MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Dogwood variety?

Question: We are moving and leaving behind THE most beautiful dogwood I have ever seen. Its habit is the low, limbs spreading out variety as opposed the big clump variety (my term). 

I am crazy to know the variety so I can get one for the new home! Or at least make a champion effort at propagating this lovely. 

Pics attached.

Any help would be so appreciated! 

Sincerely,  Sandy

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied May 07, 2023, 6:12 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandy,      I'm doing some research into your tree. If you could provide me with a few more pictures of the complete tree it may help.       A picture from a short distance that takes in the shape of the tree and if it is still in flower that would be a plus.      I am also looking into what you would need to do to propagate or clone one from the original

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied May 07, 2023, 6:21 PM EDT
response: Hi again Sandy,  I should have asked is this a dwarf dogwood? Are the leaves variegated ?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 9:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Will get full pics tomorrow. Leaves are not varigated. It is finishing its bloom right now.  And it was planted in the shade of a big maple, so its habit as expressed may be a function of its under-canopy position. I also believe the folks who planted it did not dig out the hole to a proper size depth for it. When we bought the house, 22 years ago, it was about the height of the window behind it.  Its growth has been glacial. Still, . . . those blooms! Cream with a pucker of pink at the edge! I have NEVER seem such a beautiful dogwood. New pics tomorrow! Thanks again!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT
response: Okay! You are a genius! It has to be a dwarf. Never occurred to me. But MAN! It is adorable, in habit, bloom, the whole nine yards. Hoping you can ID it so that I can plant one at the new house!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 1:57 PM EDT
response: Okay! You are a genius! It has to be a dwarf. Never occurred to me. But MAN! It is adorable, in habit, bloom, the whole nine yards. Hoping you can ID it so that I can plant one at the new house!

responder: Dennis Mohn  Replied May 09, 2023, 3:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Sandy, I wish I could be more exact as to the variety of your tree. I do believe it to be a variety of Cornus florida or Cornus kousa . These are both very popular varieties for our region and they come in different colors, which makes the exact variety difficult.  I have included some information for propagation in the links below. It can be through seed, cuttings or air layering. These shrubs commonly reach heights of 15 to 25ft with a spread of 15ft at maturity. https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/cornus-florida https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/cornus-kousa https://www.uky.edu/hort/propagation-flowering-dogwood /https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_cofl2.pdf https://plantfacts.osu.edu/pdf/0246-312.pdf
Bee ID

Question: Could you ID this bee collecting pollen from a patch of Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) in my Eugene backyard on 5-5-23? 
It was about 1.3 cm long, and flew quickly from flower to flower so I had a hard time getting it into focus.  It has been visiting this patch of flowers for several days.

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied May 05, 2023, 7:06 PM EDT
response: Hi Evelyn,   It looks like the black tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), a common species that often makes nests above ground rather than below ground (as most other bumble bee species do). Keep up the great gardening efforts.   Andony

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 10:08 PM EDT
response: Andony Thanks for the quick ID, You beat out both Buguide and iNaturalist.I agree that it most likely is a black-tailed bumblebee.I have been transforming my small urban yard in Eugene by replacing lawn with native shrubs and perennial flowers for bee, butterfly and bird habitat.I'll keep looking for other bee species.I'm also looking forward to getting my Bee license plates this summer.Ev On Fri, May 5, 2023 at 4:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied May 06, 2023, 1:00 AM EDT
response: So glad I could help!
Landscape Grass

Question: Hello
Can you identify the type of grass.
Also is this type of grass to be cut back and if so now.
Can it be split for planting elsewhere and if so is this the right time of year.
thanks
Bill

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied May 05, 2023, 6:26 PM EDT
response: It is pretty hard to identify grass in winter unless there are distinctive plumes. It looks a bit like Prairie Dropseed but I would not bet on that. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-prairie-dropseed-5097134 The way to care for any of these ornamentals is to cut them off close to the ground in the spring (now).  They come up from dense roots. Dividing or containing their expansion is straightforward. Use a very sharp long handled shovel and cut straight down.  You can cut in half or quarters or just slice pieces off the side. Any clump with roots can be put in dirt right away, watered in and will do fine. https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/caring_for_ornamental_grasses I have done this in the spring and fall but do not do it in the mid summer when they are pretty and would not try it in the winter when dormant. You can arrange them in lines, curves etc. They are a nice backdrop for shorter plants.  Major garden centers have many of these.  You can order from online dealers too.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 7:11 PM EDT
response: Steve thank you very much for the information.  On Friday, May 5, 2023 at 05:26:27 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
New growth on Taxus turning yellow

Question: My Taxus hedge has been in place for over thirty years. Never had any problems prior to this new one. All the new growth is turning yellow. Any thoughts? I will try to attach a couple photos.

responder: Karen M    Replied May 08, 2023, 9:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Herbert! Is this a new plant? If so, do you know what the cultivar it is? I found a cultivar, Taxus Baccata, that the new growth is yellow.  Taxus (Anglo-Japanese Yew, English Yew, Japanese Yew, Pacific Yew, Western Yew, Yew) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)  Please let me know the cultivar so I can do more research.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 11:08 PM EDT
response: Karen,As I mentioned in my original message, this hedge was planted over 30 years ago. The best of my recollection leads me to believe that the plants are Taxus x media 'everlow'. I don't recall the plants showing this color on the new growth in the past, but I don't always remember what I had for breakfast either. Just trying to figure out if the problem is nutritional or possibly pathogen or insect related. It would be helpful to know if this is a localized problem or possibly occurring in other locals. My first thought would be to add some iron either granular fertilizer or a liquid spray. Don't want to do the wrong thing, would hate to lose this hedge.Thanks for your input.Herb  From: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>To: "Herbert Carpenter" <<personal data hidden>>Sent: Monday, May 8, 2023 9:55:56 PMSubject: Re: New growth on Taxus turning yellow (#0098578)

responder: Karen M    Replied May 09, 2023, 10:55 PM EDT
response: Hi Herb! I misunderstood your email; I thought you had a new plant added to your landscape as opposed to a possible new problem.  From what I've found, I don't think you have a problem, just a lot of new growth. Before you add any type of fertilizer or other chemicals, please do a soil test. I've included the link for obtaining a soil test kit in Butler County. The good thing of using this soil test kit is when you get the results, you can contact the Extension Office in Butler County to have them interpret it for you.  Soil Testing | Butler (osu.edu)  The following links have some great info on Taxus plants. You'll see photos of damaged plants that look nothing like your plant (that's why I don't think you have a problem). The link from the University of Kentucky has a listing of questions/considerations to help you.  Taxus x media (Foundation Yew, Yew) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)  ID-52: What's Wrong With My Taxus? (uky.edu)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 10, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Karen,Thank you for your assistance. You have given a lot to consider. I will dig deeper into the nutritional requirements.Thanks again.HerbFrom: "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>>To: "Herbert Carpenter" <<personal data hidden>>Sent: Monday, May 8, 2023 9:55:56 PMSubject: Re: New growth on Taxus turning yellow (#0098578)
Seeking Root Collar Excavation Support

Question: Hello and thank you for your time!

I recently became steward of property with a young Gingko (biloba, I believe, though it is just now leafing out). It is in a fine location for its needs and size, however it was too deep.

I'm guessing it was planted in an amended hole and has since settled below the soil line. The soil is very loose and dark, not like the clay on the rest of the property.  After excavating the root flare, I have some questions:

Have I actually found the root flare? It appears to be a little higher on one side than the other. 
Should I prune the visible roots before mulching?
The tree is about 4" too low in a sloped yard - do you have suggestions for managing this? For instance, level the surrounding area and terrace the slope.

I also welcome any additional pertinent information. Thanks again!

Best,
Tree Advocate in Training

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied May 05, 2023, 3:33 PM EDT
response: how tall is the tree?  It looks to be maybe a 6-8' tall tree?  I think the best thing to do would be to replant the tree properly in the fall.  In the interim, lightly mulch to keep soil from drying.    I think you found the root flare (and it is not necessarily symmetrical in that the top most root comes off at the same level on both sides.)

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your support, Ed. The tree is only about 4 ft tall, so it sounds like I will be replanting in the fall! I'm familiar with the extension publications on planting trees and shrubs but would be grateful for any specifics about Gingko or planting on a slope, or anything else I may not be considering.Thanks again,Juliepronouns: she/herOn Fri, May 5, 2023, 3:33 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Ed Olsen  Replied May 08, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT
response: Yes, 4' tall, I would lift and replant in the fall, once the tree has dropped it's leaves.  No specific planting instructions for Ginko.  As for planting on a slope, the tree would still be planted at soil level of the slope.   The downhill side, may need some soil mounded up.
Dead trees

Question: Help!  I just discovered we have 9 trees on our property that are dead and the bark is falling off them. Upon investigation I found bugs under the bark. I don’t know if the bugs killed the trees, or they came after the trees died. Not sure of the trees identify because there are no leaves on dead trees. These trees are in a low lying area that is under water presently. I am including a picture of the bugs under the bark.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 10:30 AM EDT
response: Hello, Those bugs in your tree are Ammadillidium vulgare, commonly known as Roly-Poly Bugs. Roly-Poly bugs are decomposers, which eat decaying matter like dead plants and animals. It is unlikely that they would have caused the death of your trees.  It is difficult to determine what has caused the death of the trees. More knowledge about the species of the tree and the conditions in which the trees live are needed before a cause can be established. In order to do that a sample of a tree or photos of the whole tree and the area in which they grow can be sent to MSU Extension’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. In order to send a sample/photo go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/ The lab experts can determine the cause and provide recommendations on how to protect other trees on the property. You can also contact a certified arborist who can assess your trees. To find an arborist in your area go to www.treesaregood.orgl the website of the International Society of Arboriculture. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 2:58 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for this information. I am so happy these insects are not one that kills trees. These trees are near a wooded area and I hated to think of this spreading. The trees that died are in an area that had water on the ground all last summer. Our property is next to a water shed area and last year our property had more water on it than we have seen in the 38 years we have lived here.  The trees have no leaves on them. I will take pics and get a close up of the bark and send it in. This is a wonderful service. Sent from my iPhone On May 8, 2023, at 10:30 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
What kind of turtle is this?

Question: Our family is having a heated discussion about this cute baby turtle. . Some of is think its a box turtle. Others think that it's a snapping turtle. Can you tell from the attached photo? I'm in Howard County but the turtle is in St Mary's.  Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 5:28 PM EDT
response: When was this photo taken? Do you have other photos? Thanks, Luke

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 5:44 PM EDT
response: Sorry, that's the only photo I have.  It was taken on May 6, 2023.  My brother sent it to me.  He lives in St. Mary's City near the water.  It is probably a snapping turtle but I really want it to be a box turtle! Please don't spend too much time on this.  I'm just curious.  i have sent in questions before and I'm trying not to be a pest!Thanks,JImOn Mon, May 8, 2023 at 5:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 7:34 PM EDT
response: I consulted my colleague, Kerry Wixted, who is an expert in herpetology. She said the following: This is a juvenile Box turtle. If you look closely,. You will see the Orange knobs on the back of the shell which is an ID character. Box turtle eggs laid late in the summer will sometimes hatch the following Spring. Other turtle species also have spring hatches. I found a hatchling painted turtle last week at mallow's Bay.  have a great evening! Luke

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2023, 10:30 PM EDT
response: This is great news.  I said it was a box turtle but my sister-in-law didn't buy it.  The orange was a clue to me, too, but the shell also seemed to be a little flattened at the edge which seemed closer to a snapping turtle.   In any case it was so cute and tiny!Thanks a lot for your help.  JimOn Mon, May 8, 2023 at 7:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Unknown cause of tree damage_concern for health of tree!

Question: Hi there - I have a tulip poplar in my back yard in Crownsville, MD that has some sort of mysterious shredding happening to the bark and pulp. It happened about two months ago and seems to be incrementally getting worse. I have a fully fenced in back yard and the damage is about 8 feet off the ground, so it's not a deer rub. We have a ton of squirrels - possibly they did it. Really what I'm concerned about is how to make sure it doesn't affect the health of the tree. Do I wrap it to protect further shredding if it's squirrels or incredibly vigorous woodpeckers? Use some sort of tree wound heal? The shredding isn't around the whole tree, so it's not girdled but the damage and hollowing behind the bark does seem to be getting worse. Slowly though. I LOVE this tree and want to do anything necessary to protect it. Please let me know if you have any advice. Pictures attached. Thanks so much!

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 08, 2023, 11:07 AM EDT
response: Hi,  This looks more like physical damage of some sort and the bark looks like it is buckling on the right side of the photo. Since it looks like a good sized Tulip Popular we would recommend contacting a certified arborist to asses the tree. The link provided will give you a webpage to search for one in your area.  The in wood of the tree does look dry and like it is dying so you would want to be safe and make sure there isn't a fall risk. Sometimes tulip poplars can be considered moderately weak wood. It could be that it is failing for some reason or an insect in that area is causing the dead wood.  Let us know if you have further questions and we'd be happy to know if the arborist sees anything specific or what you find out from it, if you'd like to share with us.  -Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 09, 2023, 8:33 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for getting back to me. I'll definitely find an arborist on the link you provided. Hopefully it's something we can fix! Thanks again, BrookeOn Mon, May 8, 2023, 11:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Tomato seedlings

Question: Included pics of some tomato seedlings… they were potted up approx 1 wk ago - mix is coconut coir & perlite (2 to 1) then I bottom watered them w 1/2 strength Neptune’s Harvest tomato & vege .. now I see several discolored leaves- what is the issue & what do I do to correct?
Thank you.

responder: Don Creamer   Replied May 06, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Hi Madison County, your pictures came to me.  The first thing to think about in the progress of a plant is the natural development of the seed leaves or cotyledons.  They emerge from the seed and are the first things out of the soil.  They function for a short time and then they turn yellow and disappear.  This is normal for most seedlings.   You have fertilized your media with a very low ratio of nutrients for growing plants.  Usually, growers will fertilize with a higher nitrogen content or the N part of NPK.  Plants need the nitrogen from the mix in the media to utilize in growth.  Most potting media has a lot of water-soluble fertilizer added for the initial growth period. The media also has buffers added to counteract the pH or acidity/alkalinity of the water and or fertilizer that you are adding.  That is why growers use a higher priced growing mix because it evens out the effects of your own local water and the addition of fertilizer for the crop at hand.   I would suggest that you water with the full strength of fertilizer maybe even a couple times a week.  The plants should respond with more growth and greener growth.   I would also suggest since you live in Madison County that you can take your plants in to the local OSU Extension office and have someone there take a look at them and see what I can't see from a photograph.  They can help you during normal business hours. Hope this helps.  Don

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: Thank you!Sent from my iPhone On May 6, 2023, at 2:32 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Lawn weed question

Question: Hello, i have this weed invading my lawn, and I canâ€™t figure out what it is and how to get rid of it. The leaves have ridges (are not smooth) thereâ€™s no hair or fur that i can see and the stalks are round and very hard/stiff. Hopefully these pictures will help with the ID.

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied May 06, 2023, 4:24 PM EDT
response: I have a couple of ideas based on your photos and description.  Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)  Reed Canarygrass (uada.edu)  Timothy (Phleum pratense)  Identifying Timothy, a cool-season grass | Illinois Extension | UIUC  Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)   Tall Fescue | NC State Extension (ncsu.edu)  Need to know what it is before control can be recommended. Get back to me if you think any of these are what you have. IF not, send some closeup clear photos of the ligule area.Â

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Hi Cathrine, Here are a few more pictures for you. One of the ligule area and a few of the seed head area, Because of all that rain we had, I wasn't able to mow for a while and I was able to find some pretty tall pieces. Let me know if these help you out at all.Thank you,FrankOn Sat, May 6, 2023 at 4:24â€¯PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied May 16, 2023, 3:25 PM EDT
response: These additional pictures helped me to narrow it down. BUT, still not sure what kind of grass it is.Â Â  Based on the inflorescence, it looks like Rough bluegrass - Poa trivialis .   Roughstalk Bluegrass | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)  I would suggest you take a sample in to your local extension office. Please let me know if the extension agent figures it out.   Locate an Office | OSU Extension

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 3:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you Jennifer, I'll give my local extensionÂ office a call and see when I can stop by. That is a huge help! FrankOn Tue, May 16, 2023 at 3:25â€¯PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Catherine Freay  Replied May 18, 2023, 3:15 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.Â  Hope you can get it resolved.
Plant ID

Question: Could you please identify this plant that had popped up in my pachysandra?

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 05, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT
response: We think that looks like a plant called sweet box, (Sarcococca). You can compare to this page:  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f519   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 05, 2023, 6:10 PM EDT
response: Thank youSent from my iPhone On May 5, 2023, at 12:18 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿