Tree Maintenance - Sept. 15 at 1:00 p.m. or Sept. 17at 7:00 p.m.

Poisonous Plants - Sept. 29 at 1:00 p.m. or Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Bonsai - Oct 13 at 1:00 p.m. or Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required, especially for the evening sessions, and can be done by calling the office at 543-3755 at least a day in advance. There is a $5 fee to help cover the cost of handout materials. You don't have to be a Master Gardener to attend—these sessions are open to the public.

The Moultrie-Douglas Extension office has many items for sale that would make unique gifts for any family member, friend or neighbor. Some of the items available include:

• "Favorite Recipes of Illinois 4-H Through the Years" cookbook - a compilation of 150 recipes from 14 Illinois 4-H project books during the last 40 years—only $15!

• Garden journals for only $5!

• Pork BBQ spice - a 12-oz. bottle for only $6!

• 55-gallon rain barrels for only $50! (A limited number available—call to reserve.)

• Moultrie-Douglas 4-H T-shirts in a variety of adult and youth sizes, green with white lettering and 4-H logo—only $10!

Stop by the Extension office at 122 S. Walnut Street in Arthur, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to help ease you through the holiday shopping season with these practical and inexpensive gifts.

At this time of the year, many people who frequent farmer's markets, garden centers, and even some supermarkets, will see a yellow-green grapefruit-sized fruit that is often called a Hedge Apple. According to Bob Frazee, University of Illinois Natural Resources Educator, hedge apples are produced by the Osage-orange tree (Maclura pomifera), which is commonly grown throughout Illinois. The Osage-orange is a member of the Mulberry Family and is commonly called a hedge tree.

As early-American settlers began moving west during the nineteenth century, many Midwest farmers found the Osage-orange tree to have many admirable qualities. According to Frazee, it is a tough and durable tree; transplants easily; tolerates poor soils, extreme heat, and strong winds; and has no serious insect or disease problems. Consequently, it was planted widely as a living fence because, when its thorny branches were pruned into a hedge, it provided an impenetrable barrier to livestock.

However, Frazee reports it is the fruit of the Osage-orange that most individuals find intriguing. Although kids take enjoyment in throwing them, they are usually considered a nuisance in the home landscape.

Many people purchase hedge apples believing that hedge apples can repel or control insects, spiders and even mice in their homes, basements and garages. The use of hedge apples as a pest solution is often communicated as a folk tale complete with testimonials about apparent success. Unfortunately, there is an absence of scientific research and consequently, no valid evidence to confirm the claims effectiveness. According to Frazee, a few years ago, toxicologists from Iowa State University extracted compounds from hedge apples that were found to repel insects when concentrated. However, the scientists reported that natural concentrations of these compounds in the hedge apples were too low to be an effective repellent.

If you decide to pick hedge apples to check out their ability to control pests, or to use the fruit as a fall decoration, Frazee cautions that it is important to wear gloves. The milky juice present in the stems and fruit can cause irritation to the skin.

Source: Robert W. Frazee, Extension Educator, Natural Resource Management