Ramsey County

May 26, 2008

Howdy!!!

Can’t imagine, that good a chance of rain last weekend and nothing.  This seems to make me a bit nervous, watching the rain move to the southeastern part of the state.  I did hear, however, parts of western North Dakota did receive much needed, measurable, rain.  The late season frost, on Tuesday morning, was not a good thing either and it really is time to warm up.  I mentioned in my Ag column the frost recovery site on Tuesday morning, with all of the blankets and pails, dotting the landscape.  We had just planted most of the annuals on Sunday and Monday and not paying attention to the weather man until the weather report on Monday night.  Needless to say, we were also in the scurry protect mode.  Everything came through with flying colors.  I must also admit after planting on Sunday and Monday that sometimes I wish I had a bigger yard as the new greenery sure brightens up the day.  I have been stopping by all of the nurseries in Devils Lake looking for anything I have missed and stop to remind myself, “no more room”.  I do have 4 dwarf spruce and pine coming and going to rid of a couple perennials, to make room for them.  I also have room for more hosta’s and if you have any hosta’s you would like to share with me, and know the names of them, I am looking for more.  I can use either full shade to full sun.  I am using Hosta’s as a feature around the water feature, hoping to give an everglade look.

Garden Tour!!!

Just a reminder to everyone of the garden tour coming up on Sunday, June 22.  We will be visiting homes along the Sheyenne River.  This will be a great opportunity for you to learn and view some very different ideas that might work in your garden feature.  We will be leaving from the east side of the court house at 10 am and should arrive back approximately 6 pm.  Lunch will be provided, along with refreshments.  You will need to sign up in our office and I will need a $20 fee to cover transportation costs, $30 for couples.  Call 701-662-7027 or 701-662-7030 to reserve your spot on the bus. 

It is also getting to be that time of year for spruce tree watching.  What I mean by this is, the season will soon be upon us for Rhizophera needlecast.  Remember when the new growth on spruce trees has totally shown its face it is time to make a chlorothalonil application.  Remember we can not bring back lost needles but we can protect the needles that are present.  My suggestion to you is if you feel the trees’ need protection start your protection plant when about half of the caps have fallen off of the new growth, then make a second application once all of the caps have fallen off of the tree, which usually takes about 10 days to 2 weeks.

Question of the week!!!

A question and sample came in this week about dead branches on small June berry trees.  The sample came to me with a ¾ inch. yellowish, larvae which had burrowed into the center of the branch.  Keep in mind, I am calling this a branch as the trees are only 2-3 years old and not developed a trunk yet.  The culprit is a wood borer and tunnels its way into the middle of the branch causing the branch to die.  The answer for controlling the little culprit is to remove any visibly dead branches and spray the area around the tree with a product called Sevin.  I hope this helps with the June berry question.  I would also like to remind gardeners to be on the look out for cutworms.  Is the season for them to become active.

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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