October Garden Calendar Tips

Note: Letters and numbers following the tip refer to Purdue publications on the topic. Other reference

links may also be supplied.

First Week: To re-bloom a poinsettia, place it in complete darkness overnight for 13 or more hours

(between 5 pm and 8 am). Begin October 1 and continue daily until the red bracts show (HO-73).

Second Week: Why do leaves turn color in the fall? It depends on plant pigments, the physiology and anat-

omy of leaves, and the influence of climate and seasonal weather conditions (FNR-FAQ-5). More info on

the miracle of fall: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/fallcolor/

Third Week: Start forcing hardy bulbs for indoor bloom (HO-19).

Fourth Week: Dig tender bulbs like cannas and dahlias right after the first killing frost for winter storage.

Allow to air dry, pack in dry peat moss or vermiculite, and store in a cool location (HO-86).

For more timely tips, follow me on Twitter @purduehortindy (or go to the following to view:

http://twitter.com/purduehortindy). You don’t have to be on Twitter to simply view my comments.

Demo Garden Facebook Page Continues

I continue to make regular posts to our Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PurdueIndyDemoGarden. You don’t have to belong to

Facebook to simply view the page.

Demonstration Garden Update

Although some of the plants are declining for the season, a few are looking better than ever such as the

Glamour Red (2011 AAS Winner) Ornamental Kale and Sparkle White (2014 AAS Winner) Gaura.

‘Glamour Red’ Ornamental Kale is star ting to become more colorful with the cooler weather . Here it is with Pur -

ple Heart, Setcreasea pallida. (Photo Credit: Steve Mayer, 9/24/2014)

Page 4 T H E G RE EN E R Y

HORTICULTURE EXTENSION HINTS, continued..

New Master Gardener Class Resource Page

This web page is being updated as I proceed through the classes this fall. So far, sessions 1-4 are done

(updated links and web assignments). The page is titled Master Gardener Lessons. It is found directly at:

https://extension.purdue.edu/marion/pages/l.aspx?intLabelID=13 or from the top drop-down Gar-

den menu at: http://IndyMG.org.

Fall Best for Controlling Many Lawn Weeds

Although broadleaf weed control could have begun in September, waiting until October allows for

more germination of winter annual weeds like henbit and chickweed before treatment. This is important be-

cause most lawn broadleaf weed killers are applied after the weeds appear.

Combination herbicide products containing 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba are very effective for control of

dandelions and many other broadleaf weeds when applied in the fall. Fall applications of lawn weed killers are

particularly important for difficult-to-control weeds like ground ivy and violet. Serious weed problems may

benefit from a second application 3-4 weeks after the first treatment.

The most effective active ingredients for ground ivy are (in order): triclopyr, fluroxypyr (not usually

found in homeowner products), and 2,4-D. Multiple years may be required for good control of difficult lawn

weeds.

Research shows that different populations of ground ivy may have different susceptibilities to herbi-

cides. One population may be more sensitive to triclopyr while another population may be more sensitive to

2,4-D.

Avoid unnecessary use of herbicides. If only a small number of weeds are present, consider spot treat-

ments with a liquid product rather than treating the whole lawn. Homeowners may find that liquid broadleaf

herbicides provide a better degree of control than granular post-emergence products due to better leaf coverage

and absorption of the herbicide.

Broadleaf herbicide treatments for difficult weeds are most effective when combined with good cultur-

al practices that help the turf compete with existing weed infestations and prevent new weed invasions. Set the

cutting height of the mower to 3-4 inches. Apply up to 2 to 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet

per year. Consider applying at least two-thirds of the fertilizer in the fall. Finally, try to eliminate some shade

if possible. ,,,,,,,,,, (continued on page 6)

V OLU ME 25, ISS UE 10 Page 5

Gaura ‘Sparkle White’ has become denser and

showier late in the season. New Look Celosia also con-

tinues to look good with little care. (Photo Credit: Ste-

ve Mayer, 9/24/2014)

New State Master Gardener Volunteer

Guidelines

I will be communicating these new state-wide

guidelines a little later this fall via e-mail (or postal

mail if you don’t have e-mail).

EXTENSION HORTICULTURE HINTS …..Cont. from page

THE QUESTION BOX by Steve Mayer

THE GREENERY

PURDUE EXTENSION

M ARION COUNTY, PUBLISHER

——————————————————

Mail/e-mail your information by 20th of

EVERY MONTH for INCLUSION next

issue.

Judy Armstrong, Editor

My mailing address is in the MG directory.

E-mail: news@indymcmga.org

—————————————————-WE’RE ON THE WEB AT:

indymcmga.org Find us on FACEBOOK

STEVE MAYER — Extension Educator-Horticulture

Purdue Extension-Marion County,

1202 E. 38th Street, Discovery Hall, Suite 201

Indianapolis, IN 46205-2857

Direct: 317- 275-9290; MCMGA Answerline 317-275– 9292

Fax: 317- 275-9309; E-mail: MayerSL@purdue.edu

Debbie Schelske, Administrative Assist. 317-275-9286

Marion County Consumer Horticulture:

http://IndyHorticulture.org

Marion County Master Gardener Program:

http://IndyMG.org

Ongoing good cultural practices should allow you to reduce your lawn’s need for herbicides

(depending on the quality of lawn you desire).

For more information on specific weeds and their control, go to the Purdue Weed of Month web page:

http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/weedofthemonth.html.

Q. Where can I find good topsoil?

A. There is no official definition for what is purchased as topsoil so anything could be sold. Ideally you

would go see it and test it (at least ask to see a copy of the latest soil test report they have taken).

Ballard, Caplan & Mickelbart (Purdue staff) wrote an article on Dealing with Landscape Soils. In that

article the following attributes of a suitable topsoil are suggested:

Organic matter content between 1.5 and 10% (if below 5.0, I would add more organic matter to the soil)

Soil pH 4.5 to 5.9 for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas

Soil pH 6.0 to 6.8 for most plants

Soluble salts less than 0.5 mmhos/cm

Soil textures: sandy loam, silt loam, or loam

Gravel content less than 10%

Free of broken glass, paint chips, plastic

Not contaminated with lead

Soil should be friable but not pulverized

Free of weed seed or perennial weed roots

It may not be possible to find a soil that fits all of the characteristics. For example, the soil for our

demonstration garden (purchased in bulk from a local mulch/soil amendment supplier) had a pH of 8.0 and we

were still successful.

The link to the complete article on Dealing with Landscape Soils is on our Master Gardener class re-

source page for Session 2, Soils and Fertilizers:

https://extension.purdue.edu/Marion/Pages/article.aspx?intItemID=4512.

Purdue does not endorse nor disclaim information that appears in this newsletter. It is intended only for informational purposes. It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.

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