How Does Your Garden Grow?

Rust on Your Canna Lilies

Cannas (often called Canna Lilies) are tropical, large-flowered plants that will add beautiful blooms to your garden year after year.

In warmer climates, canna rust can be a common problem. Rust is a fungal infection caused by the pathogen Puccinia thaliae. It’s not usually deadly, but a severe infection can result in eventual death of the plant. 

When the rust first appears, the affected foliage should be removed and discarded. 

Tips on prevention

Plant your cannas in full sun, with plenty of air circulation. They should not be overcrowded. Avoid planting in shady or poorly drained locations. 

“Rust is hard to treat because it can become fungicide-resistant. For this reason, different products are often used in alternating fashion.”
Nan Schiller, article on gardenerspath.com.

Visit gardenerspath.com to read more about treating canna rust.

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All about Mimosas

Information below is gathered from Alabama Cooperative Extension System

The Mimosa Tree: Beautiful But Invasive

It’s not unusual to see invasive species growing along roadside, in woodlots, and backyards all over Alabama. The mimosa or silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) is one of the invasive species people may encounter. It is believed that the mimosa tree was brought to the United States in the 1700s by Andre Michaux, a French botanist. This tree is native to the Middle East and Asia and is a fast-growing tree, often reaching heights of 50 feet. It is adorned with pink blooms that usually appear May through July. The flowers are delicate and long with clusters of silky pink threads. They attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The leaves of the mimosa tree have a fern-like appearance. While this tree may be beautiful, it is also a highly invasive species that threatens the southern landscape.

Mimosa Invasion
An invasive species is an aggressive, non-native plant that is capable of outcompeting most native vegetation. Invasive species, such as the mimosa tree, can cause environmental damage by displacing desirable native plants. Songbirds are dependent on caterpillars and other insects that are typically found on native species to feed and rear their young. These food sources are becoming increasingly scarce because of the aggressive nature of invasive species like the mimosa tree.

The mimosa tree was introduced as an ornamental tree, but it escaped cultivation and is now growing in a variety of areas across the southeastern U.S. It competes with native species for light, water, and nutrients. It can be found growing along roadsides, along streams, in forests, and in clearings.

Characteristics
Mimosa trees produce a seed pod, each of which contain approximately five to 10 seeds. The seeds contain a neurotoxin which, can be toxic to dogs and livestock if ingested. The mimosa seeds can remain dormant for extended periods of time and are usually dispersed close to the parent plant. However, they can also be distributed by water and wind. When a tree is located along a river, its seeds have the ability to travel long distances before germinating.

Management Practices
Because the mimosa tree is so aggressive, good management practices are necessary. To begin the process of ridding a landscape of mimosa trees, people should cut them at ground level and use an herbicide, such as glyphosate, on the stump to prevent new growth. Glyphosate is most effective if painted on the stump as soon as it is cut.

Native Alternatives
Planting native species provides people with an opportunity to protect the forested land. By avoiding invasive species, people can encourage the growth of plant species that naturally grow in the Southeast. There are almost always native species available that have similar characteristics to non-native invasive species. Instead of the mimosa tree, try planting sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum). This species blooms in the summer, and the flowers attract both native bees and honeybees. Another plant that blooms in June is buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). This large tree-like shrub needs moist soil and grows well in wet areas like pond and lake edges. It produces beautiful flowers in the summer that attract bumble bees and butterflies. Choose wisely and begin enjoying the native beauty of the region.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Information below is gathered from Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Slugs in Your Garden?

There may be a slimy little critter devouring garden plants during the night. According to Alabama Extension Regional Agent Lucy Edwards, slugs can quickly consume certain plants in gardens or window boxes. It can be frustrating to find an effective solution.

To find the best method for each garden and plant type, it is important to understand the slimy slugs.

Get to Know Your Slugs
Slugs feed on young seedlings and succulent plants. These may include young vegetable transplants, hosta and tender herbs.

Edwards said moist, humid environments are ideal for slug development. Slugs deposit their eggs in moist environments. Ideal locations include gardens, compost piles and landscape beds.

“Often we mulch around our plants to suppress weeds, increase moisture retention and add aesthetic value,” Edwards said. “However, mulch may increase the numbers of slugs that feed on young, succulent plants.”

Tips to Deter
Since slugs tend to come out at night, it can be difficult to find a solution. Edwards has a few methods to choose from to find the best one.

Cultivate. Edwards’ first tip to deter slugs is to lightly cultivate the garden area. Cultivation should take place prior to planting in the fall and late spring.

Hand Removal. This method may send a shiver up a few gardener’s spines. Late at night, around 10 p.m., grab a flashlight to locate the slugs. Simply pick the slugs off of the plants and place them in a container of salt. Edwards recommends repeating this process for three or four nights to greatly reduce damage.

Drink Up. For those of age, after an evening beer, share some with your slug friends.

“Stale beer in small cups or pans sunken in the soil will attract slugs,” Edwards said. “The slugs fall into the container and drown.”

They key is to set containers out early in the spring. Replace the stale beer every three days.

Create a Barrier. For a less interactive method, use diatomaceous earth, lime or sawdust to create a barrier. Use this around the most prized plants and garden beds.

Pesticide. The final option is a pesticide bait. Edwards said this is the least effective method.

“Look for baits containing iron phosphate,” Edwards said. “These will stop the feeding of slugs, are less harmful to pets and add nutrients back to the soil.”

For maximum effectiveness, apply late in the afternoon. In the fall, use baits just after a rain to target slugs prior to pesticide use. Always consult the pesticide label before use.

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