Master Gardeners keep Crittenden County blooming

Master Gardeners keep Crittenden County blooming

A Times Guest Feature The Crape Myrtle was black as if covered by soot from a smoke-filled chimney. The leaves were dry and wrinkled. It was positioned right by the main entrance to the courthouse where all who passed by could see. But most would not notice the condition of the tree until they witnessed a lady on a ladder appearing to wash the badly damaged Crape Myrtle. That prompted voter after voter who passed by during the days of early election to ask what appeared them to be a very strange question, 'Why are you washing that tree?'

I heard the question five times in 10 minutes while I stood by. Each questioner was promptly responded to by Linda Farr, a long-time Crittenden County Master Gardener, as she continued to wipe away the black mold caused by the infestation. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale is a small insect that feeds on the tree creating a liquid called honeydew.

This honeydew supports the growth of a fungus called sooty mold which then covers the tree.

On this day Ms. Farr was indeed washing the tree.

She was removing the sooty mold with soap and water. Later that week Crittenden County Extension Agent Russ Parker treated it with a systemic insecticide. Next as winter sets in a dormant oil will be applied to eliminate the eggs of any pests that overwinter on the tree.

In this way, hopes are that next spring the tree will bounce back to life in colorful bloom.

Perhaps you would like to know more about gardening. Contact Russ Parker at the Crittenden County Extension Office (870) 739-3239 for information about the upcoming Master Gardener classes provided by the University of Arkansas Extension Program. Currently there are 35 Master Gardeners in Crittenden County. These gardeners enjoy providing educational opportunities, raising funds for agricultural scholarships through their annual plant sale, and working in nine local gardens to beautify our county.

From Jeff Tacker