MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
curly leaves on red triw dogwood

Question: I have several red twig dogwoods planted near buildings at my cabin in NE Minnesota.  I planted them several years ago and they have done very well.  This year, however, several of them near the garage and facing east have started to develop curing leaves.  The leaves have also become rather pale in color.  There are no black spots on the undersides of the leaves.  What do you think is causing this and what can I do to treat it?

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 17, 2023, 10:06 PM EDT
response: This appears to be leaf scorch.  In extremely hot weather dogwood curl leaves to reduce exposure to the sun and limit transpiration (water loss).  Give them some extra water and keep watering until the ground freezes or we get fall rainfall.  It should cause no permanent damage to the bushes.  (Nice Mullein grouping!) https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2071/2013/12/Leaf-Scorch-of-Dogwood.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2023, 4:18 PM EDT
response: Mary-   Thanks for your response.   The problem hasn't gotten worse and they seem healthy otherwise, so I won't worry.  (The Mulleins are volunteers.  Never know where they're going to appear next.)   I have another question ...   I've been trying to eradicate some very well established lupin on my property.  Earlier this summer I tried digging out some that surrounded an ash tree.  I'm afraid I must have damaged roots of the tree and it has now lost most of its leaves on one side.  Have I killed the tree?  Is there a chance that it will come back next year?  Is there anything that I should do that might help it to recover?  [ Image attached. ]     Craig Anderson     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 2:06 AM To: Craig Anderson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: curly leaves on red triw dogwood (#0112766)

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied August 18, 2023, 5:39 PM EDT
response: If you used chemicals to get rid of the lupin you may have damaged the tree.  If you just messed up the roots, the tree will likely survive.  Trees under stress drop leaves.  Make sure to water it well until the ground freezes.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2023, 6:27 PM EDT
response: Mary-   Thanks again for your help.  I did use some chemicals on the lupin, but I tried to stay clear of the tree.  Hopefully I did not expose it.  Guess I'll find out one way or another next year.     Craig Anderson   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, August 18, 2023 9:39 PM To: Craig Anderson <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: curly leaves on red triw dogwood (#0112766)
Lilac Bush Help

Question: Last May I planted 2 dark purple boomerang lilacs. This year the one on the right seems to be extremely stressed. The leaves are all very cupped, though they haven't all fallen off yet. Both plants have been getting the same amount of water and light. One seems to be thriving while the other one is struggling. I have attached a picture for reference. Any help would be much appreciated.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT
response: Hello, I would suspect transplant stress. It is probably not salvageable. A reputable nursery will usually replace a plant that dies so quickly, so I would try to do that.  This year has been tough on new transplants.  If you have the option, I would wait until September to plant a replacement to get through the worst of the heat and challenging summer weather.  https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/2017/10/02/qa-when-is-it-too-late-to-transplant-perennials/ I hope this is helpful. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 2:14 PM EDT
response: Sorry I should have clarified, I transplanted them in May 2022.   Last year the plant was doing really well.   But yes indo have a 5 year warranty on the plant.  I was just curious if in should be worried about the lilac next to it....  Appreciate the help.  NeelSent from Yahoo Mail on Android  On Thu, Jul 27, 2023 at 11:35 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 4:25 PM EDT
response: Hello, That changes things considerably.  I would still recommend removing the plant and returning it, but as I look at the flower buds and some of the leaf lesions more carefully, I wonder if it might be bacterial blight.  I would not recommend planting another lilac in that place, and I would treat the existing lilac with a preventative fungicide.  I am attaching an article that explains what fungicide will be effective on this type of blight. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bacterial-blight/ Just for future reference, always water at the base of your plants and try to avoid leaf-wetting as much as possible.   Ruth
Tree question

Question: Hello,

I planted two maple trees about a year ago in my yard in Eden Prairie. Within the last few weeks, some of the leaves on one of them have turned brown/orange and cracked. Is this normal or is there an issue with the tree? I have been watering the tree 20 gallons, once a week. I have attached pictures.

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 27, 2023, 12:50 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. Take off the white wrap and send me a picture of the bottom 1 foot of the good and ill tree where it enters the ground.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT
response: Hello,Here is what it looks like with the wrap removed from the base. I attached three pictures from different angles.On Thu, Jul 27, 2023, 11:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 27, 2023, 3:40 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. That tree goes straight into the ground. The tree appears to be planted too deep.  The flare should be above ground. This can result in a condition called stem root girdling.  Both trees should be inspected.  I suggest that you carefully remove the dirt for about a foot around the tree and expose the root structure to about a foot deep to diagnose the problem.   https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/girdling  https://www.andovermn.gov/220/Stem-Girdling-Roots

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT
response: Ok ,If I need to call an arborist to help resolve the issue, do you have any recommendations? Can I get someone from the U of M to come out or do places like Bachman's have trained arborists?Thanks!On Thu, Jul 27, 2023, 2:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 27, 2023, 7:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. I somehow omitted information on this. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional There are many well qualified companies. Google best arborist near me.  The reputable ones will describe certification and experience.  All of them give free estimates. The U does not provide this service and we cannot recommend specific businesses.
Identification of Small Bugs in Sink

Question: Hello - I am looking for help in identifying these small bugs in my sink.  I've also found them in some books.  Any advice about how to get rid of them would also be appreciated.  thank you!

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 27, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT
response: My Picture Insect app says this is some kind of cockroach. That maybe wrong because the pictures are really too small to ID well. Since cockroaches prefer damp environments, it is unlikely that they will be in your books unless they are damp and/or moldy.  Your best bet is to capture one in a plastic bag or glass jar. Freeze it to kill it without damaging it and then examine it with a magnifying glass.There are several online sources for identifying insects. Once you know what it is, then a computer search will tell you how to get rid of it.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 10:26 AM EDT
response: Thank you!  Do you have a recommendation for the best online sources to identify the bug?

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 27, 2023, 11:02 AM EDT
response: We cannot recommend one program over another. Sites ending in ".edu" are University research based.  These are a few I found doing an online search: https://extension.umn.edu/insects https://insectid.wisc.edu/   https://entomologytoday.org/2018/07/03/insect-identification-experts-guides-bug-spider-arachnid-entomology/  Contains a whole list of insect ID web pages.  www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification You can also take the frozen insect in to the Eden Prairie office of the Hennepin County Extension Master Gardeners and have some one look at the insect with a microscope. Their contact information is at the very bottom of their web page. Call or email them first to see the availability.  https://hennepinmastergardeners.org/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 5:08 PM EDT
response: Thank you – that is all very helpful information! From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask ExtensionSent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 10:03 AMTo: Cheryl Welch <<personal data hidden>>Subject: Re: Identification of Small Bugs in Sink (#0112745)
Tomato leaves rolling up

Question: Something is going on with some of my Tomato plants, the leaves are rolling up. I sprayed them with Sevin, but that doesn't help.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2023, 12:07 PM EDT
response: Sevin is a pesticide so unless you have identified a pest that is causing this problem, it would do nothing to help. It's really important that if you're going to use pesticides, that you use them properly. That means identifying the issues that you are experiencing.  If you're not seeing any other evidence besides the curling leaves, it could be from the heat and drought or nutrient imbalances. Are you watering regularly? Have you applied any fertilizers this season?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2023, 7:13 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the advice with Sevin.  I applied a cup or so of 10-10-10 under the plant at planting. I've been watering regularly, Some varieties are affected with curling some are not. Some plants are clearly stunted. Please take another look at the photos. My neighbor  is having the same problem.Thanks.On Fri, Jul 28, 2023 at 11:07 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2023, 9:32 PM EDT
response: If you aren't seeing any issues with the fruit, I think what you're seeing is a condition called leaf roll. Some varieties of tomato are more prone to it than others. The good thing is that it doesn't affect fruit production or quality. Please read the description here and see if this matches what you are seeing: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/tomato-disorders#how-to-tell-leaf-roll-from-other-tomato-issues-3103460
wildflower DI

Question: Hi. I'm pulling my hair out trying to identify the white flower in this photo. The magenta ones are Parry's Primrose, but no guide I can find tells me what the white ones are. Looks like  phlox but the leaves are wrong. I took this near Brainerd Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. thank you, Jim Esten, Denver, CO

responder: Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 28, 2023, 11:09 AM EDT
response: That looks like bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia).

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT
response: Thank you! Now I can find it in my Colorado Wildflowers phone app.
Outdoor Planters

Question: I have three large outdoor planters on my roof deck with nearly the same plants. In the far right planter (see photo) the plants are not growing nearly as vigorously as the other two. I am using a drip irrigation system so they are all receiving the same amount of water. There are all in full sun. What could be the issue. I also see that the hollywood juniper is a lighter green. Is this possibly due to overwatering?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT
response: Hello, i see that my query was closed on 7.27. However, I did not receive a response.  What should I do?

responder: Ed Replied August 09, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: I am not sure what happened to my answer to your question but I will try again.  One of the issues could be the different plants are influencing the growth.  Some could be producing chemical that inhibit growth of other plants.  Do  asearch on line to checl this out.
Identify this substance

Question: I noticed this in my yard in 7/21/23. It is in patches surrounding our oak tree about 5 feet from the base of the tree. Very shady area. It has a waxy feel and is white in color.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 9:21 AM EDT
response: The area is very shady and does not drain well - soil has a lot of clay. The white pieces look like thick webs, mostly circular in shape.

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 July 28, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: It's difficult to tell what that substance is. Our thoughts include a possible soil-borne mold, which would turn powdery over time and wouldn't be of concern.  It could also be a type of fungus, which harden, and grow on a wood source like old dead wood or possibly on roots. It can be a pathogen that suggests some hidden decay so it wouldn't hurt to hire an ISA-certified Arborist to evaluate the tree, to tell how serious it may be, particularly if its fall (in a storm for instance) would threaten people or property. Most larger tree companies have an arborist on staff or you can search for one at the credentialing agency at http://www.treesaregood.org   Christine
Bees in my eaves

Question: I’m wondering what the best way to remove bees from under my nook roof ( or even if it’s necessary). I think they might be mason bees but I can’t really see them. They are fast going in and out. All the feed back I have received is to spray, but if they are mason bees I’d prefer not killing them.

responder: Associate Professor-Apiculture Replied July 26, 2023, 7:14 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your concern for bees. If these are indeed bees and are not creating any problem, then you could leave them alone. You will not see them after September/October. If they are bumble bees then all the workers will die by October. If they are yellowjackets and you perceive a threat then please contact pest control services to remove the nest. All Yellowjacket workers will also die by September/October, so if they are not creating any problems then you can leave them alone too.  Ramesh

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 2:01 AM EDT
response: Thank you. Do you have any idea what type of bee they are?  Will the queen survive the winter?  They are not a problem unless they are damaging the house. I don’t know how to tell if they’re causing any damage. Any ideas on how to determine any of this‍♀️Mary-BethSent from my iPad On Jul 26, 2023, at 4:14 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Associate Professor-Apiculture Replied July 27, 2023, 6:38 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately, its not possible to identify the bees from the photo you sent. I will need a more close up photo or a dead bee specimen for positive identification. The newly mated queens of bumble bees and yellowjackets will survive the winter, but they may or may not choose the same location for hibernation (overwintering). Bumble bees and yellowjackets will not do any structural damage. Carpenter bees may cause some structural damage to wooden structures.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2023, 2:38 PM EDT
response: Is this clear enough for you to identify?  Thank you for your help with this. Mary-BethSent from my iPad On Jul 27, 2023, at 3:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Associate Professor-Apiculture Replied July 31, 2023, 3:19 PM EDT
response: Unfortunately i am not able to access this image as this image is in heic format. Please send me an image in JPEG or TIFF. You can send the image directly to my e-mail (<personal data hidden>) instead of posting on the Ask Extension system. Thanks, Ramesh
Cure for small errosion area

Question: This past spring, I planted Path Rush on the ramp / hillside to the lake where run-off and errosion has been a problem.
I put coir mulch on the downhill side of each plant to deter wash-out.
Of course, with no rain, we have had no errosion, until last night when we got .8 inches of rain.
None of my plants washed out, but some of the dirt surrounding them did - especially in one "gully" area.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can repair this so it is less likely to "wash" next time?
I had tried to put sticks across the runn-off areas, but even they washed away in the gully.
We have to be able to pull the dock and the boat ramp down and back up the hill once a year.
The photo isn't great, but you can see the "gully" plants laying down and others standing much straighter.

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions.
Otherwise it gets just gentle foot traffic.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 26, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT
response: I did a search on "erosion control.edu" and came up with these websites and several others. They may be helpful.  https://web.uri.edu/safewater/protecting-water-quality-at-home/sustainable-landscaping/reduce-soil-erosion/ https://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Chapters/erosioncontrolchapter%5B1%5D.pdf https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/preventing-erosion/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 8:57 AM EDT
response: Thank you for sharing these links.I found several good ideas for reducing the runoff in the future.I was looking for recommendations for repairing the small gully. I didn't find any suggestions for that.  I'm afraid that if I fill it in with dirt it will just quickly wash away again.Thanks for any ideas that you might share.On Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 4:00 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 27, 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
response: One of the articles mentioned barriers placed at right angles to the water flow, like stair steps. They would slow the water down as it moves downhill. Page 3 of the Washington State web page.  Good Luck
Weeds in yard.

Question: I’m in Spring 77388 and I have a weed in my yard I have never had before. It takes over my St Augustine. I have been pulling it up and it is leaving large bare spots. I need help. Attaching pictures

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2023, 3:46 PM EDT
response: I used a crabgrass killer and it helped some. I applied it about 8 weeks ago and again 4 weeks ago ago.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 31, 2023, 2:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your question.  From those images you sent it looks like young St Augustine grass. Could you send an image of just the individual plant you are seeing? Also, could you take some images from farther away and include the bare patches of your yard?

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 02, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: I pulled these this morning.On Mon, Jul 31, 2023 at 1:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: I pulled these today.On Wed, Aug 2, 2023 at 10:43 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 03, 2023, 8:07 PM EDT
response: Hi, Harold We think it may be Wavy Basketgrass. Check out this article and see if it matches what you are seeing. Your photos may be younger leaves. It spreads by stolons, like St. Augustine. In addition, it spreads by seeds, so it's important to treat it before August flowering and seeding.  If you confirm it is wavy basketgrass, then it may indicate that it is in a shady area. Control involves more sun and individual plant treatment with glyphosate. As mentioned in this article, clethodim is a grass-specific herbicide that has also been successful.  On a side note, the one photo looks like the soil is wet. If that is accurate, be careful with overwatering your lawn with irrigation during the drought. Overwatering causes water-dependent roots and will introduce other diseases as is commonly seen right now. https://counties.agrilife.org/harris/files/2022/08/August-2022-HG-Newsletter.pdf

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2023, 9:29 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the explanation.On Thu, Aug 3, 2023 at 7:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Can you identify this insect?

Question: We have noticed several (5 or 6)  of these in our toilet room in the last few weeks. Can you identify them and recommend what we should do to get rid of them from our home?

responder: Frank Peairs, Emeritus Professor of Entomology   Replied July 27, 2023, 11:43 AM EDT
response: I can't tell much from this image except that it seems to be an immature spider of some sort (not a medically important type). When such problems are found near plumbing, it may indicate that there is a leak and that the resulting free moisture is attracting the insects/spiders. http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spiders-in-the-home-5-512/ has useful suggestions on dealing with spiders in the home.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2023, 7:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your reply and the link providing information on dealing with them.I appreciate it.On Thu, Jul 27, 2023 at 9:43 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: