Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NEXT MEETING 1 & 2 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2 PLANTING FOR BIRDS 2 & 4 BLOOMING NOW 3 GLASS FLOWERS 3 FIELD TRIPS 4 SPRING PLANT SALE 5 PLANT ID 6 YARD VISIT 6 SPONSORS 7 CONTACT LIST 8
The Rhexia Paynes Prairie Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
Ask the Native Plant Experts Do you have questions about native plants on your property? We’ve got answers! This month, our program features a return of the popular panel discussion, “Ask the Experts”. Our panelists will be Joe Durando, Brian Quinn, and Erick Smith (longtime FNPS members and native plantsmen) along with Hector Perez (professor, UF Environmental Horticulture Department) and Kelley Perez (landscape architect, Your Florida Garden, Inc.) With the Spring Native Plant Sale just around the corner (see page five for details), this program offers members and the public an opportunity to get specialized garden advice. Our experts will help you:
• start a list of native plants that will thrive in your landscape • learn maintenance techniques • avoid mistakes in plant choice and placement
See page 2 for ways to get the best advice from this panel of experts. “Ask the Experts” never fails to be a fun and informative evening. Bring your questions. See you there!
Join us for the March meeting of Paynes Prairie Chapter on Thursday, March 13th at the United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Avenue. Plant ID Clinic at 6:15. Program begins at 7pm.
IN THIS ISSUE
Photo: Rhododendren austrinum (FL Flame Azalea), courtesy of Lisa Jelks
issue, date
2
Get Ready to “Ask the Experts”
Tips from Claudia Larsen
1
Ask yourself a few questions:
o Do you want plants that will attract more birds? Or maybe you need bees to help pollinate your vegetable garden?
o What are the best plants for privacy hedges?
o What are slow growing natives that can be used as foundation plants around your house?
o Are there wildflowers that will grow in the shade?
o Do you need more cooling shade in summer? Which native trees are best for east, west, northern or southern exposures in your yard?
o Which small native trees offer seasonal color?
o Are you looking for an alternative to turfgrass?
2
For the most accurate advice, observe your property and know your site conditions ahead of time. These may include:
o How much light does your yard receive (full sun, partial shade, shade)?
o What is the degree of soil
moisture from very wet to very dry?
o What is the soil texture (clay,
sandy, loam etc.)? What is the soil pH?
o What plants are growing there
now?
If you miss our expert panel, you can still create a list of native plants for your yard with this user friendly FNPS database: http://www.fnps.org/plants
Prepare your own questions for the panel of experts by thinking of your landscape and your lifestyle. How could the landscape be improved with native plantings to suit your needs and wishes?
Photo, above: Gelsemium sempervirens, Yellow Jessamine. By Shirley Denton, posted online at www.fnps.org
Landscaping for the Birds by Claudia Larsen
In February the Audubon Society held its Backyard Bird Tour showcasing Gainesville yards designed to attract and watch birds. There is always an amazing array of bird perches, feeders and water features but a true wildlife habitat also includes the native plants that provide a variety of size and stature to meet wildlife needs. A list of suggested plants can be found on our website.
Though the list is not meant to be inclusive, it is a good variety of Florida native plants that provide berries, nuts, shelter and nesting areas for our local birds. Other Florida plants attract insects that become an important part of bird diets during nesting season. I think I have seen each of these species at our past plant sales and some may be difficult to find anywhere else. Check with your nursery person for suitability to your sites sun and moisture requirements. For further reading, I recommend Craig Huegel’s book “Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife.”
Spring 2014 Events March 11 Santa Fe Audobon Society’s event (page 5)
13 "Ask the Expert"-‐ get ready for Native Plant Sale (page 1 -‐ 2)
15 Field Trip -‐ Etoniah State Forest-‐ hike ravine loaded with native azaleas (page 4)
April 4-‐5 FNPS Native Plant Sale (Page 5)
10 Anna Prizzia Forage Farms
12 Field Trip -‐Tour of Forage Farms
May 8 Annie Hermansen, US Forest Service-‐Firewise Landscaping
10 Field Trip-‐Saw Mill Slough-‐ Jacksonville
15-‐18 Annual FNPS Conference at FL Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers
issue, date
3
Early spring flowers on Sassafras. Photo by Barbara Smith Feb. 2014
Blooming now! Sassafras albidum
These showy yellow flowers with the sweet fragrance were a big surprise when they popped out this week in my yard. I had never witnessed flowering on my little Sassafras tree. I enjoy this tree for the unique foliage that turns brilliant shades of red and purple in
fall. Unfortunately, as a member of the Lauraceae family,
Sassafras is threatened by Laurel Wilt, vectored by the Ambrosia beetle.
Sassafras albidum, Photo by Shirley Denton, posted online at www.fnps.org. Three distinct leaf shapes occur. Photo shows new foliage after flowering.
The Ware Collection of Glass Models of Plants -‐ If you ever find yourself in Cambridge Massachusetts, try to visit the Glass Flowers exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. It is truly remarkable. The plants truly look real. They are that botanically correct. The permanent exhibition is a treat for any student of botany or lover of plants. Many of our FL natives are represented. The collection represents 847 plant species painstakingly and accurately crafted in glass by Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka. The father and son glassmakers in Hosterwitz, near Dresden, Germany were last in a line of family jewelers and glassmakers going back to 15th century Venice. Originally charged with the creation of just a few models, the Blaschkas later signed an exclusive contract with Harvard to make a collection of some 4,200 glass models, working over five decades from 1886 through 1936. More online at: http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/press-‐room/glass-‐flowers.html.
Photos below: Glass Flowers Exhibit at Harvard Museum of Natural History. Left, glass model of Parthenocissus quinquifolia Center, display cases of glass plant specimens. Right, glass model of Liriodendron tulipifera. Photos by Barbara Smith 5/ 2013
issue, date
4
Saturday, March 15th -‐ Meet at park at 9AM Leader: Charlie Pederson, 352-‐682-‐4999 Degree of difficulty: Moderate We will explore the ravine to look for native azaleas in bloom and drive to a nearby scrub ecosystem to see the famous Etoniah Rosemary, a rare Conradina species that blooms in summer. Bring water, snack or lunch to enjoy before returning to Gainesville around 1pm. Etoniah Creek State Forest is located in northern Putnam County. The forest headquarters is located northeast of Florahome. Directions: Plan on a 1 hour drive from Gainesville Go east on SR 26 and drive 16.8 miles Turn right onto FL-‐100E/Highway 100E. Drive 7.4 miles Turn left on Holloway Rd, continue 2.6 miles to second forest road on right (Fieldhouse Rd). Park Office is ½ mile down Fieldhouse Road. Forest Website: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-‐Offices/Florida-‐Forest-‐Service/Our-‐Forests/State-‐Forests/Etoniah-‐Creek-‐State-‐Forest
Field Trip this month: Etoniah Creek State State Forest, near Palatka
We thank Jill Lingard from Paddle Florida for her great presentation at our last meeting. If you missed it, you can check their website for information and pictures of trips. http://www.Paddleflorida.org As a 501C3 organization, Paddle Florida provides a great way to enjoy a multi-‐day paddling trip in some our more beautiful rivers. Last year’s trips included the Ochlockonee in NW Florida, the Withlachoochee, central Florida’s Wekiva River and the Florida Keys. This group takes all the pain out of a trip, by planning, scouting river conditions, and providing transport back to your vehicle. And the bonus part is they carry all your gear to each night’s campsite, cater food and provide evening entertainment. It became apparent from Jill’s talk that people who join Paddle Florida become a close knit group of friends who love to share their love of canoeing and kayaking!
Review of Paddle FL Program-‐ Claudia Larsen
Claudia Larsen’s List of Landscape Plants for the Birds
Large trees: Sugarberry, Celtis laevigata Ironwood (Carpinus americana) Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginica) Pines (Pinus species) Oaks (many Quercus species) American Elm ( Ulmus americana) American Holly (Ilex opaca) Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) Tupelo (Nyssa species) Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) Mid-‐size trees: Dogwood (Cornus floridana) Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) Carolina Buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana) Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata) Shrubs: Most of these are understory plants that take light – moderate shade Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifoia) Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) Strawberrybush (Euonymus caroliniana) Hollies – (many Ilex species) Viburnum (many species) Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina) Blueberry (many Vaccinium species) Huckleberry (Gaylussacia sp.) Firebush (Hamelia patens) Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) Hawthornes (many Crataegus species) Wildcards: These plants are not usually recommended in home landscapes due to their aggressiveness or unkempt looks but are valuable to birds in natural areas: Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) Wild persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) Sumac (Rhus copallinum) Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) Blackberries (Rubus species) Virginia Creeper (Campsis radicans) Grapevine (Vitis species) Wild Rose (Rosa sp) Florida Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolia)
issue, date
5
5TH ANNUAL MEETING and
POT LUCK DINNER
Tuesday, March 11th
Trinity Episcopal Parish Hall
in Melrose, 6:30 pm
Bring a dish to share, and join us to celebrate Santa Fe Audubon’s 5th anniversary!
Adam Kent will speak about the Florida Breeding Bird Atlas, a statewide undertaking that SFAS is participating in.
Claude Brown will receive our Conservationist of the Year Award for his leadership and dedication to the Putnam Land Conservancy and the great work they have done in just a few short years.
Win A Boat Cruise: Local Artist Phil Robinson has generously offered to provide 3 cruises on Lake Santa Fe for up to seven guests on each cruise, on an agreed upon date occurring prior to June 16th, 2014 to raise funds for increasing the conservation reach of Santa Fe Audubon Society.
Phil asks for a minimum bid of $100. There will be 3 bid sheets; the top three bidders will each win a cruise. Winners will be announced at the end of the March 11 Annual Meeting.
The cruise will last approximately 1-‐½ hours departing from and returning to the Lake Santa Fe Park & Boat Ramp. Captain Phil will provide light hors d’oeuvres and beverage as he takes you to some of his favorite sights on the lake. For further information, contact Joyce King, [email protected], or 352-‐475-‐1999.
Florida Native Plant Society
Spring Native Plant Sale Morningside Nature Center 3540 East University Avenue Friday, April 4th from 4:30 till 6:30 pm Open to FNPS members only FNPS Members: Don’t miss your opportunity to shop first! memberships available at the gate Saturday, April 5th from 8:30 am till 12:30 pm Open to the public THERE WILL BE: Native Plant Vendors, galore Live Music Free Plant Advice Guided Wildflower Walks Hands-free shopping with Park-a-Plant
NOW accepting credit cards! Proceeds help the Friends of Nature Parks
Volunteers needed-‐ Just one or two hours Friday or Saturday (Park-‐a-‐Plant
or FNPS booth) You don’t have to be an expert! Contact Lisa Jelks at [email protected].
Co-‐Sponsored b City of Gainesville and Friends of Nature Parks
Sarracenia minor (Hooded Pitcher Plant) by Lisa Jelks
Corydalis micrantha ssp. australis Smallflower Fumewort, Harlequin Papaveraceae Native
Prunus cf. americana American Plum (tentative ID) Rosaceae Native
Prunus angustifolia Chickasaw Plum Rosaceae Native
Prunus umbellata Flatwoods Plum, Hog Plum Rosaceae Native
Rivina humilis Rougeplant Phytolaccaceae Native
Smilax bona-nox Saw Greenbrier Smilacaceae Native
Plant ID Workshop for February Meeting – By Paul Cohen
Paul’s Notes -‐ I wish to extend a special thanks to all participants including Rob Garren. Although Prunus americana was not specifically identified, the individual who brought in the Prunus specimens claims it may have been among the collection he brought in. The workshop is educational and is not intended as a plant ID service. Nomenclature adapted from “Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants” (http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/).
TWO AND A HALF ACRES OF BEAUTY, EVEN IN FEBRUARY By Connie Caldwell
Our February yard visit took us to the home of Alan and Ellen Shapiro, where they have lived since 1986. The 2 1/2 acre property is a testament to their love of plants and to their interest in developing new ones. As owner of Grandiflora wholesale nursery, Alan pointed out that many of the non-‐native plants are rejects from the nursery; others are experiments with new plants. Alan says that the natives and non-‐native plants “co-‐exist” just fine, and welcomes plants that spread. Native plants are marked with bright colored tape, and the experts among us identify the species of those that are in doubt. We are invited to dig up certain plants or take cuttings of plants to take home. The property slopes from higher areas down to a sinkhole and all of it tends to flood, especially in hurricanes. A canopy of loblolly and/or slash pines (much discussion about which) shelters numerous understory trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. We wander along mulched paths among the beds, surrounded by blooming camellias everywhere. Some of the native trees include hophornbeam, green ash, numerous red buckeyes (we’re invited to pull up the many seedlings and take them home), cabbage palm, crabapple, yaupon hollies, magnolias, hickories, silverbell, styrax, red maple, water oak, bottlebrush buckeye, fringe tree, redbud, swamp chestnut oak, burr oak, wild olive, winged elm, river birch, bald cypress, swamp dogwood, laurel oak, shumard oak, and red cedar. Dogwoods (Cornus florida) do not survive floods but come back from seed after the water subsides, so the ones we see are quite young. Alan tells us that he and Ellen started with the camellia garden, then added habitat for birds and butterflies. So there is much that provides shelter, seeds, and nectar. Some of the native shrubs include dog hobble, strawberry bush, wax yrtle, anises, viburnums, Simpson’s stopper, coral bean, coontie, rattlesnake master, fire bush, Georgia calaminthe, sweetshrub, inkberry, sweetspire, flame azalea, Florida privet, garberia, button bush, beautyberry, oakleaf hydrangea, and pinxter azalea. A native perennial garden will have abundant blooms later in spring and summer of blue curls, starry rosinweed, columbine, coreopsis, phlox, salvia, obedient plant, horsemint, goldenrod, amsonia, Indian pink, and others. Violets are everywhere, as are native ferns, lyre-‐leaf sage, and partridge berry. Other native ground covers include blue-‐eyed grass, rain lily, twin flower, sunshine mimosa, and river oats. The sinkhole/pond is planted with bald cypress, swamp rose, blue flag iris, water canna, yellow canna, climbing aster, swamp mallow, cardinal flower, and string lily, among others. Thank you, Alan and Ellen, for creating a place of beauty and for providing habitat for wildlife.
Join us for this activity each month as we tour each other’s yards and learn about the use of native plants in our landscapes. If you would like to participate in yard visits, you must be willing to have the group tour your yard sometime. Contact Connie Caldwell to sign up: [email protected].
To become a sponsor: Send your business-‐card sized ad in jpg format to Goldie Schwartz at [email protected]. Ads run Jan – Nov for $100, or monthly for $12.50.
Remember to support them
Florida Native Plant Society Paynes Prairie Chapter PO Box 1004 Archer, FL 32618
Our next Meeting is MARCH. 13th and next Field Trip is MARCH 15th Join us for meetings of FNPS Paynes Prairie Chapter, held at 7 PM on the 2nd Thursday of each month except December, June, July, & August at The United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave., Gainesville. A Plant ID workshop begins at 6:15. Bring plants and questions.
Membership Form is now at our website: www.paynesprairie.fnpschapters.org
PAYNES PRA
IRIE CHAPTER
CONTACT LIST
President
Erick Sm
ith, [email protected]
Vice President
Claudia Larsen, micanopywildflowers@
yahoo.com
Secretary
Ellen Thom
s, em
thom
Treasurer
Goldie Schwartz, [email protected]
Chapter Representative
Sandi Saurers, [email protected]
Director
Connie Caldw
ell, [email protected]
Director
Jennifer Staiger, jsstaig@gm
ail.com
Director
Chuck Peck , LNNRR152@
gmail.com
Director
Robert Garren
Mem
bership
Goldie Schwartz, 352-‐495-‐
3983/[email protected]
Field Trip Coordinator
Robert Freese, 386-‐972-‐
4489/rcfreese99@
yahoo.com
New
sletter Editor
Barbara Sm
ith, 352-‐332-‐
0929/smithba52@gm
ail.com
Plant Rescue
J. Barichivich, 352-‐-‐-‐375-‐
1972/m
.terrapin@gm
ail.com
Plant ID
Paul Cohen, [email protected]
Chapter Website Maintenance
Karen Schneider, karenks98@
yahoo.com
