*Recent Questions:
Since winter has arrived,
things have been relatively quiet.
--Weed identification - without
the weed. Tough to do. The client was referred to our
publication 'Weed Control in Garden and Lawn' (B-909R). The only
weed that resembled the one he's having trouble with was
creeping bellflower (Campanula). It was suggested that he
bring in a sample when it resumes growth next growing season. He
also had many questions on different herbicides and their modes
of activity.
--Timing of planting mountain
ash trees (Sorbus aucuparia). In containers (not
bare-root or B&B) most woody plants can go in spring, summer, or
fall. Or they can be overwintered in a sheltered spot. The soil
in the container should be kept moist during the winter,
however, to protect the root system.
--Fertilizing new sod. It is
recommended that fertilizer be incorporated into the soil during
soil prep before the sod goes on IF a soil test suggests
nitrogen is needed. See our turf bulletin B-1129 'Landscaping:
Turf in Wyoming.'
--Oaks for Wyoming. Gambel (Quercus
gambelii) and Bur (Quercus macrocarpa) are
the best bets.
--Growing lavender in Wyoming.
Most species and varieties are hardy only to USDA zones 5 or 6.
The question had to do with growing it near Medicine Bow.
*Update
on Horticulture Train-the-Trainer: We
had scheduled a Train-the-Trainer session for November 28-29 but
had to postpone it. Part of the reason was the weather - most of
the state got dumped on snow-wise last week. Another reason was
one speaker was quite ill. Another reason was a different
speaker was stuck in Utah and couldn't get here because of the
storm.
We will do these topics
(Vegetables, Plant Propagation Using Cuttings, Plant Propagation
Using Seeds, and Plant Identification) at a later date. Due to
busy spring schedules, we will probably do the next TTT in May
or June.
*Abstract from Article
in HortTechnology:
'Residential Landscapes, Homeowner Attitudes, and Water-wise
Choices in New Mexico' by Brian H. Hurd, Rolston St,. Hilaire,
and John M. White, New Mexico State University, in
HortTechnology 16(2):241-246.
"Residential
landscapes are responsible for a large share of the water use of
New Mexico communities. Water conservation plans and programs
are being promulgated throughout New Mexico and the western U.S.
as concern grows over the sufficiency and variability of present
supplies, sustainability of current population growth rates, and
desire for enhanced economic development. Household attitudes,
choices, and behaviors ultimately underlie the success and
performance of community water conservation programs. Homeowners
in three New Mexico cities were surveyed concerning their
attitudes and behavior toward water use, water conservation, and
residential landscapes. Findings suggest that New Mexico's
homeowners are mindful of the water resource challenges faced by
communities, and are prepared to shoulder responsibility for
stewarding the state's water resources. There is broad community
support to limit traditional turfgrasses [e.g., kentucky
bluegrass (Poa pratensis)] and to increase the
areas planted to native, natural, and water-conserving
landscapes; for example, 92% favored limiting turfgrass to less
than 25% of the area around public buildings. Evidence showing
that 40% are not "content" with their current landscape suggests
that significant impediments remain and limit still greater
adoption of water-conserving landscapes and subsequent potential
for increased household water savings."
*Christmas Tree Care:
The most important aspect of Christmas tree care in the home is
making sure it has a consistent water supply. Plain tap water is
best.
*In the Panter Back Yard:
It's pretty quiet outside, save for the pine siskins and finches
frequenting the feeders. We blew out the underground sprinkler
system in late October, cut back some of the perennials, and
heeled in the containerized woody plants for the winter. Indoors
orchids, geraniums, and the azalea are blooming as are the
Thanksgiving cacti and the poinsettias left over from two or
three years ago. We don't do anything special to the poinsettias
except prune them periodically - they just seem to keep blooming
on their own. Apparently, they didn't read the book!
The wildlife in the house
is down to the dog and a few stray crickets (in a tank, of
course). We'll keep the crickets fed and watered until they
expire too.
*Upcoming Events:
--Wyoming
Groundskeepers and Growers Association Annual Conference,
January 17-19, 2007, Parkway Plaza Hotel, Casper, Wyoming.
Contact:
www.wgga.org.