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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (June 3, 2015)
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 3, 2015 9A Polk County Living Easy ways to fight the ‘big four’ foes of roses ANNIVERSARIES Vesper — 75th Charmingly warm weath- er coaxed roses into bloom early this year, which means dealing with the usual dis- eases and pests earlier, too. When it comes to one of the county’s most popular perennial plants, the “big four” vexations are powdery mildew, black spot, rust and aphids, according to Jay W. Pscheidt, a plant pathology specialist with Oregon State University’s Extension Serv- ice. More recently, downy mildew, which looks strik- ingly similar to black spot, has become an increasing problem. “People are confusing them,” he said. “It’s difficult to tell the two apart.” However, the black spots made by downy mildew spores are not as dark and can have an angular appear- ance. Under moist condi- tions, you might see a gray, downy-looking growth on the undersides of the leaves. After the relatively dry weather this year, black spot will be less of an issue, Pscheidt said, while the inci- dence of rust may be greater than normal. Rust, which begins in spring and peaks in early summer, appears as orange pustules that can blanket the foliage in worst- case scenarios. K YM P OKORNY Your Garden As the name suggests, powdery mildew shows up as a white powder covering the leaves, but without the black blotches typical of downy mildew and black spot, he said. It usually hits roses during the transition into summer’s driest time, particularly when dry days are followed by nights with high humidity. Insects are less of an issue with roses. Aphids are about all gardeners have to worry about in Oregon and are fairly easy to control, ac- cording to Gail Langellotto, Master Gardener coordina- tor for Oregon State Univer- sity’s Extension Service. Her first line of defense would be to squish some with her fin- gers to release a chemical signal that attracts natural enemies like lacewings, la- dybird beetles and para- sitoid wasps. Follow that with a strong spray of water from the hose to wash the remaining aphids to the ground. In addition to careful selection, prevention is the next best strategy and Pscheidt has some recommendations: • Don’t crowd plants. Space adequately so sun will pen- etrate and air will circulate to dry foliage quickly after rain or watering. • When pruning roses in late winter, clean up foliage thoroughly with a rake or leaf blower and remove diseased stems. • Use soaker hoses to water when possible. If using an overhead sprinkler, irrigate so that foliage has time to dry out before evening. • If desired, spray early with an organic or chemical fungicide or pesticide. Always follow label instructions. • For more information, refer to the OSU Extension pub- lication Controlling Diseases and Aphids on Your Roses or get help from a Master Gardener in your area. “Aphids are poor climbers,” she said, “and are less likely reestablish because they run a high risk of getting eaten by ground-roving predators, such as spiders and beetles.” Since aphid numbers can explode on nitrogen-rich plants, it’s a good idea to use an organic fertilizer, or a slow- release synthetic fertilizer that will give them less readily available nitrogen. As for diseases, the best strategy is to start with dis- ease-resistant cultivars. “Buy fisherman roses,” Pscheidt said. “The types that you can plant and then go fishing. Breeders are always coming up with new plants that resist pests. Local retail nurseries will generally have a good list for you.” But just because a rose is an older variety doesn’t mean they don’t fight off disease. OSU Extension’s Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Control Handbook offers a list of classics that fight the good fight against black spot, rust and powdery mildew. Longtime favorite hybrid teas “Just Joey,” “Chicago Peace” and “Mr. Lincoln” are on the roster. “Gold Medal” and “Queen Elizabeth” grandiflo- ras made the cut, as did the well-known floribunda roses “Playboy,” “Sexy Rexy” and “Iceberg.” MI TOWN A brand spanking-new month brings us closer to summertime in MI Town, where we can almost taste the buttery corn on the cob, and look forward to baked beans and potato salad as we wait for the burgers or hot dogs or ribs to finish grilling. It’s time to think about concerts in Main Street Park and movies by the river, to put away the coats and jackets and to bring out beach blankets and swim suits. — Summer programs for readers of all ages are begin- ning at both Independence and Monmouth libraries, and everyone is invited to participate. Be sure to stop P ATTY T AYLOR D UTCHER Columnist by your nearest library to get all the information you need to begin a great sum- mer adventure. A library card can take you to faraway places and even back in time. You don’t need to make a reservation or pack a bag, you don’t have to pay fees for travel or fill the car with gas. Pick out a country to visit and learn about the people, weather, cities and towns, and you’ll discover so many fun and interesting things you never knew before. Summer is a great time to begin such a journey, and all you need is a library card. — Another sure sign of sum- mer is the sights and sounds of trucks, trailers and auto- mobiles as many of our WOU students will be re- turning to their home towns, heading off for sum- mer travel and seeking new opportunities after gradua- tion. There’s a definite change in our communities when so many students leave for the summer, but with sum- mer classes going on, we have the presence of youth — which keeps us from be- coming old and stodgy and set in our ways. Come Sep- tember, it’ll be fun to wel- come new students and fac- ulty members for a new aca- demic year. — Be sure to mark your cal- endars for this Saturday so you won’t forget the month- ly community breakfast at the Monmouth Senior Cen- ter. Bring the entire family to start the day off right with pancakes, sausage, scram- bled eggs, biscuits and gravy. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable ($6 for adults, $3 for chil- dren younger than 12). See you there. PEDEE NEWS Pedee Church is going to publish a new community cookbook in time for Christmas and wants, not only recipes from commu- nity members and friends, but any Pedee history you might know, to add to the book. Send both to me, Arlene, at kovasha@gmail.com, or drop your contributions in the mail to me. I know we all get most of our recipes online, but there’s nothing A RLENE K OVASH Columnist like having a collection of favorite recipes from friends and neighbors. The goal is to help fund a new kitchen for the church since the cur- rent one is the original, built Warren and Virginia Vesper of Dallas celebrat- ed their 75th wedding an- niversary with family and friends at the Dallas Re- tirement Village. Warren Buell Vesper and Virginia Mae Scooley were married May 4, 1940, in Yuma, Ariz. The justice of the peace in Yuma per- formed the ceremony. The couple has lived in California, Nevada and Oregon throughout their lives and the last year in Tips to Prevent Disease in 1959. Let’s see, selling 30,000 copies ought to do it. — Playing catchup here, since there was no column last week: on the morning of May 15, Rob Zarfas, hus- band of church secretary Lyndsey Zarfas, delivered his son, Derek Solomon, after Lyndsey woke up in labor. A home delivery was planned, but Rob hadn’t signed up to be doing it, es- pecially with no help or preparation. He thought it was a very exciting thing to do, though. — Allison Barnhart is sub- bing as church secretary for Lyndsey, but as she was driving to work on her sec- ond day on the job, on May 15, she slid off the road and rolled her car several times, coming away with only a scratch on the palm of her hand. The car wasn’t so lucky, as it was totaled. Polk County. Warren retired in 1974 as an electrical engineer from Locke Aircraft in Burbank, Calif. Virginia is a homemaker. Warren and Virginia enjoy living at Dallas Retirement Village and visiting with friends and family. Their family includes Linda and George Potsic of Woodland Hills, Calif., and Karen and Paul Box of Salem. The couple has 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchil- dren. Graham — 65th Albert and Wanda Graham of Monmouth will celebrate their 65th wed- ding anniver- sary with their family at home. Albert Gra- ham and Wanda Quiring were married June 9, 1950, in Dallas at Grace Mennonite Church. Rev. Regier performed the ceremony. The couple has lived in Polk County throughout their marriage. Albert retired in 1984 as the powerhouse operator at the mill in Valsetz. Wanda is a homemaker. Albert and Wanda enjoy gardening, genealogy, bird watching, family gatherings, watercolor painting and quilting. Their family includes Cheryl Black of Corvallis, Audrey and Ron Warkentin of Monmouth, Linda and Mickey Tay- lor of Monmouth, Floyd Graham of Monmouth, and Laura Iwanaga of Los Gatos, Calif. The couple has seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Continued from page 8A — MONDAY, JUNE 8 • Central Lions Club — Noon, Independence Elks Lodge 1950 Dining Room, 289 S. Main St., Independence. 503-606- 2150. • Willamette Valley New Horizons Orchestra — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, on the S-curve between Mon- mouth and Independence. Local orchestra for beginning through intermediate musicians. Meets every Monday. Players of all levels welcome. $25 monthly fee to cover expenses. 503- 838-4884. — TUESDAY, JUNE 9 • James2 Community Kitchen Meal — 4:30 to 6 p.m., St. Philip Catholic Church, 825 SW Mill St., Dallas. Free; everyone welcome. 503-623-8429. • Polk County Bounty Market-Monmouth — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Main Street Park, 120 E. Main St., Monmouth. 503-623- 2564. — WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 • Willamette Valley Food Assistance Program Food Bank — 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., 888 Monmouth Cutoff Road, Building E, Dallas. Weekly distribution for eligible community members. 503-831-5634. • Helping Hands Emergency Food Bank — 10 a.m. to noon, Monmouth Christian Church, 959 Church St. W., Monmouth. For eligible community members; available every Wednesday. 541- 404-6517. • Polk County Republican Women — 11:30 a.m., Oak Knoll Golf Course, 6335 Highway 22, Independence. No-host lunch available; everyone welcome. 503-623-5759. • Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce Lunch Forum — Noon to 1:30 p.m., Elkay Wood Products, 625 Hoff- man Road, Independence. Lunch by Three Legged Dog for $12. The forum includes a tour of Elkay. 503-838-4268, or www.micc- or.org. • Free Blood Pressure Check Clinic — 2 to 3 p.m., West Val- ley Hospital (surgery admitting area), 525 SE Washington St., Dallas. 503-623-7323. • Monmouth Senior Center Music Jam — 6:30 p.m., Mon- mouth Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St., Monmouth. Open to the public; musicians of all types welcome. 503-838-5678. • Dallas American Legion Post No. 20 — 7 p.m., Academy Building, Room 108, 182 SW Academy St., Dallas. 503-831-3971. RECYCLE A little effort. A big difference. Rabbits is Giving Cancer the Boot! Silent & Oral Auction, Sunday, June 14 3:00 - 5:00 pm, 186 SW Court St, Dallas Fantastic Items for Bidding You Won’t Want to Miss! Barbeque Grill ■ Golf Bag ■ Patio Umbrellas Gift Baskets ■ T-shirt Fire Pits and Much More! Come and enjoy BBQ burgers! All proceeds go to Relay for Life of Polk County For more information, call Ryan @ 541-805-1206 Recycle this newspaper. Ben Meyer, AAMS ® Bob Timmerman Financial Advisor Financial Advisor 503-606-3048 503-623-5584 193 E. Main Street Mon- mouth, OR 97361 159 SW Court Street Dallas, OR 97338 Kelly K. Denney Financial Advisor 503-623-2146 244 E. Ellendale, Suite 2 Dallas, OR 97338