IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR YOUR/OUR FAVORITE SCARECROW!! I had a difficult time getting to the right place so contacted Anne Farmer and below is her reply and a link to take you directly to the page to cast your vote. We are WAY BEHIND with votes for our scarecrow (I only see a few MGC member’s names) so I encourage you to save the link and vote EVERY DAY – OR, MORE OFTEN. According to the rules, you can vote/comment/like as many times as you want and each time you do that it gives us another vote! Note that voting continues until October 30. Thanks, Naida
Gail asked to post for people to have the link for this survey:
Photo by Bruno Guerrero on Unsplash Michigan the Beautiful Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiative, “Michigan the Beautiful,” is working to conserve, restore, and connect at least 30% of Michigan’s lands and waters by 2030. Michigan DNR hopes to build on its past and current efforts through collaboration to address a changing climate, inequitable access to the outdoors, and the loss of wildlife and habitat. Using their survey, Michigan community members can share ideas on how to better protect and enhance our state’s natural beauty.
The Milan Garden Club would love to invite the Monroe Horticultural Club to our District 2A Fall Conference Meeting on Friday, September 27 at the Fr. Joe Family Center, 420 North Street, Milan, MI 48160 starting at 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. We are planning a fun day with four speakers, silent basket raffle, vendors, special fall lunch and treats.
See attached for more information and registration. You can send your registration individually. It does not have to be in one check for a club. Open to Michigan Garden Clubs members, as well as MCMGA & Horticulture club.
The non-native Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis, family Crambidae) was confirmed in southwest Ohio last year. Maps of the BTM quarantine in Ohio as well as quarantined areas elsewhere in the U.S. can be viewed by clicking this hotlink:
It’s important to periodically inspect boxwoods for BTM feeding damage regardless of whether they are in quarantine. To aid in detecting BTM, please re-read the following BYGL Alert: “Box Tree Moth (BTM) Update #1,” posted on April 17, 2024. This Alert covers BTM biology and includes a pictorial guide on what to look for in detecting BTM:
Last season, BTM male moth traps revealed two general “hot spots.” One was in and around Loveland, an eastern suburb of Cincinnati, and the other was in and around Kettering, a southern suburb of Dayton. Subsequently, heavy caterpillar infestations have been discovered in and near these hot spots.
This season, we’ve observed some expansion of the BTM hot spots. Whether this is due to natural spread, or the discovery of undetected infestations is not known. However, owing to BTM’s multiple generations, damage is rapidly ramping up to produce some dramatic impacts and questions about BTM management.
BTM caterpillars feed exclusively on boxwoods. BTM can produce rapid defoliation and the rapacious caterpillars may feed on the bark of the twigs once all of the foliage is consumed. This reduces the capacity for the shrubs to sprout new growth and leaves from buds.
If the caterpillars exhaust their boxwood food supply in a landscape, they may be observed crawling on or dangling from other plants. The image below doesn’t show a magical levitating BTM caterpillar. The caterpillar was dangling from a silk thread attached to a magnolia. Of course, there was no evidence of feeding damage on the magnolia leaves.
BTM can kill boxwoods, but only if BTM remains undetected and action is not taken. This Alert focuses on BTM management. What should you do now if you live in or near a location with heavy caterpillar infestations?
BTM Suppression: Tips and Tools
Host plant resistance provides the best long-term management option for any significant insect plant pest. Although anecdotal, evidence that all boxwoods are not equal in the compound eyes of BTM continues to be observed in Ohio. The images below were taken in landscapes where other boxwoods were being heavily damaged by BTM.
Where boxwoods are under threat from BTM, there is a wide range of insecticides that have proven effective against caterpillars if used properly. Lists of insecticides are presented at the end of this Alert.
However, don’t make insecticide applications unless the boxwoods are infested with BTM caterpillars, or if BTM presents a clear and present danger because BTM caterpillars have been found in nearby landscapes. Preventative insecticide applications where BTM has not been found are not justified. Such applications waste money and present environmental risks including killing beneficial insects that can help to keep boxwood pests in check.
There are multiple examples of BTM being successfully suppressed in southwest Ohio and elsewhere using insecticides. However, there have also been examples of dramatic failures with using insecticides to protect and support boxwood health.
Insecticide Failures. Let Me Count the Ways
1. Failure to Detect. The goal behind making insecticide applications is to halt BTM caterpillar damage to promote boxwood recovery. It’s critical to apply insecticides early in a BTM infestation to reduce substantive damage such as bark stripping that can hinder recovery.
However, BTM caterpillars can be sneaky. Infestations commonly start with the caterpillars feeding deep within the canopy on older leaves. They gradually move upward on the stems to feed on newer leaves. This “inside–out” feeding pattern may allow BTM caterpillars to remain hidden until their damage becomes significant.
The images below illustrate the point. The first image shows boxwoods that appear healthy and free of BTM. However, parting the foliage revealed a sizable BTM caterpillar population.
BTM caterpillars can even crawl beneath our radar under high population conditions. The image below shows heavy BTM feeding damage on boxwoods that appeared green only a few weeks before I took these pictures on Monday in Kettering.
There was a high caterpillar population. However, the hungry horde remained cloistered within the lower foliage until the caterpillars burst forth to consume the newest foliage. This is illustrated in the images below. Note the “inside-out” feeding pattern. The boxwoods below will soon look like the boxwoods above unless the BTM caterpillars are suppressed by an insecticide application.
The take-home message is that boxwoods growing in a “hot spot” should be thoroughly inspected periodically to detect BTM. Parting the foliage may reveal a massive infestation lurking just below the surface.
2. Failure to Use the Proper Rate. Effective insecticides can be rendered ineffective if applied at the wrong rate. Insecticide labels provide clear instructions on mixing rates that will deliver an effective dosage of the product to achieve the desired results.
However, it’s easy to make an error in the calculations, particularly with “stepping down” the rate for low-volume applications. The application rate on the product label may be given as the amount of the product to be mixed in 100 gallons. Of course, if the application method is a 4-gallon backpack sprayer, applicators must do a little math to reduce the amount for the smaller spray volume.
Different parts of a boxwood planting may receive different application rates through skips and costly oversprays. It’s important to provide thorough, consistent coverage of the entire planting. An easy solution is to use a colored spray indicator that shows applicators where they have sprayed. Many spray indicators are designed to break down quickly so the colorant doesn’t linger after it has done its job.
3. Equipment Use Failures. Another common error is a failure to spray using sufficient pressure to penetrate to the target. For example, Btk is a “stomach poison” that must be consumed by the BTM caterpillars. Young BTM caterpillars commonly feed within small structures made from leaves and debris tied together with silk, so the application must be made at sprayer pressure that will penetrate such structures.
It’s helpful to make some test applications over a small area to assess spray penetration before making an area-wide application. A colored spray indicator can clearly show whether or not the pressure is sufficient to penetrate to all target areas.
Another equipment error is a failure to keep the spray mix agitated. Btk products again provide a good example. The spray mixture is a diluted suspension of the bacterium in water. The product may settle to the bottom of the sprayer if the spray mixture is not agitated periodically. The first half of the application delivers a higher rate of the product compared to the last half of the application. Some backpack sprayers have built-in agitators to mitigate the problem.
4. Failure to Re-Apply if Needed. Although the insecticides listed below have proven to be effective against caterpillars, providing season-long protection may require two or more applications. It’s rare for an insecticide application to provide 100% efficacy, so BTM survivors may rekindle an infestation after the insecticide residue has lost potency. Also, female moths may migrate into a landscape from a nearby infestation to lay eggs.
For example, the naturally occurring biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) (e.g., Dipel, Thuricide, etc.) is a biorational insecticide that’s highly effective against young caterpillars. If there’s a mix of instar stages, later instars may survive. Thus, it’s imperative to closely monitor infested boxwoods long after a Btk application to gauge whether a second, or even third, application is required to eliminate a BTM infestation. Of course, the same is true with any insecticide.
BTM Insecticides
Insecticides that have proven effective against caterpillars if used properly are listed in the following tables. The lists were drawn from a multi-state IR-4 project fact sheet (Frank et al. 2022) and from the N.Y. State Integrated Pest Management Program (Eshenaur and Leeser 2024).
The first set of tables are insecticides commonly available to home gardeners. The first table shows “biorational” insecticides with relatively low mammalian toxicity and few environmental side effects including reduced impacts on non-target arthropods. The second table shows “traditional” insecticides. The next two tables show biorational and traditional insecticides for horticulture professionals.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in the tables above is presented with the understanding that no product discrimination is intended, and no endorsement of any product mentioned, or criticism of unnamed products is implied. Labeling, registrations, and uses can change. The label is the law: applicators are responsible for reading and following all label directions.
Washtenaw County Conservation District Hosts Fall Tree and Plant Sale
(News release from the Washtenaw County Conservation District)
While the early blooms of Spring remind us to plant in the cool moist soils, Fall is a great opportunity to grow your native plant project. The soil and temperatures of September and October provide conditions for better root establishment ahead of the springtime weeds. Get a jump on your spring gardens by planting this Fall!
Sales will include a selection of 5 species of conifer trees including pines, spruces, and fir. Additionally, we offer 24 species of native wildflowers in quart pots, 10 species of shrubs and trees in gallon pots, and four native plant garden kits. Featured species new to this year’s sale include White Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), Alternate Leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), and more!
Preordering opened Aug. 5 via the online store: store.washtenawcd.org. Paper order forms are also available by request and at the WCCD office: 705 N. Zeeb Rd., #201, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The deadline for the paper pre-order form is September 2, 2024, and the online store closes on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
The pre-order pick-up is on Friday, September 20th from 1-6 p.m. at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds: 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103. Limited extra plants will be available for sale between 5-6 pm, first-come first-serve.
To request a paper order form, sign up to volunteer, or find more information on the fall sale, visit www.washtenawcd.org/fallsale.
The WCCD has been distributing trees, plants & tools for conservation since the 1950’s. Over 7.1 million trees and shrubs have been planted due to the WCCD’s distributions, contributing to conservation practices such as reforestation, soil erosion reduction & water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and naturalization projects.
The mission of the WCCD is to assist residents with the conservation, management, and wise use of natural resources in Washtenaw County. The WCCD is a unit of local government, managed by an elected 5-member board of directors, and funded in part by Washtenaw County residents through a 2020-2026 conservation district millage.
To learn more about the Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale and other programs, please visit the WCCD website at www.washtenawcd.org.
For questions or more information, contact Doug Reith, Resource Specialist at doug@washtenawcd.org or by calling (734) 302-8713.
We’re here !!!Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) adults have emerged to reproduce and consume massive amounts of ornamental and food plant foliage in the process.While we do not have any 100% effective solutions, this post by Michigan State University Extension entomologists Rufus Isaacs and John Wise shares insights on various organic and conventional control and prevention options. Though written for fruit growers, the info is applicable to homeowners as well.What does Windy Rock Farm & Nursery use for Japanese Beetles? We’ve tried traps in the past, but as noted by Dr. Isaacs, beetle traps are largely ineffective at large-scale control and actually draw more beetles to your property. While no guarantee, this year we are trying Surround WP, an OMRI Certified, organic clay product recommended to us by a friend who used it on his USDA Certified Organic farm for years.Surround WP is a dry powder mixed with water and applied using a sprayer. After drying, a white clay residue remains on leaf and fruit surfaces making them less appealing to hungry insects. It is not permanent and must be periodically reapplied during target pest infestations. If desired, other control agents may be blended in as well.The largest drawback (to the best of my knowledge) is that Surround WP is only available in 25# bags. I recently treated our grapes, raspberries, roses, a cherry tree, a Basswood, and many of our nursery plants and only used 3 cups through a 2-gallon pump sprayer. It will keep indefinitely if kept dry, but you may want to get a few friends or neighbors to share a bag with you. Local to us, Chelsea Farmer’s Supply can order it in for just under $60/bag.I hope you found this Windy Rock Farm & Nursery News update informative. We still have plenty of potted Michigan native perennials, flowering shrubs, and trees available for use in your butterfly, bee, or hummingbird garden, rain garden, etc. – so come out and visit!
Gail sent over this for posting this article on Lantern Fly. the cemetery is in a heavy traffic area on Sterns Rd…..between US 23 and Monroe Rd, at corners on Bedford and Whiteford Twsp. The surrounding area does include the Wheeler Park which is infested with Trees of Heaven-talk of removal and I believe purposefully left at the request of MDARD/MSU as a monitoring tool…….(will confirm who requested trees be left)
Wednesday • June 26, 2024Click below to login and read today’s eNewspaper
Newsmemory.com is the service provider responsible for delivering your subscription to Monroe News.Need Help? Click here for Customer Service In this editionMedical practice expanding servicesMONROE – Growing up, Tedd R. ‘Teddy’ March knew he wanted to be a doctor. Next month, the 29-year-old will be working with his father, Tedd L. March, a primary care physician with more than 30 years’ experience and a practice at 2252 N. Monroe St. In 2019, Tedd L. opened his own internal medicine practice, March Medical Associates, with the intent of making it a family business. He and his wife Debra have three children – Rebecca, Tedd R. and Michael. After graduating from Monroe High…Spotted lanternfly found in Lambertville areaMONROE COUNTY – On Monday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the detection of spotted lanternfly in Monroe County. Spotted lanternfly, or lycorma delicatula, is an invasive insect from Asia. The pest is harmless to people and most crops. People who see the insect are told by MDARD to “see it, squish it, report it.” “A small population of juvenile spotted lanternfly was recently detected in Lambertville, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirming…More than 30 vendors expected at Saturday’s Petersburg Farmers MarketSuzanne Nolan Wisler The Monroe News USA TODAY NETWORK PETERSBURG – A new Petersburg organization is bringing seasonal fun to town. The Petersburg Event Committee began in November. So far, it’s hosted Christmas activities and an Easter Bunny Breakfast. Now it’s offering what may be Petersburg’s first- ever farmers market. The market debuted in May. The second market will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday in the main parking lot on Center Street, between Saline and Wood streets. …
Just a quick note for those who are not aware of the variation that makes it easy to identify these two plants. Although wild carrot is a domesticated version, the quick way of identifying one from the other are the stems. Queen Ann’s lace has a fine hairy stem. Wild Carrot has a smooth stem.
Wild Carrot grows with a tap root, while Queen Ann’s Lace is typically grown from seed.
Both need watch or they can control your garden, but they are both beautiful and used often in wedding flowers. Queen Ann’s lace is growing this year in my garden. It was planted last year…I don’t recall seeing it last year. Well, it’s been a crazy year, maybe it was there…My garden has been neglected this spring and early summer due to a wedding, and so many graduations. But soon, I will be attending to those weeds that are coming up. Have a great 4th of July everyone…. it’ll be here before you know it.
Photo by 
We’re here !!!
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) adults have emerged to reproduce and consume massive amounts of ornamental and food plant foliage in the process.While we do not have any 100% effective solutions, 
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 