September 2015 Volume 21

Richland County Master Gardener Newsletter

The President’s Message...........

The end of summer seems a strange time to be thinking of

December and the end of the year but it’s time to think about

2016 officers for our organization of Richland County Master

Gardeners. Per our by-laws, we elect our President, Vice

President, Secretary and Treasurer each year to serve on our

board. Any officer can serve a maximum of two consecutive years

but after the two year term may serve on the board multiple non-

consecutive terms. Also on the board is the last year’s President.

As the last two meetings of the year take place, we need to nominate next year officers and

then vote of them. Interns are not eligible to sit on the board. (If you took the class in 2015

you must have completed and recorded 50 volunteer hours before you can be a board

member.)

While each year’s issues are unique, some of the issues facing this year’s board included:

defining the differences between current and non-current members; defining how a non-

current member can become a current member; book sales; explaining projects; a new class

of interns and recruiting volunteers for projects. The 2016 board will determine how the

issues will be addressed.

Good luck 2016 board.

The President’s Message...........

Master Gardener President,

Pat Storms

Richland County Master Gardeners

Current Committee Chairs:

Butterfly/Flag Garden Jennifer Wehry

Nature Garden

Phenology Garden Mark Johnson

Stingel Elementary School Garden Mark Johnson

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 Joshua Werner

Malabar Heritage Days Jim Huffman

Kingwood Spring Festival Sue Donahue

Richland County Fair Janet Bixler

Richland County Speaker Bureau

Refer to the Master Gardener Roster for Speaker contact information or contact

Alan Steiner @ awsteiner@zoominternet.net 419 289-8663

Vernal Pools Merrill Tawse

Insect Identification Merrill Tawse

Fertilizers Eric Larson

Soils Eric Larson

Pruning Eric Larson,

Annuals Mona Kneuss,

Perennials Mona Kneuss

Native Plants Merrill Tawse

Gardening for Wildlife Merrill Tawse

Butterflies/Gardening Merrill Tawse

Vegetable Gardening Mona Kneuss, J. Taddie

Daylilies Pat Edwards

Eucalyptus Eric Larson

Clematis Eric Larson

Integrated Pest Management Alan Steiner

Deer Management Eric Larson

Plants that attract good bugs/repel pests Eric Larson

Plant Propagation for the Homeowner Eric Larson

Garden Soil/Prep. – New Season Eric Larson

What does it take to Garden? Eric Larson

Getting Ready to Plant Eric Larson

Water Gardens M.Tawse, M. Kneuss, A. Steiner, E. Larson

Container Gardening Eric Larson

Organic Gardener & Avid Compost Creator Mark Johnson

Roses, Queen of the Flower Garden Eric Larson

Enabling Gardening/Horticulture Therapy Eric Larson

Gardens not Grass Mark Johnson

Your Own Victory Garden Eric Larson

Community Gardens Mona Kneuss, J. Taddie

Anyone Can be a “Green Thumb” Eric Larson

Steps for Fall Gardening Eric Larson

Closing the Garden Eric Larson

Additional, Second Season Planting Eric Larson

Plants for the Fall Eric Larson

Requested Topics (all requests may not be created) Michelle Moritz

THE ABOVE IS CONTACT INFORMATION FOR RICHLAND COUNTY MASTER GARDENER SPEAKERS BUREAU, PLEASE

DO NOT POST THIS INFORMATION IN A PUBLIC AREA, PLEASE DO NOT DISEMINATE THIS LIST OTHER THAN

FOR PEOPLE TO CONTACT A SPEAKER FOR A PRESENTATION.

RICHLAND COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS AUGUST 10, 2015 MEETING MINUTES

Richland County Fairgrounds

Due to inclement weather, our tour of the Nature Garden led by Bill Flanegan was postponed until the rain subsides.

Business Meeting: (When making motions, please say your name) The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by President Pat Storms. Other officers present were Vice-president Sue Donahue, Treasurer Missy Malone, and Secretary Bonnie Hawley

*Treasurer’s Report was approved by voice vote (Hurst/Edwards). Dues of $20.00 are due January 1st for all Master Gardeners (Interns earning their 50 volunteer hours after December 31st will pay dues at their completion). You may bring dues to next meeting.

*Review minutes: Bill Flanegan pointed out that the garden at the fairgrounds is the “Nature Park”. Since farm board is in charge of garden, any changes to name or mission statement must be OK’d by them. Minutes were approved as amended (Corney/Sinnhuber) by voice vote.

*Volunteer Hours & Education Hours: http://Ohio.volunteersystem.org--system will track your hours, but you need to record them for you, RCMGV and OSU to get credit for them. * Interns—need 50 hours to move to member status and web site will automatically track this. Project leaders needing additional volunteers stand up—if you need hours see these people. *Cheryl Harner discussed FLoraquest, an educational, non-profit event held at Mohican & Malabar on August 27-29. If you are interested in helping or attending, contact Cheryl and she will put you in touch with Mary Lee Minor, who is in charge of event.

Old Business

*Book Sales: Garde-Pedia books are still available for sale at $12.00. They will also be sold at Kingwood Center “Meet Me in the Garden” and at the MGV Richland fair booth. New Business *Oct. meeting: at Kingwood—enter through Linden Road gate. Project Coordinators please discuss your end of year updates. Bonnie Sinnhuber needs volunteers for refreshments. *Dec meeting: potluck at Longview Center. OSU’s mandatory course on food safety does not take effect until January 2016, so next year members will be required to do this online study (counts as education hours). The site is: Certification Class Link: Log in as guest with pass code OSUEXTOQC (ALL CAPS) http://production.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/apps/courses/cfaes/course/enrol.php?id=109 *Officers for 2015: need nominations for officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary) at Oct. meeting to be voted in at Dec. meeting. *Tee shirt sales: to be done in September, but we have heard nothing about it as yet. Due to late heads up about project in June, nothing was done. One problem is shipping charge is dependent on number of shirts ordered, so it’s difficult to determine a member price. It was suggested that RCMGV pay the shipping. Virginia Sharp volunteered to co-ordinate this project.

A break in the rain allowed us to tour the Nature Park, led by the very knowledgeable Bill Flaherty. Everyone was in awe of the tremendous job he and his committee has done to make it a thing of beauty.

(Returning to New Business at 6:55) *OSU Coordinator: a replacement for Linda Ward is needed. Regina Berg volunteered. *Janet Steiner reported that Kingwood Center has asked us to participate in the Pumpkin Glow Scarecrow Contest. Pumpkin carvers will choose the best one entered and award a $50.00 prize, and also provide free tickets to that club’s members. Event is October 17 & 18 with scarecrow to be in place by 6 PM on October 13. Motion to participate (Marhofer/Sinnhuber) passed by voice vote. Bonnie Sinnhuber will chair the project. Contact her if you are willing to help. *Project review committee: it has been suggested that a committee be formed to review projects and to choose which projects will be voted on by the club. Some members have expressed a concern that we have too many projects and are

spreading ourselves too thin. Others feel that if a member has a passion for a project and is willing to make it something MGV would be proud of, that we should pursue it. In 2014-15 we added 5 projects and 25 members. Please consider this question and we will talk about it at the next meeting. *Due to the vast number of emails that come our way now-a-days, it was suggested that we make sure our name and/or “MGV” be added to the subject line, and the senders name be included in the content (not just email address). *A reminder that our meetings count as 1 hour of education due to our programs. *Interns completing 50 volunteer hours: certificates and a trowel were presented to the following: Lisa Hall

Kitty Company Pat Edwards Bonnie Hawley Lori Holden Shayne Marhofer

Meeting was adjourned (Berg/Bixler) at 7:30.

Members/Interns present:

Bonnie Hawley, Barb Keller, Regina Berg. Bonnie SInnhuber, Missy Malone, Doug Versaw, Kit Walter, Pat Edwards, Rebecca Meadows, Bill Flanegan, Cheryl Corney, Joy Lauthers, Cheryl Harner, Susan Clark, Jennifer Hurst, Pat Storms, Jan Kennedy, Larry Bixler, Janet Bixler, Sue Donahue, Shayne Marhofer, Geaine Cozad, Linda Ward, Virginia Sharp, Ruby Combs, Kitty Company, Linda Shank, Betty Keppler, Janet Steiner, Alan Steiner, Lori Holden, Arlene Bighouse

Next meeting is October 12, 2015 at 6:00 PM at Kingwood Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Hawley, Secretary

RICHLAND COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

INCOME AND EXPENSE REPORT

August 10, 2015

Beginning Balance June 8, 2015 3121.74 Revenue:

Total Revenue: 3121.74 Gross Revenue: 3121.74 Expenses:

Total Expenses: (0.00)

Ending Balance August 10, 2015 $3121.74

PETTY CASH FUND

Beginning Balance June 8, 2015 $257.46

Revenue: Garden-Pedia Book Sales 252.00 252.00

Total Revenue: _____

$509.46

Expenses: Refreshments/June Meeting 165.38

Total Expenses: (165.38)

Petty Cash Balance August 10, 2015 $344.08

Notes from the Editor................

This year I have been having trouble with moldy mulch and new plantings dying soon after I mulched around them. I was doing some research on my issue and ran across the below FACT SHEET on Plant Pathology, problems in mulch and composts. I found it to be very helpful and interesting. I copied it for your review.

Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Plant Pathology

2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210

Control of Nuisance and Detrimental Molds (Fungi) in

Mulches and Composts

HYG-3304-98

Harry A. J. Hoitink

Department of Plant Pathology

OARDC/The Ohio State University

Mulches and composts are often used to improve soils and plant health and to control weeds. They improve drainage

as they decompose even though the ability of the soil to hold moisture is increased. They lower soil temperature in

the summer and insulate roots from cold in winter conditions. Eventually, they mineralize, release nutrients for

plants, and leave humic substances as residues. Their beneficial side effects gradually disappear unless more mulch

or compost is applied.

Generally, these organic materials inhibit undesirable microorganisms such as soilborne pathogens that cause

diseases of plants. They also stimulate the activity of many types of beneficial microorganisms, including

mycorrhizal fungi. Occasionally, however, microorganisms (primarily fungi) in mulches and composts can become

a nuisance and even cause certain diseases of plants. Whether a mulch or a compost provides beneficial or

detrimental effects is largely determined by the type of organic matter from which it was produced and the degree to

which it was decomposed and treated before its application in the landscape. The temperature, pH, and moisture

content of the products just before application also have an effect. The severity of nuisance fungi can be minimized

if appropriate steps are taken in time.

Examples of Nuisance Fungi

The shotgun or artillery fungus (Sphaerobolus) may cause serious problems. While it decays the mulch, it also

produces fruiting structures that resemble tiny cream or orange-brown cups that hold a spore mass resembling a tiny

black egg (1/10 inch in diameter). This fungus shoots these spore masses high into the air. They stick to any surface

and resemble small tar spots on leaves of plants or the siding of homes (Fig. 1). They are difficult to remove, leave

stained surfaces, and may result in major damage.

Figure 1. Artillery fungus spore masses on vinyl siding

Slime molds are another type of nuisance fungus. They first appear as bright yellow or orange slimy masses that

may be several inches to a foot or more across. They produce tiny spores that eventually dry out and blow away.

These molds, like many others such as stink horns (Fig. 2) and bird�s nest fungi, actually should be considered

microbial ornamentals in the landscape. However, some fungi in mulches and composts produce toad stools

(mushrooms) (Fig. 3), and some of these are toxic to humans. It is a good idea to destroy them when small children

have access to the mulched area.

Figure 2. Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus) on mulch. The cap of the

fruiting body gives off a foul odor. (Photo courtesy of L. H. Rhodes.)

Figure 3. Toad stool (Lepiota americana) on mulch under juniper.

(Photo courtesy of L. H. Rhodes.)

Another fungal problem that is often not identified correctly occurs when mulches are applied too deep (4-6 inches)

instead of the ideal depth of 1.5 to 2 inches. Deep layers of mulch, particularly if prepared from fresh woody

materials, may actually undergo high temperature decomposition during the summer. The result is that the mulch

dries out to less than 34% moisture and becomes a dusty mass. Fungi often colonize these dry mulches until they

become a water-repelling, moldy chunk of material. Young trees mulched in this way sometimes die from drought

even though the homeowner irrigates the area, because water runs off the mulch since it repels water.

Other Types of Problems

Fresh mulches prepared from trees killed by plant diseases may be colonized by plant pathogens. Verticillium

dahliae, a fungus that causes wilts and death of many shade trees and ornamental shrubs, can be carried in infested

mulch and kill susceptible plants in the landscape. Rhizoctonia solani, another plant pathogen that causes damping-

off of many types of seedling plants, is actually stimulated by fresh mulches (Fig. 4). This pathogen utilizes the

cellulose in wood as a source of food.

Figure 4. Rhizoctonia crown rot of Alyssum in fresh mulch.

Short-term composting of mulches in windrows under high-temperature conditions (130-160 degrees F) kills these

plant pathogens. Six weeks of composting is sufficient to kill most plant pathogens and avoid their dissemination in

mulches or composts.

Mycorrhizae, which are fungi that can form beneficial associations with roots, also are affected by mulches and

composts. A shallow layer of wood chips (1-2") or compost improves tree establishment because mycorrhizae are

stimulated by the slow release of organic sources of nitrogen and carbon in organic matter. However, a deep layer

(4-6") of the same freshly chipped wood has been shown to inhibit the development of mycorrhizae during

reforestation. Negative effects on mycorrhizae must be avoided in the landscape because they are very important in

the maintenance of healthy plants.

Compost and mulch producers, landscapers, and homeowners can take measures to minimize fungal problems in the

landscape. The type of mulch used, fresh versus composted mulch, the moisture content of the mulch before and

during its utilization, the temperature and pH of the mulch before and during utilization, and the depth to which it is

applied all play a role. Each factor is discussed here.

Mulch Type and Fresh versus Composted Mulch

Wood products from some trees are more resistant to decay than others and, therefore, cause fewer problems. Bark

chips (nuggets) from large mature pine or other softwood trees such as cypress trees contain mostly lignin (dark

material in bark), wax and protected cellulose that resist decay. On the other hand, wood wastes from these same

tree species, but ground as young trees, rot quite readily because the cellulose in such bark and wood products is not

yet protected from decomposition by lignin waxes or tannins.

Hardwood tree bark (oak, maple, etc.), even from large trees, contains a large concentration of cellulose that is not

protected from rotting. Therefore, hardwood bark mulches, like ground wood from almost all tree species, rot

readily and cause most of the nuisance mold problems in the landscape. The finer the product is ground, the more

severe the problem can be! These materials are low in nitrogen content. The fine particles (less than 3/4" diameter)

in such mulches cause nitrogen immobilization in soil. The microflora that decomposes the wood particles takes up

the nitrogen required for growth of plants. The result is that the plant becomes starved for nitrogen. Some mulch

producers screen all particles smaller than 3/8" out of high-wood-content or hardwood-bark mulches, which avoids

most of the nitrogen immobilization problem.

The best way to avoid all these problems and bring about beneficial effects by mulching is to add nitrogen to woody

and hardwood bark products followed by composting to lower the carbon to nitrogen ratio. Blending of grass

clippings with wood wastes before composting is one way to achieve this. Addition of poultry manure or urea to

supply 1.2 lbs. available nitrogen per cubic yard of material satisfies the nitrogen need also. Some landscapers add

10-15% by volume composted sewage sludge to hardwood bark or wood wastes, and this makes an ideal product

that has performed very well in landscapes. These amended products should be composted at least six weeks. This

process kills plant pathogens, eggs of insect pests, and produces a nitrified product that releases plant nutrients rather

than ties up nitrogen. As mentioned above, the microorganisms that have colonized these products reduce the

potential for growth of nuisance fungi and provide control of many plant diseases.

Temperature, Moisture Content, and pH

Landscapers often apply quality mulch products from high temperature piles (140-160 degrees F) directly into the

landscape. The temperature of the mulch is high because of heat produced by growth of microorganisms, known as

thermophiles, in storage piles during the composting process. These microorganisms die soon after the mulch cools

to 50-80oF after it has been placed around homes. Because they require high temperatures to survive, they cannot

grow and compete with soil microorganisms at the low temperature of mulches in the landscape. The sudden

temperature drop that often occurs after mulch is applied creates what is known as a "biological vacuum." It also can

occur during bagging of products at producers of mulches and particularly during dry seasons. Mesophiles (low

temperature soil microorganisms) rapidly colonize such mulches. If the mulch is dry, or dries out to a moisture

content below 34% during the first day after it is applied (mulches are dusty below this moisture content), fungi

become the primary colonizers. This sets the stage for problems later, and the problem becomes most severe in

mulches that are applied too deep in the landscape.

After prolonged heavy rains, the dry material colonized by fungi eventually becomes wet. Dry products stored in

bags may also become moist when water produced as a result of microbial activity accumulates along the inner

surface in bags. Bacteria then rapidly colonize the fungal white mass to induce the formation of fruiting structures

by the fungi. The nuisance toad stools and other fruiting structures appear a few days later.

Mold problems occur also when dry products are bagged or applied to dry soils. Dry composts removed from high-

temperature piles occasionally cause mushroom problems in bags and also in soils at nurseries. These moldy

products inhibit plant growth in field soils as well as in potting mixes. They also cause wettability problems if dry

conditions persist in the soil for a few weeks to give fungi a chance to become the dominant colonizers. Plants do

not grow well in such moldy soils.

These problems can be reduced by soaking the high-temperature products with water as they are applied in the

landscape or bagged. The high-moisture organic matter then becomes rapidly colonized by bacteria during the first

few days. These bacteria compete with fungi to reduce the potential for the development of major mold problems.

This strategy has been successfully applied over the past decade to hardwood as well as softwood composts and

mulches. It has controlled nuisance problems caused by many fungi in various parts of the United States and abroad.

The pH or acidity of the mulch is another important factor. Sour mulches that give off acrid odors may range in pH

from as low as 2.5 up to 4.8. Highly acidic mulches are toxic to most plants and promote the growth of fungi.

Bacteria that inhibit fungal growth cannot colonize mulches when the pH is lower than 5.2. The low pH and fungal

problems are avoided if the raw material is nitrified and composted as described earlier.

In summary, water applied at the right time during composting, storage, and mulching can solve most of the fungal

nuisance problems. It is best to maintain a water content higher than 40% on a total weight basis. Again this allows

bacteria as well as fungi to colonize the organic matter, and it sets up competition for nuisance molds. The moisture

content of most organic products actually can be raised above 50% and not present excessive weight problems

during transport.

What to Do Once the Problems Occur

Sometimes very little can be done to control nuisance fungi other than to spade the mulch into the surface soil layer

followed by soaking with water. Another option is to remove the mulch, place it in a heap after thorough wetting to

allow for self-heating to occur (110-140 degrees F). This will kill nuisance fungi. If fresh dry mulch is placed on top

of mulch colonized by nuisance fungi, the problems may occur again the following year or even earlier.

The best control strategy for homeowners and landscapers is to purchase composted products low in wood content.

Fresh, finely ground woody products should be avoided for many reasons unless composted first. Coarse fresh

woody products are much less likely to cause problems unless applied too deep. It is important to soak all mulches

immediately after they have been applied. Generally, mulches should not be applied to a depth greater than two

inches. Mulches and composts applied in this manner provide many types of beneficial effects rather than nuisance

problems, or worse, plant diseases. Sour mulches should be avoided altogether.

Happy Birthday

Betty Keppler September 1

Amy Crutchfield September 19

Alan Steiner October 2

Lisa Hall October 29

Image by: Bonnie Hawley

Nature’s Architect

Calendar of Upcoming Events………..

Master Gardener Meetings 2015: October 12 Kingwood

Center Gardens, December 14Longview Center, Pot Luck

October 12: Master Gardener Meeting, Kingwood Center Gardens 6:00 pm. Enter through Linen Road Gate

October 17: Fall Family Festival 11am-4pm Ohio Bird Sanctuary

October 17-18: Kingwood Gardens “Pumpkin Glow”

"The Kingwood Pumpkin Glow will be held the weekend of Oct. 17/18th. The Master Gardeners are planning

to enter an exhibit in the Scarecrow completion. Volunteers are needed to assist in this project. A planning

meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17th, at 6:30 at Bonnie Sinnhuber's, 76 Benjamin, Lexington. Please

contact Bonnie at 419-884-8815 or sinnhuberb@yahoo.com if you are interested in helping with this

endeavor. The Scarecrow will be constructed sometime between Oct. 8th and 13th."

Project Listing

Project Project Leader Leader Phone Leader email

Al Zody Garden at Malabar Farm Kitty Company 419-896-3456

krcomp2@msn.com

Butterfly Garden Jennifer Wehry 419-632-0658 jwehry1@hotmail.com

Community Garden Committee Jean Taddie 419-564-7707 jtaddie@neo.rr.com

Crawford Co 4-H Horticulture Joy Lauthers 419-569-0917 jlauthers@columbus.rr.com

Crawford Co Beautification Joy Lauthers 419-569-0917 jlauthers@columbus.rr.com

Crawford Co Fairground Mary Lee Minor 419-561-0023 chickadee@columbus.rr.com

Crawford Co Service Mary Lee Minor 419-561-0023 chickadee@columbus.rr.com

Friend of Mansfield Parks Mona Kneuss 419-564-3594 mvkneuss@gmail.com

Gorman Nature Center Janet Cramer 419-564-1179 janetsfolly@aol.com

Heritage Day at Unger Park Cheryl Corney 419-569-0132 marcelino4pyv@yahoo.com

Hotline Q & A Judy Huffman 817-800-9125 judyh7488@gmail.com Kingwood Annual Planting Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Discovery Day Sue Donahue 567-274-0661 suedon@yahoo.com

Kingwood East Lawn Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Flower Cutting Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Herb Garden Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Perennial Garden Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Rose Garden Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Tour Guides Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

Kingwood Tulip Planting Janet Steiner 419-651-6614 jcsteiner@zoominternet.net

LCDC Bonnie Sinnhuber 419-884-8815 bon761lex@hotmain.com

Longview Nature Garden Malabar Gardens/GreenHouse Jim Huffman 817-239-9951 jimhuffman@SBCgobal.net

Meet Me in Garden Bonnie Sinnhuber 419-884-8815 bon761lex@hotmain.com

Oak Grove Plant Swap Kathy Mambourg 419-610-4955 moekm@hotmail.com

OUMC Community Garden Janet Bixler 419-612-2784 jkbixby@yahoo.com

Phonology Garden Mark Johnson 419-989-3975 mark13240@msn.com

Rich Co Nature Garden Bill Flanegan 419-512-4520 Richland Co Fairground Janet Bixler 419-612-2784 jkbixby@yahoo.com

Richland County Fairgr. Table Janet Bixler 419-612-2784 jkbixby@yahoo.com

Stingel Elementary School Mark Johnson 419-989-3975 mark13240@msn.com

Unger Park Cheryl Corney 419-569-0132 marcelino4pyv@yahoo.com

Speaker Bureau Alan Steiner 419-651-6614 awsteiner@zoominternet.net

August Master Gardener Meeting and Nature Park Tour

Bill Flanegan gives the Master Gardeners a tour of

the “Nature Park” at the Richland County

Fairgrounds.

Bill and his crew of MG volunteers worked

extremely hard this spring and summer, judging

by the pictures the hard work paid off !

Images by: Janet Bixler, Bonnie Sinnhuber

Nature Park

Master Gardeners on the tour

A special “thanks” to Bill and his crew, the garden

is absolutely beautiful!

Congratulations to the latest Interns who have completed their 50 hour

volunteer requirement to become Master Gardeners !

Pat Edwards Kitty Company

Bonnie Hawley Lori Holden

Shayne Marhofer Linda Ward growing beans on her trellis

Folks, I have a beautiful cactus I purchased about 4 years ago................I’m ashamed to admit I do not know what it is. It has grown to a size that I just cannot manage anymore and I have small grandchildren running around that could be injured by its needles (which are not small). If anyone has a yen for cacti like I do and you have a place for it just give me a call 419 566-0581.

I would like to keep the pot but will

transplant into a container for you.

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social

boundaries.” Jimmy Carter, An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections (1988)