MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Requesting wildflower identification

Question: Attached are photos of a wildflower which grows on a shaded hillside behind my backyard, and appears to be perhaps some kind of penstemon, but I am unable to find an exact match.

responder: Sylvan Kaufman Replied May 16, 2023, 9:48 AM EDT
response: The plant appears to be ajuga, Ajuga reptans.  You can read more about it here, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ajuga-reptans/.  It is an introduced plant, probably escaped from an old planting.  The flowers do somewhat resemble penstemon, but ajuga will have square stems instead of rounded stems.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 9:44 AM EDT
response: Much appreciation for the timely and informative response  - I do agree with your identification, and although I must admit to being rather disappointed that this is not a rare, or even common native species, I am nevertheless grateful for your expertise. David MacisHillsboro,OR   On Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 06:48:50 AM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Ornamental garden around a septic system

Question: I’m looking for someone to advise in the  Newbury, Ohio area as how to navigate ornamental gardens around a septic tank, leach field and curtain drain that surrounds the leach field. I have a large backyard but unfortunately the entire septic system takes up two thirds of it. I’m looking for detailed advice for my wife ( the gardener ) as she is frustrated that options seem limited. She would need advice on what to plant, ( she has already started) where to plant , and how close she can go to different areas of the septic areas .
We know where all lines are. It would need to be someone very familiar with planting around curtain and French drains. Thank you

responder: Carol Greening   Replied May 17, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT
response: I have sent this question on to a person that might have more expertise than I do.

responder: Jane Ellison  Replied May 17, 2023, 2:46 PM EDT
response: Your wife is correct, there are limited options for planting over a septic drain field. Shallow rooted plants, and especially those with fibrous root systems are best suited to the situation. You may want to engage a professional to advise you if the following information does not seem to help.  https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/landscaping-over-septic-drain-fields/  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/extreme_care_should_be_taken_when_considering_what_to_plant_over_and_around  This Fact Sheet has suggested perennials that would also thrive in Ohio:   https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/12/it-okay-plant-garden-over-leach-field   .https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/septicsmart-week-landscaping-final.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 3:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information and your time. Have a wonderful week!Sent from my iPhone On May 17, 2023, at 2:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿
Invasive small blue flowered weeds

Question: I have had a rapid increase in small weeds that are below the lawn mower blades. Tiny blue flowers have shown up lately. They have spread from bare patches into the grass. In a wilder area near me they have gained some height. How do I get rid of them?

responder: Dick M.  Replied May 16, 2023, 11:17 PM EDT
response: I believe you have Thyme-leaf Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) from the photos.  More plant info and how to control it in the attached links: http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/print.php?id=467 https://plantscience.psu.edu/outreach/plant-id/broadleaf/thymeleaf-speedwell https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-thyme-leaf-speedwell http://turfweeds.cals.cornell.edu/plant/thymeleaf-speedwell

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 7:26 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the identification and possible remedies.  Bob
Tree Bark Damage

Question: Hello! The rabbits have eaten just about everything in my yard over the several years, but this is a first. Please see attached photo my 10-year-old crabapple tree in which they have eaten all of the bark around the entire tree from the ground to about 3-4 feet up.

Is there any chance I can save this tree?

What is a safe way to protect my trees and plants during the winter that won't harm the rabbits?

Thank you!

responder: MJ Replied May 15, 2023, 1:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Sabrina, I’m very sorry to tell you there’s nothing to be done for such severe damage. This winter was a bad one for deer and rabbit damage to trees and shrubs. If the bark and layer of tissue underneath the bark are eaten, the tree can no longer carry nutrients and water up and down the trunk. If the damage goes all the way around the trunk (or girdled) the tree may leaf out this spring but eventually will die.  It’s probably best to cut your losses, remove the tree and protect future trees from wildlife in the winter. More information on that is here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winterBy the way, your photo shows that this tree looks like a telephone pole going into the ground, which is a bad thing. Planting too deep can lead to rot and premature death. When you plant a new tree, make sure that you can see the root flare at the bottom of the truck. That’s where the trunk widens as roots spread out. This web page has a good illustration: https://nfs.unl.edu/publications/how-to-plant-a-tree Mulching around a new tree is a great idea but keep the mulch away from the trunk, where it can foster rot and disease. It should not touch the tree. Again, I’m so sorry about your crabapple! It’s hard to lose an established tree. Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 8:47 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your response! I truly appreciate this free and reliable resource made available to MN residents.  Sabrina Berg   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 12:57 PM To: sabrinareb <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tree Bark Damage (#0100002)

responder: MJ Replied May 17, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT
response: So sorry it was bad news. Good luck with your new tree.
Invasive yard weeds

Question: Hello - I have attached 2 photos. They are both of "weeds" that are becoming more prevalent in my yard. My questions are: 1) What is this?  2) How am I able to eliminate them and not kill the grass?

Thank you.

Paul Magada

responder: Chris T.  OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer    Replied May 15, 2023, 12:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Paul,  You're looking at plain old clover.  It is very difficult to eliminate, and will need a combination of at least two of the following chemicals:  triclopyr, 2-4-D, dicamba and MCPP. When you are looking at herbicides in your local garden center, choose the one that has at least two of those ingredients.  Your job will be made more difficult if your close neighbors are not concerned about the presence of clover in their own lawns.  Here is a fact sheet from Penn State that shows the combinations of chemicals in available retail products:   Lawn and Turfgrass Weeds: White Clover (psu.edu) Michigan State also offers the following fact sheet:   White clover exploding in lawns - MSU Extension  I am attaching a guide to lawn care as well:   Natural Organic Lawn Care | Ohioline (osu.edu)    Best of luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT
response: Thank you. On Mon, May 15, 2023 at 12:04 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Chris T.  OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer    Replied May 16, 2023, 8:29 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!  Feel free to write to us anytime with your gardening questions.
Pear tree leaves and buds curling and turning brown

Question: Hi there! 

I'm wondering what is going on with my pear tree's new growth. The leaves are curling and look splotchy, plus the newly forming fruit on those branches is turning brown. This is happening on most of the branches of this tree, so I don't want to start trimming the affected parts until I know for sure that this is the right approach.

Thank you!
-Suzanne

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2023, 7:00 PM EDT
response: Hi there! I'm wondering what is going on with my pear tree's new growth. The leaves are curling and look splotchy, plus the newly forming fruit on those branches is turning brown. This is happening on most of the branches of this tree, so I don't want to start trimming the affected parts until I know for sure that this is the right approach. Thank you! -Suzanne Suzanne, I suspect you are dealing with peach leaf curl. It may be difficult to remember now that the weather is so warm,  but we had a cool wet spring for a long time. Just the kind of weather for fungus. You may need to spray a fungicide. Here is an article about peach leaf curl from Oregon State:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl I hope it helps. Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 7:10 PM EDT
response: But this is a pear tree, not a peach. Does peach leaf curl affect pear trees? On Wed, May 17, 2023 at 4:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 17, 2023, 7:23 PM EDT
response: But this is a pear tree, not a peach. Does peach leaf curl affect pear trees? On Wed, May 17, 2023 at 4:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  Suzanne, I'm so sorry! I blew right past that. I'll try again. This is probably the pear leafcurling midge - a very small fly. The larvae feed on the leaves causing them to curl. Here is an article: http://pnwhandbooks.stage.extension.oregonstate.edu/insect/tree-fruit/pear/pear-pear-leafcurling-midge  Yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor the adults. Several chemical management possibilities are mentioned in the article. If you use any of the chemicals please red the instructions carefully and take any porecautions suggested. Again, I'm very sorry for the oversight! Susan

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 11:09 PM EDT
response: OK thank you! On Wed, May 17, 2023 at 4:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 18, 2023, 9:17 AM EDT
response: You’re very welcome. Susan
Plants

Question: Please identify these plants.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 10:34 AM EDT
response: The purple flower is Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha). It gets big, but brings in some nice pollinators. A hummingbird visits mine in the fall. The shrub looks like Sunshine ligustrum.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 10:52 AM EDT
response: Thank You.    Keith Bradley 5814 Berkshire Hills Dr.  Kingwood, TX  77345 <personal data hidden> www.logo-mart.com         From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 9:34 AM To: keith logo-mart.com <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Plants (#0099964)
Suddenly lame rooster.

Question: Why has my 3.5 year old rooster gone lame?  Overnight began limping, only wanting to walk on toes of right leg, onset about three weeks ago with some improvement.  Then a week ago worsened to both legs.  Walks stiff legged on toes. Then sits most of the time.  Still eats and drinks but noticed unusually inflamed area around vent and abdomen.  Thanks for your help.

responder: Dr. Jacquie Jacob  Replied May 15, 2023, 8:18 PM EDT
response: It is hard to tell from the photos included. Please give addition views of the vent as well as the feet, legs, and toes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 10:39 AM EDT
response: Greetings,   Thank you. Sorry, phone images not that great. We are working on getting a camera in a day or two. Rooster is a little better. Walking a little. Definitely eating again. Will try again.June  On Monday, May 15, 2023 at 08:18:26 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Dr. Jacquie Jacob  Replied May 18, 2023, 12:10 PM EDT
response: OK. I'll see what is visible in the new photos when you send them. Still no guarantee I can figure it out, but I'll give it a try.
Norway/Purple Maple Marcescence

Question: Hello, 
My Norway/Purple maple has not dropped its leaves as of Mid-May. Is this just marcescence? Or should I have a concern and contact an arborist? The tree is in Hopkins. 
Thank you, 
Jeff

responder: MJ Replied May 15, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, Norway maples are known to do this but the leaves should have dropped by now. I’d call an arborist. You can find one here: https://www.isa-arbor.com/ Good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 8:43 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your reply. Hmm. Shoot. But does a Norway maple keeps it's leave on when it dies? Also I couldn't find a directory on that website you sent. If you can, can you send me that URL? Best,Jeff  On Monday, May 15, 2023 at 09:33:16 AM GMT+8, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:      Dear Jeff, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0099932: Norway/Purple Maple Marcescence Hello, My Norway/Purple maple has not dropped its leaves as of Mid-May. Is this just marcescence? Or should I have a concern and contact an arborist? The tree is in Hopkins. Thank you, Jeff Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: MJ Replied May 16, 2023, 9:08 AM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, Leaves sometimes cling to dead trees. An arborist will be able to determine what’s going on.  Here’s the link to find a certified arborist: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist Thanks for using Ask Extension.
Ant nest

Question: These itty bitty ants - are they a threat to my garden plants?

responder: Cristi  Replied May 16, 2023, 6:24 PM EDT
response: Hi Jim:  I'm sorry that I cannot identify these ants from your picture.  I can tell you that ants can be good and bad.  You can never eliminate them completely, nor should you want to.  I'm going to attach a bulletin that gives you more detail on managing the ant population in the garden.  Only you can decide if they are pest enough to take removal actions.  Ant Management in Gardens and Landscapes  Thank you for your question,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 7:08 PM EDT
response: Thanks. The ants are teeny tiny and came up through the ground in a very dense swarm. They aren’t aggressive. Any ideas?JimOn Tue, May 16, 2023 at 3:24 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Cristi  Replied May 17, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Hi Jim:  Swarming is normal activity in the spring or when a nest is disturbed.  If you need positive identification, I would encourage you to bring a sample to the extension office.  They can take a closer look and help you make a correct identification.  They are located on the Deschutes County Fairgrounds property. Their address is: 3800 SW Airport Way Building #4 Redmond, OR 97756<personal data hidden> Hours of operation Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:00 pm
Shrubbery

Question: I have killed 6 rose creek abelias on top of my sandy, well-drained retaining wall.  Three of them made it ok over last summer and winter but are now shriveled and dying. (Previously there were photonias growing there that succumbed to fungus.) I would love to have large flowering shrubs there. Any suggestions?

responder: David Hillock  Replied May 25, 2023, 5:05 PM EDT
response: The past few years have been tough on many plants, including abelias and other broadleaf evergreens. The hot dry summer, below normal freezing temperatures, and the recent dry winter has been stressful on abelias and other plants. If you haven't had a soil test done in a while I recommend you start with that to make sure your nutrient levels are good and the pH is adequate in that space. The Tulsa County OSU Extension Center can help you with a soil test analysis. Without knowing more about your site is is difficult to give good recommendations, so here is a fact on shrubs for Oklahoma that you can review to see if there is anything that fits your site. Selecting Shrubs for the Landscape.  Here is info about collecting a soil sample. Soil Testing, The Right First Step Toward Proper Care of Your Lawn ... For further assistance reach out to the Tulsa County Extension Center. Tulsa County OSU Extension Center4116 East 15th StreetTulsa, Oklahoma 74112Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Phone: <personal data hidden> https://extension.okstate.edu/county/tulsa/horticulture.html

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 11:04 AM EDT
response: Thank you! That is very helpful!On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 4:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 27, 2023, 11:04 AM EDT
response: Thank you! That is very helpful!On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 4:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Problems  with blue spruce

Question: I planted this blue spruce 2 1/2 years ago. It appears that the sun reflection from windows is hitting the tree certain times of year. it is planted at a low point between two houses. What do you think the problem is?

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied May 16, 2023, 5:04 PM EDT
response: Hello, Thank you for your email and pictures. Would it be possible for you to provide more information? Which direction does the damaged area face? Is it south? Do you water in the winter? Any other signs of injury? Is injury only in this spot? Are there any signs of pests? The tree may have winter injury, burn or browning, which may be exasperated by the reflection: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2114-winter-browning-evergreens/ https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2129-winter-desiccation-evergreens/ https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/abiotic/winter-desiccation Please let us know if you have further questions. Thank you,

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: Sent from my iPhone On May 16, 2023, at 3:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2023, 7:09 PM EDT
response: On May 16, 2023, at 3:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Adams County Master Gardener  Replied May 18, 2023, 2:20 PM EDT
response: Your photos are suggestive of winter damage as previously noted.  Our fall was very dry.  The links provided will assist you in minimizing further damage (mostly water well in the fall and monthly if no snow/rain).  If you wish confirmation, you can request a tree team visit for a small charge of $25.  Let us know if you have further questions.
Carex

Question: What causes pure white bands on Carex grayi leaves?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Two possibilities.  The first being chemical injury.  For example, if there have been any cleaning chemicals applied nearby such as products used to clean green algae off of home siding, or even car-wash products. The second possibility is powdery mildew although I can't be certain without a closeup picture.  Although we often think of this group of fungal diseases as being a summer or late-season issue, many fungal powdery mildews produce heavy infections relatively early in the growing season.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 2:42 PM EDT
response: thanks  On Monday, May 15, 2023 at 09:55:18 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Boxwood diseases

Question: I have two different problems with my boxwoods. 

1.Some are developing yellow leaves as pictured below. 

2.In a different location, some of the leaves have little white spots and sometimes there are little flying bugs around them. 

Are there treatments for these problems or do the plants have to be removed? If removal is necessary, can I replant in the same spot?
Thank you very much..

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the question. There are three general reasons why boxwood leaves turn yellow: 1). If your boxwoods were not covered during this past winter season, the leaves might have experienced some type of sun scalding. The three boxwoods might not have been sufficiently watered in the fall. They also might not have developed a good root system as winter approached. Often times with sun scalding new foliage eventually appears. I would wait for another couple of weeks before concluding that the new boxwoods should be replaced. Keep watering them as well. If they do recover, consider wrapping them with burlap this coming fall. 2). Root rot is sometimes the culprit. It is a fungal infection, most commonly associated with hot, humid conditions. If this is the case, there is not much you can do in terms of remedial action. 3). Iron deficiency can also cause leaf yellowing. This is a relatively uncommon situation. However, in the event that this is the problem, iron can be added to the soil via the application of blood meal and/or chelated iron powder. See the following for information on these and other points: https://plantophiles.com/gardening/why-are-my-boxwoods-turning-yellow/ https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/home_garden/article_cb3d4fb2-3de7-50c2-929c-202b0e9df8b8.html https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/boxwood/yellow-or-brown-boxwoods.htm https://pallensmith.com/2014/05/22/iron-deficiency/ - :~:text=And just like us, if,made apparent by yellowing leaves. https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1415.pdf https://greenupside.com/how-to-add-iron-to-garden-soil/ Bottom line: give your boxwoods a little more time before considering replacement. If sun scald is the cause, new foliage should appear. If root rot is the cause, replacement may be necessary. One another thing to determine is if the boxwoods are alive or not. Here’s a simple way to do that. On different branches of each boxwood, gently scrape off a small portion of the bark. If the underlying tissue is greenish-yellow, the branch is alive. If the underlying tissue is brown, the branch is dead. If you determine that just one or two branches are dead, prune them out. If you can’t find any living branches on a plant, that plant needs to be replaced. Good Luck. Get back to us with any additional questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 15, 2023, 8:18 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information and for your prompt response. Sent from my iPad On May 15, 2023, at 9:00 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿