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News & Events

 

Thursday, June 7, 2012 Master Gardener Monthly Educational Meeting 1:30-2:30pm Mounts Auditorium "Poisonous and Allergy Producing Plants" by Master Gardener Laurie Albrecht.

  • Welcome Announcements - Deborah Levulis
  • Spring Master Gardener Graduation Pot Luck Luncheon, Wednesday, June 13 at 12:00pm Mounts Auditorium. Come and meet the newest graduate volunteers of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service. Bring a dish to share!
  • Next Master Gardener Monthly Educational Meeting: Thursday July 5, 2012 1:30-2:30pm in the Mounts Auditorium, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach. "Fruit Trees for the Home Yard" by Master Gardener Larry Grosser.

 

 

Information Resources

 
 

New Publications

 

portrait of large group of people

2011 Florida Population Growth Is Third Largest in United States … But Still Not Close to Pre-Recession Levels (FE904)
Overall, from July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011 Florida’s population increased by almost 219,000 people, which was the third largest increase in all US states. In this 4-page fact sheet UF/IFAS economist Rodney L. Clouser explores the implications of this trend. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe904

Roses, flowers, ornamental horticulture, gardening. Photo by Eric Zamora

Preemergence Herbicides for Use in Ornamentals (OH94/WG058)
Preemergence herbicides are herbicides that are applied prior to weed seed germination. Control of weeds using preemergence herbicides is most successful when the correct herbicide is applied in the correct manner to a weed-free growing medium prior to weed seed germination. This 60-page fact sheet was written by Robert H. Stamps, Heidi M. Savage, Diane K. Rock, and Jeffrey G. Norcini, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg058

 Figure 1.  Characteristic fruit of 'Strawberry Festival' strawberry

University of Florida Strawberry Cultivars (HS1199)
This 4-page fact sheet gives basic descriptions and suggested practices for University of Florida strawberry cultivars that are of commercial importance to the Florida strawberry industry. Descriptions are the result of research trials, field observations, and consultation with growers. They are specific to West Central Florida and may not be applicable to other regions where these cultivars are grown. Written by Vance M. Whitaker, Bielinski M. Santos, and Natalia A. Peres, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1199

Figure 1.  Plants and fruit of Winterstar(TM)<br /> ('FL 05-107') strawberry in late March, 2010 in Dover, FL

Winterstar(TM) ('FL 05-107') Strawberry (HS1198)
Winterstar(TM) (‘FL 05-107′)
is a new strawberry cultivar released from the University of Florida in 2011, originating from a 2005 cross between ‘Florida Radiance’ and ‘Earlibrite’. Data from several years of trials were used to generate this information and recommendations to help growers obtain optimal performance in West Central Florida. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Vance M. Whitaker, Craig K. Chandler, Bielinski M. Santos, and Natalia A. Peres , and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1198

http://edis-news.wp.ifas.ufl.edu/files/2012/04/fy1321-150x150.jpg

Improving Savings and Health by Maintaining Your Home at a Ready-to-Sell Level (FCS3310/FY1321)
We never know when the market will allow for bidding wars on the price of homes, which was the case in some areas before the recent housing crisis. Similarly, we never know when we will have to make a decision about whether or not to move our family. This 4-page fact sheet reviews ways to maintain your home at a ready-to-sell level, which can be a benefit if you have to sell your home or relocate your family. Written by Randall A. Cantrell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1321

Figure 1.  Engorged adult and nymphal bed bug.

What Not To Do for Bed Bugs / Que No Hacer contra las Chinches (ENY2026/IN925)
In desperate attempts to eliminate bed bugs, people often turn to home remedies that can be fatal. Here is a list of what not to do for bed bug control.
En desesperados intentos para eliminar las chinches, las personas usan remedios caseros que pueden ser fatales.Lo siguiente es una lista de lo que NO se debe hacer para tratar de controlar las Chinches.
This 2-page Spanish/English fact sheet was written by Faith M. Oi, Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman, Eddie Connor, Marty Overline, Brian Taggart, and Louis Witherington, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in925

image of poster

IPM:Beyond Spraying (ENY2016/IN928)
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is more than just spraying. Follow the five IPM steps to outsmart pests. This poster was written by R.W. Baldwin, S.K. Larrick, Philip Koehler, P.A. Mitola, and J.C. Medley, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in928

potluck

Keeping Food Safe: Special Tips for Potluck Parties (FCS8999/FY1287)
Potluck parties are very popular in the United States because they allow people to share responsibility of cooking and food preparation. While it’s wonderful to be able to share favorite recipes with friends and to have the opportunity to eat a variety of foods without much cost, potluck meals are also associated with an increased risk of foodborne illness. To decrease your risk of foodborne illness, itis very important to follow the “two-hour rule” and refrigerate all prepared foods within two hours of purchasing or cooking. Read this 2-page fact sheet for more potluck food safety tips. Written by Claudia Peñuela and Amarat Simonne and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1287

¿Qué te está picando?

What Is Biting You? (ENY2015/IN926)
Why are you itchy? Identify the problem pest with this handy poster written by E. E. Harlow, C. A. McNeill, R. W. Baldwin, R. M. Pereira, P. G. Koehler, and J. C. Medley, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in926

Figure 2. A bioretention area at SW Recreation Center, University of Florida

Conservation Subdivision: Construction Phase: Low Impact Development (LID) and Stormwater Treatment (WEC319/UW364)
Because so much area in subdivisions is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and driveways, stormwater runoff must be accounted for and treated to prevent flooding and to remove contaminates. Often, stormwater runoff impacts surrounding landscapes and water bodies due to nutrient loading. In this 7-page fact sheet, we discuss the importance of using a more distributed stormwater treatment system that treats runoff closer to the source. Often called Low Impact Development (LID), this stormwater management approach is being used to more effectively remove pollutants from runoff. Written by Daniel Penniman, Mark Hostetler, and Glenn Acomb, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw364

Figure 3.  Sabal etonia, scrub palmetto, at Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA

Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms (FOR289/FR357)
While traveling through the Florida peninsula, a casual observer will notice a wide variety of palms and find that many are called “palmetto.” This 4-page fact sheet helps field investigators identify the four Sabal species found in Florida's natural areas, first by distinguishing them from other fan palms and then from each other. Written by David A. Fox and Michael G. Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr357

Figure 1. Ehrlichia vectors in Florida

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma in Florida (ENY662/IN191)
Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are related bacterial genera containing species that can cause disease in both humans and domestic animals. The diseases are often referred to simply as ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis, but there are multiple species of bacteria that can cause different disease symptoms and have different vectors. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Cynthia C. Lord and C. Roxanne Rutledge Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in191

Figure 2.  Adult female Culex (Melanoconion) pilosus, a mosquito.

A Mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) pilosus (Dyar and Knab) (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae) (EENY521/IN930)
This small, dark mosquito tends to feed on reptiles and amphibians. It is found in the southeastern United States and many countries in Central America and South America. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Diana Vork and C. Roxanne Connelly, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in930

Figure 1.  GIS data layers Image courtesy of Malahide, Ontario

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (FOR288/FR356)
A GIS can be used in land management to document existing conditions, plan future operations, and archive completed work. Farming applications include soil productivity for different crops, crop yield prediction, and determining fertilizer and pesticide application rates. Forestry applications include estimating forest stand acreage, determining forest stand characteristics, and determining where to harvest. This 4-page fact sheet was written by John Lagrosa, Chris Demers, and Michael Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr356

Figure 1.  Cattleya orchid

South Florida Gardening Calendar (ENH1191/EP452)
Prune non-spring flowering shrubs and trees in January to improve form. In March, plant warm-season vegetables, such as sweet corn, cucumber, watermelon, and pepper, for late spring harvest. If bahiagrass lawns are yellowing in May, iron may correct the problem. Butterfly lily and gladiolus are bulbs that can be planted during the middle of summer. Plant gladiolus every 2 weeks in September to stagger blooming. This 11-page fact sheet tells what to plant and what to do in your south Florida garden, year-round. Written by Sydney Park Brown and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep452

Figure 6.  Close up the startle display marking of the saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (Clemens).

Saddleback Caterpillar Acharia stimulea (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) (EENY522/IN923)
Acharia stimulea is best known as a medically significant species. Its spines are strong, acutely pointed, and hollow. They embed deeply into tissue and break off, and can interrupt healing as the protoplasm from the venom glands dries into the tissue area. The venom itself can cause a systemic condition called erucism or acute urticaria, for which severe symptoms may include migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms, asthma complications, anaphylactic shock, rupturing of erythrocytes, and hemorrhaging. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Christopher S. Bibbs and J. Howard Frank, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in923

Figure 1.  Adult palm aphid, Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel).

Palm Aphid Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphidae: Hormaphidinae) (EENY520/IN924)
The palm aphids are the only aphids known to infest palm plants. High populations occasionally become severe in nurseries and the landscape, and can cause substantial damage to young coconut palms. They pierce palm foliage and suck out the plant phloem content, causing yellowing of the tissues and loss of plant vigor. In addition, honeydew production by the aphids promotes sooty mold growth that can limit photosynthesis. Palms heavily infested with aphids can experience stunted growth. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Bonnie C. Wells and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in924

 Figure 1.  Camellia flower

Camellias at a Glance (CIR461/EP002)
Native to Asia, the first camellia plants were brought to America in 1797 and grown in New England greenhouses. Over the last 200 years, they have proven to be dependable additions to the southern landscape, where they grow and bloom with minimal care in most inland areas of North and Central Florida. Camellias are long lived and function well as foundation plantings, screens, accent plants, background groupings, and hedges. Camellias flower in the fall and winter when few other plants are blooming. For the remainder of the year, their glossy, evergreen foliage, interesting forms and textures, relatively slow growth, and low maintenance make camellias excellent landscape plants worthy of more use. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Sydney Park Brown, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, April 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep002

Screenshot of weekly email report.

Interactive Urban Irrigation Tool for Florida (AE485)
A team from UF/IFAS has developed an app for optimizing your home irrigation system using real-time weather data from the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN). Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by K.W. Migliaccio, N.A. Dobbs, W.R. Lusher, J. Fan, M.D. Dukes, K.T. Morgan, and B. Ferraro, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae485

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

Your help is needed in the following areas. Unless otherwise stated, you can sign up or get more information on any of the following by contacting Cindy Flores [e-mail] 561-233-1759.

Tropical Fruit Festival "Come Taste the Tropics" will be Saturday, June 23 from 10:00am-3:00pm. Explore the world of tasty tropical fruit with the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International.

Master Gardener Volunteers willing to work with Scouts in learning about gardening oriented Scout Advancement requirements. Please contact William J. "Bill" Skinner Master Gardener & Assistant Council Commissioner, Lake Worth, FL 561-433-1170. BillSkinnerLW@aol.com.

Master Gardener Volunteer needed to assist with the Fall 2012 Delray Green Market Master Gardener Plant Clinic Booth Saturdays. Set up is 8:50am then 9:00am-12:00pm. Call Alice Finst for schedule and location details at 561-498-7140.

Master Gardener Volunteers needed for First Saturday Mounts Botanical "Garden Grooming Party" Saturday, July 7, 8:00-11am.  Lunch provided. For more information contact the Mounts Botanical Garden at 233-1757.

Thank you all for your volunteer work for the Mother's Day Mounts Botanical Garden's Connoisseur Garden Tour!

 

 

Educational Opportunities

 

 

  • Saturday, June 9 "Installation & Maintenance of Hardwoods and Palms" 10:00am-11:30am, Mounts Autorium, FREE. Call 561-233-1759 to register for this Urban Forestry Series designed for Master Gardeners and residents.
  • Farm Your Backyard Vegetable Growing, Saturday, June 9, 9:00am-1:00pm, Exhibit Hall A. Mounts member $30, non-members $40. To register call 561-233-1757
  • Best Management Practices (BMP’s) preserve and protect our water resources from non point-source pollution. It became law in 2009. Green Industries Best Management Practices Certification will be required by January 1, 2014 for anyone commercially applying fertilizer to an urban landscape. Earn your Certificate of Completion by successfully passing the test at the end of the workshop. Thursday, September 13, 8:30am-3:30pm, or attend the BMP-Spanish Workshop Class Friday, June 15, $20 fee (lunch included). Call Maria for more information @ 561-233-1725.
  • Saturday, July 7, Master Gardener Monthly Educational Meeting, 1:30-2:30pm, Mounts Auditorium "Tropical Fruit for the Home Yard" by Master Gardener Larry Grosser.
  • Click On pbcgov.com/coextension/mastergardener to see upcoming schedule for the Fall 2012 Master Gardener Volunteer Training. Recommend a friend to join the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. To download Master Gardener Application click on apply at pbcgov.com/coextension/mastergardener.
  • 2012 State MG Conference, October 1-3, Clearwater Hilton Preconference Tours on Sunday, September 30. Link:  http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/gardener/index.htm
  • 2013 International Master Gardener Conference, September 7-14, 2013, Cruise to Alaska – Departing from Seattle, WA. Link:  http://www.uaex.edu/imgc2013/

Keep the Master Gardener Volunteer Program Funded: Be sure to enter your volunteer hours.
Enter your hours into the VMS system. The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and the University Of Florida Deans Office need to know your Master Gardener volunteer service to Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service. This information will keep the Master Gardener program in our county funded. Enter your hours into the VMS system. Let me know if you have any problems logging in or with any passwords. Call Deborah Levulis @ 561-233-1758.

You can access the Master Gardener Volunteer Management System to log in your volunteer and educational hours at: http://florida.volunteersystem.org. Log in with your email address.

 

Master Gardener Class

 

 

Spring 2012 Master Gardener Training Program beginsFebruary 29, 2012!
click here for schedule

pbc mg

 

 

Contact Us

 

Master Gardener Volunteer Program
531 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Telephone: 561-233-1759
FAX: 561-233-1782
Email: mgardenfwd@pbcgov.org