Newsletter Summer 2019

Photo credit: Goldenrod soldier beetle by Mark Nofsinger

Is this a pollinator? Monarch butterflies and hummingbirds are two of the most delightful pollinators that visit summer gardens. Do you know some other fascinating pollinators you're likely to encounter? Check out these 5 different types of pollinating insects and the kinds of flowers that attract them. Read Maryland Grows Blog

Pesticides kill pollinators Pesticide is a generic term that includes insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals that can suppress, repel, or kill different groups of organisms. Most insecticides, including some organic products, are potentially harmful to bees and other pollinating insects. We also now know that commonly used fungicides can harm native bees and honey bees. And while herbicides are relatively non-toxic to bees, they harm them indirectly by eliminating floral resources and foraging habitat- the nectar, pollen, and shelter that pollinators need. Let white clover and violets flourish in your lawn! The zero-tolerance approach to weeds is bad for bees, pets, people, and natural resources. Reserve herbicides to control invasive plants like Oriental bittersweet and tree-of-heaven, when necessary.  Read more Pollinators and Pesticides

Photo credit: Sue Kuklewicz

Three Maryland Master Gardener programs honored for excellence Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Montgomery Counties each took third place Search For Excellence awards in different categories at the 2018 International Master Gardener Conference. Read more Maryland Grows Blog

Photo credit: Virginia bluebells by Sara Tangren

Native plants In response to growing demand, we've expanded our web content on native plants. Read more Native plants for shade Native plants for meadows Native plants for sunny slopes Native plants for shady slopes Deer resistant native plants Native plants and climate change Cultivars of native plants

Photo credit: Jon Traunfeld

UME Learning Garden at State Fair Visit the UME Learning Garden at the Maryland State Fair, August 23rd - September 2nd and learn small-space gardening techniques from Master Gardeners. The garden is located next to the 4-H/FFA Home Arts Building.

Photo credit: Bigleaf hydrangea by Pat Cox

‌ Q: When is the best time to trim my hydrangea bush? A: Read the answer Read more Guide to Pruning Hydrangeas

Hot topics

Climate change and the Chesapeake - a Story Map Photo credit: Dani Weissman, UMD, 2016 Sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion are already affecting rural agricultural coastlines in the lower Delmarva. How will our state adapt? Read more in this Story Map Dr. Kate Tully, Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources New snakes publication Photo credit: Kerry Wixted Snakes are important predators in the natural environment. All of Maryland's snakes are harmless except for the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake -- and you should avoid killing them. DNR's Photo Guide to Common Snakes of Maryland (PDF) Read more Tips on dealing with snakes found near your home

Urban farming is looking up! Researchers at the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and University of Maryland Extension use improved technology to convert unused rooftops into productive farms.

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Garden tips & tasks July | August | September Upcoming events UME Learning Garden at the Maryland State Fair 2019 County Fairs & Shows (PDF) Check UME County Extension sites for local offerings Check AGNR Events Calendar

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