University of Arizona Yavapai County Cooperative Extension Yavapai Gardens Master Gardener Newsletter April 2004 Zinnias by Nora Graf Events & Activities MG Association Meeting, Wednes- One of the unsung heroes of the summer day, April 20 6:30pm, Prescott. The garden is the zinnia. In a world domi- speaker will be Betty Billingsly-”Judging nated by masses of 6-packs of petunias, at the Fair” marigolds and salvias the zinnia is lim- ited to a mere flat or two pushed into a Yavapai Rose Society - ,April 18 2:30pm back corner of the garden center. Why? Special tour of Willow Creek Nursery. 1670 E. Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, Perkinsville Rd. For more information 928- shapes and sizes, so it can’t be that. They 771-9300. bloom and grow in very hot weather, so that’s not the reason. The Alta Vista Gardening Club, Prescott, fourth reason is they don’t tolerate modern commercial greenhouse condi- Tuesday of the month, 12:30pm. Call 928- tions and growing techniques. Zinnias are not fond of getting their 443-0464 for location and information. leaves wet and most commercial greenhouses use overhead sprin- klers. Nor do they like their roots disturbed, so it’s tough to trans- Prescott Area Gourd Society, third Tuesday of plant them out of 6-packs. The good news is that you can toss out a the month, 6:30 pm, at the Smoki Museum. few handsful of seeds and have a great summer display. Pond Club -this is an informal group that Zinnias come in all styles: there are types that resemble spider meets every couple of months, usually the 3rd dahlias, others that are small pom- poms and there are tall varieties week. Email [email protected] and short ones for borders. All colors of the rainbow are represented, for more information. from whites, reds, yellows, purples, oranges and everything in be- The Organic Gardening Club meets on the tween. 3rd Saturday of the month, 2215 E. Aspen St, The flowers are native to southwestern US, Mexico and Cen- 3pm. For directions call 928-649-3451. tral America. It was the Spanish who first sent them to Europe. These species were small and the Spanish considered them ugly; they Prescott Orchid Society, meets 3rd Sunday of even called them “mal de ojos,” loosely translated to “bad eye.” They the month, 1:30pm at the Prescott Library, call were cultivated in Austria in 1613. It was a medical professional that Cynthia for information. (928) 717-0623 gave the flower its name. Johann Gottfried Zinn was a professor at Gottingen University. He wrote a book on flora of the area and a Table of Contents book on the anatomy of the eye that was so accurate it is still valid today. Zinn died in 1759 but left behind the flower, zinnia, and a Zinnias . . . pg 1 description of part of the eye called Zinn’s Zonule. Water Testing . . . pg 3 The Victorian age was a great time for assigning flowers Seed Swap . . . pg 4 meaning. Zinnias generally mean “thoughts of an absent friend.” Meet a Master Gardener . . . pg 5 It went even further in that different colors had different meanings. Soil Session for 3rd Grade . . . pg 6 Magenta meant lasting affection, scarlet-constancy, white-goodness, Verde Valley Med Center . . . pg 6 yellow-daily remembrance. 1 Zinnias are members of the Asteraceae family (asters) zinnia, (Z. grandiflower.) The desert zinnia has white, sin- that were found from Colorado to Guatemala. It is now gle flowers and grows to about a foot tall. It blooms in the the state flower of Indiana for some reason, who knew! spring and summer and is now available commercially. I Today they are frequently grown (or should be!) in home found it available at High Country Gardens but have also gardens. They are also grown as cut flowers for com- seen it in nurseries in Phoenix. I t will grow in our area mercial sale. About 20 different species of zinnias are and is drought tolerant. The plains zinnia is similar, with recognized. Three species are now grown commercial- yellow flowers, but it is difficult to establish. ly: Zinnia elegans, (the common zinnia,) Z. haageana, Butterflies love zinnias and planting them in your (Mexican zinnia) and Z. augustifolia. garden will provide them with a feast. There are some Zinnia elegans is the most common one you will species they prefer over others, though. The variety “Cut find. All those packets of seeds on and Come Again” seems to be a fa- racks are likely to be elegans. The vorite. “Blue Point Formula Mix” species has been transformed into and “Royal Purple”, “Sunbow Mix”, a showy variety of flower types, Z. augustifolia “Crystal White” and sizes and colors. They come in ev- “Star White’ seem to be favorites but ery color except blue—even some you will have to experiment for what called “Candy Stripes”, which works best for your area. have stripes of colors on them. Zinnias are simple to grow and You will even find green zinnias. they love our conditions—hot, dry Two of the most popular shapes summers and low water. They easily are the Cactus type and the Dahlia become chloratic at temperatures be- type introduced by W. Atlee Bur- low 60°F. They prefer temperatures pee in the 1920’s. Cactus-flow- above 70°F. Plant seeds directly in ered varieties have twisted, tubu- the garden after danger of frost is lar or quilled double flowers up to over. They really look best if you 6 inches across. Dahlia-flowered plant masses of them, versus setting have broad, flat petals that are them in a row or individually. Thin doubled up to 6 inches across. You will also find small seedlings to 6-18 inches apart, depending on the variety. pompom varieties that are great border plants that grow You can start them inside in colder climates, but around 12 -15 inches tall. Look for “Thumbelina”, “Lilliput”, here I wouldn’t bother since they really don’t like their “Peter Pan”, and the Lollipop series. roots disturbed. Once the seeds germinate and leaves Zinnia haageana, the Mexican zinnia, is also la- have formed, give them a light application of fertilizer, beled as “old Mexico” or “Persian Carpet.” Colors usu- but, if they are in a good soil to begin with, they may not ally are red, yellow, orange and mahogany; sometimes need it. Vegetative growth happens when the days are different colors will appear in the same flower. long; flowers appear when the days start to shorten—un- Zinnia angustifolia (or Z. linearis) is a compact der 14 hours. Powdery mildew can be a serious problem type around 12 inches tall with one to two inch flowers, with zinnias and it can plague gardeners in the Midwest usually bright orange with a yellow midrib. This was a and South. While powdery mildew can be a problem in plant well known to the Aztecs. “Classic” and “Orange the monsoon season, I have yet to see it on the zinnias I Star” are two varieties. These are closer to the original have grown in Camp Verde. Keep their leaves dry—no species with single, daisy-like flowers. overhead watering; they thrive on drip systems. If you Another species you may come across are the have had a problem in the past there are some varieties Peruvian zinnias, Z. peruviana, which were a favorite of which are resistant. Try “Blue Point”, “Oklahoma”, “Pro- Thomas Jefferson. These have small 1-inch flowers that fusion” and the “Pinwheel” series. come in Red or Yellow. I’ve grown both of these plants Keep the blooms deadheaded to encourage a long and they are interesting but they can be a bit rangy and summer bloom. They should bloom until the first cold tall and reseed easily. The flowers fade to a paler color as weather knocks them out. They also make excellent cut they age and will dry on the stalk. flowers, so enjoy and bring some in the house. Two other species that are interesting are from Aside from powdery mildew, there are some dis- the Southwest: the desert zinnia, (Z. acerorsa) and plains eases and pests zinnias may be afflicted with. Thrips, 2 caterpillars (remember caterpillars can be butterflies and “Almost Free” Well Water Testing moths in waiting) and stem miners can infest the plants, for Private Well Owners although I have had few problems with mine. Diseases other than powdery mildew aren’t usually a problem in The Yavapai County Master Watershed Stewards and the our dry climate but can be infected via insects with vi- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office for ruses like Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Tomato Spotted Yavapai County is offering “Almost-Free” Well Water Wilt virus. Some types of nematodes may also be a prob- Testing for Private Well Owners. This 7th annual testing lem. program will be offered during National Drinking Water These are generally trouble-free, vibrant, excit- Week, May 2 - May 8, 2005. The deadline for kit reser- ing flowers to brighten up the summer garden. If you vations is April 15. haven’t tried them for awhile, give them another shot The cost to reserve and receive a 5 parameter kit and brighten your summer days. is $7.00. The “Basic” kit will test for Nitrates, Nitrites, Hardness, pH, and Alkalinity. This at-home, on-site, Sources “shirt pocket”, test kit is easy to use, reliable, accurate, and will provide you with immediate results (in your Most garden centers and garden catalogs have seeds read- home...no lab trips) of your water quality. ily available. There was one website I found that had a The cost for the 5 parameter basic test kit PLUS lot of varieties: Arsenic is $22.00. All kits will be mailed from our Prescott www.redbudfarms.com Office by USPS -1st Class Mail to all participants during National Drinking Water Week. For Zinnia acerosa, the desert zinnia, try High Country In addition, optional, bacterial testing discount Gardens or check with your local nursery; they may be coupons will be provided by Bradshaw Mountain Lab- able to order it as I think it is now grown commercially. oratory, a local certified laboratory partnering with the Also, check out the various botanical garden sales in Ari- Cooperative Extension. Acustrip, Inc is providing the zona, as they sometimes have the plant for sale. discounted, cost-recovery kit once again in support of this public service effort. Participants choosing to share their results with the UA - Cooperative Extension Office will receive con- fidential comments and follow-up information regarding their water’s quality by Master Watrshed Stewards and Cooperative Extension Staff. If you are interested in participating, contact or visit your local Cooperative Extension Offices in Prescott or Cottonwood Kits must be reserved) by mailing a check with your current mailing address and a contact phone number. Checks must be made payable to the University of Arizona. The deadline to reserve a kit is April 15th. Mail your kit reservation to:
UA-Cooperative Extension-Yavapai County Attention: Well Water Testing Editor apologies—This month I had an abun- dance of items to put in the newsletter and I 840 Rodeo Drive, Bldg C underwent a major spring cleaning at home. Prescott, AZ 86305 These two are related in that some items, like pictures, disappeared in the cleaning and oth- Russ Radden er items had to be left out. When I find the Program Coordinator, Natural Resources pictures I will include them and the articles Phone: 928-445-6590
will show up as space permits. [email protected] 3 FIRST ANNUAL PRESCOTT COLLEGE SEED AND SEEDLING SWAP
Prescott College’s Wolfberry Farm and Crossroads Café Public shopping from noon-2pm: At noon, people who will host the first annual Prescott College Seed and Seed- do not have seeds or seedlings to swap will be allowed to ling Swap on Sunday April 10th from 11 am to 2 pm in purchase remaining seeds for $1 per packet or $2 for seed- and around the new Crossroads Café. Seeds and seed- lings ($2 will buy one of the following-a 6-pac of small lings of vegetables, flowers, and natives are equally wel- seedlings, a 4-pac of medium seedlings, two individually come, however perennial natives dug from the wild are potted large seedlings, or one very large seedling). Swap- excluded from the swap as are commercially produced ping of plant materials by registered participants using seeds and seedlings. If you do not have anything to Swappers is still encouraged after noon-there will simply swap, you are welcome to show up at noon and purchase be more people present and some will be making pur- any un-swapped seeds for $1/packet and $2 for six-pacs, chases with dollars. four-pacs or large individual seedlings. To learn details Please Note: The intent of the Seed & Seedling Swap on how the swap will be organized, please go to Prescott is to exchange regionally-adapted, open-pollinated plant College’s web page (www.prescott.edu
Since Yavapai County covers such a large territory and di- vides MG monthly meetings between Cottonwood and Prescott, few of us get the opportunity to get to know one another on a more personal level. Each of us has “a story” as to what has drawn us into gardening and what motivates us to volunteer. We are either native Arizo- nans or are transplants from other areas---we have many talents and can learn a lot from one another. Beginning with this newsletter, one of our Master Gardeners will be highlighted and will share his or her “story”. This month, the spotlight is on Jane Davie! Jane has been an AZ Master Gardener for 4 years, but her interest in gardening began as a child, growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska. At 5 years old, her father enlisted her help in removing acorns from their yard before he would mow the lawn. According to Jane, this must have been the “green moment” in her life, when she decided gardening was her calling. She went on to receive a de- photo by Joan E. Tyler gree in Horticulture from the University of Nebraska and began her career there in the area of Corn Research. Today, landscaping and grounds maintenance are Jane’s full-time occupation. Since moving to Arizona 21 years ago, Jane has been a groundskeeper at L’Auberge Master Gardener Request and Tlaquepaque and currently maintains the grounds at Sedona Springs, the Villas of Sedona and Villas of Poco. Paul Schnur, Ralph Young and my- Jane “loves to go to work each day”, making landscapes self are planning to dig up and divide look beautiful and sharing her knowledge with others. quite a few narcissus clumps in the “People want to know how to do things correctly”, and rose garden at Sedona Heritage Mu- Jane certainly has the skills and expertise to share with them—both professionally and as a Master Gardener. seum. We will be bagging the excess Currently, Jane and her 16 year old daughter, for sale in the Museum gift shop. We Kelsey, live in Cottonwood. Outside interests for Jane are planning to do this on Saturday, include belonging to a women’s investment club, which April 23rd from about 10-12 AM. she considers a great learning experience. A little know We could use a few more able bod- fact is that Jane is also a trained pyrotechnician! She and ied diggers, since I am still recovering her boyfriend, Bob, are trained to provide fireworks dis- plays at Cliff Castle Casino on New Years’ Eve and the from my knee replacement. Could Cottonwood Fairgrounds on 4th of July. you send out a message to other As a Yavapai County Master Gardener, Jane did Master Gardeners in the Sedona/ an outstanding job of organizing last fall’s Highland Verde Valley area and see if a few of Conference in Camp Verde. Staffing the MG booth for them might be interested in helping? the recent Pecan and Wine festival was also Jane’s respon- You could have them contact me at sibility---we are truly fortunate to have her willingness to share her skills and talents with us! Thanks, Jane, for all [email protected] or call me at you do! 928-282-4706 for details. 5 Soil Lesson for 3rd Grade it could be easily adapted to fulfill the needs of 4th and 5th grade students. The team also felt very comfortable Students in Prescott Valley with the topic because the information received in their By Pam Bowman training as Associate Master Gardeners had given them a solid foundation. The team developed a plan that would identify the physical properties of clay and sandy soils and On February 7, Mas- discuss the implications for plant life. So, with the soils ter Gardeners Lenora lesson plan in hand, Lenora and Marti felt confident as Warnock and Marti they entered the classroom. Dodd entered a 3rd Now the team hopes that interested Master Gar- grade classroom at deners will volunteer to help with this project. If you Coyote Springs El- would like to research, write, or implement lesson plans ementary School to for the remaining topics or adapt the soils lesson plan teach the students for 4th and 5th grade students, please contact Charlotte about soils. Lenora Ewalt at 928-443-5313 or [email protected]. led the class while Marti and two stu- dents selected by the Verde Valley Medical Center Project teacher assisted her. The 40-minute hands-on class was well-received by the students and the teacher provided constructive com- Master Gardeners hard at work, all photos by Joan E. ments and positive feedback. This successful “trial run” Tyler was the result of a project developed by Master Garden- ers several months ago. Last year, Jessica Diehl, head of the Parent Teach- ers Association for Coyote Springs Elementary School approached County Agent Jeff Schalau with a proposal. She suggested that Master Gardeners would have the knowledge and ability to develop and implement sci- ence-based lesson plans that evolved from the science of gardening. These lessons would show how science is important in daily activities and could be presented to students in grades 3 through 5. In early summer, 2004, Mary Barnes, Marti Dodd, Charlotte Ewalt, Nancy Millet, Jim Musgrove, Jeannette Teets and Lenora Warnock began work on the project. Under the leadership of Charlotte, they devel- oped a list of potential topics: beneficial insects, biode- gradable material cycle, composting, indigenous Arizona plants (local area,) local Arizona wildflowers, plant life cycle, plant structure, soils and wildlife habitat. The team then asked the teachers at Coyote Springs Elementary School to prioritize the topics. Topics identified as high priority by these teachers were: composting, indigenous Arizona plants (local area,) plant life cycle(what is neces- sary for growth,) and soil, (textures, erosion, components and pH.) The team decided to develop a lesson plan about soil texture and structure. Although this first lesson plan Mary Barnes would be written for 3rd grade students, the team felt 6 FROM THE EDITOR: Please send or email articles and an- nouncements to the address below. Long articles will go in as soon as possible, announce- ments must be in by the 15th of the month to be included. Nora Graf PO Box 3652 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 [email protected] (928) 567-6703
Richard Wise
Jeff Schalau County Director, Yavapai County Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources email: [email protected]
Prescott 840 Rodeo Dr. Building C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590 FAX: (928) 445-6593
Cottonwood 2657 Village Dr. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (928) 646-9113 Dr. Paul Schnur, Richard Wise, Marty Dodd, Mary Barnes, Jonella Blake, Jeanette Teets
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914 in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Direc- tor, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The University of Arizona and Arizona Counties cooperating. The University of Arizona is an equal opportu- nity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis or race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation in its progrmas and activities. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative Extension is implied. Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this publication do not imply endorsement by the University of Arizona. 7 Arizona Cooperative Extension US Department of Agriculture Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr. Building C Prescott, AZ 86305
MG NEWSLETTER
MG Association Meeting April 20, 6:30pm, Prescott Speaker: Betty Billingsly, Judging at the Fair.
May 18, Cottonwood: Bill Cook, Fruit Trees, thinning, grafting and pruning.
Yavapai Gardens Mailing If you’d prefer to view this newsletter on-line (available on the U of A website the first Wednesday of each month), please e-mail Mary Barnes ([email protected]) to be removed from U.S. Mail distribution.
6th Annual Iris Exhibit
The Prescott Area Iris Society invites you to enter your iris blooms in our 6th Annual Iris Exhibit. The exhibit will be held Saturday, May 14 at Mortimer Nursery in Prescott from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Exhibition privileges are available to anyone who grows iris. Exhibitors may enter individual iris stalks and iris ar- rangements. Entries will be accepted from 8:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m. Help us promote an awareness and appreciation of iris by entering several different iris. The public will vote for their favorite irises and the exhibitors of winning irises will be awarded prizes for Best Tall Bearded Iris, Best Other Iris, Best Artistic Design and President’s Award. Prizes will only be awarded for named iris. Unnamed iris will be for display only. For exhibit rules or information: 776-7217 or [email protected].
Mark your calendars now for our rhizome sale, Saturday, August 6, Sharlot Hall Museum.