MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
lilac rescue

Question: hello all from mansfield. my season bearing lilac had flower and leaf buds in febuary due to mild weather. however, the bad cold that came late seems to have done it in (i did try to cover,through the worst of it) some of the buds tried to flower, but are brown and dry now, and the leaves that did poke out are curled up. I've been watchin it now that the weather has straightened out, but it looks like it has shut down. can I rescue this bush for next year?  thanks for any help you can offer.

responder: Shelley B.   Replied May 25, 2023, 2:09 PM EDT
response: Hello Mark. Thank you for your question. I’m sorry to hear about your lilac bush. Lilacs are my favorite spring bloom scent. From the attached images, it appears that there are still some green leaves. Obviously, this means that the bush is still alive and could possibly be salvaged.  While the cold snap may have weakened it, there is likely an additional issue causing the leaves to brown such as – Fungal or Bacterial infectionLilac BorerHerbicide Damage Below is a link with information to assist with a diagnosis. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/lilac-issues-season Additionally, here a few links about fungal, bacteria, insect infestations and pruning.  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/common-lilac-problems.htm https://www.thespruce.com/lilac-bushes-growing-tips-2132722

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 2:33 PM EDT
response: thanks for you reply. the leaves that did come out are poorly.as well as the buds. I think I will cut it back, then see if I can nurture some new growth before fall. thanks again-you guys are the best. On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 2:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Shelley B.   Replied May 25, 2023, 4:12 PM EDT
response: You are welcome.  Best of luck with your lilac bush. I'm pulling for you.  :-)
What’s killing my cherry trees?

Question: This is the second cherry tree I’ve lost in recent years. What can I do to stop or prevent this from happening again? This area can get wet in the winter.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2023, 8:16 PM EDT
response: This is the second cherry tree I’ve lost in recent years. What can I do to stop or prevent this from happening again? This area can get wet in the winter. Scott, based on these two photos I would guess that this tree has been suffering for quite some time - that's a lot of damage. You say the area can get wet but I don't know how wet. If it actually stays flooded for much of the winter, then that may be the problem. Please observe your remaining trees carefully, the new leaves as well as the older ones, and if you notice any changes like early yellowing or browning, or misshapen leaves, please let us know. The more photos we get of the parts of the tree, and the whole tree, the easier it is for us to disgnose the problem.  Susan Yamhill County Master Gardener.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 11:45 AM EDT
response: Sent from my iPad On May 24, 2023, at 5:16 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2023, 7:56 PM EDT
response: Scott, I see that you sent a notice to us at 11:45 on the morning of the 26th, but there was no message. Susan  Yamhill County Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT
response: For some reason it wouldn’t upload so I’m going to do this again. I am including more pictures of the tree and one of what looks like damage on the remaining tree. That tree is about 25’ away. There isn’t standing water but runoff from the hill behind makes it pretty soggy. I want to find out what’s going on before I try to replant and not lose my other tree. Thanks

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 27, 2023, 8:01 PM EDT
response: This is the second cherry tree I’ve lost in recent years. What can I do to stop or prevent this from happening again? This area can get wet in the winter. Scott, seems to me we really need to know how wet that area gets. I suggest that you dig a hole approximately three feet uphill from the live tree and from the dead tree. It should be 6-8" deep. We want to assess how wet the soil is at that depth. Grab a handful of soil from the bottom of the hole.  Ideally the soil shouldn't even compact into a ball when you squeeze it. If you can sqeeze water from it, it's too wet for those trees. Given that you've lost two trees from that area, I wouldn't plant any other cherry trees there. The remaining uphill tree still looks good as far as I can tell, though if it's possible to move it that would be something to think about. Here is a site for information about trees for wet areas:  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/plants-for-damp-or-wet-areas/ Best wishes. Susan Yamhill County Master Gardener
What is this?(plant id, gall)

Question: I found this under an oak, maple , and spruce trees.    Never seen it before.  There were more of them.  What is it?

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied May 23, 2023, 2:59 PM EDT
response: This is a really cool gall on oak called oak-apple gall.  It is harmless.  Here is an article that will describe it best.  https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1042

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 10:48 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the info on the oak-apple gall.  My friends and I were all stumped!  I will try looking up into the tree now for more .ConnieSent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Tue, May 23, 2023 at 2:59 PM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied May 24, 2023, 7:45 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!  Have a great weekend.
Plant ID request

Question: Hello. Need assistance in identifying this plant in my yard. I am wondering if this is a pollenator milkweed plant to attract monarchs. Someone suggehsted that it is a willow and i should destroy it but i would like positive identification.

responder: Cassey Anderson   Replied May 30, 2023, 11:51 AM EDT
response: Geri,  Thank you for your question. That does not appear to be a variety of milkweed. From the picture it could be a willow but could be other things as well. You could bring a sample in to our office if you would like a positive ID.  Let me know if you have additional questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2023, 9:09 PM EDT
response: I would like to bring a clipping by for ID. Could you provide office hour and address please?Thanks.GeriOn Tue, May 30, 2023, 9:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cassey Anderson   Replied May 31, 2023, 10:19 AM EDT
response: Geri,  Of course. We're at 9755 Henderson Rd Brighton CO 80601. Our office is open 8-4:30 Monday-Friday.
Blue Spruce  disease or ?

Question: Our 19 yo Spruce 3 years ago began to exhibit needle browning & fall (beginning from near trunk and extending out) among the lowest branches.  Our fairly knowledgeable neighbor couldn’t find sign of insects and thought it might need more water.  I gave water and 2 Jobe stakes and last year it produced large number of cones.  This spring it appears the condition has advanced further up the trunk.  Any suggestions how to save this tree?

responder: Alicia Christiansen  Replied May 25, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: I would suggest contacting the Deschutes County Master Gardeners, as they are your local resource for questions like this. You can drop by their office or email them (include photos). Their information can be found here:   https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/central/have-gardening-question

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 8:59 PM EDT
response: lol,  this reply takes me to where I started!Your system is nearly nonfunctional M ONealSent through space On May 25, 2023, at 3:24 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Alicia Christiansen  Replied May 26, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Were the Master Gardeners able to assist you with this question, or did they refer you to Ask Extension online? I suggested your local Master Gardeners as I am in Douglas County and I'm less familiar with issues going on in Deschutes County. If your local Master Gardeners are not providing adequate assistance, please let me know and I will help connect you with an alternative source of Extension assistance in your area.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 5:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you Alicia, for your explanation.  Your previous message sent me to the web page where I directed my question to Deschutes Co. originally.   Since the web page evidently sent me to you I’m left unsure how to contact them.If you have a more direct link that would help.  Otherwise when I have time to search I’ll try to find a different site taking questions.Regards M ONealSent through space On May 26, 2023, at 10:38 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Alicia Christiansen  Replied May 30, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Mike - Thanks for describing how your question landed on Ask Extension. That is certainly frustrating to be sent in circles! Apologies for that.   My recommendation is to call the Central Oregon Master Gardener's office and speak with them on the phone. They will then be able to give you an email address where you can send your photos to. The number is <personal data hidden>. Ask to speak with either the Master Gardeners OR the Horticulture Agent.   If you still run into issues, give me a call at<personal data hidden> and we'll get it sorted out! Again, so sorry that this has taken so long to get you an answer.
Crimson King Tree loosing its bark

Question: Our 15 year old Crimson King tree is loosing its bark in deep, long vertical strips.  The bark is pulling away from the trunk.  The bark has not yet fallen to the ground but there are deep spaces between the bark and the trunk.  It wouldn't take much pressure to pop-off the loose bark.  We have another King about 100 feet from this one that is in perfect health.  Can you give us som advice on how to treat this tree?  From a distance it looks great but it's not healthy when one has a closer look.  thanks,   Carol and John Muller

responder: Betsy, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteerwww.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardenerWe do not intend to endorse any products we mention or criticize products we do not mention.When we include a link to a resource that recommends a chemical, it is for informational purposesonly; the chemicals may not be registered for use in Vermont. Replied May 23, 2023, 4:30 PM EDT
response: Hello Carol and John, Thank you for contacting UVM Extension Master Gardener, and thank you for submitting photos. You mentioned that your tree looks otherwise healthy, so I suspect you have not seen any insects or signs of fungus at the peeling areas.  The cracks are most likely due to extreme changes in temperature, which often happen in spring. Maples are particularly susceptible. Often these longitudinal cracks develop on the trunk of trees facing south or southeast as bark and wood expand, then contract, in response to big temperature changes between day and night (bark absorbs the sun's heat, then the temperature plummets after sunset). These cracks usually heal over, entirely or partly, in the following growing season. Cutting the bark away or wrapping the bark used to be recommended, but letting it heal without intervention is often the best way. Tree wrap is not usually necessary for older trees like yours. https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/653.pdf When warm days are followed by cold nights, tuck a light-colored tree blanket around your tree. The blanket will reflect sunlight away from the tree, keeping the bark temperature uniformly cold. Keep your tree well-watered except when the ground is frozen. Using mulch helps keep the soil moist. When pruning, leave enough canopy so the tree can shade its bark from intense sunlight. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=764276 I hope this is helpful. Please reach out again if you still have questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 8:53 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the speedy response.We’ve got our fingers crossed!Carol MullerOn May 23, 2023, at 4:30 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Disease or spider mites on Hibiscus?

Question: Just purchased this hibiscus and it seems to have black dots on the leaves . Some are turning yellow. I thought I saw a web the other day. And now the leaves looks real droopy even though it’s watered. Could it be a fungal or spider mite infestation?

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 May 24, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: We think your problem looks most like water stress. Droopy yellow leaves can result from both overwatering and underwatering. The soil itself looks dry but it's hard to tell.  Did it come from a greenhouse? Did you repot it?  If it was bought from a greenhouse it may not have been adjusted for full, beating sun. Put it in some shade and make sure it's watered and slowly acclimated to full sun.  Also, be sure that there are drainage holes and that water freely flows from the bottom of the pot when you water. If you use a saucer, you can let it sit in the drained water for a short period of time to soak up as much as possible before tipping out the excess. If you did repot, it could also be stressed a bit from that, but should recover. In the heat of the summer, in full sun, you can expect to need to water these plants daily.    Christine  Christine

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 May 24, 2023, 12:28 PM EDT
response: We think your problem looks most like water stress. Droopy yellow leaves can result from both overwatering and underwatering. The soil itself looks dry but it's hard to tell.  Did it come from a greenhouse? Did you repot it?  If it was bought from a greenhouse it may not have been adjusted for full, beating sun. Put it in some shade and make sure it's watered and slowly acclimated to full sun.  Also, be sure that there are drainage holes and that water freely flows from the bottom of the pot when you water. If you use a saucer, you can let it sit in the drained water for a short period of time to soak up as much as possible before tipping out the excess. If you did repot, it could also be stressed a bit from that, but should recover. In the heat of the summer, in full sun, you can expect to need to water these plants daily.    Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 7:24 AM EDT
response: Thank you. I did just replant it! . Thank you for your response!   Shelley Kikalo  On May 24, 2023, at 12:27 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Apple Tree Concerns

Question: Hello, I am wondering if this issue can be identified, and if the trees are salvageable? It appears there are pycnidia present, as well as significant canker presence. 

Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 4:51 PM EDT
response: Hello again. I was just hoping I could get a response. Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 05, 2023, 10:54 AM EDT
response: Joshua, These trees have black rot cankers, you are correct in determining the presence of pycnidia which help to further spread the fungus. Those limbs all look to be killed by the fungus, and I would say that the trees are not salvageable at this point. If you had any trees with fewer limbs affected, you could prune those out right away. We suggest burning any infected tissue because the pathogen can continue to sporulate and spread from dead tissue. Best regards,  George Sundin

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you very kindly for your reply George! I will pass the info n to the landowner and help him figure out how to be more successful in the future! Best,JoshOn Mon, Jun 5, 2023 at 9:54 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
rose bush problem

Question: What is going on with my rose bush, and what can I do? Thanks!

responder: Taffy Replied May 24, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Hi Nancy,  This is classic Roseslug sawfly damage:  There is one generation of sawfly (which is actually a type of wasp) per year. Adults emerge in early spring and lay eggs on leaves. Eggs hatch and larvae emerge in late April to early May and begin to eat the soft part of the leaves. Larvae crawl to the ground to spin cocoons by mid June.  If you see the little larvae on the underside of the leaves, you can pick them off or spray them with horticultural oil.  If you don't see them, it's too late to control as they've finished eating and left the plants.   Here is more information on the Rose sawfly and it's management: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems Thanks for contacting Ask Extension!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 2:58 PM EDT
response: Uh-oh! I'm afraid I severely pruned my rose bush yesterday. Is that okay? I hope so. . . . Thankyou!!On Wed, May 24, 2023 at 1:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Taffy Replied May 24, 2023, 3:30 PM EDT
response: Usually you prune roses in late fall and again in early spring.  Pruning them now will have cut off all possibility of reblooming.  If you didn't see the sawfly larvae, they were already gone and no need to prune.  The damaged leaves may be unsightly but the plant will survive.  Not to worry, the shrub will probably be fine, just no more blooms this season. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/guide-pruning-roses

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 3:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you. Will the blooms come back next year? On Wed, May 24, 2023 at 3:30 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Taffy Replied May 24, 2023, 8:05 PM EDT
response: They probably will.  No more pruning, though!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 8:34 PM EDT
response: Tha k you!

responder: Taffy Replied May 25, 2023, 3:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks - I wrote that to the rose grower.  ------ Original Message ------ From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>> To: "Taffy Turner" <<personal data hidden>> Sent: 5/25/2023 2:18:49 PM Subject: New Internal Activity Alert
Pest Identification - Peach Tree

Question: Can you please help me identify these insects?

responder: David Lowenstein  Replied May 23, 2023, 8:47 PM EDT
response: The hairy caterpillar is a type of tussock moth, and its presence on the leaves is likely coincidental rather than a evidence of a bigger problem.  The brown object on the leaf is a pupae of some type of moth. The pupa on the right side looks like it was attacked by a predator, and the one on the left appears damaged too.    Oblique banded leafroller and oriental fruit moth are 2 type of caterpillars that attacks peaches, but none of your photos show this insect. Even though neither insect appears to be a common pest of peach, keep monitoring those trees for any future evidence of damage to leaves or peaches.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 1:33 PM EDT
response: Thank you David,   That’s very helpful.  I will continue monitoring.   Sent from Outlook From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 8:48 PM To: Joseph Pierluissi <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Pest Identification - Peach Tree (#0101464)
Tree identification

Question: Can you help identify this tree with horizontal shading on the bark.  I’ve found a group of them while removing Chinese privet in southern Wake county.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2023, 10:29 AM EDT
response: It is not clear from your photos that the leaves and the trunk are on the same tree, so I want to verify that this is the case.  Are there multiple trees like this?  Do you know if it was deliberately planted or whether it seeded itself.  Any additional info you can provide would be helpful.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 4:26 PM EDT
response: A few more pictures.  The 4 trees that might be a colony(?) are on the north side of an old golf course that closed in 2008 (Hidden Valley in Fuquay-Varina), and adjacent to an area developed with a large retention pond around 4 years ago, so my guess is this was self-seeded?? And the leaves and the trunk pictures come from these 4 trees.  I did take down some Chinese privet around them in order to get pictures — not sure if they would have lower branches if the privet had not been totally surrounding them.Thanks,Sally JonesSent from my iPad On May 25, 2023, at 10:29 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 27, 2023, 12:35 PM EDT
response: I've asked several others to confirm my suspicions and all agree that it is Paper Mulberry, Broussonetia papyrifera, a highly invasive species.   Here is a link to an article on ways to remove these trees. https://www.treesatlanta.org/how-to-remove-paper-mulberry/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 1:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  I’m comfortable doing a cut and treat.INaturalist had given a ‘good guess’ that it was a Chinese mulberry but I didn’t want to take it out without confirmation — after all, the bark is pretty Sent from my iPad On May 27, 2023, at 12:35 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Snake question

Question: I hv a very large snake in my goat feed box. Is there any way to identify what type it is?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Roberta, Hi.  The snake you have in the feed box is an Eastern Rat Snake. Eastern RatsnakePantherophis alleghaniensis Identifying Characteristics:Adults range from 42 to 72 inches in length though individuals up to 101 inches have been recorded.Coloration varies. In Delaware, Eastern Ratsnakes are typically completely black.There may be red, white, or yellow flecking on the scales.These snakes are found in many habitats in Delaware. Look for them in agricultural areas, forests, and swampy woodlands. Make sure you look UP, as Eastern Ratsnakes are arboreal and are often found in trees! I hope this is helpful. Best regards, Tracy

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: Hi Tracy: Thank U so much for the prompt response!!  The info has been very helpful to me . Roberta
Transplanting rhubarb question

Question: Hello. I have some very small rhubarb plants that I planted a couple of years ago (I think), but they need to be moved to a sunnier location. They seem so small and frail. Should I let them grow bigger (if they can in the shady spot where they are) or move them now?

If I do transplant them now, should they be treat as just two plants, or is each section a separate plant?

Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 23, 2023, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question. Extension recommends dividing and transplanting your rhubarb early in the season when the growth has started for best results. Since it does prefer full sun, I would wait until next year to transplant your patch, dividing it in two if you prefer. Rhubarb also needs fertilizer and a inch of water each week, so be sure to prep it now for dividing next year. Here's an informative link from Extension on growing rhubarb: https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-rhubarb

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 24, 2023, 11:06 AM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 2:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: