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All too often people consider magnolias to be tender, southern plants. In reality, you can grow a number of magnolias in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. In the Morris area, we are on the northern edge of Zone 4b. Larger garden centers may carry some of these hardy magnolias. The following are the types you are most likely to see. Star Magnolia Star Magnolia, Magnolia kobus var. stellata is the major player in northern nurseries and gardens. It is beautiful all season long, but its early bloom helps signal spring's arrival. In late April or early May, its flower buds swell to reveal white, star-like blossoms with long petals. These fragrant flowers are six inches in diameter if spread flat. Leaves emerge with a bronze hue, changing to an attractive medium green throughout the rest of the growing season. Star magnolia's habit is uniform and upright, but branches are spreading and somewhat tiered. Plants can grow to be ten feet tall or more, and almost as wide. Fall color can range from a gold, butter yellow to a rust color. On occasion, the leaves may also fall off when they're still green. Once limbs are bare, you can already see flower buds for next season's bloom. These are an attractive silver-grey and offer interest throughout the winter. Centennial Blush Star Magnolia Pink buds open to incredibly full and wonderfully fragrant pale pink flowers in spring on this beautiful magnolia. Centennial Blush is a prolific bloomer with flower buds formed at almost every node yielding a fantastic floral display of delicate pink covering the entire plant. Attractive medium green foliage on an interesting branching structure follows in

the summer turning yellow to bronze in autumn. Centennial Blush can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree, perfectly suited for small urban gardens. Magnolia 'Elizabeth' Flower buds are tapered and open to primrose-yellow blooms which appear before leaves. At maturity, the flower measures up to 3" across. Deciduous tree with a pyramidal habit, rather upright. When planting any magnolia, start with a container grown plant. Magnolias do not tolerate the root disturbance associated with balling and burlapping or bare-rooting as readily as many other tree species. All magnolias will grow best in full sunlight. They will grow in light shade, but bloom will be more sparse and plant habit will be open and less symmetrical.

Magnolia Stellata Centennial Blush, located in the Horticulture Display Garden

Magnolias are adaptable to a variety of soil types, but adequate moisture is essential and you should avoid highly alkaline soils. Water during dry periods to keep your magnolia from wilting. Plant magnolias in protected locations out of the wind, if possible. Begin fertilizing as your magnolia is leafing out. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium applied annually will help keep it healthy. Use a granular, slow release fertilizer that will nourish the plant as it grows throughout the season. The spring after planting is a good time to begin fertilizing. Fortunately, there are no major insect or disease problems with these plants.

It has been a fantastic and busy year, and we are grateful to all of you who made it possible through your financial support and the giving of your time and talents. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead. In memory of Zip Bell by Wanda Gramm, Hancock, MN In memory of Marvin Brown by Bill & Phyllis Rickmeyer, Morris, MN In memory of Evelyn Davison by Keith Davison, Morris, MN In memory of Robert “Punk” DeGier by Jean DeGier, Hancock, MN by Wanda Gramm, Hancock, MN In memory of Geneal Luebke by Bill & Phyllis Rickmeyer, Morris, MN In memory of Dorothea Sperr by Elizabeth Ascheman, Morris, MN In memory of Anthony & Thelma Storck by Ted Storck, Morris, MN In memory of Jerry Tilden by Peg Furshong, Sacred Heart, MN Given to the Ken Anderson Memorial Garden by the Alexandria Garden Club, Alexandria, MN Given to the Horticultural Garden Pavilion by Stephen Burks, Morris, MN by Arlys & Wally Mumm, Montevideo, MN

Given to the Horticulture Development Fund by Alexandria Garden Club, Alexandria, MN by Robert & Mary Amundson, Chokio, MN by Marty & John Anderson, Morris, MN by Ralph J & Ann L Anderson, Sartell, MN by Warrenn & Jeri Anderson, Morris, MN by Jane E Bailey, Olympia, WA by Daniel & Patricia Benson, Murdock, MN by Nancy Bergo, Morris, MN by Marilyn J & Tim Beyer, Holloway, MN by Diane Borgendale, Montevideo, MN by LaVay J & Jarl E Borresen, Spicer, MN by Wilma F Bosch, Montevideo, MN by Ronald & Ann Branch, Alexandria, MN by Avis R Brandt, Morris, MN by Joyce Bretzman, Lakefield, MN by Dorothy B Chizek, Morris, MN by Barbara A and Paul E Christeson, Graceville, MN by Commercial Contractors Co of Melrose Inc, Melrose, MN by Cricket Ridge Farm, Ashby, MN by Vicki & Robert Dalager, Morris, MN by Jo Davison, Minneapolis, MN by Keith C Davison, Morris, MN by David E & Veronica A Day, Morris, MN by Daniel W & Maureen G Devereaux, Minneapolis, MN by Pearl E Diers, Morris, MN by Dosdall Farms, Hancock, MN by Kathleen G & Ted E Durkee, Eden Valley, MN by Jim L & Anne Eidsvold, Alexandria, MN by Gay Ekberg, Herman, MN by Steven & Karen J Ellis, Barrett, MN by Dale & Jonette Engan, Willmar, MN by Bernice E Erdahl, Morris, MN by Marjorie & Donald Erickson, Morris, MN by Diane Estum, Madison, MN by Sally J A & Bart D Finzel, Morris, MN by Stanley and Marilyn Freese, Murdock, MN by Friendly Garden Club, Starbuck, MN by Greg Fynboh, Donnelly, MN by Suzanne R & Ralph L Gerbig, Dawson, MN by Michael & Marilyn Ginsburg, Hector, MN by Al Glaeseman, Alexandria, MN by David & Judy Glaeseman, Buckeye, AZ by Van D & Susan L Gooch, Farwell, MN by Arden H Granger, Morris, MN by Green Thumb Garden Club, Kerkhoven, MN by Myron & Joy Haberer, Ashby, MN by Joanne Hagstrom, Morris, MN by Sara J & Bill Haugen, Farwell, MN by Phyllis H Hegland, Appleton, MN by Vivian M & Gerald Heltemes, Morris, MN by Diane M & Stephen G Henry, Alexandria, MN by Randee L & Steven P Hokanson, Morris, MN by Mary Beth Holmberg, Morris, MN by John Wiese Ford Inc, Sauk Centre, MN by Verdi A Johnson, Wheaton, MN by Mike Juenemann, Granite Falls, MN by Luann M Keifer, Rosholt, SD by Gretchen and Edward Kemp, Wheaton, MN

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by Arnold & Sharon Koehl, Hancock, MN by Beth A & Russ L Koehl, Morris, MN by Gloria J Koehl, Minneapolis, MN by Margaret A Kuchenreuther, Morris, MN by Lady Slipper Garden Club, Perham, MN by Michael E & Rhonda Lair, Morris, MN by Ardath M Larson, Morris, MN by Ronald B Larson, Montevideo, MN by Lawn & Driveway Service Inc, Morris, MN by Lory Lemke & Pieranna Garavaso, Morris, MN by George J & Shirley Libbon, Chokio, MN by Evelyn J Lindstrom, Morris, MN by John & Debra Luetmer, Morris, MN by Lois and Jerry Maher, Glenwood, MN by Marilyn M Mahoney, Morris, MN by John D & Mary L Mariani, Wayzata, MN by Barbara C McGinnis, Morris, MN by Merry Prairie Garden Club, Lester Prairie, MN by Janet & John Mesenbrink, Holloway, MN by Joanne S Miksis, Eugene, OR by Richard H & Kathryn L Moen, Alexandria, MN by Stanley & Pat Mumm, Hancock, MN by Jennifred G Nellis & Charles Fowler, Morris, MN by Sandra K Nelson, Hancock, MN by Lynda Nohl, Hancock, MN by Denise E & Thomas W Olson, Morris, MN by Heidi M Olson-Manska, Morris, MN by Curtis L & Elizabeth A B Ostenson, Elbow Lake, MN by James J & Nina I Overland, Wadena, MN by Paul Bankord Properties, Morris, MN by John Peternell, Albany, MN by Harold T & Sharon K Petersen, Murdock, MN by Lois M and Dale E Peterson, Morris, MN by Timothy and Dawn Poore, Morris, MN by Marjorie M Poppe, Morris, MN by Steven R & Cindy S Poppe, Morris, MN by Jean Porter, Tintah, MN by Donald C & Joan E Reicosky, Morris, MN by Thomas & Sara Rensink, Farwell, MN by Linda L & Karl P Retzlaff, Morris, MN by Jeanne E & Richard J Richards, Morris, MN by Phyllis A & William H Rickmeyer, Morris, MN by Carla J Riley, Morris, MN by Larry D & Wendy J Ringgenberg, Morris, MN by Lynn Riser, Morris, MN By Riverview Foundation, Morris, MN by Dorothy M and Thomas Rosemeier, Murdock, MN by Elizabeth H Russell, Waconia, MN by Delvin Scheldorf, Chokio, MN by Joanne Schmeichel, Odessa, MN by Dennis & Ruby Schmidgall, Morris, MN by Karla & Randy Schmiesing, Chokio, MN by Warren & Corryn Schoenherr, Morris, MN by Donald W & Phyllis J Shaw, Spicer, MN by Lenora L & Ray K Sibul, Morris, MN by Dennis & Monica Sleiter, Morris, MN by Mary A & William A Smith, Glenwood, MN by Barbara J Solvie, Morris, MN by Merrilee J Stahler, Morris, MN

by Jerome M & Marlene R Stein, Glenwood, MN by Esther M Steuck, Chokio, MN by Stevens County Extension Serv, Morris, MN by Robert M & Harriet Stevenson, Morris, MN by John & Janet Stone, Garfield, MN by John & Jill Storlien, Dawson, MN by LaVerne & Leland Swanson, Benson, MN by Courtland and Sylvia Swenson, Hoffman, MN by Robert Taylor, Lake Park, MN by Kathryn E & Richard A Thompson, Minneapolis, MN by Sara A & David O Thronsedt, Fergus Falls, MN by Dixie Tilden, Montevideo, MN by Till & Tell Garden Club, Chokio, MN by Marlene M Vogel, Morris, MN by Charles & Christine Volz, Raymond, MN by Ward B & Carol A Voorhees, Morris, MN by Heather L Waye & Peter C Dolan, Morris, MN by Carol Wilcox, Morris, MN by Willie's SuperValu, Morris, MN

Raspberries are an increasingly valuable horticultural crop in the United States. The US is the world’s 3rd largest raspberry producer, with acreage, price/lb and total sales increasing to a value of approximately $581 million in 2015. The majority of production takes place in California, Oregon and Washington, but local raspberry growers can be found throughout the US, employing a diversity of cultural practices that reflect the diversity of environments they are grown in. Despite the prevalence of national production, there is a scarcity of published research on weed control in raspberry and other bramble crops- especially within-row weed control, which is challenging for all producers. Studies have shown that within-row weeds have a negative effect on cane growth and mortality. The little research that is available focuses mainly on herbicide-based management. While herbicidal management can be effective, there are concerns about cost and environmental effects. Organic growers cannot use most herbicides, and sprays are not recommended for new plantings, when canes are most vulnerable to weed pressure. Thus organic growers are typically forced to rely on manual within-row weeding, which is time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive. Development of best practices for organic, within-row weed management of horticultural crops (both annual and perennial) is necessary for improving yields, profitability and reducing barriers to adoption. To address these issues we are investigate grit weeding as an alternative weed management strategy in organic, fall-bearing raspberry production at

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WCROC. Grit weeding is a practice in which a soft, abrasive substrate, typically an agricultural residue such as corn cob grit or rice husks, are propelled via compressed air towards weed seedlings for within-row weed control. Grit weeders can be cheaply produced by modifying a sandblasting device or pressure washer to be pulled by a small tractor. Since the practice utilizes decomposable agricultural waste it is cost-effective and can be used on organic systems. Grit weeding has demonstrated effective and selective weed control in corn, soybean, tomatoes and peppers without affecting yields. Unlike herbicidal management, grit weeding may have the potential to be used on new fruit and vegetable plantings.

The rate and frequency of grit application for effective weed control has been investigated, but never applied for use in perennial fruits. Before grit weeding can be recommended for organic horticultural production systems, we must investigate its effect on plant growth and development. If successful, integrating grit weeding into raspberry production may create systems that are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional practices, especially for organic growers who rely on manual weeding for within-row management. Funded by the North American Bramble Growers Research Foundation

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, SWD) is an invasive fruit fly that has been present in MN since 2012. Female SWD have a serrated ovipositor and are able to

infest in ripening fruit posing a significant risk to the U.S. fruit industry. SWD is a highly oppor pest with many attributes that contribute to its success as an invasive species, including a broad hos range of cultivated and wild fruit species, rapid development times of only 10 days from egg- adu

50 percent in blueberry, strawberry and raspberry, respectively. St. Paul Campus faculty and staff have reported negative economic effects on small fruit growers in MN. In 2016, they observed up to damage in fall-fruiting raspberries in their small plots research trials on the St. Paul campus of the UMN (Mary Rogers, personal observation). Small fruit acreage in MN exceeds 1500 acres of strawberries, grapes, and blueberries planted (USDA, NASS 2012; MN Dept. of Ag. 2016) with m and fall-bearing blueberries and raspberries most at risk. One leading fruit and vegetable recently stated “since 2012, at least 25% of MN berry growers have either gone out of business or suspended the berry portion of their business due to SWD”

Due to rapid reproduction and multiple overlapping generations, SWD populations can be devastatingly high in a short amount of time. In addition, there is a zero

threshold for SWD in fresh fruit. Therefore, management techniques for SWD involve

of broad-spectrum insecticides. Weekly sprays may have deleterious ecological impacts on beneficial non-ta species including pollinators, soil and water quality, contribute to insecticide resistance, and may e

individuals, and/or inadequate spray penetration into the dense plant c

Grit Weeder

Mini High Tunnel with Fine Mesh Netting

the efficacy of innovative and management techniques in raspberriesthe St. Paul campus team observed that poly covered high tunnels with fine mesh insect netting installed on ends reduced raspberry fruit infestation by SWD to less than 5% on average, while open plots experienced infestation, even when sprayed with insecticides. We plan to investigate t h e u s e o f fine mesh netting to physically exclude SWD. This netting will be placed over a mini high tunnel frame and over the top of raspberry rows. These mini tunnels will be placed over randomized raspberry rows at different times during the growing season to physically exclude the SWD. We recognize that exclusion techniques may not offer 100% control and may not be a suitable option all markets, such as pick-your-own operations. Despite any potential drawbacks strategies

needed to allow growers options for control of this devastating invasive fruit fly. Finally, best practices will also benefit the growing number of MN consumers looking increase local fruit in their

Top Ten Annuals on KARE 11’s Grow with KARE Our 2016 Top Ten Performing Annuals were featured on KARE 11’s Grow with KARE gardening program, which aired February 3, 2017. Steve Poppe, Horticulture Scientist, was interviewed by host Laura Betker. To view the segment, visit https://wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/news/top-ten-2016-kare-11 Gardening Just for Kids! A special gardening program is available Just for Kids at the Morris Public Library on Thursday, June 8 at 10:30 am. Kirstin Koch, 4-H Extension Educator, along with the Stevens County Master Gardeners, will present a garden-themed lesson plan to children ages 2-5 during the Library’s regularly scheduled story time. Horticulture Night Our biggest event of the summer, Horticulture Night, is set for Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 5- 9 pm. This annual event, which dates back to the 1970’s, continues to be a highlight for many around the region. This year, we are pleased to offer several horticulture presentations and demonstrations, which include:

Cold Hardy Grapes for Winemaking (Matt Clark, U of MN)

Designing Containers (Heidi Heiland, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens)

Growing Strawberries & Raspberries in MN (Jim Luby, U of MN)

Integrated Pest Management for Homeowners (Chris Phillips, U of MN)

Knock-out Annuals (Steve Poppe, WCROC)

Pollinator Friendly Gardening (Rhonda Fleming Hayes)

Quality Tomatoes for the Home Garden (Mary Rogers, U of MN)

Trees and Shrubs for West Central Minnesota (Tim Swedberg, Swedberg Nursery)

Other activities include cow milking demonstrations, hay-rack farm tours, vendor and educational booths, food, and much more. For a complete schedule of events, including presentation times, check the WCROC website at wcroc.cfans.umn.edu

Garden Crawl (formerly Dinner in the Garden) Experience the Horticulture Display Garden in a whole new way with delicious food, MN craft beers, wine, and live music. Our Garden Crawl (formerly known as Dinner in the Garden) is scheduled for Thursday, August 31, 2017 beginning at 5:30 pm in the Horticulture Display Garden. Tickets for the Garden Crawl are $50 per person; advance purchase necessary. Tickets available July through August. All proceeds support the sustainability of the Horticulture Display Garden. In the event of inclement weather, the Garden Crawl will be held in AgCountry Auditorium at the WCROC. More information can be found on the WCROC website as it becomes available.

Vining plants are great options for softening, brightening, or adding color to fences or trellis structures. Consider the following recommendations for vining plants: Annuals To add color for one growing season, it is hard to beat Black-Eyed Susan vines, which is vastly different than the Black-Eyed Susan perennial. The Black-eyed Susan vine is also known as Thunbergia (the perennial is in the Rudbeckia family). Thunbergia ranges in color from cream to light yellow to bright orange. It will bloom like crazy all season long with aggressive growth. In the Horticulture Display Garden, we have used this plant as a ground cover in a retaining wall and it filled the area with bright yellow/orange flowers.

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Scarlet Runner Bean is an outstanding plant that I personally use at my house to climb on the light pole in the front yard. It softens the look of the metal pole, has bright scarlet flowers, and adds interest with pods to finish off in the fall. New colors will soon be available, although the purple I used last year was a winner. Morning Glory and Sweet Peas are old fashioned yet well-known. While the Morning Glory plants will vigorously vine, they often do not bloom as well as we would like. Sweet Pea vines will smell heavenly while blooming, but tend to succumb to the heat of summer. Perennials Dropmore Honeysuckle is a vine that will bloom very nicely and is hardy for west central Minnesota. There are several colors of vining Honeysuckle, but in my opinion, Dropmore is the most showy. Plus, hummingbirds love this plant. It does tend to get aphids so you may need to keep an eye on that and treat as necessary. Clematis are colorful plants that are great for our region. Be sure to plant your clematis in a sunny location but plant something low in front of it or mulch it. Clematis likes the sun, but needs to have cool roots so plant a low growing plant in front of it to provide shade. This should keep your clematis blooming nicely. Grapes are an option many people don’t think of. Here is a vining plant that you can enjoy in more ways than one. Grapes have aggressive growth and will cover a fence or trellis with beautiful leaves and foliage. Then, depending on the variety you choose, you can feed the birds, wildlife and yourself with lovely delicious grapes. Or, you can harvest the grapes and make grape juice or wine to enjoy through the winter. Wisteria is another great vine you can use, but be sure to grow Blue Moon. That is the variety I have found to be hardy in this area. I know that Jody Olson in Canby has had this variety for years, and have friends in Harwood and Jamestown, North Dakota who have grown it for years too, so I know it will survive our winters and bloom nicely.

Engelman Ivy is a tough and very hardy plant that will give you lots of growth and lovely fall foliage color. No bright flowers, but if you need a tough plant to grow and cover an area with minimal care, this is a great plant to consider.

Since its release in 1991, Honeycrisp has been harboring a secret: its parents are a mystery. Originally billed as the child of Macoun and Honeygold, researchers quickly discovered that neither of these varieties were the parents of Minnesota's favorite apple. Now, 26 years after its introduction, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Applied Plant Sciences program graduate student Nick Howard has finally uncovered Honeycrisp's true lineage. The trouble started thanks to a record keeping error back in the 1970's. Though it wasn't discovered until after its release, the parentage information listed in the apple breeding program's records was incorrect. "Understanding the pedigree of Honeycrisp is really important for researchers like myself," says Howard. Knowing an apple's lineage is similar to someone knowing their family's medical history. "Knowledge of Honeycrisp's pedigree allows us to relate the qualities of Honeycrisp to other apples, as its grandparents are likely also in the pedigrees of many modern apple cultivars." The 2004 study that proved Honeycrisp was not the child of Macoun and Honeygold also hypothesized that Keepsake was a parent, but at the time there wasn't enough genetic information to confirm that or figure out the other parent. In entered the USDA-SCRI initiative RosBREED, which focuses on developing and applying modern DNA tests and related breeding methods to different plant breeding programs across the U.S. The wealth of genetic data generated through this project opened up the opportunity for Howard to dig further into Honeycrisp's pedigree, and his results were recently published in Nature's Horticulture Research. Howard's research confirmed that Honeycrisp is the child of Keepsake and discovered that the other parent is an unreleased University of Minnesota selection, MN1627*. Though MN1627 is no longer available, finding this connection allowed Howard to further identify Duchess of Oldenburg and Golden Delicious as grandparents through the MN1627 side, ultimately connecting Honeycrisp to many cultivars of worldwide significance. Howard's findings are not only scientifically significant, but culturally significant as well. "It's a lot like how a museum gives us a glimpse into the lives of people long ago," says Howard. As it turns out, the pedigree of Honeycrisp stretches back to Europe. Duchess of Oldenburg was brought to the

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Thunbergia Lemon A-Peel, grown in the retaining wall in the Horticulture Display Garden

U.S. from England in 1835, but potentially originated far earlier in Germany or Russia. "Duchess of Oldenburg is still grown in specialty orchards, so you could go to this orchard in the early summer and experience firsthand the apple that is part of the genetic bedrock of the UMN apple breeding program." The ability to connect Honeycrisp to its pedigree will help us better understand the genetic underpinning of its crisp texture, leading to the development of even better apples than before. For years Honeycrisp's pedigree has remained hidden in shadow, but now it can sit proudly among its family tree. *One of the original MN1627 trees was grown in the orchards at the West Central Research and Outreach Center.

Introduction 150 years ago, when traveling through western and southern Minnesota, you would have seen a landscape filled with native wildflowers, grasses and dancing butterflies as far as the eye could see. If you can imagine, one-third of Minnesota was once covered in tall-grass prairies, an essential habitat for many species of butterflies, as well as other insects, birds, and wildlife. Today, only 1% of Minnesota's prairies remain mainly due to agricultural and housing developments. People have recently become more aware of the importance of planting prairie flowers to help support our butterflies and other pollinators, but most people are still unaware of the importance of growing native grasses to support native butterflies. Background Native grasses are essential larval (caterpillar) host plants for many species of prairie dependent butterflies. The larva feed on the grass, use it to build their shelter, it protects them from predators, and adult female butterflies will seek out specific host plant habitats to lay their eggs on or near. Overall, native grass host plants play an integral role to the survival of many prairie butterfly populations. As a result to habitat loss, there are currently 12 species of prairie dependent lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) on the MN Department of Natural Resources endangered, threatened, and special concern list. By incorporating more native grasses into our rural, suburb, and urban landscapes, we can potentially relieve some of these habitat loss pressures to support our native butterflies.

Supporting Butterflies with Little Bluestem A wonderful grass to start with is little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Little bluestem is a very hardy MN native prairie grass that has been documented to support several species of prairie butterflies such as the once common Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae) and Ottoe skipper (Hesperia ottoe). The Dakota skipper butterfly was historically found in 40 MN counties but is now found in only 11 counties and is listed as an endangered species statewide. Dakota skipper male butterflies have brown- orange wings with darker markings The adult females have been found to lay their eggs on or near little bluestem. Although the larva will feed on a variety of different grasses, they tend to have better success in building their shelters in smaller bunchgrasses such as little bluestem. The Dakota skipper has so far only been spotted in native prairie habitats, which may suggest that fragmented land such as urban settings may be a barrier for this species. The Ottoe skipper is also currently listed as an endangered species statewide although it was once a common butterfly before extreme habitat loss. The male butterflies are a golden orange color and are very strong, fast flyers. Similar to the Dakota skipper, this butterfly is a grass generalist as it will feed on a variety of grasses but prefers the structure of little bluestem for constructing a shelter. Additional Minnesota butterflies that have been documented as using little bluestem as a larval host plant include the Cobweb skipper (Hesperia metea), Dusted skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna), Swarthy skipper (Nastra Iherminier), Indian skipper (Hesperia sassacus) and the Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus) a special concern species.

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Blue Heaven ® Little Bluestem Fall Color

Growing Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) Little bluestem is a warm season mid-height native grass, common to Minnesota prairies. It reaches an average height of 3' with arching foliage and a clumping habit. This native perennial gets its common name from the blue stem color it develops over the summer. In the fall, the little bluestem turns a beautiful bronze-red color. Little bluestem is a very hardy and low maintenance grass. It is capable of growing on a wide range of soil types from mesic to dry and infertile soils but overall does best in well-drained areas. Little bluestem is a very drought tolerant grass needing no irrigation once established and can be grown in areas with full to partial sun. It has no known pests and therefore requires no pesticides or insecticides. Like many other native grasses, little bluestem provides several ecological benefits. The deep fibrous roots it develops helps to hold soil in place and reduce soil erosion and run off. Also the annual renewal of its root system increases soil organic matter and the bunch grass form provides habitat and food for prairie songbirds, as well as many native butterflies. Conclusion Seen as both an ornamental gem and an environmentally sustainable plant to many horticulturalist, little bluestem can bring beauty and ecological benefits to many landscapes. This hardy low maintenance grass provides food and shelter to many species of insects, birds, and animals, helps to reduce soil erosion and increases soil fertility. By planting more native grasses, such as the little bluestem, into our landscapes, we can begin rebuilding the crucial prairie habitats we have so drastically lost.

Typically people contact Extension with the question "How can I get rid of __________?" (fill in with a troublesome plant). Unfortunately, these offenders are well-established by the time we usually get this call. So here are some of the most common problem plants and what they look like now in their emerging stage, so you can get a jump on getting them out of your yard and garden!

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Public enemy #1, buckthorn was introduced as a hedge plant. Buckthorn was a favorite of urban homeowners for its interesting cherry-like bark, tolerance to many growing conditions and its receptiveness to pruning. Today, common or European buckthorn as well as glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) are listed on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Restricted Noxious Weed List. Buckthorn is

leafing out right now and can be easily spotted by its silvery-gray park with white lenticels, bright green, rounded young leaves and the sharp thorn on the ends of branches. Guidelines for removal can be found on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources buckthorn webpage.

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Also listed on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Restricted Noxious Weed List, this biennial plant is stealthy. Its cute, tidy rosette of scalloped leaves can sometimes be mistaken for more desirable ornamentals like hollyhocks. Beginning gardeners or gardeners new to the area may be afraid to remove it. An easy identifying feature: garlic-scented leaves. (Plan to throw away your gloves after pulling these plants). As a biennial, garlic mustard puts its energy into leaves and roots the first season, and blooms the second season. If left alone, the small clusters of white flowers result in hundreds of tiny seeds, making is a prolific invader of our woodlands. This is one plant that warrants chemical spot treatments. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) Not a Smart Gardens radio show goes by without a creeping charlie question - even in the winter! A member of Mint family and like other mints, it spreads by means of stolons (surface roots). Though not a registered noxious weed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, it is considered invasive by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and can be a tough plant to eliminate once it has become established though some homeowners have come to tolerate it because it attracts and provides food for pollinators (one of its few redeeming qualities). It is a very adaptable plant and grows well in moist soil in part shade / full shade sites where lawn grass is thin and not very robust.

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Buckthorn in Springtime

Young Garlic Mustard Plant

This may be in compacted soils, shady locations, and weedy sites. Therefore, treating with an appropriate product, maintaining a healthy lawn, utilizing shade tolerant grasses, and choosing alternative ground covers in areas not suitable for growing lawn grasses will help manage weeds including creeping charlie. For more information see: http://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2016/04/garden-offenders-get-jump-on-four.html

University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM) students, faculty, and staff recently enjoyed locally-raised, organic grass-fed beef as part of the menu selection in the campus cafeteria. But this is not your ordinary beef...and it doesn’t get any more local than this. Just down the road from the Morris campus, organic and conventional cattle graze in their respective pastures at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC). Nearly all of the cattle are part of research projects that may include precision technology, crossbreeding, organic health, and/or grazing. Since approximately half of the WCROC herd is certified organic, the herd must have access to grazing for 120 consecutive days annually. Animals are rotated through different pasture paddocks in order to provide them with an abundance of grazing time. Dr. Brad Heins, Associate Professor in Dairy Science at the WCROC, may look at how feeding various mixes of grasses and grains can impact animal health as well as meat quality. For a particular multi-state grazing study, a group of steers born at the WCROC were organically raised and set out to pasture. They spent their first year in Morris, within a mile of the UMM campus. After that, they were sent to graze on pastureland in Iowa during the summer months. The animals then returned to Morris. With the grazing study now complete, the steers have fulfilled yet another purpose; organic grass-fed beef for UMM students, faculty, and staff. “We are excited to offer WCROC's healthy, tasty beef on our University tables, and to exposing more students to WCROC's diverse research portfolio, including Dr. Heins' cutting edge research in beef quality, nutrition and food safety. In doing so, we deepen food systems inquiry and knowledge, as well as encourage the next generation of food systems leaders,” reports Mary Jo Forbord, Coordinator of Morris Healthy Eating at UMM. This is not the first time that locally grown foods from the WCROC have made an appearance in the UMM cafeteria; organic strawberries and peppers have also been supplied

over the last few growing seasons to Sodexo Dining Services, the campus dining service provider. In 2016, nearly 900 pounds of strawberries and 1,300 pounds of peppers were supplied to Sodexo for use in the cafeteria. “It’s exciting to continue working with the WCROC in a new food avenue with beef,” says Tony Nemmers, General Manager of Dining Services at UMM. “We look forward to telling the UMM community that some of the beef we serve is raised locally at the WCROC.” “UMM is committed to sustainability, and we are very pleased that (in addition to strawberries and peppers) we can serve WCROC's hyper-local, organically raised beef on campus,” says Forbord. “Increasingly, college students are digging deep into the ecological, social and economic implications of food choices. Opportunities to learn about the food system from pasture to plate are all too rare, but thanks to this collaboration, we are proud to say that it's happening right here in Morris.”

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Low Tunnel Strawberries

Peppers Growing in High Tunnel

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Located 1 mile east of the University of Minnesota, Morris Campus and Hwy. 59

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Cold Hardy Grapes for Winemaking

Designing Containers

Growing Strawberries & Raspberries in

Minnesota

Integrated Pest Management for

Homeowners

Knock-out Annuals

Pollinator Friendly Gardening

Quality Tomatoes for the Home Garden

Trees and Shrubs for West Central MN

Cow Milking Demonstration

Farm Tours

Food Booths

Vendor & Educational Booths

12 University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

The National Garden Bureau has announced 2017 as the year of the Daffodil. In our area, daffodil bulbs should normally be planted from mid-September to mid-October in order for the bulbs to grow roots before the ground freezes. Daffodils are an excellent replacement for tulips because they contain a bitter, poisonous substance called lycorine, that deer and rabbits will not eat.

May 17 - Come Grow with Us! Drip Irrigation for your Garden Jerry Wright, retired U of MN Extension Engineer 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. - Held in the Horticulture Display Garden

June 21 - Come Grow with Us! Bringing New Life to Old Shrubs Randee Hokanson, Stevens County Master Gardener 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. - Held in the Horticulture Display Garden

August 16 - Come Grow with Us! Fall Lawn Care Sam Bauer, U of MN Extension Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Science 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. - Held in the Horticulture Display Garden

August 29 - Donor Volunteer & Appreciation Event 5:30 p.m. - Held in the Horticulture Display Garden

August 31 - Garden Crawl 5:30 p.m. - Held in the Horticulture Display Garden

September 20 - Come Grow with Us! Putting the Garden to Bed Sue Gooch, Douglas County Master Gardener 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. - Held in the Horticulture Display Garden

October 18 - Come Grow with Us! Butterfly Gardens Margaret Kuchenreuther, U of MN Associate Professor, Biology 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. - Held in AgCountry Auditorium

November 15 - Come Grow with Us! Caring for your Trees John Ball, SDSU Professor & Forestry Specialist 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Held in AgCountry Auditorium

November 16 - Ten Plants that Changed Minnesota Teacher Workshop Mary Meyer, U of MN Professor of Horticultural Science Held in AgCountry Auditorium