Vernalization Defined

Vernalization:

Zachary Becker

Vernalization is the overwintering of plants to promote flowering in the spring.  Its name is derived from the latin word vernus, which means of the spring. It was discovered in the late nineteenth century by Gassner, a german botanist who also fiddled with other research in phytopathology (plant pathology), and plant physiology.  Some plants that require vernalization are fruit trees such as peach or plum trees, which need it in order to bloom. Some other examples include winter wheat, and winter rye. Some of these plants cannot flower unless they are exposed to the cold, which can confuse some houseplant owners.  Vernalization can be imitated by putting the plants in a refrigerator, or freezer for a duration of time, depending on the zone that the plant is found in, and the temperature is usually between 5-10 degrees Celsius. The temperature and duration depend on the plant in question.

Vernalization can affect the output of a greenhouse, since if the plants are put in heat for an entire year without cold, they won’t get any bloom development. The best time to sell a vernalized plant is directly after it blooms, during the growth period. Since the plant needs to spend most of its energy making blooms, the plant can die off quickly if not taken care of. After these blooms are gone, then it would be beneficial to either move the plant to a larger pot, or to fertilize it with root-growing food.

 

Michaels, S. D., and R. M. Amasing. "Memories of Winter: Vernalization and the Competence to Flower." Plant, Cell and Nvironment. Department of Biochemistry, 2000. Web.

"Vernalization, Competence, and the Epigenetic Memory of Winter." Vernalization, Competence, and the Epigenetic Memory of Winter. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2013.

Zach's weekend October 4-6

The day started off dreary, the rain falling against the truck as we sat inside, sheltered from the rain temporarily. A light fog was in the air, as we listened to the steady thrumming of raindrops splattering against the roof. I was alone this weekend, my partner left me stranded in London, and if it wasn’t for the kindness of classmates Jon and Mark I would have been absent as well. The sight of Lucas’ Van sent us into the rain, our sweaters and pants growing damper with each passing moment. Our eyes adjusted to the gloom quickly enough, as Lucas explained to the group the codes for the house and toolshed, and how we can contact him before he split us up and sent us to different sections of the grounds. As the sun finally rose into the sky, the temperature rose as well, turning the greenhouse into a miniature sauna. My task for the weekend was put in front of me: Put a triangle of rooted cuttings into a one gallon pail, give a light sprinkle of water over the plants when needed. After lunch, I joined Lucas and Mike in welcoming and helping out high school students with mini projects. These mini projects were to continue the planting of cuttings, to drop paw paw seeds into pots for overwintering (After taste testing that delicious nectar), and finally letting them leave with 6 paw paw seeds snugly set into their pots. As well as one lucky student got a cactus, and the rest received oaks, hopefully rooting their love for our field.

 

 Our second moist day, we arrived early once again, the sun barely rising over the surface of the earth. The task of sorting, cutting, and rearranging the grasses in the greenhouse was the first and lengthiest endeavor, which showed that over half the grasses were Karl Forester reed grasses. Wiping my hands on my pants, I emerge muddy, and satisfied. Most of the time was spent simply removing the grasses, swatting at the swarms of mosquitos that plagued the area. During this time, I couldn’t help but notice the weeds running rampant through almost half of the pots. Clovers and crabgrass, thistle and dandelion; these weeds were torn from their nest, and thrust into the compost pile, their ugliness plauging the clippings of the grasses beside them. The disorganized pots that lay in the hoop houses needed to be straightened and compacted together, making more room for the mass of plants inside the greenhouse. Our day came to a close, the boys coming up to me and telling me that it was already past five. Looking at the area of devastation, I knew I had some work ahead of me.

 

The third day started with a shocking discovery; or rather it was a lack of shock that was found. The power was out throughout the house, and greenhouse. The computer lay dead, our projects hidden in its folds, unable to be worked upon. Rain came down harder that morning, the crash of the droplets heard across the covered plant storage. I started my work, moving all the grasses to one side of the corridor, and the daylilies and iris’ to the other side. Second, I cleared off most of the plants on the table in the middle of the room, leaving only 1/10^th of the surface covered by pots. The rest of the table I hosed down, getting off any excess media that still clung to the wood. Organizing the pots yet again, and picking up any stray leaf or flower on the floor. The ground became soaked with water, so I swept it out the main entrance. By this time, the day was almost through, leaving only two tasks: help Michael unload the CLT gear, and to clean the floors and surfaces of the house, covered by the filth of our feet. As the last pebble of sand was removed, the whistle blew, signifying our freedom from our educational slavery. Packing the gear into the truck, we gave a small wave to the house, forever leaving its mansion-like splendor.

 

Jessica R and Emily L Weekend practical

September 27-29

Although the morning of Friday September 27^th was unseasonably warm, the sun did not rise until we were well on our way to Cuddy’s as expected on an early fall morning. When we arrived, Lucas assigned us to the daunting task of weeding and preparing the grass border at the front of the hatchery for a variety of perennial plants.  We eagerly began by gathering the tools and equipment needed for the day and got on our way.  By lunch, we were over half way done! After we had completely weeded the bed, Lucas brought out the perennials and laid them out for us to put in the ground.  We planted the perennial plants and cleaned up the area putting our tools away. Just before heading home for the day, we labeled the Dahlias that were missing their tags along the perennial border and got ready to head home as the sun was setting after a long, but productive day at the Cuddy Gardens.  

On Saturday September 28, 2013 everyone in the Horticulture programs got together along Veterans Memorial Parkway to plant 400 large caliper trees with volunteers. The day turned out to be a fantastic sunny day where everyone participated, learned and just had a great time. When we arrived the trees had already been placed in a hole, so all we had to do was remove the wire and burlap, then back fill and stake the trees.  The group that we were with for the day was Girl Guides and the Women of the Rotary club. The section that our volunteers were in had 50 trees and they all did really well with following the proper steps in planting trees.

                At the end of the day we all met back at Starlim for lunch and pictures. During lunch we had a live show which was pretty good and we got amazing cake! We had a great time and can’t wait till next year’s tree planting.

 

On Sunday, September 29^th Jessica and Emily decided to divide and conquer the large amounts of edging that we were assigned for the day.  Jessica edged the north planting bed along the hatchery while Emily finished edging the front grass border bed.  By lunch we were almost finished edging which we completed after a few odd jobs that needed to be done after lunch.  Once we finished the edging, we cleaned up and did the remaining tasks that needed to be done before we headed home at 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plant Profile

 

Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’

October Glory Red Maple

Emily L & Jessica R

 

Opinion: October Glory Red Maple if a beautiful fall blooming tree that is underused in my opinion. It is well suited to urban environments and tolerant of many difficult conditions. Its showy colour that emerges late in the season makes it unlike any other maple. This tree is one that can slip your mind until you see it in Autumn. 

 

Genus: Acer

Species: rubrum

Cultivar: ‘October Glory’

Common Name: October Glory Red Maple

Family: Sapindaceae or Aceraceae

Category: Woody deciduous

Canadian Zone: 3

USDA Zone: 3-9

Origin: Eastern North America

Growth: Fast

Texture: Medium

Height: 40-50 feet

Spread: 25-35 feet

 

Notable Specimen: At Fanshawe College, Ontario present along the back fence of lot 8.

Shape: Rounded or oval in form.

Flowering Period: March-April

Bark Description: The bark is soft and easily damaged by machinery. No obvious distinguishing characteristics or particularly showy.

Leaf Description: Leaves of A. rubrum ‘October Glory’ are opposite, simple, ovate, palmate with a green colouration in Spring/Summer turning a showy orange/red in Autumn.

Flower Description: The flowers are red and have 5 small sepals and petals that are grouped in clusters on slender stalks. The flowers will appear before the leaves and the pollen flowers and the seed flowers are found on separate branches on the same tree.

Fruit Description: The fruit are called samara. They can be 12-25mm long and are reddish in colour. The keys mature and then are released in early summer.

Bud Description: The terminal buds can be 3 to 4 mm long, round, and smooth. The buds are red in colour and have scales.

Colour Description: Outstanding ornamental qualities do to its unique deep orange/red colour that emerges late in Autumn.  Throughout Spring/Summer, October Glory Red Maple is a medium green in colour.

Propagation: The best method to propagate October Glory Red Maple is to take large cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from August to September and should be 8-9 inches with 3 nodes. You then should use 0.3% IBA rooting powder and then place them in perlite for better air circulation. The cuttings should then be placed in a propagation chamber.

General Description: Is known for its brilliant red autumn colour that last several weeks and its rounded form.

ID Characteristics: Easily identifiable in fall by its distinct attractive colour. Also distinguishable by its unusual oval/rounded form and persistent fruits.

Pests and Problems: Susceptible to verticullum wilt but overall, fairly pest and disease resistant.

Habit: Prefers part sun to part shade in moist acidic soils.

Landscape: Excellent street tree in residential and other suburban areas however take caution with machinery due to its fragile bark.  Looks best in groupings or clusters but can also be used in buffer strips around parking lots, near a deck or patio, as a screen/shade tree or as a specimen planting.

 

Works Cited

Dirr Michael, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. (Pg 54) Stripes Publishing L.L.C. 2009.

Farrar John, Trees in Canada. (Pg. 140) Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited. 1996.

Fleming Nurseries, http://www.flemings.com.au/topten_details.asp?CULT_ID=OCTOB. Fleming Nurseries Ltd.

Gilman Edward, Acer rubrum, ‘October Glory’ October Glory Red Maple Facts. (Pgs. 1-3) Forest Service Department of Agriculture 1993.

http://www.flemings.com.au/topten_details.asp?CULT_ID=OCTOB

Chad, Hilary, and Matt's weekend

Sept 27-29, 2013

The weekend practical started Sept. 27 at the grand hour of 8:00am. Lucas gave instruction what direction he was heading and wanted us to finish by the weekends end. As we were only there Friday and Sunday due to tree planting on Saturday we had a bit of work to finish. Louise Weekes who donated her entire collection to Fanshawe had some plants that had hybridized and have yet to be fully identified. They were placed in sections off to the side by the hoop houses.  Preparing for the CLT testing Jeff R. took it upon himself to lift plants from the CLT testing area. Our task was set out for us as we were to pot up all the plants that had been lifted.

After dividing and potting all the daylilies, roses, allium and various other plants, we searched through the taller grass patches to find what may have been overlooked or missed within the designated rows.

Saturday was tree planting day down at veteran’s memorial parkway in London. Many Autumn Blaze maples were planted as well as Ginkos. It was very successful and many volunteers came to help out. It was a learning experience for all of us and good preparation for CLT training coming up soon. The lunch and entertainment was great and very enjoyable.

                Sunday was our final day and more potting of plants and cleanup in the polyhouses. More young maple trees were repotted and re-staked into a 3-gallon pot. Also, we re-potted viburnum, lilac, ninebark, and silver maple. After that was finished, we were focused on cleaning up the pots in the polyhouses and deadheading the hostas. We cut down the sedums and watered the seed plugs Lucas placed in the polyhouse. Now we are writing this blog and finishing up this weekend of work.

Sept 20-22

 Jaimi and Brittany

We arrived at the Cuddy Gardens Friday morning eager to work. Just our luck, the day started off a little on the wet side as the rain poured down and thunder rolled through the clouds. We marched from our cars into the classroom where we met Lucas and he gave us a first task; to move all the succulents and cactus from the back patio into the car port so that they can be cleaned and moved into the house over the winter. Unfortunately this didn’t last much longer than half an hour, when lightning started to strike and we took cover back in the classroom. To keep busy while the storm passed we helped Adam and Evan extract the seeds from some Magnolia acuminata and Cornus kousa fruit for propagation. After a short visit with Mike, the sun decided to shine for the remainder of the day. We toured around the gardens, paper and pen in hand and jotted down notes as Lucas gave us our instructions for the remainder of the weekend. We quickly and efficiently moved some bulbs into a section of the Woodland Garden and then moved to the front of the hatchery where we began pulling weeds and pruning back the Cotoneaster. After an encounter with some wasps, we finished up our area and moved on to prevent any further injuries. The day ended with a quick lesson from Lucas on irrigation for our CLT exam and some more weeding along the side of the hatchery.

 

We awoke Saturday morning to a record amount of rainfall. Decked out in our finest rain gear we walked outside ready to take on the day. We started where we left off and finished weeding along the side of the hatchery. Next, pole pruners and hand saw by our sides, we cut back the Magnolia, Oak and Paper bark Maple trees along the side of the hatchery. In the afternoon, we spent our time in the not so dry, Dry Garden. We weeded and cut back any perennials that were done blooming. We ended the day by finishing off on the side of the hatchery where we previously encountered the wasps. 5 o’clock rolled around and we put away our equipment and washed our tools, done for another day.

 

Sunday we faced the same weather as we had all weekend, gloomy and cloudy and noticeably colder temperature. We started the morning by cleaning off the cactus and succulents that we previously moved into the car port. After lunch, once the Dry Garden had some time to dry, we removed the remaining tropical plants and cacti and cultivated the rest of the beds. We finished off by raking all the gravel and sweeping off the edges of the beds.

 

 

 

 

 

Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ (Fireworks Goldenrod)

This herbaceous perennial is a fantastic addition to any garden for autumn interest.  Blooming from late August to mid-October, its bright yellow flower clusters shoot out in all directions, resembling fireworks.  Unlike other cultivars of Goldenrod, ‘Fireworks’ is less aggressive and easier to keep maintained within a garden.  It is native to North America and is an attraction for birds, butterflies and bees.

Genus: Solidago

Species: rugosa ‘Fireworks’

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Herbaceous Perennial

Flowering Period: Late August to mid-October

Zone: USDA 4-9

Origin: North America

Pests/Problems:  This perennial is not typically a target for pests, however can be vulnerable to powdery mildew, rust and fungal spot.

Landscape:  A good boarder plant, in masses or in wildflower gardens.  Plant in front of dark green plants (evergreens) for great contrast. 

Propagation:  By cuttings or division in the spring.

Habit: Fireworks Goldenrod grows in full sun and medium to moist soil. 

Shape: upright, clumping

ID Characteristics:  Dark green foliage with golden yellow flower clusters shooting out in all directions.

Flower description:  golden yellow flower clusters in plume-like panicles.

Leaf description: Deep green, alternate,  serrate and lanceolate in shape.

Works Cited

"Solidago Rugosa ‘Fireworks’." Perennials.com. Perennials.com, 2012. Web. 22 Sept. 2013.

"Solidago Rugosa Fireworks." Solidago Rugosa Fireworks. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2013.

 

Sept 20-22

Adam and Evan

The day started like any other waking with a sudden jolt at the sound of an alarm going off and fighting the urge of rolling over and going to back to sleep but today was not just any old day; it was the first day of three working at the majestic Cuddy Gardens. Upon arriving at Cuddy Gardens we met with Lucas who led us to our place of work.  On our way we noticed the weather was grim, Lucas noticed our concern and jokingly remarked “don’t worry the hoop house acts as a force field”.   We both nervously chuckled.  When we arrived at the greenhouse Lucas gave us our standing orders, first of which was to repot the cone flowers (Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow Wild Berry' and E. purpurea 'PowWow White' )  from their current 6” standards, which they had outgrown, into 1 gallon pots. About 20 minutes into our work we were interrupted by a flash of lightning and were told to come into the house until it was safe to return to work. For our research assignment we were asked to find out the proper method of seed sowing for Magnolia tripedela and M. accuminata. After a quick bit of researching we discovered that magnolia seeds required cold stratification for 3-6 months before germination.  With this knowledge in hand, we began husking the seed coat for both species of Magnolia in order to begin stratification. After the lightning storm finished we stormed (see what we did there?) the greenhouse and planted the seeds in 7x14 Styrofoam seed plugs with pre-mixed peat and sand media that was lightly misted afterwards for stratification and later placed on the floor of the greenhouse for overwintering. We then quickly  potted some Sweet Birch (Betula lenta) seedlings into 1 gallon pot and then drove home as quickly as legal speed limit would let us.

 

                On the brisk Saturday morning of the 21^st we woke to high water levels and bleak skies. After a meek greeting to our fellow comrades, we set upon our first task of repotting the coneflowers and blanket flower (gaillardia x grandiflora 'arizona sun') perennials into larger 1 gallon pots.  As the hours rolled by we managed to finish off all the perennial flowers with time left over before the break to organize them. After a short Tim Horton’s breaks we got to work once again, this time we broke ground with our next task of organizing the perennials that were in a state of disarray. We began by sorting all of the mismatched flats into their proper genus and species, and then after that was completed we organized all of the odd matches into single flats according to size. We then took Acer griseum seedlings along a few surprise Cercis canadensis and potted them into half gallon pots after we took flats of grass (Panicum virgatum and Miscanthus sinensis) and divided them using a spade and put them into gallon pots. Also it is worth mentioning that just as we left for the day the skies cleared and we got a little peek of sunshine as we trudged back home.

 

Arriving Sunday morning we were greeted by the sun …ha psyche, well that would have been nice. It was another rainy morning. We started off the day by taking a bulk bin of day lilies (Hemerocallis ‘Dublin Elaine’ and Hemerocallis ‘Mysterious Veil’), dividing them and putting them in into 1 gallon pots (sensing a theme here?). Once we finished repotting the lilies we found more bulk bins with grass and proceeded to divide them and pot them in….you guessed it one gallon pots! As the final day drew to a close we organized all of the grasses and daylilies that we potted, cleaned up our workspace and tools and then promptly started working on this very blog. Final thoughts about the weekend, weather could have been better but the overall busyness kept our minds mostly occupied.

 

Zach and Connor

After a week of natural devastation, the grounds were in ruins. Large branches were precariously hanging by splintered fragments; their twigs and limbs strewn across the grounds. When we arrived, yellow tape encircled the danger zone, and only pine needles remained in the area where a tree once stood. Our job was to clean up and pile the logs, and limbs for the mulcher to grind to lay under their cousins, distant cousins, and children. After the broken limbs were piled and the leaves raked and disposed of, we were sent to scour the yard and search for any large dead branches, which can be an eyesore at best. Though that small eyesore did not compare to the broken branch hanging off the maple like a ripped off fingernail. Tying a rope to the branch, Lucas, our savior, tied a rope to the base and pulled with all the might that his tractor could muster. His wheels spinning, ripping up the land as it struggled to drag the branch to our level. With an audible snap, the branch lay in front of us, broken and defeated. As we moved the branches out of the way, the limbs destroyer chainsawed the defeated foe, finally ending its dangerous reign. With our job complete, we were told our main task: to beautify the gardens ravaged by the storm, tear out any vile weeds or grasses hidden amongst the beauty, and to edge and straighten the planting beds. Though our spirits were eager to revitalize the landscape, the suns position on the horizon meant that we had to leave our work unfinished for the day, however the promise of a new day gave us strength to leave our work unfinished for a day.

 

 

Arriving early, with sleep still stuck to our eyes, we began our task, yawning with a cup of coffee in our hands. Reinvigorated by our beverage, we began, slicing up the garden beds like a barber cutting a hippy. The flowers overgrew their boundaries, the soil was hard and ruthless, and the weather cloudy and bleak. Even with all this against us, we fought on, our foe becoming less and less of a problem as we slowly progressed. We were finding hidden enemies below our flowering friends, which were choking and killing them. Our nimble fingers ripped them out, destroying their evil at the roots. As the sun lowered in the sky, we gazed out at our completed work, fixing any minor details which were looked over previously. Donning our hard hat, we drove off into the unset, eagerly awaiting the next, and final day of our work.

 

The sun rises over our job, a lengthy garden bed covered with almost a foot of mulch. The garden bed looked haphazard at best, with weeds growing everywhere, which made it clear that our first task was to weed the area. This proved to be a time waster, because when we finally finished, hours have passed. Shivering from the droplets of rain cascading us, we sat inside, warming our hands with our breath, patiently waiting for our final lunch to conclude. Returning to our work, we noticed that we would be unable to completely finish this lengthy garden. Disapointment filled our mouths as we swallowed our pride, choosing to complete half of the garden. Our shovels stuck in the dirt, the clay soil covering the blade after every scoop. Mulch blocked the entry of the blade, causing our blades to falter and scoop out too much, or too little. Our unfinished work haunted us, as we regretfully began to pack up our tools. With heads held low, we left our work, unable to complete that which we worked so hard on.

 

 

Echinacea purpurea ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’

Zach Becker and Connor Edwards

This plant is beautiful in the fall months, giving a sight of colour to a regularly brown and dead landscape. Because this plant can survive in most any condition, as well as its medicinal and aesthetic uses, it is a great flower for any garden. It would be best put near the front of the garden, as butterflies, and birds would be harder to see behind other plants.

 

Common name: Purple Coneflower

Genus: Echinacea           

Species: purpurea

Family: Asteraceae

USDA: 3-9

Canadian Hardiness: 3

Category: Herbaceous Perennial

Height: 50-60 cm             

Spread: 45-60 cm

Growth: Medium

Flowering Period: Mid-summer to Mid Fall

Origin: N/A

Pests/problems: Aster Yellows, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Landscape: Pow Wow Echinacea is primarily used as a medicinal plant, it can be sold as cuttings, as well it is beneficial to most gardens since it is both drought tolerant and deer resistant. As well after the flowering head dries up, it can become a food source for birds in the winter. As well, this plant it can be used in medicine, as a cold suppressant if properly grown and contained.

Propagation:  This plant can be easily divided during the spring, but cannot be propagated by seed due to it being a variety instead of a native plant.

Habitat: This flower can survive in wet to dry soils, is drought tolerant, and finally it can survive in full to partial sun. As well, it can survive in Alkaline, or acidic soils, and is a relatively easy plant to grow. Although it can survive mostly anywhere, it cannot produce viable seed, so it will mostly be found in gardens. Finally, it blooms more vigorously without deadheading.

Shape: Grows in an upright fashion, with the flowers rising higher than the leaves. Is more condensed than other varieties.

ID. Characteristics: This flower is mostly known for its purple bloom. Because it is such a deep purple, it stands out considerably amongst any garden.

Flower description: Large rose-purple florets, with a brown central disc. Atop

Leaf Description: The Purple coneflower has heart shaped leaves, which are a dark green colour and have an alternating appearance.

Bibliography:

Echinacea Purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’." Perennials: "Pow Wow Wild Berry Echinacea" N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. .

"Echinacea Purpurea 'Powwow Wild Berry'" Learn2Grow. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. .

"Overview of Echinacea Production in Manitoba." Echinacea. Government of Manitoba, n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013. .