JoAnne Skelly: Be an informed horticulturist
I am leery when I see "dwarf" mugos (Pinus mugo) sold in stores. The idea of a pine that stays tiny and round is tempting for the interesting shape and texture it brings to a landscape. However, "dwarf" can be misleading.
In their native habitat in the mountains of Europe, mugos grow to 20 feet in height. While this is short for a pine, 20 feet may be far too tall when you were hoping for a plant that stayed four feet or less.
When considering incorporating a mugo pine into your landscape design, investigate the 50 or so varieties available.
A standard mugo, even though it might say "dwarf" on the label, will attain heights you might not want or expect. However, there are varieties that can delight.
Some grow upright and pyramidal. Some have a rounded habit and others stay flat. Some may need annual pruning to stay compact. Pinus mugo "Mops," or variety pumilio or mughus, stay compact without annual pruning to name a few. A few varieties are actually yellow or yellow-tipped, and some even have a blue tint.
On another note, there is a University of Nevada Cooperative Extension training starting this week. The 2019 Green Industry Training will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 29 to February 26, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can still sign up the day of a class.
The Green Industry Training is a series of entry-level classes. Participants can enroll in individual classes at a cost of $15 per class, or they can enroll in the entire course for a discounted cost of $80.
Fees include course materials, certificates of attendance, refreshments and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Pesticide Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Classes are held live at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension Office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way, and video-conferenced to the Carson/Storey County Cooperative Extension office in Carson City, 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 12.
To attend in Reno contact Jenn Fisher at 775-336-0249 or fisherj@unce.unr.edu.
Carson City participants, please contact the Carson/Storey County Cooperative Extension office at 775-887-2252 or in person at 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 15 to register.
Here is the schedule of topics:
— Jan. 31: Noxious Weeds & Weed Law
— Feb. 5: Soils, Potting Mixes & Fertilizers
— Feb. 7: Pruning Landscape Plants
— Feb. 12: Insect Identification
— Feb. 14: Sustainable Turfgrass Management
— Feb. 19: IPM Basics & Pesticide Safety
— Feb. 21: Applying IPM Principles
JoAnne Skelly is Associate Professor and Extension Educator Emerita with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
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