The beautiful Italianate building that sits on the corner of Main and High Streets in Lancaster, Ohio, has housed our Fairfield County Auditor’s Office since 2020. The original building dates back to around 1837 as a private home. Over a hundred years later, it became a public building and has housed numerous businesses including the Health Department, Board of Education and Sheriff’s Office.  In 2019, was extensively renovated, expanded and upgraded to meet the needs of Fairfield County.

Our current county auditor, Carri L. Brown, PhD, MBA, CGFM, contacted the Fairfield County Master Gardner program in 2022 regarding planting perennials on the grounds. At that time, we discussed native plants and trees, ongoing garden maintenance, public education of the project, radiant heat from the surrounding asphalt and the building, pollution from the constant traffic, safety of pollinators and the public — all while considering the building’s design and history.

Very soon these garden beds will be filled with Pollinator Plants for all to enjoy while traveling Main Street in Lancaster

Early in 2023, we revisited the project and came up with an action plan with input from other master gardeners. We were able to enjoin a local garden expert who could do the “heavy lifting” of creating the garden beds, augment the soil and get the selected plants into the ground. That addressed a major concern which paved the way for implementing our plan. Plants had to be able to tolerate the environment created around the building. We kept the current boxwoods at the entry way and added more along the west side of the building to provide continuity in that line of sight.  We added some splashes of color with hydrangeas and colorful spirea.  The pollinators will be happy with the catmint, cranesbill, allium, rudbeckia and sedum. Karl Forester grasses were added at the ADA entrance to provide softening of the railings.

The Auditor’s Office building is on the Fairfield County Heritage Tour which is scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2023. While the gardens are not part of the tour, everyone is welcome to come take a look at our newest project.  The grounds are always open to the public.

For a more detailed history on this building, go to https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/auditor/timelime.html.

– Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension

The Northern house mosquito has been reported in every Ohio county and spreads many deadly and life-altering diseases. Photo: M.E. Meuti

Mosquito activity is greatest during the months of May through October in Ohio. Mosquitoes are more than just annoying flying bugs. They can be transmitters of dangerous diseases of humans and animals. Globally, the mosquito is the vector of diseases that kill 700 thousand to one million people annually. The most prevalent cause of mosquito related deaths is malaria. While malaria has been eliminated from the United States since the 1950s, there are several other diseases that the Ohio Department of Health tracks and works to suppress including eastern equine encephalitis virus, La Crosse virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. Of the 59 mosquito species that inhabit Ohio, only five transmit human diseases. Occurrences of mosquito-borne disease varies drastically year to year and regionally depending on the weather.

Rainy and warm conditions are prime for mosquito development.  Mosquitoes breed in still water. Anything that can hold water can be a mosquito breeding site if Continue reading →

– Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension

Photo: Ag Safety S.T.A.T.

With the welcome of spring comes lush green grass in lawns across America. So, tis the season to fire up the lawn mower. For some, mowing the lawn is a necessary chore and for others, a welcomed excuse to spend time outside. For all parties it is a task that requires keen awareness and good judgement.

If you have never accidently struck a stick, rock, or toy left out on the lawn with your mower, count yourself in the minority. Even if you meticulously scout your lawn for hazards before you mow, you can’t be sure that they’ve been eliminated. An item struck by a mower blade can be flung out the shoot before you even knew you hit it, which can cause damage to your home or worse, an unsuspecting bystander. Accidents with mowers can happen in a split second and sadly, they are not a Continue reading →