Landscape Message: Jun 17, 2016 From the Southeast Region (Hanson) report: "Pests/Problems: The “big story in town” this week is about Gypsy moth caterpillars, which are in 4th and mostly 5th instars. These late instar caterpillars are feeding heavily and the resulting frass or “insect poop” can be heard falling in those areas where caterpillar populations are high. In some areas the caterpillars have done a good job defoliating oak and apple trees that were spared by winter moth caterpillars. There are reports of heavy feeding in areas of Carver, Plymouth, Kingston, Middleboro, etc. There are also reports of a very few “sick” and dying caterpillars but not enough to make a difference. We really need rain for soil moisture for plants and also to activate the fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga. (See Tawny Simisky’s report in the Insect Section of the Landscape message)." SOUTHEAST REGION - Deborah Swanson, UMass Extension Horticulturist for Plymouth County - Retired, reporting from Hanson.

Landscape Message: Jul 1, 2016 And, since I'm sick of posting information on gypsy moth caterpillars and other nasties, here is something positive from the Landscape Message.

Landscape Message: Jul 29, 2016

And for those of you who don't live in Massachusetts: