Have you ever sharpened your lawn mower blade?
Have you ever sharpened your lawn mower blade? A sharp blade is the key to a quality mowing job. Dull blades beat and tear the grass, leaving frayed leaf tips that give the lawn a whitish cast. More energy is required for the grass to recover.
A sharp blade cuts cleanly and easily, so you use less fuel. Sharp blades are especially important for tough-bladed grasses such as zoysiagrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue. Inspect the blade after each mowing, checking for sharpness and nicks. How often you need to sharpen the blade is affected by how much mowing you do, as well as the grass species and the presence of debris (e.g., rocks, sticks, etc.) in the lawn. It is a good idea to keep an extra, sharp blade on hand.
KU News 11/7: Tribal attorney Tara Houska to speak in collaborative series on climate justice
From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu
Headlines
Contact: Emily Ryan, The Commons, 785-864-6293, [email protected], @TheCommonsKU
Tribal attorney Tara Houska to speak in collaborative series on climate justice
LAWRENCE – The collaborative virtual series inspired by contributors to the book “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis,” edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson, returns in fall 2022. At 3 p.m. Nov. 17, environmental and Indigenous rights advocate Tara Houska will be in conversation with Lori Hasselman, University of Kansas assistant director of Native American initiatives.
The “All We Can Save” series centers climate justice and draws from knowledge across and beyond fields of academic research. Contributors to the book “All We Can Save” share wisdom from their own experiences and work to inspire collective agency around the urgency of climate change with recognition of the inequities of the consequences of climate change. This series highlights activists, scholars, thinkers, creatives and doers whose life work generates and speaks to ideas for action, survival and nourishment.
“Tara’s work is so important to the process of reclaiming our lands and culture, especially highlighting work rooted in Indigenous women and two-spirit led advocacy. We are excited to host such a fierce Couchiching woman to inspire our students and community to engage more deeply in academics and advocacy in support of our tribes,” Hasselman said.
Tara Houska, a citizen of the Couchiching First Nation, tribal attorney and land defender, has been critical of the new Inflation Reduction Act and its oversight of Native perspectives in developing climate policy, observing that it cedes too much power to oil companies with further investment in fossil fuels in order to eventually access renewable energy.
The editors of the “All We Can Save” observe that climate change is presented in terms of Western science but that the work of responding to the urgency of climate change requires a range of expertise. Global social movements and grassroots activism, cultural and creative practices, religious and spiritual engagement, and traditional knowledge all play critical roles in this larger conversation about the effects of climate change.
This series, which launched in 2021, previously welcomed author Leah Penniman and artist Favianna Rodriguez. The series is led by The Commons, with support from the Office of Native American Initiatives; the Toni Johnson Center for Racial and Social Justice; the School of Social Welfare; the Environmental Studies Program; the Indigenous Studies Program; the KU departments of African & African-American Studies, English, Geography & Atmospheric Science and Geology; the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity; the Office of Multicultural Affairs; and the University Honors Program.
All events are free and open to the public. The Zoom registration is https://bit.ly/HouskaKU.
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Horticulture 2022 Newsletter No. 45
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html
Blog Post: http://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org
Video of the Week: Protecting Roses for Winter
https://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/protecting-roses-for-the-winter
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Turf & Landscape Conference
The 72nd Annual Kansas Turf & Landscape Conference will be held on Wednesday, November 30 and Thursday, December 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan. The conference is an excellent way to learn about turf and landscape management, visit with old friends, network with new ones, and see all the latest products and supplies from local and national vendors.
The conference has been approved for commercial pesticide recertification hours:
1 Core hour
3A – 7 hours
3B – 7hours
GCSAA education points and International Society of Arboriculture CEUS will also be available by attending the conference.
For more information, go to https://www.kansasturfgrassfoundation.com/
REMINDERS
1. Remove annual flowers killed by frost.
2. Can still plant spring-flowering bulbs.
FLOWERS
Winterizing Roses
Though most shrub roses are hardy in Kansas, other types of roses can be more tender. For example, the hybrid teas have certain species in their ancestry that originated in the warm climate of southern China. These roses need protection to reliably survive Kansas winters. Mound soil or compost about 8 to 10 inches high around each plant. If using soil, bring it in from another part of the garden. Do not pull it from between plants because this can damage the rose roots or make them more susceptible to cold.
Mounding is normally finished by Thanksgiving. After the ground has frozen, add a 4-inch mulch of straw, leaves or hay for further protection. More soil may be spread on top of the mulch to keep it in place. Do not add the mulch before the ground freezes or mice may invade and feed on the roses over the winter. The purpose of these coverings is not only to moderate the cold, but also to prevent warm days during the winter or early spring from stimulating growth that is tender to returning cold weather. Excessively tall canes should be pruned to a height of 36 inches and tied together to prevent them from being whipped by strong winter winds. Wind can damage the crown of the plant or loosen the surrounding soil.
Next spring, remove coverings before new growth starts. If soil was used for mounding, remove from the area so that the level of soil stays constant from year to year. Compost can be spread out around the plant and used as a mulch. Wait until after the ground thaws, or the tops may begin growing before the roots can provide water. (Ward Upham)
Amaryllis Culture
Now is the time to start amaryllis if you wish to have them in bloom for Christmas. The amaryllis is a tender bulb that is ready to bloom when purchased. The genus name for this plant is Hippeastrum, which means “horse star,” an appropriate name for a plant that produces massive blooms as much as 8 to 10 inches across. These plants can produce 3 to 4 blooms on a 1- to 2-foot stem. Often, a second flower stalk follows the first at about the time the flowers on the first stem fade. The leaves usually start to appear when the flowers begin to open.
Amaryllis bulbs can be huge – approaching the size of a grapefruit. The larger the bulb, the larger the flowers and the more expensive the bulb. Regardless of size, amaryllis likes tight quarters. Place in a pot only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. About half of the bulb should remain exposed. Hold the bulb so the roots hang down into the pot, and add potting mix. Firm the mix around the roots carefully so that they are not snapped off. Water thoroughly and place the plant in a warm, sunny location. Amaryllis likes day temperatures in the 70s and night temperatures in the 60s. The flower bud may start to appear right away or the plant may remain dormant for a period of time, but eventually all mature bulbs do bloom. Move the plant to a cooler location and out of direct sunlight when the flower buds begin to show color so the flowers last longer. Amaryllis can remain in bloom for about a month.
Flowers should be cut off after blooming to keep the plant from expending energy to form seeds. Place the plant back in a sunny location until it is warm enough to be placed outside. Sink the pot in the soil in an area that has dappled shade. The plant can be gradually moved to sunnier locations until it receives full sun for a half day. Continue to fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer as you would a normal houseplant. Bring the pot in before first frost and place in a dark location. Withhold all water so the leaves have a chance to dry completely. Leaves can then be cut off close to the top of the bulb. Amaryllis can often be left in the same pot for several years but will eventually need repotting. Again, choose a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb and repeat the process described above. Offsets are normally produced by amaryllis and can be given their own pots if desired. These small bulbs have a concave side when removed but develop a round shape when given their own space. They grow quickly and can be
mature enough to flower in a couple of years. (Ward Upham)
FRUIT
Figs in Kansas?
Yes, we can grow figs in Kansas. Not well, but we can grow them.
Most fig trees are only hardy to 12 to 15 degrees F though some are hardy down to 0 to 5 degrees F. Therefore top growth often will not survive our winters. However, some varieties will resprout from the roots and produce a surprisingly large “shrub” by the fall. Since fruit is borne on new wood, Kansans can often enjoy a late harvest before cold weather shuts down growth.
Many figs are self-fruitful and will bear fruit without requiring a second variety. Others require cross-pollination and therefore you must have two different varieties in order to get fruit. Read the variety descriptions to determine whether you need two different varieties for fruiting.
Choose only the hardiest varieties. Chicago Hardy, Stella, Olympic and Peter’s Honey Fig were all recommended by Matt Bunch with “The Giving Grove” out of Kansas City. Florea is recommended for cold climates by One Green World. I chose Chicago Hardy and Florea for my garden.
The flowers of figs are borne inside the fruit and therefore not visible. Therefore do not be concerned with the lack of visible flowers.
Chicago Hardy and Florea fruit turn purple at maturity though the color of mature fruit varies with variety. The fruit is quite mushy when ripe and will not keep well. If you produce more fruit than you can eat, consider drying as dried fruit can keep for six to eight months.
As mentioned earlier, figs bear late in the season. This year, Chicago Hardy produced its first ripe fruit on October 7. A hard freeze (22 degrees) on October 13 stopped any further production. (Ward Upham)
MISCELLANEOUS
Garden Soil Preparation — It’s Not Too Late
Autumn is an excellent time to add organic materials and till garden soils. Winter can still be a good time to take care of this chore as long as the soil isn’t frozen. It is far wiser to till now than to wait until spring when cold, wet conditions can limit your ability to work soils easily. Working soil when it is wet destroys soil structure and results in hard clods that are very slow to break down. On the other hand, dry soil may need to be watered so it can be more easily tilled. Be sure to wait several days after watering to let soil moisture levels moderate. You want the soil moist, not wet or dry, when tilling.
There is a limit to how much organic material such as leaves can be added in one application. Normally, a layer 2 inches deep is adequate with 5 to 6 inches being the maximum that can be added at one time. Shredding the material before application encourages faster and more complete decomposition due to increased surface area. Remember, soil preparation is an important key to a successful garden. (Ward Upham)
Contributors: Ward Upham, Extension Associate
Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources
1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton
Manhattan, KS 66506
(785) 532-6173
For questions or further information, contact: [email protected] OR [email protected]
This newsletter is also available on the World Wide Web at:
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The web version includes color images that illustrate subjects discussed. To subscribe to this newsletter electronically, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or [email protected] listing your e-mail address in the message.
Brand names appearing in this newsletter are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.
K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, or a dietary restriction please contact Extension Horticulture at (785) 532-6173.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Ernie Minton, Dean.
Rosie Clymer Into Cowboy Hall Of Fame As Rancher/Cattlewoman
First and foremost, Rosie was a cowgirl, but the deceased Council Grove woman was much more.
During ceremonies Saturday night at Dodge City, Rosie Rezac Clymer was posthumously inducted into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Recognition was at the Boot Hill Museum with more than a dozen close friends and family in attendance.
Barbara Stanbrough of Council Grove presented the acceptance acknowledgement on behalf of the family.
Raised on a farm near Onaga, Rosie, widely recognized throughout the Midwest, was inducted in the rancher/cattlewoman category.
Others honored during the ceremonies were Arlene D. LaMar, Kansas City, rodeo cowgirl; Van E. Haines, El Dorado, working cowboy; George Henrichs, Dodge City, cowboy historian; and Ron Wilson, the only living honoree, Manhattan, cowboy entertainer.
Chores caring for farm livestock was expected of and enjoyed by Rosie who always had a special fondness for horses.
From an early age, there wasn’t much Rosie didn’t help doing on the farm. She could milk cows, slop the hogs, help pull calves, and drive a tractor in the field.
Closest to Rosie’s heart was riding the family horses to gather milk cows and roundup grazing cattle. She rode in the county fair parade, other community activities, and just enjoyed riding horses around the farm.
By the time she was a teenager, Rosie on horseback was demanded helping neighbors with cattle roundups and day work. When a calf or stray yearling needed roped for return home or treatment, Rosie had the ability for the task
Family was always very important to Rosie who amply credited her dad, mom, and siblings, Rheve, Linda, Marjorie, Bob, and Don, for everything they did for her. Her 22 nieces and nephews were her especial pride and joy.
School days especially recess playing baseball and other playground games fit Rosie’s stout farm physique and image quite well. She was a big girl with an even bigger heart.
Always eager to talk in class perhaps a bit loud and with a giant grin, Rosie was everybody’s friend from classmates to teachers.
Faith was engrained into Rosie early in life regularly attending Sunday School. It was a heartfelt personal calling which Rosie followed throughout her entire lifetime.
Early membership in her Pottawatomie County 4-H club, Rosie found her cowgirl calling of participating in horse shows. Nothing gave her more joy than competing in every show class especially those running events, the faster the better.
There wasn’t a young horse that Rosie couldn’t handle never showing fright while gently masterfully patiently yet with firm hand training her own horses. Her talents became known throughout the neighborhood and beyond with horse owners even working cowboys from a wide area seeking Rosie to train their horses.
Goals in life were set early in admiration of her family’s farm life, her teachers in school, and being a cowgirl on horseback. She wanted to be a teacher developing youth physical fitness through athletics with continuing ties to farm work
Following high school graduation, Rosie worked her way through college training and shoeing horses. Farrier skills Rosie credited to learning from her dad were in demand over a wide area.
During college, Rosie became acquainted with Dr. Don Coldsmith an Emporia medical doctor and prolific author. She helped care for and train his Appaloosa horses while both were active in the Emporia Saddle Club.
Graduating with a college degree to become a physical education teacher, then known as Miss Rezac, yet often referred to by all as Rosie. She taught a one-room school in Wabaunsee County, Geary County Country School, Junction City Junior High, and USD 417 Council Grove Elementary School.
Beyond Bachelor’s, Rosie completed Masters and Specialist degrees in education. A Master Teacher Award nominee, she taught school more than 41 years before retiring to ranch and produce horses fulltime.
To have more horse shows in a closer locale with a set annual schedule, Rosie was instrumental in forming the Eastern Kansas Horseman’s Association (EKHA).
Competing in nearly all EKHA shows for many years, Rosie won awards in every class she entered at some time or another. Her home was filled with highpoint horse show awards. Rosie served as the EKHA president as well as other offices and committees of the organization throughout the years.
With mutual interests in riding and showing horses, Rosie became best friends of Faye Peck Heath. It was such that when there was a horse event, people just assumed Rosie and Faye would be there and they were.
Most importantly the two cowgirls assisted children with their horses during the shows. Whether getting into the gate, remounting after falling off, or loading in the trailer. Rosie and Faye were eager to help.
Quite appropriately, Faye Peck Heath, Junction City, was posthumously inducted into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame last year in the rodeo cowgirl category.
Students looked to Rosie for assurance and guidance whenever there was issue with sports, classmates, whatever the situation. Rosie was a leader among her fellow faculty members working to benefit of teachers, students, parents, and administration.
Young people with an interest in horses, but sometimes limited in opportunities were provided assistance by Rosie. On several occasions, she hired young women to work for her doing farm-ranch chores.
Several horse trainers got their start in the business thanks to Rosie. When she became older, and didn’t feel comfortable starting young horses to ride, she offered eager young cowboys the opportunity to train a handful or more of the horses she raised every year.
A lifetime member of the Morris County 4-H Foundation, Rosie served as the Morris County 4-H Horse Project leader for many years. She conducted regular horsemanship sessions throughout the year and served as superintendent for the County Fair Horse Show.
Earl Clymer was a successful farmer and rancher in the Kelso community north of Council Grove. Large in size, mighty in strength with humbled tender attitude, Earl fell in love with Rosie. They were married becoming an unbeatable team working the ranch whether bucking bales, pulling calves, or gathering a wild stray.
Earl and Rosie also participated in horse shows on weekends and were tough to beat in rodeo wild cow milking contests. Rosie did the roping, Earl did the mugging, and Rosie milked the cow, and ran across the finish line.
The Clymer’s had a stock cow herd, a diverse farming operation, and custom grazed yearling cattle. Earl and Rosie helped other cattle operators doing day work, going to spring grass, roundup time, and whenever efficient dependable cattle assistance on horseback was required.
Big round hay balers were not invented until the late ’60s but became quite popular for ease of handling hay. Rosie bought one of the first big round balers in the area and custom baled literally thousands of big round bales every summer.
Very conscientious of land management, Rosie followed strict stocking rates for both native and tame grass pastures. Invasive rangeland intruders were controlled with carefully scheduled spring burnings as well as hand application and chemical treatment.
While many ranchers had Quarter Horses, Rosie had a number of mixed breed stock horses. Admiring the spirit and athletic ability of Arabian horses, Rosie started breeding her grade horses to her Arabian stallion.
Those half-blood and soon higher percentage Arabian horses were in demand by horse buyers. Services of Rosie’s stallions brought mares from many miles for horse owners to raise their own Arabian bred horses.
Arabian shows included percentage and purebred classes which Rosie showed her home raised Arabians to collect many championships. A member of national and state Arabian horse organization, Rosie became a leader in those groups as well.
Serving her faith in God, Rosie was active in leadership of both the Kelso United Methodist Church and the Council Grove Methodist Church. Serving as president of the Santa Fe Trail Parish Council, Rosie was a lay minister upon call for several area churches. Bible in hand Rosie portrayed realistically as a Circuit Rider in parades and gatherings over a wide area.
Never an idle moment, always a congenial smile, eager to help everyone, forever a horse lover, Rosie Rezac Clymer was the ultimate rancher/cattlewoman.
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CUTLINES
Rosie Rezac Clymer, Council Gove, was posthumously inducted into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame at Dodge City in the rancher/cattlewoman category. (Photo from Barbara Stanbrough)
Barbara Stanbrough, Council Grove, presented the acceptance acknowledgement on behalf of the family for Rosie Rezac Clymer’s posthumous induction into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame at Dodge City in the rancher/cattlewoman category. (Photo from Barbara Stanbrough)
More than a dozen family and friends along with officials of the Boot Hill Museum posed during Saturday evening ceremonies posthumously inducting Rosie Rezac Clymer into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame at Dodge City. (Photo from Barbara Stanbrough)
