Black Knot disease

With no leaves to block our view, winter allows us to see trunk and branch structure more clearly. Sometimes we see unusual growths, or galls, on tree trunks and branches. Galls are formed by excessive cell division in response to infection or irritation by bacteria, fungi, insects, and sometimes environmental stress. Learn how to prune out galls and more in our article https://bit.ly/3u60ugc

Photo: Black Knot in branch gall

2024 New Year's Resolutions

2024 is approaching quickly, and with the new year almost here it's time to start thinking new resolutions!

In the green industry, we're always trying to find a way to better our gardens & landscapes. This may be updating an overgrown yard space, starting fresh with a new garden, or creating an indoor plant space. If you need help finding fresh garden ideas and resolutions for your green space, check out the link below!

Crown Rust disease

With the recent drought like conditions a common disease has come to my attention for the Fine Line Buckthorn in particular.

Leaves have been displaying an orange/yellow fungus like substance, which in contrast has caused some leaves to curl. This is called Crown rust, also known as leaf rust. The disease spreads from leaf to leaf as pustules release spores. Under conditions ideal for the disease, new pustules can form in 7 to 10 days. A properly timed fungicide application can provide protection against crown rust. However, spraying should take place at flag leaf emergence. If pustules have already formed on the flag leaf, it is can become tricky to control. Rust diseases typically form on plant leaves when it is too damp, but if it has also been extremely dry the plants may all be under stress which can also cause any plant to become more susceptible to disease. If continued dry periods prolong, water your plants additionally to keep them from stress. Then try a Copper Fungicide or Bonide disease control systemic drench product to see if that helps clear things up. As mentioned, an already existing leaf rust can be tricky to control once present, but with some attention there are hopes of further controlling the spreading of the disease.

Spring Clean Up's

The beautiful weather this week has everyone wanting to be outside! Now is the perfect opportunity to get some spring clean up work done.

-Pull out patio furniture, and garden tools. Sharpen and clean tools if this was not done in fall.

-Cut back ornamental grasses

-Cut back any additional perennials left up over winter for seasonal interest

-Continue to prune select woody materials, and trim out winter kill branches

-Blow out leaves and debris from flower beds

-Remove old excessive mulch from beds and around plants or shrubs, then freshen up mulch as needed for a fresh appearance and to protect plants and roots.

-Check for compacted soil and thatch in yard. Aerate lawns for water, oxygen, and fertilizer treatment easier access.

-Repair lawn snow plow damage

Using Wood Ash in the Garden

Any of our followers use wood burning stoves this winter? Check out this unique gardening practice to help benefit your flowers or vegetables!

Wisconsin Horticulture - Extension

If you heat your home with wood or have a wood fireplace, this bucket might look familiar. Yes, it's a bucket of wood ash. Now, where should we dump it?!

Wood ash can be a valuable addition to soils, when used appropriately. You can even spread wood ash evenly over the garden area during the winter and then work into the soil in spring. But there are some cautions to using wood ash too.

Read more about the benefits and downsides of ash in this article, Using Wood Ash in the Home Garden - https://bit.ly/3wgCaWm

And remember, soil testing is always recommended before you start adding anything to your soil! A soil test will help you determine what type of amendments and how much of them to add!

Credit Julie Hill

Japanese Beetle

The Japanese Beetle is very active this time of year! They feed on leaves and flowers of over 350 species of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, field and forage crops, and weeds. Norway and Japanese maple, birch, crabapple, purple-leaf plum, rose, mountain ash, linden, grapes, and basil are preferred hosts.

Consider protecting smaller plants (e.g., vegetables, herbs, small shrubs and trees) from Japanese beetles by covering them with nylon insect screens from late June to early September. Use a mesh size of ¼ inch or less and be sure to secure the edge of the mesh the ground. On smaller plants, you can hand pick or knock off beetles and put them into a container of soapy water.

There are many insecticides that can protect foliage and flowers from Japanese beetle adults. When selecting an insecticide, consider the potential impact of the product on non-target organisms (e.g., bees and other pollinators, pets and humans).

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/japanese-beetle/?fbclid=IwAR05jw8GM4Dhz4F0z3yqBJG_D9mIpm53E8QhvF5KOHdWXB_LR0aZhMMHp5o

Care for Spring Flowering Bulbs

"Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and other spring flowering bulbs are a welcome addition to many of our gardens. Providing a bit of care can help boost their beauty and longevity.

Water thoroughly during dry springs as needed to keep these plants looking their best. Spring is also a good time to fertilize fall planted bulbs that were not fertilized or established plants in need of a nutrient boost. Apply Milorganite, a low nitrogen slow-release fertilizer, as leaves appear or soon after. Apply two pounds per one hundred square feet for best results. This low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer provides needed nutrients and won’t damage the plants if the weather turns hot and dry.

Remove spent flowers on tulips and hyacinths to direct the energy back into the bulbs instead of setting seeds. Do the same to improve the appearance of daffodils. And if you are overrun with grape hyacinths and invasive squills, a little deadheading will help slow them down.

Leave the leaves on your bulbs until they naturally yellow and dry. The leaves produce energy needed for beautiful blooms next spring. The longer you leave the leaves intact, the more energy and better bloom for next season.

Hide the declining bulb with annuals and perennial flowers. As the bulbs decline, the nearby flowers grow and mask the declining foliage and extend the bloom time in your garden."- Melinda Meyer

Check out our Project’s Blog to see Excavating & Landscaping projects from start to finish!