Coreopsis 'Cosmic Evolution' PPAF (Big BangTM Series)

Large 2 to 3 inch creamy white flowers with a gold button center blooms from early summer into early fall. During the cooler months, magenta coloring radiates out from the center of the flower onto the petals.
Common name: Threadleaf.
Zones 5 to 9.
Full sun.
Plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide.Growth rate: Moderate, Easy to grow.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Dianthus Early Bird™ Series

Recent advances in breeding have produced a wide selection of Dianthus varieties that are both stars in the border and are versatile enough for container use.

A case in point, the Dianthus Early Bird™ Series from Whetman Pinks Ltd. and PlantHaven. Not only are they early flowering, their fragrant double flowers are available in Lavender with maroon eye flowers (Dianthus Fizzy PPAF), white (Dianthus Frosty PPAF), crimson red (Dianthus Radiance PPAF) and magenta (Dianthus Sherbert PPAF). All are compact enough for enough for containers, and are hardy to at least Zone 5.

Coral Bells clean-up

Whether evergreen or dormant, heuchera leaves will get scruffy over the winter. Before spring sprouts, promote healthy new growth by cutting old foliage and flower stems.

Mildred Seaver will be missed

We received this word this morning that Mildred Seaver, a noted hosta hybridizer and friend too many, died this morning after a brief illness. Mildred was known for the vast number of hostas that she had introduced, including Hosta ‘Spilt Milk’, ‘Sea Dream', ‘Sea Monster’, ‘Sea Thunder’, ‘Christmas Tree’, ‘Deep Blue Sea’, ‘Komodo Dragon’, ‘Queen of the Seas’ and many more. She continued to garden until failing health forced her to move into a retirement home a few years back. She was a regular attendee at hosta conventions as long as her health permitted. She was flamboyant, outspoken and great fun to be around. She was 98. She is survived by her son, Charlie Seaver, also a hosta hybridizer, and her daughter, Muriel Seaver Brown. 

Memorials in Mildred’s memory may be sent to the Alex J Summers Memorial Fund, c/o Claudia Walker, 10525 Timberstone Road, Alpharetta, GA  30022.

Brown marmorated stink bug spreading across U.S.

Initially reported around Allentown, Pennsylvania, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), or Halyomorpha halys (Stal), has become a crop pest and household nuisance throughout Maryland and adjacent states. Native to Asia, BMSB is thought to have arrived through shipping material and is now established throughout the Mid‐Atlantic and parts of the West Coast. This invasive species is an excellent hitchhiker and has entered over half of the contiguous United States. Life cycle As BMSB is a relatively new pest, we are still learning about the pest’s life cycle. Entomologists have reported one generation per year in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but West Virginia researchers have seen 2 generations a year (Nielsen and Hamilton 2010, Holtz and Kamminga 2010). A warmer climate speeds the BMSB development process, and life stage development depends on daylight and temperatures. In BMSB’s native habitat, research suggests 4‐6 generations per year. The following life history facts are based on the BMSB life history in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned to University of Maryland Extension updates and the IPM Pest Alert which go out every Friday from March through October. We will post additional life cycle information as the research continues. The eggs are light green to almost white in color and are laid in clusters of 25‐30. Eggs are often on the underside of leaves and can be found from May through August. Over time, a female BMSB can deposit over 200 elliptical‐shaped eggs. Monitor for these eggs by examining the undersides of foliage. The BMSB nymph has five instars, or juvenile development stages. The nymph ranges from 2.4 mm to 12 mm in length. Nymphs are characterized by dark reddish eyes and a yellowish‐red abdomen with black striping. The antennae of the nymphs are similar to adults—black with white banding. Pennsylvania’s nymph population peaks in July and August, while adult populations are highest in September. BMSB overwinters as an immature adult in houses and other structures. They are typically inactive during the winter months, but indoor heating has kept many stink bugs moving this year.

Georgia Hosta Society 2011 Hosta Leaf Show and Plant Sale

Hosta Show and Plant Sale:  May 7, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
New Location: Conference Center at DeKalb Technical CollegeAs one of the oldest local Hosta Societies in the United States, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, the GHS holds the distinction of having the most local shows of any group within the American Hosta Society. GHS holds these shows as an educational project to help introduce the general public to the genus hosta. Hosta leaves are displayed in vases and are judged by panels of judges accredited by The American Hosta Society.

9th Annual Hall County Master Gardeners’ Spring GARDEN EXPO

April 8-9, 2011 — Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
& Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center

The Complete Garden Event, featuring over 50 exciting vendors, interesting gardening demos, hands on workshops & a children’s booth.

The best plant vendors in the state. Unusual and hard to find trees, shrubs, perennials, daylilies, ferns, Fall annuals, and hostas. Garden tools, equipment, art and so much more!

FREE ADMISSION – Great parking. Unbeatable prices.
Easy loading. Food available. Rain or Shine. NO PETS ALLOWED.
 

Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center located off of I-985N at Exit 20.
Follow the signs. 

Info.770.535.8293  
Sponsored In Conjunction With UGA Cooperative Extension - Hall County

See ya'll there!