🐞Diagnostics and Discoveries at Johnson’s Nursery

Field Trip Fridays
Written By Kelly Vendetti

On April 24th, Master Gardener volunteers headed to Johnson’s Nursery and Gardens in Willard. A big thank you to Anne and Gayle for organizing this Field Trip Friday—great fun was had by all!

Guided by Karen, we explored a wide range of plants, including new trial selections alongside tried-and-true favorites. Much like our own gardens, their approach is simple and effective: showcase what thrives in our region and learn from what doesn’t.

Taylor had the chance to practice diagnostics in front of a crowd today when we spotted granulate ambrosia beetle damage on a Japanese maple! You might’ve noticed a two liter bottle fixated on a fence post by the pad. That is actually a granulate ambrosia beetle trap that I am monitoring for a state wide pest alert program! As the southern most county in the state we are often the first stop for nursery pests and our garden/pad is a great place to monitor for them! 

After the tour, we had time to browse the garden center before heading to Mad Boar Restaurant and Pub for a relaxed and well-earned lunch together.

Close-up of a tree trunk showing numerous small bore holes and signs of granulate ambrosia beetle damage, with gardeners standing nearby observing the affected area in a mulched landscape bed.

Can you spot the signs of granulate ambrosia beetle damage?

tour guide demonstrates a variety of flowering plants arranged in large container pots, with participants observing in a sunny demonstration garden setting.
Master Gardeners gather along a landscaped garden bed, closely examining blooming flowers and plantings during a sunny Field Trip Friday visit to a nursery demonstration garden.
Group of Master Gardeners smiling and posing together beneath a large, spreading tree with cascading green foliage, gathered in dappled sunlight during a Field Trip Friday visit.
Kelly Vendetti
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