MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Seeking recommendation for a small landscape project for my front yard

Question: Dear Master Gardener,

I recently had a few trees removed from the right-hand side of our front yard (facing the house), leaving a relatively large empty spot. I am thinking of doing a landscape project to plant a small tree that will not grow very large and some perennial plants and bulb flowers. I would like the perennials to have different bloom times from summer to autumn (Roseville, Minnesota) and different heights (taller in the back and shorter in the front). Attached please find a photo showing the front of the house with the empty land circled in red. I am also sending you a diagram to show the layout and dimensions (the numbers on the diagram indicate feet) of the spot. Could you recommend a tree, perennials, and bulb flower, and one or two large boulders, and mark the spots where these plants and boulders should be planted/placed on the diagram? Is it too late to plant the tree and perennials as the weather is getting cold very soon? Thank you!

Best regards!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 07, 2024, 11:16 AM EDT
response: I would also consider to have a few small bushes so that the spot will not be pretty much empty in the winter season. Thank you!

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied October 07, 2024, 2:27 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question. University Extension does not provide landscaping services to individuals or businesses. Ask an Expert is staffed by trained volunteers (Master Gardeners and Tree Care Advisors).  We do have excellent tools on our website to help you plan your landscape if you want to do it yourself. There are also resources to help you find a professional landscaper.  In the links below you will find some great videos on plant selection, design considerations and more. You will want to think about sunlight, slope, soil quality and more. There are some wonderful plant selection tools available here too. As for when to plant? Now is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. If you plant them this fall, be sure to keep them well watered until the ground freezes. When making selections, be sure to plan for their mature size.  Bulb planting can be delayed until early November because of the warm weather we are having. The ground is not cool enough yet. A couple recommendations: if you are looking for a smaller tree, Redbud or Mountain Ash are two very nice ones. https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/landscape-design https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf
Small White worms inside raspberries

Question: We learned a couple years ago that we would now need to soak our raspberries in a mild acidic solution after picking them (vinegar and water, or lemon juice and water) so the small whitish cream worms inside the fruit sections would come out.  

We would like those worms to be gone, so the berries are able to be eaten from the bush after rinsing, without the change of texture and "snack-ability" that the soaking and rinsing bring about.

Are there things I can do this fall to prevent these bugs from doing what they do next spring?  I have a section of raspberries 5-6 feet deep running the full length of our 40 foot garage.

Thank you!

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied October 07, 2024, 8:12 AM EDT
response: The worms are probably the larvae of the clear winged drosophila. Please see the links for how to control them. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spotted-wing-drosophila  https://fruit.umn.edu/content/defending-berries-swd  https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-wing-drosophila-part-4-management  https://www.northeastipm.org/neipm/assets/File/Publications/SWD-IPM-in-Raspberries-and-Blackberries.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 07, 2024, 8:25 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the resources!  Much appreciated.  Here's to protecting more of next year's raspberries.   Beverly   From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension  Sent: Monday, October 7, 2024 7:12 AM To: brolson4  Subject: Re: Small White worms inside raspberries (#0157175)

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied October 07, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT
response: Good luck.
Bad limb removal

Question: I stupidly trimmed a lower limb from our Japanese lilac tree—-bad angle —and gouged the trunk. I wonder if I should put something on it or wrap it to try to protect it somewhat.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied October 06, 2024, 8:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. In most cases, it's best to let the tree heal on its own. Trees have a natural defense mechanism called compartmentalization, which isolates the damaged area with layers of cells.  Avoid applying tree paint or wound dressings to the wound. These can trap moisture and interfere with the tree's natural healing process.  Keep an eye on it as time goes on.  You may have caused too much damage that won’t heal. There are videos that you can watch to help you learn how to trim off a branch.  You can google them.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 07, 2024, 6:15 AM EDT
response: Thank you, Deb,for your advice. I'll be much more careful with the other branches that need to come off, but won't do anything until we get through the healing of this bad cut. And I'll watch videos for next time! Thank you for participating in this great service! It has been so helpful over the years!KarenOn Sun, Oct 6, 2024 at 7:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied October 07, 2024, 11:18 AM EDT
response: You are welcome.  We all become better Gardners by our mistakes.  I’ve made so many!
Lilac blight?

Question: My lilac bushes have lost a good bit of their leaves and flowered on half of the bush. Is this lilac blight? What should I do to reduce spread?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 06, 2024, 8:14 AM EDT
response: Good question! There are many, many tough looking and some re-blooming lilacs this summer. Most are related to the weather, wet cool spring. I don't have enough information to diagnose your shrubs but most likely they have leaf spot fungal disease. Here is the link to more details and how to manage.  https://extension.umn.edu/news/new-fungal-disease-threatens-lilacs-midwest Paul- Master Gardener volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 06, 2024, 1:10 PM EDT
response: Thanks Paul. I’ll trim the bare branches back, and hopefully next year will be better.Therese Mellum On Oct 6, 2024, at 7:14 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Magnolia Tree problem

Question: This is my 8 yr old magnolia tree after this summer in Austin, Mn. We’ve had heavy rains this summer followed by drought. 
I just noticed this problem this week. 
Is this due to drought conditions?

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied October 04, 2024, 9:54 PM EDT
response: https://northerngardener.org/winter-damage/  https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/2021-10/frost_cracks_and_cankers_faq_sheet.pdf  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/sunscald-and-winter-dieback-shrubs  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter  The heavy rains this year could have stimulated the magnolia to grow too fast and cause it to have a thinner than ideal bark. However, the cause was probably sunscald that was made worse by the extreme weather this summer. Winter protection should help as will watering about an inch of water per week until the ground freezes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 05, 2024, 12:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you I started the slow drip for an hour yesterday when I first saw it and will do it weekly til the ground freezes Sent from my iPhone On Oct 4, 2024, at 8:54 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied October 05, 2024, 1:52 PM EDT
response: Good luck and watering will make a difference.
mold on my red twig leaves?

Question: I have some red twig dog wood bushes that over the last several weeks have begun to have leaves shrivel and turn black.   I am not sure if it is too late in the season to apply some fungicide (or something other treatment) if that is what is happening.

I also have a question about the location of these red twig dog woods.  Are they too close together?  In your experience are red twigs better suited in a row?  I ask because I am wondering if I just don't have the right place in my yard for the them.  I am considering giving them to someone who has a more sunny, wide open space.

Thanks,

Charles

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 04, 2024, 5:59 PM EDT
response: Here is a zoom in of one the leaves.

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 October 07, 2024, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Hi Charles,  These look very typical for red twig dogwood at this point in the season. It could be that the leaves had some powdery mildew on them from the summer heat and humidity, or the leaf browning could be from the high heat and drought over the summer. The location and arrangement looks appropriate for them. This variegated leaf variety would typically do a bit better in less sun than in full sun. Morning sun with mid to afternoon shade is ideal.  Were you able to supplement watering during drought conditions? Red twig dogwood primarily grow on the edge of rivers and streams so they can prefer wetter soil conditions. If needed through the fall you can help supplement water to protect their roots through the winter. If we have a milder winter and it hasn't rained they can even be watered then too. You can refer to our Watering Trees and Shrubs page for more guidance.  Red twig dogwood have a great winter impact when they are grouped together, either clumped or in a line, however you would like them arranged. Fungicide isn't warranted nor would it be effective at this time since the leaves will fall off anyways very soon. Just clean up the leaf debris when they do and discard of them. Over the winter if you wanted to do some pruning to open the shrubs up some, that could help with air circulation through the leaves next season. The red stems look great in winter twig arrangements and it helps the plant produce new growth that keeps its bright red color. The older stems tend to turn more brown over time so you can prune them out about once a year.  When watering be sure to water at the base of the plant so extra water isn't hitting the leaves and keeping them wet. Obviously this can't be avoided with rain or morning dew on the leaves but water sitting on the leaves for a prolonged period can cause bacteria or fungal growth to occur.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily
Dethatching?

Question: Due to drought conditions this summer in the Dayton area, I now have considerable thatch build up throughout my lawn (less than 1/2 inch).  What do you recommend?

responder: Karolyn  Replied October 04, 2024, 3:35 PM EDT
response: Hello Sam, Less than a 1/2 inch of thatch is not generally considered a problem by turf grass experts, some suggest that even a full 1/2 inch is not problematic. Some amount of thatch can be a positive attribute for a lawn. Less than a half-inch layer of thatch creates a more cushioned surface for walking and playing. A build up greater than 1/2 inch can prevent moisture from reaching soil, and create an environment suitable for turf grass pests and diseases. You do not mention how large the areas of thatch are, if you do decide to remove the thatch the area might determine what you use to remove it.  For most homeowners a manual thatch rake is all that is necessary, here's a link in case you've not seen one before how to use a manual thatch rake. If you have a very larger area you can rent a power rake.  Also, while many of us in Southwest Ohio got drenched by the Hurricane Helene storm system we are not truly out of drought conditions just yet. There are other things you can do to maintain your turf under our current tough conditions, and in less harsh growing seasons. I've included links, and information below. Maintaining Lawns During Drought. One of the simplest things you can do to encourage healthy turf grass is to follow best practices for mowing.  To quote one of our Ohio State experts: "...Proper mowing practices are pivotal, regardless of fertilization, irrigation, or pesticide applications, for cultivating and maintaining a high-quality lawn. Properly mowed lawns have several advantages:  • enhanced density leading to reduced weed populations  • improved drought tolerance • overall superior quality compared to their poorly maintained counterparts Best practices for mowing include never removing more than 1/3 of the blade at one time. During a drought it's recommended that mowing be suspended unless the lawn can be kept sufficiently irrigated. Mowing Fact Sheet Managing Thatch In Lawns Happy Gardening!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 04, 2024, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you Karolyn for your detailed and informative response.  I will research your suggestions.  Take care.Sam On Friday, October 4, 2024 at 03:35:29 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
is this Peonie sick

Question: Please let me know what to do to treat this Peone. Do you think it is caused by all the rain the past week?

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 October 04, 2024, 10:25 AM EDT
response: This looks like a leaf spot disease, possibly Peony Leaf Blotch, though it's hard to tell for certain which pathogen is responsible in this case. (The fungal growth emerging from the nearby mulch is not related.) Prolonged leaf wetness can make leaves easier for pathogen spores to infect, so it makes sense that the past week or so of damp weather allowed infection to take place, or worsened an existing infection that was minor before that point.  In either case, the solution is to simply clean-up all plant debris once frost kills it, or you can trim off blighted leaves sooner if you prefer. (Don't compost the debris.) By removing old foliage and stems, it helps to reduce the risk of spores being harbored over the winter that could re-infect the plant the following year. (It's still possible, since spores can be windblown from quite a distance away, but the closer spores start, the more likely an infection will repeat itself. Weather will determine the rest.) This late in the year, a fungicide will not provide any benefit.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 05, 2024, 2:31 PM EDT
response: Thank you
Powdery Mildew

Question: I grow terrarium Begonia, rare plants I sell on Etsy. I buy mother plants and put them in quarantine for insects. I had a mealy worm outbreak 2 years ago and did a great deal to get them out of the basement greenhouse. Now overnight a Begonia developed powdery mildew according to a photo ID by ai copilot on Microsoft. The plant was out of a humidity dome ten minutes on a plastic bag with glass underneath. ChatOn ai knows a remarkable amount about terraium begonia but one important thing it said needs to be confirmed because of the huge disruption it causes. ChatOn said the begonia ruthaie released 1000 to 250000 spores in a ten minute period. It’s a 2” plant with 5% powdery mildew in a 2” pot! The magnitude of cleaning it wants is vast. Can you tell me if it’s having a hallucination or accurate.

Urgent 

I took many protective measures but can this spore count be real. In a week nothing new got sick but I did destroy the tray and the exposed plants and so on. Looking at the picture of the destroyed plant could it be aba. Humidity was very high in tray.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 4:50 PM EDT
response: The photo I took for Copilot was taken on their app so I don’t have a photo the powdery mildew. It was on the leaf running along the vein. In its ID copilot mentioned that fact but I don’t have more pictures. I used the Etsy app to send the picture to the seller.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 03, 2024, 4:52 PM EDT
response: I sent the only apple photo I had in the first email.

responder: Thank you for your question!  Replied October 04, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Apologies, but it is a little bit difficult for me to tell what damage you're referring to. Is it along the margin that's affected? I do see a little bit of powdery substance, but nothing that looks like powdery mildew. The damage along the edge looks like it could be due to insect feeding, but it it's very uniform along the edge so that seems unlikely. If you or the seller cleaned the plants that damage could be due to some abiotic cause. It looks like it may even be a reaction to some extra rooting hormone. Regardless, I don't think it's anything to be too concerned about though, especially since you took the precaution of discarding the affected plants. I've included a link to some general information about begonia pests and diseases, so I hope that's of some help. Also a couple of publications on powdery mildew. https://www.begonias.org/pests-and-diseases-in-begonias/#:~:text=Some%20diseases%20that%20could%20affect,rot%20may%20also%20be%20present. https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/bp/bp-5-w.pdf https://extension.psu.edu/powdery-mildew

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 21, 2024, 11:54 AM EDT
response: Hi Caitlin. Thanks for your help. I was glad it was not powedery mildew.I saw these today. I get spider mites on older plants this time of year in the same sunny location. Am I seeing larvae. It’s not a valuable plant and I have them elsewhere in good condition. I’m thinking to through the tray away. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 4, 2024, at 4:11 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Apple variety

Question: I am looking for help identifying this apple! It is ripe now (early October) is not super juicy and is mildly tart. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

responder: Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied October 04, 2024, 7:15 PM EDT
response: Your apple looks like my mom's Liberty apples, but that means nothing. Guessing apple varieties is very difficult even by experts who are standing with the trees, able to judge the leaves, the fruit size, color, and taste. It just isn't something we have figured out how to do it online. I did find this from Iowa State, explaining the challenge and options. The UC Davis DNA fingerprinting pages are linked there, so you might enjoy checking out that option.

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 04, 2024, 7:40 PM EDT
response: That makes sense. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction though! I appreciate your help!    ShelbyOn Fri, Oct 4, 2024, 4:15 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Lace bug infested azalea

Question: I have Azealia shrubs that are completely infested with lace bugs and probably rust. I’m wondering if I should try to salvage them -is there a way to salvage them or should I just cut them down and plant new ones?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 04, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question, Rekha.  Here is a publication that should help you decide:  https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/yard-and-garden/garden-problems/azalea-lace-bug  Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 04, 2024, 4:42 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the helpful information. Can you look at the pics I attached and tell me whether my azaleas are beyond the point of rescue? Right now the entire shrub is badly infested. Should I do a hard prune now or in the spring?  Thank you for sharing your expertise. sincerely, Rekha

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 04, 2024, 5:48 PM EDT
response: If your only problem is the lace bug, removing the yellowed leaves won't solve the problem, since they'll probably return on new growth.  And, you can safely remove only 1/3 of the foliage, since a tree or shrub needs at least 2/3 of its foliage to remain to photosynthesize.  So, your shrub would still look unsightly.  The stippling on any remaining leaves will exist until they fall or are pruned off.  If your plant also has rust (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/rhododendron-rusts), I cannot diagnose it, since the rust spores grow on the undersides of the leaves, which aren't pictured, and should be diagnosed under a microscope.  (OSU Plant Clinic can do that:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials)  Were these shrubs mine, I would try to get a diagnosis before removing them, recognizing that the azalea lace bug is almost impossible to "control", and that rust, if present, can only be eliminated if the alternate host (spruce) is removed within whatever radius the rust's spores are able to travel.  Hard choices.  Good luck!
wood problem--second set of pix

Question: Hello. I am trying to figure out what is making the wood on the exterior of my home in East Lansing so attractive to squirrels. As you can see by the photos, they have been busy! My neighbors do not seem to have this problem and they have wood homes too.

There are a few photos that show the full house front exterior. The holes are not the tree at all. There are no trees in the back where the hole was chewed near the deck; there is a tree next to the shed (forgot to get that photo). Two holes have been on the front side, on the garage wall that faces the front porch. One hole was on the back of the house, where the chimney box meets the deck. The fourth hole was on the doorframe of the shed. 

I am really close to losing my mind because I can't figure out how to stop this. The holes are made very quickly--like overnight. So now every morning I have to walk around the house and check for holes! And of course, that is only part of the problem. I still have to get the critters out. I have four traps set in my attic but they are managing to avoid them. Unless they've gone out from another hole I can't see!

In addition, if anyone has an idea on how to get rid of the squirrels, that would be great too. I have tried SO many things...

Maybe this could be some student's phd thesis project! lol

Thanks for ANY help.

Andi B

responder: Julie Crick  Replied October 07, 2024, 9:46 AM EDT
response: Hi Andi, That is an unfortunate issue and there really isn't any foolproof advice to share (I'm also plagued by chipmunks getting under my siding and into the attic). I use a repellent in the attic to make it less attractive for them to stay, but it's not the answer.   I would recommend calling a wildlife pest control company in the area to learn more about what they would recommend.   It sounds like you are aware, but poisoning critters can cause predators to also succumb to the poison, so please try to avoid that tactic.   Sorry there is no silver bullet here (pun intended). With hopes a person on site can help with the issue.   Thank you, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 07, 2024, 10:30 AM EDT
response: Hi Julie.Thank you for the reply and sympathy. Seems as though you can relate w your chipmunk issue.I will try a wildlife place. ️️️️AndiOn Mon, Oct 7, 2024, 9:46 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: