Hi there, Ciscoe. A few street tree Butterfly Magnolias growing in a planting strip next to a City Light facility are showing signs of a disease. I’m stumped as to what is causing this problem. Any ideas? Many thanks!  HEIDI

                                      Hosta

Those in B.C. and throughout Canada who often travel south of the border with their dog by land, sea or air will soon have to follow new rules set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Starting Aug. 1, 2024, all canines, including service dogs, will have to appear healthy, be at least six months old and be microchipped when entering the U.S., according to the CDC.

In addition to the already required forms, the organization says dogs must also have a CDC Dog Import Form, which can be filled out online starting July 15.

Dr. Danny Joffe, a Calgary veterinarian and vice president of medical operations at VCA Canada Animal Hospitals, says a microchip and implanting it can cost between $100 to $150. This procedure can be done at a vet clinic or hospital.

He’s encouraging dog owners to carefully review the CDC website to ensure they have all the relevant information and requirements for their dog to travel.

The CDC says extra documentation may be needed based on where the dog has been in the last six months and whether or not it received its rabies vaccine in the U.S.

That’s because dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies must be protected against the disease, according to the organization. Canada is not considered high risk, however, the CDC says the new rules still apply to Canadians and come in an effort to help protect the health and safety of people and pets.

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IN OTHER NEWS

A high school teacher in British Columbia had their teaching certificate cancelled and is unable to reapply for 15 years for kissing a vulnerable student in 2022.

The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation says the contact occurred on July 4, 2022, the day of the student’s high school graduation, at the former teacher’s home.

The teacher’s adult children were having a party at the home that night, which included some university-aged attendees drinking alcohol.

The student, who the teacher had taught, was at the party and was not of legal drinking age, but had consumed alcohol at the party.

Don’t be alarmed when you receive an emergency alert on your cell phone tomorrow.  All cell phones, radios and television sets across the nation tomorrow will be receiving the test alert.  It’s a test of the national Integrated Public Alert and Warning System – known as IPAWS.  The message on your phone will read: THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” 

FEMA – the Federal Emergency Management Agency – says the test is being done to help ensure that Wireless Emergency alerts (WEA) for cell phones and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for radios and TVs continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

The WEA test will be sent to all consumer cell phones. The message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

"All major U.S. wireless providers participate in Wireless Emergency Alerts and will transmit the national test to their subscribers," according to FEMA. "If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. 

Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once."

The EAS Emergency Alert System portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. The test is set for 11:20AM Pacific Time tomorrow.

FEMA says it’s a standard test that occurs at least once every three years.

I am a long time fan and met you years ago at the nursery in Medina just off 520. I am a gardener and am hydrangea crazy, nothing beats a plant that comes back beautiful every year. Not sure whether I bought the attached hydrangea at Swansons near us or at the grocery store in the winter, have done both. I’m 77 and this plant will be heavy.  How far can I cut it back to replant/repot to make it less heavy? Any hydrangea replanting advice you can provide will be much appreciated, I have more hydrangeas to address. Thank you for your guidance over the years. David

My two year old Cherokee Chief dogwood has, from infancy, fought anthracnose according to county experts. I sprayed it according to recommendations to no avail. Will this be an attempt in futility if I don't pull off every affected leaf throughout it's life. Here are two photos of leaves. Could the problem be something else entirely that won't cause so much grief? Thanks! Jeff and Rhondaa

Can you give me some advice on dividing it? 

And, will it be ok to do it this fall? 

It usually blooms again in December or January (indoors). Thank you so much. I love your show and am a loyal listener.  Michele from Whidbey Island   

P.S. What do you get when you cross a rhino with an elephant?         Answer:   "Elephino"

Hi Ciscoe & Sassy Susan, I’m embarrassed to send this photo…my Stewartia is well established, 10+years, but over the past 5 years it comes on beautifully in the Spring and then by late June the leaves turn rust colored and dry out…regardless of how often I water. My question is whether this is from drought, disease, deficiency, sunburn or bad mothering?! Your friend in Anacortes, Margaret

With continued dry weather and concerns about increasing wildfire danger across the region and on the peninsula, Clallam County Fire District 3 is continuing to remind residents that a total ban on any outdoor burning is in effect.  The ban applies to all outdoor burning except recreational fires unless further banned by extreme weather conditions. As a result, Fire District 3 officials say they have been fielding a lot of calls from residents regarding the interpretation of the burn ban rules.  Reaching out to County Fire Marshall George Baily for clarification, they have been advised self-contained Traeger style smokers are permitted, but briquette and wood bar-b-ques are not, Only propone BBQs are allowed.  Permitted propane fire pits are also allowed. The Fire Marshall also says western Clallam County – which is anywhere west of the Elwha River – is currently considered to be at the High Fire Danger level. The East side of Clallam County is now listed at Extreme High Fire Danger.  So, even if using one of those propane BBQs or fire pits, the fire district is reminding residents to be extra careful.

In the meantime, wildfire smoke is continuing to plague areas around western Washington. Forecasters say widespread haze is expected to continue across our region today through tomorrow.

Hello! This rhododendron is getting yellow leaves with brown edges.  Should I remove those leaves, and how should I treat this? I water regularly, it gets lots of afternoon sun and the soil may not be draining that well. We recently dug up all the grass and are starting a garden in this area.  This rhodie was planted last fall.  Also should the wood chips go right up to the plant or do I need to leave some space around it ? Thank you!  Nora