Weeder's Digest

Weeder’s Digest November 2020

In this issue: Hafley Park Blooms ...... 5 Pumpkins ...... 10 MGCG News ...... 2 Pumpkin Pots ...... 6 Spiders and Critters ...... 14 Master Gardener News ...... 3 Chrysanthemums ...... 7 Weed of the month ...... 17

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 M G C G N e w s

Our Holiday Joint meeting Monday December 14th at 10:00 a.m.

Please join us for our final

Master Gardeners of Central Georgia Joint Meeting of 2020

Our speaker will be Proven Winners representative, Jessie Keith.

Jessie is a horticulturist, botanist, garden communicator, and photographer based in Wilmington, Delaware. Her company, Eastern Bluestar Communications, provides services to a variety of green-industry clients, including Proven Winners®, Plants.com, 1800flow- ers.com, and Sun Gro® Horticulture, (supplying web articles and videos for its retail brands (Black Gold®, Fafard®, and Sunshine® Advanced), — Jessie is also a freelance writer and her work has been published in many periodi- cals, such as The American Gardener, Horticulture, Grow! (formerly The Green Scene), The Old House Journal, Wilder Quarterly, Canadian Gardening, and more. Degrees in both horticulture and botany give Jessie a unique perspective into the plant world—offering both practical and scientific perspectives to plants and how they impact us. She specializes in plant identification and taxonomy, which ensures that her plant photos are accurately identified and well represented. Gardening is central to Jessie's home life in Delaware. She maintains diverse gardens at her home and local community garden. These gardens help drive and shape Jessie's work, whether through success or failure. She also enjoys gardening with her daughters, traveling, and experiencing new gardens and in- spiring outdoor spaces.

You will receive details and a link to the online meeting via email very soon, and a reminder several days before the event! “See you” there!

MGCG Needs you! Webmaster Needed! The volunteer position of MGCG Webmaster logs hours. Upon the departure from our area of current Web- master, MGCG.org needs a replacement! Please Contact Greta Israel at [email protected] Editor Needed! The Weeder’s Digest editor is also a volunteer position which also logs hours. The Weeder’s Digest needs a new editor. The current editor will stay in this position until the end of the year, ending a 30-month “career” as WD editor with the December issue. If you have any writing or editing experience, please contact the editor at 478 960-3548 or Newslet- [email protected] for more information. Thanks!

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 Master Gardener news

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A year before Jill Banks even started the Master Gardener course she was assisting the Houston County Master Gardener Team with an MGCG Grant project at NAMI. Jill recently completed her first 50 volunteer hours at vari- ous projects in both Bibb and Houston County; she’s pic- tured at Hafley Park, above.) Tom and Jonanne Beckman have been a Though she’s a Bibb County resident, she is still interested terrific addition to the team of Master Garden- in the work at NAMI, and will be contributing there once the ers in Houston County. virus ban is lifted. Jill will be a great asset for both Bibb and Since beginning the course they have worked Houston County. (A hybrid!) on a variety of projects, including the St. Isi- dore Garden, the Hafley Park Demonstration Thank you, MGCG, for the grant! Garden, and Massee Lane Camellia Gardens. The grant money will They also assisted Jeff Cook with the peach be used for a small rose trials. garden at HOPE Gar- Congratulations to Tom and Jonanne! dens. The roses are still NOVEMBER blooming and we have an arbor and bench. It is still in its infancy, but it is a pretty baby. Both the Camellias— Sasanquas and Japoni- cas—are blooming. It is a little usual to have both blooming together, but nothing has been usual in 2020. Again, thank MGCG!

Donna Hunt Your lawn will have stopped growing by now. At HOPE Garden, Robins, AFB 3

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 Master Gardener news

This tree, used on promotional materials to announce the Festival of Trees, is the Bibb County Extension Team’s creation and is now on display at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. “Pollinators” is clearly the theme in this educational and outstandingly creative Christmas tree! Kudos on their beautiful work! This tree was designed and constructed by Becca Gay, Allison Griffin, Dawn Nash, and Jill Peavy.

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We couldn't BEE more excited for you to see all of the amazing trees our creators have made for this year's Festival of Trees! The exhibit will be open from November 12 to mid January. See more information about this event at: https://www.masmacon.org/events-calendar/ 4

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 Blooms in Hafley Park

Camellia sasanqua. One of Rosa 'Meijocos' Pink Drift® rose new rock garden several donated by Jay Neff

weed-free “Pass along” garden

new daylily garden Bee on swamp daisy

Canna x generalis

Helianthus angustifolius (swamp daisy) Camellia Sasanqua All photos: Christine Kelly Camellia Sasanqua 5

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020

November blooms

Pumpkin Pots! Give your front steps or patio a beautiful and timely fall theme by repurposing a couple pumpkins. Turn them into pumpkin planters! Pumpkins make the perfect container for annuals during the fall and winter months. They are hardy enough to endure into the cold winter months, and if you pair them with cold hardy pansies or violas your creation will be beautiful for an entire season.

To make a pumpkin planter, carve the top off a pumpkin and remove the pulp. Turn it upside down and carve two

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openings for drainage purposes. Fill the hollowed-out pumpkin with good potting soil, and then add some of the most colorful fall flowers. Mums, pansies, and flowering kale arranged around a central stand of purple fountain grass can be truly gorgeous in one of these planters. Use three different sizes for a gorgeous trio! Source, Source, Source

Sources didn’t mention this, but... I’d be placing mine in a flower bed or another appropriate spot on the ground. Reason being, it’s going to rot eventual- ly, and why not take advantage of the fertilizing properties in the ground instead of coping with leak- age all over your stonework or decking? Ed. .

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020

CHRYSANTHEMUMS!

Chrysanthemums, also called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia and the center of diversity is in China. Countless horticultural varieties and cultivars exist. In some countries of Europe (e.g., France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Croatia), incurve chrysanthemums symbolize death and are used only for funerals or on graves, while other types carry no such symbolism; similarly, in China, Japan, and Korea of East Asia, white chrysanthemums symbolize adversity, lamentation, and/or grief. In some other countries, they represent honesty. In the United States, the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful, with New Orleans as a notable exception. (November 1st is All Saints Day, a day traditionally set aside in New Orleans to honor the deceased family members. Tombs are cleaned weeks before and flowers, particularly huge chrysanthemums fill the vases on the tombs.) In the Victorian language of flowers, the chrysanthemum had several meanings. The Chinese chrysanthemum meant cheerfulness, whereas the red chrysanthemum stood for "I Love", while the yellow chrysanthemum symbolized slighted love. The chrysanthemum is also the flower of November. Insecticidal uses Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum) is economically important as a natural source of insecticide. The flowers are pulverized, and the active components, called pyrethrins, are extracted and sold in the form of a suspension in water or oil, or as a powder. Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhib-

— it female mosquitoes from biting. In sublethal doses, they have an insect-repellent effect. Pyrethrins are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds than many synthetic insecticides. They are not persistent, being biodegradable, and also decompose easily on exposure to light. Pyrethroids such as per- methrin are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum. Despite this, chrysanthemum leaves are still a major host for destructive pests, such as leafminer flies. Chrysanthemum blooms appears as a single flower is actually hundreds of flowers called florets. Two kinds of florets are present in a single bloom, disk florets and ray florets. For example, in the daisy-type chrysanthemum (class 7) each type of floret is easy to see – the outer parts are ray florets and the center or eye is composed of disk florets. The bloom forms are defined by the way in which the ray and disk florets are arranged. Chrysanthemum blooms are composed of many individual flowers (florets), each one capable of producing a seed. The disk florets are in the center of the bloom head, and the ray florets are on the perimeter. The ray florets are considered imperfect flowers, as they only possess the female reproductive organs, while the disk florets are considered perfect flowers, as they possess both male and female reproductive organs.

The zinnia on the left, and the daisy on the right are also members of the family Asteraceae, and it is easier to see the ray flowers and the disk flowers they are composed of than those of the typical chrysanthemum, except for class 7.

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020

CHRYSANTHEMUMS! For ease of identification the National Chrysanthe- mum Society divides bloom forms into 13 classes. Class 5 Intermediate In- curve This bloom class is Class 1 Irregular Incurve smaller than the irregular Irregular incurves are bred to incurve, with shorter florets, produce a giant head called only partially incurving with an ogiku. The disk florets are full centers, but giving a concealed in layers of curving more open appearance. ray florets that hang down to Many of the popular com- create a 'skirt'. Regular in- mercial incurving types are curves are similar, but usually in this intermediate class. with smaller blooms and a Flower Size: 6 inches or dense, globular form. Inter- greater. mediate incurve blooms may have broader florets and a less densely flowered head. These are the Class 6 Pompon The pom- giant blooms of the chrysanthemum genus. The pon form is fully double, of florets (petals) loosely incurve and make fully closed small size, and very globular centers. The lower florets present an irregular ap- in form. A small globular pearance and may give a skirted effect. Bola de bloom, somewhat flat when Oro (1992) Flower Size: 6-8 inches. young but fully round when mature. Size ranges from Class 2 Reflex In the reflex small button types to large disbudded blooms al- form, the disk florets are con- most 4 inches in diameter. The florets incurve or cealed and the ray florets re- reflex in a regular manner and fully conceal the cen- flex outwards to create a mop- ter. Flower Size: 1-4 inches. Grown as a spray, like appearance. The decora- plant height tall. tive form is similar to reflex blooms, but the ray florets Class 7 Single and Semi- usually do not radiate at more Double Single and semi- than a 90° angle to the stem. double blooms have exposed The florets in this class curve disk florets and one to seven downward and overlap, similar to bird plumage. The rows of ray florets. A daisy- tops of these blooms are full, but somewhat flat- like flower with a center disk tened. and one or more rows of ray florets. Crimson Glory (1978) Class 3 Regular Incurve A Flower Size: Greater than 4 inches. true globular bloom equal in breadth and depth. The florets smoothly incurve and Class 8 Anemone In the form a ball. Heather James anemone form, the disk florets (1972) Flower Size: 4-6 are prominent, often raised inches. and overshadowing the ray florets. These blooms are similar to the semi-doubles, but Class 4 Decorative A flat- have a raised cushion-like tened bloom with short petals. center. Flower Size: Greater As in classes 1-3 the center than 4 inches. disk should not be visible. The upper florets tend to incurve, but the lower petals generally reflex. Chime (1994) Flower Size: 5 inches or greater.

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020

CHRYSANTHEMUMS!

In Japan, a form of bonsai chrysanthemum was de- Class 9 Spoon The spoon- veloped over the centuries. The cultivated flower has form disk florets are visible and a lifespan of about 5 years and can be kept in minia- the long, tubular ray florets are ture size. blooms. spatulate. Essentially the same as the semi-double, except the ray florets are like spoons at the tips. The center disk is round and visible. Flow- er Size: 4 inches or greater.

Class 10 Quill The florets in this Class are straight and tubular with open tips. The bloom is fully double with no open center. Flower Size: 6 inches or greater.

Class 11 Spider In the spider form, the disk florets are concealed, and the ray florets are tube-like with hooked or barbed ends, hang- ing loosely around the stem. Another method is to use pieces of dead wood and Spiders have long tubular ray the flower grows over the back along the wood to florets which may coil or hook give the illusion from the front that the miniature tree at the ends. The florets may be very fine to coarse. Flower Size: Six inches or greater.

Class 12 Brush or Thistle In the brush and thistle variety, the disk florets may be visible. Fine tubular florets which grow parallel to the stem and re- semble an artist’s paint brush- es or in the thistle form the florets are flattened, twisted and dropping. Flower Size: less than 2 inches.

Class 13 Unclassified or Ex- otic Those blooms which fit in none of the other classes. They are often exotic, with twisted florets. They may also exhibit characteristics of more than one bloom class. 6 inches or greater.

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 All things fall What is the difference between a fruit and a vegetable? Botanists, or plant scientists, classify fruits according to the edible portion of the plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds. A few examples include apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, and strawberries. Be- cause some fruits are not sweet and tend to be more savory in flavor, cooks and grocers may classify them as vegetables. Case in point are tomatoes. Vegetables on the other hand are the edible portion of plants such as leaves, stems, bulbs, and roots. A few examples include carrots, potatoes, and celery. A pumpkin, from a botanist‘s perspective, is a fruit because it’s a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants. Vegetables, on the other hand, are the edible portion of plants such as leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, flowers, and tubers. Because pumpkins are less sweet and more savory from a culinary perspective, we categorize them as a vegetable.

How to Transplant a Blooming Mum • Select bushy, well-branched plants with small, leafy stems emerging from the base of the plants, or sprouting around the edge of the pot. • Choose a very well-drained location. More fall-planted mums die from root rot than from the effects of low temperatures. • Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the plant's rootball. • Set each plant in the planting hole 1 inch deeper than it grew in its nursery pot; spread out the roots. • When growth resumes in spring (or just after transplanting), work 1/4 cup of low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) into the soil around each plant. 10

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 PUMPKINS

(photos by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Lakota: It’s a pear-shaped pumpkin with crimson- Jarrahdale: This blue pumpkin has a golden-orange orange flesh that is delicious when raw — grated in flesh that is fine-textured and sweet. Good in pies, it is salads or slaw — but also good in chili. also versatile in soups and stews.

Peanut: This pink-skinned pumpkin, named for the Cow: One of the creamiest pumpkins, with excellent peanut-shell exterior, is lighter in density than most flavor, this large variety works well in pies, pudding other pumpkins and is mild and fluffy when baked. It and soup. can be eaten straight out of the oven and is also good for soups and stews and baked with a pot roast. 11

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 PUMPKINS

Sugar: Sweetness, texture and flavor make this small Red Kuri: Raw or baked, this rich-flavored, fine- pumpkin great for pies. textured squash can be added to soups and stews, or eaten plain.

Caribbean: Its firm yellowish-orange flesh is mild and sweet. Heisler likes to saute it with scallops in a white Buttercup: A smooth-textured squash baked and eat- wine sauce and serve over buttered noodles. en plain. “It is mighty tasty,” he says.

Delicata: “Fans of Delicata love the sweetness of it,” Pink Lady: Similar to Red Kuri and Buttercup, this yel- Heisler says. He recommends serving it filled with a low-orange squash has a smooth texture. It’s an alter- savory stuffing. native to butternut squash in pureed soups, and also good in pies, bread and muffins. 12

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Makes one 9-inch cake, serving 12 to 16 Crust 5 ounces graham crackers (9 whole crackers), broken into large pieces 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 6 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted Filling 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar (10 1/3 ounces) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese , cut into 1-inch chunks and left to soften at room temperature, about 30 minutes 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon lemon juice from 1 lemon 5 large eggs , left at room temperature, about 30 minutes 1 cup heavy cream

For the Crust: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Spray bottom and sides of 9-inch springform pan evenly with nonstick cooking spray. Pulse crackers, sugar, and spices in food processor until evenly and finely ground, about fifteen 2-second pulses. Transfer crumbs to medium bowl, drizzle melted butter over, and mix with rubber spatula until evenly moistened. Turn crumbs into prepared springform pan and, using hand, spread crumbs into even layer. Using flat-bottomed ramekin or drinking glass, press crumbs evenly into pan bottom, then use a soup spoon to press and smooth crumbs into edges of pan. Bake until fragrant and browned about the edges, about 15 minutes. Cool on wire rack while making filling.

2. For the filling: Bring about 4 quarts water to simmer in stockpot. Whisk sugar, spices, and salt in small bowl; set aside. To dry pumpkin: Line cookie sheet with triple layer of paper towels. Spread pumpkin on paper towels in roughly even layer. Cover pumpkin with second triple layer of paper towels and press firmly until paper towels are saturated. Peel back top layer of towels and discard. Grasp bottom towels and fold pumpkin in half; peel back towels. Repeat and flip pumpkin onto baking sheet; discard towel.

3. In standing mixer fitted with flat beater, beat cream cheese at medium speed to break up and soften slightly, about 1 minute. Scrape beater and bottom and sides of bowl well with rubber spatula. Add about one third of sugar mixture and beat at medium-low speed until combined, about 1 minute; scrape bowl and add remaining sugar in two additions, scraping bowl after each addition. Add pumpkin, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat at medium speed until combined, about 45 seconds; scrape bowl. Add 3 eggs and beat at medium- low until incorporated, about 1 minute; scrape bowl. Add remaining 2 eggs and beat at medium-low until incorporated, about 45 seconds; scrape bowl. Add heavy cream and beat at low speed until combined, about 45 seconds. Using rubber spatula, scrape bottom and sides of bowl and give final stir by hand.

4. Set springform pan with cooled crust on 18-inch-square doubled layer heavy-duty foil and wrap bottom and sides with foil; set wrapped springform pan in roasting pan. Pour filling into springform pan and smooth sur- face; set roasting pan in oven and pour enough boiling water to come about halfway up side of springform pan. Bake until center of cake is slightly wobbly when pan is shaken, and center of cake registers 145 to 150 degrees on instant-read thermometer, about 1 1/2 hours (see note). Set roasting pan on wire rack and use paring knife to loosen cake from sides of pan. Cool until water is just warm, about 45 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath, discard foil, and set on wire rack; continue to cool until barely warm, about 3 hours. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.

5. To serve: Slide thin metal spatula between crust and pan bottom to loosen, then slide cake onto serving platter. Let cheesecake stand at room temperature about 30 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 The Joro Spider: Trichonephila clavata

Scientists confirmed the first known occurrence of Trichonephila cla- vate, the Joro Spider in North America in early November of 2014 near Colbert, east of Atlanta. (At that time it was known as Nephila clavata, but the species was moved from the genus Nephila to Trichonephila in 2019.) Likely introduced to this continent via shipped materials, the species has since been found across northeast Georgia and even into North Carolina. It’s not known yet what impact they might be having on native spiders, including large species such as banana spiders and the more common writing spiders, which many call garden spiders. While not actually calling the Joro an invasive species, University of North Georgia’s Dr. Mattias Johansson, an assistant biology profes- sor studying Joro spiders in Georgia, believes it’s possible the new- comers are outcompeting their native neighbors and affecting the larger insect community. He has only anecdotal evidence as yet, but says “there are so many and they’re so big, they must be processing a fair bit of prey to get that size and become that numerous.” Johansson also says that “The number and spread also suggest they are here to stay.” “Though the species is venomous—as all spiders are—it is not considered dangerous to humans and is “actually pretty sedentary.” UGA Scientists say that “Fortunately, the Joro spider does not appear to be a pest.... There’s no indication that it will be invasive to the extent that it would be disruptive or economically costly,” According to the National Center for Biotechnology Infor- mation, “hundreds of non- native species of animals and plants have been inadvertently A female Joro spider spins its web. The introduced into managed land- 30mm (1.18”) scale bar is included for size reference. (Photo: Jeremy Howell) scapes and natural ecosystems of North America. In fact, an estimated 2,000 species of insects and arachnids have become established in North America over the past half-century and are largely attributable to a dramatic increase in travel and international com- merce. To date, approximately 60 species of non-native spiders (Araneae) have been detected in North America, with the majority origi- nating from Europe and Asia. Nephila clavata (known as the Joro spider) becomes the newest species to be added to this list. “Accidental human transport of spiders and their egg masses on or within cargo containers, on plant nursery stock and on crates and pal- lets can explain and account for the presence of many European and Asian species in North America. We think this is the probable means of transport by which the Joro spider gained entry. If accidental transport of this species were to occur in late August to early October from countries of origin in East Asia, then the spiders’ reproduction A female Joro with two males. would be at its height and there would be a greater likelihood that egg Definite difference in size!

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 The Joro Spider: Trichonephila clavata

sacs might be deposited on structures or plant material being ex- ported.” Scientists have matched gene data from the specimens in Geor- gia to nine different Asian populations of the species, and sug- gests that the Georgia Joro are closely related to sources in China or Japan. “Once spider populations have successfully colonized in a given location, individual spider movement might be best explained by the movement of transport vehi- cles along major rail or road corridors or possi- bly by ballooning of spi- derlings in the spring after egg hatch. Balloon- ing is a behavior by which spiders use air- borne dispersal to move Trichonephila clavata web on electrical lines between locations. De- near Kyoto Japan. October 2007) pending on mass and Photographic images of Nephila clavata suspended posture, a spider might be taken up into upper air streams, while in its web in northeast Georgia, taken in October its aerial movement would be dependent on convection air cur- 2014. (A) female upper side (back), 30 mm. (B) rents and on the drag of the silk parachute.” The positioning of the female, side view (C) female, underside. (D) male, spider webs on the power lines in the photo (right) shows the ease upperside, 5 mm. Photos A–C were taken in with which tiny spiders would be distributed by air currents. Hoschton, Georgia by Jeremy Howell; photo D was taken in Braselton, Georgia by BJ Freeman.

How to identify the Joro Spider: • The only native spiders that Joro spiders would be easily confused with are “Writing” or garden spider, and the scarce banana spiders. Joros are larger than both. • Coloration between the species can be similar but Joros tend to have more blue on their body. • Writing spiders sit in their webs with their front and back pairs of legs together, forming an ; the Joro spider does not. • Banana spiders have legs that appear almost furry, particularly at some joints. The legs of the Joros legs are thinner and not This writing spider, also known as a yellow garden furry. spider, has a few key differences from the new Joro spider. The writing spider is shaped differently and its Most Joro webs are three-dimensional, with a central orb plus • web often has the characteristic zig-zag pattern shown two irregular layers behind it. They are not the neat and tidy here. Not to be confused with writing and banana “traditional” spider web, nor do they have the zig-zag pattern of spiders — which are also yellow — people can identify writing spider webs. the species by looking for key indicators like a splash or • Like the web of the banana spiders which are part of the same red on their abdomens and living arrangements. ganus, if the lighting is right, Joro webs have a golden hue.

Sources: UGA, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, UNG Biology

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 Critters

Stink Bugs May be Good for Something After All ~Richard Levine

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has been annoy- ing homeowners and fruit and vegetable growers for years, ever since it made its way to North America from Asia in 1998, where it was fist spotted in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Since then it’s been spotted in at least 36 other states. Alt- hough they cause no harm to people or buildings, their inva- sions have inspired serious animosity. Now there’s evidence that these pesky stinkers might actually be good for something. According to an article published this year in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, they may actually help feed some wasps and ants by wounding plants, which then leak sap that the wasps and ants can feed on. In the article “Invasive Stink Bug Wounds Trees, Liberates Sugars, and Facilitates Native Hymenoptera,” the authors report observing stink bugs feeding through the bark of trees and noticing several species of wasps and ants at the feeding sites, which led them to deduce that they were feeding on the sap from the wounded trees. “The invasive brown marmorated stink bug is economically damaging and has the potential to introduce dis- ease to woody trees as it feeds,” they write. “Resources made available by its feeding, however, directly increase the carbohydrate resources available to insects that are known to provide important ecological services, including biological control of pests and the pollination of plants. The brown marmorated stink bug might therefore have an indirect positive role in invaded ecosystems, in addition to its direct negative effect on plants.” This study shows how truly complex ecosystems can be, and how even damaging invasive species like the BMSB can be beneficial to useful pollinators or insects that attack other insects such as wasps. Don’t get me wrong, I still think these suckers stink, but maybe not as much as I once did. (Richard Levine is Communications Program Manager at the Entomological Society of America and editor of the Ento- mology Today Blog. Source) Fall Insects in Georgia The Kudzu Bug— Relatively new to Georgia, you may have never noticed this tiny bug. It’s only about a quarter of an inch long. The kudzu bug has a green to brown body and red eyes. Hibernating for the Winter, the bug begins looking for a place to snuggle up in October and November. It is attracted to light-colored surfaces. The Brown-Marmorated Stink Bugs— This interesting little critter is a little more than half an inch long and is identifiable by its unique look and white-banded antennae. This stink bug is another relatively new insect to Georgia. They will invade in high numbers when they find the right site for spending the winter months. Asian Lady Beetles— These are the ladybugs that excrete a stinky smell they leave behind inside your home. They will also invade in large numbers to spend the winter indoors. Termites— People often confuse termites for sum- mer month bugs. However, for the winter months, termites will come in and reproduce until February. Then you have a swarm that is out of control. Ter- mite extermination is quite a process. Avoid it at all costs... or it will cost you! Crazy Ants— These crazy ants sneak into homes and are carried in on winter flowers bought to adorn our homes. Crazy ants are crazy hard to be rid of and seldom respond to baits. What to do.... • Make sure there are no holes in the screens. • Keep windows sealed and insulated. • Repair all vents that may be broken. • Replace weather-stripping on all exterior doors. • Don’t leave windows open that do not have screens. (Don’t miss the article about crazy ants in next month’s issue of the Weeder’s Digest.) 16

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020 Weed of the Month

Oxalis violacea

Or, maybe it isn’t a weed... Remember, it’s only a weed if it’s growing where we don’t want it to be, right? Oxalis is one of those “pretty weeds” that we might not necessarily want pol- luting the Mondo grass along a border, but that we allow to sur- vive elsewhere in a flowerbed because of its attractive violet- like bloom. It’s not generally invasive, although in optimum growing conditions it might spread somewhat rapidly by run- ners from the bulbs to form large colonies. Oxalis violacea is a native perennial herb with underground bulbs and sour sap due to the presence of oxalic acid. Oxalis violacea is commonly called violet wood sorrel and grows 4-8" tall in which the long-stemmed leaves and longer, leafless flower stalks rise directly from the bulb. The familiar clover-like leaves have three inversely heart-shaped, often center-creased, green leaflets which are purplish beneath Flowers are violet to pinkish purple and rarely white. Oxalis is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It has a true, scale-covered bulb which should be planted in fall. A repeat bloom will sometimes occur in the fall with the return of cooler weather.

The genus name comes from the Greek word oxys meaning acid, sour or sharp in reference to the taste of Oxalis is often called by the common name clover, but the leaves. Although the leaves have a sour taste, they it is in a different family (Oxalidaceae). Common make a zesty and interesting addition to salads. yellow woodsorrel is a perennial native to Georgia and can be found in many a lawn. 17

The Weeder’s Digest A publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia November 2020

Master Gardeners of Central Georgia Our Mission is to provide horticulture-related information and training to our communities through the University of Georgia Extension. MGCG is a nonprofit, exclusively volunteer, service-oriented educational organization operating within the bounds of 26 USC § 501(c) (3). We support the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in five areas: Environ- mental Stewardship, Home Food Production, Gardening with Youth, understanding the Value of Landscapes, and Health Benefits of Gardening. 2020 Contact Information

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The Weeder’s Digest is a publication of Master Gardeners of Central Georgia (MGCG). It is published for the Master Gardeners of Bibb, Crawford, Dodge, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, and Twiggs counties and all other interested readers. It is edited by a Master Gardener Exten- sion Volunteer, who is solely responsible for any error. This publication is for the benefit of all members of the MGCG, and all submissions are welcomed; the deadline is always the last day of the month. Find out more about what Master Gardeners of Central Georgia are doing at: MGCG.org; and on Facebook at Master Gardeners of Central Georgia.