Weeder’s digest

September 2019

September is a magic time at Giverny. In Monet’s gardens, all the summer flowers had ample time to settle and offer generously their fascinating beauty. It is an endless surprise to discover the latest varieties of giant dahlias, picked out from the thousands of existing cultivars. They combine in the pink border above with cleomes, sages, zinnias, roses and ageratums, displaying all the different tones from pale pink to deep purple. More on page 24.

In this issue:

Fall Plant Sale ...... 2 Fall Plant Sales ...... 18 MGCG News ...... 3-7 ...... 19-23 MGEV News ...... 8-13 Monet ...... 24 Blooms...... 14-17 MGCG Organization ...... 25

The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

MGCG news

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

MGCG news

FALL PLANT SALE September 21, 2019 State Farmers Market 2055 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon  Please have plant information for tags to [email protected] by Septem- ber 10th. Then, pick up your tags at the MGCG Joint Meeting, on September 17th.  Please have plants at sale by 7:00 a.m. with the plant tags in place.  Remember, this is a one-day sale which begins for the public at 9am and ends at 4pm.  Christine Kelly will be the point person, to make final decisions regarding plants. Ann Amis, Eleanor Sikes, Brenda Wilson and James Dominy will be helping. James might need help in putting up signs, please offer.  Jill Peavy will be the point person for Garden Items. If an item is not sold and will be used for the Conference, please notify Jill of your plans to pick it up at the end of day.  Larry Gunter and Eleanor are bringing cases of water. Please feel free to bring finger food to share with others. If you are leaving the sale for lunch, please remember to think of those in charge, and they might need food. Vivi- an is there all day, offer!  Kathy Hensley is in charge of the “Ask-A-Master Gardener” booth. [email protected]  Andrea Turner has volunteered to clean the area on Friday and will clean up after sale! When you see her—Thank her!  “Thank you”, to each Master Gardener for all the help to date and future help to make this a ”100% Profit.” Fall Plant Sale.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news

Have you registered for the GMGA Garden Conference? It is NOT too late! REGISTER HERE!

Since MGCG is hosting this event, it only makes sense that we should have a majority of our members in attendance.

The Friday evening reception, to which all attendees are invited, is free of charge and will be held at The Farmhouse.

“Nestled in the midst of live , magnolias, and , The Farmhouse is a peaceful oasis in the heart of town. One of the oldest homes in Warner Robins with its heart pine floors, nostalgic front porch, and classic décor, this location offers a comfortable escape in a relaxed environment for your gathering or event. The Farmhouse provides its guests with a down home feeling - an experience of Southern charm and gentility.” Come and enjoy a truly Southern welcome with light refreshments from 5:00—7:00 p.m. on October 18th. Book signing! Dr. Dirr will be in residence and signing his books. Don’t miss this opportunity to chat with him. Remember, you can purchase his new book through Diane Stephens.

The Tree Book by Michael A. Dirr and Keith S. Warren Michael A. Dirr, professor emeritus, horticulture, University of Georgia, is wide- ly acknowledged as one of the leading experts on trees and shrubs for land- scapes and gardens. He has introduced over 200 woody plants to cultivation and holds 29 patents with the UGA Research Foundation. Dr. Dirr continues to work in perfect harmony with the American nursery industry to introduce and pro- mote new trees and shrubs. Co-author Keith S. Warren has shaped the American landscape through the in- troduction of tree cultivars. He spent a 40 year career with Frank Schmidt and Son Co., as a nursery manager and Director of Product Development. His breeding, selection, and cooperative introduction programs were among the most productive ever, guiding 87 new tree cultivars to commercial introduction, including 37 trademarked or patented trees from his personal breeding and se- lection work. “The Tree Book” is one we’ve all been waiting for. The photos are superb, making tree identification much easier than it has been previously. It’s an invaluable reference tool, covering a massive 2,400+ species and culti- vars. Each tree profile includes the common and botanical names along with details on foliage; flowers, seeds, fruits, and cones; native range; adaptability; and popular uses in landscapes. Contact Diane Stephens at [email protected] to get YOUR copy! 4

The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news

GMGA Garden Conference Our Georgia Master Gardener Conference will be held on October 19, 2019 at the Museum of Aviation Century of Flight Building, Warner Robins, Georgia. Conference starts promptly at 8:30am. The 2019 Garden Conference is open to all Master Gardeners, Gardeners, Green Industry Professionals and Consumers. Our Conference Speakers include Dr. Michael Dirr, Professor Emeritus University of Geor- gia, globally recognized as “the expert” on woody plants; Dr. K. Coder, Professor Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, a world renowned expert on urban trees; Mary Lynn Beckley, Executive Director Georgia Urban Council, will present Georgia Landmark & Historic Trees; The Nichols Brothers, owners of Mr. Nursery, will speak on Japanese Maple selections and their travels in Japan; Mark Maher, Southern Living, will share new plant introductions! Master Gardeners and Industry Professionals can receive educational credits. There are 3 credits for Forestry; 3 credits for Ornamental / Turf; and 2 credits for private pesticide. The Garden Market will be open on Saturday, October 19th from 8:30 – 4:30pm. The Friday Reception and garden tours are free. Come join us for a great conference and a taste of South- ern hospitality! REGISTER NOW! 2019 GMGA Conference Speakers: Dr. Michael A. Dirr “75 Years of Gardening. The Endless Quest for the Next Great Garden Plant” Michael A. Dirr, professor emeritus, horticulture, University of Georgia, is widely acknowledged as one of the leading experts on trees and shrubs for landscapes and gardens. He holds BS and MS degrees in horticulture from The Ohio State University and the Ph.D. from the University of Massachu- setts. Dirr has introduced over 200 woody plants to cultivation and holds 29 patents with the UGA Research Foundation. With two partners, he estab- lished Plant Introductions, Inc., a breeding and introduction company in 2006, selling it to Bailey Nurseries in 2015. Dirr continues to work in lockstep with the American nursery industry to introduce and promote new trees and shrubs. Dr. Kim D. Coder “Trees Gone With The Wind – Big Wind and Ice Storms Making Proper Tree Care Even More Important” Professor of Tree Biology and Health Care, and Hill Fellow for Distinguished Public Service and Outreach, at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, USA. He has degrees from Iowa State University in forestry, tree biology, and forest ecology. Dr. Coder was elected world President of the Interna- tional Society of Arboriculture, and served as President of the South- ern Chapter of ISA, the international Arboriculture Research & Educa- tion Academy (AREA), and the Georgia Urban Forest Council. He was appointed to the USDA-Secretary’s NUCFAC, advising on community forestry issues. Dr. Coder is author of over 500 technical publications and articles. He is an international lecturer and consultant to private citizens, corporations, attorneys, and communities on tree health care, tree anatomy, abiotic tree stress, lightning and tree protection, storm damage, biomechanics, and community forest ecology.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news

Region of the International Plant Propagator’s Soci- ety. Mr. Mark Maher “Trialed and Prov- en, New and Better Plants” Mark Maher has worked in the horti- cultural industry for over 30 years. He has a degree in Landscape Manage- ment from UGA and is a Certified Land- scape Professional. He worked at Pike Nursery for 15 year sand is now in sales for Flowerwood Nur- sery, a wholesale Mary Lynne Beckley nursery and grower “Georgia’s Landmark and Historic Trees” of such brands as the Encore Azaleas® and the Executive Director Georgia Tree Council since Southern Living® Plant Collection. 2005. Her mission is to sustain Georgia’s green leg- acy by partnering with organizations, individuals and Sherri Dorn communities. “Plants & Peo- ple: Connec- tions for the Fu- ture” Sheri Dorn joined University of Georgia’s De- partment of Horti- culture as Exten- sion Horticulturist for Consumer Ornamentals and Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program Coordinator in June 2012. Sheri fully appreciates Master Gar- dener Extension volunteers and their role as educa- Matthew and Tim Nichols tion partners with Extension, having worked with “A Shared Passion for Japanese ” MGEVs in her position as a former state coordinator Matt and Tim Nichols are the co-owners of for the Virginia Master Gardener Volunteer Program MrMaple.com and MrGinko.com. Their nursery is (1996-1999) and as an Agriculture and Natural Re- located in East Flat Rock, NC. While most of their sources Extension Agent in Roanoke, Virginia (2008 business is online sales, a visit to the nursery -2012). Additionally, Sheri brings to her UGA roles can be scheduled. Both brothers are accomplished nearly ten years of industry experience, having co- grafters and work to continuously improve their pro- owned a small retail nursery and landscape con- cess. They travel extensively for research. Matt and tracting firm (1999-2008). Sheri’s research centers Tim have lectured at universities around the on the relationship between people and plants, par- south. They have presented their academic article ticularly the capacity of horticulture to expand com- on Japanese Maple Propagation to the Southern munities through volunteerism.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news

GMGA Garden Conference Schedule Tours: Friday, October 18th The “Native Plant Garden” at the Museum of Arts and Science “Connect to Protect Garden” at the Rosehill Historic Cemetery

Tours Sunday, October 20th Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia, a designated International Camellia Society’s “Garden of Excellence." Massee Lane Gardens has one of the world’s finest collections of camellias spread out over nine acres, with brick walkways for easy walking and viewing. Royal Gardens in Elko, Georgia. Owner, and cut-flower expert Mary Royal, will be on hand to answer questions about her gardens.

Conference Schedule: 8:30 Presentation of the Colors Military Honor Guard Pledge of Allegiance 8:40 Good Morning & Welcome Larry Julian, M.C. 8:45 Welcome to Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms 8:50 GMGA Direction George Jeburk 9:10 Connecting to the Future Sherri Dorn 9:30 Georgia’s Landmark & Historic Trees Mary Lynn Beckley 10:15 Break 10:30 Urban Trees Dr. Kim Coder 11:45 Lunch and Garden Market 12:45 Southern Living New Plants Mark Maher 1:45 Discovering Japanese Maples Nichols Brothers, Mr. Maple 2:45 Break 3:00 A Horticulture Journey Dr. Michael Dirr 4:00 Wrap Up /Final Door Prize

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Advanced Training!

In conjunction with the GMGA 2019 Garden Conference, Houston County Extension is offering an

Advanced Training

onPhotos: Friday, Diane Stephens October 18th with UGA Faculty Mr. Greg Huber, Forestry Dr. Bodie Pennisi, Horticulture, Landscapes and Dr. Jean Woodward, Plant pathology

We will be learning how to identify and diagnose the common disease and problems of trees and shrubs in our area, and how to manage them.

If you are working on a Gold or Silver Star, you will want to know that this Advanced Training has been approved in these categories: Sustainable Gardens and Landscapes (SGL) Diagnostics and Technology (DT) Urban Forestry and Ecology (UFE)

There is rarely an Advanced Training conveniently held in our area, so take advantage of the fact you won’t have to travel far for such a great opportunity!

The training is $45 and includes lunch. Registration deadline is September 27, 2019. Seating is limited; register soon!

Download Registration Form HERE

Questions? - Contact Charlotte Meeks, AG Agent, Houston County at (478) 987-2028

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

New master gardeners

Welcome to BECCA GAY, newest Bibb Master Garden- er. Becca retired from a career in design, production and management with Loyola University Press in Chicago and moved to Macon to be near her family. She learned about the Master Gardener program from Lynn Harden when she was walking through the Lee Camellia Garden and jokes that she took the training so she could learn how to garden in USDA Zone 8. She has since volunteered many hours in the Lee Camellia Garden as well as in almost every other Master Gardener volunteer project that Bibb Extension of- fers! (Kathy Hensley)

BILLIE COOK is now an official master gardener. She re- ceived her hours vol- unteering in a variety of things from SHGS, to the camel- lia gardens at the AFB, Ask A MG Booths and youth programs. She is also been on the planning and in- stallation committee for the Walk at Sandy Run, Warner Robins Welcome Center Pollinator Garden and is helping me spread Youth Ag aware- ness/MG Sprouts programs into the communi- ty. (Charlotte Meeks)

RANDY WEST created a whirlwind of garden activity this past spring: plowing, planting, watering, fertilizing, trans- planting, and weeding… both at the St. Isadore Garden at Sacred Heart, and with the Propagation Team. He also la- bored at the Robins AFB Camelia Garden clearing brush, and at Hafley Park weeding and solarizing. Randy spent a couple hours working with kindergarteners, and also helped to set up for the Home and Garden Show. He’s pruned trees at the Peach trials and propagated plants for the spring and fall plants sales. All of that, plus he’s pulled doz- ens and dozens of weeds picked bushels of vegetables picked! Congratulations to Randy! (—editor)

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Hafley park update

Current News from Hafley Park —Charlotte Meeks Construction will be underway at Hafley Park on September 24th as we move towards a pollinator and native plant demonstration garden. We will still have two vegeta- ble beds, enabling garden, herb garden, children's garden and rock garden, but the rest of the garden will be focused on at- tracting pollinators and incorpo- rating native plants. We are al- so looking into a ground cover instead of the mulch in the "common area." The class "Turn Your Thumb Green with Greens" will be taught out at Hafley on September 26th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. If you are interested in joining Photos: Diane Stephens the Hafley Oversight Committee, please let me know.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Master Gardener News

Thoughtful Thursdays • September 12 "Just Dropping In to See What Condition My Turfgrass Is In"; Dr. Clint Waltz • October 10, November 14th 2:00-2:30 p.m. Project Sharing; Sheri Dorn • November 14 Georgia's Gold and Silver Star Recognition for MGEV Advanced Training All Thoughtful Thursday webinar series dates and topics can be found on the Continuing Education page:http://extension.uga.edu/programs-services/georgia-master-gardener-extension-volunteer-program/ volunteer/current-mgev-volunteers/continuing-education.html Live sessions are viewed through Zoom. On the day and time of the Thoughtful Thursday, click on this link from your computer or tablet to join us (https://zoom.us/j/200728791 or . Be sure to mute your microphone by clicking the button that looks like a speaker. During the Q&A time you can ask questions by unmuting your mike, or typing the question in the chat box. Each 2019 recording will be posted in MGLOG, so even if you miss the live session, you will be able to watch the recording. Then, don’t forget to record your time spent viewing Thoughtful Thursday sessions, live or recorded, each count as 30 minutes of Continuing Education (CE). Did you count Homeowners Classes pollinators in Turn Your Thumb Green with Greens August? September 26th, 5:30-7:30 If so, please ensure Houston County Extension office that you select the Hafley Park Fun with Backyard Chickens, Georgia Pollinator October 1st, 5:30-7:30 Census from the drop Sandy Lee's House -down Project Name Classes are $10 each. or Activity menu Register with Ali at when recording your The Extension Office! hours.

Are you a MGEV with vision and heart for the Georgia MGEV Program? We are looking for “big picture” people, especially with experience outside of Extension, to serve on the statewide advisory panel.

Send your nomination email to Sheri Dorn: [email protected].

Sign up to receive Trellis 11

The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

—Donna Hunt It won’t win an Academy Award, but Greenfingers is eye candy for a Mas- ter Gardener. It is a Hallmark-like story about Colin, prisoner in England who finds friendship and love through his newly discovered talent for flower gardens. Colin’s genius for growing double violets is noticed by a re- nowned gardening expert with a beautiful daughter of course. The movie’s high point comes at the Hampton Court Flower Show which Colin enters. It then becomes a fish out of water story when our favorite prisoner competes against the who’s who of the show flower world. The sheer splendor of the flower show scenes is worth the predictability of the story. Greenfingers will bring a smile and give you a push to get outside and battle the heat. You may not make it to an international flower show but you may be the stand- out at the Fall Plant sale. August 2001, Roger Ebert "Greenfingers" is a British comedy in which hardened prisoners become gifted gardeners, and are allowed to enter their prize flowers in the Hamp- ton Court Garden Show. Their entry, a garden that seems to bloom in a junkyard, is no more bizarre than entries I've seen in the Chelsea Flower Show. The movie populates this story with standard types: the salvagea- ble murderer, the elderly lifer with a secret, the ferocious bouncer, the punk kid, the Caribbean guy. There is a warden who glows and beams and nods as approvingly as a Wodehousian vicar and a formidable gardening expert (Helen Mirren). Would it amaze you to learn that the expert comes supplied with a comely daughter who catches the eye of the salvageable murderer? If you follow little British TV comedies on PBS, many of the cast members will be familiar to you--especially the priceless David Kelly, who took the immortal nude motorcycle ride in "Waking Ned Devine." The lead is Clive Owen, who made an impression in the breakthrough thriller "Croupier." Mirren's Georgina Woodhouse, the garden lady, wears big hats and is a TV star and is based, we assume, on British media types not familiar over here; she has some fun with the distance between vast wealth and celebrity on the one hand, and domestic and gardening skills on the other, and we wonder if the name Martha Stewart might not sometimes pass through her mind. The Amazon Prime synopsis: “Inmate Colin Briggs (Clive Owen) is introduced to gardening and when the thriving prison garden attracts the attention of flamboyant gardening expert, Georgina Woodhouse (Helen Mirren), she offers to sponsor the inmates in an upcoming flower show. At the Hampton Court Flower Show, Colin meets Georgina's daughter and a romance blooms.”

If you’ve had a backyard visitor, we’d love for you to share it. Snap a photo and send it! Recent backyard visitors in Warner robins include a hawk (left), perched on the post, and deer (below, avoiding the camera).

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Upcoming event

Coastal Plain Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society is hosting a Bees, and Beyond Symposium: Designing a Pollinator Habitat with Native Plants Saturday, October 5th, 2018 – 9:3o am to 4:00 pm Under The Ten Oaks at Vincent Gardens 1960 E. Baker Hwy, Douglas, Georgia Includes a Garden Walking Tour and Huge Native Plant Sale

Friday - Visit Broxton Rocks - TNC Conservation Property Register here or go to https://bees-butterflies-and-beyond.eventbrite.com

Saturday’s Agenda—Two workshops of two hours each will be held in the morning and repeated in the afternoon Andrea Greco’s Landscape Planning Workshop - 2 hours - repeated in the afternoon Susan Meyer’s Pollinator Plant Planning Workshop - 2 hours - repeated in the afternoon 9:30 Welcome 10:00 First Workshop 12:00 Barbeque Lunch and visit Vendors 1:00 Second Workshop 3:00 Tour the Gardens and Visit the Vendors; casual dress, wear your garden shoes (no flip flops please) bring pruners, bug spray, and a folding chair. Important Note! In order to get the most from this workshop, you need to come prepared with infor- mation on your personal landscape. This does not need to be fancy. A basic sketch is fine. You need to bring a picture, plat or sketch outline of your yard or an image from google earth - if possible to scale. Bring or add notes with the following information: 1. Orientation (N/S/E/W) (there are compass smartphone apps available for free) 2. Approximate square footage to be planted 3. Sunlight/shade 4. Look upwards, do you see any utilities such as power lines? 5. Look down , are there any utilities, such as power or water lines? 6. General idea of soil type, does it drain well? sandy? clayey? loam? compacted? wet? Friday’s (Oct 4) Agenda - Hike at Broxton Rocks TNC Conservation Property Morning hike 9:30 am Meet at Vincent Gardens to drive to Broxton Rocks 12:00 pm Back to Vincent Gardens Afternoon hike 2:00 pm Meet at Vincent Gardens to drive to Broxton Rocks 4:30 pm Back to Vincent Gardens NOTE: There are no facilities available at Broxton Rocks. You must be over 18 years of age to attend the hike. It is an easy hike, but has some rough ground. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and insect repellent. Dress for the weather. Presentors: Andrea Greco is an active member of GNPS and a professional landscape architect/project manager and ISA Certified Arborist at Pond & Company in metro Atlanta where she works on a variety of pro- jects around the state, including the master planning and design of public parks, multi-use and soft surface trails, as well as landscape design for institutional settings. Previously she served on the Atlanta Tree Con- servation Commission and she currently is a board member of the Georgia Urban Forest Council. Susan Meyers is a Trainer for the University of Minnesota’s Monarch Monitoring Project (MLMP), a Conservation Specialist for Monarch Watch based at the University of Kansas, and routinely raises, tags and tests Monarchs for Project Monarch Health, a citizen science program based at the University of Georgia. She is also a Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, Certified Environmental Educator, and a member of The Garden Club of Georgia. Her pollinator garden in Lilburn has six different species of Georgia native milk- weeds and a variety of nectar and plants for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Susan holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s degree in environmental science.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 Master Gardeners in the news

Photos: Diane Stephens

Ann Reynolds, Tonda Seyl, and “Star of David” okra at the St. Isidore garden at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Photo by Randy West

Below, Jimmy Roger’s gorgeous Rose of Sharon Above: Ann Reynolds’ Black-eyed Susan vine Below: visiting egret to the back yard, checking-out plants for the Fall Plant Sale.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

blooms

Bee on Anise Hyssop; black Swallowtail caterpillars devouring fennel. Photos by Suzanne Wolfe.

Above: Pat Reynard’s giant Hibiscus Below, Pat Reynard’s gorgeous Mexican Petunias

As seen in Tonda Seyl’s backyard

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

blooms

Donna English’s photos from The Museum of Arts and Sciences

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

blooms

Thanks for sharing, Donna!

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Master gardener news

GMC, Warner Robins, and the Houston County Master Gardeners Propagation Team are partnering to help Keep Warner Robins beautiful by presenting their plants at our fall sales!

Fall is the BEST time of year to plant! Come find the perfect fall colors for your yard and help us Keep Warner Robins Beautiful.

A wide variety of perennials, trees, natives, shrubs, annuals, and winter vegetables await on Saturdays beginning September 28th Through October 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 at 115 Prince Street (on the Georgia Military College campus, across the street from Boylan Hall).

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

urticating caterpillars

Words of the Month verb urticate (Wow. I learned four new words while pronunciation simply researching caterpillars! ur·ti·cate | \ ˈər-tə-ˌkāt Who knew?!)

urticared; urticating Most people know that bees, wasps, Definition of urticate hornets and some ants can sting to de- fend themselves or their nests. Only a intransitive verb few people realize, usually from first- :to product welts or itching hand experience, that handling some caterpillars can produce some painful Especially: to induce results. Recognizing the few stinging species may prevent irritating encounters. Caterpillars are immature stages of and butter- that often have spines and barbed hooks. In most species, these are for show and are quite harmless. But there are perhaps a dozen stinging or venomous caterpil- lars of various shapes, sizes and colors in our area. Some have envenomating (“an act or instance of poi- soning by ; as of a snake or ) bristles which contain one of two types of : vesicating, which “causes blistering,” and hemolytic, which “causes the rupture or destruction of red blood cells.” Stinging caterpillars possess hollow quill-like hairs, con- nected to poison sacs, which are used as defensive weapons. When these hairs are touched they pierce the skin releasing poison. Reactions can range from a mild itching to the more severe pain, swelling, blistering, dermatitis, and even intestinal disturbances. Figure 1. (magnified) Urticating hair tip of a saddleback caterpillar showing the pore near the tip from which the toxin is secreted and the weakened ring where the tip breaks off the spine. Source. Ed.

North America is home to nearly 2,000 species of these non-stinging wasps, which are also found in Europe and other temperate climates. Adults are less than half an inch long, with nar- row abdomens and long antennae. Most are black, but some are yellow-orange, and one common species has a red body with black wings. Adult braconid wasps lay inside or on host ; the maggot-like larvae then feed on the prey from the inside. Like other wasps, braconids are most active on warm days, and tend to be most abundant where summers are warm and humid. Adult braconid wasps are pollinators, consuming flow- er nectar and pollen. They provide effective caterpillar control, aphid control and more. Braconids lay eggs on numerous pest species, such as caterpillars (including cabbage worms and tomato hornworms), aphids, flies, beetle larvae, leaf miners and some true bugs. A female braconid wasp can lay from 50 to 200 eggs, so this beneficial insect can have significant positive effects in the garden. As the wasp larvae feed inside their hosts, they weaken them and make them incapable of reproducing. Attract Braconid wasps by growing an abundance of flowers and herbs that produce nectar from numerous small florets, such as sweet alyssum, chamomile, feverfew, catnip and buckwheat. P.S. Braconid wasps don't sting. 19

The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

urticating caterpillars

Slug caterpillar moths, (family ), any of approximately 1,000 species of insects (order ) that are widely dis- tributed throughout the world. Though concentrated in the tropics, the kinds of these slug caterpillars are found here in Georgia. These moths are named after their short, fleshy, slug-like cat- erpillars. These caterpillars are equipped with suckers instead of the typical larval prolegs, and they seem to glide rather than crawl. Some larvae are brightly colored and have urticating hairs. (Did you skip the previous page?)

Saddleback Caterpillar (Sibine stimulea) The saddleback is one of the most common of slug caterpillars Photos: Dianefound Stephens in our area. Its conspicuous form and markings make it nearly unmistakable, even in the early stages of development. (I think it looks like a tiny Terrier wearing a doggie sweater.) The full-grown caterpillar is about one inch long. The front and back ends are dark brown with prominent brown “horns” that bear nu- merous spines, and the middle of the body is green with a white or cream margin and an oval/oblong dark brown spot in the cen- ter. It appears to be wearing a saddle or blanket, thus the com- The tiny white co- mon name. Small clumps of spines occur in a row along the low- coons on the back of er margin of the this caterpillar be- green area and long to the braconid at the rear of the wasp. caterpillar. (See previous page The caterpillar for info on those crit- feeds on leaves ters.) in late summer. It The larvae have will soon pupate been feeding on the caterpillar from inside, and now, having consumed the interior, have and overwinter emerged to pupate. on a dry twig. The saddleback is generally a solitary feeder; however, early stage larvae may be somewhat gregarious. Saddlebacks might be found on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants, including corn. Common tree hosts are apple, basswood, cherry, dogwood, , maple, , and . It is most often encountered in late summer and fall. The sting of the saddleback is severe; saddlebacks are capable of launching a two-pronged defense response. All of its stout urticating bristles may break-off to remain embedded in their assailant. Some are envenomating bristles and they contain two types of venoms: vesicating Saddleback Caterpillar stimulea (blistering) and hemolytic which break down red blood cells. Stings from these hairs are intensely painful and are described by unfortunate victims as sharp and burning. The pain may last for a long time and often spreads over a large area. Although saddleback stings are not generally life-threatening, it is best to seek medical attention. As with bee and wasp stings, some people are particularly sensitive to the saddleback venom.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Another kind of urticating slug caterpillar is the Hag Moth Caterpillar (Phobetron pithecium) The hag moth larva, sometimes called the monkey slug, is distinctive in form and easy to identify. It is a strange-looking brownish caterpillar with six pairs of curly projections, three long and three short, coming from the flattened body. The plume-like projections on its back project out to the sides, suggesting the disarranged hairs of a hag. Among the brown hairs on the projections are longer black stinging hairs. These caterpillars are solitary and can easily be mistaken for leaf debris. The full-grown caterpillar is brown, hairy, and about 5/8 inch long. Along the body there are nine pairs of fleshy lateral processes which bear hid- den urticating setae. The third, fifth, and seventh pairs of processes are long and sometimes twisted. These have been described as resembling “disheveled locks of a hag,” apparently the basis for the common name. The caterpillar is generally a solitary feeder, and will feed on foliage of several trees including apple, ash, birch, dogwood, hickory, oak, and willow, and is most commonly seen in August and September.

Flannel Moths – Family MegalopygidaePhotos: Diane Stephens caterpillars, like slug caterpillars, do not exactly fit the de- scription of the typical lepidopterous larva. Structurally they differ in hav- ing seven pairs of prolegs rather than five (or less) pairs common to typi- cal caterpillars. Most are clothed with fine, long, silky hairs. There are Hag Moth no conspicuous large, threatening, bristle-bearing “horns” to warn of danger; however, concealed within the hairy coats are venomous setae capable of producing severe reac- tions.

White Flannel Moth ( ovina) The full-grown caterpillar of the white flannel moth is 1 to 11/4 inches long. The body is basically pale yellow with a broad, dark brown to black band on the back. Within the band is a dou- ble row of raised, pale yellow spots or tubercles which bear clumps of short setae. Similar clumps of setae occur along each side. Overall, the body is sparsely clothed with longer hairs. This caterpillar is known to feed on redbud, hackberry, beech, mimosa, and honeylocust. In and Georiga, it is found most often on redbud and occasionally on honeylocust.

Larvae generally begin to appear during the first half of August, and are present into October. Young larvae often feed side-by-side in rows; older larvae tend to scatter and feed individually. The species is sometimes a serious defoliator of orna- mental redbud. In most years, populations are low and foliage loss minimal; however, some species can become abundant and cause extensive defoliation of trees. Three species of flannel moths are known to occur in the Southeast. Two of these, the puss caterpillar and white flannel moth, are common in the south east.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

pollinators

Puss Caterpillar ( opercularis)

The Puss Caterpillar (the adult is called Southern Flannel Moth) is our most "dangerous" stinging caterpillar. Contact may produce severe reactions including: intense burning and nettling of the skin; severe pain; redden- ing and inflammation; development of pus- tules and other le- sions; numbness; swelling; and nausea. Pain may persist from one to twelve or more hours. In some instances, victims have required medical attention. The severity of the reaction is generally proportional to size. Also, newly molted skins retain stinging capabilities. The Puss Caterpillar grows to about one inch long and looks like a mini-version of the furry tribbles from Star Trek. They are thickly covered with fine, long, tan, grayish to brown hairs, among which are hidden venomous setae. Hairs peak roof-like over the back and taper rearward to form a "tail." Puss Caterpillars feed on foliage of a variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs such as apple, elm, hackberry, maple, oak, , and Southern Flannel Moth sycamore. (This information about the Puss Caterpillar from Wendi Hartup, ANR Ex- tension Agent .)

Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina) The full-grown caterpillar is 3/4 to 7/8 inches long; basic color is yellow. The body bears pairs of long, horn-like, bristly spines and clumps of smaller spines which are characteristic of several of the slug caterpillars. A useful identifying characteristic is the broad purplish band down the midline of the back. Within the band are narrow whit-

ish longitudinal lines, which may be interrupted by constrictions in the band. Reddish, white, and pur- ple lines occur along the sides. Hosts of the stinging rose caterpillar include ap- ple, cottonwood, dogwood, hickory, oak, redbud, sycamore and rose bushes. Larvae are usually found in August. Specimens have been collected in Lee County from cottonwood and oak at the end of August. Stinging rose caterpillar moth

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar (Euclea delphinii) Despite its name, these caterpillars are not host- specific and feed on thick, old leaves growing on oak, willow, cherry, syc- amore, , redbud and other deciduous trees. This diverse diet means they are ubiquitous. They are not known to feed on a plant enough to cause any real damage to it. The Spiny Oak Slug Caterpillar is about 3/4” in length, and may be light green, yellow, pink tan, or even a reddish-brown. It is wide and flat, unlike the more typical tubular caterpillar shape. Rows of yellow or or- ange stinging spines line the caterpillar from front to rear. Pairs at the head and the rear are longer than those running down the center of the body. These spines contain venom meant to deter predators from eat- ing it. When touched by humans, the spines can embed themselves into skin and cause pain, itching, burn- ing, irritation, and redness. If stung, one should use fresh pieces of sticky tape to help pull the spines out of the skin right away, and ice the area. Though it is not considered lethal, people allergic to other types of in- sect stings may have also a serious reaction to this caterpillar that requires medical attention.

Tussock Moth caterpillar – Family Lymantriidae Several species of the tussock moth cat- erpillar family are im- portant defoliators of trees. Caterpillars of three species are re- ported to bear urticat- ing bristly ridge; one of these, the whitemarked tussock moth, is common in Georgia. The full-grown caterpillar is about 1 3/8” inches long. The head and upper surface of the segment behind the head are red, with two long black “pencils” or tufts of hairs on the first segment of the thorax, and a single, similar “pencil” at the rear on the eighth abdominal segment. The back is mostly black. There is an erect, brush-like tuft of short, white or yellowish hairs on each of the first four abdominal segments, and a conspicuous red dot on segments six and seven. The sides of the body are yellow, cream, or grayish with fine whitish hairs arising from each segment. Larvae of the whitemarked tussock moth feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Some common tree hosts are apple, basswood, cottonwood, elm, maple, oak, sycamore, and willow. At least two larval broods occur each season in our area. Caterpillars are generally present from early James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bug- March through September. Source. Other sources for this article: UGA Extension; Ohio State; Auburn University;

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

For lovers of Monet

The Man Who Keeps Monet’s Famed Gardens Growing Each year, from late March to early November, more than 500,000 people travel to Giverny, France, to visit a place they’ve pri- marily seen in paintings. They arrive to find a charming pink farmhouse with emerald-green shut- ters, set among brilliant flowerbeds that overflow with tulips, lavender, or sunflowers, depending on the season. They follow signs to a tunnel, and are led to an oasis of weeping willows and bamboo shoots, where they can amble along a pond packed with waterlilies, before crossing a familiar Japanese footbridge cloak Monet’s former home, Giverny, France. Photo © Eric Sander. -ed in .

More than just the idyllic inspiration and open-air studio be- hind some of the world’s most famous paintings, Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny have long been understood as a total work of art in their own right. (In 1907, Marcel Proust wrote in an essay that Giverny was a “transposition of art.”) Today, the Impressionist master’s home and gardens— where he lived and worked for most of the second half of his life—are a site of pilgrimage for not just art lovers but botany buffs, sightseers, and wanderlust addicts alike. Recently, on July 10th, Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, announced that the site would be a candidate for a UNESCO World Heritage Site designa- tion. That achievement is due in no small part to Gilbert Vahé, Giverny’s head gardener. On a cool July afternoon, I met Va- hé in Monet’s gardens. Slight and bespectacled, he wears a simple straw hat, polo shirt, and leather shoes. His fingernails, encrusted with earth, are the only clue that gives away his expertise—though shortly after we’re introduced, as we pass by hordes of visitors to reach a relatively quiet place to chat, he launches into a cri- tique of some nearby irises. Vahé has worked at the gardens for some 35 years, from 1977 to 2011—after which he retired temporarily—and since January 1, 2017. This year he re- sumed his position as head gardener after the departure of Englishman James Priest, who served in the role for the past six years. Vahé lives next door, where he keeps his own gar- Monet’s water garden and the Japanese foot- den—which is a sight in itself, often stopping tourists in their bridge, Giverny, France. Photo by Eric Sander. tracks on their way to Monet’s home. Read more of this article here.

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The Weeder’s Digest august 2019

Master Gardeners of Central Georgia

Mission: To voluntarily provide horticulture-related information and training to our communities through the University of Georgia Extension. MGCG is a nonprofit, service-oriented educational organization operating within the bounds of 26 USC § 501(c)(3)

President Eleanor Sikes [email protected] Vice President Ann Amis [email protected] Past President Larry Julian [email protected] Secretary Teddie Berry [email protected] Treasurer Vivian Skipper [email protected] Ways and Means Diane Stephens [email protected] Education Lynn Harden [email protected] South Chapter Wendy Kane [email protected] Co-Chairs Pat Reynard [email protected] North Chapter Ann McCrorey [email protected] Co-Chairs Wayne McIntyre [email protected] Extension Advisors Karol Kelly (Bibb) [email protected] Charlotte Meeks (Houston) [email protected]

The Weeder’s Digest is a publication of and for the MGEVs of Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, and Twiggs counties. It is edited by Master Gardener Extension Volunteer L.A. Brandau, who is sole- ly responsible for any error. This publication is for the benefit of all members of the MGCG and will be as in- teresting as you assist in making it. All submissions are welcomed! 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

The Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program supports the Cooperative Extension in five areas:

Environmental Stewardship, Home Food Production, Gardening with Youth, Value of Landscapes, and Health Benefits of Gardening

Houston County Cooperative Extension 801 Main Street Perry, Georgia 31069 478 987-2028 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/houston

Macon-Bibb County Cooperative Extension 145 First Street, Upper Level Macon, Georgia 31201 478 751-7338 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/bibb

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