Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2 Home and Garden Show Economical Vegetable Gardening March 20 (see details on page 3)

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1 Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2 Home and Garden Show Economical Vegetable Gardening March 20 (see details on page 3) Ricky s Reflections (page 2) News, Requests, and Reruns (page 3) Ongoing Education for MGs (page 4) Columns by MGs (pages 5 and 6) Library Seminars (page 7) Pictures (pages 7, 8, and 9) Display Garden Assignments (page 10) Diagnostics Training App (page 11) Roots Roadshow March 28 (page 12) 4-H Plant Sale App (page 13) Deadline for Columns, articles, news items: March 15 Send to ATF Editor Jane Ford at bloominthing@gmail.com Extension Office: Option 3 FAX #: TDD:711/for hearing impaired Report MG Hours to: Rhonda Smith smit2177@purdue.edu Ricky s kemeryr@purdue.edu MG Shirts, Hats, Totes Jackie Hoopfer Garden Coordinator Jackie Hoopfer Response Center: Denise Lloyd Across The Fence Editor Jane Ford Across the Fence Jane Ford Allen County Extension Web Site MG Youth Coordinator: Lisa Sexton lisasexton@live.com Plant Sale Coordinators: Marilynn Meisner Simone Alberding Sherri Knisley Speaker Coordinator Anita Crusoe - (260) anitacrusoe@gmail.com Workshop/Seminar Coordinator: Pam Snyder mpsnyder0601@msn.com The Master Gardener Program, the Display Gardens, and related educational programming, volunteer activities, and all funds raised for maintaining the gardens, are administered by the CED and Horticulture Educator of the Cooperative Extension Service (CES). Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution Purdue MG proceeds are used in the following manner: 90% are used to support the development of the Display Gardens including plant materials, garden supplies, equipment, educational material, promotional materials, and other improvements. 10% are used for volunteer development including events, workshops, group building activities, recognition, and refreshments as needed for such events.

2 High Tech/Low Tech Like anyone my age, I find learning new technology to be difficult and sometimes frustrating. It seems as if we are all bombarded with changes that are supposed to make things faster and more efficient. Well maybe, but I certainly do not learn as fast as younger folks. Anyway regardless of whether you receive ATF or hard copy, my advice is the same. Read it ASAP! Some of you asked why you were not assigned at the Home and Garden Show. In most cases, you just didn t send in your forms before the deadline. With so many volunteers in the program, things fill up quickly. Thanks to all who signed up for the training this year. I will be contacting you individually to let you know your training time and day. Remember to fill out your schedule preferences as soon as possible for Denise Lloyd to schedule. Attached to this ATF is the registration form for 2014 diagnostic training. This year the training will be more formal and available to volunteers from the area. You are getting the form first. Diagnostic training is not for the faint of heart. It takes dedication and critical thinking skills to learn how to diagnose insect disease, and people pressure problems of plants. Look at the schedule. Classes begin in May and end in early July. It is vital to miss few if any sessions. Otherwise, you probably won t be able to pass the practicum at the end. Aside from that, we usually have fun. The training sessions are long - and we spend as much time as possible looking through microscopes, and plants out in the field. Penny Alles and Lyle McDermott and other members of the diagnostic team will help me teach this class. As of now, I am taking your registration forms. I will let volunteers know if you were accepted for this year s training sometime in April. A Few Advisory Group Members Needed I have a small advisory group that helps me evaluate programs and needs in the community. We usually meet twice a year. If this interests you, please contact me at kemeryr@purdue.edu. You do receive volunteer hours for attending the meetings. Basic Garden Series I have also attached info regarding the Basic Garden series of workshops I will be offering this year at library branches and the Extension office. These seminars are open to and designed for the public, but MG s wanting to brush up on the basics are also welcome to attend. Sustainable Homes and Neighborhood Info and Callouts Our group has developed some additional materials for this program in the form of an informational packet. We have several volunteers already signed up to become certified sustainable homes this year. It is really pretty straight forward. You look at our checklist and check off any existing practices on the list that you already perform in the landscape and garden, and then check off some additional practices you adopt on the checklist. Members of our group schedule a brief visit to your home to look things over. Once certified you will receive a free sign and certificate. In addition, you can receive discounts at plant sales and other nurseries or garden centers (TBA). me and I will mail you an informational packet with our checklists. We also will have a couple of informational callout meetings for this program on April 12 at 10:00 AM at the Extension office, and another on May 3 at 1:30 PM. We might schedule more if demand is high.

3 Economical Vegetable Gardening WHEN? Thursday, March 20, 2014 TIME? 6 to 7:30 p.m. WHERE? Botanical Conservatory 1100 South Calhoun FEE? Member or Volunteer Fee is $7 Non-member is $11 DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Thursday, March 13 INSTRUCTOR: AMG Art Stahlhut To attend Art s class and to register go to the Botanical Conservatory page at: fun_times_winter_2013.pdf. The Code number for this class in the Winter Fun Times catalog is # R1. If you would rather call for information the number is You can also go to the main office of the Parks Department on State Street and fill out your registration form and pay your fee there. A Note from Jackie: It's not too late to get involved with a Display Garden for There are several teams that could use some extra help. While many gardens have met already they would gladly welcome you to their teams. If interested please send Ricky or myself a note as soon as possible. If you don't want to make the commitment to a team you are more then welcome to come to work days, there are always extra projects in the gardens that need attention. Thanks!! March 2014 Dates 3/2 Home and Garden Show 3/19 & 3/21 Phone Response Training (morning and afternoon sessions) April 19 Garden Workday (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) May 17 Plant Sale (1 to 4 p.m.) 31 Garden Workday (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) June 14 Plant Sale (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) July 12 Garden Workday 19 Garden Walk/Open House (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) September 3 MG training begins (Held Wednesday evening and Saturday mornings) October 25 Garden Workday (9:00 AM 1 PM) Speakers Bureau by AMG Anita Crusoe The Speakers Bureau is in need of more speakers to help cover the demand from agencies and organizations in our community. Throughout the year, we receive several requests for MGs to share information on various subjects i.e. Container Gardening, Herbs, Ornamental Trees, Native Plants etc. Speakers present to schools, churches, hospitals and neighborhood associations. Volunteering with the Speaker bureau is a lot if fun and a great way to make the community aware of the knowledge and research based services of the Extension office and MG program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Speakers Bureau, please call or Anita Crusoe, Speaker Coordinator, (260) anitacrusoe@gmail.com. Garden Club by Jim Neuhouser The first meeting of the Leo/Grabill area Garden Club will feature Ricky Kemery as our speaker. It will be held March 20 at Grabill Library at 6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a fun evening as our club is quite informal and everyone is welcome.

4 Vertical, Container Gardening, and More By Pam Snyder, Advanced Master Gardener Most likely you have all been planning your gardens and ordering seeds and plants during our shut in times of snow and below zero days the last two months. Since the time is drawing near for actually putting in our gardens, I want to remind you of the upcoming educational opportunities available in the next few months. Please save these dates on your calendars. You won t want to miss any of these great classes. April 5, 2014, 9:30 AM 11:30 AM Vertical & Special Container Gardening with Advanced Master Gardener, Keith Trowbridge - Keith has been gardening for 60 years and was on last season s Vertical Gardening Team at the Extension s Display Gardens. Keith will be sharing information and demonstrations with us about gardening with trellises and special containers. Please register with Rhonda at the Extension office at ex 3 by Tuesday, April 1. May 31, 2014, 1:00 PM (Immediately following our Garden Workday) - Hypertufa Class with Deb Kohlmeier. This is an interactive class. A minimum of 10 people is required for this class and there will be an approximately $7.00 fee to cover materials. July 24, 2014, 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Preserving and Pressing Lavender & Other Herbs to Make Greeting Cards with Sheila Hamilton-Taylor. This will be an interactive class. ($5.00 Fee) NOTE: If you have questions about any of these educational opportunities or suggestions for some other class you would like to attend, please contact me at (260) Northeast Indiana Flower Growers by Ricky Kemery I have worked with the Northeast Flower Growers Association since I began in extension in I served as secretary/treasurer for many years. The Association was a favorite of Allen Boger, my predecessor, since flowers, especially in the area of growing annual flowers and vegetables, was his specialty. This year the association has decided to expand its membership to include growers of all sorts - vegetables, trees and shrubs, herbs, fruit, or for market. They have very nice meetings with food and usually a speaker that will talk about a variety of topics. They also usually plan one of two trips or events each year which have included trips to the Ball Field Day in Chicago or Michigan State University for instance. Membership is $20.00 a year. Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month (they usually have about 4-5 meetings a year) at approximately 6:30-7:00 PM. The meetings are usually spread around different greenhouses or operations in the area. There are also state meetings that members can attend. Any Master Gardener with a deep interest or expertise in growing flowers, veggies, etc., - especially growing for a farm market or restaurant or growing using indoor systems or greenhouse, should consider joining this group. Of course one receives continuing education hours for attending meetings with speakers. Contact Linda Heavrin with City Parks/Lawton Greenhouse at or Blake or Brian Young at Young s Greenhouse for information and a membership form. Our next meeting) is at the Allen County Extension office on March 12 at 6:30 PM. I will be the speaker for the evening.

5 Houseplants By AMG Peg Erpelding This time of year when we are cooped up in our homes or at work, summer seems so far away. But there are several ways to bring the feeling of those lush, green summer days by sharing our home/work with live plants. Not only are plants a lift-me-up this time of year, a decorative addition, but living plants can be critical to indoor living. Scientists have found live plants to be quite helpful in absorbing harmful gasses and therefore clean the air we breathe. Tightly sealed homes and offices can become a hostile environment. NASA has done research on sophisticated pollution absorbing devices, one of which was commonly used house plants. The Foliage For Clean Air Council recommends a minimum of 2 plants per 100 sq. ft. of floor space in an average home. Plants absorb contaminants such as; formaldehyde & benzene. These contaminants are released into the indoor air from building materials, furniture, carpeting, ozone from copying machines and fumes from cleaning solvents. Also radon and second hand smoke residue are lessened by living plants. In the study by NASA over a dozen varieties of common indoor plants were placed in sealed, Plexiglas chambers, formaldehyde was introduced, within 24 hours the plants, philodendron, spider plants and Golden pothos, removed 80% of the formaldehyde molecules from the chambers. NASA has also identified that flowering plants such as Gerbera Daisy and Chrysanthemum are extremely effective in purifying interior air. Plants reduce levels of carbon dioxide, increase relative humidity and reduce airborne dust levels. Some of these hard working plants are: Peace lily removes alcohols and acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. Boston fern removes most pollutants, especially formaldehyde. Ficus Alil removes pollutants, formaldehyde. Dwarf Date Palm most pollutants especially xylene. English ivy most pollutants, especially formaldehyde. Dracaena most pollutants, especially trichloroethylene. Rubber plant most pollutants, especially formaldehyde. Bamboo palm removes benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. Spider plant formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. Variegated Snake plant formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. Just a word of caution, these plants are very helpful in cleaning the indoor air that we breathe, but one must keep in mind that several of these plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Always remember to do your research before introducing any plants into your home, especially if you share your space with a 4 legged companion. Interested in Sharing? If you would be interested in writing an educational gardening column for Across The Fence, please contact me at bloominthing@gmail.com and share your idea with me. I need an article that is no more than words and you can include pictures to go with it, or I will add clipart or pictures and captions, etc. I reserve the right to edit for grammar and punctuation and sometimes for clarity. Also if the article is too large, I will edit for size. When I m in doubt about the content of an article, Ricky will preview and make the final decision of whether or not to add it to the newsletter. A big THANK YOU to those of you who are already submitting columns it is very much appreciated. Jane

6 Broccoli By MG Bethany Beebe I like broccoli. My trouble with the gorgeous green product is not the taste; rather, it is one of those words whose spelling never looks right to me. Are there two c s or two l s? Skimming Pinterest the other day, I noticed someone had posted a list of when to plant the seeds indoors so that seedlings would be ready for inclusion in a spring garden. (Incidentally, according to Purdue publication HO-186 we can plant seedlings of broccoli plants outside between March 15-April 15; edu/ext/ho-186.pdf.) Even if you purchase this relatively inexpensive product at the grocery store rather than growing it yourself, the benefits that come with it are a gift to your body, with antioxidants, anti-inflamatories, and loads of vitamins. One cup has 55 calories and 244.5% of our recommended daily value of Vitamin K and 134.9% recommended daily value of Vitamin C, among other highly-present vitamins and nutrients. Research indicates that significant reductions in colon, prostate, breast, ovarian, and bladder cancer occur with as little as two servings of two cups per week. Scientists are doing research and suspect other types of cancer could also be warded off by eating this vegetable. For every good reason to eat the stuff, there are many ways to prepare it. I started out wanting to know the proper way to prepare the product as it is. I am trying to turn over a new leaf (no garden pun intended) and actually eating my food as the food rather than simply nuking everything and then adding salt and butter. I visited the Internet, where I found great directions for how to prepare this vegetable given various conditions. Whether you want it as the perfect pizza topping or you want to just serve it as a simple side with salmon, the directions are all there. The USDA s recipe finder web site had a particularly great looking salad. Combined with some of my favorite vegetables like spinach, romaine, peppers, carrots, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, they recommend use of your favorite non-fat dressing to complete this dish. If something warm and comfort-foodie is more up your alley, there is a fantastic broccoli and corn bake that sounded like it could be a main dish as well as a side to me. This time of year, especially, I love soup, and broccoli and potato together speaks to the native Midwesterner in me. One of the reasons I avoid canned soups, no matter how much I want to dig into them during the cold weather, is the high levels of sodium. Here is a broccoli soup recipe that has some dairy to make me happy and allows the maker to control the amount of sodium recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/recipes/ cream-broccoli-soup. Vegetarians like me can simply substitute the chicken stock for vegetable stock or water. With so many options and so many benefits, no matter how you spell it, you can enjoy this great seasonal food! 5th Annual Blooms A Busting Lawn and Garden Show Saturday, March 8, 2014 Free Admission - Door Prizes - Free Parking Over 700 plants in the plant sale area In the Main Expo Hall, Lawrence County 4-H Fairgrounds U.S. Hwy. 50 one mile west of State Road 37 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. (EST) For info: www3.ag.purdue.edu/counties/ lawrence/pages/default.aspx Saturday, March 29, 2014 Warrick County 4-H Fairgrounds 133 E. Degonia Road Boonville, IN Alcoa Building 8 a.m. Noon CDT SPONSORED BY Warrick County Master Gardeners 7:30 a.m. - Registration, DONUTS AND COFFEE Seminar counts for 4 hours of continuing education credits for Master Gardeners Seminar is open to the public. For more information and to REGISTER please contact: Amanda Mosiman Purdue Extension (812) Or bailey1@purdue.edu

7 New Release: For Immediate Release From: Allen County Extension office 4001 Crescent Ave. Fort Wayne, Indiana Garden Basics Gardening Seminars offered at area Library Branches Purdue Horticulture Extension Educator Ricky Kemery, will present four Garden Basics seminars at area library branches and the Allen County Extension office this spring. The seminars will focus on perennials, vegetables, Trees, and invasive Plants. Ricky writes feature articles for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and Fort Wayne Magazine and appears weekly on WBNI, WBOI and WGL radio programs, and also appears on Rick Wolfe s House Calls radio program. After the seminars, Ricky will answer general gardening questions from attendees, and diagnose samples of plants with disease or insect problems. Seminar locations: Monday, April 14th The Realistic Perennial Garden - Aboite Library Branch 6:30-7:30 PM Monday, April 28 Growing Healthy and Nutritious Vegetables- the Organic Way Pontiac Branch Library 6:30-7:30 PM Saturday, April 26 Backyard Invaders- Dealing with Invasive Plants Allen County Extension office 10:00 AM Saturday May 3 Basic Tree Care - Allen County Extension office 10:00 AM March 2014 Across The Fence Volume 16 Issue 3

8 March 2014 Across The Fence Volume 16 Issue 3

9 March 2014 Across The Fence Volume 16 Issue 3

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11 Advanced Master Gardener Training - Diagnostics CSI Solving the Mystery of Plant Problem Diagnosis Ricky D. Kemery, Purdue Horticulture Extension Educator - Allen County For several years, I have offered special advanced training to Master Gardeners in Allen County in the area of plant diagnostics. Learning how to diagnose insect, disease, and people pressure problems in landscapes and gardens is both an art-and a science. Master Gardeners who go through this training learn skills that make them better able to serve the needs of citizens; plus it is a valuable learning opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills. In 2014, I am opening up this summer training located primarily at our Allen County Extension office to any Master Gardener from Area 11(including Allen County) who might want to participate. This summer training will be held on Wednesdays and will run from 9:30 AM to 2:30 pm (with a break for lunch). I will only take a very limited number of volunteers. I am looking for dedicated volunteers who can attend all the sessions. There will be a practicum at the end. If you pass the test, then you will be given a certificate which acknowledges your achievement. The training is intense and hands on. Participants receive a notebook of resources to help them with plant diagnosis. Take a look at the schedule below and sign up if you are interested. As I mentioned only a very limited number of volunteers will be admitted in the program. Obviously, all the training hours will count for continuing certification hours. Years of service and a commitment to attend the training sessions will be part of the criteria for admittance. Advanced Training for Master Gardeners - Plant Diagnostics Schedule Location: Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne Indiana Time: (on the IPFWI University campus) 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (with an hour break for lunch on your own) May 21 Introduction - The process of Plant Diagnostics - Solving the Mystery Investigative Techniques - How to use Microscopes - Using Your Notebooks. Seasonal Plant issues - Apps for Plant ID and Diagnosis. Useful Diagnostic Forms/Procedures May 28 Pesticides - Class Lighting Round Presentations. Looking at Samples - Giving Recommendations June 4 Spring Insect and Diseases Presentations - Diagnosis samples- Outdoor Lab June 11 People Pressure Issues/Critters Presentations Diagnosis lab Outdoor Lab June 18 Summer Insect and Diseases Presentations - Sample Diagnosis - Outdoor Lab June 25 Lawn Insects, Disease and Weeds Outdoor Lab July 2 Tours and Site Visits (how to work with citizens) July 9 Final Practicum and Awards Registration Form - CSI Solving the Mystery of Plant Problem Diagnosis Name Date Address Phone Years of service as a Master Gardener Yes I would like to participate in the CSI Solving the Mystery of Plant Problem Diagnosis training. To the best of my knowledge, I can attend all the training sessions and the final exam. Some training sessions or part of a session will be held outdoors. Moderate walking is a part of the outdoor labs. You will be expected to be prepared for outdoor activity. Wear appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, a clipboard would all be items you might need for this training. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Ricky Kemery at or kemeryr@purdue.edu You will be notified of your acceptance into the training by April 21. We will then ask for your fee to be paid by check or money order to Purdue Education Fund by May 7. Please do not send any money now (Cost is $30). Wait for your acceptance letter or .

12 NE Indiana Spring Landscape Meeting Roots Roadshow The Roots Roadshow is a new Educational Initiative from Purdue University Landscape Horticulture designed to address tree establishment and care issues within the Landscape Industry. This workshop is based upon requests from landscape professionals for more education in this area. Roots Roadshow will be valuable for both new and established landscape professionals. With up to 60% of newly-planted urban trees failing to survive their first 10 years, let s learn together how to increase the survival rate of trees planted in urban landscapes. Sponsored by the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service Where: Allen County Extension office 4001 Crescent Ave. Fort Wayne Indiana When: Friday March 28, :00 am-12:30 pm Parking: Extension Office lot or parking garage #1 (across from office on Broyes drive) 4 CCH s have been approved for Category 3A and 4 CCH s for category 2 7:30 am Registration 8:00-9:00 am Insect & Disease Review Ricky D. Kemery, Purdue Horticulture Extension Educator Ricky will discuss major insect and disease issues of :00-10:00 am All About Tree Roots - Root Anatomy, Physiology, Water & Nutrient Movement, RootPruning & Growth - Kyle Daniel, Purdue Landscape Horticulture Specialist Kyle will discuss basic tree root physiology, how water and nutrients move in the roots, root growth and response to fertilizer applications 10:00 11:00 am Tree Planting How Proper Planting & Tree Health Relates to Reduced Pesticide & Fertilizer Use - Kyle Daniel, Purdue University Landscape Horticulture Specialist Kyle will discuss basic tree root physiology, how water and nutrients move in the roots, root growth and response to fertilizer applications 11:00 am 12:00 pm Soils & Fertility, Rescuing Trees - Kyle Daniel, Purdue University Landscape Horticulture Specialist Optimal soil health results in healthy trees- a discussion of soil preparation techniquesdifferent fertilizer application methods and types Advance prepaid registration required. Space limited to the first 50 registrants. Mail this registration form with a check or money order made out to Purdue CES Ed Fund to: Allen County Extension Office, ATTN. Spring Turf & Ornamentals MTG, 4001 Crescent Ave, Fort Wayne IN, Deadline: Registr ations must be postmar ked by Fr iday, Mar ch 21. Walk-ins cannot be accepted. Registrations received after the class is full will be returned. REGISTRATION FORM Number of Registrants $30.00 per person TOTAL ENCLOSED Name Company Name Phone Mail registration form with check or money order made out to Purdue CES Ed Fund to: Allen County Extension Office, ATTN. Spring Turf & Ornamentals MTG, 4001 Crescent Ave, Fort Wayne IN, To receive credits, attendees MUST sign an attendance sheet at the end of the session with Pesticide license ID #. Questions? Call the Allen County Extension office, (260) , option 3, OR (260) Purdue Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. A note about parking: IPFW has become a very busy university. There is a parking garage (parking garage # 1) located across from the extension office. Do NOT park in areas designated as A parking. If garage #1 is full, park in garage #2 March 2014 Across The Fence Volume 16 Issue 3

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