Damon's Droneography

NOVEMBER HORTICULTURAL

AND GARDEN TIPS

A variety of topics (Lawn & Turf, Trees & Shrubs, Flowers, Fruits & Nuts, and more) are highlighted this month. So, to learn about what should be done in the month of NOVEMBER, click on GARDEN TIPS.

For additional items to consider doing and NOT doing this month, click on FALL TIPS.

CONSIDER US IN YOUR DONATIONS AT YEAR-END

The Compost Connection

From Green Country Master Composters

FUNGI & MYCELIUM

What does COMPOST have to do with mushrooms? Or maybe the question should be what do mushrooms have to do with COMPOST? As it turns out, one has quite a bit to do with the other. Both, bacteria and fungi, including mushrooms, are important elements in the process of breaking down organic matter, and turning it into nutrient rich material, and the finished product of compost. It is not uncommon to see mushrooms dispersed in a working, unfinished compost pile - in fact, it can be a healthy sign.

Mushrooms and compost are important to each other. A composter should understand what benefits, and drawbacks, are indicated by the presence of fungi in a compost pile. There is an easy-to-understand and helpful article “Mushrooms in Compost: Why and What to Do,” in The Mushroom Corner. You will also find information about some of the concerns of mushrooms in compost, such as; toxicity, overgrowth issues, and possible steps for solutions.

DO NOT EAT ANY MUSHROOM UNTIL IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SAFE. Also check safe methods to prepare for consumption.



The Mushroom Corner

Mushrooms in Compost: Why and What to Do:

https://www.mushroom-corner.com/posts/mushrooms-in-compost#:~:text=When%20organic%20matter%20breaks%20down,moist%20and%20organic%2Drich%20conditions.

Are mushrooms and toadstools the same thing? Well, In a word - YES. There is no scientific difference between them, and the terms are frequently used interchangeably. This was surprising, since many common references to each seem to imply a difference. If you thought mushrooms were edible, and toadstools were poisonous, or toxic, you were partially mistaken. Some mushrooms are poisonous, and some toadstools are edible! Both terms describe the “fleshy fruiting bodies of fungi.” Edible mushrooms are neither fruit nor vegetable. They are classified as FUNGUS and have their own Kingdom entirely.

When it comes to hundreds of mushroom and toadstool varieties, thorough research is key. Here are some helpful references from extension.okstate.edu.

   Mycorrhizal Fungi: HLA-6449

   Backyard Composting in Oklahoma: HLA-6448

Compost Turning: The Key to Quick Composting: PSS-2911

   The Basics of Vermicomposting: BAE-1528

Mycelium Fungi - Good or Bad Fungi in Compost Piles

https://directcompostsolutions.com/good-or-bad-fungi/#:~:text=Mycelium%20Fungi&text=You%20do%20not%20need%20to,helping%20to%20decompose%20your%20compost.&text=These%20Mycelium%20fungi%20are%20desirable,in%20proportion%20to%20its%20size

WEATHERING YOUR GARDEN

WHY DID TREES GO FROM GREEN TO BROWN THIS YEAR?

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE COLORS?

Did you notice the trees went straight from green to brown this year, and how many leaves are already falling? What happened to the yellows, oranges, and reds we normally see in the fall?

After a wet start, the rest of 2024 lagged in rainfall, but the real color killer was October. Tulsa officially received 0.34” of rain for the ENTIRE month. That is more than 3" below normal, making it one of the driest October’s on record. Add to that the unseasonably hot temperatures and our beautiful trees did not stand a chance!

We all know that trees need water to survive. Less moisture means less water to convert to glucose which fuels a tree’s growth from bark to leaves. It can even result in a shorter growing season for trees. Heavily stressed trees in drought will enter winter dormancy earlier. Dehydration causes leaves to wilt, droop, and turn brown. Several trees will drop their leaves early helped along by the gusty winds.

All this negatively affected our normal display of beautiful fall colors and, instead, resulted in falling brown leaves. There’s always next year!

HOME GROWN TREE WATERING

Building on the article above.....the number one call coming into the Extension office is “why is my tree dying?” The answer is not too complicated given the quite diversity of Oklahoma climate. We started with a severe drought a couple of years ago (dry), then we had a very unusual polar vortex come through our state (cold), followed by an ice storm (damage).  

And, until very recently (like this last weekend), many areas of the state were in moderate to extreme to even exceptional drought because of lack of rainfall, warmer temperatures, and above average windy conditions for this time of year.

Click on TREE WATERING to learn more about how much water a tree truly needs, how to water properly, and other tips to keep our prized landscape possessions less stressed.

Courtesy of Laura Payne, Horticulture Educator, Payne County Extension

CREATING A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN: PART 3

TEXTURE, COLOR, & VALUE

Two months ago we started a series on landscaping design. We discussed the fact that designing a home garden involves more than just planting a variety of flowers and shrubs. It requires a thoughtful approach to arranging plants, hardscapes, and other elements in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and functional. If you missed Part 1 or would like to refresh your memory, click on ELEMENTS OF DESIGN.

Then, last month our second part in this series ventured into Mass, Form, & Line. According to Oklahoma State University Extension fact sheet "Homeowner Garden Design Series: Elements and Principles of Design HLA-6441," of the five elements of design: mass, form, line, texture and color, the three first elements play a pivotal role in shaping the garden's structure and mood. If you missed Part 2 or would like to refresh your memory, click on MASS, FORM, & LINE to understand better how these elements can help you as a homeowner craft your gardens such that they are not only functional but also visually striking.

Now, this month we venture into the last two elements of texture and color, and add value as a bonus. Crafting a beautiful garden involves balancing design elements to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally cohesive. Click on TEXTURE, COLOR, & VALUE to learn how these items play a significant role in shaping the garden's ambiance and structure.

But wait (again) . . . there's even more. Next month we'll start a series that delves into Principle of Design to build upon Elements of Design. You won't want to miss this next part of this series.

TWIG GIRDLERS:

NATURE'S LITTLE CHAIN SAWS

Although Twig Girdlers don’t kill trees, they are problematic. These longhorn beetles are found in Oklahoma among other states and attack a wide range of trees: hickory, hackberry, oak, dogwood, honey locust, persimmon, walnut and elm.

While they can cause trees like those above to become misshapen and unattractive, they can also create problems for our precious nut trees. Click on TWIG GIRLDERS to learn more about when they are active, their lifecycle, how they overwinter, and how best to eradicate them.

BEST FALL PERENNIALS

FOR OKLAHOMA

Fall is an excellent time to plant perennials, especially in Oklahoma, where cooler temperatures, reliable rainfall, and reduced stress on plants promote robust root development. Perennials planted in the fall have the advantage of establishing their roots before the harsh heat of next summer sets in, thus making them better prepared to thrive in the coming year(s).

Click on BEST PERENNIALS to learn about some of the best perennial plants to consider for fall planting in Oklahoma.

TLC FOR PERENNIALS

Ok, now that we have decided on some nice, colorful perennials for fall planting, time for a little TLC advice to go along with those personally-chosen beauties.

Taking care of perennials and providing them with tender loving care (TLC) is essential to ensure their longevity, health, and vibrancy. Since perennials live for multiple years and often experience cycles of blooming and dormancy, understanding how to care for them year-round is crucial.

So, click on PERENNIAL TLC to learn about some best practices for perennial care which can make a significant difference in longevity, lush foliage, and vibrant blooms.

FALL COLOR AND INTEREST

KALEIDOSCOPE ABELIA

As the climate changes to cooler fall days and nights in Oklahoma, the appearance of our gardens transitions as well. With just a little planning, the fall garden can maintain color and interest to rival any other season. Selecting the proper shrubs and trees that perform well in Oklahoma’s fall climate is key to a successful autumn display. 

Click on FALL COLOR to learn about some choices to add a pop of color and excitement.

ANNUAL GARDENING CALENDAR

IN CASE YOU'RE ALREADY DREAMIN' OF SPRING . . .

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 1983, the Tulsa Master Gardeners have been serving the public by offering research-based horticultural information to residents of Tulsa and the surrounding area. The Tulsa Master Gardener Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization. As such, it receives no city, state or federal funding for its Tulsa community outreach programs. In fact, the Tulsa's Master Gardener programs are self-funded by its own fundraisers, from member donations, and from public donations.

The two main annual Tulsa Master Gardener fundraisers are its Spring Plant Sale in April and the Garden Tour that is usually the first weekend in June. And, one of the most important income sources that sometimes gets overlooked are the personal and corporate donations. These are so important in helping us to meet our financial obligations and we want you to know they are very much appreciated. 

MG Endowment Fund

The Tulsa Master Gardeners have been around for over three decades and we plan to be around for many more decades. Furthermore, we are considered one of the top five Master Gardener County programs in the entire nation. We are because of the size of our Foundation membership, the number, diversity and activity level of our various community outreach programs, and our overall financial strength! 

So, we are pleased to announce, in partnership with the Tulsa Community Foundation, the Master Gardener Foundation has established an Endowment Fund to ensure our long-term financial strength. Our plans are to build this fund for many years before making any withdrawals from it. Please consider us as you make your annual gift giving as well as longer-term estate planning decisions. Remember, all donations are fully tax deductible! 

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the long-term success of the Tulsa Master Gardener program, click on  

TULSA MASTER GARDENER ENDOWMENT FUND.

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the Tulsa Master Gardener program's annual expenses, click on

TULSA MASTER GARDENER FUND.

We thank ALL of you for having been such faithful contributors both in the past and in advance for your future consideration and participation! So proud to be a part of the Tulsa area - such a giving community!

=====================================================Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

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You can get answers to all of your gardening questions at:

TULSA MASTER GARDENERS

4116 East 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112

918-746-3701

mg@tulsamastergardeners.org