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The Garden Fence

Harford County Master Gardeners

Monthly Newsletter January 2019

Big Obstacles for Christmas Tree Farmers!

According to CBS News, this year’s supply of real Christmas trees is below demand, which has boosted tree business and prices. In addition, the tree shortage means that the cost of evergreen Christmas trees are expected to have a 2% price increase this year, right on the heels of a 17% price increase from 2015-2017. Why does this happen? There are four basic reasons for this Christmas Tree shortage!

The first and biggest reason is economics. Christmas tree farmers have to plan their plantings about 7 to 10 years in advance due to the time it takes to grow a Christmas tree to a size worthy of cutting. If you remember ten years ago, in 2008, there was an economic recession, with the economic future uncertain. As a result, farmers in 2008 planted fewer trees and others went out of business. And now, 10 years later, we have fewer trees than are needed. A second reason is that some tree farmers shifted to more lucrative crops. In some cases, farmers in the Pacific Northwest switched to growing marijuana rather than growing Christmas Trees (Fortune Magazine, 2018). A third reason is the weather – Christmas tree farms in the southeast recently suffered from major hurricanes. Hurricanes Michael and Florence were especially hard on tree farms in the southeast (including Florida and North Carolina), forcing some farms to go out of business. A fourth reason is that competition from artificial trees may discourage some farmers. Artificial trees remain the preferred Christmas tree in the U.S.; since 1992, there has been a more than 30 percent increase in the number of households that buy artificial

Inside this Issue President’s Message

2019 Officers Ballot

Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health

Historic Harford County Farm Fair Painting Finds a Home

Survey Shows Marylanders Support Deer Hunting

Havre de Grace Farmers Market

Reviewing Literature On Landscape Trees – Part 1 of 3

Inclement Weather Policy

2019 Master Gardener Meeting Dates

Continuing Education Opportunities

AG Center Closings

Calendar of Events

Officers Ellen Haas, President

Anne Spelman, Vice President

Kim Poehling, Secretary Carol Linthicum, Secretary

Greg Murray, Treasurer

Steve O’Brien, Newsletter Editor

Ginny Smith, Newsletter Continuing Education

Quick Links

Harford County Extension Office

Home & Garden Info Center

MG Hours Online

President’s Message

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Christmas trees. This year, approximately 80 percent of U.S. households put up artificial Christmas trees (CBS News). A major factor for many people buying artificial trees is that they are better for the environment. As reported in CBS News, the American Christmas Tree Association noted that if you use your artificial tree for at least four years, it will be more eco-friendly than a real tree. However, whether artificial or real, both types of Christmas tree account for less than 0.1 percent of the average person’s annual carbon footprint (CBS News). Now that you know a bit more about Christmas trees, I hope that you have a happy holiday!

References: CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christmas-trees-artificial-or-real-debate/ Fortune Magazine: http://fortune.com/2018/12/07/christmas-tree-price-increases-explained/

Ellen Haas ‘13

Master Gardener Officer Position Current candidates President Ronnie Grevey Vice President Anne Bredlow Secretary – Steering Committee Carole Linthicum (Incumbent) Secretary – Monthly Meeting Kim Poehling (Incumbent) Treasurer Greg Murray (Incumbent)

Notify Ellen Hass (gehaas@comcast.net) if you are interested in seeking election to a Master Gardener officer position. The slate remains open until February’s General meeting which is scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Most of us sense that taking a walk in a forest is good for us. We take a break from the rush of our daily lives. We enjoy the beauty and peace of being in a natural setting. Now, research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. Think of it as a prescription with no negative side effects that's also free.

Health Benefits From Forests x Boosts immune system x Lowers blood pressure x Reduces stress x Improves mood x Increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD x Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness x Increases energy level x Improves sleep

Spending time in forests makes us healthier. Photo: Jennifer Miller

2019 Officers Ballot

Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health

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How Do Forests Make Us Healthier? Numerous studies in the U.S. and around the world are exploring the health benefits of spending time outside in nature, green spaces, and, specifically, forests. Recognizing those benefits, in 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries even coined a term for it: shinrin-yoku. It means taking in the forest atmosphere or "forest bathing," and the ministry encourages people to visit forests to relieve stress and improve health. Research is casting light on how spending time outdoors and in forests makes us healthier: Exposure to forests boosts our immune system. While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies. In one study, increased NK activity from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip lasted for more than 30 days. Japanese researchers are currently exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer.

Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at trees reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Looking at pictures of trees has a similar, but less dramatic, effect. Studies examining the same activities in urban, unplanted areas showed no reduction of stress-related effects. Using the Profile of Mood States test, researchers found that forest bathing trips significantly decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. And because stress inhibits the immune system, the stress-reduction benefits of forests are further magnified.

Green spaces in urban areas are just as important as rural forests. About 85% of the US population lives in suburban and urban areas and may not have access to traditional rural forests. That's O.K. Gardens, parks and street trees make up what is called the urban and community forest. These pockets of greenspace are vitally important because they are the sources of our daily access to trees.

Spending time in nature helps you focus. Our lives are busier than ever with jobs, school, and family life. Trying to focus on many activities or even a single thing for long periods of time can mentally drain us, a phenomenon called Directed Attention Fatigue. Spending time in nature, looking at plants, water, birds and other aspects of nature gives the cognitive portion of our brain a break, allowing us to focus better and renew our ability to be patient.

In children, attention fatigue causes an inability to pay attention and control impulses. The part of the brain affected by attention fatigue (right prefrontal cortex) is also involved in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies show that children who spend time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in attention fatigue and children diagnosed with ADHD

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show a reduction in related symptoms. Researchers are investigating the use of natural outdoor environments to supplement current approaches to managing ADHD. Such an approach has the advantages of being widely accessible, inexpensive and free of side effects.

Patients recover from surgery faster and better when they have a "green" view. Hospital patients may be stressed from a variety of factors, including pain, fear, and disruption of normal routine. Research found that patients with "green" views had shorter postoperative stays, took fewer painkillers, and had slightly fewer postsurgical complications compared to those who had no view or a view of a cement wall.

What happens if we lose trees? The invasion of the emerald ash borer, or EAB, (Agrilus planipennis) since 2002 has provided an unfortunate opportunity to look at the effect of tree-loss on human health. EAB is a non-native, wood-boring beetle that kills all species of ash (Fraxinus) trees within three years after infestation. In some communities, entire streets lined with ash were left barren after the beetle arrived in their neighborhood. A study looked at human deaths related to heart and lung disease in areas affected by EAB infestations. It found that across 15 states, EAB was associated with an additional 6,113 deaths related to lung disease and 15,080 heart-disease-related deaths. More Research is Needed While the research in Japan is groundbreaking, we need more research on trees growing in the Northeastern US. We share some of the same genera with Japan, like pine, birch and oak, which all give off different phytoncides, but we have different species. The more we know about our local trees, the more applicable the science will be.

For more information refer to website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html Article obtained from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Renowned artist Joseph Sheppard was an honored guest in late November as we rededicated his vivid 7-foot painting entitled "Team Pulling Contest - Harford Co. Farm Fair" in recognition of its 50th anniversary. Originally commissioned for the bank that once occupied our county administration building in Bel Air, the 1968 painting is now at home at our Harford County Agricultural Center in Street. If the image looks familiar, the Harford County Farm Fair awards a reproduction of the painting to its volunteer of the year.

Historic Harford County Farm Fair Painting Finds a Home

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December 10, 2018 Public Input Helps Inform Deer Management Plan

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the results of a public opinion survey, done in cooperation with the University of Delaware and Responsive Management on white-tailed deer. The telephone survey covered a range of topics and will be used to support revision of the department’s deer management plan.

The survey, taken by more than 2,200 individuals representing the general population, landowners and hunters, found that a majority like deer, but a significant proportion of the population are concerned with the negative impacts deer cause.

More than 70 percent of those surveyed think that deer should be hunted to help manage for a healthy population and over half of those surveyed think the department does a good job conserving and managing the deer population.

“White-tailed deer are one of Maryland’s most prominent wildlife species and can be one of the most controversial species to manage,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Having current information on how the public perceives white-tailed deer and the department’s management of them is essential to crafting an accurate and thorough plan for the coming decades.”

Of the landowners surveyed, more than 75 reported that they had experienced deer damage to agricultural crops. Approximately half of the landowners surveyed reported that damage is increasing. Landowners are most likely to use hunting to help manage and mitigate the damage.

More than 70 percent of hunters surveyed indicated their satisfaction with deer hunting in Maryland has increased or remained the same over the past 10 years. They reported they like to hunt primarily for food, but also for recreation, camaraderie and to help control deer numbers. The majority of hunters reported deer hunting on Sundays and 90 percent of those who hunt deer on Sundays indicated it was important to their success.

The survey also found that only 16 percent of the general population has encountered a deer hunter while they have been outdoors recreating during the past five years. Of those who have encountered deer hunters, only 2 percent indicated the encounter as negative. The majority of non-hunters surveyed indicated that deer season does not cause them to alter their outdoor recreation either on Sundays or other days.

Source: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2018/12/10/survey-shows-marylanders-support-deer-hunting/

Looking to volunteer at a fun place, with a grand view of the Havre de Grace Marina and the Chesapeake Bay? Please consider joining fellow Master Gardeners every third Saturday from May through November at the Havre de Grace Farmers Market located at Hutchins Park at the Foot of Congress Avenue. All tables are under a very large tent erected by the city of Havre de Grace. Not only do we have a beautiful view, we’re also protected from the elements!

At our Master Gardener table, we answer people’s questions about many subjects (gardening, insects, and composting are a few!) and we give out Master Gardener pamphlets. Several Master

Survey Shows Marylanders Support Deer Hunting

Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market – A Good Place to Volunteer!

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Gardeners and Interns (usually four to six people) volunteer for our table. We showcase a different topic each month, such as insects, invasives, and native plants, covering many interests. Through the years, the Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market has attracted many vendors in several areas of expertise. During the summer of 2018, among the 17 Farmer’s booths, vendors sold items including baked goods, coffee, olive oil, soaps, wine, mushrooms and herbs. There was even a vendor who painted the faces of children and adults!

We staff our table from 8:30 am until noon every third Saturday from May through November. Volunteers are encouraged to come every third week, provided it suits their schedule for all or part of the time. If interested, please telephone Ellen Haas at (410) 939-5995, or text her at (410) 638-7232. For directions refer to the following web page: http://www.havredegracefarmersmarket.com/hours-directions/ Ellen Haas, ‘13

Note: This is the first of three articles for this topic appearing in successive Garden Fence editions due to its length. Source: https://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=885&fbclid=IwAR0UJQvdbYRjOTTi8m1qCKVczVOsV9lEEt8jyKrPCuJeV8ADhh1HL4OOw48 Journal of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA); Volume 11, Issue 2; December 2018 Editor: Lee Stivers; Chalker-Scott, L. , Extension Specialist And Associate Professor, Washington State University Downer, A.J., Farm Advisor, University of California

Garden Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Reviewing Literature on Landscape Trees

Abstract Horticultural myths, found extensively in print and online resources, are passed along by uninformed gardeners, nursery staff, and landscape professionals. Occasionally myths are so compelling that they make their way into Extension publications, used by Master Gardeners as educational resources. In this article we deconstruct seven widespread gardening myths by way of reviewing research-based literature. We also provide scientifically sound alternatives to these gardening practices and products. Our hope is to arm Extension educators with the educational resources necessary to battle misinformation that ranges from the merely useless to that which is actively damaging to soils, plants, and the surrounding environment. Introduction Home gardeners and landscape professionals are a rapidly growing audience for extension educators as they seek science-based information to support their activities. However, many are not familiar with current research and cannot assess whether the information they find in print, on the internet, or through social media is accurate. In addition, some products and practices are meant for agricultural production, not for maintaining home gardens and landscapes. The combination of misinformation and misapplied information means that this audience risks damaging their plants and soils through overuse of fertilizers, misuse of pesticides, and poor management practices. The field of urban horticulture, including arboriculture, is expanding with new insights about plants and soils in residential and public landscapes. However, there are few Extension educators who have an academic background in environmental horticulture and may be as confused as the public about what constitutes sound, science-based recommendations.

Reviewing Literature on Landscape Trees

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The authors of this article are state Cooperative Extension educators and researchers with many years of experience in translating science for use by home gardeners and landscape professionals. Our goal is to assist other Extension educators by providing reliable information for them to share with the gardening and landscaping public. The purposes of this literature review article are:

x to identify some common beliefs homeowners and landscape professionals have about managing landscape plants and soils;

x to provide a brief, science-based explanation on why these beliefs are not accurate; x to provide links to published, peer-reviewed information that supports the explanation and can be

distributed to clientele; and x to suggest strategies based on current and relevant applied plant and soil sciences for managed

landscapes. Myth Deconstruction Myth #1: “Native trees and shrubs are superior to introduced species for wildlife habitat”

Many landscapes are overrun by exotic species deliberately introduced for ornamental or revegetation purposes. Research documents how exotic, invasive species can outcompete native plants and decrease the ecological and aesthetic value of landscapes (Figure 1; Reichard and White, 2001). As a result, homeowner associations, communities and entire cities have adopted “native only” planting specifications. Such policies have the unfortunate side effect of eliminating any exotic, noninvasive species from planting consideration.

The rationale for native-only policies has centered on the belief that native plants have coevolved with native animals and are uniquely suited to providing food and shelter for them. What believers fail to consider is that urbanized landscapes are no longer natural (Figure 2). Construction activities include:

x vegetation removal; x soil excavation and compaction; x infrastructure development; and x building development.

Landscapes planted after construction face a radically changed environment: many native species cannot tolerate the alterations in light, water, and temperature that come with urbanization. As a result, many native-only plantings suffer severe environmental stress and mortality. Rather than limiting planting palettes to native species (which may be poorly adapted to urban conditions),

Figure 1. English ivy (Hedera helix) has invaded this remnant forest in Seattle, having escaped from a residential landscape.

Figure 2. While native to the Pacific Northwest, Arbutus menziesii performs poorly in urban settings

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noninvasive exotic species adapted to these harsher conditions should be considered. A robust body of research supports the use of introduced trees and shrubs in residential and public landscapes in addition to appropriate native species (Chalker-Scott, 2018; 2015b). Not only do they tolerate urban conditions, they provide habitat for wildlife just as effectively as native trees and shrubs. Additionally, there are other activities that will improve wildlife biodiversity in managed landscapes. These include:

x reducing lawns using a mixture of groundcovers; x providing a permanent water feature; x protecting soils with a coarse woody mulch, such as arborist wood chips; and x reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides.

Myth #2: “Many trees are difficult to transplant because of their long taproot” The landscape below ground is little understood by gardeners and landscape professionals, whose perceptions are shaped by “common sense” assumptions. Everyone has seen a germinating seed before, including the long, unbranched taproot that develops before significant above-ground growth occurs. Once leaves appear, little thought is given to what root systems are doing. Many people believe that the taproot continues to grow, resembling a giant carrot especially in excurrent trees (those with holiday tree forms). They also believe that decurrent trees (those with classic shade tree forms) develop a more branched root structure, much like a giant broccoli cluster. In fact, popular renditions of root system show startling symmetries between crown and root structure. We like symmetry and this perception of mirror-imaged roots and crowns is appealing. It’s not surprising that professional recommendations for irrigation and fertilizer application are based on the belief that the “dripline” (the outer edge of the crown from which rainwater drips) encompasses the majority of the tree’s roots. In fact, the taproot structure in nearly all trees is a juvenile feature with specific functions important to young trees (Chalker-Scott, 2015a):

x it anchors the young tree; x it creates a vertical structure for lateral root development; x it stores sugars transferred from the leaves; and x it serves as the conduit for water and nutrients to the trunk and canopy.

What it does not do is absorb significant amounts of water and nutrients. This function is provided by root hairs, which are fine, thread-like structures found at the growing tips of young roots. The taproot itself only has one growing point. What determines where roots will grow in the soil? Roots require three things to survive underground: water, nutrients, and oxygen. When one or more of these are missing from the root environment (also called the rhizosphere), root growth stops. For taproots, downward growth usually slows as oxygen becomes more limiting with soil depth. As the young tree matures, more lateral roots explore soil resources in the top 12-18” of soil (Figure 3). Highly drained, sandy soils can have tree roots that extend far below the surface, because they are well-aerated and hydrated. This scenario is unlikely in most developed areas, where construction activities compact the soil, compressing pore space and driving

Mature landscape trees have no tap root.

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oxygen out. Urban soils and slowly draining wetland soils do not have sufficient oxygen to allow for deep root establishment. Thus, as a tree matures, its lateral root spread becomes greater. It is currently estimated that a tree’s functional root system extends two to three times the diameter of the crown at its widest point. These are the roots that are supplying the tree with water and nutrients. The juvenile taproot is subsumed by the rapidly developing lateral root system (Chalker-Scott, 2015a). Myth 3: “Mycorrhizal inoculants should be added to planting holes when installing woody ornamentals in landscapes” Beneficial fungi called mycorrhizae associate with roots of woody plants in a mutualistic relationship that benefits each partner. Decades of research have shown how plants inoculated with mycorrhizae grow faster and larger than those without these fungal partners (Figure 4; Carpio et al., 2005). This knowledge has prompted entrepreneurs to market mycorrhizal inoculant products as planting amendments, claiming they will ensure establishment of landscape plants. Mycorrhizal inoculants are often seen in container (potting) media, organic fertilizers, or sold separately as growth promoting products, but their efficacy is often unproven, especially in landscape situations (Chalker-Scott, 2017).

Misconceptions about mycorrhizal products are common: x My soil is “poor” so I have to add the mycorrhizae to

my garden. Most soils are already inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi, so they do not need to be added. Plants will form mycorrhizal associations in most soils without additional inoculant. Soils where mycorrhizal inoculants have been effective in promoting plant growth responses are extremely disturbed or toxic, such as mine spoils or severely “cut” sites where all surface soil is removed and plants are being grown in subsoils.

x Mycorrhizal inoculants will support my aging or dying tree. While research shows that mycorrhizae play a role in plant defense from pathogens (Linderman, 1988), there is no evidence to suggest that inoculants can provide

additional benefit to previously inoculated plants. x Mycorrhizae will promote growth of my established trees. There is no published work to indicate

inoculation of established trees will promote their growth; Appleton et al. (2003) reported no effect from this application.

x The mycorrhizal inoculant contains viable spores. Biological products have limited shelf life. Research on commonly available inoculants showed that over 50% of the products available to consumers were not viable (Corkidi et al., 2003). Mycorrhizal fungi have naturally low viability of their spores so if a product does not have hyphal fragments included, it may not be viable.

x If I inoculate with mycorrhizae I don’t need to fertilize my plants. Mycorrhizae aid in nutrient uptake (especially phosphorus), but they do not cure nutrient deficiencies, especially when the soil is deficient in those minerals. Research indicates that mycorrhizae can enhance uptake of normally available soil nutrients, but the soil has to contain them in the first place (Corkidi et al., 2005).

x If I add mycorrhizae I will bring life to my soil. If a soil is devoid of microbial activity, it is likely an unsuitable soil for mycorrhizae to grow in. Just like plants, mycorrhizal fungi need good soil conditions in which to grow. Compacted, flooded, or contaminated soils are also harmful to these fungi, so they will not cure a toxic or otherwise non-arable soil.

End of Part I of 3 series Reviewing Literature on Landscape Trees

Mycorrhizal fungi are essential to healthy plants and soil.

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The Master Gardener Inclement Weather Policy is as follows: 1. When Harford County schools are closed due to weather (or other circumstances), Master

Gardener meetings and activities are cancelled. 2. When Harford County schools are opening two (2) hours late, Master Gardener meetings and

activities remain scheduled. 3. Individuals are urged to use discretion when traveling to Master Gardener events, especially in

questionable weather conditions. Please notify your committee chairperson or member if you will not be attending so someone knows you are accounted for.

General Meeting Steering Committee Meeting (all at 10:00 am) Jan 3 10:00 am Jan 31 Feb 7 7:00 pm Feb 28 Mar 7 10:00 am Mar 28 Apr 4 Volunteer Appreciation Meeting, Lirio 7:00 pm Apr 25 May 2 10:00 am May 30 June 6 7:00 pm June 27 July 11 10:00 am July 25 Aug 1 7:00 pm Aug 29 Sept 5 10:00 am Sept 26 Oct 3 7:00 pm Oct 31 Nov 7 10:00 am Nov 21 Dec 5 Holiday Party Meeting, Lirio, 7:00 pm Dec No Meeting

Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP) applications due The BFTP offers 12 – month immersive training experience that combines a comprehensive classroom curriculum with hands-on learning at some of the region’s leading sustainable farms. Contact Sarah Sohn, Program Director, for more information: sarah@futureharvesstcasa.org December 30 10:00 am Field Trip: Walk in Wild Fort Washington-Fort Connector between Fort Dupont & Fort Stanton, 161st walk in the series of Wild Washington Investigate the geology and plants in dormancy of the Terrace Gravel Forest and see progress from storm water project on parkland. For additional information call Claudine Lebeau 240-472-2803 or go to http://mdflora.org/events January 12 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Grand Tropicals: Tall and Proud Longwood Gardens Acer Room Create an impressive show of grand tropical flowers and foliage using wire structure to support large stems. Fee: $129 To register online go to longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454

Master Gardener Inclement Weather Policy

Continuing Education Opportunities

2019 Master Gardener Meeting Dates

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January 16 – Feb. 19 6:00 – 7:00 pm Plant Science: Math for the Garden and Landscape Longwood Gardens Visitor Center Auditorium Designed for home gardeners and professionals, this course helps you determine the proper rates and quantities of fertilizers, pesticides and compost that will elevate your garden. Fee: $179 by Jan. 8 or $189 after Jan 8 To register online go to longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454 January 17 – 19, 2019 Growing Our Future Harvest 20th Anniversary Conference, College Park, Hyattsville, MD The region’s premiere farm and food gathering is celebrating 20 years. Three days of workshops, farm fresh meals, speakers, and farmer and foodpreneur learning and networking. Contact: agatha@futureharvestcasa.org February 6 – March 13 6:30 – 8:30 pm (6 sessions) Plant Science: Soils Longwood Gardens Visitor Center Auditorium Understanding and caring for a garden’s soil is essential for plants to thrive. Learn how a soil’s pH and organic matter affect plant growth and how to work with soil in your garden. . Fee: $179 by Jan.31 or $189 after Jan31 To register online go to longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454 February 9 9am – 4pm Idea for Impact: The World of Mushrooms Longwood Gardens Enjoy an immersive experience into the world of mushrooms. AM session features speakers sharing insight into – culture, history, and composting – LUNCH – PM features a tour of a local mushroom farm and grower. Fee: $89 (includes lunch) To register online go to longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-5454 March 9 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Garden Wise Event Central York Middle School, York, Pa. Kick off gardening season by joining the Penn State Extension of Master Gardeners of York County for Garden Wise, a one day garden school. Garden Wise is filled with informative sessions for new and experienced gardeners. Goal is to share research based information about sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. Fee: $75.00 or discounted to $60.00 is registered by February 8 register online at www.cvent.com/events/com/gardenwise or call 877-345-0691 **NEW June 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 2019 International Master Gardener Conference – Various Locations in Pennsylvania Registration is now is now open! Use this link to take you to the registration site on event: http://www.cvent.com/d/hggxlp. You are encouraged to pre-plan your conference choices before you sign on to the registration site.

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Joyce Browning | Urban Horticulturist

Master Gardener Coordinator | Harford County Office

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information,

political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

Jan-Feb Calendar of Events

Jan 3 10 am Monthly Meeting and seed swap Jan 21 Ag Offices closed for Martin Luther King day Jan 31 10 am – noon Steering Committee Extension Office Feb 7 7 pm Monthly MG Meeting Extension Office

Merry Christmas and may your kindness in giving to the Master Gardener program be

returned to you in double portions!