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The Garden Fence

Harford County

Master Gardeners

Monthly Newsletter

In Autumn we tend to view the growing season as over. Not true! It is the perfect time to transplant trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Although the air temperatures drop, it takes much longer for the soil to

cool down. Transplanting plants now ensures their root system will have time to establish before spring growth.

Autumn is the season of balancing light and dark. As we watch leaves flutter to the ground, we are reminded of nature’s cycles. Let us mirror

this in our own lives. Reconnect with others and ourselves. Call that old friend and make a lunch date. Share your plentiful harvest with someone less fortunate. Rest after all your hard work. Take time to

reflect. Celebrate your achievements. Plan for the future.

In addition, it is apple season! Cut an apple crosswise and study the

seeds. What do you see? A star? Each point hidden inside represents fire, air, wind, earth and spirit. All these things contribute to life and are

a part of each of us. As Master Gardeners, we are friends, teachers, advisors, trying to help others understand and sustain good gardening practices.

Thank you all for your time and generosity. Together we make a

difference that will benefit all future generations. Ronnie Grevey, ‘16

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees… Amelia Earhart.

President’s Message

Inside this Issue President’s Message

Buttonbush Information

Sheet

STEM? STEAM? STREAM?

What do all these letters mean?

What’s Eating My Tree? Bagworms or Webworms?

Delaware Botanic Gardens

Grand Opening

Melody’s Book Reviews

Spiced Tomato Jam Recipe

Basic Cream Scones Recipe

Continuing Education Opportunities

Harford County Master Gardener Calendar

Officers Ronnie Grevey, President

Anne Bredlow, Vice President

Kim Poehling, Secretary

Carol Linthicum, Secretary

Greg Murray, Treasurer

Steve O’Brien, Newsletter

Editor

Ginny Smith, Newsletter & Continuing Education

Quick Links

Harford County Extension

Office

Home & Garden Info Center

VMS Logon

Harford County Master

Gardener Calendar

October/November 2019

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Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

The buttonbush is a deciduous shrub that is frequently wider than tall. Spherical clusters of tiny white flowers develop June through August. These fragrant flowers give way to round, hard, golden-brown fruit that resemble old-fashioned dress buttons. The buttonbush leaves are narrow, dark green, pointed

ovals with red ribs. In fall, the foliage will turn bronze, gold or burgundy.

Buttonbush is ideal for naturalizing in rain gardens and bio swales because they generally need less annual maintenance than herbaceous plantings. Their woody structure offers a substantial foundation in rain events and protects neighboring perennials from being walked on, driven over, or otherwise

damaged.

Honey balls, button willow, and button wood are some common names for Cephalanthus. It is a favorite food for honeybees, bumblebees and sweat bees. Butterflies love them too! Painted lady, silver-spotted skipper and other butterflies feed on the nectar in the hundreds of spherical blooms

found in each ball.

Fruit

The fall fruit can persist through winter, providing garden interest and food for birds and waterfowl. The clusters of two-seeded fruits are 1 1/2 inches in diameter. More than 25 species of ducks and

geese, wild turkeys and more than 28 species of bird feed on buttonbush. Botanical name: Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Names: Buttonbush, button willow, honey ball, honey bush Family (Botanic): Rubiaceae (English): Madder Family

Tree or Plant Type: Shrub

Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)

Native Locale: North America

Landscape Uses: Massing, Specimen, Windbreak

Size Range: Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Medium shrub (5-8 feet)

Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)

Hardiness Zones: Zone 4,5,6,7,8

Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil, wet soil

Tolerances: Wet sites, Occasional flooding, Alkaline soil

Buttonbush Information Sheet

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Ornamental Interest: Summer blossoms, Persistent fruit/seeds

Season of Interest: Mid & Late summer; Early, Mid & Late fall

Flower Color & Fragrance: Fragrant, White

Shape or Form: Arching, Irregular, Upright

Growth Rate: Moderate

More Information on Buttonbush: Tree & Plant Care: Typically grows 6 to12 feet high and 12 to18 feet wide

in an upright arching to irregular form. Cultivars can be smaller. Excellent for naturalizing or wet areas; avoid dry sites. Best in full sun to part shade in moist to wet soils. Not tolerant of dry soil.

Often long-lived. Prune in dormant season or early spring before new growth.

Disease, pests and problems: Sensitive to drought and deep shade. Native geographic location and habitat: Found primarily in wet or lowland areas.

Attracts birds & butterflies: A nectar source attracting butterflies such as tiger swallowtail and

hummingbirds. Attracts over 24 species of birds, including robin, kingbird, and towhee. The nutlets that persist through winter are appealing to birds.

Bark color and texture: Gray and somewhat peeling, develops furrows with age.

Leaf arrangement, size, shape, and texture: Whorled to opposite leaf arrangement. Leaves are

glossy green, up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Medium green in summer turning to yellow in fall. Leaves emerge in late spring. Flower arrangement, shape, and size: Small, 1-inch round ball-like clusters of white flowers held on

long stems (petioles). Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions: A hard, 1-inch, ball-like fruit persist throughout winter.

Reddish fall color maturing to brown. Cultivars and their differences: This plant is a cultivar of a species that is native to the Chicago

Region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. Cultivars are plants produced in cultivation by selective breeding or via vegetative

propagation from wild plants identified to have desirable traits."

Sputnik buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Bieberich'): 8 to 10 feet high shrub with rounded

habit. Glossy green leaves turn yellow fall color.

Sugar Shack™ buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCOSS'): A short form reaching 3 to 4 feet

high, fruits have reddish tipped foliage and red fruit.

References:

Bee Culture

American Bee Keeping Journal

Morton Arboretum

Native Plants Committee, submitted by Eleanor Cone ‘98

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What started as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM, has

evolved into STEAM with the addition of the Arts, and now into STREAM with the inclusion of Reading. These programs all link the different disciplines instead of treating the

disciplines as individual entities. Whatever type of school event (STEM, STEAM, or STREAM) you might find several Master Gardeners engaging students and parents with hands-on gardening related activities. In the past these activities included planting lettuce

cups, testing soil for pH and/or nutrients, manipulating a watershed model to simulate pollution from various sources, examining insect specimens, learning about vermiculture, or some other horticulture

or environmental stewardship activity. The Harford County MG STEM Committee was organized by MG Grace Wyatt in 2013. She

partnered with the Harford/Cecil Community College initiative who planned the STEM nights at local middle/high schools. They targeted elementary students feeding into those particular middle or high

schools. The STEM initiative rotated locations throughout the county from one year to the next. The two part-evening event included displays set up by science-based organizations in the school Exhibit Hall. Part two offered hands on science classes in which students rotated throughout the evening.

Master Gardeners participated in both parts. A display and microscope activity were provided

in the Exhibit Hall. Students could view many captivating items under the digital microscope. In the classroom portion, we had an interactive, plastic watershed model that taught students about their watershed and best management practices. Over the years, the STEM format of 2013 has evolved

into individual (usually elementary) schools hosting their own STEM/STEAM/STREAM events.

During the 2018-2019 school year, the HCMG STEM Committee participated in three different STEM, STEAM, or STREAM Nights at Harford County elementary schools, both public and private. These events are often scheduled during the latter

half of the school year, either during the school day or as an evening event.

On January 24, 2019, eight Harford County Master Gardeners (HCMGs) engaged with students and parents during STREAM Night at Halls Crossroads Elementary School.

We planted lettuce cups with the students, shared the art of vermiculture, and discussed the concept

of good insects versus bad insects. The participation from students and parents was amazing! A total of 89 students rotated through our classroom accompanied by 65 adults! Plus, the number of

participants doubled from the previous year! On February 28, 2019, again eight HCMGs, participated in STREAM Night at Magnolia

Elementary School, identical in design to the event at Halls Crossroads. This was another successful

event that provided an opportunity to discuss and educate students and parents about horticulture. At

Magnolia ES we had 98 contacts within a 2-hour period in 2019, compared to 69 the prior year. Our final STEM event was at St Joan of ARC School, designed for a Grade 6-8 Open House.

Students were to rotate through classrooms spending about 20 minutes in each classroom. Our team set up pH testing stations for the students. Unfortunately, the night only allowed the students the

opportunity to "drop-in" for a few minutes. Our 5 HCMGs adjusted the activities and taught 24 children a mini lesson on pH and its effects on plants.

STEM? STEAM? STREAM? What do all these letters mean?

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The HCMG STEM Committee has enjoyed participating in all aspects of STEM, STEAM, or STREAM Nights held throughout the years at: Mountain Christian, North

Harford Middle, Southampton Middle, Fallston Middle, Edgewood Middle, Patterson Mill Middle, Aberdeen High School, and John Carroll School. STEM

programs for students attending Eden Mill Summer Camp and Harford County 4H Camp have also been presented. Plus, unique STEM/STEAM/STREAM programs organized by Churchville Elementary and Youth Benefit Elementary were very

successful HCMG events.

Looking ahead to 2019-2020, we already have received requests and are looking for suggestions to increase our HCMG STEM programs. More than 30 different Master Gardeners participated in these events over the past three years!

Are you interested in helping with STEM? If working with children doesn't scare you off, please join in on these fun STEM/STEAM/STREAM events! Our first scheduled STREAM event is at Magnolia Elementary School on March 26, 2020. Look for emails from Diane Payne recruiting volunteers for specific events. Or, contact the STEM

Co-Chairs, Carol Lancaster (recyclecfl@aol.com) or Stephanie Flasch (sflaschs@gmail.com) for more

information. Carol Lancaster, ‘13 and Stephanie Flasch, ‘14

Have you noticed the large webbed sacs in the trees along the sides of the road lately? Often, they

are referred to as bagworms which causes some confusion because bagworms are a different insect. So, what are webworms and bagworms? Will they cause damage to trees? Let’s look at them both.

Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea)

Fall webworms show up every year but their populations can vary in size. Often,

they are insignificant in number and not too noticeable, but every so often there is a large population. The sacs can be numerous and quite large, leading one to

assume they will devour an entire tree’s worth of leaves.

But, thankfully, beneficial insects such as parasitoids and predators such as birds,

who love to eat the caterpillars, keep populations in check and spraying is not necessary. Granted, the webs are not pleasing to look at. If they are within reach they can be pruned out and destroyed.

Fall webworm facts

There are two generations each year. One is active in May and the second

larger population is active starting in late summer into the fall. However, the sacs can be noticeable in the trees all winter.

They feed on over 100 species of trees. Preferred hosts include walnut, oak,

hickory, willow, apple, and other fruit trees.

The adult is a ¾ inch-long moth, white or white with black spots.

After eggs hatch on a host tree, the caterpillars produce a fine web over the ends of branches. They feed only within the web.

Mature caterpillars are about an inch long with noticeable long, silky hairs. They come in two colors,

the ones with black heads are yellowish-white and the red-headed ones are brown.

What’s Eating My Tree? Bagworms or Webworms?

Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea). Photo: Milan Zubrik, Forest Research Institute – Slovakia, Bugwood.org

Fall Webworms. Photo: Kelly Oten, North Carolina Forest Service, Bugwood.org

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Both color forms have paired black tubercles running down the back. They are covered with long, silky gray hairs.

The caterpillars produce a web of fine silk over terminal branches. They only feed inside the web, which they enlarge as they grow. Look on the south side of tree crowns for the first sign of webbing.

The webs may become messy, but the caterpillars rarely consume enough terminal growth to affect the tree. The first generation begins in May and is usually small. The second-generation caterpillars are present from August through October. The dry webs hang on terminals into the winter.

When unchecked by the wide variety of insects and birds that feed on them, caterpillars can defoliate entire trees in late summer. The late season defoliation is too close to the time of leaf drop to harm

plant health.

Management

Prune out webbed terminals as they are detected. Pole pruners are useful for

removing tents in trees. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis, var. Kurstaki), horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap is recommended to control young larvae in large infestations and

protect beneficials. There are 75 species of predators and parasites that normally keep this pest below damaging levels. Whatever you do, don't try to burn them out!!

Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)

By far bagworms are the more destructive of these two insects and need to be managed. They have voracious appetites and devour the needles of

evergreens– particularly arborvitaes, junipers, Leyland cypresses, and cedars. We hear the cries of desperate residents wanting to know if the dead areas on

their trees will regrow. Unfortunately, that answer is no.

Bagworm facts

There is one generation per season.

In addition to conifers, they will feed on deciduous trees (ones that shed their leaves in the fall) such as sycamore, maple, locust, boxelder, and linden, but

the damage is not as significant.

Eggs hatch in late May or early June. Caterpillars feed and create bags made from pieces of the plant they are feeding on. The bags enlarge as the

caterpillars feed during the summer.

The caterpillars pupate in late summer. Adult male moths emerge and fly to

female bags that contain wingless female moths, then mating occurs. Females can lay 200-1,000 eggs which overwinter in the female bag.

Controlling bagworms

Fall, winter, and spring: Remove and destroy bags containing overwintering eggs. Pinch them at the tip or use a small clipper to remove the ones you can reach from the tree. Do not drop them on the

ground near the trees. Dispose of them in the trash.

Beginning in late May into early June. Begin to look for small caterpillars moving on the trees. As they feed, small

bags will form. The best time to spray is when the caterpillars have just emerged and are small. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt),

an organic insecticide, will help to control the young caterpillars.

By mid-July the caterpillars will be too large for Bt to be

effective. Look for a registered insecticide labeled for

Bagworm damage on Arborvitae. The brown portion will not recover. Photo: University of Maryland Extension

Evergreen bagworm. Photo: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

Young bagworms can be controlled with an organic insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Photo: Chazz Hesselein, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Bugwood.org

Adult fall webworm moth and eggs Photo: Purdue Extension

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bagworms at a plant nursery or hardware store. Contact an arborist or landscaper to treat large trees or if the bags are located high up in the trees.

For more information refer to https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/easternforest-tent-caterpillars-trees

Members of the Lewes Beekeeping Club got a sneak peek tour of the new Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) in Dagsboro, Delaware in sweltering mid-

August. The Gardens later opened to huge fanfare in mid-September. Of the 37 acres of planned gardens only 40 percent are available for enjoyment this fall. At present, the gardens include wetlands, reconstructed ancient inland dunes, 12.5

acre woodlands and a two-acre meadow consisting of 70,000 pollinator-attracting plants.

Carol McCloud, Vice President of the DBG Board of Director and Tour Bureau Coordinator, took our pre-tour group through 1.8 miles of winding trail. Along

the way, Carol directed our attention to many scenic views. While clearing branches the volunteers built five huge bird’s nests! A rock stairway lead to the

highest knoll (19-feet above sea level). They have partnered with Center for Inland Bays and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to create a “Living Shoreline

Project” along 500 feet of Pepper Creek for erosion control. She also pointed out DBG’s “folly”, a garden located in the ruins of the previous landowners’

house. The brick outline of its foundation and fireplace are planted with 2,500 daffodil bulbs that will explode into a sea of yellow this spring! Continuing the tour, Carol showed us the occasional driftwood and other

“sculptures” scattered throughout the trail.

We had a brief respite from the heat when we stopped at DBG’s Welcome Center (designed like a potting shed and made entirely out of cedar). Designed by SEA Studio Architects, the Delaware

Community Foundation provided a $25,000 grant. Carol also mentioned the gardens received and planted 32 American holly trees

donated from the Charles R. Anderson Holly Collection in Owings Mills, MD. Formerly an active member of the Holly Society of America, Mr.

Anderson’s holly collection is internationally recognized.

Winding up the tour, we wandered through the gravel paths of the two-acre

meadow garden designed by internationally renowned Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf. He is famous for designing the High Line Garden in New York City and Lurie Garden in Chicago. Of the 70,000 plants, 85% are native

and 15% are pollinator-compatible non-native perennials and grasses. Planted in a matrix pattern with a cluster mix of high and lower plants

and grasses, the meadow is an all seasons garden where something is blooming all year.

For more information on DBG tours and membership, call 302-321-9061 or go to their web site, http://www.delawaregardens.org.

Patricia Barnhart, ‘19

Delaware Botanic Gardens Grand Opening

Pink muhly grasses grow in

DBG’s Piet Oudolf Meadow

Garden. Photo: Cape Gazette

Close-up of DBG’s meadow.

Photo: Ray Bojarski

Overhead view of DBG’s meadow.

Photo: Ray Bojarski

“Bird’s nest” by Pepper Creek. Photo: Ray Bojarski

Photo: Ray Bojarski

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Usually I read a lot in winter. This past year’s rain, rain, and Rain and constant repetition of tv programming had given me even more time to read. I find out

about interesting new reads on NPR, FM 88.1, while driving. Following my notebook “chicken scratch” list, I go looking for these at the library. I make a game

of the search and when I find one of the books on my list, it’s an ahh moment with great satisfaction of marking it off! For example, I vaguely remember that “Prince of Tides” was out as a movie, but I did not see it. Maybe five years later I

heard a repeat interview with the author, Pat Conroy, and finally went searching for the book. I found it in paperback, although preferring large print hardback, I am so glad I read it. It is fiction and very dark

in places, but full of well- researched facts about nature as well.

The book I will put on my Christmas list is “The Living Landscape” by Rick

Darke and Doug Tallamy. It is a wonderful “how to” guide for layering landscapes designed to introduce more diversity and interesting wildlife. The book jacket

states it is about designing for beauty and biodiversity in the home garden. It is a beautifully laid out “go to” book for us all. Consider the following enticing chapter titles:

Chapter two – The Community of living Organisms: Why inter-relationships matter more than numbers,

Chapter four - The art of observation, and

Chapter Five includes applying layers in the home garden.

The book also includes a list of plants for our mid-Atlantic region. I have read individual books from both authors before, but this is a great collaborative book released in 2014 by Timber Press. We have been fortunate to have Professor Doug Tallamy many times at Master Gardener advanced education

programs. He is an inspirational speaker! I credit his lectures with quadrupling the bird population in my landscape.

Another enjoyable Garden book author is Felder Rushing. I do not remember how I came to own “Tough Plants For Southern Gardens” from 2003, the year I began my

journey with Master Gardeners. Mr. Rushing’s writing also intensified my thing for cobalt blue bottles. His newest release is titled “Slow Gardening: A No-Stress Philosophy for all Senses and Seasons.”

The forward is written by Roger Swain of “Victory Garden” fame. It is full of quotes from other gardeners such as:

“Every garden is a chore sometimes, but no real garden is nothing but a chore.” - Nancy Grasby, and “Gardening is the purest of human pleasure.” – Francis Bacon. Try

“enjoyment-based gardening” described by Felder Rushing. You probably won’t agree with everything he

says, but will enjoy a chuckle along the way.

“Why is it that so many of us persist in thinking that

Autumn is a sad season? Nature has merely fallen asleep, and her dreams

must be beautiful if we are to Judge by her countenance.”

– Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Melody Ellen Karbley, ‘03

Melody’s Book Reviews

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Ingredients: (Makes 5 cups)

2 1/2 cups tomato pulp

1 1/2 tsp lemon zest 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 box Sure-Jell 4 1/4 cups of sugar

Directions:

1. Use only the red pulp of the tomato juice. Do not use the watery part of the tomato juice. 2. Combine all ingredients except sugar.

3. Bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. 4. Add sugar and bring to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute.

5. Skim off foam and pour into jars. Alma Illian, ‘04

Ingredients:

2 Cups - all-purpose bleached or unbleached Flour 1/3 Cup - sugar

1 Tbsp - baking powder ½ tsp – salt

½ Cup - dry Apricots chopped in small pieces 1-1/4 Cup – heavy whipping cream 1 tsp – grated orange or lemon zest, or more to taste

2-3 tsp heavy cream sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425º.

2. In large bowl, using a rubber spatula, wooden spoon, or a fork or your fingers, mix the dry ingredients together.

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cream and zest.

4. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough will not be completely smooth. 5. Gather the dough into a ball and knead it gently against the sides and bottom of the bowl 5-10

times, turning and pressing any loose pieces of the dough each time until they adhere, and the bowl is fairly clean.

6. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and pat the dough into an 8-inch round about ¾ - inch thick.

7. Cut into 6 or 8 wedges and place at least ½-inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Brush the tops with some of the extra cream and sprinkle with sugar. 9. Bake until the tops of the scones are golden brown, 25-minutes. 10. Cool on a rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

Ellen Kuriata, MG ‘18

Spiced Tomato Jam Recipe

Basic Cream Scones Recipe

Food.com

Dixiecrystals.com

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Hazardous Waste Collection Day Nov 9 at Scarboro

Now is a good time to clean out your basement or garage and get rid of potentially hazardous items such as leftover oil-

based paint, aerosol cans, pesticides and pool chemicals that can damage your property and the environment. Harford

County residents can dispose of these items free from 8am to noon on Saturday November 9 at our Harford Waste Disposal Center at 3135 Scarboro Road in Street. Free document

shredding will also be available on site.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is defined as any leftover material that is corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive. According to the EPA the average home may have as much as 100 pounds of HHW in basements,

garages and storage closets.

Disposal guidelines: If you have HHW left over, please dispose of it properly. Harford County holds HHW acceptance days quarterly to allow County residents the safe disposal of harmful products. There is no charge for residents with only HHW material. Please follow us on Facebook or check

back for the next acceptance day. Acceptable items: herbicides, insecticides, pesticides. Aerosol cans, ammonia, bleach, fluorescent

lights, degreasers, deodorizers, driveway sealer, flea powder, furniture polish, insect repellents, lacquers, moth balls, oil-based paint, pool chemicals, solvents, turpentine, wood preservative, wood

strippers. Nonacceptable items: alkaline batteries, lead-acid batteries, ammunition, antifreeze, explosives,

Freon cylinders, gas/oil mixtures, gas, latex paint, medical waste, motor oil filters, picric acid, propane cylinders, radioactive waste, trash.

July 10 – December 11 12:00 pm Online Webinars Water and Water Reuse in Agriculture

Mid-Atlantic Women In Agriculture Wednesday Webinars

Water is so important on the farm – but not all water sources are the same. This webinar will go over recent research on water quality differences between river, pond, and recycled water as well as

explaining how recycled water could be a reliable alternative for irrigation water. To register: http://2019wednesdaywebinars.eventbrite.com For more information contact Sharon Dill -

sdill@umd.edu – 410-822-1244 For upcoming topics go to: https://extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars July 24 – December 11 12:00 pm Online Webinars Introduction to Integrated Pest management

Mid-Atlantic Women In Agriculture Wednesday Webinars

Continuing Education Opportunities

Hazardous Waste Collection

Dunw oodynorth.blogspot.com

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Integrated pest management (IPM) is a broad based approach to keeping pests population below economic injury level. This webinar will review basic IPM principles, control tactics, and how to

diagnose problems. . To register: http://2019wednesdaywebinars.eventbrite.com For more information contact Sharon Dill - sdill@umd.edu – 410-822-1244

For upcoming topics go to: https://extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars

September 1 – December 15, 2019

Becoming a Steward of the Land – UME Forestry Program Certification Program No Formal Classes

Both paper and online versions of this course will be offered. This is a non-credit course with no formal

classes – work from the comfort of your home using your won woodlot, a friend’s or a public forest. This course covers how to protect your trees from insects, diseases, and fire; step by step procedures walk

you through a forest inventory and stand analysis; and the details of the forestry business are presented, including tax nuances and sale and harvest of forest products. The course exercises help you develop the framework for a stewardship plan for your forest.

Cost: $150.00 includes copies of supplemental readings – paper version text and appendices are in binder form. Online users receive a flash drive of the paper version of text and appendices. Certificate

of Completions is awarded when all assignments are complete. For more information contact Nancy Stewart, UME, Wye Research and Education Center at 410-827-8056 xt.107 or nstewar1@umd.edu

Spend an evening photographing and learning alongside four different photography instructors as you capture the beauty and enjoy the evening serenity. Hone a different photographic skill at each

location under the guidance of the talented photographers. Photographers will provide valuable critiques. Cost: $169 To register go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454. September 18 - October 2 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Aquatic Plants Visitor Center Auditorium

Dive deep into the mysterious world of aquatic plants and

discover the benefits of adding a water garden. This course covers the major groups of plants and their care, propagation,

and uses in the garden. Cost by September 11th - $89; after 11th $79 To register go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454.

September 28 1:00 – 3:00 pm Leaf Casting with Louisa Soil Shed

Bold, beautiful textures and large leaves not only add drama in the landscape but can also be used to make stunning works of art. Create a one of a kind leaf for use in the garden as accent, birdbath, or

stepping stone. Armed with the recipe for success you can craft more sculptures at home. Cost: $69 To register go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454. September 28 12:30 – 2:00 pm Down by the Bay

Anita C. Leight Estuary

This National Estuaries Day, explore Otter Point Creek, a local link to the bay. Hike along the water’s edge in search of plants and animals and catch fish using a 100 foot seine net! To register:

www.harfordcountymd.gov/225/Parks-Recreation

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October ___ 10:15 am - 12:00 pm

Trees in Your Landscape Bel Air Library (Date TBD)

Find out what trees work in your yard and where to plant them. Identify the trees you already have and companions to plant. To register go to hcplonline.org to check date and to register. October 4 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Seed Collecting and Saving

Mt Cuba, Main House - Wet Lab

Seed collecting is a great way to get free plants and preserve the genetic diversity of local flora. Learn how to responsibly harvest seed produced by our native trees, shrubs and perennials, and the best

techniques for storing them. Following a brief lecture, participants will head out to the gardens for some hands on collecting. Take home samples from Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens. Cost : $49.00 To register

go to: https://education.mtcubacenter.org October 6 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Amazing Autumn Container Workshop Soil Shed

Add color, texture, form, seasonal interest, and more to your outdoor living space. Paul Kawoczka from Enliven Planters shares tips on keeping containers vibrant. Discuss potting media, watering and fertilizing, and design ideas for container gardening. Cost: $89 - includes container and plants

To register go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454.

October 11 10:30 am -12:00 pm Goldenrods: Fall’s Final Feast Mt. Cuba, Main House – Lecture Room 2

Goldenrod fields, the villains in countless allergy-relief commercials, are a critically important ecosystem for millions of

insects and birds. In fact they provide the last chance for life-saving pollen and nectar before winter sets in. Naturalist Mike Weilbacher discusses the ecological interactions and natural

histories of goldenrods and the associated pollinators that rely on them to survive. Cost: $25.00

To register go to: https://education.mtcubacenter.org October 12 11:00 am Houseplant Fashion Revue

Valley View Farms

A houseplant fashion revue takes place in our greenhouse, featuring new varieties and old favorites.

Our “models” will walk the aisle presenting their plants to the audience. After the revue, our invited experts will be available for recommendations and questions about houseplants.

October 12 9:30 – 10:30 am

Putting your Garden to Bed Mt. Cuba, Main House – Lecture Room 1

Give yourself a head start on next year’s garden taking care of it now! Tips on how to improve soil

quality, protect perennials over winter, encourage sites for beneficial insects, and manage all those fallen leaves. Discover how easy it is to use sustainable garden practices that keep the garden tidy,

healthy, and ready for spring. Cost: $15.00 To register go to: https://education.mtcubacenter.org

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October 15 7:30 pm Glorious Shade Gardens: Dazzling Plants, Design Ideas, and Proven Techniques for Shady

Garden Cylburn Arboretum

Jenny Rose Carey will discuss design ideas and horticultural suggestions for shade gardening. She will share photos and present some of her favorite native and non-native plants. Tested tips for planting and maintaining a shade garden. Book sale and signing to follow. For more information call 410-821-

5561or email programs@mdhorticulture.org. Admission for non-members is $10.00.

October 16 12:30pm – 2 pm Ethnobotany and Folklore of Native Trees Mt. Cuba, Main House – Room 2

In the days before pharmacies, native trees were the source of materials to soothe headaches, thicken stews, relieve childbirth pains and attract a boyfriend. Tour the gardens and draw the line through

history connecting stories about trees and the people who used them for food, medicine, tools, shelter, and religious ceremonies. Cost: $25.00 To register go to https://education.mtcubacenter.org

October 17 7:00 pm Scary Plants and Old Wives Tales Joppatowne, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church – Upper Room

Oh, coming of Halloween! Prepare yourselves Talk given by Master Gardener Meg Algren October 18 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Perennial Plant Conference Lang Performing Arts Center, Swarthmore College

The conference includes topics such as sustainable combinations of perennials, naturalistic design style, no-fuss perennials that are also attractive, plants that become popular, how to maintain the

adaptivity of plants to changing climate, and more. Cost is $119.00 by September 17 after $149.00. To register go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454.

October 19 9:00 am- 4:00 pm Maryland Small Ruminant Pasture, Grazing and Browsing Conference Western Maryland Research & Education Center – Keedysville, Md.

The first ever Maryland Small Ruminant Pasture, Grazing and Browsing Conference being held. Speakers include pasture management specialist, goat and sheep specialist, and numerous other

Maryland extension specialists. Registration fee is $35.00per person and includes refreshments, lunch, and a flashdrive with resource materials. For more information or to register go to https://2019grazingconference.eventbright.com or contact Susan Schoenian at 301-432-2767x343

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October 21 ONLINE Trees, Shrubs and Conifers (8 week course)

Longwood Gardens in connection with NC State University

Explore traditional woody plants including flowering trees, shrubs and conifers. Learn cultural information about these structural plantings and their use in the landscape. Cost is

$179.00 by October 14 after $189.00. To register go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454. October 26 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Eco-Printed Silk Scarves: Section E

Mt Cuba, Main House - Wet Lab

Create stunning silk scarves using leaves and other natural materials in this one day workshop. Learn

how to bundle and wrap your fabric and plant materials so that your prints come out clearly and with maximum color. Discover how color shifting occurs during dye bath and how mordants assist the dye process, and how different fabrics and techniques affect the resulting color. Students will complete

two full length scarves. Bring your lunch. Cost n: $79.00 To register go to: https://education.mtcubacenter.org

October 27 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Invasinators

Anita C. Leight Estuary

Become a part of a volunteer team of invasive plant removers and native plant restorers. Learn why

non-native invasive plants are a threat to the ecosystem, how to identify problem plants, and removal and restoration strategies. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and work gloves for field work in the Reserve. Weather permitting. To register:www.harfordcountymd.gov/225/Parks-Recreation

October – November 19 Online Webinar

The Woods in your Backyard University of Maryland Extension

Registration now open for this online course. Self-paced, non-credit course runs 10 weeks from

September 4th = November 19th. The course will help landowners convert lawn to natural areas and enhance stewardship of existing natural areas. Course provides strategies to land owners of small

parcels of land (1-10 acres) that improve the stewardship of their property for personal enjoyment and environmental quality. It uses a hands-on learning approach to help participants develop and implement a plan for their property. Online discussion groups allow participants to interact with

others taking the course. A certificate of completion is awarded when all assignments are completed.

Course costs $96.00 pp which includes the guide, workbook, and a tree identification guide. Sign up now. For more information go to htts://extension.umd.edu/woodland/woods-your-backyard/online-course. To register through Evenbrite, go to https://wiyb online s7.eventbrite.com Registration ends

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September – December 15 Online Webinar The General Forest Course

University of Maryland Extension

You will learn how to protect your trees from insets,

diseases, and fire; step by step procedures will walk you through a forest inventory and stand analysis; and the details of the forestry business are presented. Ultimately the

course exercises help you develop he framework for a stewardship plan for your forest.

Cost is $150.00 which includes a flash drive of the paper version of the text and appendices. A Certificate of completion is awarded when all assignments are completed. Go to

http://extension.umd.edu/forestry-course for more of a preview. For more information, contact Nancy Stewart at 410-827-8056 or email nstewar1umd.edu

Joyce Browning | Urban Horticulturist Master Gardener Coordinator | Harford County Office

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic

information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

October-November Harford County Master Gardener Calendar

The below Calendar entries are only a small sample of the scheduled Master Gardener events. Please refer to the following link to view the entire Harford County Master Gardener calendar

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/b/3?cid=bWFzdGVyZ2FyZGVuZXJzaGNAZ21haWwuY29t MG Stephanie Flash is the contact for changes and additions to our new calendar. Please send calendar

requests, changes or additions to mastergardenershc@gmail.com

October 3, Octoberfest Auction 7 - 9 pm Monthly MG Meeting Extension Office

October 31 10 – 11:30 am Steering Committee Extension Office

November 7 10 am Monthly MG Meeting Extension Office

November 28 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Note: No Steering Committee in November due to scheduling conflict with the Thanksgiving Holiday

December 5 6 pm December Holiday Party @ Liriodendron Mansion