Passing on the Legacy of Penn’s Woods

Many of the trees we see and enjoy in our yards and in woodlands are there because someone has a personal affinity for the land, its trees, and a commitment to caring for them. With 70% of the state's forestland held by individuals, families, hunting clubs, and other private groups, passing that legacy on to future generations will take some planning and communication with your heirs.

In the 2010 Exploring the Private Forestlands of Pennsylvania study, 53% of the current owners said they intend to leave their land to more than one heir. Under this scenario, land that was cared for to meet one or two person's values suddenly becomes subject to many more voices making decisions, and these voices don't often sing the same song.

With the holidays approaching and families and friends gathering, perhaps now is the time for you to take a walk in the woods with your heirs. Studies show that heirs want to maintain the legacy of previous generations, but often they don't feel included in the current decision-making and lack preparation for becoming the next forestland owner.

Start by telling them what you love and why your land is important to you. Relate a funny or moving story. And ask them to do the same. You may find in your conversation that your land is just as important to your heirs as it is to you. And maybe planning for its future becomes a more shared and engaged process for you, your family, and heirs than just wishing them luck when your will is read.

There are many resources available when one is ready to engage the estate or succession planning process. Forest Stewardship "Bulletin #13: Estate Planning" is one offered by Penn State Renewable Natural Resources Cooperative Extension. Visit http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uh105.pdf to download a copy or contact our office at RNRext@psu.edu or call 800 234 9473 (toll free). A simple Internet search on forests and estate or succession planning will provide many other resources.

For this and other gardening questions in Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaExt@psu.edu.

Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County

Indoors It Is!

Indoors it is, as the weather is unpredictable, and the days are growing shorter faster. Do you miss the lush greens and colors of the growing season? If so, consider brightening the inside of your home with some new houseplants. A bit of color and new life can do wonders for all of us.

Houseplants can found for sale at your local greenhouse, the big box retailers, flea markets, and even friends often divide and share their own plants. There are several things to look for when shopping for a healthy plant. Inspect the leaves carefully. They should have the right color, shape, size and be free of blemishes or brown edges and lower leaves should not be pale or yellow. A good specimen should not look leggy or sparse. It should have a good, balanced shape and not be top heavy. Look closely at stems and leaves for any signs of insects or disease. Finally, look at the pot and soil. If roots are growing through the drainage holes or are seen at the soil surface, the plant has probably outgrown its pot. If you choose this plant, special care will be needed when transplanting into a larger pot. Most importantly, look for a proper label, which will give you all the necessary information to care for your new housemate.

Once you have made your selection, it is a good idea to keep a new plant away from other plants for 2-3 weeks. This will protect the other plants from possible attack by any insects or disease you might have missed. Often, they have been grown in greenhouse conditions and highly controlled environments so they may go through a period of shock. Also, plants drop some leaves or some leaves may yellow when first brought into a new environment. This adjustment period should not last more than a few weeks. During this time, keep the plant relatively cool to help minimize water loss through its leaves. Check the soil regularly to determine when to water. Also, do not fertilize at this time, since the plant is adjusting to lower light and humidity conditions.

Other factors to keep in mind for your houseplants:

• Exposure: Some plants like direct sunlight; others prefer filtered light through curtain


• Moisture: Most house plants are of tropical origin and their watering needs vary.


• Temperature: Some, like poinsettias and begonias, like warmth but spider plants and florist mums like it cooler. Avoid drafts in the winter time, so keep your plants way from exterior doors.

It is important to note that most houseplants are safe; some can cause problems or reactions. Please consider this in your selection. Children and pets should be kept away from houseplants anyway, but an unfamiliar and new item brings our curiosity. For help in selecting a houseplant, the Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County have facts sheets for this. Please contact us at 570-963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu and request a copy of “Houseplant Guide”

Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County

Dahlias: To Dig or Not to Dig

Dahlias are considered tender perennials and as such they need to be protected from the winter cold. Many tender perennials survive very well left in the ground when provided with a thick layer of insulation from straw, leaves or mulch. Others need to be removed from the ground and stored in a cool dry area.In most northern climates, Dahlias would fall into the group of those plants that need to be removed. Left in the soil they are susceptible to excess moisture and may rot or freeze. Wait to dig until after a killing frost. This allows the plant to produce the maximum amount of food stored in this “tuber” (it actually is a tuberous root) for beautiful growth the following year. Cut the tops back to a few inches. Carefully lift out of the soil without damaging the tubers.

Store in a cool location with temperatures around 50 degrees F. Storing in coarse vermiculite will help to maintain enough moisture to prevent the tubers from shriveling but not enough to cause them to rot.

You can find this article (by Mary Conklin) and other useful gardening articles in the Oct-Dec, 2011 issue of Bloomin ‘n News at http://extension.psu.edu/montgomery/programs/master-gardener.

Curious about the differences among tubers, tuberous roots, bulbs, rhizomes, and corms? Then visit http://www.pcmg-texas.org/BulbsCormsTubers.pdf. For other gardening questions in Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaExt@psu.edu.


Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County