EXTENSION'S m NC STATE UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Carolinians JC Raulston Arboretum Focus Increase Their Knowledge of Uncommon Shrub with Seasonal Interest Gardening, Manage Their !• inding a distinctive tree or shrub that brings a stellar display to any fall and • wintergarden could not be any morerewarding than with the seven-son Landscape flower, Heptacodium miconioides. Fragrant flowers, beautiful fruits and Investment & showy bark bring out the best inevery garden's design and arcconveniently Protect the packaged in this specimen.

Environment Buds appear in early summer and are almost forgotten untilclusters of seven small flowers cover theentire canopy in fragrant, white every September. After the veil of white fades, the flower's sturdier calyx wraps rounded seeds in vivid colorsof cherry red to rose purple. Winter brings the opportune moment to reveal the beautiful exfoliating bark. Stems as small as 1/2 inch can have theirgray-brown bark peel back The Proper to show a lighter, inner surface, most evident in the colder months when the plant is without its canopy. Care of Heptacodium niiconioides can grow 10- to 20-feet tall and half as Shade wide in fountain-like shrub or single-trunk tree forms, depending on the gardener's choice and pruning. This moderately fast grower thrives in a range of soils from poor to rich, while preferring not to dry out completely. All of these features combine to make this a versatile specimen or complementary plant with a relatively small footprint in a somewhat shaded urban garden or as a standout in a much larger design. Enviro- A native of eastern China, this plant was introduced to the U.S. by the in 1980 and is popular in New England. A member of the honeysuckle family, this plant is not an aggressive self-propagator, but is easily transplanted from containers. Find a fine example of this plant in specialized garden centers and the Garde southeast section of theJC Raulston Arboretum in the magnolia and barberry Spot peninsula near the weeping, winged elm.

Mark Blevins

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STATE I'NIVI RS1TY ?u> .-\- A&TSTATE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION HelpingPeopttI'mKnmledgc to

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* Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFfnde Underwriters •Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation • CORTAID® The Proper Care of Shade Trees

Shade trees are a worthwhile investment. They the duration of the tree's lifespan. This will help provide shade, reduce our energy costs in the ensure health and reduce insect and disease prob summer, define our street corridors, frame our lems to prolong a tree's life. houses, and provide wood for buildings, heat for Proper Planting our homes and a home for wildlife. Since it can Dig the planting hole no deeper than the root take many years for a shade tree to reach its full ball of the tree. In cases where there are heavy clay height and potential, it is important to choose a soils, plant trees "high" so that the root ballsits2 shade tree with superior qualities while taking into to 3 inches above finished grade. Dig the planting consideration site characteristics and location. hole 2 1/2 times the width of the root ball. Loosen Most shade trees have the potential to livemore the soil within the planting hole and do not add than a century. For that reason, it is important to soil amendments until the tree starts to put on new choose the site carefully, lake into consideration site growth. Backfill halfof the native soil around the properties such as soil type, drainage, environmental planted tree, then slowly waterin. Backfill with the conditions (sun, shade, hardiness) and site limita rest of the soil and cover with mulch. tions (power lines, confined root /.ones, proximity If the tree is container grown, make sure the to buildings, underground utilities). roots are not root bound before purchasing the Before selecting the tree , identify the plant. Takecare to gently loosen up the roots to location for planting and establishing the tree. encourage them to grow out of the planting hole Select a tree that will thrive under the site's condi and into the surrounding soil. If the purchased tree tions and that will provide the desired characteris is in a wire cage, the wire will need to be cut up tics. Some of those desired characteristics include as much as possible after it is in the planting hole. height, habit (pyramidal, oval, vase, rounded), Remove the burlap, ties and ropes when the plant rate of growth (slow, medium, fast), color ol tail is in the planting hole. All of these extra measures foliage, fruit (or lack of), bark, leaf persistence and will help to prevent girdling of the tree which disease and insect resistance. While there are dozes stops nutrients and water from moving to the of different species of shade trees available, not different parts of the plant. all tree species thrive in every kind of growing condition. For example, many trees do not thrive Proper Pruning under urban environmental conditions that include Shade trees grow to heights of 40 feet and drought stress, pollution and confined root /ones. beyond. Occasionally, there will be dead, diseased It is therefore necessary to select a tree that can and damaged limbs that will require removal for withstand these conditions with the desired traits. both the health of the tree and public safety. In In order to maximize your investment, follow addition, there may be times when corrective prun some basic guidelines to ensure the tree's health and ing will improve the shape of the tree or prevent longevity. Choose the best tree varieties obtained the tree from growing in an undesired location. from reputable nurseries that guarantee their . Whatever the reason, the size of a shade tree will Plant at the preferred time of year, which is fall to usually require professional assistance. There are early spring, using proper techniques. Water slowly many liabilities connected with the improper l'« and thoroughly the first year the tree is established. removal of limbs. For this reason, hiring a certified Water 1 inch every 7 to 10 days. Provide a 2- to and insured arborist is recommended. hiii iiiiiiiiiiMinim 3-inch layer of mulch beginning at the base of the For more information on proper planting and tree to form a ring of mulch that is at least3 feet in pruningtechniques go to www.successfulgardener.org ardentalk diameter. Make sure the mulch does not touch the and http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hiI/pdf/ trunk. Use proper pruningtechniques throughout hil-602.pdf. Michelle Wallace ft "Trees outstrip most people in Selecting Trees for Your Site the extent and Fortree recommendations, visit www.ncstate-plants.net. Click on Consumer Hort Leaflets. In addition, depth oftheir North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Forsyth County has recently published a new color brochure •JL* work for the on recommended tree varieties for the piedmont region. "Planting for Our Future" is free by calling public good." (336) 703-2850 or by e-mailing dorothy_stobbs(ancsu.edu. Please mention that you read about this Sara Ebenreck brochure in Extension's Successful Gardener newsletter. North Carolina Cooperative Extension i

What do I do about millipedes? Design a

Those fortu During damp seasons, I have heard from Secret Garden nate enough to persons who sweep up peck basket quanti receive rain may ties of millipedes from driveways and patios Who doesn't like a place begin to experience day after day. Millipedes build up in the to get away to once in a the annual march of the millipedes. yard, surrounding woods and mulch beds while? Gardens are nice Millipedes are gray- to brown-colored arthro until the population is very large. Then the places to relax in general, bur pods with worm-like, round bodies usually next time it rains, they emerge onto walks, a few special features can .5 to 1.5 inches in length. They have short patios, drivewaysand crawl into dwellings. make yours, or a part of it, antennae and up to 30 pairs of legs. Known Millipedes require a damp environment; even more private. Flardscape as thousand-leggers, millipedes walk slowly dry weather will drive them back into the features like walls and fences with their legs moving in a wave-like motion. mulch of surrounding woods. Arthropod can give privacy to a garden, Millipedes curl up tightly when disturbed. populations vary greatly from year to year. and so can plants. Garden millipedes feed only on decaying The important thing to remember is that Surrounding an area with organic matter and consequently do not they do no real damage. They die soon evergreen hedges is a fairly harm living plants unless the soil is allowed afterwards if they enter a house. In most basic technique. Camellias, to dry to the point that the millipedes then cases it is not highly effective or worthwhile cherry laurel, Florida anise feed on the roots to obtain moisture. to apply large pesticide barriers. Karen Neill tree, mountain laurel, rhodo dendron, Japanese cleyera, sweetbay magnolia, pittospo- rum, aucuba, 'Chindo' Energy Savings from Trees viburnum, azaleas, junipers, ENVIRO- most boxwood species and a By planning and placing trees Trees can reduce summer tempera number of Chinese and red and other plant material in strategic tures by as much as 8 to 10 degrees F, hollies reach mature heights locations, homeowners can reduce the if they are properly placed to shade sufficient for some degree energy requirements during the sum the roof from the noon through of privacy. mer and winter. Not only can trees, afternoon sun. Placing trees for this Trellises and arbors with shrubs, vines and landscape structures etleet will help reduce the temperature climbing vines are another reduce energy bills, they can add inside the home and provide the way to lend privacy to a beauty and gardening interest. They comfort zones you desire. garden. Fvergreen vines also increase the real estate value of If you are starting with no trees, like Carolina and swamp your home and community. select and plant trees that will, over jessamine. Confederate or star For hundreds of years homeown time, provide you with this shade. jasmine and Armand clematis ers have placed trees and other Select moderate-growing trees that can provide screening plants near the home by intuitively most often live longer than fast-grow throughout the year. placing plants to cool and protect the ing trees, are less likely to break in Deciduous or semi-ever homes from temperature extremes. wind, ice or snow storms and are green vines include five-leaf It's only been in recent decades that more resistant and tolerant to damag akebia, American wisteria, it became evident there was a savings ing insects and diseases. trumpet or coral honeysuckle to our pockets. Talk to your local Cooperative (Lonicera sempewirens, not L. Solar radiation on the home is Extension agent about proper tree japonica), Dutchman's pipe, when the sun's rays are transferred selection and planting techniques. A Chinese trumpetvine, trumpet into the home as heat through either health}-, strong root system provides creeper, climbing hydrangea, direct penetration into the home the base for increased vigor in the Virginia creeper and a variety through windows or by warming the plant and will attain those heights of roses. If you would like to materials of the home. Deciduous to shade your home more quickly. be able to snack on your vine trees and other plants can assist in To contact your local Cooperative while relaxing, try a muscadine deflecting the solar radiation in the Extension Center, visit or hardy kiwi vine {Actinidia summer. In the fall, they drop their www.ces.ncsu.edu and click on arguta or A. kolomikta). leaves which allows the sun's rays into County Centers. Mary Helen Ferguson the home during cooler months. Stephen Greer www.successfulgardener.org

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Gardening in August

Lawns Intension's Successful Gardener' program provides timely, research-based horticultural • Roll back 12-inch squares of turf 3- to 4-inches deep to check information. The newsletter is part ofthe statewide for grubs. Treat only if you find 5 or more per square foot. horticulture program which includes Extension's • Make a final application of fertilizer to Bermuda and zoysia Successful (iardener' Regional Seminar Series andcounty workshops. Vie publish 10issues per grasses if necessary. year. Comments concerning Successful (iardener' • Prepare lawn areas for seeding if you plan to have a tall maybe sent to: fescue lawn. Successful Gardener Editor M • Test soil. Most grasses need a pH of 6.5 for good root Department ofCommunication Services .*JMfc1* Box 7603, NC Stale University growth and nutrient uptake. Raleigh. NC >7695-~(>03 Ornamentals Editorand TeamLeader Leah Chester-Davis Extension Communication Specialist • Divide irisesand daylilies. Account Coordinator: It lunula Thrower • Make last application of fertilizer to roses. Department ofCommunication Services • Check conifers such as junipers and arborvitae for Assistant Editor: Toby Bost spider mites; use a magnifying glassor hand lens. Consumer Horticulture Agent, Forsyth Countj Treat with a systemic insecticide, horticultural oil Compilations Editor: Amy-Lynn Albertson The Cape Hattei Consumer Horticulture Agent. Davidson County or insecticidal soap. National Seasho provides Contributors: Deadhead annuals to encourage late-season County Name Phone a haven for recreation and reflec blooms. Brunswick David Barkley (910)253-2610 tion, and a place to explore seaside • Analyze your site to see how you can Burke Donna Teaslej (828)439-4460 flora and fauna. The islands of Cape enhance your site with bulbs, shrubs Cabarrus David Goforth (704)920-3310 Catawba Fred Miller (828)465-8240 Hatteras are constantly changing due to tides, and trees. Fall is for planting! Cumberland Emily Revels (910)321-6860 Davidson Amy-Lynn Albertsoi (336)242-2091 storms, the dynamics of the ocean's currents Edibles Durham Michelle Wallace (919)560-0525 and the wind that shapes much of the vegetation • Start your fall garden by Forsyth Toby Bost (336)703-2850 planting beets, Chinese cabbage, J. Stephen Greer (336)703-2850 in and around the beaches of the Outer Banks. Gaston Mark Blevins (704)922-2112 The Hatteras seashore offers a wide variety of cucumbers, kale, kohlrabi, Guilford Karen Neill (336)375-5876 lettuce, mustard, radish, Henderson Diane Turner (828)697-4891 activities: birding to boating; camping to cycling; Iredell Donald Breedlove (704)873-0507 rutabaga, spinach, squash, fishing to folklore; and surfing to seashells, with Mecklenburg Scott Ewers (704)336-4008 turnips, broccoli, cabbage, Nash Mike Wilder (252)459-9810 natural and historic attractions thrown in. Don't Orange Mark Danieley (919)245-2050 cauliflower and collards. Randolph Man Helen Ferguson (336)318-6003 forget the lighthouses. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse • Strawberries will benefit from Rowan DarreUHackwelder (704)216-8970 is the tallest lighthouse in America. an application of fertilizer and Surry Terry Garwood (336)401-8025 Union JeffRieves (704)283-3741 Interpretive programs are offered by the irrigation. Wake Carl Malyac (919)250-1100 • Remove spent floricanes from national park rangers. Several self-guided trails, ABAgents ofN.C. Cooperative Extension blackberries and raspberries after averaging one mile each, are available. Longer final harvest. Ask for Extension's Successful hikes can be taken along the dikes at Pea Island • Check regularly for insects such as Gardener; newsletter at one < National Wildlife Refuge and on the North your local garden centers eacl cabbage worms, aphids, pickleworms j month or order a subscription Carolina mountains-to-sea trail, which and squash vine borers. at www.successfulgardener.org! runs through the seashore. Learn • Treat peach and nectarine trees for

more at borers after last harvest or by August 1, For a list ofgarden centers where you canfind Successful (iardener . pleasecall (919)513-3112 whichever comes last. Wait no later than or visit Cooperative Extension on thewebat •M the first week in September. Mike Wilder httpyAvwv.successfulgardener.org Disclaimer: The use of brand names does not imply endorsement byN.C. Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar TOP AWARDS RECEIVED FROM: productsor services not mentioned. • North Carolina State Grange/ • N.C. & National Associations of Distributed in furtherance oftheactsof Congress Extension Foundation County AgriculturalAgents ofMayS andJune30, l')l t. North Carolina Suite • Garden Writers Association • Southern Extension Forest University and North Carolina A&T State University !^WTWWW!fS!P commit themselves to positive action to secure iation of B equal opportunity regardless ofrace, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex.age,or disability. In addition, thetwo Universities welcome allper sons without regardto sexual orientation. North Successful Gardener™ newsletter is provided to you compliments of: Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department ofAgriculture, and local governments cooperating. Vol.l). No. 6 Successful (iardener" may notbe reproduced without written permission. Any news media usingsections ofthe newsletter should credit "Cooperative Extension's Successful Gardener*."

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