"Pines & Palms"

Pines and Palms

Pine trees are prevalent throughout our home State of Wisconsin, but the genus Pinus is also prevalent in the southeastern part of our country—particularly in Florida and Georgia—where native soils and warm temperatures nurture pines.  Pine trees in Wisconsin look delicious when frosted with fresh snow, but look stately in the south, poised against a blue sky backdrop.

Complementing pine trees in the southern landscape is another beauty: the palm tree!  After traveling throughout Florida and Georgia during February, I discovered a variety of pines and palms which thrive in Florida and southern Georgia (some natives, some non-natives).  Each species of pine and palm provides a dramatic flair to accent the landscape. 

Palm trees are classified within the botanical family Arecaceae and require warm temperate climates, so you may encounter a portion of the 2,500+ species while traveling in the South.   Smaller varieties of palms are often grown in Wisconsin as houseplants; you may also find larger specimens at botanical gardens where the necessary tropical environment can be recreated in greenhouses and atriums.  In nature, specific palms can thrive within their range, from arid deserts to rainforest climates. Florida and southern Georgia provide a “happy place” for palms!

Both pines and palms are economically important trees as well. They offer a selection of numerous species and cultivars. They can be utilized as landscape plantings.  In addition, pine is a renewable resource providing lumber for homes and building projects.  Palms are utilized to make certain food products.  Beyond their aesthetic value, pines and palms place their signature on our country’s economy...  both pines and palms deserve some respect!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Ladybug Luncheon!

A Luncheon for Ladybugs

Ladybugs are plentiful in Wisconsin, but reside in other states as well.  Considered by some to be a nuisance (most notably in autumn when thousands are crawling and flying about) ladybugs are quite effective at fighting garden pests.

Adult ladybugs (Coccinella septempunctata), along with immature ladybug larvae, have a voracious appetite for those evil aphids which feed upon ornamental plantings, garden crops, and greenhouse plants.  A favorite houseplant of mine, tropical hibiscus, can develop aphids, spider mites and fungus gnats… all possible edibles for ladybugs!   

These insects seem to congregate on the hibiscus buds, or on the underside of each petal. The aphids and gnats sometimes remain even after the blossom has closed.

During a recent visit to a botanical garden greenhouse, I noticed the spent hibiscus bloom shown here— covered in aphids and fungus gnats.   The hundreds of insects clinging to the underside of the petals could provide a luncheon for ladybugs… but I saw none.   

The hibiscus blooms in this greenhouse were stunning, but I felt the greenhouse needed some beneficial insects (ladybugs!) to assist with keeping undesirable insect populations in check.  

Ladybugs are always welcome in my home garden; I hope you will welcome them too!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

"Training children ... training TREES!"

Training children . . . training TREES!

Who would guess there are traits common to a well trained CHILD and a well trained TREE?   Children raised in a supportive, nurturing, and nutritionally rich environment usually grow into healthy, productive citizens.   Young trees will thrive and flourish in a similar environment…

SUPPORTIVE:   A young deciduous tree will benefit from support provided by proper staking to protect the tree’s trunk.   Place two stakes on opposing sides of the tree being planted; secure the tree’s trunk by wrapping a non-abrasive strapping material around the stake and trunk, and tie securely.   On opposing side, repeat this step.  On a windy day when a tree’s foliage collects the wind, the trunk is stressed.  Staking should provide support and prevent the young trunk from fracturing.

NURTURING:   When a child requires guidance, I often observe a parent or caregiver utilizing a teachable moment to instruct or correct the undesirable behavior.   A tree may also experience a teachable moment… an optimum time when a young tree can be pruned and shaped to promote stronger limbs and a single central leader.  (My trees class instructor was a Certified Arborist who advocated the pruning of young trees to create ONE dominant central leader.  He discouraged extensive pruning of mature trees unless storm damage occurs.  Young trees can benefit from healthy pruning practices.)

NUTRITIONALLY RICH:   While children will benefit from nutritional choices that include complex carbohydrates, proteins, and foods containing a selection of nutrients and micronutrients, an organic soil surrounding the root zone of a young tree can contribute to long-term health of that tree.  (Nutrient-rich soil is recommended when planting.)

As a young tree sets roots deep into the soil —as well as growing lateral roots— the soil quality and structure will affect the tree’s health and well being.  Compacted soil lacks tiny spaces which provide crucial oxygen for the tree’s roots; instead, a loose nutrient-rich soil containing organic matter is beneficial. Eventually, the tree must adjust to the native soil where it is planted, so mix in some native soil when backfilling new tree.  

Some trees might develop chlorosis if the soil lacks iron and manganese, so these nutrients may need to be added to sustain a healthy tree.  Using a liquid fertilizer containing 10% phosphorous is also beneficial to tender root development. With quality soil, adequate moisture and sun, a young tree will develop foliage and photosynthesize, creating its own sugars to feed its roots. 

Whether raising children or raising trees, the nutrition and environment provided should result in successful outcomes!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Thankful for An Awesome Autumn

AAA… An Awesome Autumn!

Our amazing 2014 autumn season is fading here in Southeastern Wisconsin, but the scene was quite awesome for the past two months.   Many claim their favorite season of the year is AUTUMN, and fall of 2014 was an affirmation of that claim:  lovely leaves on our trees…crisp cool days…an abundance of sunshine!

Our autumn experience is enhanced by the Sugar Maple tree, adorned with fiery fall colors (I photographed this foliage at a nearby botanical garden). Wisconsin selected the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) as our State tree years ago; the visual display every autumn is reason enough to be chosen, but this species also provides shade during summer, and a special treat in early spring:  maple syrup!

Delicious maple syrup sap is acquired by tapping into the sugary liquid within the tree’s trunk.  In cold climates, trees store starches (carbohydrates) within their root systems over winter.  When warmer days of springtime arrive, the xylem layer within each tree conducts water, nutrients and carbohydrates from the root system, to the top of the tree. This xylem sap is extracted and will be transformed into maple syrup, which is naturally rich in the sugar, sucrose.

To achieve just one gallon of this “sweet gold,” FORTY GALLONS of watery liquid must be simmered to evaporate the water component; this reduction method yields just ONE GALLON of syrup.  Maple syrup is traditionally used to enhance waffles, pancakes and oatmeal; however, it has additional culinary applications. Often chefs and creative cooks incorporate a touch of maple syrup in their savory dishes; it adds a delightful flavor component to the dish!

A colleague of mine, Horticulturist Brian Karth of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, participates in the maple “sugaring off” ritual each spring.   He thoroughly enjoys the process and demonstrates proper techniques to others.  Centuries ago maple syrup was collected and used by our Native Americans, who also shared their techniques with the European settlers who arrived here.   Maple syrup is just one more reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving Day.   Our Thanksgiving holiday is the unofficial conclusion of autumn… and this year, it was an awesome autumn!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Sea of Sparkles at Sunrise

A sea of sparkles at sunrise

A crisp October morning… I awake to a sea of sparkles coating the grass and the flowers in my garden… a frosty finish for most annuals residing there!   Some landscape designers refrain from including annuals in their designs because of their temporary qualities.  But often annuals are strong performers during the entire growing season, 4 – 5 months; should they be dismissed so easily? 

If you choose to exclude annuals, you might be missing a favorite of mine, the genus Osteospermum, shown here.  (aka,  South African Daisy… more than 30 different species are available.  In its native homeland, it can perform as a perennial… but not here in Wisconsin!)   

The cultivar I chose for my garden this year is called “Summertime Blueberry,” and I was quite impressed with its deep lavender blooms and blue-violet centers.   I enjoyed this display from mid-May through mid-October.   A single plant is a full 24” wide and despite a few frosty mornings, is still green and growing in late October… a pretty impressive performance!

Pockets of annuals nestle nicely among groupings of perennials and shrubs; annuals definitely qualify as compatible plantings.   While annuals might flower continuously 4 -  5 months, many perennials and shrubs produce blooms for a brief 2 – 3 week period.  Annuals provide an ongoing “pop” of color; annuals also can be used as cut flowers and in container plantings.

I’m not suggesting you plant annuals exclusively, but you might give them a space in your garden design for next season.   Added bonus:  the brightly colored petals of annual flowers  serve as beacons for your local butterflies!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

The Twilight of Tomato Season

The Twilight of Tomato Season

October begins… tomato season ends.   This is the phenomenon we experience in Southeastern Wisconsin every autumn.    Occasionally we receive temps in the mid-thirties during late September, which brings the tomato growing season to an abrupt conclusion.  This year some tomatoes are still actively growing during warm autumn days and ripening on the vine; sadly, we are in the twilight of our tomato season.

A common complaint this season was the shortage of warm nights which encourage tomatoes, peppers and other veggies to mature faster with warm temperatures.  Although some performers were “ripe and ready” in August, many varieties were not ready until September—but they were worth waiting for!

Tomatoes  (Solanum  lycopersicum )  are available in a kaleidoscope of colors, especially some of the heirloom varieties.  You may encounter tomatoes with tissue and skin in shades of purple, orange, yellow and numerous shades of RED.  Each tomato fruit offers a variation in taste, color, and texture and can be used in your culinary creations, in sauces and salads.  (Shown here are two varieties from our home garden:  Beefmaster and Orange Oxheart.  When diced and seeded, they make an attractive addition to your favorite salsa recipe.)

Of course, each passing day brings us one day closer to a killing frost… but for now, I want to bask in the warm temperatures of the day, along with my tomatoes!  

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Are your plants ready for the Transition?

It’s TRANSITION TIME…  Summer into Fall!

Late August in Wisconsin... time to harvest and preserve those home-grown tomatoes… time for children to think about reuniting with school friends… time to transition those summer container gardens into the new fall season!

Some of the container gardens shown here could have a quick “wardrobe change” and would adapt to the new season nicely.  Annuals like deep-hued coleus and other foliage plants can be retained in the container; simply change out any flowers or herbs that seem tired or past their prime.    

(Scoop them out gently and add them to your home compost pile.)  

The next step is to add some autumn bling to your container; a clump of ornamental grasses works well.  Add a small mum or two in place of the annuals you removed.  If you have a plant stake or ornament with an autumn theme, add it to the mix.   When gourds are available, you can tuck in a few amidst your plants.  Tie up a bow made of burlap if you like, and place it near front of your container.  

Make it pretty—make it yours!  A little imagination and a bit of bling will keep your container plantings enjoyable for another month or two.  

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture