MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Spider Nets on Green Plant

Question: My plant has these spider nets all over the leaves and flowers. This has been a perpetual problem. This flower pot has been kept in the sun room and is given enough light and water. This is rarely moved out in the open, to avoid a burnout from heat and sun. The white flowers from this plant have a very aroma!
Please advise. Thank you

responder: Answered by theHome 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 July 01, 2024, 3:39 PM EDT
response: Your plant has a common insect pest called Spider Mites. Here is our page on them: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spider-mites-indoor-plants/  They are more common in the winter in our very dry, forced-heat homes. You can put the whole plant in the shower or take it outdoors and hose it down to remove some. If you have a place outdoors to put your plant, often beneficial insects help keep pest insects in check.  If you let us know what type of plant you have we can tell you if it can go outdoors and the best placement for it. Is it a tropical Hibiscus? If so, they like it in full sun as long as you keep them watered.  If you decide to put it out for the summer season, do it slowly over a few days- in shade first then slowly into full sun.   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 6:23 PM EDT
response: This is a Jasmine plant with white flowers

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 July 02, 2024, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Place the jasmine in a shady location if you move it outside, since it will not be accustomed to direct sun and may "sunburn," which can damage the leaves. After a week or so in shade (or mostly shade), you can gradually move it into more sun, with the final exposure being about 50-50 sun-shade; jasmine probably does not need full sun during the summer, but might handle it well if acclimated incrementally. While outside, tropical plant growth tends to be faster than inside, so you may need to fertilize more often than you were accustomed to (though follow package instructions for dosage amount and frequency so it's not over-fertilized). Around early to mid-October or so, depending on overnight temperatures, it can come back inside for the winter, and put into a sunny window so it gets bright light.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 11:15 AM EDT
response: Miri \ Christine Thank you for your response  regards, Atul

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 July 08, 2024, 8:23 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Dogwood tree leaves dry up annually in late Spring

Question: We live in NW Portland off of highway 26 and 185th Ave up against Rock Golf Club's course. We have 2 Dogwood trees planted at the same time in 2021. They are in a location where we had an old Atlas Cedar that had begun dropping limbs and we took it out and had the stump ground up. Our soil is predominantly clay but has had amendments put in over the years (we've been in our home for almost 34 years). Both trees have been similarly cared for with watering, (currently every other day once the rainy season dried up a few months ago), and occasional mulching (shredded Doug fir and peat moss). Both look great upon budding leaves and braques (especially good this year), and then, the tree closest to the golf course, annually goes into this phase where it dries up, regardless of how much water it receives. The trees are only about XX' apart. I d note some curl on the "healthy" tree. What's the issue with these?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Larry.  There are at least 8 diseases that are common in dogwoods, listed here:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=dogwood   We cannot diagnose a disease solely through photos.  You would need to send soil and tissue samples to a lab for analysis.  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials  However, your plant may just be getting too much sun and not enough water, especially in our hot summers.  Large bark chip mulching helps to keep the soil moist and cool, and I don't see any in your photos.This describes their needs:  https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/cornus-florida  I can't tell which one or ones are applicable, but you might want to start with the lab.  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 12:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you. I will add more mulching material and discuss lab analysis with our Arborist.  Larry Eisenbach   On Jul 1, 2024, at 9:18 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Packaged shipped today.   USPS Tracking # 9470 1301 0935 5001 8229 18           It should arrive Wednesday or Thursday this week.  Larry  "Do or do not; there is no try"  On Jul 1, 2024, at 9:28 AM, Joan & Larry <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿Thank you. I will add more mulching material and discuss lab analysis with our Arborist.  Larry Eisenbach   On Jul 1, 2024, at 9:18 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2024, 3:01 PM EDT
response: I don't work at the Lab, but the staff there should be helpful.
Apple tree

Question: Good Morning!

We have a couple of apple trees, one of them is showing symptoms the last few years of some kind of disease. I uploading a few photos for you to see. What would be the best way to treat this? And also it is actually fixable?

Thank you so much!

Dayling

responder: MJ Replied July 02, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT
response: Hi Dayling, This looks like a very old tree with some possible decay. What do the leaves and branches look like? The branches with leaves in the photo look healthy.  The bare areas on the trunk look like the tree was damaged or debarked at some point. Do you know what happened?  When you say you think the tree is sick I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Can you give me more detail? It looks like maybe there’s some white mold in the bare area, and perhaps yellow fungi on one of the big branches in the first photo? More detail would help. Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 10:12 AM EDT
response: Yes! We think is fungi. Leaves they do look healthy and last fall we had apples. The bark is looking very old and sometimes we can peel the bark easily.  There is something we could do to avoid debarking? Or that’s part of the aging process? We think the tree is probably 25 years old or more.   Thanks!   Dayling     Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 2, 2024, at 8:28 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: MJ Replied July 02, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the additional information. Your tree is very old. Some poor pruning done many years ago appears to have introduced decay in the large bare area. It’s too late to do anything about that. While it’s normal for harmless lichens to grow on the bark of older trees, those yellow mushrooms may signal internal rot in the tree. You can’t do anything to stop this. Don’t peel any bark off. If the tree is hanging over other trees or structures and would do damage if it fell consider having it removed.  Otherwise, since it’s still bearing fruit, enjoy it for now. Apple trees can live for a long time but after 25 or 30 years they begin to decline.  Hope this helps.
Echinacea Angustifolia Curling Petals

Question: My 2nd year native Echinacea Angustifolia is blooming this year but the petals on the flower are curling into the stem. Any idea what this could be?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 04, 2024, 9:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Nicholas, Well, the curling petals could be caused from too much water, but, it could also be a sign of aster yellows;  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/viruses/aster-yellows It doesn't really look like aster yellows to me. Is this still a "young" flower ? Has it yet to really open up ? What do the other flowers look like ? Any spots on the leaves ? It seams like it would be more likely to be caused by an insect but it looks so healthy .... I just don't know . Keep an eye on it. Keep checking for signs of aster yellows because you want to dig it up and dispose of it if this is the case. Let me know of any new developments.  Sally Granath St. Louis County MG https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2191#:~:text=However%2C%20the%20mite%20is%20generally,sucking%20in%20the%20cell%20contents.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 10:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Sally, Thank you for the response! This really is confusing to me too. I think you might be onto something with it potentially being overwatered with all this rain. The leaves look pretty healthy with no spots. This flower flowered well for 2 days and then started curling. This plant is only producing one flower right now so I have nothing to compare it against. My other 5 echinacea angustifolias all look healthy too with normal flowers (except for one whoch looks healthy but just not flowering).   I'll keep an eye on it and take care of it if it gets worse. I don't want to spread diseases.  Thank you, Nick

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 09, 2024, 8:38 PM EDT
response: Hi Nicholas, On second thought I'm sure it doesn't have Aster yellows because all of it's color is intact. https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/aster-yellows I do think the weather has affected it.  Sally Granath
Star Magnolia suffering from drought?

Question: My ten-year-old Star Magnolia didn't bloom as lushly this year as it always has, and it's slowly been losing leaves.  I should have focus-watered it last year instead of just watering the lawn.  Can I still save it?  Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 10:03 AM EDT
response: P.S. I just checked the living leaves for mildew or another disease, and they are perfect, no discoloration or dry spots.  A number are wilting, though.  Thank you.

responder: eGardener  Replied July 01, 2024, 1:08 PM EDT
response: Hello Dorian, happy to help. Even though your tree may be stressed due to lack of water last year, it may not be the thing that is causing the wilting and loss of leaves this season -- especially with all the rain we've been having. So I have a couple of questions. The ground underneath the tree appears to have lost vegetation compared to the nearby area. Was that area subjected to any herbicide recently? If not, can you  recall anyone using a herbicide adjacent to your property? The wilting, discoloration, and eventual loss of leaves could explain that, especially if all the damage occurred on one side of the tree (downwind from where the herbicide was sprayed).  If you decide that it is herbicide drift, there's not much you can do except wait for your tree to recover. To help it, make sure it receives an inch of water per week whether mother nature provides or you do -- especially when we get more typical summer weather with less rain through July and August. Also, tree roots spread well beyond the drip line of the tree so be sure that inch of water gets to all the roots. If you don't think it was herbicide application or drift, I recommend having your tree evaluated by a certified arborist to determine the issue. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional. Good-luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you--The problem must be from my having sprayed Ortho lawn weed killer on the dandelions under this magnolia.  I'll be sure to give one inch of water weekly to this area outward to the roots, as you recommend above.  LESSON LEARNED, thanks to your help! Sending you very best wishes for a happy and productive summer!
Cabbage

Question: I am curious what is wrong with my two cabbage plants? The leaves have holes in them and the head the tips are turning brown. Will include pictures of everything. They are being grown in 5 gallon buckets. Is it treatable? Are they still edible?

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 02, 2024, 2:25 PM EDT
response: There are several moths that visit cote crops. The most common in home gardens are the cabbageworm. At this point in the season, you should physically remove the caterpillars that you find on the cabbage. You can also use row covers to prevent moths from laying new eggs. They all have several generations each year so row covers will help. Your cabbage heads still look really healthy and don’t show and signs of mites. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/caterpillars-cole-crops

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT
response: What if I'm not seeing any caterpillars?  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 1:25 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 3:15 PM EDT
response: Can I use row covers on those two heads or is it to late for them?  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 2:09 PM Devin Weiman <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  What if I'm not seeing any caterpillars?  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 1:25 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 02, 2024, 3:37 PM EDT
response: That is a caterpillar in your 3rd photo.

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 02, 2024, 3:44 PM EDT
response: Yes. Put the row covers on.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Oh ok. Thank you. I thought that was bird poop.  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 2:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Should I still get a pesticide spray and spray the plants?  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 2:56 PM Devin Weiman <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Oh ok. Thank you. I thought that was bird poop.  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 2:44 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 05, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
response: It could be bird poop but in the photo it looked like a caterpillar. Your cabbage shows some feeding damage but overall looks pretty healthy.  I would pick off any caterpillars you see and drop them in soapy water. When you harvest, remove any parts that have bird poop or any other kind of feces.  The 5 gallon buckets are fine. I would not spray them with anything. They are fine to eat. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/caterpillars-cole-crops
Insect identification

Question: Pls help  what is this? Covering my dock on Choptank river just south of Denton

responder: -Mikaela Boley, Senior Agent Associate Replied July 01, 2024, 10:23 AM EDT
response: It is a little difficult to identify through the photo- might need some more information like: Do they jump? Are they biting? How big/small? Was this due to a recent high tide that would have covered the dock?  It would be even better if I could get a sample to take a look at under a microscope; if you can get it to either the Talbot Extension office (or at least Caroline County office), I can take a better look. -Mikaela Talbot Co Extension Office 28577 Mary's Ct.- Ste 1 Easton, MD 21601

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: they crawl, no bites that we see, their tiny , kinda whitish, and we didnt have a dock covering tide. Their is swallows nesting under the dock , wondering if their some sort of mite?  On Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 10:23 AM 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 July 01, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Bird mites might be a possibility, then; we couldn't really get a sense of scale from the photo. They can leave a nest and wander if the bird hosts are finished nesting (such as when nestlings fledge), so that might explain their somewhat sudden appearance. Hosing or sweeping them off should suffice, though without a food source, they may also just die off on their own soon enough.  Miri

responder: -Mikaela Boley, Senior Agent Associate Replied July 02, 2024, 8:16 AM EDT
response: Jim-  They also looked like mites to me, but difficult to diagnose via photo. Bird mites are a possibility and might explain their appearance. Without a food source, they should not survive for very long. Hosing or sweeping them off the dock should take care of it.  You may see them periodically with the swallow nests above, but if they continue to be a constant presence, you can bring a sample into the extension office and we can take a look under the microscope for further examination.  Thanks- Mikaela

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 6:05 AM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On Jul 2, 2024, at 8:16 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
irish moss

Question: How do I get rid of Irish moss in my lawn?  I used standard moss killer but it does not seem to effect irish moss.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  Irish moss is technically not a moss.  Sagina subulata is its Latin name, and it is related to seaweed.  There are no articles on eradication of this species, because it is a desirable ground cover sold in garden stores and nurseries.  If you can't tolerate it, physical removal (elbow grease), followed immediately by re-seeding the lawn may help.  Just be sure to save another place for it--ideally between ground pavers.  https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/irish-and-scotch-moss-sagina-subulata-and-arenaria-verna/  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 5:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you!! Joe Becker   On Jul 1, 2024, at 13:25, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Welcome!
Type of plant

Question: What type of plants are these two plants?

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 July 01, 2024, 9:21 AM EDT
response: We can't see enough foliage and flowers (clearly) to determine what this plant is, and we don't see what second plant you are asking about (unless you mean the orange flower in the background, which looks like Marigold). Can you share more pictures, please?  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: The purple flowers. Does this help? Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 9:21 AM, 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 July 01, 2024, 2:38 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately many of the key features are not visible or not in focus. Would you be able to share a photo of the basal foliage and some blooms? If placed against a plain background, that can help the camera focus on the flowers. Does the foliage have a scent when crushed? We're leaning towards a member of the mint family, but it's a very large group, so we aren't certain yet which species this is. Is it growing locally, and was it purchased from a local nursery?  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 7:02 PM EDT
response: Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 2:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 7:02 PM EDT
response: Sent from AOL on Android  On Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 2:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 7:07 PM EDT
response: Smells like basil mixed with mint.

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 July 02, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: While the photo of the flowers is not in focus, our best guess is that this is a type of herb, specifically possibly a variety of oregano.  Miri
Curling leaves on climbing rose

Question: Why are the leaves on my  Zephirine Drouhin climbing rose curling. I planted it about 1-1/2 months ago.  I’m not seeing any pests.

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 02, 2024, 7:25 PM EDT
response: Dear Kathy Joy,  Thank you for contacting us about your new rose. Curling leaves can be a sign of transplant shock, pests, or a nutrient deficiency.   Since you recently planted this rose, the most likely reason is transplant shock. Keep your plant mulched and continue to water the rose once or twice a week, very slowly. (Allow the top 2 or 3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.) A drip system or soaker hose is best.   Do not fertilize other than to apply finished compost. Fertilizer forces new growth and this will further stress your plant. Keep watch for pests such as aphids or mites. These guys love tender new growth.   If your plant does not improve over the next couple of months, please write back as a reply to this email and I'll be happy to try to assist you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Here are some follow up pictures. Is this evidence of aphids shedding?  On Jul 2, 2024, at 4:25 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 12, 2024, 12:12 AM EDT
response: Dear Kathy Joy,  Thanks for the additional photos. I can't be sure but they could be evidence of aphids along with the curling leaves. The PNW Handbook on Pest Management offers the following information with respect to aphids:   Wash aphids from woody plants with a strong stream of water or by wiping the aphids off a stem or leaf by hand. Aphid populations tend to be higher in plants fertilized liberally with nitrogen or heavily watered, so avoid practices that produce flushes of succulent growth.  I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have a gardening question.
Ash tree, white bugs

Question: Hello,

We have a large ash tree and recently noticed clumps of small white bugs damaging leaves. We are hoping someone can tell us what these are and how to protect our tree. We get it treated regularly for ash borers.

Thank you!

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied July 01, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
response: Hi Sarah,  This is ash leafcurl aphid. It's a type of wooly aphid. Fortunately, while it looks alarming, the damage is cosmetic and will not affect the overall health of the tree. You can either prune off those leave clumps or just leave them. They will shed this fall.  There is an option to use systemic insecticides, but this will only control the insects - the leaves will not "correct" themselves this season.  Here is more information: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/soils-amendments-composting/1770-ash-leaves-curling/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for responding so quickly! It’s such a relief to hear that the tree is not in danger! On Jul 1, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿