Marion County Extension 210 N. Iowa St. Knoxville, IA 50138 641.842.2014 [email protected]

December, 2017 Volume 15, Issue 12 The Green Scene

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Construct a Homemade Christmas Wreath

It might be hard to believe, but the Christmas season is just around the corner. One way to make the holiday season memorable is with a wreath, and a fresh, homemade wreath can really brighten a gathering. Making a wreath isn't as difficult as you might think.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists can help answer questions about creating a fresh Christmas wreath. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or [email protected].

What materials are needed to construct a fresh Christmas wreath? Materials needed to construct a Christmas wreath include a pruning shears, scissors, wreath frame, No. 22 or 24 gauge florist wire, wire cutter and evergreen branches. Decorative materials, such as ribbon (bows), pine cones, hol- ly, various fruits and ornaments may be used to finish the wreath.

Box style wire frames, florist wire, bows and other materials can be purchased at craft or hobby stores. Box style wire wreath frames are commonly available in 8- to 24-inch-diameter sizes. A 16-inch-diameter wreath frame is ideal for most home decorations.

Evergreen branches (greens) can be obtained from the home landscape. A small amount of judicious pruning won’t harm trees and shrubs. Greens also may be purchased from garden centers, florist shops, and Christmas tree lots or farms. Additional materials, such as pine cones, can be purchased or collected outdoors.

What is the proper way to construct a Christmas wreath? Begin by cutting the greens into six-to-eight-inch sections. Next, firmly attach the end of the wire roll to the frame. Place a small bundle of greens on the frame; then fasten the base of the twigs tightly to the frame with two or three turns of the wire. Position the second bundle of greens so as to cover the base of the first group. Continue this procedure around the frame, placing the groups close together to produce a thick, full wreath. Tuck the base of the final bundle of greens be- neath the foliage of the first group and fasten it to the frame. Decorate the wreath with a bow, cones, ornaments, etc. Wire each item separately and fas- ten it to the frame. Finally, attach a wire hanger to the top of the wreath frame. The wreath is now ready for hanging.

How long can I expect a wreath to remain fresh? Wreaths hung outdoors should remain fresh for three to four weeks. The av- erage life of an indoor wreath, however, is about seven to 10 days. Indoor wreaths should be promptly removed when they become dry. The life of an indoor wreath can be prolonged by hanging it up only during special holiday occasions. Place the wreath in a plastic bag and store in a cool location, such as a garage, during the remaining time. 2018 Calendars Are Here

We have three wonderful 2018 Calendars available at the Marion County Extension Office.

This years Marion County Best of Show Calendar is available for $5 and is a 13 month calendar featuring photos taken here in Marion County. The photos are from the winners of our 2017 Marion County Photo Contest. The cover photo on this calendar won Best of Show in the 2017 Marion County Photo Contest and was taken by Ken Howard. Stop in today to get yours before they are gone!

The 2018 Iowa State University Garden Calendar features colorful photos of Celebrating with Plants throughout the seasons. It is available for $7 here at the Marion County Extension Office.

Finally, our third calendar option is our complimentary pocket calendar that includes a notepad and weekly calendar for 2018.

Stop in today to pick up your 2018 calendar or purchase them for holiday gifts! How to Minimize Damage to Trees and Shrubs from Deicing Salts

Homeowners can minimize salt damage by using deicing salts prudently. Before applying salt, wait until the precipitation has ended and remove as much of the ice and snow as possible. Use deicing salts at rates sufficient to loosen ice and snow from driveways and sidewalks, then remove the loosened ice and snow with a shovel. (Deicing salts need to be applied at much high- er rates to completely melt ice and snow.) Mix salt with abrasive materials, such as sand or kitty litter. Fifty pounds of sand mixed with one pound of salt works effectively. Avoid piling salt-laden snow and ice around trees and shrubs. While the amount of salt applied to major roadways can not be controlled, steps can be taken to minimize damage. As soon as the ground thaws in early spring, heavily water areas where salt accumulates over winter. A thorough soaking should help flush the salt from the root zone of plants. If possible, alter the drainage pattern so winter run-off drains away from ornamental plants. When planting trees near major streets or highways, select salt tolerant tree species. Bur oak, northern red oak, honeylocust, northern catalpa, Kentucky coffeetree, horse chestnut, mugo pine, and eastern red-cedar are salt tolerant tree species.

What are the symptoms of deicing salt injury to trees and shrubs? The symptoms of salt injury to deciduous trees and shrubs include stunted growth, marginal leaf scorch, early fall coloration, and twig dieback. Accumulation of salt in the soil over several years may result in progressive decline and eventual death.

Salt damage to evergreens results in yellowing or browning of the needles and twig dieback. Evergreens near heavily salted roadways are often damaged by salt spray. Spray damage is most severe on the side of the plant nearest the highway. 2018 Beekeeping Classes

Are you interested in becoming a beekeeper? We will be offering "Beginning Beekeeping Classes" at the Marion County Extension Office beginning January 25, 2018, 6:30-8:00pm, classes are scheduled for 8 weeks. Cost is $45.00 per household and includes a beekeepers book, handouts, and spring field day. We will cover why become a beekeeper, getting started, challenges and rewards, plans for building equipment and much more. Please contact Sheila Weldon (641-891-2268) or Jerry Weldon (641- 891-4071).

“The Green Scene” is a tip sheet developed by the Marion County Extension Office to inform people of horticulture events, problems, and interesting ideas. Let us know if you want to be added to our mailing list. Some issues are also available at www.extension.iastate.edu/marion/. This material has been prepared by Lauren Petersen, Agriculture Program Assistant. If you have questions, please contact the office at (641) 842-2014. Sincerely, Dale R. Miller, County Extension Education Director Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic infor- mation, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran.