We continue to get many questions from homeowners concerning spots on the leaves of their trees, shrubs, vegetable plants and in their lawns.

These foliage diseases show up mostly as tan, brown or black spots varying in size, shape and number on plant leaves.

The frequent rains and high humidity of summer provided ideal conditions for foliage disease development in our lawns, landscapes and gardens.

Most fungal diseases are dependent on moisture, especially foliage or leaf spot diseases. They are mostly spread by microscopic airborne spores that require moisture to germinate, infect and colonize our plants.

Many fungal leaf spot diseases require a 12- to 14-hour period of uninterrupted wetness.

A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension fact sheet on gray leaf spot of St. Augustinegrass states, "Warm rainy spells from May through September commonly produce extended periods (12 hours and greater) of leaf wetness and relative humidity greater than 95 percent. During these periods, turfgrass leaf blades can remain wet and air temperatures often hover between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Environmental conditions such as these are ideal for the pathogen growth, infection and colonization of St. Augustinegrass."

Leaf spot diseases of vegetables, trees and shrubs follow this same scenario. With higher humidity and frequent rains come diseased leaves.

This wet weather promotes foliage and fruit rot diseases on vegetables too. It's best to remove and dispose of diseased, worn-out vegetable plants as they succumb to summer's heat, frequent rains and diseases.

Not all plants are equally susceptible to foliage diseases. It's wise to learn the landscape and garden plants that are likely to experience disease problems as a result of our wet summer weather here in Florida.

A fungicide spray program can be used to prevent and reduce many of these diseases, but it needs to begin ahead of the symptoms to be effective.

Frequent rains can make it a challenge to apply a fungicide in a timely manner. There are also cultural practices that can be helpful in managing some of these diseases.

Not all leaf spot diseases are serious. If you need help identifying or controlling a foliage disease, contact the University of Florida Extension Office in your county. The Crestview office is at 3098 Airport Road (689-5850).

Larry Williams is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Spotted leaves in lawn, landscape and garden is common

Why is common sense not so common anymore? What has happened to it? Where did it go?

Why are good manners not readily seen or utilized very much anymore? What has happened to them? Where did they go?

I'm not sure, but common sense and good manners seem to have faded away to near nonexistence.

Is it not simply common sense to not text while you are driving?

Is it not common sense to not drive a vehicle when inebriated?

It is not common sense to not pick a fight with someone who is larger and stronger than you?

When did it become uncommon to hold a door open for someone entering a store behind you, or opening one for a person coming out of a store?

When did it become uncommon to say "thank you" to someone who did something kind?

I think it is a shame that so many of the niceties people used to exhibit toward one another have gone by the wayside. In their place now is a myopic view of life — "What's in it for me?" or "I don't care what you need or think."

That's kind of what it comes down to, isn't it? Not caring — unless of course "my" life is interrupted or injured in some fashion or other. Then a person will raise a ruckus.

For one, I am glad God does not treat us the way we treat one another. Yes, God more than likely gets greatly disappointed with some of our actions and attitudes. He probably gets distressed by letting us endure the consequences of our own actions.

But God never turns his back on us. God never gives up on us. God never stops loving us and hoping our behaviors will turn toward the better. God keeps encouraging us to do better, to walk more solidly in his ways, to follow the kind of lifestyle that is one of kindness, generosity, forgiveness and grace.

Here is my challenge to you. Today, hold open the door for a person entering a store or building after you, or open it for a person coming out. Wish them a good day in the process.

If someone does an act of kindness toward you, say "thank you" with all sincerity. If someone offends you or cuts you off in traffic, remain calm and refrain from a caustic remark, and say a quiet prayer for the other person and for yourself.

The more of us who do this, the more others may follow suit, and God will be pleased.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

"For one, I am glad God does not treat us the way we treat one another."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Focus on expressing kindness to others

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And "awareness" is an appropriate designation, because many people remain unaware of the many ways in which life insurance can help families meet their key financial goals. Here are three of the biggest of these objectives, as seen through the eyes of a hypothetical couple, Jim and Joan:

Pay off mortgage — Jim and Joan have a 30-year mortgage. If one of them dies well before that mortgage is paid off, could the other one afford to keep making payments to remain in the house with the children? It might be quite difficult — many families absolutely need two incomes to pay a mortgage, along with all the other costs of living. At the very least, the death of either Jim or Joan would likely put an enormous financial strain on the surviving spouse. But with the proceeds of a life insurance policy, the survivor could continue making the house payments—or possibly even pay the mortgage off completely, depending on the size of the policy and other financial considerations.

Educate children — Higher education is important to Jim and Joan, and they'd like to see both of their young children eventually go to college. Of course, college is expensive: For the 2016-17 school year, the average cost (tuition, fees, room and board) was about $20,000 for in-state students at public universities and more than $45,000 for private schools, according to the College Board. And these costs are likely to continue climbing. Jim and Joan have started putting money away in a tax-advantaged 529 savings plan, but if something were to happen to one of them, the surviving spouse might be hard pressed to continue these savings at the same level — or at any level. But the proceeds of a life insurance death benefit could be enough to fund some, or perhaps all, of the college costs for Jim and Joan's children.

Provide for family's future — Jim and Joan's future income is their most valuable asset as they continue working. However, an unexpected death could leave this dual-income family with a single income that may not cover all financial obligations and retirement contributions — or even preserve the family's current lifestyle. Life insurance could help cover these needs. Plus, the death benefit to the family may be tax-free.

Clearly, a life insurance policy could allow Jim or Joan to continue on with life, despite, of course, the devastating emotional loss of a partner. But how much insurance should they own? You might read that most people need a death benefit of seven to 10 times their annual income. This might be a good starting point, but everyone's situation is different. You should consider all factors — including liabilities, income replacement, final expenses and education — to get an accurate picture of how much insurance is appropriate. A financial professional can help you with this calculation.

During Life Insurance Awareness Month, take some to time review your insurance situation. You may already have some life insurance, but it's a good idea to review your coverage to make certain the amount and type of insurance is still appropriate for your needs. As we've seen, the right coverage can make a huge difference in the lives of your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Protect 3 key goals with life insurance

Being prepared for a storm doesn’t just mean getting through it.

After a storm you must deal with the aftermath, and in order to do that, it is essential to have important documents on hand.

That paperwork should include:

•deeds

•rental agreements

•medical and home insurance policies

•prescription information

•birth, death, and marriage certificates

•passports

•driver’s licenses

•stocks and bonds

These are all necessary documents you may need in order to begin the “clean-up” process.

These documents should be kept in a safe place, such as a lock box or safe, in the event you need to grab and go. There may be no time to collect documents before a storm hits housing.

Original documents should be kept in a waterproof container. This can be as simple as a sealed bag. Copies can be backed up onto a CD or DVD, removable drive, or stored on an online back-up drive. It may be a good idea to give an additional copy to a trusted family member or relative for safe keeping. Safe deposits are another option, but usually have a fee associated with them. Still, it's a small price to pay.

In addition to securing your financial documents, don’t forget to also collect at least three days’ worth of the following basic items for storm survival:

•water — a minimum of one gallon per person per day

•food — canned foods that require little or no cooking are ideal

•manual can opener

•bedding

•clothing and rain gear

•equipment for the elderly or special needs residents

•first aid kit and medications

•toiletries — toilet paper, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer etc…

•radio and extra batteries

•telephones — keep fully charged, and an extra battery on hand.

•cash — ATMs or credit card machines may not be in working order

•flashlight

•pet food, leashes, carriers,etc.

•books or games for the kids

Contact me, Jill Breslawski, at 689-5850 or jbreslawski@ufl.edu, or visit http://bit.ly/ifashurricaneprep for more detailed information.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Don't be caught off guard — storm preparation tips

We have been very fortunate in Northwest Florida to have no major hurricanes for the past 10 years. Things have changed this year and we are being hit with two hurricanes back to back, Irma and Jose.

By the time you read this article, Irma will have undoubtedly hit and Jose will be upon us. It is always good to be prepared.

Some of these tips should be done as soon as a hurricane is forming across the Atlantic.

•Have an evacuation plan. Know where you will go. Have phone numbers available to hotels in the area you wish to evacuate to and make reservations.

•Make sure your homeowner's insurance is up to date.

•Have full tanks of gas in your cars.

•Have some cash handy.

•Have your cell phone chargers in a bag ready to go. Keep your phones charged.

•Have your essential papers in a waterproof zippered bag: insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, banking information, the deed to your home, etc.

•Have plenty of bottled water. The rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per person and per pet each day.

•Have plenty of pet food, whether you stay home or evacuate.

•Have canned food for your family and a hand-operated can opener.

•Have a small propane stove and plenty of propane to cook food.

•Have diapers, formula and baby food on hand for your little ones.

•Have working flashlights and plenty of batteries.

•Fill your bathtubs with water for washing and flushing.

•Have your prescriptions filled and in zippered bags for easy transporting.

•Take your jewelry, cameras and other valuables with you.

•If you are told to evacuate, take your kids and pets and leave. It is for your safety.

•Never leave your pets behind. They cannot fend for themselves.

Once the storm has passed, you may wish to volunteer to help those who are displaced by the storm. People will be needed to pass out supplies, prepare and serve food, feed pets and so on.

Many churches will need volunteers to deal with those in need, so be compassionate.

Remember, but for the grace of God we could be in that situation.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Include evacuation plans, pets in hurricane preparations

Richard Hoefler's book "Will Daylight Come" includes a little story.

In the story, a little boy visiting his grandparents used his first slingshot. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit his target. As he came back to Grandma's backyard, he spied her pet duck. On impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit and the duck fell dead.

The boy panicked. Desperately he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister Sally watching. Sally had seen it all, but said nothing.

After lunch that day, Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn't you, Johnny?" She quickly whispered, "Remember the duck!"

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. Grandma said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally smiled and said, "That's all taken care of. Johnny wants to do it." And again she whispered, "Remember the duck!"

Johnny stayed while Sally went fishing.

After several days of doing both his chores and Sally's, he couldn't stand it. He confessed to Grandma that he killed the duck.

"I know, Johnny," she said, giving him a hug. "I saw the whole thing. I was angry, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

How often do you allow someone to hold over your head an error committed in the past? How long will you continuously remind yourself of a past error and beat up yourself?

Freedom from past mistakes, no matter how difficult it may seem, comes from admitting before God what you have done. It takes wisdom to ask God's forgiveness and know you have been forgiven.

You see, we cannot hide our errors from God, nor from ourselves.

Very often God waits patiently for us to confess to him so his forgiveness can be freely lavished on us. The question is, how long will you allow those past wrongs make a slave of you?

Remember, God's grace is not earned, but it is given — freely, simply and abundantly.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Seeking forgiveness requires wisdom

I appreciate beautiful flowers and manicured yards as much as I like trees. I am not a terrific gardener, but I appreciate those who do marvelous things in their yards and I love to look at their creativity. I especially love to look at yards with a variety of colors and flowers.

If you are interested in learning more about gardening in this area of the country, the Dogwood Garden Club will have its first meeting of the 2017-2018 year 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

Refreshments will be served at 10:15 a.m., with the meeting beginning at 10:30 a.m.

An Okaloosa Master Gardener will present this month's program topic, fall color in the garden. As one that loves the fall colors, different shades of oranges, reds, greens, golds and so on, I am looking forward to the program and I know that great gardening tips will be offered.

Subsequent meetings for the club are 10:30 a.m. the first Monday of each month in club members' homes. Dues are $25 per year, and the club meets September through May.

Call 683-0839 if you are interested in more information.

Dogwood Garden Club meetings focus on a different gardening topic each month. The topics range from subjects such as trees, to soil types and container gardening.

I enjoy using flowers in pots to brighten up our front yard. One of the many advantages to this type of gardening is that the plants can be brought in when it is cold. I have several hibiscus plants in pots; they go out for the warm weather and come in during the winter.

Mums, black-eyed Susans, pansies, phlox, asters and verbena and many of the flowers are plentiful at this time of year. They provide a variety of colors, are easy to put on the porch and really beautify the home.

Let's make Crestview the city of beautiful gardens and colorful yards.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

If you are interested in learning more about gardening in this area of the country, the Dogwood Garden Club will have its first meeting of the 2017-2018 year 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview club offers local gardening information