MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Weed?

Question: Is this an invasive weed named Virginia creeper 
It is a shady area of the garden

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 May 09, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: This is not Virginia Creeper, which happens to be native (and of importance to wildlife) and not invasive (only non-native species can be invasive), even though Virginia Creeper can be an aggressive plant. The linked gallery page may be useful for comparison of the plant's traits such as leaf shape, flower structure, and berry production (which won't happen until later this season).  The flowers in your photo, plus the leaf shape, suggest this is instead Waterleaf, a native wildflower that is sometimes quite abundant in Maryland woodlands. The late-spring and summer foliage on Waterleaf are a plain green, but the early-spring foliage can be very decorative with prominent silvery markings. There are three species of Waterleaf in the state (all belonging to genus Hydrophyllum), and you can browse images of them in the linked page if you're curious about their differences. Based on the traits we can see in the photo, and based on how comparatively common it is among those three, your sample is probably Eastern Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum). At least one pollen-specialist native bee, active between April and July, uses Waterleaf as a resource needed for its reproduction, so it does have value. If plants self-sow too abundantly, though, you can just pull up those you don't want to keep.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 11:31 AM EDT
response: Thanks so much!!!!On May 9, 2023, at 3:17 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 May 12, 2023, 12:01 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!
ID bugs in blueberry field

Question: Could you tell me what kind of bugs this is. I have it in my 2 acres of blueberries.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 10, 2023, 12:57 PM EDT
response: Hello,   This is some type of fly. It is not one of the species included in the list of blueberry pests (https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/small-fruit/blueberry).   Best, Chris

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 5:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information!Thanks,Julie On May 10, 2023, at 9:58 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Tree ID

Question: Tree leaf ID?

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 May 09, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT
response: With nearly two dozen oak species present in Maryland, some of which can hybridize with each other in the wild, we can't ID this to species level.It appears to have the "bristle tip" (small leaf hair on the tips of the lobes) that species in the red oak group have.  You can try to use the Virginia Tech dendrology leaf or twig key to help determine which oak it might be based on bud (in winter), stem leaf scar shape, and other characteristics. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your email. Red Oak was my guess as well. Love your site!RonOn Tue, May 9, 2023, 3:06 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 May 10, 2023, 9:43 AM EDT
response: you're welcome - thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 3:20 PM EDT
response: FYI...I was told it's a Scarlet Oak! New one to me. Take care.RonOn Wed, May 10, 2023, 9:43 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 May 11, 2023, 2:07 PM EDT
response: oh good! Sometimes seeing the entire tree and its environment is helpful too. Glad you got a species ID.
Rosa Rugosa

Question: I live in Charlevoix on Lake Michigan.  I have several Rosa Rugosa plants on the lakeside and three of my older plants are covered with a lichen on the branches.  Is this a bad thing?  Will they eventually die?  It doesn't look like any new shoots are growing from the covered areas.  Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

responder: *Please Note: If there is mention of trade names in this response, it is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of one product over another, nor is discrimination intended against any product.  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Please contact us again with any gardening questions you may have, or call the MSUE State Hotline at 1-888-678-3464  Replied May 12, 2023, 2:13 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Lichens are long-living, slow-growing organisms that form because of a relationship between fungi and algae or bacteria. They do not harm the plant or tree as they produce their own food and don't feed off the host plant. However, the presence of lichen can indicate the health of the host plant. The following quote is from an article by Mississippi State Extension:  These interesting organisms are found throughout the world. There’s always lichen on tree trunks, and these organisms will grow on any hard surface outdoors, from wooden fences to rocks and birdhouses.   While lichen does not harm the host plants, its presence is an indicator that the trees and shrubs are under some kind of stress. This stress could be from temperature or from over- or under-watering.  Stress causes the canopy of the trees and shrubs to thin out, which allows more light to get into the canopy. In response to the higher light levels, the lichen becomes much more noticeable.   http://extension.msstate.edu/news/southern-gardening/2020/unusual-lichen-does-not-harm-host-plant    You can prune some of the branches to encourage new growth and a fuller canopy. You can also gently scrape some of the lichen from the stems. Your plants may have a nutritional deficiency or and insect problem, so check the health of your plants. Also check the moisture they receive. Too much water contributes to lichen growth. Keep in mind that Lichen does not damage the plant, but it takes the opportunity to grow on it.  Lichens are highly vulnerable to dry conditions, as they cannot control water loss. They will “come alive” and “go dormant” depending on moisture conditions.   The following link from MSU Extension is a very informative article about lichen. I think you will find it helpful. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-that-growing-on-my-tree  If you have more questions of need further information, please contact us again.  Enjoy the Spring!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for this information. ChristineOn Fri, May 12, 2023 at 2:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Rabbit Girdling of winged euonymus

Question: Rabbits chewed the bases on my 20yr old hedge of winged euonymus.  Complete circumference and 1 to 2 ft in length.  I am very concerned of losing this suburban privacy hedge due to the damage.  Is there something I can do?  Should I use a tree wrap on each branch to protect them as they heal this summer?  I welcome your input -Thank you.

responder: MJ Replied May 09, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT
response: Hi Patrick, I’m sorry about your hedge. Rabbit damage was severe this winter and thousands of Minnesota homeowners experienced this kind of damage to trees and shrubs. The branches of your burning bushes will not recover from being girdled. If you want to keep these plants you should prune the branches off below the damage. They will sprout from below. Another consideration is that burning bushes have been declared an invasive in Minnesota. Sale and transport is prohibited here. This fact sheet discusses burning bush and possible replacements: https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/burning-bush Whatever you decide to do, it’s a good idea to protect shrubs and young tree in winter. Here’s more information: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter#:~:text=For%20small%20trees%2C%20plastic%20tree,rabbits%20aren't%20trapped%20inside. Sorry to share bad news. Good luck.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: Received your reply -thanks.  Just a confirmation to your answer. What is the probability of new shoots if I cut at ground level?  50% recovery?  90% recovery?  Is now, the early growing season, the time to complete?  I am very open to attempting this solution if I have a very high chance of losing the entire hedge anyhow.  And, I prefer to try this, rather than replace them all. Please advise some probabilities of recovery by cutting at ground level.  Thank you, your reply is much appreciated. Patrick HeimBurnsville, MNOn Tue, May 9, 2023 at 11:04 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MJ Replied May 09, 2023, 1:11 PM EDT
response: I’d expect them to send out new growth, but there’s no way to give you a probability. Burning bushes are tough, but plants are unpredictable. You will know when you try. You can cut them back now.
How can I help my old established Rhododenron

Question: I have a large beautiful rhododendron that suddenly last year at the end of the summer turned brown and is really struggling this year. Some of the branches are still green upon scratch test and some are not. 
There is another similar sized rhododendron right next to it that currently is still doing well. I had a soil sample done last year to some smaller Rhodies about 40 feet away, attaching a picture of that. 
How can I / can I help this one recover? I’m very heartbroken seeing it in this state! I have not pruned it or taken any action yet. 
I’m up at about 900 ft elevation in a relatively Shady, woodland type rural area.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 09, 2023, 12:17 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Lindsay.  I suspect that this progression of leaf browning began some time ago, especially if the plant did not receive supplemental water during the last 3 summer months, which were particularly dry.  Your plant may also be infected with one of several soil pathogens, including this one:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rhododendron-ramorum-leaf-blight-shoot-dieback But rhododendrons are susceptible to 32 diseases or environmental issues, and they cannot be diagnosed without a lab examination.  You can't revive the dead tissue, but you might want to have the viable parts tested at the OSU Plant clinic:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 2:16 PM EDT
response: I will submit to the plant clinic. One last question - in the meantime, should I prune down the plant or leave it alone? I’m not sure what to do with all the dead parts. Sent from my iPhone On May 9, 2023, at 9:17 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 09, 2023, 2:20 PM EDT
response: If you’re certain that the plant tissue is dead, remove it, and burn it.  Don’t compost, in the event it has bacteria or fungus.  The 3 rules of pruning are to remove “dead, diseased or dangerous” material.
Bug ID?

Question: These very tiny bugs are on most windowsills in my house. Of note the home is just over 1 year old. I have many house plants- no evidence of same bug on those. Wondering how to get rid of said bugs and if they are harmful to my children? Penny in picture to reference size. Sorry it’s blurry- I can’t get it any clearer or else it just looks like a dot. The bugs have a reddish brown color?

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 May 09, 2023, 9:51 AM EDT
response: These look like clover mites. A short-term outbreak of these is not unusual in new homes. The mites are only a nuisance -- they do not cause any damage or bother people. They are not harmful to children.  Clover mites live outside and are not a recurring indoor pest; they do not form nests. Pesticide treatments are not usually warranted or necessary for these.  The most practical course of action would be to try to seal any gaps, cracks, or other access points in the home exterior to keep the mites from getting in. A new home should be fairly intact and well-sealed already, but these mites being very tiny can find their way through pretty small spaces. Check window weather-stripping for breaks, as well as door weather-stripping.   The following links about clover mites provide more information and tips for discouraging them.  Penn State Extension: Clover Mites Ohio State University: Clover MitesUniversity of Kentucky: Clover Mites **Note that insecticides mentioned on other state Extension pages are not necessarily applicable in Maryland, nor are they low-risk; for example, their suggestion of chlorpyrifos would be illegal to use in Maryland as it was recently banned.  Please let us know if you have any additional questions.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much!Sent from my iPhone On May 9, 2023, at 09:51, 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 May 09, 2023, 12:51 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Pruning a Lilac Tree

Question: Hello, I am writing to request some direction on pruning my lilac tree.  I planted this tree in May 2022 - 1 year ago.  It is now flowering which I am thrilled about, however, there is a tall, thick center branch that has no buds on it.  I would like the tree to grow UP, rather than out like a bush.  I am wondering why the thickest center piece, is thickest and tallest, but has no buds.  All the flowering branches are low and thin.  How should I prune for maximum bloom AND Height?  Should I take that thick center piece out as maybe it is more of a "sucker"? or should I thin out the lower branches?
Thank you so much for your help and time! Kindly, Brenda Gluszek

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Brenda.  Here is a good article about pruning lilacs that should help:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/prune-lilacs-soon-after-bloom The reasons that some shrubs grow a "leader", like trees, are found in botany, often due to pruning begun in the nursery.  But, as the article suggests, you can even it out over 3 years.  Here is another resource on pruning techniques:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/pruningtreesshrubs.pdf Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 4:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the above information.  The first article says to prune right after the bloom.  I was under the impression, or thought I had read, that one should wait 3 years before pruning, and that would include pruning of the old blooms.  Your thoughts on this?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: I am uncertain as to the origin of your information, butI can provide no better advice than Professor Penhallegon, quoted in the first article.  "...[T]hey need to be pruned, fertilized and shaped almost every year, soon after they are done blooming in the late spring."  "The first spring, remove about one-third of the old canes all the way down to the ground."  "Over the next couple of years, take out the remaining two thirds of the old stems."  "Once you have your lilac looking good, Penhallegon recommends that each year you clip off the faded flowers to stimulate new growth and more blooms next year."  He's the expert!
Hole in pine tree trunk

Question: Hello, this hole is in the trunk of a pine tree.  It looks like sawdust inside the hole.  Please tell me how to handle this issue and keep the tree healthy.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 3:44 PM EDT
response: Hello,  I recently sent you a question and photos of my pine tree.  Today I noticed ants on the tree trunk.  I am sending more photos.  Thank you for your help.

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 May 09, 2023, 10:55 AM EDT
response: The old branch cut where this hole and sawdust are now visible was likely pruned improperly, having been cut too close to the trunk which prevented the tree from sealing-over the wound to keep wood decay out. Nothing can be done about that at this point, nor should any type of coating or sealant be used over branch stubs or cuts, but if the tree's canopy appears normal, it's possible no harm came from any wood decay that has already occurred. This is because the innermost wood in tree trunks and branches is naturally dead tissue (the living layer is closer to the bark), and trees also have internal ways of blocking-off the spread of decay that aren't visible from the outside. This process can keep a tree alive even if part of the trunk has hollowed-out because the decay present isn't necessarily damaging live wood.  Carpenter ants can excavate nest cavities in decaying wood but won't be responsible for killing a tree or causing serious damage as they do not consume the wood itself. They are taking advantage of an environment suitable to them but, aside from drawing the attention of woodpeckers eager to eat them, aren't risking the tree's health and do not need treatment. In fact, ants typically help to defend plants from a variety of leaf-chewing pests because they hunt such insects for food.  We suggest you have a certified arborist assess the tree if you have concerns about its health or if it appears to be in decline. While arborists cannot reverse existing damage nor cure every ailment, they can help identify sources of tree stress that can be addressed, plus they can recommend which limbs to prune if certain branches pose a fall hazard due to wood decay. Some arborists are employed by tree-care companies but others consult independently and should be unbiased towards unnecessary treatments (like fertilizer or growth stimulants).  Miri
Arborvitae advice

Question: Hello, we planted our arborvitae last week (we got them in burlap covered rootball). When we planted them I noted the root ball had dried out but they were still green, watered them well after planting, I hope they look okay? See pic..

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 09, 2023, 10:18 PM EDT
response: Hello, we planted our arborvitae last week (we got them in burlap covered rootball). When we planted them I noted the root ball had dried out but they were still green, watered them well after planting, I hope they look okay? See pic.. They look good to me. Remember that new plants need plenty of water, especially the first summer. And it's best to water deeply rather than frequently.  This site provides watering information for this part of Oregon.                  https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/watering-fact-sheet.pdf Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 10:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Tue, May 9, 2023, 7:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 10, 2023, 12:54 AM EDT
response: Hello, we planted our arborvitae last week (we got them in burlap covered rootball). When we planted them I noted the root ball had dried out but they were still green, watered them well after planting, I hope they look okay? See pic.. You’re very welcome.  Susan
Tree bark gnawed away

Question: Hello,

We gave a young maple (less than 5-6 years old) and it got its bark chewed off over the winter. The expose area is about a foot from top to bottom and is all the way around the tree. I’m concerned about insects and disease. What can we do to protect it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 9:12 PM EDT
response: Hello, It's bad news I'm afraid, that tree is probably a goner. Once the bark has been chewed off all the way around the tree it's highly likely not going to be able to pull water up into the branches. Is there any life in the branches , any green  ? Give it another week or so and if there is no life then it's dead. If there is some life left just leave the trunk alone. Don't cover it with anything. If it was my tree ( and I have two that look like that) I would go ahead and replace it. It's now so weekend that it will be more vulnerable to future problems.  Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 4:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you Sally. There does appear to be some green coming in and some leaves so maybe we’ll get lucky? On a related note the same thing happened to some younger arborvitaes (in addition to being buried in the heavy snow) and they’re looking rough, but still have some growth and green in other areas. Same situation as the tree or are they more resilient (hopefully!!). Thank you!Aaron On Mon, May 8, 2023 at 8:12 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 13, 2023, 9:26 PM EDT
response: I don't know if they are more resilient, but it means they are still alive. The branches won't regrow from where they died, in other words, if the branches on the lower part of the bush are dead, the trunk will become more like a tree. So, if a branch is dead another won't regrow from that spot.From what I can see from the pictures the arborvitaes look like they will come back and be fine. On Tue, May 9, 2023 at 3:29 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: