Practice post

Picking the right cultivar

Picking the "right" plant for the allotted space seems to be a challenge.  People tend to want to put in a plant that is, under natural conditions, too big for the available space or planted too close or under another plant.  Thus, requiring unhealthy amounts of shearing/pruning and preventing the plant from reaching its natural potential.  

In most cases, there is a "right" plant for the allotted space.  Please take a look at the video above where Dr. Ursula Schuch from the University of Arizona describes 3 different cultivars of Texas Ranger.

Have a great Holiday weekend.

School IPM

What is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Benefits:

Reduced exposure to pests

Reduced exposure to pesticides

Reduced absenteeism due to:

Turf related injuries

Asthma due to pest related triggers

Cost neutral

Healthier learning environment

Improved academic achievement

What this means to you, your student(s) and your environment!

IPM reduces pest complaints

IPM reduces pesticide use in schools from 71% - 93%

IPM maximizes the benefits from the campus landscape

IPM reduces plant and tree losses

Trees and green spaces create healthy communities and are positively correlated with psychological, physical, cognitive and increased capacity for attention in our children.

Children are the most vulnerable
members of society,

they are the future.

We are the custodians of their world.

Please check with your school administration and see how they manage pests.  

Cooler temps could equal uninvited guests

 As temperatures begin to cool here in Arizona, your home may be a welcoming site for many uninvited guests.  Many pests look to our homes as safe harbors for the winter months.  In nature, they seek shelter under loose bark, rotten logs, leaf litter, and in rock crevices.  Unfortunately for us, their beady little eyes see our homes as such a place.

One of the best things we can do is bug proof our home before they have a chance to move in.  For those uninvited guests that have already moved in, simple decluttering and cleaning should take care of them.  Pests are looking for 3 things: 1)Food 2)Water and 3)Shelter.  By limiting these, pests will not see our home as a safe harbor.

Here is a great "how to" from Gouge et al. from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension on what troublesome pests we might have and how to keep them out.

How to bug proof your house

Good Luck!