Gardening in the Panhandle .......

Courtesy of UF/IFAS


	Cicada Killers in the Summer During the summer months, landscapes are alive with insect activity. The majority of insects found in home landscapes are not harmful, although the sight of a few may cause some concern. Is the Cicada Killer one of them? How Does Your Sprinkler System Know It Has Rained? Although it has been very hot this summer throughout the Florida Panhandle, many areas have been blessed with afternoon showers several day in a row. Historically, this has been the typical Northwest Florida weather pattern known as the ‘Dog Days’. Yet, many landscape sprinkler systems are still running during rain events. One has to ask, “Where are all the rain shut-off devices?” Wasps Benefit the Garden I respect the fact that wasps can sting when threatened or disturbed. But I also respect the fact that they are beneficial. Every time I’ve been stung by wasps, I either accidentally disturbed a nest that I didn’t know was there or I intentionally disturbed the nest and paid the price. New Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Article Available: Featured Creature: Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Upcoming Events Saturday, August 4. 11 am- 1 pm. Join UF/IFAS Leon County Extension for the fall Leon County Fall Seed Library Launch! This free event launches the Seed Libraries cool season vegetable seeds that will become available to be “checked out” by the community at all seven Leon County Libraries. At the Woodville Branch Library, UF/IFAS Leon County staff and Master Gardener volunteers will have informational booths, including an Ask-a-Master-Gardener Station, Pollination Station, Vegetable Seeding & Soil Tests Station, Garden Types & Site Selection Station, Irrigation Station, Healthy Cooking Demonstration Station, and a Vermicompost & Compost Station. For more information contact UF/ IFAS Extension Leon County at (850) 606-5200 Thursday August 9, 9am-12pm. Invasive Species/Air Potato Beetle workshop at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola. Information on invasive plant and animal species, Fish and Wildlife speaker at 11:30, giving away air potato beetles for biological control Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-escambia-county-invasive-species-workshop-air-potato-challenge-tickets-48384701946