Monday May 25th is significant because it is Memorial Day. We look forward to the unofficial start of summer. This holiday brings the beginning of barbequing, picnics, the end of school and the start of a lighter way of life. Plus, it is the date here in the Northeast we can generally plant without the threat of a frost. Our annuals are free at last!
Of much greater significance are the origins of the holiday and the traditions carried with it. While the exact beginnings are in debate, honoring those who gave their lives in battle dates back to around 1866 with around 25 different locations connected with the start of Memorial Day. By the end of the nineteenth century May thirtieth was the day set aside throughout the nation. Until the end of WW I, Memorial Day was observed for the Civil War fallen. Then it was expanded to honor all who died in military action. By an act of congress Memorial Day became a national holiday and the last Monday in May was set aside in remembrance.
Decoration Day is a synonymous term for Memorial Day and many take this day to honor family members who have passed away. Central to this holiday is decorating their cemetery site. Whether planting your own or purchasing a container to honor loved ones, here are some recommendations. Obviously, look for well cared for and healthy plants. They most likely will not have the constant attention given at home so they need to strong from the start.
Choose hardy low maintenance plants as well. Dusty miller and alyssum make nice white accent colors. Red is a very popular choice with geraniums and salvia being good choices. Ageratum and lobelia are often included because they are blue-ish in color. Using red white and blue is good reminder of the holiday. To make your decision more personal, include a favorite plant of the loved one to serve as an extra honor.
Now that the nice the warmer weather is here, we will be able to catch up with friends and spend peaceful times on the deck. Work in our gardens and landscapes. Life takes on a different dimension after Memorial Day. Please though, let us not forget those who gave the best they had so we can enjoy the best we have.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Monday, May 25, 2015
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Ticks and Lyme Disease in Pennsylvania
Have you been reading the headlines lately? The elections, the economy, world events, and more have vied for your attention. Besides those stories, one little bug has made its presence known in the news, the tick. While we are all glad winter is over, the nicer weather brings challenges. Insect pests can spoil our outdoor activities, especially when our health is involved.
According to recent reports, Pennsylvania has reported the most cases of Lyme disease in the nation for the past five years. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease but it is important to protect yourself and be able to determine what kind of tick you may encounter.
There are some 500 varieties worldwide, twenty five in Pennsylvania, with these being the four most common:
The adult ticks can be active from fall through spring if temperatures remain above 28 degrees. Ticks in the nymphal (immature) stages are active in May, June, and July. Nymphs will attach to mice, chipmunks, birds and other small animals. Adults typically attach to white-tailed deer or other large mammals. While awaiting a suitable host, the ticks usually are found on leaf litter or low branches in brushy, wooded areas, high grass, and even stone walls.
This nymphal stage of the tick is no bigger than a pinhead making them difficult to notice, and the mature adult is only slightly larger. Research in the eastern United States has shown that ticks most often transmit Lyme disease to humans during the nymphal stages, probably because nymphs are so small they go unnoticed on a person's body.
If you are active in these prone areas, please take the following precautions as prevention is your first line of defense: Wear light colored clothing, tuck in pant legs. Check daily for the presence of ticks, Use repellents containing DEET, and carefully follow directions. If a tick is found, use tweezers in a slow constant retraction where it is attached. Be sure the tick is intact as you remove it. Seek medical attention if an adverse reaction is detected.
For more information on ticks, contact the Penn State Master Gardener Helpline at (570) 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu and request the “Ticks” fact sheet.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
According to recent reports, Pennsylvania has reported the most cases of Lyme disease in the nation for the past five years. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease but it is important to protect yourself and be able to determine what kind of tick you may encounter.
There are some 500 varieties worldwide, twenty five in Pennsylvania, with these being the four most common:
- Lone star tick: Most often found in the southern counties of the state in urban areas, and only known to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever here.
- Groundhog tick: Least encountered but readily found in the western and northern parts of the state. As its name indicates, this species is host specific to groundhogs but occasionally found on birds, small animals and humans
- Dog tick: as the name indicates, commonly found on dogs, and humans too. It has distinct white markings on its back and becomes greatly engorged approaching the size of a grape. This tick is the major carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but does not transmit Lyme disease.
- Blacklegged tick: formerly known as the deer tick is the well-known vector for Lyme disease. Typically, this tick requires 24 hours of attachment to transmit the agent responsible for the disease.
The adult ticks can be active from fall through spring if temperatures remain above 28 degrees. Ticks in the nymphal (immature) stages are active in May, June, and July. Nymphs will attach to mice, chipmunks, birds and other small animals. Adults typically attach to white-tailed deer or other large mammals. While awaiting a suitable host, the ticks usually are found on leaf litter or low branches in brushy, wooded areas, high grass, and even stone walls.
This nymphal stage of the tick is no bigger than a pinhead making them difficult to notice, and the mature adult is only slightly larger. Research in the eastern United States has shown that ticks most often transmit Lyme disease to humans during the nymphal stages, probably because nymphs are so small they go unnoticed on a person's body.
If you are active in these prone areas, please take the following precautions as prevention is your first line of defense: Wear light colored clothing, tuck in pant legs. Check daily for the presence of ticks, Use repellents containing DEET, and carefully follow directions. If a tick is found, use tweezers in a slow constant retraction where it is attached. Be sure the tick is intact as you remove it. Seek medical attention if an adverse reaction is detected.
For more information on ticks, contact the Penn State Master Gardener Helpline at (570) 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu and request the “Ticks” fact sheet.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
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