Farm & Ranch

The Garden Guy – ColorMax Violas Are Showstoppers

Published

6 years ago

October 4, 2018

NTFR

By Norman Winter

When October rolls around, so does one of our best times to plant flowers for the long, cool season ahead. The first that comes to mind is pansies or violas. Make no mistake about it – if you have ever felt like a viola couldn’t dazzle like a pansy, then you haven’t tried ColorMax.

ColorMax is a relatively new series of viola coming to us from Sakata Seed that has completely shocked me with its flower power. It really is color to the max with these violas. Those in the North Texas Farm and Ranch area will love the terrific performance.

I am the ultimate pansy and viola lover, almost to the point of saying, “I have never seen one I didn’t like.” I love clear ones, those with blotches, those with whiskers as well as their fragrance. To me there is nothing not to love about pansies and violas.

ColorMax comes in 10 colors and a mix, and it’s hard to pick out a favorite. The clear yellow is so prolific I would hardly be exaggerating when I say it can be seen from a mile away. Just think, I am saying that about violas and not giant or mammoth-sized pansies. Speaking of giant, Sakata is the same company that brings us the Majestic Giant.

Icy Blue, Popcorn and Lemon Splash are also must-have plants in your cool-season landscape. While these flowers are larger than many other viola selections, the quantity of blossoms is amazing. As you might expect, the plants reach six to eight inches tall with a spread of about 10 inches.

ColorMax violas are very cold tolerant and transplant to the garden with ease.

Select a site in full sun or partial shade with organically rich soil. If organic rich and fertile doesn’t sound like your soil, don’t fret. Over the past 20 years, most gardeners I have talked to are plagued with a tight clay or heavy soil. Clay particles are the smallest of all soils. Because of their small size, they are easier to compact, keeping out not only water but also air.

To read more pick up a copy of the October 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2024

NTFR

By Barry Whitworth, DVM

Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.

Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.

The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.

To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.