Saturday, December 03, 2005
Propagation events
Mark your calendar for January 26 and 27. Dr. Blazich and his wife April will be here to provide an herb and a propagation seminar on those two days. We will sell tickets for both events.
Something from Charlie:
Don't forget to respond to the Christmas Party invitation. We need to know the count so we can plan properly. Want this one to be exceptionally well planned since it is Kathy's going away party.
More info on the joint efforts to provide programs for Supply Elementary School will be forthcoming.
For you who work the Hot Line, please Do Not put rubber bands around wet soil samples. It ruins the boxes and they will never dry. Thanks.
Thanks to everyone for a GREAT year, the best one in our 12 year history. Now a new year is starting. Hopefully we can do even better this year than last. Lots of exciting things are in the works. It looks like we may be able to get the inmates back so we can continue our projects.
Hope to see you all at the Christmas Party. Have an especially joyful holiday season and a Happy New year.
Again, thanks for all you do.
More info on the joint efforts to provide programs for Supply Elementary School will be forthcoming.
For you who work the Hot Line, please Do Not put rubber bands around wet soil samples. It ruins the boxes and they will never dry. Thanks.
Thanks to everyone for a GREAT year, the best one in our 12 year history. Now a new year is starting. Hopefully we can do even better this year than last. Lots of exciting things are in the works. It looks like we may be able to get the inmates back so we can continue our projects.
Hope to see you all at the Christmas Party. Have an especially joyful holiday season and a Happy New year.
Again, thanks for all you do.
A Tribute to Kathy
Kathy Walters has accepted a position as Administrative Assistant to Brunswick County Director of Public Utilities, starting Dec. 1. Kathy received her Associate Degree in Secretarial Science from Robeson Community College in May 1978 and was an Extension Secretary II for more than 27 years, 20 in Robeson County and the balance here in Brunswick County. She provided support to David Barkley (Ext. MG Program, Urban Horticulture, Pesticides, Aquatic Weed Mgmt., Beekeepers), Charlie Spencer (Ext. Master Gardeners), Billy Privette, Lindsay Hewett (4-H Youth Development), Al Hight (Livestock/Waste Mgmt, Forestry, Field Crops, Commercial Horticulture) and was the Extension Web Site Manager. She’s earned some kudos along the way: South Central District Secretary of the Year – 1992, Southeast District Secretary of the Year – 2001, Extension Director’s Award of Excellence for Acquisition & Utilization of Computer Skills/Technology – 1989, 1999 and 2000, and the Extension Director’s Award of Excellence for Special Leadership Skills – 1989.
I would like to take this time to personally thank Kathy for all her hard work here in Brunswick County. Kathy without a doubt has been one of the best secretaries that I have worked with. She has helped me become a better Extension Agent. Without her, our programs would not have flowed as smoothly as they have and much of our success in the master gardener program starts with Kathy. She is one of the first and main contacts that many of our master gardeners see and she has been very instrumental in assisting our volunteers with information to pass along to our clients. I am very proud of the way she has handled our clients with the care and sensitivity that all of us should strive for. She has been a blessing to me in the short three years that I have worked here. I wish her the best in her new job. We will all miss you. Thanks, Dave
And from Charlie: Kathy has provided the glue that has helped hold our group together. She ensures that our rosters are correct, edits and mails out our news articles, is always available to help out any Master Gardener, works closely on any of our projects and trips, even cleans the office for us, ensures our plaques and awards are that the right place at the right time, and too many other things to list. We will really miss her and her activities involving the Master Gardener Program. Best to you on your new job! Don't forget us!
I would like to take this time to personally thank Kathy for all her hard work here in Brunswick County. Kathy without a doubt has been one of the best secretaries that I have worked with. She has helped me become a better Extension Agent. Without her, our programs would not have flowed as smoothly as they have and much of our success in the master gardener program starts with Kathy. She is one of the first and main contacts that many of our master gardeners see and she has been very instrumental in assisting our volunteers with information to pass along to our clients. I am very proud of the way she has handled our clients with the care and sensitivity that all of us should strive for. She has been a blessing to me in the short three years that I have worked here. I wish her the best in her new job. We will all miss you. Thanks, Dave
And from Charlie: Kathy has provided the glue that has helped hold our group together. She ensures that our rosters are correct, edits and mails out our news articles, is always available to help out any Master Gardener, works closely on any of our projects and trips, even cleans the office for us, ensures our plaques and awards are that the right place at the right time, and too many other things to list. We will really miss her and her activities involving the Master Gardener Program. Best to you on your new job! Don't forget us!
And Congratulations to Shirley, too!!
We all know Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman – she’s one of the more active members of the MG program, and has been a major force behind the very successful Gardening by the Month. In recognition of all her contributions, Shirley has been granted the North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Here’s a brief overview of her contributions.
She completed the Master Gardener course in May 1993, the first in Brunswick County. Since then she has logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours. She and MG Brenda Holmes established the filing system for all the MG publications. She chaired the first fund raiser, a 1996 calendar, which put the MGs in the black for the first time. She co-chaired the 2nd calendar printing in 2004, and served on the cookbook committee. She chaired a number of committees and projects, including the Gardening by the Month fund raiser, the first holiday social, the first budget committee, the landscaping of a house for Habitat for Humanity (with assistance from the Hort. Agent), and two Southeast District all-day seminars. She also has worked as editor of the newsletter, worked the Hotline, was President of BCMGVA for 2 years, helped coordinate landscaping of Hope Harbor – with Union Elem. School, which won for them 1st place in a statewide competition – taught MG classes at the extension building and on Bald Head Island, gardening courses at the community college, conducted seminars on various gardening subjects, and wrote articles that appear in 5 local papers. This is all just what she does here at Brunswick County! Let’s look elsewhere in the state.
She also has been involved with the North Carolina MGVA, as our Liaison/Delegate since 1994, and thus as a member of the Board of Directors. She has attended training sessions in Raleigh, all State Conferences since 1994, chaired the State Conference in Brunswick County in 2000 and has acted as liaison for the Board to host counties since 2001. She was President of NCMGVA for 2 years and is currently President-Elect. She has chaired the bylaws and nominating committees and served on a committee that developed guidelines and a timetable for the state conference.
Shirley served the maximum of 6 years with the Extension State Advisory Council (SAC), attending meetings in various part of the state 3 to 4 times a year. She represented the Southeast District at various District meeting and planning sessions, and met with state legislators. She attends State Extension Conferences in Raleigh, represented SAC at a conference to give SAC’s happy birthday to Extension. She chaired the Nominating Committee, attended a Leadership Forum, met regularly with the Dean and Executive Director for Agricultural Programs, Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension, Associate Director and Director of County Operations, District Director, etc. and met with NC Senators and Representatives in Washington re the Federal budget and on “back home visits: re state budgets.
Gosh – does anyone wonder why Shirley won this award? Well done!
She completed the Master Gardener course in May 1993, the first in Brunswick County. Since then she has logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours. She and MG Brenda Holmes established the filing system for all the MG publications. She chaired the first fund raiser, a 1996 calendar, which put the MGs in the black for the first time. She co-chaired the 2nd calendar printing in 2004, and served on the cookbook committee. She chaired a number of committees and projects, including the Gardening by the Month fund raiser, the first holiday social, the first budget committee, the landscaping of a house for Habitat for Humanity (with assistance from the Hort. Agent), and two Southeast District all-day seminars. She also has worked as editor of the newsletter, worked the Hotline, was President of BCMGVA for 2 years, helped coordinate landscaping of Hope Harbor – with Union Elem. School, which won for them 1st place in a statewide competition – taught MG classes at the extension building and on Bald Head Island, gardening courses at the community college, conducted seminars on various gardening subjects, and wrote articles that appear in 5 local papers. This is all just what she does here at Brunswick County! Let’s look elsewhere in the state.
She also has been involved with the North Carolina MGVA, as our Liaison/Delegate since 1994, and thus as a member of the Board of Directors. She has attended training sessions in Raleigh, all State Conferences since 1994, chaired the State Conference in Brunswick County in 2000 and has acted as liaison for the Board to host counties since 2001. She was President of NCMGVA for 2 years and is currently President-Elect. She has chaired the bylaws and nominating committees and served on a committee that developed guidelines and a timetable for the state conference.
Shirley served the maximum of 6 years with the Extension State Advisory Council (SAC), attending meetings in various part of the state 3 to 4 times a year. She represented the Southeast District at various District meeting and planning sessions, and met with state legislators. She attends State Extension Conferences in Raleigh, represented SAC at a conference to give SAC’s happy birthday to Extension. She chaired the Nominating Committee, attended a Leadership Forum, met regularly with the Dean and Executive Director for Agricultural Programs, Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension, Associate Director and Director of County Operations, District Director, etc. and met with NC Senators and Representatives in Washington re the Federal budget and on “back home visits: re state budgets.
Gosh – does anyone wonder why Shirley won this award? Well done!
Congratulations!
MG Ann Duke’s husband, Bill, won a Blue Ribbon for Peach Preserves at the NC State Fair October 14 - 23, 2005 in Raleigh. The award winning preserves were made with Freestone Caro-gem peaches. The recipe - which uses peaches, spices and sugar - was first used by Ann’s mother, Jennie Griggs Brock, in the 1930s and 1940s and later by Sue Brock, Ann’s sister-in-law.
The preserves were critiqued by Edwina Shaw, a noted gourmet cook in Raleigh.
These award-winning peach preserves are for sale at Cat on A Whisk in Southport.
The preserves were critiqued by Edwina Shaw, a noted gourmet cook in Raleigh.
These award-winning peach preserves are for sale at Cat on A Whisk in Southport.
Promote the 2006 Extension Master Gardener Class!
Encourage your friends and neighbors to apply for the 2006 Extension Master Gardener Class. Classes will meet 9 a.m. – 12 noon each week from February 8 to June 6, at the Cooperative Extension Service. Most classes will be on Wednesdays with a few Tuesday classes. The cost of the course is $110, which covers the cost of an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Reference Notebook and other class materials and expenses. An application must be completed and returned to the Cooperative Extension Service by Monday, January 2, 2006, to apply for the course. Applications are available from our office.
December Message From Our President
While here visiting in New England, it is very plain to see that Winter is just around the corner. Most of the trees are bare, Thanksgiving preparations are in full force, and hints of Christmas are everywhere. Another year has gone by all too rapidly!!! MGVs have been evident everywhere throughout 2005, and plans and budgets are under preparation for the coming year, already under the full guidance of Richard Boland and omnipresent Shirley...with Charlie doing his imitation of several different elves.
I thank you all for your contributions to the 2005 projects and join you in looking forward to 2006.
I especially look forward to increasing our presence in and around the schools of Brunswick County as we help to spread the word to our young people about the benefits and joys of work with the soil and what it can produce. So, until I see you at one of those projects or maybe at the Holiday party, best wishes to you all for a joyeux holiday season and the coming Noel.
Signing out.......
Dan Sokoloski
I thank you all for your contributions to the 2005 projects and join you in looking forward to 2006.
I especially look forward to increasing our presence in and around the schools of Brunswick County as we help to spread the word to our young people about the benefits and joys of work with the soil and what it can produce. So, until I see you at one of those projects or maybe at the Holiday party, best wishes to you all for a joyeux holiday season and the coming Noel.
Signing out.......
Dan Sokoloski
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
A note from Linda Myers
Dear Brunswick County Master Gardeners:
Ron and I are moving to Tennessee. I want to tell you how much I will miss all of you. The opportunities I have had with the group have been outstanding and I am amazed at just how much I have learned. Your kindness will be long remembered. I wish you and the master gardener group the very best.
Much Love,
Linda Myers
Ron and I are moving to Tennessee. I want to tell you how much I will miss all of you. The opportunities I have had with the group have been outstanding and I am amazed at just how much I have learned. Your kindness will be long remembered. I wish you and the master gardener group the very best.
Much Love,
Linda Myers
November 17 Meeting Speaker
Dr. Wanda Sykes, Southeast District Extension Director, who will talk about the 13-county district which includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU. This should be an informative session - come see where we fit into the overall picture!
Help Wanted
Due to limited assistance from outside sources, Hilton would like to form a Hardscape Work Team to perform various projects around the gardens and green house area. Hardscape involves building new projects and maintaining existing features such as garden deck, walkways, water features and irrigation systems. Some pending projects are building a foundation for the new tool building, completing the planned expansion of the deer fence at greenhouse, repositioning the sprinkler heads in the garden, planting and helping with maintenance of all areas.
If you have experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, structural, or mechanical background, or maybe just a willingness to help, we could use your expertise.
Please notify Hilton Holcomb at 575-4943 or email hholcomb@atmc.net if you want to join this team.
If you have experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, structural, or mechanical background, or maybe just a willingness to help, we could use your expertise.
Please notify Hilton Holcomb at 575-4943 or email hholcomb@atmc.net if you want to join this team.
2006 Dues Notice
It’s time to pay dues again.
Your $5 annual dues payment is due by January 1.
A form to use when you send in your payment is in the Documents section
Your $5 annual dues payment is due by January 1.
A form to use when you send in your payment is in the Documents section
Friday, September 30, 2005
October Message From The President
Here it is! “It’s recognition time again!” This is so much fun for me.. in part because it is so easy to do. Recognizing our fellow BCMGV can go on forever.
This time I am humbled by the work of our editors. There are four, for those of you who may not know. Becky Dus is our lead Newsletter editor. Nancy Einbinder and Cathie Rod help with the copying and mailing. Lisa Miner is the “website editor and webmaster”. These poor people have suffered under my less than precise harassment and one of the measures of their capability is that they have survived me! The changeover from old to new has had its trying times, but they have done it and the results are now really beginning to show. I hope you are all going to these sites:
www.bcmastergardener.org and
BCMGVA online herbarium. You can view reports of current and future activities and useful information for gardeners.
Please join me in offering thanks to your fellow volunteers and keep your thoughts, suggestions and content input coming to constantly improve the resulting product.
Happy gardening,
Dan
This time I am humbled by the work of our editors. There are four, for those of you who may not know. Becky Dus is our lead Newsletter editor. Nancy Einbinder and Cathie Rod help with the copying and mailing. Lisa Miner is the “website editor and webmaster”. These poor people have suffered under my less than precise harassment and one of the measures of their capability is that they have survived me! The changeover from old to new has had its trying times, but they have done it and the results are now really beginning to show. I hope you are all going to these sites:
www.bcmastergardener.org and
BCMGVA online herbarium. You can view reports of current and future activities and useful information for gardeners.
Please join me in offering thanks to your fellow volunteers and keep your thoughts, suggestions and content input coming to constantly improve the resulting product.
Happy gardening,
Dan
September Meeting Speaker
If you didn’t attend the September meeting you missed a most informative presentation by Erv Evans, State Coordinator for Master Gardeners. Erv was able to leave additional handouts which can be found in the MG office.
Erv informed us that Brunswick MGVA is UNIQUE for its Restitution program, Work in Schools, Creation of a Monthly Calendar Guide and use of prison labor.
When talking of the Master Gardener organization, Erv encouraged us to place emphasis on the manor of help and education we offer to the community such as: plant clinics, hot line coverage, programs in county schools and the work put into maintaining the Botanical Garden and the greenhouse.
Erv informed us that Brunswick MGVA is UNIQUE for its Restitution program, Work in Schools, Creation of a Monthly Calendar Guide and use of prison labor.
When talking of the Master Gardener organization, Erv encouraged us to place emphasis on the manor of help and education we offer to the community such as: plant clinics, hot line coverage, programs in county schools and the work put into maintaining the Botanical Garden and the greenhouse.
Nominating Committee News
Peggy Meinzer is joining Nancy Einbinder and Ann Duke to create the slate of officers for next year. If you wish to “throw your hat in the ring” please contact one of these members or see one of them at the October 27 general meeting. Postions to be voted (re-elected or newly elected) are: President/ Vice President and Treasurer. Also needed are two new nominating members –hopefully one seasoned Master Gardener. The slate will be presented for approval and voting at the general meeting on November 17.
Nancy Einbinder (253-3545) nancye714@yahoo.com
Ann Duke (454-0413) wduke1@ec.rr.com
Peggy Meinzer (842-4928) pmeinzer@lockwoodfolly.net
Nancy Einbinder (253-3545) nancye714@yahoo.com
Ann Duke (454-0413) wduke1@ec.rr.com
Peggy Meinzer (842-4928) pmeinzer@lockwoodfolly.net
Brunswick Residents Need Our Help
I realize that you have been hit with requests for donations to support many worthy causes, but there is one here in Brunswick County to support your less fortunate neighbors. The “Make a Difference Day” concludes on Saturday, October 22. The Volunteer Center is collecting clean coats and sweaters to dispense for the upcoming winter season. However, the most important donation needed is food for the various food pantries. Of course, money is always the easiest thing to give and allows the managers of the pantries to buy what is most needed. Checks may be bade payable to “The Volunteer Center”.
I will accept all donations here, in my office. Please help support the needy located here in Brunswick County.
Thanks, Charlie
I will accept all donations here, in my office. Please help support the needy located here in Brunswick County.
Thanks, Charlie
Guest Speakers for Future Meetings
October: Chuck Friedrich, a registered landscape architect and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the ASTM Green Roof Task Subcommittee, will talk to us about rooftop gardens, or “Green Roofs.”
November: Dr. Wanda Sykes is the Southeast District Extension Director. She will talk about the 13-county district that includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU.
December: Remember the holiday party. Arlene Hubner will be forming committees and asking for volunteers at the October meeting.
If you have any suggestions for speakers who can extend our knowledge of gardening, or if you have ideas for topics for the General Meetings, let Shirley or Dave know.
Please remember that refreshments are enjoyed at all meetings. Take your turn and sign up to be host or hostess at one of the general meetings.
November: Dr. Wanda Sykes is the Southeast District Extension Director. She will talk about the 13-county district that includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU.
December: Remember the holiday party. Arlene Hubner will be forming committees and asking for volunteers at the October meeting.
If you have any suggestions for speakers who can extend our knowledge of gardening, or if you have ideas for topics for the General Meetings, let Shirley or Dave know.
Please remember that refreshments are enjoyed at all meetings. Take your turn and sign up to be host or hostess at one of the general meetings.
News from Charlie
Indigo Farms will celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday, October 1. We will staff a booth, conduct a plant clinic and do presentations (topics to be determined). Helpers are needed for this day and set up on Friday, September 30 – sign up sheet in MG office.
Sign up to work at the Fall Plant Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 7th and 8th.
Life on the Farm – has been put on hold due to lack of funding from Brunswick County Schools. Because of gas prices, field trips have been greatly reduced. We will keep you updated on this situation.
A Special Farewell - For those of you who may not be aware, Al Hight is transferring to work in the extension program of Pender County. His duties will include livestock, commercial horticulture, forestry, crops and storm water. We wished him a farewell at the September meeting so I hope you had a chance to say good by. Al has always pitched in to help us in any way he could. His assistance to the Brunswick County Master Gardener program is too large to even try to measure.
We are fortunate he is still close so we can offer our help and support as he assumes his new position. We wish him continued success in all he does.
New Copier: To use the new copier an identification number is needed. The number to use is 2602 (the last digits of the MG phone #). This helps track departmental uses.
Be on the look out for a Hickory Horn Devil – a very colorful caterpillar. It reminds David of a Chinese dragon costume used in Chinese festivals. It is approximately 6-8 inches(?). If found, bring specimen to David Barkley’s office.
We will NOT be doing the ticket sales at the Cape Fear Fair on Oct. 30. We may volunteer to take entries on Tuesday or Wednesday evening prior to the fair or greet and welcome people to the fair on Sunday, October 30. Contact David if you can help.
Sign up to work at the Fall Plant Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 7th and 8th.
Life on the Farm – has been put on hold due to lack of funding from Brunswick County Schools. Because of gas prices, field trips have been greatly reduced. We will keep you updated on this situation.
A Special Farewell - For those of you who may not be aware, Al Hight is transferring to work in the extension program of Pender County. His duties will include livestock, commercial horticulture, forestry, crops and storm water. We wished him a farewell at the September meeting so I hope you had a chance to say good by. Al has always pitched in to help us in any way he could. His assistance to the Brunswick County Master Gardener program is too large to even try to measure.
We are fortunate he is still close so we can offer our help and support as he assumes his new position. We wish him continued success in all he does.
New Copier: To use the new copier an identification number is needed. The number to use is 2602 (the last digits of the MG phone #). This helps track departmental uses.
Be on the look out for a Hickory Horn Devil – a very colorful caterpillar. It reminds David of a Chinese dragon costume used in Chinese festivals. It is approximately 6-8 inches(?). If found, bring specimen to David Barkley’s office.
We will NOT be doing the ticket sales at the Cape Fear Fair on Oct. 30. We may volunteer to take entries on Tuesday or Wednesday evening prior to the fair or greet and welcome people to the fair on Sunday, October 30. Contact David if you can help.
Surplus Budget Approvals
As some of you may be aware, we’ve had a very healthy fiscal year and have determined where and how to apply the excess funds. The following projects or items have been approved: a riding mower, a building to house all BCMGVA equipment at the greenhouse complex, more gravel walk ways in the greenhouse area, carts (much needed during plant sales), additional raised beds, expansion of sprinkler system and an addition to the electronic fence. (The last item needs the help of prison labor which is presently on hold). Treasurer, Linda Lemieux will prepare an updated budget spread sheet for the next meeting OR the next news letter.
SO with additional tools and improvements to the greenhouse, make sure you see and use these items by volunteering to work the 1st Monday, 2nd Tuesday or 3rd Monday of every month. Hilton Holcomb usually emails a work list so everyone is clear on what needs to be accomplished.
There are occasions when volunteers are needed without much advanced notification. That was true the week of the September general meeting when David requested volunteers to clean up the front entrance and some of the adjacent garden area. He greatly appreciates all the help offered in this beautification project.
SO with additional tools and improvements to the greenhouse, make sure you see and use these items by volunteering to work the 1st Monday, 2nd Tuesday or 3rd Monday of every month. Hilton Holcomb usually emails a work list so everyone is clear on what needs to be accomplished.
There are occasions when volunteers are needed without much advanced notification. That was true the week of the September general meeting when David requested volunteers to clean up the front entrance and some of the adjacent garden area. He greatly appreciates all the help offered in this beautification project.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Speakers for September, October and November
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman and David Barkley have scheduled speakers for the rest of the year and are working hard on the 2006 speaker roster. They have found some excellent speakers who will address topics that should be interesting to all of us.
September: Erv Evans, State Coordinator for Master Gardeners, NCSU, will talk to us regarding the legal aspects of Master Gardener activities and responsibilities. He wrote many of the chapters in the Master Gardener manual. MEETING DATE = SEPTEMBER 22.
October: Chuck Friedrich, a registered landscape architect and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the ASTM Green Roof Task Subcommittee, will talk to us about rooftop gardens, or “Green Roofs.” MEETING DATE = OCTOBER 27.
November: Dr. Wanda Sykes is the Southeast District Extension Director. She will talk about the 13-county district that includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU. MEETING DATE = NOVEMBER 17.
If you have any suggestions for speakers who can extend our knowledge of gardening, or if you have ideas for topics for the General Meetings, let Shirley or Dave know.
September: Erv Evans, State Coordinator for Master Gardeners, NCSU, will talk to us regarding the legal aspects of Master Gardener activities and responsibilities. He wrote many of the chapters in the Master Gardener manual. MEETING DATE = SEPTEMBER 22.
October: Chuck Friedrich, a registered landscape architect and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the ASTM Green Roof Task Subcommittee, will talk to us about rooftop gardens, or “Green Roofs.” MEETING DATE = OCTOBER 27.
November: Dr. Wanda Sykes is the Southeast District Extension Director. She will talk about the 13-county district that includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU. MEETING DATE = NOVEMBER 17.
If you have any suggestions for speakers who can extend our knowledge of gardening, or if you have ideas for topics for the General Meetings, let Shirley or Dave know.
New Website Postings
The September newsletter is available for downloading on the website at:
http://bcmastergardener.org/documents.html
Minutes of the August Executive Board and General Meetings have been posted on the website.
David Barkely's Gardening Tips for August and the Hotline History for September 2004 are also available.
http://bcmastergardener.org/documents.html
Minutes of the August Executive Board and General Meetings have been posted on the website.
David Barkely's Gardening Tips for August and the Hotline History for September 2004 are also available.
News from Charlie
Life on the Farm – will be scheduled during the last two weeks of October; dates are still being set. This is a fun activity. If you haven’t volunteered to help out before, let Charlie know if you can do it this time.
A Plant Clinic at Southport WalMart is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a seminar on fall gardening activities from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Indigo Farms will celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday, October 1. We will staff a booth, conduct a plant clinic and do presentations (topics to be determined).
Don't forget the Fall Plant Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 7th and 8th.
We have ordered 5 kinds of ornamental grasses for future plant sales. On August 29, 10 trays of 32 sprigs each will be shipped and should arrive that day or the next. They will need to be potted and tended so they will be ready for sale in the spring.
A Plant Clinic at Southport WalMart is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a seminar on fall gardening activities from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Indigo Farms will celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday, October 1. We will staff a booth, conduct a plant clinic and do presentations (topics to be determined).
Don't forget the Fall Plant Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 7th and 8th.
We have ordered 5 kinds of ornamental grasses for future plant sales. On August 29, 10 trays of 32 sprigs each will be shipped and should arrive that day or the next. They will need to be potted and tended so they will be ready for sale in the spring.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Minutes, Newsletter and Gardening Tips
The minutes from the July Executive Board Meeting and July General Meeting are now available on the website.
The August Newsletter is available for downloading from the website in pdf format.
Gardening Tips for August are also available on the website.
The August Newsletter is available for downloading from the website in pdf format.
Gardening Tips for August are also available on the website.
Other News
• Hilton Holcomb is doing well after his knee surgery.
• Debbie Snyder was very sick with septisemia and has been recovering.
• Let’s keep Nancy Lehto in our thoughts.
• Keep the Fall Plant Sale in mind; come out and give a hand, on October 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 8 from 9 a.m. until ??
• Charlie will be at the Southport WalMart on September 17 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again in November (to be scheduled).
• We should be getting more involved with our schools – we have a contact person to work with and will begin talking to them about how we can help them and work with the kids.
• Some work has been completed on the Talking Tree Trail. The classroom area been completed by one Eagle Scout candidate, and another will be working on the entrance. We will begin our work when the cooler days of fall arrive.
(from the August newsletter)
• Debbie Snyder was very sick with septisemia and has been recovering.
• Let’s keep Nancy Lehto in our thoughts.
• Keep the Fall Plant Sale in mind; come out and give a hand, on October 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 8 from 9 a.m. until ??
• Charlie will be at the Southport WalMart on September 17 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again in November (to be scheduled).
• We should be getting more involved with our schools – we have a contact person to work with and will begin talking to them about how we can help them and work with the kids.
• Some work has been completed on the Talking Tree Trail. The classroom area been completed by one Eagle Scout candidate, and another will be working on the entrance. We will begin our work when the cooler days of fall arrive.
(from the August newsletter)
State Meeting Dates
The 2005 conference will be in Goldsboro on Oct. 28 and 29. Look for your invitiation this summer and make your reservation early.
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman
Speaking of Shirley…she will be participating in a “Crucial Conversations” workshop on August 4 and 5, along with 7 State Advisory Council members, 4 A & T Strategic Planning Council members, 4-H volunteers, ECA volunteers and other Master Gardeners. The curriculum is designed to help participants learn and practice skills to use when engaged in a crucial conversation.
(from the August newlsetter)
(from the August newlsetter)
Speakers for Upcoming Meetings
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman and David Barkley have been scheduling speakers for our General Meetings. Dr. Blazich was a big hit – he was an excellent speaker with an obvious love of his topic and a wealth of knowledge that he enjoyed sharing with everyone.
These speakers are scheduled for the next several meetings; mark your calendar and come out to hear what they have to say.
August: Steve Bambara is an Extension Specialist for Entomology and also on the NCSU faculty in the Entomology Department; he will speak to us about insects – natch! - and will do a hands-on clinic with us. So come on out to the meeting and learn about all those pesky bugs and the helpful insects in your garden.
September: TBA – looking for a plant pathology specialist.
October: Erv Evans, State Coordinator for Master Gardeners, NCSU, will talk to us regarding the legal aspects of Master Gardener activities and responsibilities. He wrote many of the chapters in the Master Gardener manual.
November: Dr. Wanda Sykes is the Southeast District Extension Director. She will talk about the 13-county district that includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU.
If you have any suggestions for speakers who can extend our knowledge of gardening, or if you have ideas for topics for the General Meetings, let Shirley or Dave know.
(from the August newlsetter)
These speakers are scheduled for the next several meetings; mark your calendar and come out to hear what they have to say.
August: Steve Bambara is an Extension Specialist for Entomology and also on the NCSU faculty in the Entomology Department; he will speak to us about insects – natch! - and will do a hands-on clinic with us. So come on out to the meeting and learn about all those pesky bugs and the helpful insects in your garden.
September: TBA – looking for a plant pathology specialist.
October: Erv Evans, State Coordinator for Master Gardeners, NCSU, will talk to us regarding the legal aspects of Master Gardener activities and responsibilities. He wrote many of the chapters in the Master Gardener manual.
November: Dr. Wanda Sykes is the Southeast District Extension Director. She will talk about the 13-county district that includes Brunswick County, its structure and operations and how it fits in with NCSU.
If you have any suggestions for speakers who can extend our knowledge of gardening, or if you have ideas for topics for the General Meetings, let Shirley or Dave know.
(from the August newlsetter)
News from Charlie
We have been asked to help out on “Make a Difference Day.” This is a county-wide event occurring on October 22. One of the events is a food drive for Brunswick Family Assistance Agency. For all those who wish to help out, please bring the food in during October and I will keep it in my office until the 22nd which I will give it to Jayne Mathews, Volunteer Coordinator for the county.
The seminar conducted by Dr. Frank Blazich was quite a success. We had 19 folks, other than Master Gardeners, who paid $5.00 each to attend the session. Our Master Gardeners who attended seemed to enjoy the hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch. Friday morning turned out to be a pleasant day with clouds so that our learning session on taking cuttings and sticking them in the propagation beds was comfortable. Dr. Blazich indicated that many of the plants in the garden would propagate better if we did the cuttings in the winter (hardwood cuttings). He is willing to come back in January and help us take cuttings at that time, on a date to be determined later after the start of his school. Dr. Blazich’s wife, April Blazich, Superintendent of the Horticulture Department at the North Carolina State Fair, will do a seminar on the same date on the subject of Herbs, Bulbs, etc. We get two for the price of one! In addition, she has invited us to attend the opening day of the State Fair this year [October 14]. She seems to be a great lady and wanted to know if we could come up a day early, which would involve an overnight stay, and she would have time to show us around. She also requested that we enter the competition by taking Horticultural items to be judged. I will discuss this with David Barkley when he gets back. We could also include a visit to Plants Delight Nursery if Tony Avent is agreeable. We will need to have some kind of an idea who would be interested in either a one-day trip just to the fair or in an overnight trip with additional side trips. Please call Chappy or me and let us know if you would be interested. We would need to plan so we would have to have some idea by the end of August. I will take the van so I can carry up to 12 folks including me.
The new class is busy working on the Hot Line and we are receiving lots of interesting calls. Be sure to sign up so all incoming calls can be taken care of in a timely manner. If you refer any calls to an Agent, please be sure Kathy gets a copy – she need to know as she has to answer the questions is the Agent is not here. Always try to keep her informed.
Don't forget that Steve Bambara will give a "hands-on" talk on insects, etc. Don't miss this one.
The fall season is almost upon us. Lots of things will be going on including the Fall Plant sale on October 7th and 8th.
Charlie
P.S. Thanks for the gift card--Lou and I will enjoy a great meal!
(from the August newsletter)
The seminar conducted by Dr. Frank Blazich was quite a success. We had 19 folks, other than Master Gardeners, who paid $5.00 each to attend the session. Our Master Gardeners who attended seemed to enjoy the hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch. Friday morning turned out to be a pleasant day with clouds so that our learning session on taking cuttings and sticking them in the propagation beds was comfortable. Dr. Blazich indicated that many of the plants in the garden would propagate better if we did the cuttings in the winter (hardwood cuttings). He is willing to come back in January and help us take cuttings at that time, on a date to be determined later after the start of his school. Dr. Blazich’s wife, April Blazich, Superintendent of the Horticulture Department at the North Carolina State Fair, will do a seminar on the same date on the subject of Herbs, Bulbs, etc. We get two for the price of one! In addition, she has invited us to attend the opening day of the State Fair this year [October 14]. She seems to be a great lady and wanted to know if we could come up a day early, which would involve an overnight stay, and she would have time to show us around. She also requested that we enter the competition by taking Horticultural items to be judged. I will discuss this with David Barkley when he gets back. We could also include a visit to Plants Delight Nursery if Tony Avent is agreeable. We will need to have some kind of an idea who would be interested in either a one-day trip just to the fair or in an overnight trip with additional side trips. Please call Chappy or me and let us know if you would be interested. We would need to plan so we would have to have some idea by the end of August. I will take the van so I can carry up to 12 folks including me.
The new class is busy working on the Hot Line and we are receiving lots of interesting calls. Be sure to sign up so all incoming calls can be taken care of in a timely manner. If you refer any calls to an Agent, please be sure Kathy gets a copy – she need to know as she has to answer the questions is the Agent is not here. Always try to keep her informed.
Don't forget that Steve Bambara will give a "hands-on" talk on insects, etc. Don't miss this one.
The fall season is almost upon us. Lots of things will be going on including the Fall Plant sale on October 7th and 8th.
Charlie
P.S. Thanks for the gift card--Lou and I will enjoy a great meal!
(from the August newsletter)
A Toast to Oliver
Judy Koehly's story about Oliver is both enjoyable and thought provoking, as intended. There is a little bit of the same theme as the old saw about “the trees and the forest." Even in our retirement there seem to be lots of trees to attend to and it is possible to forget to step back every now and then and view the entire forest. Oliver the cat saw it all, every element of the fauna and flora created for him and then others. So, my message is simple. In MGV we have lots of "trees" to attend to and you all do a marvelous job. Make sure to pause and take a look around you, and continue to add to that view. I am looking as I type at cannas, abelia, crapes, roses, elephant ear, zinnias, straw flowers, and tomatoes to be picked. And there is more... indeed just this thought has convinced me to order those reblooming bearded iris on p.121 of August Better Homes and Gardens. Boy, am I glad that you all reminded me to do that so they will be added to my view.... and thanks to Oliver as well.
Happy Planting!!!
Dan
(from the August newsletter)
Happy Planting!!!
Dan
(from the August newsletter)
Monday, July 11, 2005
Don’t Miss the July 28 General Meeting!
Dr. Frank Blazich will conduct a seminar on plant propagation following the monthly MG meeting, from 10 a.m. to noon. We will invite the public and snacks will be included. After the public has left, we will cook on our new grill and have lunch for the Master Gardeners.
Please call and let us know if you plan to attend.
Dr. Frank will work with us at the greenhouse Thursday afternoon and most of the day Friday for a hands-on workshop. He is one of the foremost experts on plant propagation. There is no charge to Master Gardeners. This should prove to be one of the highlights of the year. Don’t miss this.
Please call and let us know if you plan to attend.
Dr. Frank will work with us at the greenhouse Thursday afternoon and most of the day Friday for a hands-on workshop. He is one of the foremost experts on plant propagation. There is no charge to Master Gardeners. This should prove to be one of the highlights of the year. Don’t miss this.
Charlie says...
1. Call Charlie after July 10 if you are interested in a trip to the daylily farm to see daylily rebloomers. If there is enough interest, he will schedule a trip the following week. Let Charlie know by July 14.
2. We recently finished a couple of youth horticulture classes for Boiling Spring Lakes. Thanks for the help go to Patty Burns, Nancy Einbinder and Cheryll Shuford. Nancy and Cheryll conducted two different class groups.
3. We will start a new series of youth programs working with Lindsey Wescot, new 4-H Program Assistant. The first one is on July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 5-10 year olds, and the second one is on July 22 for 11-19 year olds. Subjects will be Farm Economics, Plant Propagation and Plant Usage. After classroom instruction and lunch – they will bring their own – we will go to the greenhouse for hands-on work. If you are interested in working with the kids, please contact Charlie.
2. We recently finished a couple of youth horticulture classes for Boiling Spring Lakes. Thanks for the help go to Patty Burns, Nancy Einbinder and Cheryll Shuford. Nancy and Cheryll conducted two different class groups.
3. We will start a new series of youth programs working with Lindsey Wescot, new 4-H Program Assistant. The first one is on July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 5-10 year olds, and the second one is on July 22 for 11-19 year olds. Subjects will be Farm Economics, Plant Propagation and Plant Usage. After classroom instruction and lunch – they will bring their own – we will go to the greenhouse for hands-on work. If you are interested in working with the kids, please contact Charlie.
Gardening advice
See David Barkley's columns from the July 2005 newsletter:
Gardening tips for July
Summer watering practices in the landscape
Gardening tips for July
Summer watering practices in the landscape
Notes from Kathy Walters
Please verify clients’ addresses for mailing information – mail is sometimes returned due to incomplete/inaccurate addresses – often because clients provide the address for the second home at the coast and it doesn’t have a mailbox. So, be sure to repeat the mailing address to the client when they request information – this should cut down on returned mail and allow clients to receive their information in a timely manner. Thanks for your efforts!
Periodically, Kathy organizes “bookmarks/favorites” on the MG computer. “E-Answers” is included and listed at the beginning of the index. This is a searchable website that provides reliable, research-based information on a variety of topics, a most useful resource, and it should be one of the first you use if you can’t locate info in the MG files.
The “homepage” on the MG computer is set for the “intranet” page of the NC Cooperative Extension Service rather than the “public” page. (The public page is listed as a “favorite.”) The intranet page of the Cooperative Extension Service provides more selections to assist Master Gardener Volunteers.
The Master Gardener News Columns, beginning with January 10, 2000, can be accessed through the Brunswick County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension Service website (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick). In addition, printed copies are in a notebook (Master Gardener Judy Koehly organizes the columns by subject).
A special note for new Master Gardeners and a reminder to others: The Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Office Manual (yellow label) compiled by Kathy was developed to assist Master Gardeners while they staff the Hot Line. The notebook contains a listing of staff and staff member responsibilities, web page information, association bylaws/membership, logo, telephone system and computer usage guidelines, and sections on plant disease and insect clinic, soil testing, nematode assay, solution analyses, waste analyses, diagnostic soil test, and plant tissue analyses with fees, appropriate forms to be used, analyses overviews, etc., for each of these. Be sure to browse through the notebook when you’re in the Master Gardener office.
Periodically, Kathy organizes “bookmarks/favorites” on the MG computer. “E-Answers” is included and listed at the beginning of the index. This is a searchable website that provides reliable, research-based information on a variety of topics, a most useful resource, and it should be one of the first you use if you can’t locate info in the MG files.
The “homepage” on the MG computer is set for the “intranet” page of the NC Cooperative Extension Service rather than the “public” page. (The public page is listed as a “favorite.”) The intranet page of the Cooperative Extension Service provides more selections to assist Master Gardener Volunteers.
The Master Gardener News Columns, beginning with January 10, 2000, can be accessed through the Brunswick County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension Service website (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick). In addition, printed copies are in a notebook (Master Gardener Judy Koehly organizes the columns by subject).
A special note for new Master Gardeners and a reminder to others: The Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Office Manual (yellow label) compiled by Kathy was developed to assist Master Gardeners while they staff the Hot Line. The notebook contains a listing of staff and staff member responsibilities, web page information, association bylaws/membership, logo, telephone system and computer usage guidelines, and sections on plant disease and insect clinic, soil testing, nematode assay, solution analyses, waste analyses, diagnostic soil test, and plant tissue analyses with fees, appropriate forms to be used, analyses overviews, etc., for each of these. Be sure to browse through the notebook when you’re in the Master Gardener office.
Help wanted
The Hot Line, Greenhouse and Botanical Garden need your help. The Greenhouse needs people to water, fertilize and repot plants on a regular basis. The Botanical Garden needs people once a month – the 1st or 3rd Monday or the 2nd Tuesday - to be sure it continues to be an area we can be proud of and others in the government complex - and the county - can enjoy. And the Hot Line always needs someone to man the phones and provide answers.
A message from the president: Recognition
This is the month where we honor all of your contributions. We have the recent class graduates, including those who took advanced classes. Then
there are those who have completed their second year requirements. Both the new class and the second year group represent the future of Master Gardener Volunteers.
Our history to date is dominated by those who have in many cases contributed thousands of hours over many years, led by the award winning effort of
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman. The most telling moment of our recent banquet was when we presented Commissioner Sandifer with a "check" for $185,000 representing in-kind contributions to the county from Master Gardeners.
And with all of this we expect even more. Our base is still the hot line, the backbone of our volunteer efforts. With an ever growing greenhouse operation, a continually expanding Memorial Garden, lectures and help sessions throughout the county, and another new class next year, the opportunities for gardeners of all preferences abound. And, next year we
expect to complete the Talking Tree Trail, and expand our work with youth throughout the county.
So, in recognizing the many accomplishments of the past we also recognize the potential of the future. Congratulations to you all, for what you have
done, and for what you will do in the future.
there are those who have completed their second year requirements. Both the new class and the second year group represent the future of Master Gardener Volunteers.
Our history to date is dominated by those who have in many cases contributed thousands of hours over many years, led by the award winning effort of
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman. The most telling moment of our recent banquet was when we presented Commissioner Sandifer with a "check" for $185,000 representing in-kind contributions to the county from Master Gardeners.
And with all of this we expect even more. Our base is still the hot line, the backbone of our volunteer efforts. With an ever growing greenhouse operation, a continually expanding Memorial Garden, lectures and help sessions throughout the county, and another new class next year, the opportunities for gardeners of all preferences abound. And, next year we
expect to complete the Talking Tree Trail, and expand our work with youth throughout the county.
So, in recognizing the many accomplishments of the past we also recognize the potential of the future. Congratulations to you all, for what you have
done, and for what you will do in the future.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
International Foods Group
Do you like Italian food? If so, consider joining the International Foods group on Saturday, April 23 at the County Complex for a meal featuring Italian recipes. See Susan Morgan or Charlie if you are interested, select a recipe to prepare and join the meal. If cooking for the ladies, be sure to save your receipts so you can be reimbursed for your costs. Call Maria Veselinovich at 579-1624 for details.
Brookgreen Gardens Trip
By popular demand we are going back to Brookgreen Gardens for the beautiful spring display of dogwoods and azaleas (as don’t forget about the delicious she-crab soup)! The date is Friday, April 8. The van will be leaving the Cooperative Extension parking lot at 8:00 AM and will make a pick up at McDonalds at the intersection of Routes 17 and 904 at 8:30 AM. If you are interested, notify Chappy Jones at 575-0599 or chappy@xaranda.net by Monday, April 4. Or sign up at a Master Gardener meeting.
Also we are planning an overnight trip to Richmond, VA to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and the beautiful Maymont Plantation. This trip will be in early May – more details later.
Please let Chappy know of your interest in this trip, as above.
Also we are planning an overnight trip to Richmond, VA to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and the beautiful Maymont Plantation. This trip will be in early May – more details later.
Please let Chappy know of your interest in this trip, as above.
Hotline History
In March 2004, there were 186 calls to the Hotline and requests for information from the Garden Show. The breakdown of these calls is as follows:
General: 54. We had 22 requests for Newcomer Packets. 12 questions concerned soil sample kits, their results and fertilizers.
Lawns: 51. The majority of the calls were for information on planting and maintaining centipede. 16 were on how to control weeds.
Trees: 31. We had 8 calls on fruit tree problems, 7 on pruning trees and the rest covered a wide range of tree problems.
Shrubs: 26. There were 5 calls about Azaleas and 5 on Camellias. The rest were varied and included pruning and general information about shrubs.
Pests: 19. The pests were numerous and varied. Moles, mole crickets and wasps were the major problems in March.
Vegetables: 5. The calls were for strawberry and grape growing information.
When you work on the Hotline, be sure to write down as much information as possible about the problems and their solutions on the Hotline forms.
General: 54. We had 22 requests for Newcomer Packets. 12 questions concerned soil sample kits, their results and fertilizers.
Lawns: 51. The majority of the calls were for information on planting and maintaining centipede. 16 were on how to control weeds.
Trees: 31. We had 8 calls on fruit tree problems, 7 on pruning trees and the rest covered a wide range of tree problems.
Shrubs: 26. There were 5 calls about Azaleas and 5 on Camellias. The rest were varied and included pruning and general information about shrubs.
Pests: 19. The pests were numerous and varied. Moles, mole crickets and wasps were the major problems in March.
Vegetables: 5. The calls were for strawberry and grape growing information.
When you work on the Hotline, be sure to write down as much information as possible about the problems and their solutions on the Hotline forms.
Gardening tips for April
• Prepare new flower beds now for this spring. Summer annuals and bulbs perform much better and for longer periods if they are planted in well prepared beds. Till, incorporate organic matter, lime and fertilize.
• Spring is the next best time after the fall season to plant shrubs, trees, and other ornamental plants. Remember to select good quality plants that are recommended for your area.
• After the spring flowering bulbs show off, gardeners need to make an application of 8 8 8. After the petals fade and fall off, remove flower organs with scissors or hand pruners, and allow the foliage to die a natural death. If you plant bulbs for only one season, then you can remove the entire plant once the petals fade.
• Gardeners need to define the edges of the plant borders. Adding mulch is also a good idea. To re-edge take a flat blade shovel and trench out about 3 inches deep and 6 inches wide all around the beds. Re mulch, letting the trench be the border. This fresh, crisp line will accentuate the grass and the bed.
• Seed is the least expensive component of gardening, so it makes good sense to buy the best quality seed you can obtain. A quick reference guide (Extension publication AG 12) lists a number of vegetable crops to plant now.
• Lawn Care: Still too early to fertilize. Applications of fertilizer would be better in May except for Centipedegrass which requires a one-time fertilization in June only. Continue to mow, rake, reduce thatch buildup, and water as needed.
• Prune berry producing plants such as holly, nandina and pyracantha. Prune spring flowering plants such as azaleas after they bloom. Thin cool season vegetables and protect sensitive warm season vegetables from frost or cold. Renew mulch around plantings if you haven't done so already. Coastal area houseplants can be brought outdoors later this month.
• A good general fertilizer recommendation is to apply 2 to 4 pounds of ammoniated 8/8/8 or 10/10/10 to landscape plants around April 15th. Still too early to apply fertilizer to warm season grasses.
• Stonecrops or sedums are popular additions to many gardens. They are one of the first perennials to show signs of life in the spring and they give a spectacular show in the fall. It is often cited as one of the top ten carefree perennials for the garden. Be sure to locate it in full sun areas with fertile soil. It will perform without any other attention. As it spreads, it is easily propagated for additional plantings.
• Towards the latter part of the month is the time to plant many of your warm seasoned vegetable crops like tomatoes and peppers. Plan to plant now to have a variety of fresh vegetables from your garden this summer.
• Spring is the next best time after the fall season to plant shrubs, trees, and other ornamental plants. Remember to select good quality plants that are recommended for your area.
• After the spring flowering bulbs show off, gardeners need to make an application of 8 8 8. After the petals fade and fall off, remove flower organs with scissors or hand pruners, and allow the foliage to die a natural death. If you plant bulbs for only one season, then you can remove the entire plant once the petals fade.
• Gardeners need to define the edges of the plant borders. Adding mulch is also a good idea. To re-edge take a flat blade shovel and trench out about 3 inches deep and 6 inches wide all around the beds. Re mulch, letting the trench be the border. This fresh, crisp line will accentuate the grass and the bed.
• Seed is the least expensive component of gardening, so it makes good sense to buy the best quality seed you can obtain. A quick reference guide (Extension publication AG 12) lists a number of vegetable crops to plant now.
• Lawn Care: Still too early to fertilize. Applications of fertilizer would be better in May except for Centipedegrass which requires a one-time fertilization in June only. Continue to mow, rake, reduce thatch buildup, and water as needed.
• Prune berry producing plants such as holly, nandina and pyracantha. Prune spring flowering plants such as azaleas after they bloom. Thin cool season vegetables and protect sensitive warm season vegetables from frost or cold. Renew mulch around plantings if you haven't done so already. Coastal area houseplants can be brought outdoors later this month.
• A good general fertilizer recommendation is to apply 2 to 4 pounds of ammoniated 8/8/8 or 10/10/10 to landscape plants around April 15th. Still too early to apply fertilizer to warm season grasses.
• Stonecrops or sedums are popular additions to many gardens. They are one of the first perennials to show signs of life in the spring and they give a spectacular show in the fall. It is often cited as one of the top ten carefree perennials for the garden. Be sure to locate it in full sun areas with fertile soil. It will perform without any other attention. As it spreads, it is easily propagated for additional plantings.
• Towards the latter part of the month is the time to plant many of your warm seasoned vegetable crops like tomatoes and peppers. Plan to plant now to have a variety of fresh vegetables from your garden this summer.
Coming up:
March 23 - Leland Library 2 to 4 pm - Charlie's topic will be "Tune up for Spring" with a plant clinic to follow.
April 14 to 16 - Plant sale at the Extension Center.
May 13 - All-Day Seminar
May 15 - Oak Island Beautification Club Garden Tour, starting at the Parks & Recreation building on 30th Street, from 1 to 5 PM. There will also be a Plant Clinic at the Parks & Recreation building. (May 22 = the rain date.)
May 20, 26 & 27 - Life on the Farm at Indigo Farms.
May 26 to 28 - Plant sale at the Extension Center.
Do we need volunteers for these events? Sure!
Why not sign up to help out with :Life on the Farm? the Plant Sales? the greenhouse? maintaining the garden areas? staffing the hotline? We need your participation to get things done.
Thanks!!
April 14 to 16 - Plant sale at the Extension Center.
May 13 - All-Day Seminar
May 15 - Oak Island Beautification Club Garden Tour, starting at the Parks & Recreation building on 30th Street, from 1 to 5 PM. There will also be a Plant Clinic at the Parks & Recreation building. (May 22 = the rain date.)
May 20, 26 & 27 - Life on the Farm at Indigo Farms.
May 26 to 28 - Plant sale at the Extension Center.
Do we need volunteers for these events? Sure!
Why not sign up to help out with :Life on the Farm? the Plant Sales? the greenhouse? maintaining the garden areas? staffing the hotline? We need your participation to get things done.
Thanks!!
Working with Special Education Students
On March 23, from 10 AM to Noon, Special Education students from Shallotte Middle School will work on propagating plants with Ash in the greenhouse. Ash will also be working with another group of Special Education students in a 4H group led by Sarah Bellamy.
Speaker Announcement
The speaker at the March 24 General Meeting will be Bill Howell. He is a Camellia specialist.
Newsletter Message from the President
The Grapefruit League is alive with all the sounds of spring. AT LAST, we “SAWKS” fans do not have to carry a burden into the season (yet). With these happy thoughts in mind I turn to communication. This is a subject that is a challenge to every entity and individual that ever lived, and we are no exception. My philosophy is simply that there can't be too much. I am willing to try every means possible to have communication at all directions throughout BCMGVA. So, while you have heard a lot about my thoughts, please give me yours. Call me, write me, email me (dssoko@hotmail.com) or send smoke signals. I would especially like to talk to those I haven't heard from recently. And, while I am on the subject, please unblock me from your spam blocker, especially Earthlink users, as I am getting all e-mails returned to me. Check this issue for upcoming activities and COMMUNICATE !!!
Cheers!! Dan
Cheers!! Dan
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Landscape Management workshops
A Landscape Ornamentals Management workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, 9 a.m. – 12 noon. From bagworms to leaf spots, we’ll let you know how to manage the most common plant pests.
On Thursday, March 17, 9 a.m. – 12 noon we’re offering a workshop on Turf Management. You can’t afford to miss this session. People love their lawns! And they will love you if you help them have the prettiest lawn in their neighborhood.
Both workshops will be held at the Cooperative Extension Service in New Hanover County, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. There is no charge for either workshop, but please reserve your spot by calling the Cooperative Extension Service in Brunswick County (910-253-2610) or in New Hanover County (910-452-6393).
For more information contact Al Hight, Extension Agent - Brunswick County, at (910) 253-2610; or Jerry Dudley – Extension Agent - New Hanover County at (910) 452-6393.
On Thursday, March 17, 9 a.m. – 12 noon we’re offering a workshop on Turf Management. You can’t afford to miss this session. People love their lawns! And they will love you if you help them have the prettiest lawn in their neighborhood.
Both workshops will be held at the Cooperative Extension Service in New Hanover County, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. There is no charge for either workshop, but please reserve your spot by calling the Cooperative Extension Service in Brunswick County (910-253-2610) or in New Hanover County (910-452-6393).
For more information contact Al Hight, Extension Agent - Brunswick County, at (910) 253-2610; or Jerry Dudley – Extension Agent - New Hanover County at (910) 452-6393.
Plant Sale
Sign up sheets for the plant sale on April 14th, 15th, and 16th are also posted in the M.G. office.
Home and garden show
Sign up sheets are located in the M.G. office for The Home and Garden show at West Brunswick High School on Mar. 19th and 20th.
Times etc. will be provided at the next meeting.
Times etc. will be provided at the next meeting.
Tree Giveaway
The forest service will provide free trees for the Master Gardeners to give away on tues.Tues., Feb. 22nd, starting at 9:00 AM. I will need a few of you to help set up the area and help count out trees and give them away. We will have 100 trees of each of eight varieties and 1000 loblolly pines to give away. We will limit each person to three of each type except for loblollies which they can have as many as they want. You are entitled to the same if you want some.
Please call Charlie if you can help.
Please call Charlie if you can help.
County clean-up week
Monday April 18 to Saturday April 23 from 8 am to 4 pm. With the exception of hazardous waste anything can be brought for the landfill with no fee applied.
MG State News
State conference will be held in Wayne County, Goldsboro on October 28 & 29, 2005.
More information will be available at a later date.
More information will be available at a later date.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
North Carolina Master Gardener Association
If you would like to join the North Carolina Master Gardener Association, individual memberships are available at $5 a year, renewable annually on January 1st. You can get a copy of the membership form on the web.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
2005 dues
2005 dues are due as of January 1st. Make checks payable to Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association (BCMGVA). Dues are $5 per individual. Please mail checks to the Treasurer, Linda Lemieux (3882, Members Club Blvd, Southport, NC 28461).
Letter from Martha Warner
Dear Master Gardeners,
Thank you so much for the gift certificate to Elijahs. It was very kind and generous of you to remember me during the holidays. It will be a special treat for Mac and me.
Again, thank you for the gift but most of all your friendship and all your volunteer efforts at Cooperative Extension.
Happy New Year,
Marth Warner
Thank you so much for the gift certificate to Elijahs. It was very kind and generous of you to remember me during the holidays. It will be a special treat for Mac and me.
Again, thank you for the gift but most of all your friendship and all your volunteer efforts at Cooperative Extension.
Happy New Year,
Marth Warner
Did You Know
Press Release, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004
David Barkley, Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County, has been recognized by the state's local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national honor society for Extension professionals. Barkley received the International Award at the annual meeting of Xi Chapter of ESP in Sanford last month.
Barkley has been involved in many international service projects including:
David Barkley, Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County, has been recognized by the state's local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, a national honor society for Extension professionals. Barkley received the International Award at the annual meeting of Xi Chapter of ESP in Sanford last month.
Barkley has been involved in many international service projects including:
- Participating in the "North Carolina in the World Program"
- Hosting educators from Costa Rica
- Participating in an international 4S (4-H) Camp
- Hosting graduate students from Bolivia and Peru
- Foreign mission work in Prague, Czech Republic
- Foreign Mission work in Mandeville, Jamaica
- Providing financial aid to disaster-stricken countries - Honduras, Afghanistan, Iraq
- Working as a volunteer for "Operation Christmas Child"
- Tutoring foreign students enrolled in the MBA program at the University of North Carolina - Wilmington
- Studies Abroad - International Business Seminar - University of North Carolina - Wilmington MBA program
- International Missions Coordinator for First Baptist Church Diaconate, Wilmington
2005 Budget
The proposed budget will be discussed at the general meeting on Jan. 27. Be sure to attend. Copies will be mailed or e-mailed before then. If you get it before the meeting, bring it with you - only a limited number of copies will be available at the meeting.
The Botanical Garden Wants You!
Now that it has been dedicated this is called maintenance. Thanks in advance.
Contact John Sullivan or Maggie Hoon.
Contact John Sullivan or Maggie Hoon.
Received from Vic Pizzolato
My class in Basic Photography and Digital Photography starts the first week in February I believe. Folks will have to call the school to register at 755-7300, or if they want to know more about the courses, call me. I don't have the exact date as yet. Though I do believe the school will mail out a catalog to everyone in the county.
Vic Pizzolato
Vic Pizzolato
Welcome to 2005 Gardening
Please accept my warmest wishes for a happy gardening year. And please make plans to include BCMGVA in those plans. Your Board has begun planning for an active year and we want each and every one of you to join in one or more of the rewarding, informative and enjoyable events/activities which require your participation to assure their success.
We will try some new ways to involve you, including different approaches to meetings, and especially by the development and use of a web site where you can track everything happening daily and participate as you wish. AND, please send me your comments and ideas...
Please mark your calendar with all of our events, and join one or more of the teams working on each. I am looking forward to seeing you throughout the year as we interact with prospective and veteran gardeners throughout the county.
Cheers!
Dan Sololoski
We will try some new ways to involve you, including different approaches to meetings, and especially by the development and use of a web site where you can track everything happening daily and participate as you wish. AND, please send me your comments and ideas...
Please mark your calendar with all of our events, and join one or more of the teams working on each. I am looking forward to seeing you throughout the year as we interact with prospective and veteran gardeners throughout the county.
Cheers!
Dan Sololoski
Trip Report - Night of a Thousand Lights
Go to the Trips page to see Chappy Jones' report on the December visit to Night of a Thousand Lights at Brookgreen Gardens.
Trip Report - Brookgreen Gardens & Huntington Beach
Go to the Trips page to see Richard Boland's report on the trip to Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach.
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