Grubs in the Lawn

Don't know if anyone else has noticed, but the grubs have been out.  Normally, they are not this close to the soil surface this time of year, but the rain has brought them up.  Large grubs are hard to control, but the closer they are to the soil surface the easier they are to treat.  Enjoy these video from Rick Brandenburg, Extension Specialist, NC State University.

Fall Seeding of Cool Season Grasses in 2012

Fall Seeding of Cool-Season Grasses in 2012 by Grady Miller, Professor & Extension Specialist

Fall is the best time for renovation and seeding of cool-season lawns.  Cultivar lists for tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass have been developed based on Raleigh trials.  These lists may be useful when purchasing your seed as grasses on this list have been proven performers in NC.

2012 Recommended Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars for NC

2012 Recommended Tall Fescue for North Carolina

The Cicada Killer Wasp/Velvet Ant

Just the other day, I visited a home that had nests with burrows in a landscaped area with wasps flying about.  The wasps are cicada killer wasps.  Wendi Hartup, Area Natural Resources Extension Agent, in Forsyth and Stokes Counties wrote a great article, Watch Out for the Cicada Killer!

Cicada Killer Wasp

Cicada Killer Wasp Nest

An interesting note, the next day, a person dropped off a bug to be identified.  It was a Velvet Ant.  The Velvet Ant is actually a wasp.  Most species of velvet ants are parasites of other bees including the Cicada Killer.  Now what are the chances???  Maybe I should introduce these two individuals.  

Velvet Ant

Extension Master Gardener Program Graduates Fourteen

Fourteen people participated in the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) training program this past spring in McDowell County.  The students met one time a week for 13 weeks.  Different horticultural topics were covered including:  plant propagation, botany, landscape design, lawn care, woody ornamentals, and vegetables.  The Extension Master Gardener graduates as pictured from left to right are:  Betty Reaves, Laurie Gavle, Anna Flory, Donna Poteat, Beth Anderson, Janda Hefner, Amy Moomaw, Phyllis Howell, Teresa Carley, Sharon Morrison with  County Extension Director and EMG program coordinator, Molly Sandfoss.  Not pictured are Anne Allen, Cathy Pyatt, and Skip Queen. 


The Extension Master Gardener program is an educational program designed to enhance public education in consumer horticulture.  It provides educational assistance to the citizens of McDowell County concerning lawns, fruits, vegetables, trees, and ornamentals.

Participants in the program must complete the training program, pass an examination, and volunteer a minimum of 40 hours per year (20 hours in subsequent years) through the McDowell County Center.


The Extension Master Gardener program allows the McDowell County Center to extend education to an ever increasing gardening audience.  It also provides the local center with a highly visible way to meet the public demand for information and to develop a strong clientele support group.

Volunteer programs throughout the county include:  community garden construction and demonstration garden, school beautification projects, school-age education, adopt-a-spot, and plant clinics.  If you are interested in the Extension Master Gardener program, we are always accepting applications.  Call the Extension office at 828-652-8104 to apply.