Consumer Q's for August 30, 2007
Contact: Teresa Jenkins
(404) 656-3645
1-800-282-5852 
CONSUMER Q’s
Prepared by the
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852
Consumer Recall: Allergen Alert Walnuts Death by Chocolate cookies recalled.
Bella Cucina of
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” Irvin said.
The cookies -- with a three-month shelf life -- were sold in six-ounce bags with a sleeve label in retail stores. In
The cookies being recalled were made on June 14, 2007 and also July 5, 2007. The UPC code on the bag is 19193 00020.
Consumers should contact Bella Cucina directly at 678-539-8400 for a refund or a replacement.
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I recently had my dogs vaccinated for rabies at two different veterinarians. One issued a one year tag and the other issued a three year tag. Should the veterinarian that issued a one year tag have issued a three year tag?
The Georgia Department of Agriculture accepts both one and three year certificates on dogs entering our state. The length of time depends on the manufacturer’s requirement for that particular product.
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What plants are dangerous to dogs?
Some of the deadliest plants and flowers include dieffenbachia, mistletoe, poinsettias, laurel, rhododendrons, azaleas, daphne, lantanas, holly, delphiniums, foxglove, irises, lilies of the valley, amaryllis, morning glories, and daffodils. The bulbs of daffodils, narcissus, and jonquils trigger severe gastroenteritis; hyacinth bulbs cause trembling and convulsions. Avocado leaves and unripe stems, rhubarb leaves, spinach leaves and tomato vines, stems and leaves can also be harmful.
Regional Reminders from the National Gardening Association:
Start Sowing Lettuce
Get a head start on your fall lettuce crop by sowing seed indoors. Seeds will germinate better in cooler indoor temperatures than in hot summer soil. Plan to transplant seedlings into the gardens when the first one or two true leaves appear. You may want to provide some afternoon shade for several weeks.
Divide Daisies
Shasta daisies often persist through winter as a dark green ground cover in our area. This doubles their value in the landscape. Now is a good time to dig and divide crowded clumps. Dig the whole clump and divide it into equal sections. Fall division leads to better leaf growth in winter, followed by heavy flowering next spring.
Sow Biennials
Indoors, start seeds of biennial flowers, such as foxglove, hollyhock, Siberian wallflower, and lunaria (also known as money plant). When set out in mid autumn, these short-lived perennials and biennials will bloom the following spring. If the weather is kind to them, they will continue to grow for another few years before dying off.
Root Cuttings
Take cuttings of favorite geraniums and any other "annual" flowers that you want to overwinter for replanting next year. Several popular bedding plants are perennial in warm climates and can be brought indoors as houseplants. Geraniums are one of the most commonly overwintered "annuals."
Organize Seeds
Store leftover seeds in tightly sealed glass jars in a cool, dark place. In the garden, collect seeds from flowers such as coneflowers and rudbeckia, and either replant immediately or place in jars for storage. You can also allow the plants to drop their seeds naturally, then plan to transplant new plants next spring.
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I have a place in my yard for a flowering tree. Which ones grow best in
I would suggest that you check with your county extension agent and determine which, if any, of the following trees would be best suited for your area.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): The flowers appear before the leaves, so there's nothing to hide their splendor
Purple-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'): Gorgeous, pale pink spring flowers and attractive reddish purple foliage.
Japanese cherry. Known for its abundant spring flower show, (Prunus serrulata) grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet with a slightly narrower spread.
Dogwood. Flowering dogwood (Cornus
Fringe tree. In late spring the showy blooms of fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) cascade down like an old man's beard, hence its other common name: "old man's beard." Its striking, sweetly scented flowers more than make up for this possible shortcoming in height.
Stewartia. Reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet, stewartias bloom over a long period in early summer. It presents an attractive bark and good fall color. Tall stewartia (Stewartia monadelpha) is the best variety for hot-summer areas.
Little Gem Magnolia. A dwarf variety of southern magnolia, (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem') is more uprightandcompact. The tree bears abundant small, white flowers in early to midsummer, with additional blooms later in the growing season.
Rose of Sharon. (Hibiscus syriacus) is a multistemmed shrub, but it can be pruned to a small single trunk and is readily found in tree form at nurseries. Valued for its huge, 4-inch-wide flowers and long flowering period, it brightens the late summer to fall garden.
Autumn-blooming Higan cherry. (Prunus subhirtella) put on their best flower show in spring. The variety 'Autumnalis' also blooms sporadically in fall and even during mild spells in winter.
Hybrid witchhazel. One of a handful of plants that bloom in winter, hybrid witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) is a must-have in the winter garden. Flower colors range from yellow to red, depending on cultivar.
For more information on these trees please contact the office of Consumer Services.
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If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture write the Consumer Services office, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Room 224, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, or call (404)656-3645 (Atlanta metro area) or toll free, (1-800) 282-5852 (statewide).
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