THE GARDEN FENCE
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - HARFORD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS
January 2016
OFFICERS: Ellen Haas-President, Anne Spellman-Vice President
Carrole Kesselring-Secretary, Treasurer- Kathy Ullrich
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hello Master Gardeners!
Lichen Hunting
Just when you thought that there was little to observe outside, there is something else to see! During a walk
through my wooded neighborhood, I viewed several types of lichen. When I went to webpages of the
University of Maryland Extension and Wikipedia to get some information, I found that we are now at the
beginning of peak lichen viewing season! The actual peak is toward the end of winter, but general lack of
foliage makes lichen on bare soils, rock outcrops, and tree trunks more visible than usual.
A lichen is a composite organism, according to Wikipedia information, that arises from algae or cyanobacteria
(or both) living among filaments of a fungus in a symbiotic relationship. The combined life form has properties
very different from the properties of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colors, sizes, and forms,
and grow in a wide range of substrates and habitats. They can grow on tree bark, leaves, and can be seen
hanging from branches "living on thin air" (epiphytes) in rain forests and in temperate woodland. Lichenencrusted branches may be found on the ground due to storms, revealing treasures that would normally be
above our reach. Even small branches can host several species, each with its own unique color and shape.
Lichens grow on bare rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces. They can even survive in some of
the most extreme environments on Earth: arctic tundra, hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps.
They can even live inside solid rock, growing between the grains, and in the soil as part of abiological soil
crust in arid habitats such as deserts. Some lichens do not grow on anything, living out their lives blowing
through the air. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen
Lichens look different, and can occur as:
Powdery, crusty colors on surfaces, reminiscent of spray paint.
Crustose lichens on tombstones, Caroline County, MD. Field of view 1” wide.
http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping
Flat leafy
shapes, usually
rounded in
outline.
A diminuitive (1/2")
sunburst lichen and
companions on
tombstone in
Caroline County MD.
http://extension.umd.e
du/learn/i%E2%80%9
9m-lichen-it-peakseason-lichen-peeping
Three-dimensional shapes reminiscent of shrubs, beards
and cups.
Speckled Shield Lichen growing on tree trunk with green moss
http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichenpeeping to a web article written by Sara Tangren, University of Maryland
According
Extension
(http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping), during dry spells,
lichens shrivel up and their surfaces become opaque and faded-looking. This protects the internal,
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photosynthesizing algae from desiccation. When re-moistened, lichens expand and their surfaces become
transparent again. Light and moisture can reach the internal algae, and photosynthesis resumes. The algal
colors, which are often brighter than that of the fungal surface, shine through.
Sara noted that lichens produce special structures for dispersing their progeny, and these result in interesting
changes in shape, texture and color which are further clues to a lichen’s identity. Lichens have a unique
reproductive life, involving asexual as well as sexual methods of reproduction.
The life cycles of many native animals are intricately tied to lichens. Here are a few examples from animals
native to Maryland:
Ruby-throated hummingbirds line their nests with strips of lichen.
Painted lichen moth caterpillars can only eat lichens.
The Green Leuconycta Moth, protects itself from predators by mimicking lichen color patterns.
A predator species, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spider camouflages itself against lichens.
Photos left to right:
Lichens also have many
Giant Lichen Orb Weaver
(photo from www.pbase.com),
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
(Joyce’s)
Green Leuconycta Moth
(photo from BugGuide),
other stories to tell, intertwining their presence in almost all aspects of
ecology and human endeavor. Sara Tangren provided a few examples that illustrate their importance:
Approximately 8% of terrestrial earth is covered by lichens.
Lichens absorb nutrients from the air, and can be used as air quality indicators.
Lichens contribute nitrogen and minerals to the ecosystems in which they occur.
Historically, humans have used various species of lichens to make dyes and medicines.
Lichens produce unique biochemicals to fend off herbivores, prevent freezing, and stop seeds from
germinating in their soft, moist tissue. These chemicals hold promise for the development of new
medicines and agricultural chemicals.
If you are interested in viewing lichens on the web, the University of Maryland Extension suggests taking a
photo tour at the Maryland Biodiversity websitehttp://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewChecklist.php?category=Lichens
- See Sara Tangren’s article I’m Lichen It! Peak Season for Lichen Peeping at:
http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping
I also wanted to wish all Master Gardeners and Interns a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I’ll see you
at our next Master Gardener General Meeting, on January 7th, 10:00 a.m. at the Extension Office.
Ellen Haas ‘13
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WINTER POETRY
Halls of the IceKing
In the heart of winter’s ice cold night
Beneath the frozen sky
The little fairies danced in joy
To praise their Iceking high
Round and round they lightly
danced
Their proud heads raised with grace
Their snow-white queen beside her
throne
Light shining from her face
The golden torches flickered bright
In the Icekings mighty halls
Reflected in the magic gems
Within the crystal walls
But looming up beside the queen
There stood a fearsome sight
Tall and dark, with gleaming eyes
Still no one fled in fright
Upon his head a crown of ice
On his hand a golden ring
His icy garb of cones and gold
The forest’s frosty king
He then embraced his snowy queen
With love, and held her tight
As she looked up and smile with joy;
It was their wedding night
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WOODLAND STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION
ECEMBER
Spring in December
Article taken from Volume 23, No. 4 Branching Out newsletter of the University of Maryland Extension – Woodland Stewardship Education
Warm temperatures in December are not that unusual, but the past few weeks have been exceptionally
warm. At BWI airport there were 16 days with temperatures above 60 degrees and four above 70 degrees.
Last month, the average temperature at DC airports was 53.7
degrees, the sixth-warmest on record. It looks like this weather
pattern will exist until at least Christmas. After that, all bets are off!
The positive side of this weather pattern is that it allows woodland
owners and others an extra window of time to complete those
outdoor projects before the snow and cold weather drives many
indoors or seeking winter recreational pursuits. With the leaves off
the tree there is time for comfortable walks through the woods to look for damaged trees, invasive species,
and other conditions you may want to address over the winter or next growing season. With the rapid spread
of emerald ash borer through Maryland, it is a good time to walk in the woods and identify your ash trees. Is
the bark coming loose? Is the trunk full of woodpecker holes indicating borer activity? Are the branches
starting to die and fall to the ground? Is the tree in a place that would make it a safety hazard if it fell? Unlike
other tree species that die, such as oaks, ash wood degrades quickly (within months) after death from emerald
ash borer and trees are susceptible to windthrow or breakage over the winter once the snow, wind, and ice
build-up. You may want to consider cutting them down for firewood while the wood is still useful or
contacting a professional forester if you have many acres that need to be treated. If a tree is a potential safety
hazard near your home you may want to contact a tree service professional.
More information on emerald ash borer management and options is available at:
http://extension.umd.edu/woodland/your-woodland/publications-library-invasive-species.
.
Above all, enjoy the warm weather and your woods, no matter how big or small. Winter will be here soon.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the University of Maryland Extension Woodland Stewardship
Education Pro-gram.
Thank you for the many hours you
have given in service to our
communities in 2015. The excellent
programs provided by Master
Gardeners are made possible
because you have all given so freely
of your time and talents. May many
blessings return to you.
Joyce
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2016 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Master Gardener General Meetings for 2016
January 7
February 4
March 3
April 7: Liriodendron Mansion
May 5
June 2
July 7
August 4
September 1
October 6
November 3
December 1: Liriodendron Mansion
10:00 am
7:00 pm
10:00 am
Volunteer Appreciation evening
10:00 am
7:00 pm
10:00 am
7:00 pm
10:00 am
7:00 pm
10:00 am
Holiday Party 6 pm
Steering Committee Meetings for 2016; 10 am; HCEO
January 28
April 28
July 28
October 27
February 25
May 19
August 25
November 17
FUN PHOTO
One of the 20 best Instagrams
from U.S. Parks in 2015
Reflection Canyon is one of the
unique wonders in the Southwest.
Located in a remote section of
Glen Canyon National Recreation
Area in Utah, it offers unparalleled
views of the Colorado River
twisting and winding through
colorful sandstone cliffs. After the
tough hike to reach the canyon,
photographer Wan Shi was
rewarded with this spectacular
shot. “This has to be the most
colorful and surreal scene I have
ever seen in the American
Southwest.”
See the other top 19 park photos
http://mashable.com/2015/12/09/bestoutdoor-instagrams/#aR_CEbga1Eqs
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March 31
June 30
September 29
December – no meeting
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Extension Office Winter Workshop for all kids!
Extension Office 4-H staff is seeking new creative ideas and teachers for
the annual Winter Workshop for youth on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at
Fallston High School.
The educational, fun-filled day of workshops helps kids beat the winter
blahs. Classes are open to both 4-Hers and non-4-Her’s!
Master Gardeners participate by teaching 45 minute classes on topics
like: wildflower bookmarks, seed starting, flower arranging, fairy gardens,
bird houses, gardening containers, crafts, science, nature and many more!
Earn log hours for time spent prepping, teaching and/or serving. Class sessions begin at 10 am and
the day concludes at 2:30 p.m. You choose what time of day you would like to teach, group size and
age: clover classes (ages 5-7) and classes for ages 8-13.
We would love to have you come and share your special talent or knowledge with kids. Earn MG
hours and help the youth beat the winter blahs!
Call the Extension Office, 410-638-3255, with ideas you would like to teach. Please talk to Kathy
Porcella the 4-H event planner or Joyce. If needed we will find you a helper!
You are invited to register your own family members to attend! Maybe teach a class while your
daughter or grand child attends a class. The youth workshop fee is $15 per child and the kids never
have enough arms to carry home all their homemade fun stuff!
Call the Extension Office for more information 410-638-3255.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
January 16, 2016 8:00 AM—4:30 PM
“Reforesting Your Neighborhood” Winter Workshop VFW Post 467, Westminster MD
Learn how to create healthy residential woodland ecosystems using the sustainable landscaping
principles of woodland gardening. Speakers from University of Mary-land Extension, Carroll County
Forestry Board and Mary-land Forest Service will show you how to improve wildlife habitat and
pollinator diversity, protect water quality, develop usable woodland crops such as medicinal plants
and edibles, select native plant species appropriate for your area, and identify and combat non-native
invasive plants.
Registration is $50.00 per person or $75.00 per couple, and includes morning refreshments, lunch
and course materials.
The brochure and registration form can also be viewed on the Carroll County Forestry Board
webpage www.carrollcountyforestryboard.org To register by mail call the MD Forest Service office at
410-848-9290.
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Native Plant Essentials: Online Class
To enjoy all the features of the Native Plant Essentials course, you will need access to an internet
connection that is good enough to download files and watch video. The entire course will take
approximately five hours to complete, but you can proceed at your own pace. Lesson content is
introductory in nature, and you might want to explore some issues in more depth. Native plants
provide a lifetime of enjoyment and discovery.
Part 1: Pre-Course Mock Shop Exercise
Part 2: Geologic Timeline, A Context for Native Plants
Part 3: The Past - Ecoregions
Part 4: The Past - Biotic Influences on Native Plant Communities
Part 5: The Past - Native Plant Community Examples
Part 6: The Present
Part 7: The Future
Part 8: Post-Course Mock Shop Exercise
To register go to http://www.extension.umd.edu/mg/advanced-training
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2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 7 –
January 20 –
January 20 –
January 28 –
February 4 –
MG Monthly Meeting 10 am
10 - 12 Daytime Study Group
7 – 8:30 Evening Study Group
Steering Committee Meeting 10 am
Evening Meeting 7 pm
Joyce Browning
Urban Horticulturist
Master Gardener Coordinator
Harford County Office
The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not
discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion,
ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
THE MARYLAND MASTER GARDENER MISSION STATEMENT
The Maryland Master Gardener mission is to support the University of Maryland Extension by
educating Maryland residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build
healthy gardens, landscapes and communities.
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