View of the Ute Learning Project at the CSU Extension.

Transcription

1 Succulent Morsels News of the Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society August 2012 Vol. 4, No. 8 To promote knowledge, enjoyment, cultivation, and conservation of cacti and other succulent plants among its members, other individuals and organizations throughout West-Central Colorado AUGUST PROGRAM: The Ute Ethnobotanical Garden Project View of the Ute Learning Project at the CSU Extension. Michael Calabro is a real history buff who is a museum docent at the Museum of the West, Dinosaur Journey, Cross Orchard Living History Museum, Rabbit Valley Trail through Time, Dinosaur Hill, Fruita Paleo Area, and does downtown history walking tours! We feel very lucky to have Mike present our August program on the Ute Ethnobotanical Garden Project at the CSU Extension, Mesa County Fairgrounds. He gave us a little preview of his presentation here: Ute Indians lived here before us. They were hunters, warriors, gatherers and they survived by relying on each other. They believed that Before there were People, there was only the land. And, after our life is done the land still remains. (Quote from a Uintah and Ouray Ute Indian Reservation publication). What can we learn from them? The Ute Learning Garden is an attempt to show how they lived and survived. It is also a place the Northern Ute Elders bring the Ute children in order to teach them some of the traditional ways. We ll talk about brain curing animal hides, making baking powder from Four-Wing saltbush,

2 A Ramada shelter at the Learning Garden where programs are presented. lemonade from berries of the Three Leaf Sumac, and getting sunscreen from Aspen bark. Some of the questions we ll discuss include how to survive when the hunting was poor, what stories were told during the long winters, how was springtime celebrated, what customs did they have from marriage and divorce--and others. More about Michael Calabro... Mike tells us that he and his wife, Elaine, moved to Colorado in 1969 after reading about the state in the National Geographic. They moved to Nebraska into a 7000 sq. foot home built in 1905 which they converted into a bed and breakfast that made the National Register of History Places. When they sold it, they moved to Craig, and retired to Grand Junction four years later. That was 12 years ago! Mike s background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, working for 40 years in baking, hospital administration and private investment. He is a U.S. Army Combat Engineer with service in Vietnam. He s been a Master Gardener for four years, and is currently completing a Native Plant Master certification. No doubt, this program should be very interesting and educational! CENTURY AGAVES - R.I.P.! As all good things must come to an end, the spectacular showing of the Agave parryi and Agave neomexicana at the CSU Extension garden have both developed the wobblies --better known as the pre-death throes of the amazing plants, preceding their falling over. The tallest of the plants reached over 13.5 feet, and both are now producing seeds. Hopefully, these seeds can be collected, planted, and new agaves emerge from the ashes. The photos on the next page show details of this event: 2

3 This Agave neomexicana has at least one viable offset emerging to the left of the mother plant. This Agave parryi, unfortunately, does not appear to have offsets, and must rely on seeds for regeneration. Leaning towers and magnificent flowers! 3

4 TO GIVE AWAY! Don Campbell share that I've got a bunch volunteer seedlings of Datura (meteloides) wrightii available to anyone interested in coming by and digging them. This plant is also known as Jimsonweed, Thorn Apple and Moon Flower. It is said the plants contain alkaloids similar to that in other plant hallucinogens, but users for that purpose (human), typically land in the hospital ER after consuming the plant. This doesn t keep bee and caterpillar junkies from sampling the leaves and the nectar. The flowers are lovely and the plant delightful, unless you are phobic about caterpillars! If interested in acquiring some of these delightful plants, contact Don at or campbell.di.cj@bresnan.net Datura (Meteloides wrightii) DATURA JUNKIES or... A Backyard Horror Story Contributed by Don Campbell Three honey bees junkies sucking in tropane alkaloids-loaded nectar and pollen Manduca sexta, Full-grown tobacco hornworm larva junkie (on left) & Manduca quinquemaculata, Full-grown tomato hornworm larva junkie (on right) nibbling on Datura (meteloides) wrightii. The following "Quick Facts" were extracted from a Colorado State University Extension bulletin titled: Hornworms and Hummingbird Moths by W.S. Cranshaw + Hornworms are among the largest caterpillars found in Colorado. + Adult stages of hornworms are known as sphinx, hawk, or hummingbird moths. The Botanical Gazette 1983 The University of Chicago Press reports that Manduca moths feeding on Datura. (meteloides) wrightii flowers in Arizona behaved in an intoxicated manner. Since all parts of this plant, including the flowers, are known to contain tropane alkaloids, and such alkaloids may well occur in the nectar also. Intoxicating substances in nectar or other plant and floral tissues could represent a new or little known type of floral reward that may attract these insects. However, it's more than just a little bit creepy to contemplate a bunch of intoxicated delirious 'Datura Junkies' crawling and flying around the backyard. For a humorous Post Script to this wormy article, turn to page 11, On the Lighter Side. 4

5 MORE FREEBIES! Don also has a couple of "white-flowered" chollas (without tomato or tobacco worms) that are available to be dug out completely or one can take sizable cuttings. He is also offering several large overgrown Yucca bacattae, (banana yucca) that need some "severe" pruning. Anyone interested in trying to make some yucca fiber cordage is welcome to come do a bit of pruning--(don says he may even help with the pruning). The Chinle Society has a number of both 2.5 & 3.5 inch square pots for sale to members: 2.5 " 25 each and 3.5 " 35 each. These pots are FREE to any member wanting some of these to pot up cuttings etc. for donation to or sale by the Chinle C&S Society. They are currently stored at Don s house. If interested, contact Don Campbell at or campbell.di.cj@bresnan.net FASCINATING JULY PROGRAM BY BOBBI IRWIN Over 30 members and guests enjoyed Bobbie Irwin s wonderful program on yucca and agave. She cleverly and humorously used the metaphor of a shopping trip to an Anasazi (or Ancestral Puebloan) mall to reveal the multiple uses for the plants! There are species of yucca, all native to this continent, with the Yucca glauca most common in the eastern plains and the Harriman's and Yucca baccata found in the west and at higher elevations. Their leaves are stiff and long with a sharp spike. They bloom periodically ( when they feel like it, per Bobbie), grow from seed well and can be grown, albeit slowly, from cuttings of their rhizome roots. The root of the yucca contains a natural soap-like substance, known to enhance the appearance of black hair. The Soapweed yucca was commonly used for cleansing and as a ritual shampoo. The fruits and young flower stalks are naturally sweet. The dried leaves were used to make baskets, and even toys and dolls. The extracted fiber of the yucca and agave was used to make cordage for sandals and woven with fur for clothing. Leaving the sharp spike on the end of the extracted fiber strands created a natural needle and thread. Separated fibers made an excellent paintbrush, particularly for decorating pottery. Cordage (twine) in various sizes was used to weave mats, hunting snares and nets, and the spiked leaves as defensive weapons. The plants have been ground and used as emergency feed for livestock. The yucca plant has pharmaceutical uses as a diuretic, laxative, childbirth aide, and splints for broken bones, to mention a few. Bobbie is a weaver and spinner and travels extensively to lecture and teach classes about fiber arts. At the end of her talk, she showed us the step-by-step preparation of yucca fiber. Bobbi first boils the yucca leaves for about 3hrs, which breaks down the fibers to enable separation into strands. 5

6 As shown on the photos to the left, she uses a variety of tools to brush and separate the yucca fibers, which are surprisingly tough and resiliant. When sufficient separated fiber is obtained, she spins the fiber by two methods. First, rolling the fibers on the thigh to produce a cord--the way the Native Americans produced cordage. And second, spinning the fibers by using her fingers to twist the cord one way and then another. She said she has tried it both ways, and the old Native American way is the quickest, but the quality of the cord isn t as uniform. The bottom photo shows a sandal Bobbi made, using a different type of cordage and colors in the manner of the ancient Native American weavers. 6

7 My Technique for Plant Watering with Ammonium Sulfate and Acidified Water Don I. Campbell - June 2012 The July-Aug, 2010 issue of the CSSA Cactus and Succulent Journal had an article titled, Ammonium Nitrogen and Acidic Water for Xerophytic Plant Growth. In the Nov-Dec, 2010 issue of the Journal there was a follow-up article titled Watering Systems for Success in Growing Plants, Using Low ph and Ammonium Nitrogen. The watering systems described were a bit more complicated than what most of us are interested in taking on. The October 2011 issue of the Colorado C&S Society newsletter contained an article by Keith Woestehoff titled, Experimenting with Ammonium Sulfate and Acidic Water. In his article, Keith discusses his formulation, technique and the results he s experienced. Following is a brief description of the process I m using to acidify my tap water and incorporate ammonium sulfate into my regular watering regimen. Water provided by the Ute Water Conservancy District in the Redlands comes out of the tap with a ph of about 8.0. I ve found that adding 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar (5% acidity) to one gallon of tap water will lower the ph to the recommended level of about 5.0 to 5.5. (Water from other providers may have a different ph). I use a wide spectrum ph test indicator kit (range from 4.0 to 8.5) purchased from Desert Bloom Hydroponics, 445 Pitkin Ave. in Grand Junction. As indicated in the articles by Keith and in the CSSA Journal, one should periodically check the ph of their water. Following some testing, calculating and a bit of guessing, I ve adopted the following plant watering formulation. Add 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar (5% acidity), 1 teaspoon of a granular ammonium sulfate ( guaranteed analysis), 1/4 teaspoon of a granular water soluble fertilizer ( guaranteed analysis), and enough tap water to fill a one gallon plastic container. Mix thoroughly and slowly apply the mixture to the soil in the top of the pot. Allow a small amount of the solution to drain out the bottom of the pot but do not allow the pots to stand in any of the surplus water. Recently, on my watering day, I began mixing a concentrate of the vinegar, ammonium sulfate and fertilizer to speed up the mixing and watering process. Here s how I do it. In a 1 quart (32 oz) plastic bottle with a screw top lid add; + 4 teaspoons of a granular ammonium sulfate ( guaranteed analysis). + 1 teaspoon of a granular water soluble fertilizer ( guaranteed analysis) + Add 4 teaspoons of distilled white vinegar (5% acidity) Fill the quart bottle about 3/4 full with hot water, cap and shake vigorously until the ammonium sulfate and fertilizer granules are completely dissolved. Some forms of ammonium sulfate do not dissolve as easily as others and may require a bit more shaking. Top off the quart bottle with enough cool water to make an even quart (32 ounces). One can easily expand the quantities shown above to mix larger quantities of the concentrate. I add 1 cup (8 ounces) of this concentrate along with with enough tepid tap water to fill my 1 gallon plastic watering can. Be aware that if acetic acid (vinegar) is mixed with water and allowed to sit for some time, the ph level may climb. Therefore, the concentrate should be used reasonably soon after mixing. Plastic containers are recommended when mixing and applying the low ph and ammonium sulfate water. During periods of plant dormancy, you should probably use only the acidified water, eliminating the fertilizer and ammonium sulfate from your water mixture. 7 (Continued next page)

8 (Continued from previous page) Twice a year (March & September) I add one ounce of Bayer Advanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Formula to each gallon of my acidified plant watering mixture. The active ingredient in the Bayer Advanced formula is 1.47% Imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide. Be aware that my rate of application of the Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub formula is greater than what is recommended on the label. The Bayer Advanced also contains a guaranteed fertilizer. There is also a Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control formulation that contains only 0.47% of the Imidacloprid. If you use the 3-in-1 formula you will need to add about 3 ounces per gallon to get the same level of the active systemic Imidacloprid ingredient. The authors of the CSSA articles indicate that the low ph regimen aids in the absorption of systemic pesticides such as Imidacloprid. JULY GARDEN PARTIES July11th Garden Party - CSU Extension Gardens Gardeners at the July 11th CSU Garden Party included Loren and Maryann Benoit, Don Campbell, Bob Bubel, Tom Burrows and Janet & Bill Hassell. Despite the dryness and severe heat, the gardens continue to do well--not so much the gardeners!. (L to R) Bill Hassell, Bob Bubel, Maryann Benoit & Loren Benoit discuss buckets vs wheelbarrows for weed collection. (L to R) Maryann Benoit, Tom Burrows, Bob Bubel and Loren Benoit enjoy the Goody Break. Ripening seed pods on Agave parryi (L) and Agave neomexicano (R), seen July 11th, 2012, at the CSU Extension Gardens. 8 Photo by Don Campbell.

9 July 28th Garden Party - WC Botanical Gardens Gardeners at the July 28th party shown below included Maryann & Loren Benoit, Bob Bubel, Tom Burrows, Janet & Bill Hassell, Kay Klausmeier, Deb Mallory, Martin Pitts (w/catherine & Anderson) andjack Neckels. Bob Bubel (L) & Tom Burrows (R) tackle the weeds early on Saturday. Jack Neckles tidies up an area in front. (L to R) Maryann Benoit, Tom Burrows, Bill Hassell, Deb Mallory, Kay Klausmeier & Bob Bubel take a well deserved Goody Break. Janet Hassell is behind the camera. 9

10 TWO MORE LOVELY PHOTO CONTEST ENTRIES Julie Bursi sends us a photo of an Echinopsis sp. dominos on the left, and a Lobivia on the right, probably Lobivia wrightiana winteriana. Thanks, Julie! Echinopsis sp. dominos - Julie Bursi Lobivia wrightiana winteriana Julie Bursi Not a photo contest entry--just an example of our beautiful cactus & succulent garden at the WCBG, 7/28/12. 10

11 ON THE LIGHTER SIDE In her presentation at the July meeting, Bobbi Irwin showed the group a little-known petroglyph found at the Anasazi Shopping Mall, shown on the left. It got a good chuckle from the audience! Not to be out-done, Don Campbell recalls that anyone old enough to remember Gene Autry, America s Favorite Singing Cowboy from the 1930 s and 1940 s will surely remember one of his most famous songs... I'm back in the saddle again, out where a friend is a friend Where the longhorn cattle feed on the lowly gypsum weed Back in the saddle again Ridin' the range once more, totin' my old.44 Where you sleep out every night, and the only law is right Back in the saddle again Whoopi-ty-aye-oh, rockin' to and fro Back in the saddle again Whoopi-ty-aye-yay, I go my way Back in the saddle again However, it's rumored that before he became the Singing Cowboy he debuted as the Singing Gardener. Doubtful any of you are able to recall an earlier version of this western classic that began... I'm back in the garden again, out where the hawkmoths breed! And the longhorn junkies feed on the lowly jimsonweed, Back in the garden again! ( For reasons unknown to me, this earlier version never caught on?) 11

12 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST-DECEMBER 2012 AUG 6 AUG 8 AUG 9 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 9 am Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: The Ute Ethnobotanical Garden Project Presenter: Michael Calabro 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds AUG 25 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 9 am SEPT 4 SEPT 5 SEPT 13 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 9 am Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: Medicinal Uses of Cacti Presenters: Janet Hassell, Judy McCart 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds SEPT 22 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 9 am OCT 1 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO OCT 3 WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 9 am OCT 11 Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: Cacti & Succulents for Cold Climates & Book Signing Presenter: Author, Leo Chance 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds OCT 20 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 9 am LAST PARTY FOR 2012 NOV 5 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO NOV 8 DEC 3 DEC 13 Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: Members Present Their Favorite Genera - Plus Show & Tell 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ ANNUAL DINNER MEETING 12

13 Deb Mallory gazes at the petroglyphs found off Old Gordon s Trail, Colorado National Monument Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society Board President: Bill Hassell Secretary/Web Master: Tom Burrows Treasurer: Loren Benoit Vice President: Lynn Dunham Member at Large: Judy McCart Newsletter Ed: Janet Hassell Garden Committee: Maryann Benoit Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society usually meets the 2 nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are held in the Sagebrush Room at the Grand Junction Fair Grounds. Guests are always welcome. CHINLE C&SS WEBSITE: CSU WEBSITE LINK: 13