Pear Rust in Ohio?

We are all used to seeing cedar apple rust, cedar hawthorn rust and cedar quince rust fungi on their dual hosts of junipers and Rosaceous hosts such as apple, crabapple, the occasional quince, and perhaps serviceberry in Ohio. I was much surprised to see what I think are Callery pear trees speckled with bright orange-red rust symptoms in German Village in Columbus this past week, however.  MoreStory

Poison Hemlock Towers Over Infested Fields and Landscapes in Southern Ohio

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is among the most deadly plants in North America.  This non-native invasive weed contains highly toxic piperidine alkaloid compounds, including coniine and gamma-coniceine, which cause respiratory failure and death when ingested by mammals.  The roots are more toxic than the leaves and stems; however, all parts of the plant including the seeds should be considered dangerous.  It is a common misconception that poison hemlock sap will cause skin rashes and blisters.  In fact, poison hemlock toxins must be ingested or enter through the eyes, cuts, or other openings to cause poisoning.  SEE MORE

Valley Dale Ballroom Reopens with Help by Made From Scratch Catering Firm

After spending the better part of 2015 closed, the historic Valley Dale Ballroom on Sunbury Road is scheduled to reopen this month under the control of new management. Locally based catering and event firm Made From Scratch will be taking over the day to day operations, following the completion of renovations to the main ballroom.

REST OF THE STORY 

Valley Dale Ballroom Reopens with Help by Made From Scratch Catering Firm

After spending the better part of 2015 closed, the historic Valley Dale Ballroom on Sunbury Road is scheduled to reopen this month under the control of new management. Locally based catering and event firm Made From Scratch will be taking over the day to day operations, following the completion of renovations to the main ballroom.

REST OF THE STORY 

Installing Public Restrooms Downtown

Public toilets are not something people like to talk about, but resulting problems from the absence of proper facilities cause real problems in urban centers. Columbus is no exception, and a pilot program is being planned to bring public restrooms downtown. See Full Story Here

Installing Public Restrooms Downtown

Public toilets are not something people like to talk about, but resulting problems from the absence of proper facilities cause real problems in urban centers. Columbus is no exception, and a pilot program is being planned to bring public restrooms downtown. See Full Story Here

City of Columbus Announces Plans to Plant 300,000 New Trees by 2020

When it comes to urban revitalization, there are many different ways to go about building (or rebuilding) a community. Nearly every idea comes with its share of proponents and detractors, with some ideas being more controversial than others. But there’s one form of community enhancement that few people would argue is problematic for a neighborhood: planting trees.

Lots of Trees for CMH 

City of Columbus Announces Plans to Plant 300,000 New Trees by 2020

When it comes to urban revitalization, there are many different ways to go about building (or rebuilding) a community. Nearly every idea comes with its share of proponents and detractors, with some ideas being more controversial than others. But there’s one form of community enhancement that few people would argue is problematic for a neighborhood: planting trees.

Lots of Trees for CMH 

Tree Leaves Dropping Early Means...What?

The calls have begun to come into the Extension offices from concerned citizens, regarding their trees which are dropping leaves.  Most of the concerns for the trees center on these leaf losses and whether or not the trees are dying.  While there is no direct correlation between early leaf loss or coloration and tree death, it may suggest that there are stress factors which are impacting that tree.

SEE FULL STORY

Tree Leaves Dropping Early Means...What?

The calls have begun to come into the Extension offices from concerned citizens, regarding their trees which are dropping leaves.  Most of the concerns for the trees center on these leaf losses and whether or not the trees are dying.  While there is no direct correlation between early leaf loss or coloration and tree death, it may suggest that there are stress factors which are impacting that tree.

SEE FULL STORY

zucchini or summer squash bright spots for this season.

In central Ohio, gardeners are having a bumper crop and the plants are continuing to produce.  There are four groups of summer squash: zucchini, yellow summer squash, patty pan and Cousa or Mideast.

See More Of Squash

zucchini or summer squash bright spots for this season.

In central Ohio, gardeners are having a bumper crop and the plants are continuing to produce.  There are four groups of summer squash: zucchini, yellow summer squash, patty pan and Cousa or Mideast.

See More Of Squash

Weed - Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

The delicate blue flower seen along roadsides, pastures, and meadows announcing summers arrival is Common Chicory.

See The Whole Story Here 

Weed - Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

The delicate blue flower seen along roadsides, pastures, and meadows announcing summers arrival is Common Chicory.

See The Whole Story Here 

Columbus Named 15th Hottest Real Estate Market in US

If you’ve bought a home (or attempted to buy a home) in recent months, then you’ve probably already realized that the local housing market has heated back up quite a bit here in Central Ohio. Realtor.com confirmed that in a recent evaluation of the top housing markets in the US, where Columbus clocked in at number 15 on the list. The analysis on home sale data from June shows that national median list pricing is up 7% from 2014, and median days on market is down 7% from 2014.

The Full Story Is Here

Columbus Named 15th Hottest Real Estate Market in US

If you’ve bought a home (or attempted to buy a home) in recent months, then you’ve probably already realized that the local housing market has heated back up quite a bit here in Central Ohio. Realtor.com confirmed that in a recent evaluation of the top housing markets in the US, where Columbus clocked in at number 15 on the list. The analysis on home sale data from June shows that national median list pricing is up 7% from 2014, and median days on market is down 7% from 2014.

The Full Story Is Here

Next: What Will Columbus Look Like in 2044?

The June 18 Columbus Futurists monthly forum will explore the future of Columbus in 2044, the trends that will shape the city and our visions for what the city will look like in thirty years. Here’s one of the ideas I will suggest:

Link to Story Here

Next: What Will Columbus Look Like in 2044?

The June 18 Columbus Futurists monthly forum will explore the future of Columbus in 2044, the trends that will shape the city and our visions for what the city will look like in thirty years. Here’s one of the ideas I will suggest:

Link to Story Here

American Cottage Gardens are Popular

Inside the home, decorating trends suggest mixing antiques with contemporary furniture, blending fabrics and patterns, and combining styles for an eclectic atmosphere. The same trend is also growing in popularity for outside of the home.  See More

American Cottage Gardens are Popular

Inside the home, decorating trends suggest mixing antiques with contemporary furniture, blending fabrics and patterns, and combining styles for an eclectic atmosphere. The same trend is also growing in popularity for outside of the home.  See More