I just got back from the Philadelphia Flower Show. I didn’t pick up any recipes, but the show was definitely “cooking”. We had such a good time; I thought I’d share some thoughts.
Bruce Williams led a group of 44 on a bus trip that had five stops; we left Wilmington early and drove to Richmond, VA to see the Lewis Ginter Gardens. Ginter is a nice stop if you are making your way north on 95. It has a decent size conservatory, some beautiful, well marked gardens, and made an excellent lunch stop. Our accommodations for three nights were in Wilmington, Delaware. We started our next day at Longwood Gardens. Wow! The Conservatory there is measured in acres and every square inch was great. Even at this time of year, Longwood is worth a full day (wish we could of stayed). Citrus, camellias, tons of orchids, hibiscus, roses, and so much more the list would fill the entire newsletter. The afternoon was another DuPont Garden and House. Winterthur is situated on large wooded and hilly area of Mr. DuPont’s farm. He became a collector of American furniture and art and kept adding to his farm house till he had filled 175 rooms and had to move to the guest house (I believe it had 65 rooms). The natural beauty of the woodland garden is quite a setting for his mansion. If you admire American antiques, this stop is for you. We spent our third day at the Flower Show. It took me about 5 hours to see it all, some took even longer. It’s setup with about 1/3 theme gardens created by different organizations, about 1/3 were displays that were either judged or were educating, and about 1/3 commercial booths. They also have seminars running constantly. Great Show! Huge Crowd! The crowd start to thin about 3:00 pm and the show stays open well into the evening. Pace yourself, go out and enjoy Philly a little, and have fun!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Work Days
Please come and help us when you have time, but especially on the work days. March 18th and April 7th
Gardens: Jim Blake is available to direct your work.
Greenhouse: Tyler Ash always needs help weeding and getting plants ready for sale.
Gardens: Jim Blake is available to direct your work.
Greenhouse: Tyler Ash always needs help weeding and getting plants ready for sale.
ADVANCED EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS 2008 CLASSES
Plant ID – Thursday’s March 27– May 29, 1-3:30 p.m. (proficiency test - May 29, 2008) Cost: $40.00
Landscape Class Dates and times:
April 2, 9, 23, 30 and May 7 (9-noon) 2pm to 4:30pm
April -*15or16, meet with regular MG Class 9am to 12 noon
May - field trip TBA
May 22 – MGA meeting with Bryce Lane (9am to noon) landscape design concepts, installation and management
Landscape Class Dates and times:
April 2, 9, 23, 30 and May 7 (9-noon) 2pm to 4:30pm
April -*15or16, meet with regular MG Class 9am to 12 noon
May - field trip TBA
May 22 – MGA meeting with Bryce Lane (9am to noon) landscape design concepts, installation and management
Southern Region Master Gardener Conference
June 18-21, 2008 in Oklahoma – for detail check the website
March Hotline Calls
In March 2007 there were 187 inquiries to the Hotline and 37 requests for information from our participation in March Garden Shows.
General: 85 - 18 requested Newcomer packets and 17 requested soil sample kits and interpretation of analysis. The rest were for various information such as pruning, plant ID, composting, plant selection for our area, landscaping, and bird information. Lawns: 64. The majority of calls concerned Centipede and St. Augustine grasses and weed control.
Shrubs: 19. Gardenia, Azalea, and Oleander had the most questions. Roses and privets also had a few.
Trees: 36. Crepe Myrtle had the most inquiries with questions about fungus and selection for this area. Fruit trees, palms, pecan, holly's trees had several calls each.
Pests: 11. All the usual suspects; Moles, Voles, Fire Ants and deer.
Veg./Flowers:23 Grapes, Tomato, Blueberry, were the main concern. Flowers varied all over the place. I enjoyed the question about soil oysters.
General: 85 - 18 requested Newcomer packets and 17 requested soil sample kits and interpretation of analysis. The rest were for various information such as pruning, plant ID, composting, plant selection for our area, landscaping, and bird information. Lawns: 64. The majority of calls concerned Centipede and St. Augustine grasses and weed control.
Shrubs: 19. Gardenia, Azalea, and Oleander had the most questions. Roses and privets also had a few.
Trees: 36. Crepe Myrtle had the most inquiries with questions about fungus and selection for this area. Fruit trees, palms, pecan, holly's trees had several calls each.
Pests: 11. All the usual suspects; Moles, Voles, Fire Ants and deer.
Veg./Flowers:23 Grapes, Tomato, Blueberry, were the main concern. Flowers varied all over the place. I enjoyed the question about soil oysters.
Master Gardeners' Library
The library in the Master Gardeners' Office now consists of over 270 books. The 2008 recent additions are The Southern Living Garden Book (the most recent edition), Pass Along Plants (recommended by Bryce Lane on his TV show), The Handbook of Oleanders, Dirr's Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates (a beautiful book) and 3 children's books on gardening related topics that will be used for the Supply Elementary School project and Life on the Farm.
In February 2008 the book inventory was completed. The next steps are to find missing books, organize the books in the MG office so that they're easy to locate and possibly make the updated inventory accessible from the Website. The inventory is currently on the computer in the Master Gardener Office (in Excel).
If you have any suggestions for new books or would like to donate books to the library, please contact Grace Wrigley at 846-3341 or email gwrigley@atmc.net.
In February 2008 the book inventory was completed. The next steps are to find missing books, organize the books in the MG office so that they're easy to locate and possibly make the updated inventory accessible from the Website. The inventory is currently on the computer in the Master Gardener Office (in Excel).
If you have any suggestions for new books or would like to donate books to the library, please contact Grace Wrigley at 846-3341 or email gwrigley@atmc.net.
From the President's desk...
Since I received no names for the newsletter I can only assume we do not wish to have a name for the newsletter. No interest was shown in the Herbarium project. Hopefully someone in the 08 Master Gardener Class will be interested in taking on this project. Help is needed in the greenhouse to prepare for the April Plant sale. Work days in the garden are first Monday and the third Tuesday. With spring right around the corner a lot of help is needed in the garden.
I recommend that you go to the web site and read the newsletter, schedule of events, speakers, minutes, etc. The newsletter needs news. Let Joe know what is happening.
Welcome to the 2008 Master Gardener Classes. They are already volunteering.
The 2008 Conference Committee is hard at work. Silver Coast Winery has been chosen for the reception. Have mailed out approximately 275 letters asking for support. We will start following up on the letters shortly. Our first money has been received for an ad in the program. We have been promised a 5 inch plant for each attendee at the conference. Have received two silent auction donations. If you would like to help on the conference contact me. There is still a lot that needs to be done.
I recommend that you go to the web site and read the newsletter, schedule of events, speakers, minutes, etc. The newsletter needs news. Let Joe know what is happening.
Welcome to the 2008 Master Gardener Classes. They are already volunteering.
The 2008 Conference Committee is hard at work. Silver Coast Winery has been chosen for the reception. Have mailed out approximately 275 letters asking for support. We will start following up on the letters shortly. Our first money has been received for an ad in the program. We have been promised a 5 inch plant for each attendee at the conference. Have received two silent auction donations. If you would like to help on the conference contact me. There is still a lot that needs to be done.
Wanted! Name our Newsletter
Let’s come up with a catchy name! Send Me your suggestions jloughlin@ec.rr.com
Upcoming Speakers
March 27th Ken Fager is an Agricultural Research Specialist, North Carolina State University and will speak on Organic Vegetable Gardening - practical examples that promote diversity and soil quality. Ken will explain the utilization of
cover crops in a reduced tillage gardening system that lends itself to a bounty of fresh vegetables.
April 24th Peter Hertyl - NCSU - Ground Pearls
May 22nd Bryce Lane NCSU Gardening Ideas
June 28th Frank Galloway - Plants for local use
July 24th Dr. Frank Blazich - NCSU - Summer Propagation
Aug 28th Charlotte Glen - Plants for difficult situations
Sept. 25th Ronda Sherman - Vermicomposting
Oct 23rd Toby Bost
Nov. 20th updates by horticulture staff
cover crops in a reduced tillage gardening system that lends itself to a bounty of fresh vegetables.
April 24th Peter Hertyl - NCSU - Ground Pearls
May 22nd Bryce Lane NCSU Gardening Ideas
June 28th Frank Galloway - Plants for local use
July 24th Dr. Frank Blazich - NCSU - Summer Propagation
Aug 28th Charlotte Glen - Plants for difficult situations
Sept. 25th Ronda Sherman - Vermicomposting
Oct 23rd Toby Bost
Nov. 20th updates by horticulture staff
Upcoming Events…
March 18th Work Day in Garden & Greenhouse
March 13th Free Pruning Seminar at Extension office 1:00 – 3:00, bring tools
March 27th Regular Meeting
March 29th-30th Brunswick Home & Garden Show
March 29-30th Historic Poplar Grove Plantation's Herb & Garden Fair
April 3rd Waterwise Seminar Extension Office 5:00 till 7:00
April 7th Work Day in Garden & Greenhouse
April 9-13th Wilmington Azalea Festival
April 10,11,&12 Spring Plant Sale
April 19th Coastal garden Club Tour of Gardens & Spring Tea at Woodsong
April 23rd Winding River, Spring preparation and waterwise seminar
June 18-21st Southern Region Master Gardener Conference
Oct 5-8 2008 MG Conference in Brunswick County
Dec 10th Christmas Party
March 13th Free Pruning Seminar at Extension office 1:00 – 3:00, bring tools
March 27th Regular Meeting
March 29th-30th Brunswick Home & Garden Show
March 29-30th Historic Poplar Grove Plantation's Herb & Garden Fair
April 3rd Waterwise Seminar Extension Office 5:00 till 7:00
April 7th Work Day in Garden & Greenhouse
April 9-13th Wilmington Azalea Festival
April 10,11,&12 Spring Plant Sale
April 19th Coastal garden Club Tour of Gardens & Spring Tea at Woodsong
April 23rd Winding River, Spring preparation and waterwise seminar
June 18-21st Southern Region Master Gardener Conference
Oct 5-8 2008 MG Conference in Brunswick County
Dec 10th Christmas Party
2008 Herb & Garden Fair
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation’s
2008 Herb & Garden Fair
Saturday, March 29 & Sunday, March 30
For the sixteenth year, historic Poplar Grove Plantation marks the start of spring with the Herb & Garden Fair, Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Great gardens begin with great plants and the Fair is where to find them. Well known growers like Meg Shelton’s Herb Farm in Brunswick County and Marshall Gardens of Carolina Beach bring in truckloads of fresh, locally grown herbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and hanging baskets. You’ll be buying your plants directly from the farmer who raised them, right here in our climate and zone. In addition to hardy plants there will be top quality arbors, antique trellises, birdbaths, lawn furniture, tools and equipment. The Fair is also a wonderful source for herbal soaps, specialty cheeses, one-of-a-kind garden sculptures, stained glass, and hand crafted landscape ornaments that are both beautiful and unique.
An abundance of expertise surrounds you at the fair. Aside from the many venders, Pender County Master Gardeners are on site to help with great advice and, experts like the Seasoned Gourmet offer fun, educational classes in cooking and gardening throughout the weekend. For a tranquil walk join Audubon Education Director, Andy Wood as he guides bird lovers through Abbey Nature Preserve. Check out Poplar Grove’s website for details on the hike and classes. A nominal $5 fee per class or hike is well worth it and goes to a good cause.
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit foundation beloved by the surrounding community and the generations of southern families that grew up nearby. Entrance to the Herb & Garden Fair is free. Donations are very much appreciated and go towards saving Poplar Grove’s hay wagons. The hay wagons are used for school field trips, at Halloween and other times throughout the year. The plantation would like to put steps and sides on the wagons and refurbish the old wooden boards.
Whether you’re a gardener or just like to smell the roses, you can shop, browse until you're satisfied and then settle down to the slow pace of a genuine old southern plantation. Snacks and lunch foods sold throughout the day. For information visit www.poplargrove.com or call (910) 686-9518 ext. 26. Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is located at 10200 US Highway 17 North, Wilmington, at Scotts Hill. The animal lovers at Poplar Grove request that pets be left at home during the Herb Fair.
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to education, preservation and service to the community.
FAIR ACTIVITIES
Saturday Hike and Classes $5 each
· 9AM - Audubon Bird Hike with Andy Woods, Audubon Education Director
· 11AM – Plant Identification Walk with Charlotte Glen, Pender County Extension Horticulture Agent
· 1PM - Cooking with Herbs, Susan Boyles, The Seasoned Gourmet
· 2PM - Grow a Cut Flower & Herb Garden, Meg Shelton, Shelton Herb Farm
· 3PM - Eating Local Foods, Trace Ramsey, Tidal Creek Coop Food Market
Sunday Classes $5 each
· 1PM - Exotic Edibles from the Garden, Susan Boyles, The Seasoned Gourmet
· 2PM - Birds of Southeastern NC, Dr. James Parnell, Author & P.E. UNCW
· 3PM - Culinary Herbs & Edible Flowers, Meg Shelton, Shelton Herb Farm
Free Admission
Donations for Hay Wagons Appreciated
Learn how to garden, Southern style!
For more information: www.poplargrove.com or (910) 686-9518 ext.26
Goodness grows at historic Poplar Grove Plantation
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to education, preservation and service to the community.
2008 Herb & Garden Fair
Saturday, March 29 & Sunday, March 30
For the sixteenth year, historic Poplar Grove Plantation marks the start of spring with the Herb & Garden Fair, Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Great gardens begin with great plants and the Fair is where to find them. Well known growers like Meg Shelton’s Herb Farm in Brunswick County and Marshall Gardens of Carolina Beach bring in truckloads of fresh, locally grown herbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and hanging baskets. You’ll be buying your plants directly from the farmer who raised them, right here in our climate and zone. In addition to hardy plants there will be top quality arbors, antique trellises, birdbaths, lawn furniture, tools and equipment. The Fair is also a wonderful source for herbal soaps, specialty cheeses, one-of-a-kind garden sculptures, stained glass, and hand crafted landscape ornaments that are both beautiful and unique.
An abundance of expertise surrounds you at the fair. Aside from the many venders, Pender County Master Gardeners are on site to help with great advice and, experts like the Seasoned Gourmet offer fun, educational classes in cooking and gardening throughout the weekend. For a tranquil walk join Audubon Education Director, Andy Wood as he guides bird lovers through Abbey Nature Preserve. Check out Poplar Grove’s website for details on the hike and classes. A nominal $5 fee per class or hike is well worth it and goes to a good cause.
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit foundation beloved by the surrounding community and the generations of southern families that grew up nearby. Entrance to the Herb & Garden Fair is free. Donations are very much appreciated and go towards saving Poplar Grove’s hay wagons. The hay wagons are used for school field trips, at Halloween and other times throughout the year. The plantation would like to put steps and sides on the wagons and refurbish the old wooden boards.
Whether you’re a gardener or just like to smell the roses, you can shop, browse until you're satisfied and then settle down to the slow pace of a genuine old southern plantation. Snacks and lunch foods sold throughout the day. For information visit www.poplargrove.com or call (910) 686-9518 ext. 26. Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is located at 10200 US Highway 17 North, Wilmington, at Scotts Hill. The animal lovers at Poplar Grove request that pets be left at home during the Herb Fair.
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to education, preservation and service to the community.
FAIR ACTIVITIES
Saturday Hike and Classes $5 each
· 9AM - Audubon Bird Hike with Andy Woods, Audubon Education Director
· 11AM – Plant Identification Walk with Charlotte Glen, Pender County Extension Horticulture Agent
· 1PM - Cooking with Herbs, Susan Boyles, The Seasoned Gourmet
· 2PM - Grow a Cut Flower & Herb Garden, Meg Shelton, Shelton Herb Farm
· 3PM - Eating Local Foods, Trace Ramsey, Tidal Creek Coop Food Market
Sunday Classes $5 each
· 1PM - Exotic Edibles from the Garden, Susan Boyles, The Seasoned Gourmet
· 2PM - Birds of Southeastern NC, Dr. James Parnell, Author & P.E. UNCW
· 3PM - Culinary Herbs & Edible Flowers, Meg Shelton, Shelton Herb Farm
Free Admission
Donations for Hay Wagons Appreciated
Learn how to garden, Southern style!
For more information: www.poplargrove.com or (910) 686-9518 ext.26
Goodness grows at historic Poplar Grove Plantation
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to education, preservation and service to the community.
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