MT. VERNON, Mo. – This year’s Lawrence County Twilight Horticulture Tour should be of interest to anyone wanting a beautiful and functional landscape with the right plants in the right spots. The Twilight Tour runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 31 in Aurora.

Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension and Doyle Ferguson of Aurora Greenhouse, will lead the tour.

The 2012 Tour will focus on landscaping, and will start at Oak Park in Aurora, at the shelter house in the northwest corner of the park.

Following a presentation on the basics of landscaping in the Ozarks, participants will walk to the home of Jacquiline Schutte at 315 College Street for the second stop on the tour.

“Schutte has created a personalized landscape that is approachable and intimate. Water features, annual and perennial beds, a vegetable garden, and garden whimsy add interest,” said Byers.

The third stop on the Tour is the home of Jerry Sumners. Follow Hwy K north of Aurora to Lawrence County Road 2180, and drive east on 2180 1.5 miles to the entrance.

“The Sumners’ home is surrounded by extensive landscaped beds and turf areas. The beds feature many different shrubs and perennials,” said Byers.

This third stop will include discussions on lawn care and hardscape features such as rock walls, mulches, and plant maintenance.

The annual horticulture twilight tour is sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension Lawrence County Council. There is no advance registration required. Attendees should plan to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a lawn chair.

For more details, contact the Extension Center in Mt. Vernon, 417-466-3102.

Information provided by MU Extension Southwest Region News Service.

MT. VERNON, Mo. – It has been 10 years since spotted knapweed was first identified in southwest Missouri. The first three or four years after being noticed it didn’t seem to be spreading according to Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“But in the past few years, this noxious weed has shown up in increasing amounts in new places around southwest Missouri,” said Cole. It can show up in fields, lawns, gardens and many other areas.

Originally, spotted knapweed was seen in road excavations, along railroad tracks and in areas where fiber optic cable had been placed.

“It’s been felt the seed that was used to recover those areas contained the knapweed seed. It’s also possible the straw mulch could have had seed in it,” said Cole.

The recent spreading can be attributed to natural means as each plant produces thousands of seeds. Additionally, hay baled locally now may contain some seed. Much hay was brought into this area in 2011 from northern states and it could be contributing to the spread.

University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Conservation have cooperated in teaching landowners what knapweed looks like, where it’s located in the state and how to control it.

Spotted knapweed is now on Missouri’s noxious weed list.

Knapweed control is not difficult. There are several herbicides that are effective when used in October or in the spring. Regular mowing can keep the plant from producing seed. Spring applications should be made before the plant bolts.

“The unusually warm spring has resulted in more rapid development of the plants this year. Rather than blooming around June 10, as in the past, they’ll likely bloom in mid to late May this year,” said Cole.

As the plant’s pink to purple bloom develops they are more easily noticed. This aids in their identification.

“It’s important to identify these locations so they can be treated in the fall. You’ll also be able to avoid these spots in the field if you’re baling hay,” said Cole.

MU Extension, MoDot and the Missouri Department of Conservation have cooperated on a biological control project with weevil releases in areas heavily infested with knapweed. These control methods have given some control in northern and western states.

“The Missouri releases were made almost three years ago. Looking at those sites this year should help evaluate the weevil’s survival and reproduction rate,” said Cole.

Information and photo provided by MU Extension Southwest Region News Service.

Project WILD for Educators — You will receive:

1) Missouri’s Project WILD and Aquatic WILD guides:
containing over 160 interdisciplinary, educator- tested activities.
2) Hands on instruction on conducting the WILD activities.
3) A variety of supplies and materials that will assist in your teaching.

Workshop Date/Time: Tuesday, June 12, 9:30 am-4:00pm
Cost: $20.00 — Location: Springfield Regional Office

Interested? For more information, contact:
Jay Barber, Conservation Education Consultant
Missouri Department of Conservation
2630 North Mayfair, Springfield, MO 65803
Jay.Barber@mdc.mo.gov
417-895-6881, Extension 1643