MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Coral Honeysuckle Top Dieback

Question: One of my Honeysuckles appears to have lost all the leaves just on the top, should a healthy pruning be the next step or something more drastic be the best next step?

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 03, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
response: Hi,  This is puzzling. Was something dumped on it like a bucket of cleaning water? Was the deck power washed?  Honeysuckle is typically so vigorous so we would recommend pruning out any of the dead or even a hard prune back to the main branches or trunks of the vines and letting it regrow. It should help rejuvenate it. If it doesn't or it seems that it has other issues feel free to send additional photos and reach out again. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 2:11 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick response Emily, much appreciated!  It was doing just grand and this seemed to happen practically overnight!  I will give her a deep prune and keep my hopes high.    Have a great safe weekend!  Molly On Jul 3, 2024, at 11:26 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 03, 2024, 2:18 PM EDT
response: You're welcome! That is strange. Let us know if it struggles to come back!  Have a great holiday weekend as well.  Emily
Unidentified soil dweller

Question: I always see a few of these critters every year, but this year there are more than usual and I’m noticing some root damage, including pretty much the total destruction of the root of a parsley plant. And these guys are around the area. They are about half an inch long, they curl into a spiral when disturbed. Can you identify them, please? And tell me a little bit about them? Thank you so much for your help.

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 03, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Frances and thanks for your question and great picture of a millipede. Millipedes eat decaying organic matter, so it sounds like if we mulch or have healthy soil, we will have these critters. They don't actually eat our plants though, so unless your parsley was already on the way out, it isn't their fault.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/structural-health/nuisance-household/nuisance-household-millipede  I too have lots of these in my garden and always misidentified them, so thanks for the nudge to look them up!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 7:04 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much! I’ve always wondered about them. They are kind of cute when they curl up into the spiral. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the pest Symphylan but I have those and I was hopeful. This was something that would eat them! But as I understand it centipedes do but millipedes don’t eat Symphylan. Happy gardening!FranSent from my iPhone On Jul 3, 2024, at 3:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Rhonda Frick-Wright  Replied July 05, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
response: Hi Fran,  I do know that rove beetles eat symphylan, and they look weird... not like regular beetles. Look them up and hopefully you will find some living in your soil. They can bite, however, so let them bite the symphylans not you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Rhonda! Sent from my iPhone On Jul 5, 2024, at 8:52 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Can I save these peony seeds for planting

Question: Hi,  I cut the seed pods off my peonies before I should have.  I now realize I should have waited until late summer.

Can I still use the seeds— my guess is no but I wanted to ask.  Thanks in advance—Jane Ramerth

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 02, 2024, 9:37 PM EDT
response: I have researched your question, but no one has experimented with unripe seeds. The seeds shown on this web page have been allowed to ripen. You could try drying your pods and see what the seeds look like after they open. And plant them as an experiment. Good Luck!  https://www.peonysociety.eu/wp-content/uploads/mediapress/members/111/17469/Peonies-From-Seed-APS.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 2:47 PM EDT
response: Thanks much!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 2, 2024, at 20:37, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 04, 2024, 3:46 PM EDT
response: See my previous answer. I don't know and I didn't find any research saying that they will germinate or not. Try it and see what happens.
Spider with nest on potato plant

Question: Would like to know what spider has her babies on my potato plant.

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied July 03, 2024, 9:33 AM EDT
response: This is a nursery web spider. They are excellent predators, and it is best to leave alone if they are not bothering you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT
response: Thank you, however she has lots of little ones, I will need to harvest the potatoes so I hope they all move on sooner than later!Diane On Jul 3, 2024, at 9:33 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿
Strange bug on my balcony

Question: How do I get rid of this bug that has taken over my balcony. Bug spray is not working.

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 03, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT
response: This is a Spotted Lanternfly nymph (juvenile). Pesticide sprays are not needed or recommended, and since they jump readily, they will also not work very well since they will not come into contact with much of the spray residues. You can learn more about this insect on the linked page.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT
response: It looks like 10-15 of these bugs are on the balcony of my condo. We thought using bug spray would get rid of them, it has not. My condo faces a wooded area with alot of trees and weeds.

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, 2:07 PM EDT
response: Correct, insecticide spraying will not get rid of them all, as even if it kills those it touches, others may wander (or later, fly) back into the area. Plus, insecticides that work well even in the short term will be able to kill other non-pest insect that come into contact with the residues, like fireflies, ladybugs, bees, and others. Lanternflies are numerous in Maryland, especially in Baltimore County this year. They won't harm the balcony or seriously injure any plants on it, so do not require treatment. We acknowledge they can be a nuisance, but sweeping, squishing, or swatting them away will be the best option.  Miri
Stonecrop sedum eradication

Question: Help!! As shown in the pictures, I have what I believe to be stonecrop sedum, and it is taking over my yard. Can it be eliminated?  If so, what is the best method?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT
response: It does appear to be mossy stonecrop. Here is some information on controlling it. Rolling the area to help crush the leaves, followed with herbicide can be effective. Be aware that rolling it or tilling it without herbicide will likely cause it to spread more. You also have the option of hand pulling, which can be very effective but time intensive.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/scouting_for_weeds_mossy_stonecrop

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 9:52 AM EDT
response: Thank you, that is also what I have read, but was hoping you had a better option.  Thank you.    On Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 09:22:17 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT
response: One more question, if we had an excavator come in and remove the top 2-3” of soil , would that eliminate the sedum, or would I still need to spray with a herbicide?  Thsnk you.  Sent from my iPhone  On Jul 3, 2024, at 9:49 AM, <personal data hidden> wrote:    Thank you, that is also what I have read, but was hoping you had a better option.  Thank you.   Happy 4th of July!       On Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 09:22:17 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2024, 10:59 AM EDT
response: Stonecrop can propagate itself from seed and from extremely small plant parts. Attempting to remove with an excavator may just result in spreading it. Anything that breaks it or chops it will likely spread it around.
Arborvitae Producing Cones?

Question: We have 8 arborvitae in our yard planted at various times. The smaller one look different than the others with what appears to be some sort of come like material on the tips of the branches. This is their third year in our yard and the first time we have seen this growth. Wondering what it is and if it is anything to be concerned about. The third photo shows one of the older trees. Thank you.

responder: Karen E  Replied July 03, 2024, 3:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question about the cone-like structures on your arborvitae shrubs.  There are a couple of options that come to mind.  The first is bagworms, which is a pest that uses the material from the tree (in this case needles) to form a nest-type structure that hangs from the tree.  Here's a photo and some information about bagworms: https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1951/na/html/view  I do believe that what you are seeing are the cones from your Eastern arborvitae trees (Thuja occidentalis).  Please follow this link to note the similarity: https://garden.org/plants/photo/494301/  Since you planted your arborvitae at different times I am wondering if it is possible that you planted different varieties, which would cause differences in size and habit.  Trees start producing cones as they mature, usually after about six years.  Here's an OSU fact sheet about Eastern arborvitae with additional information: https://plantfacts.osu.edu/tmi/Plantlist/th_talis.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 7:31 AM EDT
response: Dear Karen, Thanks for your quick response.  I agree now that I compare the photos that is it the cones, and it is likely the difference in variety.    Happy 4th!Jane  On Jul 3, 2024, at 3:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Karen E  Replied July 04, 2024, 1:55 PM EDT
response: And happy 4th to you!
Growth on siding

Question: I have something growing on my siding that is unrecognizable. Unable  to identify to treat and remove. Please help!!!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 04, 2024, 2:50 PM EDT
response: Hello John. That is Shotgun or Artillery Fungus (Sphaerobolus stellatus) on your siding. There is no fungicide to treat it. Washing the wall is the best method of control. Read more about it here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/artillery-fungus-sphaerobolus-stellatus And here: https://www.thespruce.com/artillery-fungus-identification-prevention-5185963#:~:text=Which%20removal%20method%20works%20best,get%20damaged%20by%20the%20bleach. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 04, 2024, 3:35 PM EDT
response: Thanks for responding. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Thu, Jul 4, 2024 at 2:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tree wound

Question: I have an established Japanese red maple that is about 20' tall and spreads about 25'.  Yesterday a large branch from an 80' hickory tree fell and broke a branch off the maple which was about 6" in diameter.  There is now a large, rather deep wound on the main trunk of the tree about 3' above its base.  How should treat the wound to preserve the tree?

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, 1:09 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do but to let the wound callous over and dry up. It isn't an ideal break or would but we do not recommend putting any sealant or tree product on it as it could trap bacteria, fungal spores, or insects inside.  Just keep the tree watered when needed and reduce additional stress when possible. Monitor for any signs of canopy stress or boring insect holes along the trunk.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Understood, thank you.     --------------------------------------------- Paul

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, 2:05 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
plant ID

Question: This plant is growing alongside my Black-eyed Susans in my box garden?What is it? Is it dangerous? Invasive?

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, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Hi,  We are having a difficult time narrowing it down. Could you send some additional photos of different angles? a photo of the entire plant so we can see the base and growing pattern.  You can post them in a response.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 03, 2024, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Additional photos of the plants as they are in my garden. You'll have to flip them unfortunately.  On Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 1:54 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 July 03, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT
response: Hi,  These plants look like different plants to us compared to the first photo you sent.  These look like they could be Horseweed which is native plant but common garden weed. They are really easy to pull and are shallow rooted.  We are still not able to conclude an id on the first photo though.  Emily
Cherry tree holes in large branch

Question: Hello,
I discovered these two large and round holes on one of the branches on my 30 years old cherry tree.
Do you have any idea who might have bore these large and deep holes.
Any suggestions for remedy such as plugging the holes or spraying them with something to prevent bug infestations.
I attached two pictures.
Thank you for your service
Jules

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, 2:00 PM EDT
response: Hi,  It is most likely a type of woodpecker. They don't look fresh though or you would see wood chips on the ground around the tree. There isn't anything you can do to seal or plug them. Just monitor the trees health and if branches appear to be dead or dying you will want to prune them off so they don't fall. You may need an arborist to help since the tree seems large. You can search of a certified arborist or licensed tree expert in your area for a quote or pruning or removal.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 02, 2024, 4:36 PM EDT
response: Thank you Emily for your reply.Jules   On Tue, Jul 2, 2024 at 2:00 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 July 03, 2024, 9:49 AM EDT
response: You're welcome
Montmorency Cherry Tree

Question: We planted three Montmorency cherry trees in the spring of 2022.  The next year one of the trees did not do well.  I assumed it was transplant shock.  I fertilized it and watered it and by the end of the year it looked like it recovered; however, there were some branches that did not come back.  I cut those dead branches off at the end of the season.  This year it seemed to have started off well, but recently some leaves are turning yellow and I noticed a split in the trunk (south side of tree).  Do you have any suggestions as to what I might do to save the tree?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT
response: Hi Robert,  I'm sorry to hear about your cherry tree.   The pictures you sent look alot like frost cracks/sunscald.   Here's a really nice infosheet that the University of Conneticut has on-line.   You mentioned that you fertilized the tree at the end of the year. This can actually make the tree put out new growth that doesn't have enough time to harden off before freezing conditions happen (the dead branches you pruned off). It might be worth trimming away the excess bark with a knife that's been dipped in 10% bleach so that it doesn't provide a home for pests. How do you water the tree? Drought stressed trees have a higher risk of frost crack/sunscald, especially if they have a southern/southwest exposure during the winter months.  I hope this helps!  Best,  Boulder County Master Gardeners

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response and the information that was sent.  I will trim the area around the frost crack/sunscald as you recommended.  This very well may be the cause of the problem. I fertilized the tree last year in July and cut the dead branches at the end of the year.  I fertilized it again this past March.    The tree is on a watering trickle system, but I have been supplementing by hand watering in extremely hot weather.  Again thank you for your help,  Bob    On Jul 3, 2024, at 6:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2024, 11:06 AM EDT
response: You are very welcome.  I hope your cherry tree improves.
Grass light green patches

Question: Attached is a picture of round grass patches that are showing up. A few years ago there was only one patch. Now there are around five patches.

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 04, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Diane,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://extension.umn.edu/news/understanding-fairy-rings-your-lawn This information states:  What should you do with fairy rings in your lawn? The good news is that fairy rings do not kill lawns and are mainly cosmetic. They often disappear naturally. Waiting is usually the simplest management option.  Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 06, 2024, 8:48 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the response. I had researched this issue and read up on fairy rings. All the pictures I found were darker green or brown rings. Our lawn has patches of light colored green grass. A few of the large patches have been around for almost ten years. We would like to figure out how to remedy this issue was this year a few smaller patches have formed in another area.  Diane   On Thu, Jul 4, 2024, 8:22 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 06, 2024, 9:13 AM EDT
response: Diane,  I would suggest you go to the spots, inspect the turf, see what is different with the spots as opposed to the lawn you are happy with.  Is the soil beneath the sod different?  Are these spots that appeared from taking down trees or something in the past?  What happens when you apply fertilizer? Do the spots disappear or change? If the spot has been there for 10 years, what have you done in the past?  Here is a link to the annual lawn care calendar from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar Here is another link to consider planting something besides turf grass: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/extension-research-help-you-help-pollinators Good Luck!
Save Joe Pye

Question: What is likely causing so much damage to my Coastal Joe Pye Weed? The plant looked great in early to mid spring, then in late spring the leaves became eaten to a great extent by some kind of insect. What is the best thing to do about this?

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, 1:48 PM EDT
response: It could be any number of leaf chewing insects and apparently they really preferred this plant! We don't think you should be overly concerned since it will return and re-leaf  and looks like it will still bloom this year. Since this is a pollinator plant we suggest just leaving it alone so it doesn't harm any beneficial insects.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2024, 4:17 PM EDT
response: Dear Emily, Thank you! I did not want to use any pesticides.   Dianne

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, 8:25 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Prairie flowering crab

Question: We just recently purchased this prairie flowering crab from Gertens in Inver Grove Heights. We planted it according to the directions recently we noticed that the branches have new leaves at the end but are dying in the middle. It’s very strange so it has new growth but then also the middle is .

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 01, 2024, 10:07 PM EDT
response: I apologize. Part of my message got cut off. The tree has been in the ground for about a month and a half. It was beautiful and flowering. After the flowers came off, the branches have been acting goofy if you look closely in the middle of many of the branches it’s dying off, but at the end of the branches there is new growth with bigger leaves. We thought maybe With all the rain something could’ve happened.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 01, 2024, 11:22 PM EDT
response: Was it planted correctly? See this web site.  https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs This web page may also be helpful. https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/apple/leavesbrown.html An arborist may be necessary to give a diagnosis. Or send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic. There is a fee for this service.  https://pdc.umn.edu/