MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Is this Zelkova tree or Elm tree

Question: Please identify these trees. My Lool Up Plant says they’re either Zelkova tree or Elm tree. I see a lot in Germantown area, but can take pix while driving. Until yesterday, when I dropped my daughter’s friend at her house in Clarksburg just a few miles from where I live in 20876. Thank you very much.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 8:56 AM EDT
response: I see a lot in Germantown area, but can’t take pix while driving.

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 September 06, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT
response: Hi,  These look likeZelkova trees. They are more common than Elm and in newer planted areas as street trees.  Emily
Egg mass on Brussels sprouts

Question: Found what looks like egg cases on the upper leaves of my Brussels sprouts. Can you identify them?

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 September 06, 2024, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Hi,  These look like parasitic wasp eggs. So good news! We can see tomatoes in the photo so perhaps there was a tomato horn worm that has been parasitized.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 11, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: I just asked this question again because I missed your response.  Sorry!  And thanks for the great answer.  Robert   On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 11:24 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 September 11, 2024, 1:05 PM EDT
response: no problem! and you're welcome!
Pruning crape myrtle

Question: Please advise when to prune my crape myrtle tree and by how 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 September 06, 2024, 11:25 AM EDT
response: Late winter (February, March) is the best time to prune a crepe myrtle.  The rule of thumb for pruning is 1/3 or less the height of the tree.  Taking more off at one time can stress the tree. Here is the link to the North Carolina Extension's article on pruning crepe myrtles: https://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/02/how-do-i-prune-crape-myrtle/ Thanks for contacting us. Judy

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
response: Thank you Judy Sent from my iPhone On Sep 6, 2024, at 11:25 AM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿
Crabapple tree leaf spots and leaf loss

Question: What is wrong with our crabapple tree? Leaves have disease spots, and leaves are falling off on a good portion of the tree. We had another crabapple tree two years ago die of what appears to be happening to this tree.  Photos attached.

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 06, 2024, 9:45 PM EDT
response: This year you probably have Apple Scab.  It is not fatal. I would not be the same thing that affected your other tree.  The spring weather made this a huge year for leaf diseases.  Clean up and dispose of leaves as they fall.  Do a thorough clean up this fall.  Spraying a fungicide at green tip, when leaves just start to emerge, next spring may be helpful but not essential.  If you drive around, you will see trees similar to yours all over the area.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 07, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT
response: Thank you very much for the thoughtful and informative response!       -------- Original message -------- From: Ask Extension  Date: 9/6/24 8:45 PM (GMT-06:00)  To: David Friedl  Subject: Re: Crabapple tree leaf spots and leaf loss (#0154174)

responder: Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied September 07, 2024, 7:32 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Care for Severe Flopping Hydrangeas

Question: I would appreciate plant care, specifically with regards to pruning a Hydrangea plant which has a lot of new growth (wood and flowers) and severely flops and droops.  How and when should I prune the plant back to obtain a better shape and to help eliminate the flopping to my Hydrangea plant.  

Thank you for your time and consideration in helping me.
Kye Rankin<personal data hidden>

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2024, 10:18 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the question and for the photos. When to prune hydrangeas depends on the variety. See attach link: https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/pruning-hydrangeas It looks to me that one possible cause of the flopping is that it is too close to the house. When a plant does not get adequate sunlight it puts on grow and stretches out and get leggy. Is there any chance you could transplant this hydrangea to a sunnier location? Paul Master Gardener volunteer

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 11:48 PM EDT
response: Paul,Thank you for your prompt reply. The hydrangea does face south and gets a lot of sunlight. Would you still recommend moving the plant?  Would pruning it by 1/3 of its size be beneficial for help with the dropping?Sent from my iPhone On Sep 5, 2024, at 9:18 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 7:16 PM EDT
response: Yes, you can cut back the tallest stem about 1/4 inch above a bud. Take off maybe 6 - 8". This is worth a try, much less work than transplanting. Cut them back in the early spring if you want the dried flower heads for winter interest. Otherwise, you can prune them back in late fall. Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 8:06 PM EDT
response: Awesome, thanks for the info! I appreciate it, Paul. Kye On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 6:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hydrangeas not Blooming?

Question: A year ago August 31 we had two different kinds of hydrangeas planted as part of our landscaping plan.  We have four Bobo hydrangeas planted on the east side of the house, one is blooming profusely, the other three not at all but last week one or two buds.
On the west side of the house six hyrangeas were planted.  Four are blooming, two are not.  
Are the plants just too young?  Or is there some other reason four are not blooming? 
Do we need to have the non-bloomers replaced or just give them more time, possibly negating the 1 year warranty?
Thank you for any help you may provide.

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied September 06, 2024, 10:09 PM EDT
response: Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension. You may want to contact  the company before the warranty is up.  They may shed some light on what’s happening.  The plants look healthy and have good color. Here are a few reasons they may not be blooming: Pruning too late in the year can prevent hydrangeas from blooming because it cuts off the potential for flowers. Too much fertilizer can hinder growth and limit blooms. An application of organic fertilizer for flowering shrubs in early spring can help boost hydrangeas. Too much nitrogen in the soil can prevent blooms. Nitrogen causes dense vegetative growth and dark green leaves, instead of flowers.  You would need a soil test to determine this. Hydrangeas need to be watered frequently, about three times a week, while growing. Once established, they only need to be watered deeply about once a week. Overwatered hydrangeas have brown leaves that feel mushy, while underwatered hydrangeas have wilted leaves Winter and/or spring weather could damage buds. I would contact the company.   At least they would know of the problem. i hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 07, 2024, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your response. I will contact the landscaping company.  Diane On Fri, Sep 6, 2024, 9:09 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb Kroon  Replied September 12, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT
response: You’re welcome!
Dying weeping miniature crabapple

Question: This tree is 15 years old and has been fine until I noticed today the front half of it is dead. There seems to be a small dead area showing up on the backside.  The front of the tree faces east. What could cause such a quick disease?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 9:18 AM EDT
response: Hello, Is there any oozing on fruit or along the affected branch? Does the affected area originate on one branch or did it appear independently on many branches? This looks like it could be caused by physical damage closer to the trunk of the tree, but if you see any ooze or other symptoms that could indicate disease. The answers to these questions will help narrow down the possibilities.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
response: it's on many branches (1/3 of the tree) - and there doesn't seem to be any damage to the trunk.  No ooze or other physical symptoms - just dead.  I just noticed it - which is weird because if it was more of a gradual thing, I think I would have seen it starting - I'll continue to watch to see if it spreads or if the 2/3 of the tree that is healthy remains that way I guess....     I will say, I sprayed RoundUp on some Bindweed that is not close to the tree at all - but that root system could go anywhere... there is a lot of bindweed near the tree, but that's not where I sprayed the RoundUp.        On 09/06/2024 9:18 AM EDT Ask Extension wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 06, 2024, 6:30 PM EDT
response: Hello Cindy, I conferred with another colleague who adds in: "If [this damage] just popped up later in the season, [it is] likely winter injury to the vasculature system that got overextended by summer heat and broke down causing sudden issues.  There could be secondary fungal issues in damaged wood going forward. Not fire blight or other disease issues most likely. [You] should prune it back heavily and that's about it" From my perspective I would agree with my colleague. I don't think your nearby RoundUp use has anything to do with this (RoundUp acts on contact on green leaves and while translocation can occur it is not its primary mode of action). Prune out any dead wood- you can do that now or wait until pruning season in late winter (mark the dead wood now so you know which it is). You can consult the pruning tip sheet from our consumer horticulture team here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart-gardening-pruning-and-training-backyard-apple-and-pear-trees

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 8:49 PM EDT
response: thank you very much!     Cindi  On 09/06/2024 6:30 PM EDT Ask Extension wrote:
Mile-a-minute vine

Question: I believe this is Mile-a-minute  vine. I live in a wooded section of Northern Baltimore County and just this year notice this vine covering the ground and climbing trees in one area. 
Will this kill my trees and how can I stop it?
Thank you

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 September 06, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT
response: You are correct, this is mile-a-minute vine.  Mature trees are not usually at risk, but it will smother young or small under story trees and other shrubs and plants. Complete eradication is usually impossible, however it can be controlled with pre-emergent and post emergent herbicides and manual removal. The Penn State Extension Service has an excellent article on mile-a-minute vine: https://extension.psu.edu/mile-a-minute Thanks for contacting us. Judy

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 6:12 PM EDT
response: Thank you Judy for the quick reply.
Mystery Nut

Question: Gentle Person,

I found this nut on my driveway in the Homewood section of Kensington, MD. The nut is smooth skinned, approximately one inch in diameter, and had evidence of stem connection (now gone). It was partially split open when I found it. I split the nut open with a pair of plyers and was astonished by the multicolor material that was inside. The material is dry to the touch and just soft enough to indicate that it is organic. 

For a couple of weeks, I have been hearing the occasional nut fall, but I'm new to the neighborhood and cannot locate the tree that could be the source. The trees on my property are maple and tulip poplar, neither of which are candidates in my opinion.
Today, Sept. 5, I took the nut to Brookside Gardens where the two master gardeners on hand were stumped. They recommended that I contact you.

What is this nut and what can you tell me about it, please?  Thank you.

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 September 06, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT
response: Interesting!  We are not familiar with any nuts with an interior like that. Are there others that have dropped and look similar to this on the inside?  We have asked our colleagues for their input as well and we will get back to you if we discover more.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Dear Emily,Thank you for your reply. I will try to find a similar nut. However, I can’t see any “mystery “ trees close to my property. If a squirrel carried it over, the situation becomes more ambiguous.Perhaps not just whales were created for the sport of it.      Happy weekend,           Phil Padgett Sent from my iPhone On Sep 6, 2024, at 2:51 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 6:09 PM EDT
response: Dear Emily, My daughter and I looked at the pieces again and that improved our knowledge. Whatever this was, it appears to be manufactured. If you look at the middle piece in the photo of the exterior, there appears to be a ridge. Look to the left of the ridge and you can see a faintly raised "A." With her better eyes, my daughter thinks she sees "TAIWAN." Our theory is that, now very deteriorated, this was part of a child's toy, the hard rubber ball attached by a rubber band to a pingpong paddle. What I thought was a stem was the remains of the attachment point.      Best regards,      Phil PadgettOn Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 2:51 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 September 06, 2024, 6:54 PM EDT
response: Yes! It looks like a dry old bouncy ball.  Good detective work.
New insect like a bee on my flowers and a new insect structure under my eaves

Question: I took a photo I can send if I had an address

responder: MJ Replied September 05, 2024, 8:00 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan, This is a great black wasp. It will not hurt you and it does a lot of good in the garden. They do not build nests on buildings. See this page: https://entomology.umn.edu/great-black-wasp Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 06, 2024, 8:57 AM EDT
response: Okay what nest is up at my house peak? It is not the usual hornet nest. It is brown, maybe mud with active insects on it. I cannot see it well enough to identify if it has the same insect .Sent from my iPad On Sep 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Ask Extension wrote:﻿

responder: MJ Replied September 06, 2024, 10:44 AM EDT
response: Perhaps a mud dauber? I can’t say without a photo. See this page: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mud-daubers/ Hope this helps.
Identify this animal.

Question: A nest of these were in the dumpster at my office.
Two of us got stung this 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 September 06, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
response: This looks like a type of paper wasp (Polistes sp.). They are a type of social wasp and, although not as aggressive as yellowjackets can be, they will sting if they feel their nest is threatened. Social wasp colonies only last one year, dying off each winter, and old nests are not reused. We generally recommend avoiding an active nest area if at all possible, to reduce the risk of stings. As a last resort, an aerosol wasp spray or dust may be used on the nest, following all product label instructions carefully. Hire a pest control professional if you do not feel comfortable treating a nest yourself or if the nest is hard to reach. Our web page about social wasps has a lot of great information about these insects (and their kin) and what you can do if you encounter them in your living or work spaces.  Christa

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 07, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: Christa, thank you. I did dispatch the critters with hornet/wasp spray. As a rule, I prefer to leave critters alone.  They are all part of nature.  But when they threaten me or my family or employees, I need to take them out. I hope your weekend is/was good. Rob      Sent from my iPhone  On Sep 6, 2024, at 10:40 AM, Ask Extension wrote:    ﻿
Plant identification

Question: I would like to find a class that teaches about native plant identification, and uses of common plants found in wooded areas, meadows, and around natural water sources. Also, I believe the plant in the photo is spearmint, but I am not sure.

responder: Dan D. (Greene Co)  Replied September 05, 2024, 4:38 PM EDT
response: Jan,  Thank you for the question. I could not zoom in enough to get a close look of the plants in your picture. However, here is a link to an article from the Little Yellow Wheelbarrow for help identifying common mints: https://www.littleyellowwheelbarrow.com/types-of-mints-how-to-grow-and-use-popular-mint-varieties/. The spearmint has a pointed and serrated leaf while the peppermint leaf tends to be more rounded and less serrated.    When it comes to locating local programs on topics such as native plants and how to identify them, your best bet is to contact your Lawrence County Extension office. Here is their address and phone number: 111 S 4th St County Courthouse Ironton, Ohio 45638 PH:<personal data hidden>    Programs on native plants are very popular at this time and they would know if they have one coming up or know of other organizations who are doing programs or field excursions.    Thank you again for your question and I hope you find some good local programs on native plants.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 5:30 PM EDT
response: Thank you.  On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 04:38:38 PM EDT, Ask Extension wrote:
What's eating my Paw Paw trees?

Question: I have two young Paw Paw trees and the leaves on both trees are getting eaten but I don't see any bugs on the trees.  Can you help me to identify what might be eating them and let me know what I can do to prevent any damage to the trees.

Thank you

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 September 05, 2024, 4:38 PM EDT
response: Leaf chewing could be any number of insects, slugs or snails. The pattern of chewing doesn't indicate anything in particular so its hard to say what it could be. You can go out after dark with a flash light to see if you notice anything. Grasshoppers, katydids, any of the garden beetles could do this too. They may have already moved on too.  If you notice anything you can hand pick them off and drop them into a container of soap water. If you can't seem to find anything and since the plants are small, you can get insect netting bags or covers for the plants and see if that helps. You can usually find these easily online and they can be reused. Just make sure the mesh is small enough so insects can't get in but also lets enough light in for photosynthesis.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you. On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 4:38 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 September 05, 2024, 5:00 PM EDT
response: you're welcome
Insect

Question: What is this insect. It’s tiny and flys. Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

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 September 06, 2024, 9:51 AM EDT
response: Hi, This is a beetle, but I am unable to determine what kind it is. I would like to have our entomologist look at this when she is back in the office on Monday. In the meantime, it would help us if you could provide some additional information. Are you finding these inside of your home, and if so, are you seeing them in any particular location—like inside of a pantry/cabinet in the kitchen, or near windows, or in a basement? If you are finding more, can you provide a photo with a coin or ruler next to the insect so we can get an idea of the size?   Christa

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension faculty. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied September 09, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your photo. Unfortunately, just based off this photo I cannot identify the insect further than confirming it is some kind of beetle. As Christa said above, feel free to send us further photos or information so we may potentially identify the beetle further. Just based off the body shape, size, and with the assumption this insect was found indoors, this beetle is likely a type of beetle that feeds on dried plant material and/or stored grains. Unless you find a large number of them, this beetle is likely not a major pest and is more of a nuisance if found indoors.

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2024, 2:44 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. I found them mainly in a bedroom that is not used and I think because they fly that when the door is opened they fly out of the room or they are on my clothes and have traveled to my bedroom. I will be able to send pictures on Monday if they are still there when I return home. I sprayed the rooms with essential oils hoping I don’t come home to an infestation.  Orisatolu

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension faculty. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied September 13, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Feel free to send more photos on Monday. It is possible they are accidentally finding their way indoors when they are supposed to be outdoors. Unfortunately essential oils are typically not an effective or recommended pest control tactic. If you continue to find these beetles inside, it is recommended to sweep or vacuum them up.