While traveling out in California recently, it was my pleasure to meet the insect pictured at right when she lit on our picnic table. We had never seen such an unusual looking creature so we took a photo. When I returned, Harry Hoferle, one of our Master Gardener Interns, graciously took it upon himself to research it for me.

What you're looking at is an Oscillated Snakefly. The photo has been enlarged to about twice the actual size. The insect is about an inch long with large wings and has one compound eye on each side of it's head plus three simple eyes (called ocelli) arranged in a triangle between the compound ones.

This one is a female (the ovipositor is the long tube protruding from her rear – her eggs are deposited through this tube).

They have voracious appetites and eat mainly aphids, caterpillars, etc. There are about 50 species world wide with approximately 19 species in North America, mainly in the western states. Sightings are on the rare side, so you can imagine how excited I am that I had the privilege of seeing one "up close and personal." I think you will agree that this is a unique looking creature. And, I'm oh SO glad we met!

- by Eileen Witt, University of Illinois Extension, Euclid Ave. Office Research provided by Harry Hoferle, Master Gardener Intern '04

Carol Bean began cultivating her love of gardening when she was eight years old. "I used to follow the family gardener around the yard," she laughingly admits. "I learned a lot from him."

Bean, pictured at right with her granddaughter Lauren, begged her parents to let her plant something, and they finally gave her a tiny plot of land. At her grandfather's suggestion, she planted pansies. "When he passed away, I wrote him a little note 'to the pansy man' and put an arrangement of flowers on his grave," Bean says.

After that, Bean's gardening interest was dormant for a long time. "Life got busy," she explains.

Fifty years ago, Bean married a Dartmouth College student named Bob. Bean, who had graduated from junior college, was living in her native New Jersey with her family then, and working on Wall Street in New York City. "Bob came down all the time to see me," Bean says. "He finally said to my dad that he couldn't study without having me by his side. So we married in his senior year and lived on campus. We were very poor, but we had a lot of fun together."

The first seven years that they were married, the Beans moved 10 times, first because of Bob's career and then due to his service in the army's counterintelligence corps.

During one of those moves, they wound up in Mobile, Alabama, where Bean returned to her gardening roots. "I threw some seeds in. It was new soil and you know what happens when you put new seeds in new soil," she says. "The zinnias that bloomed were monsters," Bean says.

Nearly thirty years ago, Bean and her husband bought a home in Palatine. Naturally, the garden is a focal point. There are railroad ties in the middle, with a large circular garden on each end. On one side there is a pond with a waterfall. The water travels from a statue of a little boy holding a shell to a series of other shells. There's also a small vegetable garden. "It's enough to keep me very busy," Bean says.

Bean, a natural nurturer, raised three children, and is very involved with her five grandchildren. She also enjoys golfing with her husband, doing craft projects, socializing with friends and attending meetings of a number of garden clubs.

Bean gives back to her community by serving as a commissioner on the Palatine Beautification Commission and delivering Meals on Wheels each week with Bob.

About nine years ago, Bean decided she wanted to become a Master Gardener. "My neighbors are always asking me questions about what to do in the garden. I give them my remedies. Plus the neighborhood children come to me with lots of projects. I've been helping them with their seed collections, leaf collections and bug collections. I decided I wanted to answer them a little more intelligently," she says.

Bean loves being a Master Gardener. She particularly enjoys answering questions for people who call the help line and advising people in-person at nurseries. She is also the driving force behind the popular Unclub, which meets the first Wednesday of each month for lunch and camaraderie.

"Being a Master Gardener is beneficial in many ways," Bean says. "I've made some super friends. And I'm learning so much. Even though I'm done with the courses, every time I help somebody, I learn something new."

- by Myrna Petlicki

Thanks to Master Gardener Interns Barbara Bartz and Rosemary Urbanus for suggesting that we have a column each month featuring our upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Here's what's available for your consideration:

Elk Grove Farmer's Market
This market is open to the public and held every Wednesday, 9am-12pm from now through September 1, 2004 Maywood Parks & Recreation Center Volunteers needed on Fridays from 9am until 12pm.

Kinsch's Autumn Fun Fest
(Held on the grounds of Kinsch's Village Florist and Greenhouse in Palatine)

The Fest will run from September 17, 2004 through October 30, 2004. We need volunteers to work with 5th graders, teaching them how to garden, on Tuesdays (only) between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. during this six week period. Curriculum will be provided as well as any tools and that you may need. This should be a fun-filled experience.

John Conyer's Learning Center
This a gardening project in their courtyard area for youth. We need volunteers to evaluate the area and make recommendations on what might be done with the space before the school year begins. Then, after the children are back in school, we need volunteers to actually work with the kids on this project.

Wheeling Fair
We're looking for 4 Master Gardeners to staff the information table from 1 – 4 pm on August 28, 2004.

Classes/Workshops at Wall Street Office in Mt. Prospect
Here's a list of some of the topics that we would like YOU, our volunteers, to give presentations on in the Wall Street Office for our own Master Gardeners. Let us know which topic you would be interested in talking about and we'll sign you up. You can obtain any needed materials from the University of Illinois, through this office. Contact Eileen at (847) 818-2901.

• Herbs.What to plant, how to harvest and store your herbs.
• Container gardening hands on workshop (color, texture, style)
• Let's plant a butterfly garden. What plants to purchase and where to plant them in the yard.
• Roses can be easy if you start out right. Easy rose gardening.
• Perennial gardening. What's new and what's hot, plus tried and true favorites.
• The secrets of good soil for long-term gardening and composting.
• Vegetables. Growing the vegetables you like.
• Holiday wreaths or ornaments make something "fun" for the holidays.
• Pruning spring and fall.
• Ponds. Would you like to build a pond and how big?
• Trees. Let's ID those trees; common tree diseases in our area.
• Insects and diseases. Digital Diagnostics Day.
• Lawns. Do you really want tall grasses? Let's talk about it.
• Fantastic foliage.

If anything appeals to you and you'd like to volunteer, please call Eileen at (847) 818-2901 to sign up. Thanks for your help.

Source: Dr. Philip Nixon, Entomology, University of Illinois

Ticks are more numerous this year than usual. Probably, the frequent spring rains in much of the state have provided the high moisture and subsequent humidity that ticks need. Ticks are large, flattened mites that feed as parasites on mammals, birds and reptiles. They hatch from eggs into six-legged larvae that locate hosts and feed before dropping off the host and molting into eight-legged adults. Adults also locate hosts on which to feed. Males may stay on the host, mating with females coming there to feed. Females engorge on blood to several times their original size, drop off the host and lay hundreds of eggs. With each tick having to find three hosts in its lifetime, many ticks starve before reproducing although ticks can survive for long periods without food.

American dog ticks, commonly known as wood ticks, are the most common in Illinois. They feed as larvae and nymphs on small mammals, only attacking humans when adult. Adults are reddish brown, three-sixteenths inch long. Females have a silver shield behind the head; males have silver, wiggly lines down the back. These ticks transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a virus found here but most common in North Carolina and nearby areas. In Illinois, they also carry ehrlichiosis, producing symptoms similar to Lyme disease.

Lone star ticks feed on humans and other mammals as larvae, nymphs and adults. Larvae and nymphs are commonly called seed ticks because of their size. Walking through an area of newly hatched larvae may result in hundreds attaching to your legs. Adults are about one-eighth inch long. The deer tick subspecies is found mainly in the northern half of the United States. Deer tick larvae feed on white-footed mice, picking up the Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to people by the nymphial and adult ticks. In the southern United States, the backlegged subspecies feed mainly on lizards and birds as immatures and thus do not carry Lyme disease.

Ticks are numerous in areas of tall grass, where humidity is high and hosts common. Mowing greatly reduces tick numbers. When walking or working in areas of tall grass or other areas with ticks, apply a repellent containing about 30% DEET, such as Off or Cutters, to the lower legs and pants legs. If ticks are numerous in mowed areas, spraying carbaryl, sold as Sevin, gives season long control.

If a tick is attached, grasp the head with tweezers where the mouthparts enter the skin, pulling slowly and consistently. The tick will release its mouthparts and come loose. Do not handle the tick. Other methods such as heat and nail polish commonly kill the tick, resulting in locked mouthparts that remain in the wound to cause infection. A tick typically feeds for 24 hours before releasing disease organisms; remove ticks promptly when you find them.

- by Ron Wolford, Urban Horticulture & Environment Educator, University of Illinois Extension

White grubs are the most serious and destructive lawn insect pests in Illinois. While not all lawns will get grubs and the extent of grub damage varies from year to year, there are some important points to consider concerning managing grubs in lawns. Grubs are white in color, with a characteristic "C" shape body when found in the soil feeding on lawn roots. Grubs are the larval stage of beetles.

The most common grub species in our area is the annual white grub, of which the adult is a tan chafer beetle. Eggs are laid in the soil in mid-summer, primarily on well-watered lawns in full sun, often near pavement. Damage from annual white grubs typically starts in mid August and may continue until early October. Other species may damage lawns in northern Illinois, but usually are not as common as annual white grub. The true white grub (May or June beetle), for example, typically has a 3-year life cycle, meaning it could potentially damage lawns throughout the season. Japanese beetle grubs can also occur in northern Illinois, with timing very similar to annual white grub. Adult Japanese beetles are serious defoliators of many ornamental plants.

Since grubs feed on the roots of lawn grasses, damage will appear as browning of the lawn. Consider that this also could be due to problems such as drought, poor soil, and diseases. However, grubs are easy to find by lifting sod in damaged areas and checking the root zone for the whitish grubs. Don't treat for grubs that don't exist! Skunks and raccoons may tear up lawns in search of grubs, even when grub numbers are relatively low. Typically a population of about 8 to 12 grubs per square foot causes lawn damage that requires control; whereas lower populations may not damage the grass, they may attract skunks and raccoons.

Lawns showing damage from grubs may be treated with an insecticide. Insecticides available for homeowners include diazinon (25% EC (liquid) or 5% granular); trichlorfon (Dylox) (6.2% granular); bendiocarb (Intercept), halofenozide (BrubBGon, GrubEX), or imidacloprid (Merit, formerly GrubEx) for control of white grubs. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematode is an example of an alternative product for white grub control that is available.

For all products, read and follow all label directions, then apply to damaged area. Water the insecticide into the soil immediately. If treating a large area, stop after a portion has been treated and water the material in, then complete the rest of the lawn area needing treatment. Only treat in and around affected areas; grubs may only be in a small part of the lawn. Imidacloprid and halofenozide are suggested to be applied before grub damage appears. An example of a way to use these products would be to apply in July to irrigated lawns that are surrounded by dry lawns, especially when adult beetle flight is high in areas with a history of grub damage.

Spring treatment for annual white grub is not suggested since the grubs feed for a short period of time in spring and are reaching maturity, thus are not controlled easily. In addition, turfgrasses are actively growing at that time so usually don't show damage.

- by Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension

The most common garden slug is one and one half to two inches long when full grown and is gray to black. Slugs are not insects. They are a mollusk, like oysters, clams and snails and can be described as a snail without a shell.

Habit

Slugs are one of the first pests of spring. They hatch from jelly-like masses found under boards, flower pots and other damp areas of the garden. Slugs feed at night and leave behind a slimy residue as they move. They prefer damp, cool locations.

Damage

Slugs eat large holes in the leaves, fruits, and crowns of plants.

Control

Non-chemical: Slugs are difficult to control. Eliminate hiding places by removing garden debris such as leaves and mulch. Increase spacing between plants to allow better air circulation and reduce moisture that the slugs need. Hand pick at night or in early morning. Use barriers such as coarse sand or copper stripping placed around desirable plants. Attractants such as stale beer in a shallow dish may attract and trap some slugs.

Chemical: Contact your county Extension office for current pesticide controls.

- by Susan M. Grupp, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension

Most carpenter ants that enter the home are black and can vary in length from one quarter to three-quarters inch. Unlike termites, all carpenter ants have narrow (or constricted) waists and elbowed (bent) antennae.

Carpenter ants are social insects which form large colonies. A mature carpenter ant colony may contain up to 3,000 individuals, but usually only one queen. Carpenter ants form nests in wood by tunneling against the grain. These galleries are free of mud and sawdust. Coarse sawdust is present below the entrance of an active nest.

Habit

Carpenter ants are drawn to areas with high moisture levels. Indoors they are typically seen in bathrooms, basement/sump pump areas, laundry areas, along sweating/leaking pipes and crawl spaces. Outdoors, they may be found in rotting wood of tree stumps and roots, and in moist areas such as under roof shingles, gutters, window-sills, near chimneys, firewood, or in untreated wood products on or in the soil. Nests in buildings are frequently located in wood associated with current or old roof leaks and leaky pipes.

Damage

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not feed on wood products but are economical important because of the damage they cause by forming nests and because of the foods they contaminate. Generally, the ants do not weaken a building structurally.

Control

Non-chemical: Inspect the structure and nearby grounds for nests. Once the problem areas have been identified, areas with high moisture levels should be ventilated or drained. Replace wood damaged by carpenter ants, other insects, or decay organisms.

Keep firewood away from the house and off the ground. Caulk and repair cracks and crevices in the structure. Repair leaky pipes and unclog gutters to prevent rainwater from backing up, and repair chimney flashing.

Chemical: Contact your County Extension Office for current pesticide controls.

- by Susan M. Grupp, Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension

Using Digital Diagnostics, you can now become a Master Gardener super sleuth meeting the needs of your clients – homeowners with questions about plants, insects, and disease.

The University of Illinois Extension has wed the technology of the digital camera and the software of the modern computer to offer this diagnostic service. Take pictures (up to 5 images) of any insect, plant, or diseased plant with a digital camera. No, you need not own your own camera. The MG office provides one for your detective work. The camera saves the images to floppy disc. Simply load the images into the MG computer at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse, fill out the e-mail form attaching the images, and send the e-mail. Horticulturists at U of I go to work for you. At times, you may receive a reply within several hours. The U of I experts tell us that 96 percent of the inquiries are answered within two days.

In addition, the Digital Diagnostics website provides a link connecting you to a data base of all submitted inquiries. The data base now has over 10,000 images. Do your own sleuthing by simply supplying a few reference words. You will be able to access all submissions related to your key words – not only the images but also the prescriptive diagnosis of experts in the field.

To sign up for a class regarding the Digital Diagnosis service (offered at RM Courthouse, about 2 hours in length), call Eileen Witt at 847-818-2901.

- by Harry Hoferle

The evening of July 12 provided an opportunity for patrons of the Clarendon Hills Library and others interested in gardening a chance to learn the secrets of container gardening. Approximately 50 people were treated to a presentation by Master Gardener, Joan Jeske who was assisted by Master Gardener Mary Moisand. Another Master Gardener in the audience was Jill Peckham. Master Gardener Intern, Mary Kooi attended also.

Joan outlined steps to successful gardening in pots, boxes, chairs or just about anything which would hold soil and provide drainage. Joan's reputation as an expert in container gardening has extended beyond Cook County. Keep up the good work, Joan!

- by Mary Moisand

Master Gardeners who volunteered and planted our vegetable garden at FPC need to schedule their time for weeding the garden.

There is a sign-up board on the wall for the garden or, please indicate on your phone-scheduling calendar that you will take one hour to weed. The garden is growing beautifully but FAST, and needs maintenance once a week.

Thanks for your cooperation.

- by Theresa Jones, Master Gardener Coordinator

After mid-August until mid-September, reseed or renovate bare areas in the lawn.

Fertilize hybrid tea roses for the final time.

Collect flowers for drying. Choose flowers that are just starting to open. Gather flowers in the morning.

Cut back straggly annuals to promote healthy new growth.

Take cuttings of coleus, impatiens, wax begonias, rosemary, thyme and oregano to start indoors for a winter window garden.

After mid-August, sow greens such as kale, lettuce, mustard and turnips.

Side-dress tomatoes with a complete fertilizer, 5-10-5 or 10-10-10, and water it in.

- by Ron Wolford, Extension Educator, Horticulture, University of Illinois Extension

Eighteen enthusiastic Master Gardeners, some with a husband or wife, enjoyed visiting Ann Hasbach's garden on Wednesday, July 7. The circular driveway leading to Ann's home is impressive with a lovely layout of flowers in the middle garden. The backyard is very large and is completely edged with various plants and flowers all the way around. She says that weeds are really not a big problem for her. She has mulch everywhere which helps keep the weeds down. Everyone really enjoyed Ann's garden. Thank you, Ann!!

At about noon time, we all followed each other to Embers Restaurant where I had reserved a table. The price for a complete fish dinner was so reasonable that many of us decided to order it and enjoyed it very much. Our table was in the back of the restaurant, giving our group the privacy we needed to talk. A number of us were planning to attend different garden walks. There seem to be lots of them in July.

Bob Nicholson offered to make arrangements for our next Unclub Meeting at Lurvey's Garden Center at 2550 Dempster in Des Plaines. The meeting will be on Wednesday, August 4. We should all meet at 11:00 am in the greenhouse at Lurvey's. We will be taken on a guided tour by Linda. I will make reservations for our luncheon at 12:30 pm across the street at Andrew's Restaurant, 2610 E. Dempster. Please call Eileen Witt (847-818-9201) several days before if you can attend. I look forward to seeing you all there!