Photo by Sherry Land WHAT’S INSIDE THE FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE · Book Review: Braiding Sweetgrass,...
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Plant Diagnostics, p. 4 Noteworthy News: Green Living Series, p. 6 Diggings, p. 7 Landscape Design School Course II, p. 8 Design Charrette, p. 11 Tree Care Tips, p. 12 Book Review: Braiding Sweetgrass, p. 13 Vegetable of the Month: Endive, p. 14 Traveling Gardener, p. 16 WHAT’S INSIDE THE FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE Photo by Sherry Land
Transcript of Photo by Sherry Land WHAT’S INSIDE THE FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE · Book Review: Braiding Sweetgrass,...
Plant Diagnostics, p. 4
Noteworthy News: Green Living Series, p. 6
Diggings, p. 7
Landscape Design School Course II, p. 8
Design Charrette, p. 11
Tree Care Tips, p. 12
Book Review: Braiding Sweetgrass, p. 13
Vegetable of the Month: Endive, p. 14
Traveling Gardener, p. 16
WHAT’S INSIDE THE FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE
Photo by Sherry Land
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 2
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Jo Cook, Program Coordinator, at [email protected] 602-827-8211. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jeffrey C. Silvertooth, Associate Dean & Director, Economic Development & Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.
Editor: KELLY OBIADI | [email protected]. Editors: MEG PATERSON & KAREN SANKMANArt Director: SHERRY LAND
Website Questions: JO COOK | 602.827.8211
Roots & Shoots is published monthly by and for Maricopa County Master Gardeners and printed under the direction of The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Maricopa County Office.
MAIN OFFICE
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension602.827.82004341 E Broadway RdPhoenix, AZ 85040Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Attention Writers!Please submit your articles for the March issue to Kelly Obiadi at: [email protected] by February 15.
Attention Photographers!You’ve got some great photos and Roots & Shoots would like to give you a platform for sharing them. Send us a few of your best shots and they could be included in our photo gallery (as space allows) or even featured on the upcoming cover! Each month the editorial staff will select from photos taken by Master Gardeners and submitted during the previous month. We want to see your best gardening-related photos: vegetables, flowers, trees, insects, birds, animals, people, projects, events, landscapes, décor, etc.
Send your photos along with a brief description to [email protected] by the 25th of each month to be considered for the upcoming issue.
Show us what’s going on in your gardening world!
Photo by Sherry Land
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 3
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Jo Cook, Program Coordinator, at [email protected] 602-827-8211. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jeffrey C. Silvertooth, Associate Dean & Director, Economic Development & Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.
STAFF
KELLY YOUNG Assistant Agent, ANR/Urban Horticulture602.827.8219, [email protected]
REBECCA SENIOR Assistant in Extension, Ornamental Horticulture602.827.8276, [email protected]
JO COOK Program Coordinator602.827.8211, [email protected] *ON TEMPORARY LEAVE
YVONNE COOPERProgram Coordinator602.827.8239, [email protected]
ANGELA ENTZELProgram Coordinator, Food Access602.827.8212, [email protected]
SHARON DEWEYSpeakers Bureau602.827.8209, [email protected]
MARINA ACOSTAProgram Coordinator, School & Community Gardens 602.827.8221, [email protected]
LINDA WADEDepartmental Secretary602.827.8253, [email protected]
MASTER GARDENER CONTACT LIST
Ambassadors:PAULA PUTAO623.486.2356, [email protected] BONNIE NEWHOFF602.943.1843, [email protected]
Design Charrette:SUE LANKER480.947.0552, [email protected] SEIFERT602.494.9307, [email protected] MALDONADO602.573.2410, [email protected]
Help Desk:DON SUTTON480.694.5279, [email protected] DONNA LORCH602.418.5503, [email protected]
Master Gardener and Public Calendar:KAREN SANKMAN480.893.1066, [email protected]
Technical Committee:CARRIE GOODE480.457.8840, [email protected] CHERYL SCHMIDTKE480.732.1527, [email protected]
Facebook.com/MaricopaCountyMasterGardeners
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 4
by Rob Mariani and Don Sutton
PLANT DIAGNOSTICS and Teaching/Learning Moments
The purpose of this section of Roots & Shoots is to focus on plant diagnostics using actual questions we get as Master Gardeners. Our approach is to state a plant-related question that has come through the Arid Gardener Listserv, Plant Help Desk, presentations at public events, someone who walks into the Extension Office, or from a neighbor. One or more answers from Master Gardener(s) will be given as well as some related ideas to further educate the person who asked the question. Think of this last part as a teaching/learning moment. It is through teaching that we best learn and this is a great opportunity for us to share our knowledge and further the Master Gardener mission.
To stimulate discussion, we will present one or two questions that will be answered in the next edition of Roots & Shoots.
Master Gardeners are invited and encouraged to ask follow up questions and comment on any of the questions and/or responses in this column to make this a truly interactive learning experience.
This can be done by emailing your questions and comments to [email protected]. Your contribution may be published in future articles as space allows.
As we learned in the intern class, Master Gardeners who answer plant questions need to have good detective skills. Diagnosing a problem requires us to gather information, make observations, ask questions, and do some level of analysis before responding. These diagnostic skills will be highlighted where possible.
Question
I’m a new vegetable gardener and have started seeing small, irregular holes on the leaf surface on my cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and beets. What is causing this and what can I do to manage it?
Answer
It is always great to hear from a new vegetable gardener. Your description of irregular or ragged holes in leaves fits the description of damage caused by cabbage loopers. These pests are distributed throughout North America. They are caterpillars, light green in color, in the larvae stage of the moth Trichoplusia ni and can go from egg to adult in a few weeks. The moth is active at night so you probably won’t see them. You should be able to find these caterpillars on the vegetables you listed, particularly on the underside of the leaves. They have a distinctive looping movement where they arch the middle portion of their body to bring the back legs up to the front legs, then extend themselves again. They also have a narrow white stripe along each side of their body. Cabbage loopers can grow to an inch and half long.
Left unchecked, cabbage loopers can cause significant damage to a variety of plants beyond the cabbage family, or cole crops, including spinach, tomatoes, and potatoes. The best defense is to regularly monitor your plants by checking the top and bottom sides of leaves and pick the caterpillars off by hand. This may take a bit more time than dusting or spraying but it will help you monitor your garden for other potential problems.
Image from Master Gardener Entomology Manual,
Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona, College of Agriculture
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 5
Cabbage loopers do have natural enemies so you want to be careful how you manage your problem beyond manual inspection of the leaves. Some of their natural enemies include lady beetles, spiders, wasps and birds. If you decide to use a different approach to your problem there are two selective insecticides that should be effective. They are Bacillus thuringiesis (B.t.) and neem oil. Before applying these products read and follow all directions on the label. If you use one of these products, try it on a few leaves and wait 24 hours to see the effects. If you don’t see too many loopers, we recommend removing them by hand.
As someone new to vegetable gardening, I would recommend that you spend a little time reading some of the free publications from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Go to https://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/press.htm for a complete list of topics. Just click on the link of the topic you are interested in to download a .pdf version of the article. You will see that there are four publications specifically related to vegetables.
As a new vegetable gardener, you are likely to come across lots of information resources from neighbors, books, magazines or the internet. Some of the information will be helpful, but remember, you live in the low desert of Arizona and this environment is unique in many ways. One important aspect of vegetable gardening in Arizona is that we have two distinct growing seasons. Some of your resources may not take this into account.
Hopefully this information is helpful to you. If you see other problems or have additional questions, the Extension Office has a plant help desk staffed by volunteers. The help desk phone number is 602-827-8210. It may take a few days for someone to get back to you.
Diagnostic Approach (Teaching/Learning Moment)
This question came from someone who indicated they are new at vegetable gardening, so it is a good time to tell them about the free resources from the University of Arizona and the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office related to our low desert environment. Encourage them to call the plant help desk if they have questions.
PLANT DIAGNOSTICS... continued
A Question for Next Time
The fruit on my Arizona sweet orange tree is mostly dry inside. How can I prevent this in the future?
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 6
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Free classes to help residents create a more water &energy efficient home.
Register at:623-930-3760 or [email protected]
Glendale Main Library | 5959 W. Brown St.
Find additional class information atwww.glendaleaz.com/WaterConservation/classesandeducation.cfm.
Sat. | Feb. 4 | 10 a.m. to NoonDesert EdiblesThe Sonoran Desert is one of the most ecologically diverse deserts in the world with more than 2,000 native plant species. At one time, many of these plants were important sources of food and medicine for indigenous people. Get a whole new appreciation for desert-adapted plants by learning about which ones are good to eat. *Please keep in mind that information shared in this class does not constitute medical or dietary advice.
Wed. | Feb. 22 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.Cacti & Succulents for Desert GardensGet familiar with a wide variety of cacti and succulents thatcan add beauty and interest to your desert landscape. Theseplants are drought tolerant and low maintenance, yet providea range of color, texture, and size – who could ask for more?Learn how to use them for maximum effect in your garden.
Sat. | Mar. 11 | 10 a.m. to NoonWelcome Wildlife to Your GardenEveryone needs a home and desert wildlife are no different. Anemerging trend in urban gardening is a return back to ourdesert roots through the use of native plants and sustainablelandscape practices. If you build it (habitat) they (wildlife) willcome! Give desert wildlife a new lease on life and in yourgarden by creating a welcoming habitat.
Sat. | Apr. 8 | 9 to 11 a.m.Irrigation Repair & MaintenanceNow is the time to do an irrigation check-up so that it’s intip-top shape for the long summer. An irrigation expert willcover basic irrigation repair and seasonal maintenance thatwill keep your system and plants happy all summer long.
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 7
Greetings gardeners!
Spring showers may bring flowers and perhaps this year a wildflower show since January saw better than just measurable rainfall. A long way from restoring water tables and snow pack, the moisture is so very welcome none the less.
Last February was the warmest on record. Will we come close this year? It is possible. Variations on the average climate data are to be expected, but not to the extreme we saw last year. Those who disregarded the planting calendar and jumped in to plant early summer gardens ahead of schedule gleaned extra weeks of harvest for squash, beans, cukes. The tomatoes were spectacular plants followed by a good harvest! Aphids had their way early with brassicas stressed by the heat and herbs that usually make seed were a little less productive as temperatures got too hot too early. Perhaps we will get an earlier than expected spring this year as well. As winter crops fail, the next season’s crops fill in the garden!
To get a jump on warmer temperatures, be sure your soil prep is done or new soil is in pots, ready for tomato season. Plants that were seeded for February sales will appear as they are mature enough to ship and plant. Keep your eyes open at your favorite retailers for old favorites and new introductions. Space tomatoes as directed on the label or at least 2 feet apart, three feet for indeterminate or pole tomatoes allows for vigorous growth. Peppers and eggplants are available about this time as well. Find varieties that you want to try!
Remember these plants are being introduced to conditions here from the most ideal growing conditions imaginable where light, temperatures, irrigation, and fertilization are all carefully planned and orchestrated. The poor plants are then slid onto racks, shoved in a truck, bounced for miles only to be shoved out of that dark truck onto the Phoenix tarmac! It may be 55 or 95 degrees, windy or dry, sunny or not, but it will not be ideal. That is just rude! Help acclimate and harden off your new plants by keeping them in a sheltered place outside for the first day or two, and ease them into
what will constitute their real world slowly before transplanting. This will help to reduce transplant shock and they will grow all the better for the care.
Bud break on fruit trees may be early this spring, so be sure to finish pruning while you can still see the branch structures, before the trees get too leafy. Fertilize as recommended for your fruit trees. The deciduous trees are best able to take up nutrients once they are fully leafed out and photosynthesizing. Keep track of rain in your part of the valley and schedule deep watering for trees accordingly.
This is the time of year to do the heavy pruning on most summer flowering desert adapted plants. Wait for the spring bloomers to finish a show and prune promptly afterwards. Wait until late March before fertilizing because cooler soils inhibit nutrient absorption. Most landscape plants need little fertilizing once soils warm up again.
Weeds, oh the weeds! The joy of rain certainly brings on the weeds. Less than a couple inches tall they are well controlled by the hula or scuffle hoe. Larger ones can be pulled and added to compost before they commence to bloom. Once they have flowers, weeds should be put into the trash. Try not to let them get this far ahead of you!
Have a plan if you are anticipating visits to local plant sales. Knowing what you are looking for and where you will plant it means the new plants will not linger too long in their nursery pots and will go in the ground during the best part of the growing season. Planning also means that you have irrigation in place and ready to support the plant as it establishes itself.
Consider replacing older, often-pruned plants with selections that do not grow as large at maturity, reducing the need to prune. Find varieties with seasonal color to add interest to your landscape all year round. Look for that great specimen plant to replace the spiking agave, or the victim of last year’s long hot summer… but remember to consider water needs, size at maturity and how much light is best as you imagine new plants in your landscape.
See you in the garden!
DIGGINGSby PAM PERRY
For more info:
Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1435-2015.pdf
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 8
LANDSCAPE DESIGN SCHOOL COURSE IIwritten by JUDY TOLBERT
This is your final reminder to register for the upcoming NGC Landscape Design Course II scheduled for March 4 and 5, 2017. This course is the second of four being offered by the Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. and the University of Arizona Master Gardeners. It is being offered to all garden club members, Master Gardeners, and the public, and will be held at the University of Arizona extension office at 43rd Street and Broadway in Phoenix. Course III and IV will be offered approximately six months apart over the next year.
The registration form is attached below.
For further information, please go online at www.azgardenclubs.com or contact Linda Rominger at [email protected].
Don’t miss out!
REGISTRATION REMINDER
National Garden Clubs Landscape Design School Course 2
Scheduled for March 4 & 5, 2017
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 9
N
ame:_________________________________
Email: ______________________________
Address: ____________________________
____________________________________
Cell Phone: __________________________
Garden Club: ________________________
Master G
ardener: Yes ___ No ___
Full School w/exam
$85.00 $_______
Full School No Exam
$80.00 $_______
Refresher w/ exam
$85.00 $_______
Late Registration Fee $15.00 $_______ N
OTE: Late Registration begins Feb 21
st.
Printed Outlines $5.00 $______
NO
TE: DEADLINE FO
R REQU
ESTING PRIN
TED O
UTLIN
E IS FEBRUARY 20
TH. NO
EXCEPTION
S.
**LUN
CH IS INCLU
DED BOTH DAYS**
INDICATE SPECIAL DIET N
EEDED __________
Please Make Check Payable to AFGC, Inc.
Mail Registration and Check to:
Judy Tolbert 8918 E. Indiana Avenue
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 Em
ail: azgardenclubs@gm
ail.com
N
O REFU
NDS AFTER FEBRU
ARY 20TH
_________________________________
NGC LANDSCAPE DESIGN SCHOOL
COURSE II SERIES I Sponsored by:
Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs w
ww
.azgardenclubs.com
and M
aricopa County Master Gardeners
https://extension.arizona.edu/maricopam
g
March 4 – 5, 2017
U of AZ Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office
4341 E Broadway Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
This course is open to the public
REGISTRATION FO
RM
Landscape Design School – Course Ii T E A R OFF REGISTRATION
FORM HERE
INSTRU
CTORS
Judy Mielke, Landscape Architect
Joetta L Miller, Landscape Designer
Alba Rodriquez, Kellogg Assoc.
Noelle Johnson, Horticulturist
Bonnie Richardson AIA LEED AP BD+C
Linda Larson, Author, Speaker
Mark C Vinson FAIA AICP NCARB
Rebecca Fish Ewan. Professor of
Landscape Architecture, ASU
PLEASE NO
TE Instructors’ O
utlines and Handouts
will be em
ailed to students for pre-study w
hen available. Unless you
have previously paid for printed outlines, you should print them
upon receipt and bring them
to class. If you are unable to print any of the
outlines, please notify the registrar as soon as possible. A printed copy w
ill be available on registration day for a fee of $5.00. D
eadline for requests is February 20
th.
LDS CONTACT INFORMATION
Local Chairman: Linda Rom
inger 602-524-5027 Lsrom
@cox.net
AFGC President: Judy Tolbert
602-421-5290
Available Hotel Accomm
odations available upon request.
azgardenclubs@gm
ail.com
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 10
Landscape Design School
Series I – course II Class times subject to change due
to instructors’ schedules
8:0
0A
M – 8:25AM
……
……
……
……
…Registration
8
:25
AM
– 8:30AM …
……
……
……
An
no
un
cemen
ts 8
:30
AM
– 9:30AM …
……
……
……
.. Lind
a Larson
Th
e Art o
f Gard
en
ing
9:3
0A
M – 10:30AM
……
……
….…
….Alba Rodriguez
Land
scape D
esign
Pro
cess - Ch
apter 3
1
0:3
0A
M – 10:45AM
……
……
……
……
……
…Break
10
:45
AM
– 11:45AM …
……
……
….Judy M
ielke
Plan
ts in th
e Land
scape – C
hap
ter 5
1
1:4
5A
M – 12:45PM
……
……
……
……
……
..…Lunch
1
2:4
5P
M – 1:45PM
……
……
……
….Alba Rodriguez
Site Design
and
Land
form
– Ch
apter 4
1
:45
PM
– 2:4
5PM
……
……
……
……
.Alba Rodriguez Stru
ctures in
the Lan
dscap
e – C
hap
ter 11
2
:45
PM
– 3:00PM …
……
……
……
……
……
Break 3
:00
PM
– 4:0
0 M
G A
dvan
ced Train
ing (o
r) 3
:00
PM
– 4:0
0P
M EX
AM
Saturd
ay No
vemb
er 12
, 201
6
Saturd
ay No
vemb
er 12
, 201
6
8:30 AM
– 10:30AM …
…………………
..No
elle Joh
nso
n
Plan
t Selection
: - Ch
apter 1
3
9:3
0A
M-1
0:3
0A
M ………………
Re
becca Fish
Ewan
D
evelop
men
t of Lan
dscap
e De
sign - C
hap
ter 2
2
10
:30
AM
– 1
0:4
5A
M ……………………………
Break
10
:45
AM
– 11
:45
AM
……
……
… Bonnie Richardson
C
om
mu
nity Lan
dscap
e Man
agemen
t – Ch
apter 3
4
11
:45
AM
– 12:45PM …
……
……
……
……
….Lunch
1
2:4
5P
M – 1
:45
PM
……
……
……
……
.Mark Vinson
P
reservation
of H
istoric Sites &
Structu
res-C
hap
ter 35
1
:45
PM
– 2:45PM …
……
……
……
……
..Jo Miller
Land
scapes as a Learn
ing Exp
erien
ce – C
hap
ter 19
2
:45
PM
– 3:0
0P
M …
……
……
..…..…
… B
reak 3
:00
PM
– 4:0
0P
M M
G A
dvan
ced Train
ing (o
r) 3
:00
PM
– 4:0
0P
M EX
AM
Th
ere will b
e five qu
estion
s on
an article in
the
Natio
nal G
arden
er. We w
ill sen
d yo
u a co
py o
f the
article on
ce it is assigne
d.
Student attendees must; 1)
belo
ng to
a garden
club
affiliated
with
a NG
C state gard
en clu
b.
2) h
ave a p
assing grad
e of 7
0%
on
all exam
s in th
e 4 co
urses.
3) co
mp
lete all 4 co
urses b
etwee
n
2 to
7 ye
ars. Co
urses m
ay be
taken in
any o
rder o
r back to
b
ack.
1)
Co
urses an
d exam
s are op
en to
everyo
ne.
2) N
on
-mem
ber stu
den
ts su
ccessfully co
mp
leting all (4
) co
urses m
ay app
ly for C
on
sultan
t C
ertification
up
on
join
ing an
NG
C
affiliated Fed
erated gard
en clu
b
with
in 6
mo
nth
s after series co
mp
letion
. 3)
Certificates o
f Co
mp
letion
are aw
arded
to n
on
- NG
C stu
den
ts atten
din
g a full series.
R
efresher C
redit fo
r Co
nsu
ltant
and
Master C
on
sultan
ts are gran
ted
with
in o
ne to
five years fo
llow
ing receip
t of C
on
sultan
t or
Master C
on
sultan
t Certificatio
n.
Saturd
ay March
4, 2
017
Sun
day M
arch 5
, 201
7
FOR CERTIFICATIO
N
NO
N M
EMB
ER STU
DEN
TS R
EFRESH
ER C
RED
IT
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 11
DESIGN CHARRETTEwritten by THE DESIGN CHARRETTE TEAM
What is a Design Charrette... And How Can I Participate?
A design charrette is a forum hosted by a Master Gardener to develop design ideas for a chosen landscape. As a Master Gardener, you can host a charrette for your own property. This is a three-hour event (9am-12pm) that includes a tour of the grounds, potluck and design discussion. The number of attendees is usually limited to 12. Design charrettes are held on Saturday mornings and the host and Design Charrette team determine the date.
HOSTS: Receive the benefit of free design ideas. As the host, you will provide a tour of your property, which includes plant identification and information, researched or experimental. The host provides a letter of intent for the property that prioritizes goals, needs and problems to be solved. A simple drawing of the property must also be provided to the group to use in their landscape design. Lastly, the host provides cups, plates, utensils, napkins and water. Attendees will bring the food.
ATTENDEES: Are asked to use the principles of Xeriscape in recommending a design plan, such as practical turf, appropriate plants, soil type, watering, use of mulch, and landscape maintenance.
Design Charrette Team:
Sue Lanker, Mitzi Maldonado and Suellen Seifert. e-mail: [email protected]
February Design Charrette
The February Design Charrette will be held on Saturday the 18th at the home of Pamela Petty. She has a townhouse in the area of 7th Avenue and Glendale. The charrette is scheduled from 9:00 am to noon and counts as either volunteer or education hours. Here is what Pam has to say about her property:
“The yard behind my townhouse in north central Phoenix is really a strip of land on which someone poured concrete at one time. I'd like to remove the concrete and make some sort of garden area. Although it is only 10’ by 60’, it’s a real challenge.”
Email us at [email protected] if you would like to reserve a spot in Pamela’s Charrette. Attendance is typically limited to twelve participants divided into teams of three people each.
Your Design Charrette Team: Sue Lanker, Mitzi Maldonado, & Suellen Seifert
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 12
TREE CARE TIPSby John Eisenhower, Master Gardener, Certified Arborist, owner of Integrity Tree Service*
February Tips
• You should schedule citrus and frost-sensitive plant pruning after February 15, the average last day of frost in Phoenix. Pruning can be done through the end of March. This timing starts after the danger of frost damage but before citrus blossoms set for next season's harvest. February/March pruning also allows the new growth following pruning to "harden off" before high temperatures arrive. You can check out your area's average last day of frost here: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/weather/frost.htm.
• Heavy cutting back of certain shrubs and trees can be done during this time frame too. If pruned now, new growth will have time to harden off before hot weather arrives. (For more information on shrub restoration and rejuvenation, see the article Salvaging Sheared Shrubs.)
• You can still spray olives this month.
• Although light pruning can be done year-round on deciduous trees, early February is the last month for heavier crown reduction and thinning.
• Now is the time to put down the first of four applications of citrus fertilizer (Feb/May/Aug/Oct).
Looking Ahead to March…
• Now is prime time for pruning most evergreen trees and shrubs.
• This is the last chance to prune citrus and ficus and other sun-sensitive trees. Be careful. If you wait too long, new foliage will not have time to fill in before sun damage occurs. As a rule, any area of bark exposed to direct sun for 3 or 4 hours needs to be protected with shade cloth or tree wrap to prevent sunscald. (For more information on sun protection, see the article First Aid for Sunburned Plants.)
• There are two general rules for pruning flowering trees and shrubs: For plants that produce blooms on old wood or last season's growth, prune as soon as possible after the bloom ends. For flowering plants that produce blooms on new wood or this season's growth, prune in late winter or early spring.
• March is a good month for fertilizing all trees.
* Publication of this information does not constitute an endorsement of Integrity Tree Service by the University of Arizona or the Master Gardener program.
Illustration: Carole Palmer, Desert Landscaping for Beginners, Arizona Master Gardener Press
ROOTS & SHOOTS FEBRUARY 2017 PAGE 13
Immersed in the natural environment of upstate New York, Robin Wall Kimmerer offers lessons for residents of the Northeast as well as Arizonans in this book. Kimmerer, a botanist, is also a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. In this collection of essays, she links the biological processes of plant life to the lifeways and belief systems of her Native American people. She shows that plants have evolved "senses" that were always intuited by native peoples and are now beginning to be understood by scientists. Aided by microbes and fungi, pollinators and harvesters, plants have developed optimal ways to survive and pass on their genes.
Kimmerer is a marvelous writer, whose nurturing voice and nature sing through the essays. She raised two daughters in a drafty old farmhouse shaded by two gigantic maples. She describes topics as diverse as making maple syrup, twelve years of painstakingly clearing algae from a spring-fed pond, and country picnics with home-grown food.
Of most interest to Arizona master gardeners is her essay on the Three Sisters: corn, beans and squash. Here she ingeniously mixes botany with art and ancient legend as she describes how the three sisters co-exist. One can see what a wonderful teacher she must be.
It is as a mother and a custodian of our mutual mother, the earth, that Kimmerer most identifies with. Her website biography states this front and center. "Dr. Kimmerer is a mother, plant ecologist, writer and SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York. She serves as the founding Director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment whose mission is to create programs which draw on the wisdom of both indigenous and scientific knowledge for our shared goals of sustainability."
BOOK REVIEWwritten by MARGARET SPENCE, Master Gardener
BRAIDING SWEETGRASSIndigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Published by Milkweed Editions, 2013
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Endive is a plant in the genus Cichorium, which also includes chicory and raddichio. Related to dandelions and sunflowers, endive has a crisp texture and a sweet, nutty flavor with a characteristic mild bitterness. Served raw or cooked, this plant is rich in folate and fiber as well as vitamins A and K. This annual grows best in cool weather.
Endive prefers full sun and well-worked, well-drained soil that retains moisture. Add aged compost to planting beds in advance of planting and side dress with compost at midseason. Endive prefers a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.8.
Sow endive seed in the garden as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the average date of the last frost in spring. Seed started indoors for transplanting out can be sown 8 to 10 weeks before the average last frost. Time the growing period so the endive comes to harvest before temperatures average higher than 85°F – it will require 85 to 100 days to reach maturity. According to the U of A planting calendar for Maricopa county https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1005.pdf, sow succession crops every two weeks beginning in early September through January.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. Thin successful seedlings from 6 to 12 inches apart. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Thinning is important; crowded plants may bolt and go to seed. Keep the planting bed moist and evenly watered so that plants grow quickly. Lack of water will slow growth and cause the leaves to become bitter. Companion plants for endive include radishes, turnips, and parsnips. Do not plant endive with pumpkin or squash.
Endive is commonly blanched to remove some of its bitter flavor. Blanching deprives the leaves of sunlight and slows the production of chlorophyll, which causes the bitter flavor. Blanch endive two to three weeks before harvest when outer leaves are four to five inches tall. The easiest way to blanch is to place a flowerpot over each plant. Plants will be blanched in two to three weeks.
While endive has no serious disease problems, it can be affected by aphids, cutworms, slugs, and snails. Place a collar around each plant to
discourage cutworms. Trap slugs and snail with a saucer of stale beer set flush to the soil. Pinch out aphid-infested foliage, or hose aphids off the plant.
Endive is ready for harvest when leaves are 5 to 6 inches tall, about 85 to 100 days from sowing. Cut off the plant just above soil level; plants will re-sprout for a continuous harvest.
Endive will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Cut, rinse & store in the crisper, preferably in a plastic bag. Besides using in salads, you can quarter it (leave the stem so it doesn’t fall apart), dip in egg and breadcrumbs, and fry in olive oil.
ENDIVE: Vegetable of the Month for February
written by NATALIE GAGNON
Did You Know?
Endive refers to the curly-leafed type of endive, and the larger, flatter-leafed type is referred to as escarole.
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Arugula Endive Salad with White Wine Vinaigrette
Ingredients for the vinaigrette:
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Ingredients for the salad:
• 4 ounces arugula
• 2 heads of endive, chopped
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
Directions for the vinaigrette:
Mix the wine, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette to taste with more salt and pepper, if desired.
Directions for the salad:
In a large bowl combine the arugula, endive, and walnuts. Toss with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette to coat and adding more vinaigrette, if desired. Serve immediately.
Any remaining vinaigrette can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days and should be brought up to room temperature before using.
ENDIVE: Vegetable of the Month for February... continued
This quick recipe from Giada De Laurentiis at Food Network has received many compliments for its flavor and versatility. At only 230 calories per serving, it serves four people. Time required: 15 minutes.
Photo courtesy Food Network
Natalie Gagnon is a Maricopa County Master Gardener and elementary school teacher. Her butterfly gardening website is at www.mynatureplace.org.
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A Traveling GardenerWandering, Wondering, Noticing... The Giant’s House, Akaroa New Zealand
written by LINDA LARSON | photos by RICH LARSON
The Giant’s House—Artist Josie Martin’s Garden Gallery
During my travels in New Zealand, I found my way to exceptional gardens using the listing of the New Zealand Garden Trust. The gardens are juried and awarded levels of distinction based on defined criteria. One of those criteria is a “WOW” factor. The Giant’s House in Akaroa, NZ is the work of artist Josie Martin and it will WOW anyone who visits. Josie Martin is an internationally acclaimed painter, sculptor, and art teacher. When she moved into this 1880’s-era house it was in poor condition, but Josie saw a house with potential. She was expecting guests and her front steps were broken in places. Faced with limited resources, she used a stash of old dishes that came with the house to repair the steps with a mosaic patch. It worked. She liked the look and then she found more dishes. Giants House website
More than 17 years later, the entire garden has become a remarkable exhibit of sculptural mosaics. It surrounds the house and covers the terraced out back. The story of how it got its name is that upon seeing the large, ornate two-story home a child proclaimed, “It is so big a giant must live there!” The name stuck.
Josie, applied mosaics to flower bed walls, pathways, stairs, bird baths, and benches. The garden is populated with larger-than-life yet perfectly proportioned mosaic human sculptures. A group of musicians and singers share the stage on the front lawn. Music plays from a mosaic grand piano, mirrored lid up, mass planted with pink and green echeveria sitting proudly center stage.
Terraced Garden Behind House
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In a video interview with Josie that plays in the art gallery she says “I must have color in my life!” Her colorful garden is a contemporary art gallery. There is so much mosaic art to see it would be easy to overlook the plants.
Yet this is a garden and Josie, trained in horticulture, expertly blends her art and plants. Roses, succulents, flax, herbs, and trees flourish in the garden. The flower beds are planted with colors to complement the mosaics. A flock of topiary birds have taken up residence in the garden and a shaded lower lawn provides soft space for visitors to stand in awe of the scene waiting for them to explore.
A Traveling Gardener... continued
Wind your way up the hill and you will find seats in a regal throne in the style of an Egyptian king and an angel.
On the stair is a cat and a dog surrounded by lavender.
A back patio bench curves around a fountain. Have a seat with the figures gathered there.
I really loved this mosaic border topped with purple bellflowers and pink roses.
This orange/gold stand of NZ iris (Libertia peregrinas) sets off this wall.
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Linda Larson is an advocate for the importance of public green space and the value of nature in our lives. She writes as “A Traveling Gardener, wandering, wondering, noticing. . .” http://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/
She is a lifelong lover of flowers, Master Gardener, and gardener in Mesa, AZ for over 30 years. One of her earliest memories is of daffodils lining the small stone path to her grandmother’s door. Personally visiting hundreds of gardens in many parts of the world, she shares her insight and discoveries entertaining readers and audiences.
Visiting this one-of-a-kind garden is an experience to savor. Some adults wander through shaking their heads, others stand mouths open and words like “crazy”, “too much,” and “unbelievable” can be overheard. But the many small children here during my visit seemed completely at ease.
They waltzed about, touching the tiles. They marched up the steps with expressions of happiness and delight on their faces. It was as if they had found the perfect place. This was the world as they imagined it could be. It was a giant’s house and there was plenty of room for them.
A Traveling Gardener... continued
The orange and yellow marigold make the blue mosaics even more beautiful.
