MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Invasive grass

Question: I'm looking for someone to identify what is invading my lawn and possibly recommend how to eradicate it.  Should I bring a sample to your office or can you identify through the attached pictures?  The bulk of the disturbance (an area of approximately 15' x 15') is near where the previous owner of my neighbor's property once had an unknown plant that has since been removed.  However, sprouts of this invasive plant are now spreading to other parts of my lawn, well away from the bulk disturbance.  Thank you.

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied March 20, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: I believe this is Broomsedge. Andropogon virginicus, a native perennial weedy grass. Unfortunately there is no herbicide to use on this that will not kill the surrounding grass.  Removal is best done by hand and then reseeding. Broomsedge is often found on infertile ground, so I would suggest a soil test before reseeding. In the 15 x 15 area, you may want to use a product containing glyphosate and kill off all vegetation and then reseed.  The native range of broomsedge is across all of the eastern states anywhere rainfall exceeds 25 inches per year. Delaware's average rainfall is 40". It grows on nutrient-poor soils and is especially tolerant of low nitrogen and phosphorous levels.   I would like to confirm this ID by looking at the individual leaf venation and hairs. I am not sure which county you are located in. You can bring the sample in to any of the three county extension office MG Helplines with a copy of this diagnosis and ask that the plant sample be sent to the DSU Herbarium.  The Sussex County Extension office is located at 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown.  You can also pick up a soil test kit at any of the offices. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/broomsedge

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 30, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Thanks Judy.  Regarding the soil test, should I get the routine test or the soluble salts test or both?   I submitted a sample of the invasive grass to the Georgetown office last week.  On 03/20/2023 9:55 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Judy Pfister  Replied March 30, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: You probably only need the Routine test. The soluble salts test for homeowners really is for those who live near brackish water and/or have occasional flooding from salt water canals.  I just checked with the office and your sample did go up to the Herbarium for ID.
Old honey frame was free…. But!

Question: I received some free frames after bee school (everything I have read says I should not use these) 3 have this in the cells. What do you think?

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 01, 2023, 1:25 PM EST
response: They were medium honey frames

responder: Anna Ashby, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener   Replied March 01, 2023, 3:37 PM EST
response: Hi, It's nice to save the price but you are wise to be wary.  Used equipment needs to be carefully examined. The biggest concern is whether or not the beekeeper from whom you received the frames had American Foulbrood in their colonies. Here is a great publication from University of Pennsylvania Extension, "Honey Bee Diseases: American Foulbrood". Read through it so you know what to look for on your frames. You can purchase a cheap blacklight to aid in your examination of looking for AFB scale. If you suspect AFB, get a knowledgeable person from the bee club to also look at the frames. If AFB is suspected, burn the equipment. Most likely these frames, which look fairly new, do not have AFB scale in them, but examining them carefully will give you peace of mind.  The next step is to freeze the frames for 48 hours to kill any wax moth larvae and eggs.   Thirdly, are you planning to use all mediums or 2 deeps and mediums for honey frames? If using mediums only for honey, you might want to scrape the wax from the frames which are darker (held brood previously), then let your new bees draw fresh comb. Wax moths seek brood comb because they eat any pollen, the wax, and old cocoons. However, it won't affect honey if you simply use the frames as they are, assuming that they pass your AFB exam.  Now all you need to do is obtain the boxes in which to place the frames. Have fun on this new adventure!
Grass quit growing under trees

Question: We have huge bare spots under trees in our lawn. How do we fix this?

responder: Dick M.  Replied February 28, 2023, 11:32 PM EST
response: Your photo shows a mature (Maple?) tree which means you are dealing with shade and possibly nutrient depletion in the soil under the tree. If you haven't done a soil test in the last 3 years I'd suggest doing one using soil under the tree to learn how fertile it is.  Unfortunately MSU is changing their soil test program and haven't yet announced what the process will be starting this spring(?).  Contact your Eaton County MSU Extension office in Charlotte, MI at 517.543.2310 to find out more info.  Knowing the condition of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases and insects  through appropriate fertilization.  Next is the shade problem....  All turf likes sunlight and some turf likes (meaning: needs) it more than other turf grass varieties.  So, why not consider something around the base of the tree that isn't turf, is low maintenance and doesn't require mowing? Open the attached links for more info: Shady Lawn Alternatives-MSU Shade Tolerant Ornamental Grasses-Illinois  Shady Ground Covers-Illinois Groundcover Alternatives to Turf-UDel Contact Prairie Nursery and Prairie Moon Nursery for their native plant catalogs which have lots of suggestions.  Michigan Wildflower Farm, Wildtype Native Plant Nursery and East Michigan Native Plants are local native plant sources.  I have planted wild geranium (Geranium maculate),  Zig Zag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis (seeds easily)) and ferns in a shady area of my yard.  You might mulch a 30' circle (with the tree near the middle) with wood chips (not colored wood chips) and plant shade tolerant plants in the mulch. Beyond this (deeper shade) area you could amend your soil per the soil test results with organic material like compost or rotted leaves and seed with a grass seed mixture containing fescue varieties which are more shade tolerant than other varieties.  Late August is the best time to seed as cooler fall weather and rains promote successful turf establishment.  More info here: Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU Turfgrass species selection-UMass Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 01, 2023, 10:32 AM EST
response: Thank you for your quick response. This gives a direction to go for resolving this issue.Sent from my iPhone On Feb 28, 2023, at 11:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Caring for this mystery spider

Question: I would love to know if we can identify this spider by my kitchen sink. I would like to provide the best spider friendly environment for it. The web is thick, strong, and was spun within an hour. The spider itself appears to be of the house variety, about the size of nickel when legs stretched out. I did catch a glimpse of spots and stripes, brown, tan, and black.

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied February 28, 2023, 2:23 PM EST
response: Hi Katherine,  Thanks for the inquiry.  Unfortunately I will need more of a close-up of the spider if you can get it to identify it.  Feel free to send over some additional photos and we will do our best to identify it.  Thanks ,

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 28, 2023, 2:33 PM EST
response: Hi there! I did manage to get 2 better pictures after the fact last night, but it is a very shy spider lol. Let me know if I need to try again, thanks! On Tue, Feb 28, 2023, 11:23 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied February 28, 2023, 6:22 PM EST
response: Yes,  it will need to be even closer if possible, the shadow is making it difficult to see the shape of the body and there are hundreds of species withat that general coloration.  Generally  speaking there is no suggested care except to try and disturb the site very little. Spiders do seek out water in sinks etc. So you may the spider visiting your sink.

responder: Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist  Replied March 03, 2023, 6:42 PM EST
response: Yes, it will need to be even closer if possible, the shadow is making it difficult to see the shape of the body and there are hundreds of species withat that general coloration. Generally speaking there is no suggested care except to try and disturb the site very little. Spiders do seek out water in sinks etc. So you may the spider visiting your sink.
Plant Identification

Question: My wife has had this plant (see attached photo) growing in a terracotta pot on our patio for the last 10 or so years. For scale, the pot has a 16" diameter. My wife doesn't recall where she purchased it, and she can't find the plant tag. The pot is situated on the south side of our home and gets full sun almost all day. The plant dies back during the winter, but reemerges each spring. It has a trailing growth habit with "lacy" leaves. It weathered Winter Storm Uri without any trouble, with just a frost blanket for protection. It's been a reliable performer, and my wife would like to know what it is to see if she can locate more of it. It looks similar to certain varieties of Verbena, but we're not certain. It seems like all the typical garden center varieties of Verbena we've tried don't make it through the heat and humidity of our summers. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 28, 2023, 11:05 AM EST
response: Thank you for your question! I believe what you have is Moss Verbana (Verbena tenuisecta) They are originally native to South America, but have since been naturalized throughout the southern United States, moss verbena is so well adapted it is commonly believed to be native. It is generally hardy in Texas, and often survives our mild winters. Moss verbena has finely cut leaves and a very low growing habit, explaining its common name. Many of the cultivars are hybrids with other species. They also come in a range of colors, including lavender, salmon, soft pink, pink, blue-violet, powder blue, and pure white. Attached is an article about Moss Verbana: https://txmg.org/hendersonmg/plant-library/moss-verbena/

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 28, 2023, 12:14 PM EST
response: Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it. MarkOn Tue, Feb 28, 2023 at 10:05 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify purple plant

Question: Hi, I bought this plant last year at a farm market but do not know what it is.  Attached is a photo.
Please assist. 
Much appreciated,
May

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 28, 2023, 12:21 PM EST
response: Hello May,  This appears to be Lisianthus (botanical name Eustoma grandiflorum), a biennial that isn't reliably winter-hardy here so it's treated like an annual. If you're looking for some to grow this year, you may be able to find seed (lots of nurseries have received their seed shipments for the year by now) or potted plants (either soon or as we get closer to Easter, when lots of potted tender plants are put out for sale in bloom).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 01, 2023, 8:22 PM EST
response: Thank you… perfect!!!
ID please

Question: Star of bethlehem?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 27, 2023, 2:28 PM EST
response: Hi,  Yes it appears to be star of bethlehem. The leaves tend to emerge in February-March time frame. It can be difficult to remove and control. Digging and trying to remove most of the bulbs is what is recommended.  If you have further questions about its management, please let us know.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2023, 3:12 PM EST
response: Thank you I will try to remove.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Monday, February 27, 2023, 2:30 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 28, 2023, 8:55 AM EST
response: you're welcome
Is this just a common house spider?

Question: Hi, we found this spider under our deck last year. There were probably 5 of them in their webs. Fast, did not want to leave, tried not to destroy their sacs.

Is it just a common house spider? It looks a little different than other pictures.  Probably the size of a dime.

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied February 27, 2023, 8:23 PM EST
response: This appears to be a Tegeneria, now shifted to a new genus, Eratigena. Based on your size description and the pattern, I would say Common Barn Spider, the smaller cousin of the Giant one.

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2023, 9:07 PM EST
response: I think my size description was a bit misleading. The entire size of the spiders abdomen was about the size of a dime. The spider, legs and all, a .50 cent piece maybe. Sounds like probably a Giant one. On Mon, Feb 27, 2023, 5:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Patricia Patterson Replied February 28, 2023, 1:00 AM EST
response: Yes, that would be the giant one. They feast on the smaller spiders and many other insects. Harmless, but impressive.
Boxwood yellow lines

Question: My boxwood leaves are turning yellow then brown. Some leaves seems to have yellow lines or veins in them. I just noticed this in the last 2 weeks but it seems to be getting worse. Please advise. Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 27, 2023, 5:14 PM EST
response: Thank you for your question to Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer with eXtension. I am so sorry to hear about your boxwood problem.  Unfortunately, I do not have much good news for you.  From the pictures you sent in with your inquiry, the problem appears to be boxwood blight, which is becoming quite a problem here.  (so much so that many nurseries are not selling boxwood or guaranteeing them if you do purchase them).  Please see the following for proper identification and further insight into this disease:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/boxwood-identify-and-manage-common-problems  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/boxwood-diseases-insect-pests/ https://extension.psu.edu/boxwood-diseases  https://newgarden.com/notes/boxwood-blight  https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/bp/bp-203-w.pdf Best of luck to you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 24, 2023, 11:44 AM EDT
response: I have done a little further digging and opened up a leaf of boxwood to see orange/ yellow worms. I attached a photo. Please advise! Thank you so much!EleanorSent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2023, at 5:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 25, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
response: I am glad you persevered! (and sent a much closer picture of your damage).  It is always difficult to try and make a diagnosis without very close up shots and adequate information.  I believe the larvae you are seeing is the boxwood leafminer.    Boxwood leafminer damage may be mistaken for winter injury and vice versa. Both produce similar symptoms when viewed at a distance.  There is no way to be certain if it’s one or the other without a close examination of the foliage. Adding to the challenge, it’s not uncommon to observe both leafminer damage and winter injury on the same plants, particularly at this time of the year.  I am attaching the following information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/boxwood_leafminer_a_serious_pest_of_a_favorite_landscape_plant#:~:text=Imidacloprid%2C%20a%20systemic%20insecticide%20(Merit,in%20mid%2D%20to%20late%20April  As you read about this pest you will find the recommendation to use Imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide (Merit or Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control), which will control the larvae inside the leaves and does not require precise timing. This product should be applied in mid- to late April.  Hopefully this new information will be of use to you as you take the necessary action to protect your boxwoods!
Unknown animal waste in landscaping beds

Question: We live in a community with a small, but significant, wooded area and our home is one of a few that is adjacent to these woods.  We often see rabbits, squirrels, deer and even an occasional fox wander into our yard and sometimes they leave droppings behind.  However this morning, for the second time in about 10 days, I found three deep green diarrhea-like waste in the landscaping beds around our home.  No plants or shrubs appear to be eaten but the waste has been in the beds both times and not in the yard.  Can you help be identify this and, if appropriate, offer any suggestions as to how to mitigate this?  Thank you!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 27, 2023, 11:46 AM EST
response: Unfortunately we do not have expertise in scat ID since our focus in on home gardening, and our Extension wildlife specialist is currently out of the office. We can provide a couple resources that can help with scat ID for typical normal scat in case it appears again in the future, but when the animal is experiencing digestive issues/changes as appears to be the case here, it makes ID much more difficult.University of Nebraska Extension - scat ID keyInternet Center for Wildlife Damage Management - scat IDAnimal Scat Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2023, 11:59 AM EST
response: Thank you, Miri.  And thanks for the additional resources.  I’ll explore those.  Like you, I suspect this might be some sort of gastrointestinal issue.  But I do want to explore this some more (as gross as it is!) to try to figure out what’s going on.  In 10 years of living here, we’ve never seen anything like this before.  And now, it’s twice in 10 days.    Thanks again.    Jeff

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 27, 2023, 12:09 PM EST
response: Perfectly understandable, good luck! Perhaps you could inquire with someone at the MD DNR (via email or if they have a question submission form online).  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2023, 12:38 PM EST
response: …good idea.  I took a look at all three links and think even more now that this is case of GI problems.    Thanks again, Miri.    Jeff
Oak grub

Question: We found this very large grub in some oak

responder: Alex Gorman, Assistant Professor of Practice  Replied February 27, 2023, 4:13 PM EST
response: Hello, Very cool picture. You have found some carpenter worm larvae. Here is an excellent guidance document with recommended treatments and other great information from the University of California: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74105.htmlTypically, carpenter worms will keep infesting a branch until it dies and falls off. So we often don't have to worry about carpenter worms killing the tree, just the branches. If there aren't too many insects and the infestation is early, try the nematode or hanger methods mentioned in the guidance document. If the insects are in the trunk and appear to have been there for quite some time, it may be time to think about potentially removing the tree.  Best, Alex Gorman, OSU Exension Forester

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2023, 11:24 PM EST
response: Thanks so much we found the worms in fire wood we were splitting and out of caution used all the infected wood in large wood stove in our garage. Been cutting firewood for 40 years and never ran into anything like that. Thanks again. Alan Fischer On Mon, Feb 27, 2023 at 1:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Fig Tree

Question: I have an established fig tree that has flourished every year, abundant fruit.. This spring only a small section has leaves. Is it dead?! I love this tree!! I have not trimmed it . Was fed all last year till late fall.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 28, 2023, 3:54 PM EST
response: Hi, Sharon Many figs were affected by the freeze from December.  At this point, you can trim back all the dead limbs (use a fingernail to scratch the surface to determine where live tissue starts - green is live, brown or black tissue is dead.) if stems are split or damaged any way, then prune those out too. Then wait a bit. Some figs have popped back. Some are slower to get started. Some may have died. If growth looks too uneven after pruning, you can prune back to ground and start over with new growth.

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 28, 2023, 5:23 PM EST
response: Thank you so much! Although very sad as it survived the “great freeze” and others. Ugh. I will do as you say!On Tue, Feb 28, 2023 at 2:55 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dying evergreen shrub

Question: I have a small evergreen shrub which is dying, when rub brown branches fall off.  Trying to determine what is wrong with plant so I treat or remove.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 27, 2023, 2:09 PM EST
response: Hi,  Unfortunately it looks like there could be a dying root. Usually when you see the dead growth somewhat spiraling up the tree it is indicative of a dead or dying root. Sometimes this just happens, or it could have been wet or not draining well under the tree, although the Juniper shrubs in the background look ok, and they don't like the soil being too wet either. A root could have been damage when it was planted, or maybe if nearby plants were recently installed.  There really isn't a 'cure' for this. You can try to prune off the dead branches or needles and see if any new growth comes this spring, but if its a dead root it may just be that way from now on.  Eventually it will probably look pretty sparse and you may want to consider removing/replacing.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied February 27, 2023, 3:05 PM EST
response: Thank you for your help Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone-------- Original message --------From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Date: 2/27/23 2:12 PM (GMT-05:00) To: marshallcbosley <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Dying evergreen shrub (#0091044)

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied February 28, 2023, 9:18 AM EST
response: you're welcome