Happenings March 2025

March 2025

Cut Flower Gardening - The Basics

Meet the Pollinators: Flies?

4-H News: Certifications and Collaboration

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Our CCE Roots

Avian Influenza Alert: Protecting Your Backyard Flock

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With a Recipe

Cut Flower Gardening - The Basics

by Liesel Vink, Master Gardener Volunteer

As I sit indoors, away from the colder temperatures, I can’t help but get excited at the thought of garden planning and better yet, when the seed catalogues arrive and I dog-ear more pages than I want to admit. I started my own cutting garden a few years ago and now have several gardens full of vibrant, colorful blooms I enjoy from spring through the fall seasons. There is nothing like a summer morning walk in the garden - preferably with coffee - to see what magic happened in the garden since the day before. A plant sprouted! A new bloom!

Starting a cutting garden can seem like a daunting task and though it may seem overwhelming, you can start out small and go from there. In this article, I’ll outline the necessary steps to start your very own cutting garden. The results will be completely worth the time you put into it now and for many years to come.

There are many, many different types of cutting flowers with many varieties. Many are annuals, some are perennials, bulbs, and even shrubs. Let’s focus on what are called, “cut and come again” varieties of annuals. These flowers are grown for the purpose of being cut and used for decorative purposes. These flowers include zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, snapdragons, celosia, gomphrena and many more. Start out with flowers that are an easier lift in the beginning, and then you can try a new variety each year. For this purpose, we will focus on the annuals zinnias (Zinnia elegans), cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) and celosia (Celosia argentea).

Before we can think about the flowers, let’s decide on a spot. Find a relatively flat, sunny spot with at least 8 hours of sunlight per day, with an available water source nearby. Fencing from four-legged browsers is a must. Your cut-flower bed can be by a fence, along a walkway, or in a garden bed. If those places aren’t accessible to you, try a few pots or planters. Is there a community garden nearby? Does a friend have a space in their garden they could share with you?

Now that you have a designated space to create your cutting garden, take a sample of your soil for testing at your local extension (if you’re planting in pots or planters, you can skip this step!). Once you receive the results and amend your soil, you’re ready to prep your beds. Till the area to break up any compacted soil and rake out any debris the ground may have collected over the winter. Plants need healthy soil, so you may need to add a soil amendment like compost on top of your bed. After applying it evenly, water lightly.

Zinnias, cosmos and celosia seeds can be sowed directly into the ground but only after any danger of frost has passed. First find out your hardiness zone, and make sure to read the back of your seed packet to see what timing the manufacturer recommends. The packet should include plant spacing and days to maturity.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) were the very first flowers I tried many years ago and still grow them in my garden today. There are many varieties to choose from and they bloom from late June to mid-September in our area of New York (zone 6a and 6b), so they’re a great beginner flower. That being said, they are prone to powdery mildew (a foliar pathogen that thrives in crowded conditions), so their spacing is important for proper air circulation. Generally, you can sow seeds ¼ inch in depth, spaced 12 inches apart. Always check the seed package: some are taller, some are bushier.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) are by far one of the happiest flowers to grow, but they are also prone to powdery mildew and aphids (a small insect that feeds on plant sap), so again, their spacing is crucial for air circulation. If aphids are found, you can wash them off with a strong stream of water from your hose, release native ladybugs, or use insecticides labeled for use against aphids on zinnias (For suggestions, please email or call our Horticulture Hotline). You can sow the seeds into the ground 9-12 inches apart depending on variety.

Celosia (Celosia argentea) are a great “spike” of color in a bouquet and are a beautiful dried flower. Be sure to sow seeds after any danger of cold weather has passed, as they don’t like being cold and do best in well-drained soil. They are mostly disease and pest resistant, however their stems can rot if drainage is poor. Sow seeds on top of your soil, as they require light for germination. You can sprinkle a bit of soil over the seeds but make sure they can still get light.

Given rain or supplemental watering, and bright sunshine, nature will do the rest. In a few weeks, you will have thriving seedlings! Once the zinnias and cosmos have 3 sets of leaves, pinch them back in order to produce branching. This will initiate the plant to shoot energy up through the stem and thus giving you more blooms. You can do this by using your thumb and index fingers to pinch off the plant.

Now that you have flowers, you can start harvesting them! Try to cut your flowers in the early morning, when it’s still relatively cool, using clean shears and place them in tepid water immediately after harvesting. More tips and tricks can be found here. Changing the vase water will prolong the life of the flowers and provide more time for people to admire your beautiful work!

Resources:
https://libguides.nybg.org/cuttingconditioningflo...
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?p...

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Meet the Pollinators: Flies?

By Jill Eisenstein, Master Gardener Volunteer

What is your first reaction when you see a fly? Shoo it, swat it, move away from it? I had a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in middle school that showed us a graphic close-up video of a fly regurgitating on food; unforgettable. So – annoying at best, repulsive at worst, that describes flies, right? Time for a reset.

Flies are important pollinators. Ubiquitous little creatures, they live in nearly every environment on earth and are second only to bees in terms of importance for pollination. Research indicates they help pollinate more than 100 types of crops and hundreds of species of flowers. One crop you can thank them for is chocolate; a tiny midge (Forcipomyia squamipennis) is the primary pollinator of cacao!

Flies may not have the charm of hummingbirds, the grace of butterflies or the wow factor of giant silk moths, but they bring distinct advantages to the pollinator world. They tolerate a wide range of temperatures and will be out in the rain and wind that might keep bees and butterflies at home. They also tend to forage more widely; with no nests and no young to feed, they have no need to stay close to home.

The flies responsible for pollination in this part of the world are primarily houseflies, blowflies, hoverflies and biting midges. All of them go through complete metamorphosis – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adults become the pollinators, but some flies are garden helpers even in the larval stage. These larvae are predators, feeding on insects such as scales or aphids and some, like tachinid and syrphid flies, help provide biological control of garden pests by parasitizing them.

Flies pollinate plants in ways similar to bees. They visit flowers to drink nectar for energy or get nutrients for sexual maturation; many are hairy and trap pollen on their head and thorax. Like bees, some flies are generalists while some visit specific flowering plants. Researchers at Penn State found the generalists preferred flower species in the Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Apiaceae families.

Two fly families stand out in the pollinator world: syrphid flies (family Syrphidae) and blowflies (family Calliphoridae). According to biologist Romina Radar and colleagues from Australia, New Zealand and the US, the most observed flies on flowers are adult syrphid flies, also known as “flower flies” and sometimes called “bee mimics”. They use their long tongues to drink nectar. Their yellow and black striped bodies mimic bees, but two ways to distinguish them are 1) flies have only one set of wings while bees have two, and 2) the flight pattern of these flies is unique; in fact, it’s what gave them their common name “hoverflies”. There are more than 400 species of hoverflies in the northeastern US alone. Blowflies, on the other hand, are usually metallic looking and noisier in flight. Although some adults seek nectar, blowflies have sponge-like mouthparts and tend to visit flowers that imitate their preferred fare -- rotting meat, dung, blood and carrion.

One of our earliest spring flowers, Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), relies on such carrion flies for pollination and emits a strong putrid odor to attract them. If you visited wetlands in February, you probably observed it had already pushed its stunning curl of deep purple right through snow on the frozen forest floor. These flowers emerged long before most bees had become active, but the flies got there! Later-blooming flowers such as pawpaws (Asimina triloba), Stinking benjamin (Trillium erectum), and Dutchman’s pipe vine (Aristolochia macrophylla) also attract their pollinator flies with putrid odors and meat-like colors. Jack-in-the-pulpit flowers have a fungus-like smell that attracts fungus gnats.

Some researchers have turned toward flies in hopes that they might become another managed pollinator source like honeybees to help with world food supplies. One researcher in Australia is using blowflies to pollinate mango trees and is providing piles of rotting meat to keep the bees in the orchard. The smell is wretched, but said one researcher, at least the flies don’t sting.

Learn more about the Putnam Pollinator Pathway HERE.

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4-H News: Certifications and Collaboration

by Brandy Keenan, 4-H Educator

Jericho Hartley and Tom Hall received their certification as archery instructors from CCE Saratoga’s Winter Training for Shooting Sports.

Jericho is a youth leader for Trailblazers.

Stephanie Morehead, leader of the Sew Much Fun 4-H Sewing Club, recently met with the 4-H Sprouts Cloverbud Club to teach them how to sew. Together, they sewed clovers!

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Women’s History Month: Celebrating Our CCE Roots

compiled by Rachael Paradise, Operations Coordinator

March is Women’s History Month. In celebration, here are a few women who contributed to Cornell University in ways that would later benefit Cornell Cooperative Extensions statewide through their tireless research, innovation and their pursuits to advance their fields of study to improve the world around them and uplift the people they served.

Celestia Josephine “Jessie” Field Shambaugh (21 June 1881 – 15 January 1971) is known as the “Mother of 4-H Clubs.” In 1901, she started after-school clubs while teaching in Iowa. After becoming a school superintendent in 1906, she organized Boys Corn Clubs and Girls Home Clubs in all 130 schools in her district. It was at this time that the clover became the symbol for “Head, Heart, and Hands” in her 3-H Clubs. Later, a fourth leaf was added for “home” (now “health”). The original motto for the clubs was “To Make Our Best Better.” In 1912, the clubs were called 4-H clubs. Two years later, the national 4-H organization was formed.

Martha Van Rensselaer (June 21, 1864 – May 26, 1932) was the founding co-director of the College of Home Economics, which led to the establishment of the New York State College of Human Ecology in Ithaca. In the late 1890s, Van Rensselaer was introduced to Cornell's small agricultural extension program, which was created to educate farmers in the latest scientific advances. She supported this mission but realized there weren’t any such programs for the wives of farmers. In 1900, she was asked to organize an extension program for women in rural areas of New York State. In less than five years, the program enrolled more than 20,000 women across the state. The success of the program led Cornell to offer full-time home economics courses in 1908. Van Rensselaer and Flora Rose were asked to head the Department of Home Economics, which later became the School of Home Economics and then, the College of Human Ecology.

Flora Rose, (October 13, 1874 – July 25, 1959) was a scientist, nutritionist and co-director of the College of Home Economics, which led to the establishment of the New York State College of Human Ecology in Ithaca. In 1905, Rose wrote letters to Stanford and Cornell universities encouraging the coeducational universities to start programs in home economics. Her letter helped convince the Cornell administration to invite her as a lecturer in nutrition in 1907. She and Van Rensselaer were asked to head the Department of Home Economics, which later became the School of Home Economics and then, the College of Human Ecology.

Anna Comstock (September 1, 1854 – August 24, 1930) was an author, illustrator, and educator of natural studies and the first female professor at Cornell University. Comstock often took her students and teachers outdoors to study nature. In 1895, she was appointed to the New York State Committee for the Promotion of Agriculture where she implemented a course on nature for public schools. The program was adopted by the statewide extension service. She then wrote and spoke on behalf of the program, helped train teachers, and prepared classroom materials. In 1897, she taught nature study at Cornell and was the first female professor at the university. She was demoted from assistant professor to lecturer due to university trustees’ opposition to having a woman professor, but was given the position of full professor in 1913. (In 1911, Martha Van Rensselaer and Flora Rose became the first women with full professorships at Cornell.)

Ethel Zoe Bailey (1889-1983) was a botanist and the first curator of the Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University from 1935 to 1957. After earning a degree from Smith College, Bailey worked alongside her father, Liberty Hyde Bailey, at Cornell University. She edited and coauthored several of her father’s works on horticulture. She also compiled and indexed botanical samples from different countries – the Ethel Z. Bailey Horticultural Catalogue Collection. (In 1912, she was also the first woman in Ithaca to earn a driver's license.)

Brina Cattell Kessel (November 20, 1925 – March 1, 2016) was an ornithologist and Cornell graduate. Kessel collected some of the first recordings of bird vocalization at Cornell. She was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1960 and became one of the first women to be named a fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union in 1973. She served as its president from 1992 to 1994.

Flemmie Pansy Kittrell (December 25, 1904 – October 3, 1980) was the first African American to gain a doctorate degree in nutrition, and the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in any subject from Cornell University. Kittrell worked in the U.S. and abroad to improve nutrition especially in low-income areas. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Head Start program in the 1960s. The Cornell Graduate School awards the Turner Kittrell Medal of Honor to alumni who have made significant national or international contributions to the advancement of diversity, inclusion and equity in academia, industry or the public sector.

Cynthia Westcott (June 29, 1898 – March 22, 1983) was an American plant pathologist, author, and expert on roses. After earning a doctorate in plant pathology from Cornell University, Westcott became a "plant doctor," making house calls to her clients' gardens to diagnose and treat problems in roses and ornamentals. She wrote, lectured, and traveled extensively, studying plant diseases. She later developed a chemical treatment in a new class of fungicides and gave lectures to educate the public on its control.

Honorable Mention

While these next to women have no historical connection to Cornell University or CCE, their work in the fields of botany and ornithology need to be mentioned (and celebrated).

Jane Colden (March 27, 1724 – March 10, 1766) was an American botanist. Between 1753 and 1758 Colden catalogued New York's flora, compiling specimens and information on more than 400 species of plants from the lower Hudson River Valley. In addition, she classified her collection according to the system developed by Linnaeus and developed a technique for making ink impressions of leaves. As a skilled illustrator, she created ink drawings of 340 species of plants.

Phoebe Snetsinger (June 9, 1931 – November 23, 1999) was an American birder famous for having seen and documented 8,398 different species of birds, more than anyone else in history at the time, and was the first person to see more than 8,000 species worldwide. She began this hefty endeavor after receiving a cancer diagnosis at 50 years old. She traveled the world, often to remote and dangerous locations, in her 18-year quest. She died in a vehicle accident while birding in Madagascar.

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Avian Influenza Alert: Protecting Your Backyard Flock

submitted by Ruby Koch-Fienberg, Ag and Food Systems Coordinator

Understanding the Current Crisis

Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain H5N1 has been circulating nationwide since February 2022. Here in New York State alone, 37 domestic flocks have been affected, with 35 of those being backyard operations (USDA, 2022-2024).

This highly contagious virus poses a significant threat to all poultry, regardless of flock size or species. While the disease primarily circulates in wild waterfowl populations, it can rapidly spread to domestic birds with devastating consequences. Understanding this disease and implementing proper biosecurity measures are essential for protecting your backyard flock.

How HPAI Spreads

The virus lives in birds' respiratory and intestinal tracts, spreading through multiple pathways. Direct contact with infected feces or contaminated surfaces presents the primary risk. The virus can also travel on infected feed, clothing, equipment, and even be transported by other animals like rodents and insects. Most concerning for backyard flocks is transmission through contact with wild birds, particularly waterfowl, which may carry the virus without showing symptoms (USDA APHIS, 2022-2024).

Once introduced to your property, HPAI spreads extremely quickly between birds. In many cases, the majority of a flock can perish within 48 hours of symptoms first appearing. The incubation period ranges from 7-14 days, meaning infected birds can spread the virus before showing signs of illness.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Being able to identify symptoms quickly is crucial. While waterfowl may carry the virus asymptomatically, chickens and other poultry typically exhibit severe reactions. Watch for these warning signs:

• Sudden deaths without obvious explanation
• Significant drop in energy levels and appetite
• Decreased egg production or abnormal eggs (soft-shelled, misshapen)
• Swelling of the head, comb, eyelids, wattles, and hocks

• Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs

• Respiratory symptoms including nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing
• Poor coordination and balance
• Diarrhea

The hallmark of HPAI is unexplained mass mortality. If you experience large numbers of deaths without obvious causes like predation or extreme weather, you should immediately report your concerns.

What to Do If You Suspect HPAI

If you observe suspicious symptoms or unexplained deaths in your flock, report immediately to:

• NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets: 518-457-3502
• USDA: 866-536-7593
• Your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office

A field veterinarian will evaluate your flock and collect samples for testing. While awaiting results (typically within 24 hours), you'll need to restrict movement of birds and poultry products from your property. If tests confirm HPAI, all birds on your property will be humanely euthanized within 24 hours to prevent further spread.

Protecting Your Flock

Prevention remains your strongest defense:

• Prevent contact between wild birds and your flock
• Use dedicated footwear and clothing for bird care
• Clean and disinfect equipment regularly
• Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock
• Restrict visitor access to your birds
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds

While the presence of HPAI requires heightened vigilance, there's no need for panic. With proper biosecurity practices and prompt reporting of suspicious symptoms, you can significantly reduce the risk to your backyard flock.

References:

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. (2025). Avian Influenza FAQS

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). (2022-2024). Avian Influenza Information.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. (2022-2024). Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response.

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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With a Recipe

from SNAP-Ed, submitted by Josephine Quiocho, Nutrition Educator

Shepherd’s Pie

This shepherd's pie recipe is a twist on the classic comfort food. Using frozen veggies helps you get it on the dinner table quickly.

Ingredients

• 2 potatoes, large with skin, diced
• 1/3 cup milk, skim
• 1/2 pound ground turkey, 85% lean
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 package frozen mixed vegetables (10 ounces)
• 1 can vegetable broth, low sodium (14.5 ounces)
• shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Place diced potatoes in saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer (about 15 minutes).
2. Drain potatoes and mash. Stir in milk and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 375 °F.
4. Brown turkey in a large skillet. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add vegetables and broth. Bring to a slow boil.
6. Spoon vegetable-meat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread potatoes over mixture. Bake 25 minutes.
7. Serve hot. Garnish with shredded cheese (optional).

Source: www.myplate.gov

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Last updated March 4, 2025