Volume V1, Issue 10 Official E-letter of the Ellis County Master Gardeners Association, Waxahachie, Texas November, 2012

elcome to the Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is W to give you a month-by-month agenda of what you should be doing with your landscape. We will feature hor- ticultural articles that we hope you will find interesting, and important dates where you can find the Master Gar- deners speaking, demonstrating, and passing out information relative to your garden. If you would like to receive this newsletter monthly via your email address, log onto our website www.ECMGA.com, click on subscribe, and it will be sent around the 1st of every month. Best of all; it’s FREE! Susan Clark, Editor

What’s Happening in November The Market is extended through December 15th! 8am—1pm * NEW HOURS starting Nov 24th: 10am—3pm Visit the Master Gardeners’ Booth! Located at 410 S. Rogers. (across from City Hall in the old lumberyard building)  Useful gardening tips  Plants and herbs for sale Listen to KBEC......  Free handouts...Some items for a fee  Tell a friend to sign up for the FREE E-Garden Newsletter!! Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on 1390 AM.

Monday, November 26, 7pm, Indian Trail Master Naturalists present “Christmas The Ellis County Master Gardeners Bird Count”. Tania Homayoun, from the Audubon Center at Cedar Hill, will discuss the have a 5-minute segment every Count’s history, how it has contributed to conservation of North America’s birds, and how week, offering you helpful infor- to get involved. The program is free and follows the 6 p.m. Master Naturalist meeting that mation on what you need to be do- is also open to the public. It takes place in the banquet hall of the First United Methodist ing in your landscape, as well as Church, 505 West Marvin Ave, Waxahachie. “happenings” around the county.

Cedar Ridge Preserve Be sure to listen in! 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, www.audubondallas.org Melinda Kocian Saturday, November 17, 9am—12pm. Conservation in Action Workday. Work in the butterfly garden and on the trails. Water and snacks provided. For info, call Jim Varnum at (214) 543-2055 or email [email protected]. Inside this issue:

Texas Discovery Gardens It’s Nov., What Needs to be Done? 2 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TexasDiscoveryGardens.org Saturday, Nov. 10, 10am—3pm Fall Plant Sale. The Fall Plant Sale now has extended hours! Earth-Kind® Gardening 3 Note: Member’s Preview Sale—Friday, Nov. 9, 4pm—7 pm for the first time in the fall. Members Herb of the Month 4 receive 10% off plants, and family memberships cost just $45! Sign up in advance or at the preview. Friday, Nov. 9, 3pm—4pm, OR Saturday, Nov. 10, 9am—10am, Fall Plant Sale Safaris. Join a In the Vegetable Garden 5 guided tour to see established plants and learn how to care for them. Led by Horticulture Director Garden To Do’s for November 6 Roger Sanderson. The tour shows how to incorporate native and adapted plants into your landscape. Learn about the environmental conditions they thrive in and the beneficial insects they attract. $10, Junior Master Gardener Program 7 $5 for TDG Members. Advance registration strongly encouraged. Dealing with Disease 8 For complete details for events, go to http://texasdiscoverygardens.org/events_and_classes.php Landscape Gardening 9

Garden Inspirations www.gardeninspirations-tx.com

November and December, various dates: Classes for Salsa & Jams, Landscaping 101, and an All-Day Christmas Workshop. For complete details and to register for classes, go to https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=30097

Page 2 — November, 2012 Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter

It’s November….What Needs To Be Done? Planting  This is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. They will use less water to establish before spring and summer weather arrives. Con- sider the size of the plant –especially trees—at maturity. Allow plen- ty of distance from property lines and structures.  Dig a hole two to four times the diameter and one-inch shallower than the root ball. Make sure the root ball and the hole are thorough- ly wet before planting. Back fill with the existing soil only and water well. Fertilizing and Pruning  Feed and water vegetables that you are growing now.  Feed winter annuals growing in the ground and containers with a water-soluble plant food.  Remove the tops of herbaceous perennials after they have died. Garden Watch  Caterpillars like to feast on some cool-season annuals. If they are a problem, pick them off by hand and move them to another location. A spray containing Bt (Bacillis thuringiensis) can be used, but it kills all caterpillars. Photo by Mox Moxley  Check potted plants growing outside for insects and spray, if needed, before bringing them indoors. English Gardens  Look for scale on cast-iron and other plants. Use a horticultural oil to control.

Odds and Ends Having evolved out of the formal gardens of Europe, the less stately English Gar-  Apply two to three inches of mulch around perennial flowers, newly dens were less expensive and easier to -planted trees, shrubs, and vines. It protects against winter freeze maintain. These gardens were some of damage, conserves moisture, and moderates soil temperatures. the first to employ principles of sustaina-  Collect leaves for the compost pile. Use a mower with a bag to re- bility with the idea that nature should move leaves from the lawn. look natural. Originally developed as  Perform maintenance on all power equipment. Run gasoline- natural gardens, evolution brought us the powered engines until they are dry. colorful, peaceful image of today’s Eng-  Sharpen mower blades and any other tools as needed. lish Garden. Native and adaptive plants make recreat- ing the thirsty English Cottage Gardens a reality for Ellis County gardeners. Creat- ing a tranquil, natural English Garden starts with the design and preparation. Visit local nurseries, study magazine arti- cles, and consult the Master Gardener’s website at www.ECMGA.com for links to information on creating your garden. A blend of plant heights and varieties, hardscape, and water and other natural features can create that special secret gar- den just for you.

Photo by Homer McCain Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter November, 2012 — Page 3

Earth-kind® Gardening : A Sensible Approach By Maureen Nitkowski Ellis County Master Gardener

After the long, hot North Central Tex- porosity and drainage, but the expand- mand on the public water sys- as summer. true gardeners take a ed shale will last for 10-15 years while tem. Designing turf areas to be re- break and evaluate their gardens of compost is broken down by microbial duced in size and utilizing less water- last year. Whether better soil prepara- activity. Expanded shale will not help hungry varieties of turf will help your tion, water conservation, or plant se- sandy soils, and it must be tilled in to water bill. Irrigating efficiently and lection is indicated a depth of six to eight only when needed is not difficult to for next year, Earth- inches to be effec- do, but does require some planning Kind® landscape tive. Mulch reduces and moisture monitoring. practices can evaporation from the ® Selecting plants that can take the heat help. Earth-Kind soil, moderates soil tem- and dry summers does not mean limit- is a research based perature, and reduces ing your landscape to cacti. The Ellis landscaping pro- annual weeds. Native County Master Gardeners offer the gram developed by tree mulch will be bro- public lists of recommended plants horticultural spe- ken down by microbes that include trees, shrubs, vines, cialists, agents, vol- and will be- Texas Native ‘Desert groundcovers, turf, annuals, perenni- unteers, and indus- come part of als, fruit and nut trees, herbs, and veg- Willow’ is low mainte- try representatives etables. Drought-resistant and easy- nance and drought of the Texas A&M care varieties are the best choic- tolerant. AgriLife Extension Service. The pro- es. Earth-Kind® has tested roses and gram focuses on creating beautiful, recommends 21 varieties thus far, easy-care landscapes, as well as, vege- which are disease resistant and require table gardens and fruit plantings while minimal care. At present, Earth- conserving and protecting natural re- Kind® is conducting research trials sources. on perennials; the results will be pub- If a gardener does decide to start a lished as the various trial phases are new landscape bed, proper soil prepa- completed. ration is the first step. Since the domi- the soil. The gardener needs to add For more information about Earth- nant soil type in Ellis County is dense Kind® landscaping, visit the ECMGA black clay, Earth-Kind® research rec- more mulch when the depth of the layer is reduced by half. website at http://earthkind.tamu.edu or ommends that 3" of expanded shale call Ellis County Master Gardeners at plus 3" of finished compost be mixed Since water sources in our area are (972) 825-5175. into the soil, and then 3" of native tree decreasing while water demand by the mulch cover the amended soil. Both growing population is increasing, wa- the expanded shale and compost will ter conservation must be improve the soil texture by increasing a priority in our land- scapes. Replacing con- crete and asphalt areas with gravel or pavers Save The Date! helps to prevent runoff Saturday, March 16, 2013 and erosion. Choosing native plants and adapted drought-tolerant plants can yield a beautiful landscape with low water requirements. Rainwater harvesting for the garden or landscape reduces de- Page 4 — November, 2012 Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter

Herb of the Month By Arlene Hamilton Ellis County Master Gardener

November Herb of the Month: and one for our traditional Baked Stuffed meal of Stuffed Pumpkin and Chili. 1 medium unblemished pumpkin In the southwestern United States and 1 package prepared mix, such Yes, I know pumpkins are not classi- Mexico, pumpkin and squash flowers as Pepperidge Farm are a popular food item. They may be fied as an herb, but the definition of an 4 Tbsp. butter used to garnish dishes, or dipped in a herb is “a useful plant”. No doubt the 1 medium onion, chopped beautiful, orange orb has many useful batter and then fried in oil. 1/2 cup celery, chopped qualities. According to Wikipedia, Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, pumpkins are squash in the - are small, flat, green, edible seeds. 1/4 cup carrots, chopped ceae family, which include gourds. Most pumpkin seeds are covered by a 3 eggs, beaten They are native to North America, white husk, although some pumpkin 8 oz. each, Swiss cheese and cheddar varieties produce seeds without them. have thick orange shells, and contain cheese, grated seeds and pulp. Pumpkins are used for Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack 1 cup Half & Half food, decoration, and that can be found recreation. Think hulled or semi- Salt & pepper to taste and one bay leaf jack-o’-lantern and hulled at most Directions: Cut a cover about 4" in pumpkin chucking grocery stores. diameter in top of pumpkin. Scrape competitions. However, roast- out all of the seeds, strings, etc. Sprin- The oldest evidence ing pumpkin kle inside lightly with salt. Sauté on- of pumpkin-related seeds (usually ions, celery, and carrots in butter until seeds dating between scooped out of tender and transparent. Add stuffing 7000 and 5500 BC, jack-o’-lanterns) mix to butter mixture; season with salt were found in Mexi- is a popular Hal- and pepper and toss gently. Stir in the co. Pumpkins range loween treat. cheeses and spoon the mixture into the in size from less than Pumpkin seeds pumpkin. Combine the milk, eggs, one pound to over 1,000 pounds. They are a good source salt, and pepper; pour over stuffing. are a warm weather crop, usually of protein, magnesium, copper, and Lay a bay leaf on top and replace the planted in late June, require a warm zinc. cover. Place on a buttered baking dish soil (at least 60°) and will suffer from In addition to the traditional Hallow- and bake in a 400° preheated oven for cold temperatures and lack of water. een jack-o’-lantern and 1-1/2 hours, or until the pumpkin is beginning to soften on the outside and Pumpkins produce both a male and pie, there are numerous pumpkin festi- the inside is beginning to bubble. Re- female flower; honeybees play a sig- vals, celebrations, and competitions duce heat to 350° and bake an addi- nificant role in fertilization. Pumpkins throughout the world. The record for tional half hour. have historically been pollinated by the world's heaviest pumpkin was bro- the native squash bee, Peponapis pru- ken September 30, 2012, at the I add chopped spinach to this recipe inosa, but this bee has declined, prob- Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts. Ron sometimes to make it healthier. Serves ably due to pesticide sensitivity, and Wallace of Greene, Rhode Island, en- 8 to 10 as a side dish. today most commercial plantings are tered a pumpkin weighing 2,009 This has been a long time traditional pollinated by honeybees. Although I pounds. We will see if someone can Halloween meal served with a bowl of have not been able to grow any squash top that record next year. chili. Enjoy! successfully in Texas, when we lived in Missouri, the Hamilton men and I would self pollinate our pumpkin patch with a small artist paint brush. This method usually produced several small pumpkins suitable for carving Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter November, 2012 — Page 5

In the Vegetable Garden With Monica Nyenhaus Ellis County Master Gardener

Each fall I marvel at how the growing are not going to make it through win- going to avoid them next time, and season went by so fast. I reminisce ter. So long peppers, tomatoes, basil, any other items you want to do differ- about what I was going to get done marigolds, and any other plants that ent next year. Ah, the list never ends! versus what actually happened. That are not fall harvesting. It’s always sad The beauty of a veggie garden, be- always is the same. The well-laid to see them being pulled up, but then sides getting to eat what you grow, is plans just went out the window very after everything is cleaned up and that there is always another year to try early on, as weather and life interrupts ready for the next planting. it keeps again. Try to experiment with some- my diligent plan to stay ahead of the you dreaming about the fresh spring thing new or improve the performance game “this year”. So now that the rest veggies that will be coming on soon. of your favorite variety. In any case, of the yard is pruned, mulched, ferti- Oh wait, there’s still things growing make your list of things you want to lized, and ready for a long (well, in out there that need to be watered and plant. Be watchful of crop rotation. Texas not so long) winter, it’s time to fertilized. Making sure to water in the It’s difficult to do when growing in a begin to plan for next year’s harvest… winter is something you need to take small garden, but important. Plan for wait, there’s stuff still growing in my care of. Because there is no daytime when your spring plants need to be in veggie garden! heating, the soil does not dry out as the ground. If you have a greenhouse, November is a transitional month in fast, but the plants still need moist soil it’s time to clean it up and get ready the garden, if you have everything to absorb the nutrients. When there is for the new seedlings you will be already pulled and have not planted a forecast for frost or freeze, make starting in January. What? January, winter crops, then you are just clean- sure you water the soil beforehand. It are you kidding me? I don’t have time ing up and getting ready for a new helps to keep the roots warm and more to talk turkey. I need to get in the spring garden. However, if you are a tolerant of the cold. Mulch is very im- yard! diehard that can’t let a pepper or to- portant in keeping the weeds down I’ve touched on a lot of topics here. So mato plant go until you have harvest- and keeping the plants insulated from when it’s too cold to be in the garden, ed the last fruit before frost, then you both heat and cold. take some time to read up on some of are not alone. With summer plants Now it’s off to start the list of plants these things. Remember, there are mixed with fall plants in the garden, that you are going to grow next year, plenty of reading materials available it’s a challenge to get ready for your poring through seed catalogs and for free at the Ellis County Extension next spring crop. dreaming of the spring. If you are go- Office. You can call the office with For fall gardeners, we know that it’s ing to be cleaning up the garden, you questions anytime. A Master Gardener just a matter of time before the first need to start amending the soil for will be glad to help you. frost. Making sure that you are ready spring; adding compost and other Happy Gardening! is key to keeping some of those not so amendments now, so they have time hardy fall veggies going through to to break down in the soil. Tilling helps harvest. If you don’t buy row covers, to expose the little pests to freeze and you can use old sheets and cover your help control the little buggers in the plants when the weather forecasts for spring. Let’s not even think about cov- frost. Be sure to have a frame, if you er crops! But if you feel challenged can, so the actual cover does not lie on you can do that too, just more planting the plants. It will help keep the damp- and tilling in the spring. Cover crops ness off of the plant. If you have to- help put back nutrients in the soil nat- mato and pepper plants with fruit, you urally. can keep them going, but you will not November is a good time to sit and get any new fruit as they need warm write down…if you can remember, weather to bloom. Regardless of what what grew well, the weather for the you are growing, it’s almost time to past growing season, what problems clean out the garden of all plants that you encountered, and how you are Page 6 — November, 2012 Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter

Garden To-Dos for November With Jeanne Bolin Ellis County Master Gardener

Here is what’s on the to-do list for the  Chill tulip and crocus bulbs. They They need well-drained soil and at month of November: need six to eight weeks in the refrig- least a half-day of sun.  Plant winter vegetables such as car- erator, but not near the fruits and  Divide and reset perennials such as rots, radishes, lettuces, and spinach. vegetables, which give off ethylene phlox, violets, hollyhocks, irises,  Plant herbs such as cilantro, lemon gas that will cause the bulbs to per- day lilies, and shasta daisies. form poorly. balm, chamomile, and dill.  Don’t forget to water if there is not  Plant hardy peren-  Plant perennial strawberries. enough rain. nials, shrubs, and  Plant wildflower  Drain gasoline from power tools and trees. seeds. run the engine until fuel in the car-  Mulch plants six  Be prepared to cover buretor is used up. inches from tree your plants with  Drain and store garden hoses and November 14th trunk and don’t breathable coverings watering equipment in a readily ac- mulch plants short- Average first frost in such as old sheets, ta- cessible area. This way you may er than three inches. Ellis County blecloths, or pillow water plants easily during a dry spell Mulch will help cases. You may want or before a sudden freeze. retain moisture and to use your tomato protect against cages by covering freeze damage by them with cloth and moderating the soil’s temperature. securing it with clothespins. Be sure  Check vegetables for caterpillars to remove the covers when the tem- and insects. perature is above freezing.  Wash potted plants with one table-  Plant bulbs other than tulips or ones spoon of orange oil to a gallon of that have to be chilled. water before bringing them inside.  Cut up holiday gourds and pump-  Deadhead perennials, and if gone to kins for the compost pile. Don’t for- seed, save the seed in an airtight bag get the leaves and if you don’t have for planting in the spring. a compost pile, spread them on your garden beds.  Clean up garden to reduce insect and disease potential for next year.  Prepare beds for pansies, violets, stock, snapdragons, and dianthus. ECMGAECMGA AmateurAmateur PhotoPhoto ContestContest The Ellis County Master Gardener Association announces its annual photo contest is under way beginning September 1, 2012. Last date for submissions is March 1, 2013. Grab your cameras and get out in your yard, garden, and Ellis County and take your best shot! You can submit up to five photos, so you may want to submit photos from different seasons, as well as, your personal favorite. Vegetables and summer garden pictures are great, but don’t forget to include beautiful fall and winter photos, too. Please do not include people in your photos. For contest details and submission of entries, go to Photo Contest at www.ecmga.com. There is no cost to enter the contest, and photographers can enter up to five photographs per category. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place in each of two categories: “single specimen” and “in the garden”. Each winner will receive a gift certif- icate from one of the following businesses: Roland’s Nursery or The Greenery in Waxahachie or EarthTones Greenery in Midlothian. Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter November, 2012 — Page 7

The Junior Master Gardener Program By: Shirley Campbell, Ellis County Master Gardener

and nuts, landscape horticulture, and standing of the life skills and career exploration. Each messages behind chapter has a selection of group and the stories. individual activities. Activities include Health and Nutrition in the Garden™ arts and crafts, games, field trips, has chapters in thrifty gardens, basic backyard explorations, experiments, gardening, growing techniques, food cooking, and more. Many activities safety, ABCs of healthy eating, and use items found in nature or around healthy snacks. The activities aim to the house (film canisters, coat hang- teach youth health, nutrition, food Suck-A-Bug. Gas Gobblers. Plant ers, cookie cutters, paper plates, news- safety. and decision-making skills. Parts Rap. Pinwheel Plants. In- papers, window screens, etc.). Activi- Wildlife Gardener™ helps youth un- trigued? These are all activities from ties vary from ‘quick and simple’ (no derstand wildlife and their needs, their Junior Master Gardener™, a youth supplies required) to more involved -- contribution to the garden, and their gardening curriculum developed at requiring more supplies and time aesthetic value. Chapters Texas A&M University and adminis- (days, weeks). Do one activity or in Wildlife Gardener™ tered through the extension network. do them all—it’s your choice; the include habitat gardening If you want to incorporate fun, inex- curriculum is flexible. basics, essential elements, pensive, environmental education ac- The Level 2 curriculum has two birds, mammals, insects, rep- tivities into your child’s schooling, different units: Operation Thistle™: tiles and amphibians, wild- look no further than Junior Master Seeds of Despair, life habitat sites, and life Gardener™. JMG™ is a gardening which covers plant skills and career explora- curriculum designed for grades 3—5 growth and development, tion. (Level 1) and 6—8 (Level 2), but the and Operation It only takes five youth to activities are suitable for K-12. W.A.T.E.R™: Dr. This- form a registered JMG™ JMG™ incorporates hands-on, project tle Goes Underground, group! Registered groups -based learning, leadership develop- which covers soils get a certificate recognizing ment, and community service. It is a and water. their group, a free page on flexible curriculum appropriate for In addition to the the JMG™ website, and are families, camps, scout groups, after- core curricula, there are several sup- entered into monthly draw- school programs, schools, and public plemental curricula at Level 1: Litera- ings for garden-related prizes. In addi- gardens. Access to a garden or plot of ture in the Garden™, Health and Nu- tion, registered youth can work toward land is preferable, but not required. trition in the Garden™, and Wildlife various levels of certification in the The Level 1 curriculum encompasses Gardener™. Literature in the Gar- curriculum. JMG™ registration is eight areas: plant growth and develop- den™ engages youth through activi- free, and the curriculum is inexpen- ment, soil and water, insects and dis- ties based on garden- and ecology- sive. eases, environmental horticulture and themed children’s books. The goal of E-mail the Ellis County Master Gar- ecology, vegetables and herbs, fruits the curriculum is to enhance under- deners at [email protected] or call (972) 825-5175 for more information. Interested in becoming a Whether you are looking for activities to fill weeks, months, a whole sum- 2013 Expo Sponsor Or mer, or even just one hour (or less), Expo Exhibitor? JMG™ is sure to have something that

Contact James Kocian at will fit your needs. [email protected]

Reserve the date: March 16, 2013! Page 8 — November, 2012 Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter

Dealing With Disease By Jackie Wilhite Ellis County Master Gardener

Crape Myrtle Scale honeydew. The honeydew also at- damaging the plant. TAMU reports A new insect pest has been quietly tracts ants, who in turn protect the that the application of horticultural invading North Texas crape myrtles. scale from predators, so that they may oils has not been effective. They do Up until recently this scale on crape feed on the sticky substance. Scale recommend Greenlight Tree and myrtles was primarily found in the populations will flourish while being Shrub Insect Control with Safari or urban areas around Dallas. It does not tended by the ants. There is no easy Merit® or Bayer Advanced™ Garden officially have a name as of yet, but way to treat this scale. You must Tree and Shrub Insect Control. Before falls in the genus Eriococcus. This is a break the cycle as scales hatch and application of products to the plant, it felt or bark type scale that has infect the plant once again. is beneficial to wash the trunk and all never been associated with limbs that can be reached with crape myrtles, but has relatives a mild dishwashing solution that are known as Azalea bark and a soft brush. This will re- scale. According to Texas move any female scale and A&M systems, evidence sug- their eggs to help the treatment gests that this scale may be a process. This will also help migrant from Asia, Eriococcus with removing the honeydew Lagerstroemia, which is com- and blackened leaves. Let the mon on the timber tree plant dry about 24 hours before Lagerostroemia indica in Ja- application of the insect control pan and China. product. If the plant is not al- lowed to dry completely, the What’s a little scale to a big insecticide will not adhere to tough plant like a crape myr- the plant for optimum results. It tle? This is no little scale. It may be necessary to retreat the covers all stems and limbs plant or change up the treat- with a white powdery waxy I found that homeowners have tried a ment as the seasons change. looking substance. These insects are multitude of treatments for scale in- the scales. They have sucking parts to The crape myrtle bark scale had been festations. Some recommendations feed on the plant causing the limbs to observed primarily in the north Dallas were to use horticultural oil since the look black and sooty from the honey- area of North Texas according to application of oil will smother the dew that is secreted. The leaves can TAMU information, but some Ellis scale. This type of treatment can be a become sticky and turn black with County residents have reported bat- problem during the heat of summer sooty mold. If this sounds familiar, tling the pest for several years. The when the scale is thriving and is better then you probably have seen aphids best treatment for crape myrtle scale suited to winter applications to avoid accomplish the same results with their may be yet to come.

Light House for Learning (With the Ellis County Master Gardeners) For reservations, call Melissa Cobb at (972) 923-4631. Register online at http://www.wisd.org/default.aspx?name=CO_LighthouseforLearning Monday, December 3, 6:00-7:30, Vermi-Composting. Worm your way into composting by using worms to eat your food scraps! Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is an easy way to recycle your kitchen waste and produce rich compost to use in your garden and house plants. This class will teach you the basics of ver- micomposting. During the class, you will assemble your own worm bin, complete with worms, to take home so you can get started right away. There is a $12.00 fee payable to the instructor at the beginning of class for supplies. Instructor: Susan Clark, Cost: $12.00 + $12.00 supply fee Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter November, 2012 — Page 9

Landscape Gardening From: Gail Haynes, Ellis County Master Gardener Ellis County Master Gardeners have a website at www.ecmga.com. Check this website for infor- mation on gardening in Ellis County, sign up for a monthly newsletter, or access other websites including the Texas A&M Horticulture website. Questions for Master Gardeners will be answered with a return email or telephone call, if you leave a message at (972) 825-5175.

Bulbs: Tips on Tulips 'Elizabeth Arden' is deep salmon-pink. As soon as the November weather ap- By Dr. William C. Welch, Professor & Land- Cottage Tulips: This variety has many pears to be settled, it is time to select scape Horticulturist, Texas AgriLife Extension colors and flower forms, and blooms later and plant such annuals as pansies, vio- Service than Darwin types. The blooms are usual- las, and ornamental cabbages and kale. The association of the popular tulip with ly large and egg-shaped. Outstanding vari- Plan now for your spring flowering sea- Holland has led many to believe that it is eties include 'Halcro' (carmine-red), 'John son with a mixture of annuals and per- native to that country; however, the tulip T. Scheepers' (soft yellow), ennials. was brought from Constantinople in the 'Renown' (red), 'Smiling Queen' (light mid-to-late 1500s. The tulip is a member pink), and 'White City'. Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you of the lily family. Parrot Tulips: Parrot tulips have fringed are ready to plant. By ordering early, Research has proven that with proper and scalloped edges. There are numerous you will be more certain of getting the treatment and variety selection, tulips may varieties of parrot tulips; however, many varieties you want. In addition to order- be just as spectacular in Texas as they are have weak stems and do not flower ing seeds that you are already familiar in more northern areas. To achieve long, properly. Because of their large, heavy with, try a few new kinds each year to graceful stems and successful blooms, the blooms, wind and rain can damage parrot broaden your garden contents. colorful tulip demands a pre-chilling of tulips. Some varieties include 'Red Par- the bulbs in the vegetable bin of your re- rot' (deep scarlet), 'Blue Parrot' (bluish November through February is a good frigerator for 45 to 60 days prior to plant- with gray sheen), 'Texas Gold' (golden time to plant trees and shrubs. yellow), 'Orange Favorite' (bright orange), ing. Be certain that the bulbs remain dry Bring in late-blooming plants such as and 'Fantasy' (soft rose with apple-green to avoid mold or rot; wrap them in paper decorative kalanchoes or Christmas stripes) pictured. towels and put them in paper bags or plas- cactus so they may finish flowering in tic to help assure dryness. Plant the bulbs Peony or Double Tulips: These tulips of the warmth of the house. immediately upon removal from cold stor- many petals bloom late in the spring sea- age in December or early January. son. Good varieties include 'Eros' (rose- Continue to set out cool-season bedding The following are some recommended pink), 'May Wonder' (clear pink), and plants, such as pansies, violas, stock, types and varieties for Texas gardens. 'Orange Triumph' (soft orange). snapdragons, and dianthus. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, Other Tulip Types These include lily- Prepare beds and individual holes for as most varieties of tulips will perform if flowered tulips, Breeder tulips, Rembrandt rose planting in January and February. handled properly. or broken tulips, Fosteriana tulips, and Use composted manure, pine bark, and Darwin Tulips: The Darwin is an ideal Duc van Thol tulips. similar materials mixed with existing all-purpose tulip, and is by far the best for Regardless of tulip choice, locate the soil. general garden use and beauty. Darwins planting in full sun or partial shade in well Take advantage of good weather to pre- appear on long, graceful stems, and usual- -drained soil and on a raised bed. Planting pare garden beds for spring planting. ly reach peak bloom in late March and the bulbs beneath a deciduous tree will Work in any needed organic matter, and early April. Some recommended Darwin provide adequate sun before foliage ap- have beds ready to plant when needed. varieties include 'Aristocrat' (soft rose), pears in spring. Berrying plants, such as holly and yau- 'Paul Richter' (bright red), 'Golden Tulips make a more effective display Age' (golden yellow), 'Red Master' (deep when planted in masses of one variety and pon, may be pruned now while they can crimson), 'The Bishop' (deep violet), and color. However, a number of varieties will be enjoyed as cut material inside the 'Zwanenburg' (pure white). assure a longer season of bloom and show house. Darwin Hybrids: These are improved, of color. For vivid garden displays, mix larger-flowering Darwin types. Darwin tulips with other spring bulbs, perennials, hybrids usually bloom several weeks ear- spring-flowering shrubs, and annuals. lier than the regular Darwin types. Out- Garden Checklist for November standing varieties include 'General Eisen- hower' (large, scarlet red), Don't forget to give your landscape a 'Apeldoorn' (warm orange-red), steady amount of water, through irriga- 'Roosevelt' (orange -r e d ) , a nd tion or by hand, if there is not adequate 'Diplomat' (vermilion red). 'Jewel of rain. Spring' is yellow, marked with red, and Page 10 — November, 2012 Ellis County Master Gardener’s E-Gardening Newsletter

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