News

Boxwood Blight

The Boxwood Blight is fast becoming a significant problem in Connecticut.  Download the PDF files below to learn more about this disease and how to identify its symptons which include brown leaf spots, black stem lesions and rapid defoliation.  Any boxwood suspected of having boxwood blight caused by Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum (syn. C. buxicola) much be confirmed at the state regulatory lab at CT Agricultural Experiiment Station.  

To save time in the confirmation and diagnosis of this new and important disease, it is best to recommend that samples go to their lab directly rather than coming to the UConn Storrs lab.  Alternatively, clients may contact the CAES Plant Disease Information Office (PDIO) directly by going to their website: www.ct.gov/caes/PDIO or by calling 203-974-8601 or 1-877-855-2237 (toll free outside New Haven area).     Continue Reading →

Calling All New Members!

The deadline for submitting the Membership Questionairre and thus starting the proposal process for new members is fast approaching . . . February 15th, 2019!   Please click here to download and print the MQ form. It needs to be completed and sent to Manda Riggs by February 15th either by USPS (23 Jonathan Road) or by scan and email ([email protected]). After submitting MQ form, you then have until March 15th to collect your Proposing Letter, a Seconding Letter and two Supporting Letters. Again, they may be submitted by USPS or email.   We are always in need of new members so start recruiting now! Thank you – please contact Manda at 203-253-9579 if you have any questions.     

Conservation Corner: Be Kind To Pollinators

At our annual meeting in June, our Conservation committee prepared a three-fold display with information on bees, butterflies and hummingbirds; native plants; and fruits and vegetable dependent on bees for pollination.  The presentation was fabulous and well-received by all — in fact, the display was shared with the Stamford Garden Center in early September.  The committee also hopes to exhibit it at the New Canaan Nature Center on Earth Day next April. Display by Conservation committee members Susan Bergen, Barb Schmidt and Alice Runnette.     Click here to view the display     

Conservation Corner: Butterflies in our Garden

  Susan Bergen’s Conservation Corner at March’s monthly meeting featured butterflies that are common to southwestern Connecticut. They live in similar habitats but have different needs in terms of host and nectar plants. Some are active in early spring. Others make an appearance later in the summer. Most spend the winter right in our gardens as caterpillars or chrysalids. They are beautiful and fascinating.    Take a look . . . how many different kinds will you see in your garden this season? 

Butterflies In Our Garden