Oak Sawflies
Oak Sawflies are tiny fly-like, nonstinging wasps. The short-lived adults feed on pollen and nectar and do not cause any feeding damage, but their caterpillar-like larvae, on mass, can create extensive damage to oak canopies. There are several species of Oak Sawflies such as scarlet oak sawfly (Caliroa quercuscoccineae) which is native to the eastern… Continue reading Oak Sawflies
Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider
The black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) goes by many names including writing spider, zipper spider, black and yellow Argiope, golden orb-weaver, and corn spider. The names describe the appearance of the mature female, the web design or where the spider is commonly found. This is one of the larger orb-weaving spiders whose females… Continue reading Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider
Yellowing Yews
Yellowing Yews (Taxus spp.) can be caused by a variety of things such as the soil being too wet or too dry, disease, insect pests, winter desiccation, salt damage, snow damage, animal grazing, animal urine, transplant shock, nutritional deficiency or too high or too low of a soil pH. Properly diagnosing the problem takes a… Continue reading Yellowing Yews
Pear Slugs (Caliroa cerasi) on Purple Leaved Sand Cherry
Pear slugs or pear sawfly (Caliroa cerasi), are also known as cherry slugs. They are pests of several fruit trees primarily pear and cherry (including purple leaved sand cherry), but also plum, quince, serviceberry, Juneberry and occasionally apple. They also feed on a few ornamentals such as cotoneaster, hawthorn, buttonbush, and mountain ash. Pear slugs are… Continue reading Pear Slugs (Caliroa cerasi) on Purple Leaved Sand Cherry
Tar Spot on Maple Leaves
Tar spot is a common fungal disease of maple trees. The fungus attacks maple leaves in the spring causing pale spots that continue to grow in size, turning yellow then eventually to raised black spots by fall. The black spots look like spots of tar on the leaves, and thus its name. There are several… Continue reading Tar Spot on Maple Leaves
Hydrangea Wood Borers
Hydrangea Wood Borers tunnel through the inside of stems, branches, trunks and larger roots, damaging the vascular system that is essential for the transportation of food and water for the plant. This causes wilting and yellow of leaves as well as branch and stem dieback. In small numbers they are easy to control simply by… Continue reading Hydrangea Wood Borers
Vole Problems in Ornamental Gardens, Lawns, Orchards and Vegetable Gardens
Voles are small mouse-like rodents that can be highly destructive to lawns, ornamental gardens, vegetable gardens, orchards, forests and some field crops. They tunnel around underground creating an elaborate network of tunnels from which they use to feed on roots, tubers, and bulbs. Above ground they feed on seeds, berries, fruits, vegetables, herbs, grasses and… Continue reading Vole Problems in Ornamental Gardens, Lawns, Orchards and Vegetable Gardens
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias with their daisy-like flowers and long blooming time are real work horses in the mid-summer to mid-fall gardens. They are all native to North America, easy to grow and relatively disease and pest free. There are 25 species in all with many varieties and cultivars offering a range of colours from bright yellow, through… Continue reading Rudbeckias
Ornamental Garden Calendar for November
Trees and Shrubs Pruning wrapped up in the first half of Sept. Efforts this month involve helping the trees and shrubs to prepare for winter. Perennial Annuals Weeds Turf Misc. Photo credits: all photos taken by the author. All rights reserved Terms of use Continue reading Ornamental Garden Calendar for November
Leaf Spot Diseases of Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia are known for being real work horses in the mid-summer to mid-fall garden. They are also known for being low maintenance and fairly pest and disease free. However, there are a few leaf spot diseases that can greatly mar the appearance of Rudbeckia, especially certain species, varieties or cultivars. Following are the leaf spot… Continue reading Leaf Spot Diseases of Rudbeckia
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Horticulture For Home Gardeners 