From the Desk of Mikaela Boley

I know it must be officially spring when the phone is ringing off the hook with questions about plants, soil testing, and lawn care! I’m pleased to see the generated public interest in native plants, and I’m all too happy to discuss appropriate plant types for different spaces. In fact, our Bay-wise program has an unprecedented 43 requests for home consultations! Which just means our spring got a lot busier!

Included in this edition of In the Garden are several reports from big events we held the first quarter of 2019. I cannot thank our volunteers enough (see page 2-3 for more details). It’s a testament to our community that cares so much about environmental stewardship.

As spring rolls on, we remain available to the public for questions about the landscape. You know how to find us, and me!

Cheers-

Mikaela Boley

Talbot County Master Gardener Newsletter

Spring 2019

IN THIS ISSUE: 2—3 Ode to Volunteer Comradery 4—5 Bay-wise Reports 6— The Dirt on Mulch 7— Ask Mikaela 8—9 Master Gardener Events 10—11 Apr/May Calendar 12—13 June Calendar

Volume IX, Issue II

TALBOT COUNTY • 28577 MARY’S COURT, SUITE 1 • EASTON, MD 21601 • (410) 822-1244

Educating People to Help Themselves

Local Governments • U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating

The University of Maryland is equal opportunity. The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone be-cause of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Director of Human Resources Management, Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural

Resources, Symons Hall, College Park, MD 20742.

IN THE GARDEN

Early signs of friendly mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) pops up in the spring.

Photo: Mikaela Boley

EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I P A G E 2

By Master Gardener Coordinator, Mikaela Boley

As a volunteer coordinator, I try to think of many different ways to thank volunteers. You say it so much, that you begin to worry that the words have lost all meaning. I try to say it with gifts, but the gesture seems paltry in comparison with the time, care, and effort that has no material equal. How do you like to be appreciated? I have to share a recent experience related to our Invasive Plant Clean-up Event from March 13

th; it helped put into perspective what I love about being a part of the Master

Gardener volunteer program. It’s March 13

th, 8 A.M. in the morning. It’s still cold, with frost covering the grass, but

the bright sunrise promises a clear day. I’m pulling shovels, rakes, pruners, and everything else I own out of my car as I yell out “Good Morning!” to my fellow Master Gardeners. They are also pulling out an amazing array of tools, happily chatting about the finest qualities of their favorite tools. Everyone has a pep in their step, an eager glint in their eye to tackle the tangle of invasive vines coating native trees and shrubs along the Bay St. ponds. Even though it was a mix of strangers and familiar faces, everyone introduces themselves, and there is not a single person shut out from the crowd. Everyone becomes friends in this effort, even if it’s only for an hour or two. Our fearless leader, Lisa Ghezzi, hops energetically from one group to another- taking care to talk with every single person in the group, making sure they have a tool and a purpose. She inspires enthusiasm in everyone, despite the physically daunting task of taking down this invasive monster. Cathy and Brian Schmidt of Garden & Garnish catering have set up an elaborate table of snacks, coffee, and refreshments fit for kings and queens. While I might have donated a box of half-crushed donuts, they made sure that all volunteers felt valued and honored with their amazing display. Cathy and Brian were also the forefront of the party, hacking and cutting vines with the best of the crew throughout the entire day. They were the first to show up, and the last to pack up and leave. We learned a lot about our fellow volunteers that day- details and conversations that might not have happened at any other event. There’s something about outdoor physical exercise on a sunny day that lays bare the spirit. I got a glimpse of everyone’s spirit that day, and it was stunning. There were individuals that worked tirelessly, and stayed long past the 3 hour shift they originally signed up for. The results are instantly gratifying, seeing a visual difference for all of the effort made. But even more gratifying, to me, was seeing the enthusiasm and positivity from the volunteers. Personally, I felt even closer to my fellow Master Gardeners after the day’s work, full of conversations I would not have had in the office.

Ode to Volunteer Comradery

P A G E 3

The following day, with protesting muscles that I forgot existed, I dressed up and attended a public event. I ran into several volunteers who had helped the previous day, and we commiserated about sore backs and other maladies. It suddenly felt strange to see everyone in clean pants and no gloves. It made me realize how special the Invasive Plant Clean-up event had been, forging a different kind of connection between individuals. I also realized that I needed no thanks or words of appreciation- being a part of this

excellent group of people is enough for me.

*I’d like to express special thanks to Lisa Ghezzi and the Invasive Species Committee members for

organizing, to Garden & Garnish catering, and our partners Waterfowl Chesapeake, ShoreRivers and

Adkins Arboretum. Also thanks so Town of Easton for hauling away the inordinate amount of plant

material from the site.

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

The day was as much about forging friendships and having fun as it was about cleaning up. From top left, clockwise: Debra Gibson, Marilyn Reedy & Suzanne Sullivan, Lisa Ghezzi, and trio Suzanne Sullivan, Reenie Rice, and Debra Gibson.

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I P A G E 4

(Written originally for release to the CBMM Newsletter 1.20.19 by Rita Mhley)

Master Gardener Film Draws Full House Eager to Learn about Native Plants Close to 100 savvy locals escaped winter by stepping into the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Van Lennep Auditorium on January 9 to watch a lively documentary designed to inspire them to opt for native plants come spring. The film, Hometown Habitat— Stories of Bringing Nature Home, celebrates native plants. They provide food and shelter for songbirds, bees, and other important pollinators whose populations are dwindling, often because non-native plants don’t nourish them. The film also endorses native plants for creating beautiful low-maintenance, seasonally-dynamic landscapes that will ultimately benefit our bay. The film was presented by the Talbot County Master Gardeners and hosted by the CBMM. Mary Sue Traynelis, a Master Gardener and CBMM volunteer, introduced the film and led the discussion that followed. The audience held its enthusiasm to the very end, with a majority remaining to engage in a brisk Q and A session, accompanied by an array of sweets and savories, served with coffee and tea. After the program, 26 people requested complimentary Bay-Wise consultations of their properties.

Bay-wise

From top left, clockwise: Master Gardeners signing in attendees, crowd of attendees, Mary Sue Traynelis as M.C., and movie committee members.

P A G E 5 V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

(Written originally for release to the Star Democrat 3.27.19 by Rita Mhley)

Volunteers Restore a Favorite Bay Street Vista What a difference a day – or just six hours – can make. That’s what a group of enthusiastic, community-minded weed warriors proved at a Habitat Restoration Project on Bay Street that began on March 13. Working that day in two three-hour shifts led by University of Maryland Extension Talbot County Master Gardeners, more than 30 volunteers took on and conquered the invasive plants that had overtaken the well-known backdrop to Waterfowl Chesapeake’s retriever demonstration pond on Bay Street. The aggressive, non-native invasives included nine different pesky weeds such as porcelain berry, Amur honeysuckle and privet. By outpacing the evergreens and ornamentals that landscaped the site, the invasives were blocking out sunlight and smothering the good stuff. In short, they had created a chaotic and messy thicket that was unappealing to man, birds and bees. Now as you pass Waterfowl Chesapeake’s property on Bay Street, glance across the ponds to appreciate the newly cleaned vista. Know that because it was possible to challenge runaway invasive plants here, it is possible to take them on anywhere around the county where they are rampant and taking over the good stuff – including in your own backyard and neighborhood! This Master Gardeners’ project, which is expected to continue, is chaired by Lisa Ghezzi. The Master Gardeners’ project partners are Waterfowl Chesapeake, ShoreRivers and Adkins Arboretum. Garden and Garnish Caterers of Trappe sponsored the event. For invasive plant control tips, contact Master Gardener Coordinator Mikaela Boley: 410-822-1244 / mboley@umd.edu.

P A G E 6 V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

Mikaela Boley, Master Gardener Coordinator

Spring has a way of getting under the skin— as soon as temperatures rise, everyone is eager to get outside and start working on those spring gardening tasks. Nothing looks more fresh and ready for the season than a new layer of mulch on garden beds… right? It may surprise you to realize that the mulch market accounted for 1 billion dollars (The Washington Post, 2017). For mulch. Most people, myself included, routinely buy neatly bagged mulch from the local store to tidy up the look of our landscapes. But we often approach it incorrectly, despite good intentions. Here are some good reminders this spring about using mulch appropriately: Know the material. There are several different types of mulch: organic and

inorganic. Organic is derived from plant materials, and is most common; this includes bark, wood chips, straw, and shredded leaves. Inorganic mulch refers to material like crushed stone, plastics, rubber, or volcanic rock. Inorganic materials are not recommended for the landscape, since they do not break down or contribute to soil health long-term.

Use correct depth. Mulch layers that are too thick will prevent moisture from reaching the root zone of plantings. At most, mulch should be 2-3 inches thick. Organic mulches will degrade over time, but you may not need to renew the mulch every year.

Mulch is for us, not the tree. Once established, trees do not need mulch rings. The mulched areas at the base of trees are to help protect against damage caused by string trimmers and mowers. You should never mulch up against the bark of a tree. We call this “volcano mulching” and it is detrimental to tree health. Pull mulch away from the base of the tree so that bare soil is exposed at the root flare.

Landscape fabric is useless. While landscape fabric can initially help keep weeds down, the weeds can eventually grow in the above layers of decomposed mulch. The fabric does not biodegrade, and then you have buried an inorganic layer. It will make future planting more difficult, especially if you have to pull it up.

And don’t forget— some mulch is free! Stock-pile leaves in the fall, or compost them on-site if you are able. Non-diseased leaves can be run over with a lawn mower and used in garden beds. They decompose quickly. If you chip any wood from a fallen tree or brush, you can cure them over several months and use them when the wood is no longer fresh. For more information and FAQ’s, check out http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/mulch. More questions can be directed to mboley@umd.edu. The Washington Post, 2017. Americans love mulch— and many of us are misusing it. Accessed March 29, 2019 from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/americans-love-mulch--and-many-of-us-are-misusing-it/2017/09/12/4c334ad6-9324-11e7-89fa-bb822a46da5b_story.html?utm_term=.9e719b50f6c5.

The Dirt on Mulch

P A G E 7

Ask Your Horticulturist:

Mikaela Boley is the Horticulturist and Master Gardener Coordinator for University of Maryland Extension in Talbot County. The Extension Office often has questions from homeowners and members of the public regarding home gardening, soil testing, plant and insect identification, plus much more. Do you have a question that needs answering? Want to talk gardening or get advice for environmentally friendly practices in the residential landscape?

Contact me:

Home Horticulturist and Master Gardener Coordinator at (410) 822-1244 ext. 12, or by email mboley@umd.edu.

Dear Mikaela, I’m very interested in reducing the amount of lawn on my property, but I would like to plant species that are fairly low-growing (less than 1 foot tall), and look grass-like. What do you think about Liriope as an option? Lawn Buster Dear Lawn Buster- I’m so glad you are interested in reducing turf grass and utilizing plant species that will have more environmental purpose! There are many plant species which make good groundcovers that look beautiful, reduce weeds, and support wildlife and insect activity. While Liriope is a popular perennial that looks a lot like grass, it does not have as many environmental benefits as some of our native options. Because we have so many great groundcovers, I encourage you to explore the diversity of our native species first! Pennsylvania Sedge— Carex pensylvanica. Looks the

most like turfgrass, but likes moist soils and shade! Blue eye-grass– Sisyrinchium angustifolium. Not actually

a grass, but a perennial that has adorable blue flowers! Lyre-leaf sage— Salvia lyrata. Not grass-like, but a very

good groundcover that will self-seed and spread. Very low-growing, flowers purple on stalks.

Native sedges— Carex spp. There are several native sedge species that are low growing and adaptable to growing conditions. Many of these will look like liriope and turf grass.

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

Left: Carex pensylvanica, photo courtesy of Marian Hengemihle from HGIC Right: Sisyrinchium angustifolium, photo courtesy of A. Vick from Wildflower.org

P A G E 8

Please contact Mikaela Boley, Master Gardener Coordinator with any question or to volunteer to help with a program at mboley@umd.edu or 410-822-1244.

You may unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time by contacting the above email and number.

Horticulture Therapy

Visits are every 2nd and 4th Thurs. of the month– visits are 30-45 minutes. Gatherings are at 2:30pm. Grab a partner, contact mboley@umd.edu, and sign up for the following dates: April 11th & 25th May 9th & 23rd June 13th & 27th

Bay-Wise Meetings Bay-wise Meetings occur on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m.— 12 p.m starting in April 2019.

Please RSVP for location directions. To get on the Talbot Bay-wise email list, please contact mboley@umd.edu.

MASTER GARDENER EVENTS

Master Gardener Lectures & Events

April 13th, 10 A. M., Plan Your Own Permaculture Garden– Talbot County Free Seed Library Lecture Series. Join Talbot Master Gardener Missy Corley to learn about the principles and participate in a garden design exercise for your own property! Learn how to save time and money in addition to environmental stewardship. Materials will be provided. Located at the Talbot County Free Library– Easton Branch. April 20th, 10 A. M. to 12 P. M., Plant and Seed Swap at Pickering Creek Audubon Center— Hosted by Pickering Creek, this Plant and Seed swap is open to the public and includes an Ask a Master Gardener table for participants who have garden questions. You do not need to bring an item to take an item! This is open to participation by all. June 1st, 6 P. M to 8:30 P. M., Clean Water Concert Series— Sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, this Easton street concert series features a different band each date. Talbot Master Gardeners will join other non-profit organizations (including some food vendors) with activities for both adults and children as you enjoy the open air concert! June 8th, 10 A. M. to 3 P. M., Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival— Hosted by the Talbot County Free Library, this all day event features authors of children’s books for signing and purchase. There will be a variety of activities and readings scheduled, including a Talbot Master Gardener table and activity.

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

For more information, email: Mikaela Boley, mboley@umd.edu or call 410-822-1244, ext. 1002

P A G E 9

Talbot County Free Seed Library:

Check us out for 2019! We have re-stocked seeds for the growing season, and April/May is the perfect time to start your seeds for the garden. WE’VE GROWN! Come check out our new Seed Library at the St. Michael ’s branch. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for more updates and news!

May 2019– We’ll be in the lobby of the Easton Branch May 2nd and 16th from 5:30-7:30 P. M. Bring us your questions, and we’ll give you answers!

Follow us on our Facebook page: Talbot County Free Seed Library

ASK YOUR HORTICULTURIST: Is there a garden question that is bothering you? “Ask Mikaela” mboley@umd.edu

Find us on Facebook!

You can find us online at by clicking here. Or, search “Talbot County Master Gardeners” and follow our page! We include photos from recent activities, advice, and recent news items.

Remember to “Like” us!

Master Gardener Meetings: Located at the Talbot County Free Library, starting at 9:30 A.M. April 17th– Joli MacCathran- The

Maryland Big Tree Program

May 15th— Sarah Hilderbrand— Maryland Invasive Plants

June 7th— Tour of Honeybee Flower Farm, starts at 4pm!

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

April 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30

The Pines– 2:30pm

The Pines– 2:30pm

P A G E 1 0

Bay-wise Meeting– 10:00am-12:0pm RSVP!

MG Monthly Meeting 9:30 am @TCFL

Spring Into Spring

Conference

MG Basic Training

@ESHEC 5:30-8:30pm

MG Basic Training

5:30-8:30pm

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

MG Basic Training

@ESHEC 9am-12pm

MG Basic Training

@ESHEC 5:30-8:30pm

Permaculture Design

Easton Public Library 10am

MG Basic Training

@ESHEC 5:30-8:30pm

Good Friday Extension

Office CLOSED

MG Basic Training

@ESHEC 9am-12pm

Final Presentations

Seed & Plant Swap–

Pickering Creek 10am-

12pm

Easter Sunday

MG Basic Training

9am

May 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

The Pines– 2:30pm

P A G E 1 1

Memorial Day Extension

Office CLOSED

The Pines– 2:30pm

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

MG Monthly Meeting 9:30 am @TCFL

Bay-wise Meeting– 10:00am-12:0pm RSVP!

Mother’s Day

Ask a MG Easton Library

5:30-7:30pm

Ask a MG Easton Library

5:30-7:30pm

June 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

P A G E 1 2

30

The Pines– 2:30pm

The Pines– 2:30pm

V O L U M E I X I S S U E I I

MG Monthly Meeting &

Tour of Honeybee

Flower Farm 4pm

Clean Water Concert Series Easton 6-9pm

Chesapeake Children’s

Book Festival TCFL 10am-

3pm

STM Farmer’s Market

Ask a MG 9-11am

Father’s Day

Have you visited the Home and Garden Information Center?

The answer to all your gardening questions and connecting you to Maryland landscape resources:

http://extension.umd.edu/hgic

University of Maryland Extension 28577 Mary’s Court, Suite 1 Easton, MD 21601

Non-Profit US POSTAGE

PAID Easton,

Maryland Permit # 334

Current Resident Or:

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, call our University of Maryland Extension Office at 410-822-1244

You can also visit the Maryland Master Gardeners website at: http:/extension.umd.edu/mg and the Talbot County Extension website at: http:/extension.umd.edu/talbot-county

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.