June 2003
Tanana
Tanana
Valley
Valley
Master Gardener
Cooperative Extension Service • Tanana District Office • P.O. Box 758155 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-8155 • 907-474-1530
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2 Georgeson Botanical Garden (GBG)
Gift Shop opens, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
June 2-fall Volunteers needed, 1:30-4:30
p.m. daily, GBG, 474-6921.
June 3 Master Gardeners planting at GBG, 7 p.m.
June 5 Festival Fairbanks Planting Day at
Fairbanks City Hall, 456-1984.
June 6-8 Introduction to Alaska’s Flora, UAF
Summer Sessions class, 474-7021.
June 7 Natural Resources Conservation
Service Plant Sale, 9 a.m., GBG.
June 9 Festival Fairbanks Planting Day at
Barnette’s Landing, First Avenue, also
June 10 if needed, 456-1984.
June 10-25 Science Teaching & Research
Using the Local Environment, UAF
Summer Sessions class, 474-7021.
June 13-fall Friday Guided Tours, 2 p.m.
Fridays, GBG, 474-6921.
June 18 Introductory Volunteer Training, 67:30 p.m., GBG, 474-6921.
June 19-22 International Master Gardeners
Conference, Covington, Ky.
June 27-29 Why Do Boreal Forests Matter?,
UAF Summer Sessions class, 474-7021.
July 1 Master Gardeners meeting, 7 p.m.,
Room 154, UAF University Park Bldg.
July 8 Goodies in the Garden, UAF College
of Fellows Fund-raiser, GBG.
July 19 Introductory Volunteer Training, 12:30 p.m., GBG, 474-6921.
July 24-27 Landscape Painting Under the
Midnight Sun, UAF Summer Sessions
class, 474-7021.
Aug. 1-3 Introduction to Macro and Micro
Mushroom Identification, UAF
Summer Sessions class, 474-7021.
Aug. 1-9 Tanana Valley State Fair, 452-3750.
Aug. 5 Master Gardeners meeting, 7 p.m.,
Room 154, UAF University Park Bldg.
Aug. 10 Reception and Fund-raiser for
Ginger Gauss, GBG, 474-6921.
Production, Layout & Design
by Ronda L. Boswell
Editor: Michele Hébert,
Land Resources Agent
★
★
★
★
★
★
These folks really take the cake! Pictured from left to right, newly elected officers of Master Gardeners of the Tanana Valley include Joanne Klumb, secretary;
Virginia Damron, president; Radene Schroeder, treasurer; George Wilson, vice
president; and Shirley Sterner, member-at-large.
Prez Sez...
By Virginia Damron, President, Master Gardeners of the Tanana Valley
This is my first opportunity to write to you as president of Master Gardeners of the
Tanana Valley. Yeah, you’re right...our name has changed. George Wilson says it is
more mellifluous and Radene Schroeder says it flows better. I just like it. The membership voted to change our name to put what’s important first in the name and to make it
easier to find in the phone book.
At last month’s meeting, guest speaker Susan Guritz discussed her work at Denali
Center and therapeutic horticulture. It was an interesting talk complete with power point
slides. Our June 3 meeting will include planting at the UAF Georgeson Botanical
Garden at 7 p.m. All Master Gardeners are welcome. Come on out and help finish the
planting and enjoy root beer floats provided by Radene and Karl Schroeder.
We also set the date for the garden tour and picnic. The big day will be July 12. Look for
more information in the near future. If anyone has ideas for beautiful or interesting gardens
for the tour, please contact Joanne Klumb at [email protected] or
Radene Schroeder at [email protected].
We’ve planned a busy year with something going on at each meeting plus
refreshments provided by members. We hope to increase our active membership and look forward to seeing each of you. ✿
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2
Page 2
Page 3
Page 3
Page 4
From: The Sourdough Gardener
Greenthumbs at Denali Center
Bug Notes
Weed Notes
An Alaska Proven Moose Fence
Page 5 Electric Fence Survey
Page 6 “Heard it through
the grapevine...”
Page 6 June Classes at GBG
Page 6 Wanted: Delphinium Defoliators
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all, without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws.
Provided in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Anthony Nakazawa, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University
of Alaska Fairbanks. No endorsement of firms and products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of those not mentioned in the Master Gardener Update.
Master Gardener Update
June 2003
IPM: Nature’s Way Can be the Best Way
50-year friend of mine
:
who grows mangos,
m
papayas, coffee, and
o
orchids in Kona, Hawaii, told me
Fr
about the beneficial effects of the
THE
Neem tree (Azadiracta indica), a
SOURDOUGH
native to eastern India and Burma
GARDENER
where for 4,000 years it has been
“a veritable gold mine” for
(a.k.a. George Wilson)
medicinal and pest control
purposes.
My friend said that his neighbor, also a crop producer,
had planted this tree to form a fence around the perimeter
of his plantation. Since doing so, he has reduced his pest
problem to “0.” My friend has followed suit with what he
expects to be rewarding results.
He got my attention and I immediately went searching
for more information and a source, so I too might derive
some benefits from this so-called “wonder” tree. Tests
have shown Neem oil to be effective as an insecticide,
miticide, fungicide, nematacide, and as an insect
antifeedent and repellent. An insect antifeedent is a
substance that discourages insect
feeding, but does not directly kill
the insect. Azadirachtin is a
potent insect antifeedent that
disrupts the molting cycle of the
ingesting insect, leading to its
death.
The compounds in Neem are
effective for more than 200
species of insect pests and
nontoxic to birds, mammals, and
beneficial predators like ladybugs, spiders, bees, and
wasps.
For more extensive information, check out the Neem
Foundation’s Web site at www.neemfoundation.org or the
Neem Association at hometown.aol.com/neemassoc.
The product is presently in use at the University of
Alaska Fairbanks greenhouses and is available from
Dyna-Grow. It sells retail for $11.50 per 8 ounces.
Wholesale price is $6.33 plus shipping cost. If interested
in trying this product, 12 people are needed to obtain a
case price; call George Wilson at 479-0738 for details. ✿
Greenthumb Group at Denali Center
Gears Up for Spring
By Sue Guritz
ost of you have probably seen the raised flowerbeds
outside Denali Center, and if you’ve been inside, you
couldn’t help but notice the many wonderful plants that
add to the homey feel of the place. What you might not know is that
some of the residents themselves are active, knowledgeable gardeners who have grown everything from broccoli to bulbs to flowering
houseplants at Denali Center.
I have enjoyed working with the Greenthumb Group once a week
since last fall. During the long winter months, we have kept busy
with various gardening activities and nature-related crafts, including
propagating houseplants from cuttings and seed, painting clay pots,
growing grass for the resident birds, arranging flowers, and decorating vases. A recent purchase of two tabletop adjustable plant lights and supplies for starting seeds has been put
to good use as the group has been starting flowers and selling
“extras” to help raise money for the Heartwalk.
Like gardeners everywhere, we’re looking forward to getting
outside and digging in the dirt! For outdoor use, we have two large
planting carts (portable raised beds) that are just the right dimensions for gardeners who use a wheelchair. Other raised beds and
pots are also available in the courtyard areas.
If you would like to share a special interest with our group, such
as presenting a talk or demonstration, please call me at 479-8134 or
send an e-mail to [email protected]. If you would like to
become involved on a regular basis, please contact Activities
Manager Carol Switzer (another Master Gardener!) at 458-5107. ✿
2
June 2003
B
N ug
ot
es
:
Master Gardener Update
Ambermarked Birch Leaf Miner
Arrives in Fairbanks
By Cathy Randall,
Integrated Pest Management Technician
he ambermarked birch leaf miner (Profenusa
soil to spend the winter. While this species does not
thomsoni) is a nonaffect forested stands of birch, it
native sawfly species
can weaken birch trees that are
that has plagued urban birch
growing in already stressful
trees in the Anchorage area for
urban settings.
years. It was most likely
Work is being done this
imported into the state on
summer to monitor the populaornamental birch trees in
tion in Fairbanks as well as the
nurseries and has now found its
potential to introduce a natural
way up to the Fairbanks area
predator of the leaf miner, an
through the same process.
ichneumonid parasitic wasp
Due to a lack of natural
species.
predators in Alaska, this leaf
For more information or if
miner is able to spread easily
you happen to see evidence of
once introduced to an area.
birch leaf miners in your yard
Birch leaf miners cause a brown blotchy pattern
Adults emerge in July and
this summer, please report it to
of damage on birch leaves in late summer.
August to lay eggs on leaves,
Cathy Randall at the Cooperainside which the larvae feed
tive Extension Service-Tanana
and develop until September when they drop to the
District: 907-474-5702 or [email protected]. ✿
Invasive Weeds Awareness Week Set
By Marta Mueller,
Invasive Plants Program Assistant
ave you ever thought about a
gardener’s worst nightmare? It
would include walking into
the garden and finding alien
plants have taken over the pea
vines and are scratching at
your ankles. Unfortunately,
this nightmare isn’t very far
from the truth. There are
noxious and invasive weeds
in Alaska that can destroy
crops, natural areas, and
recreational areas.
Any plant can vex a gardener,
but invasive weeds are plants that
become established and spread
without natural controls. These weeds
reproduce and survive in greater numbers
than native or desirable plants. Invasive weeds
W
No eed
te
s:
can cause extreme economic or environmental harm to native habitat, agricultural fields, and recreational areas.
The long-term effects of uncontrolled spread can result in
higher crop and livestock
production costs, loss of
native plants, degradation of
wetlands, and destruction of
wildlife habitat.
Invasive Weeds Awareness
Week is set for July 14-20 and
will highlight community weed
pulling efforts. If you would like
to participate in removing
invasive weeds from our community, contact Marta Mueller at the
Cooperative Extension Service-Tanana
District: 907-474-2428 or [email protected]. ✿
3
Master Gardener Update
An Alaska Proven
June 2003
oose Fence
By Rich Seifert, Energy & Housing Specialist
ast autumn at the end of the growing season, I was
anywhere around your garden. Obviously if you intercepted
fortunate to receive a call from former DOT engineer
it or punctured an underground electrical cable serious injury
and longtime Fairbanks resident Lane Thompson, a
could result. You must be certain that neither underground
creative fellow who is constantly looking for ways to
electrical nor underground plumbing, like sewer lines, are
improve his thoroughly Alaska lifestyle. He has come up
also in the vicinity, or the same thing could happen. Alwith a wonderful unobtrusive, effective, and easily
though not as damaging or dangerous, it’s still a bad result.
constructed anti-moose fence for the protection of his
The same problem is of course the case for water lines.
beloved garden.
You don’t want to intercept or cut a water line from your
What I show here is an example of how very common
well. You have to know your site, but otherwise this system
construction materials can be used to make a flexible but
is extremely substantial and amazingly, it’s aesthetic.
substantially protective
moose fence around a
■ There will be many
garden. The moose fence
places where you will be
effectiveness is amply
tempted to leave sharp
demonstrated by tracks
wire ends sticking out.
all around the existing
For the sake of your
garden at Lane’s house.
kids and animals, take the
The only failure of this
time to make sure all
particular moose
sharp ends are either
offending system, was
nipped off, doubled over
that the mesh size is just
or crimped flat. You are
large enough so that a
saving so much money by
calf moose can actually
building this fenceon the
stick its nose through
“cheap and easy” that you
and munch on the
have the warrant to buy
greenery, but an adult
that bolt cutter you
moose cannot do so. To
always wanted along with
Figure 1
compensate for these
a heavy duty nipper and
areas where the greenery
assorted vise-grips.
is close enough to the fence that a calf moose can get it,
Lane has actually just doubled up or made a smaller mesh at
■ The easiest time to punch in the No. 5 rebar is the fall
those portions, so that the poor calves must fend for themwhen seasonal thaw is at its maximum depth. Because
selves elsewhere.
of last year's warm fall, November 2002 was easier
Figure 1 shows Lane with his hand on the major support
driving than May 2003.
mechanism of the moose fence. It is steel reinforcing mesh
commonly used in concrete decking and slabs, which is held
■ There are two weights of the 6-inch slab reinforcing
upright by a vertical member made of half inch steel rebar.
mesh available in Fairbanks. The lighter weight mesh is
Rebar comes in 20-foot sections so Lane just has them cut in
cheaper, easier to handle, and perfectly satisfactory at
half and uses a 10-foot rebar, simply hammering it 3 to 4 feet
keeping out moose.
in the ground to provide enough substantial resistance to
lateral movement that it provides a good upright support
■ When constructed, the fence is quite limber and springy,
member for the fence. The mesh is very well supported even
not solid. This apparent defect actually appears to aid in
though it is 7 feet high. The mesh comes in a large roll that
repelling moose by springing back at them.
can be put in the back of a pickup and easily transported.
Then it can be cut to whatever dimension is appropriate for
■ You will find it a real advantage when making an
your particular site. But certainly 7 feet is a good height to
opening for a gate to remember not to cut the mesh all
prevent most moose penetration of any sort. The mesh can
the way through but leave the top three strands above
be cut for your particular dimensional size requirements with
the opening to provide tensile strength along the top.
a fairly standard bolt cutter.
A major caution on the setting of the upright posts— the
pounding in the ground of the rebar—is that you have to be
careful you don’t have any underground electrical lines
(continued on page 5)
4
Master Gardener Update
June 2003
Figure 2 shows how the sections of steel mesh
are looped together by a tie right above the hand.
Simply take one band of the mesh and loop it
around and doubling the loop so that the fence
pieces are lashed together rather substantially. At
each intersecting node of the mesh simply loop a
strand of the mesh back on itself half the length of
the band and do the same on the opposite end. This
makes a fairly substantial connecting joint for the
fence.
Figure 3 shows how Lane has engineered a door. It’s
simply a double joint of the mesh with one spike of the
mesh looped back on itself to protect from puncture and
then tightly sprung so that there is a sort of a latch effect
as you push the looped “eye of the needle” form of the
end of the steel mesh over the base of the door. ✿
~ Thank you to Lane Thompson for the information
and posing for the pictures.
Figure 2
Electric Moose
Figure 3
Fence Survey
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is considering the purchase of an electric fence for demonstration
purposes. The consideration is in response to a high number of moose/garden and moose/hay conflicts. Your information, experience, and other comments are greatly appreciated. PLEASE ANSWER AS MANY AS YOU CAN.
1. What length (add up all sides) is your electric
fence (estimates are OK)? ______ ft.
2. What are you protecting?
a. Garden
b. Hay storage
c. Entire yard
d. Food storage area
e. Other ______________
3. What was the cost of your fence (estimates OK)?
8. How many strands does your fence consist of?
9. What are the approximate heights of the strands
off the ground?
a.
b.
c.
10. What animal does your fence primarily target?
a. Moose
b. Bear
c. Other ____________
4. What is the brand?
11. What months do you operate your fence?
5. Where did you purchase?
12. Does your fence do a satisfactory job of protection?
6. What is the voltage of your fence?
7. How is your fence powered?
a. House plug in
b. Solar panel
c. Car battery
13. Have you had any safety concerns from neighbors
about installing an electric fence?
14. Any other comments about your electric fence?
E-mail your completed survey to Mike Taras, Wildlife Education Specialist, at mike
[email protected] or fax to 907-452-6410. Taras can be reached at 907-459-7230.
5
Master Gardener Update
June 2003
"
Heard it
through the
garden hose..."
June Classes at Georgeson Botanical Garden
June wedding bells
The following classes will be offered at the Georgeson
Botanical Garden this month. For class description, registration information, and payment of fees, please contact Nina
Megyesi at 474-1070. Visit the GBG Web site at
www.uaf.edu/salrm/gbg/classes/classschedule for updates
and additions to the class schedule.
Do you carrot at all for me?
My heart beets for you,
With your turnip nose
And your radish face.
You are a peach.
If we cantaloupe,
Lettuce marry.
Weed make a swell pear.
June 3, 7-9 p.m.
Selecting & Growing Fuchsias and Begonias
June 4, 6-8 p.m.
Drippers, Spitters, Dribblers and Spinners:
Water-Conserving Irrigation Systems for Home Gardens
~ From “A Rocket in My Rocket: Rhymes and Chants of
Young Americans”
Gardening Videos to Check Out
June 17, 2-4 p.m.
Kids’ Class: Insects and Other Critters in the Garden
The UAF Rasmuson Library has a wonderful collection of videotapes on gardening. If you’re interested
in checking out one or many of these great resources,
or any of the library’s books on gardening or agriculture topics, bring your Fairbanks public library card
with you to the Rasmuson Library.
For help finding books, ask at the library’s Reference Desk. You can request videos at the library’s
Circulation Desk, using the call numbers listed below.
Here are some video titles on gardening:
June 19, 7-9 p.m.
Herbs
“Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn,” VH-6176-6181
June 5, 6-8 p.m.
Carpenter Ants: Biology and Damage Prevention
June 13, 7-9 p.m.
Iris, Lilies, Lilacs and Roses
June 14, 8 a.m.-5 p m.
Build a Garden Bridge: Part 2
June 26, 7-9 p.m.
Perennial Flowers for Fairbanks
June 28, 1-5 p.m.
Brick Edge for Your Garden Beds
“Victory Gardens of World War II,” VH-4333
“The English Garden,” Parts 1 and 2, VH-5119
“Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces,” VH-3901
Titles in the video series, “Nature Perfected: Story of the Garden”:
WANTED: Delphinium Defoliators!
In trying to learn more about the delphinium defoliator’s
life cycle, the Anchorage IPM technician has discovered the
specimens in the Cooperative Extension Service’s collection
are mislabeled.
Instead of squashing the caterpillars you find this spring, please
collect them in a jar, give them a few delphinium leaves to eat, and
bring the jar to the Fairbanks CES office. Cathy Randall, the
Fairbanks IPM technician, will rear them out so that the adults can
be properly identified and added to the collections at the Cooperative Extension Service and UA Museum. Questions? Please give
Cathy a call at 907-474-5702.
6
• “Paradise on Earth: Ancient Spirits, China and Japan,”
VH-3179
• “Heritage of Rome,” VH-3180
• “Gardens of Conquest,” VH-3181
• “Landscaping of England,” VH-3182
• “Glory and Grandeur: The Machine and Garden,”
VH-3183
• “Grounds for Change,” VH-3184
~ Submitted by Karen Jensen