The Coastal Garden Club has invited us to join them when they host Alessandro Tombelli at their monthly meeting, at 1 p.m. on March 20 at the Brunswick Electric Company in Supply. Alessandro has a vast resume of international garden restoration and design experience. He graduated with a degree in Horticulture from the National Horticultural Institute of Florence and has continued to expand his knowledge by attending The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden in Wisley, England, the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies in York, England and the Scuola Agraria di Monza in Milan, Italy. Alessandro is currently a garden consultant and advisor to many historic villas and estates across Europe. With his expert knowledge of horticulture, he has given lectures, consulted for a television program and currently organizes and leads Globalgardens tours. He is a member of both The Royal Horticultural Society and the British Professional Gardeners’ Guild.
Space is limited – both in the meeting room and in the parking lot. We are limited to the first 40 people who sign up. If you want to attend and hear this interesting speaker, call Bette at Extension (253-2610). We will meet in the parking lot behind Extension and use the vans and carpool. There will be a $3.50 fee at the door.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Coastal Garden Seminar
“Meeting Your Plants’ Needs”
March 31, 2006
9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
David Hardy, NC Dept. of Agriculture Soils Lab, re soil samples, analysis, soil problems
Dr. William Fonteno, Professor, Horticultural Science, NCSU, re: building urban soils
And more to be announced.
Call the Extension Office to register.
March 31, 2006
9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
David Hardy, NC Dept. of Agriculture Soils Lab, re soil samples, analysis, soil problems
Dr. William Fonteno, Professor, Horticultural Science, NCSU, re: building urban soils
And more to be announced.
Call the Extension Office to register.
The Hardscape Team
This promises to be a busy group with some interesting projects on the agenda. Here are some that are waiting for spring time and drier weather to get started:
1. Work on irrigation in the garden and around Building N.
2. Install drainage at the garden to include the center circle.
3. Modify the pump station doors, install drainage and complete path
4. Install terraces at rear of biofalls and repair steps up the bank.
5. Pressure clean, spray and waterproof the deck and walkways.
6. Plan and install drip irrigation for containers in front and rear of building.
7. Install a pathway to Building F.
8. Plan and install drainage at the greenhouse area.
If you would like to join this team let Hilton know (575-4943; hholcomb@atmc.net).
1. Work on irrigation in the garden and around Building N.
2. Install drainage at the garden to include the center circle.
3. Modify the pump station doors, install drainage and complete path
4. Install terraces at rear of biofalls and repair steps up the bank.
5. Pressure clean, spray and waterproof the deck and walkways.
6. Plan and install drip irrigation for containers in front and rear of building.
7. Install a pathway to Building F.
8. Plan and install drainage at the greenhouse area.
If you would like to join this team let Hilton know (575-4943; hholcomb@atmc.net).
We've Got Projects
Check out these great opportunities to get involved with our community and share your gardening know-how:
• The Home and Garden Show at West Brunswick High School on March 24-26. Let Richard know if you want to help out (579-5791 or rboland@atmc.net)
• Our first Plant Sale of the year will be Thursday April 20 – Saturday April 22. Charlie’s looking for volunteers.
• Hilton is looking for members to join the Hardscape Team – you don’t need previous experience to participate in this group. A list of projects on the current To-Do List is on page 2. Let Hilton know if you’re interested.
• The Supply Middle School program gets under way with the training session on March 2.
• We have had an inquiry from Shallotte Middle School about working with their students – watch for more news on this.
• Have also had an inquiry from Communities in Schools re: working with them. More info to come if this develops.
• The Home and Garden Show at West Brunswick High School on March 24-26. Let Richard know if you want to help out (579-5791 or rboland@atmc.net)
• Our first Plant Sale of the year will be Thursday April 20 – Saturday April 22. Charlie’s looking for volunteers.
• Hilton is looking for members to join the Hardscape Team – you don’t need previous experience to participate in this group. A list of projects on the current To-Do List is on page 2. Let Hilton know if you’re interested.
• The Supply Middle School program gets under way with the training session on March 2.
• We have had an inquiry from Shallotte Middle School about working with their students – watch for more news on this.
• Have also had an inquiry from Communities in Schools re: working with them. More info to come if this develops.
State MG Conference
Information on the State MG Conference will soon be available on the NCMGVA web site – click under ‘Events” – www.ncmastergardeners.org. The conference is scheduled for October 2 - 4 in Kill Devil Hills. This conference will feature great speakers and workshops, plus pre-conference tours. Watch for your invitation packet this summer
March Meeting Speaker
THE SPEAKER AT OUR MARCH MEETING…will be Dr. Tom Creswell, Manager of the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic in the Plant Pathology Department at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He will talk to us about “Ornamental Diseases Common to Our Area.”
The meeting will be on March 23 at 9 a.m. The April meeting will be on the 27th – Dr. Lane Tredway, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at NCSU will be there to tell us about the identification, management and control of turf diseases.
Shirley and David have been working hard to put together a great group of speakers and topics for our meetings. So be sure to put all these meetings on your schedule and come take advantage of these great opportunities to add to your gardening knowledge.
The meeting will be on March 23 at 9 a.m. The April meeting will be on the 27th – Dr. Lane Tredway, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at NCSU will be there to tell us about the identification, management and control of turf diseases.
Shirley and David have been working hard to put together a great group of speakers and topics for our meetings. So be sure to put all these meetings on your schedule and come take advantage of these great opportunities to add to your gardening knowledge.
Monday, February 06, 2006
A Taste of China:
The Extension and Community Association, directed by Susan Morgan, would like our help in preparing food for their annual cultural program. The theme this year is China with an emphasis on history and cuisine. As in years past, the ECA is asking MGs to prepare food for the tasting program, which will be on Saturday, March 11 in the Extension Training Room. Those who prepare a dish (or two) will receive special treatment:
• A special guest table with the privilege of going through the line first
• A complementary cookbook with recipes for all the featured dishes
• The tasting is free to all preparers (you guests will have to pay)
Save your receipts for reimbursement. For more information call Susan Morgan or Bette Rose at the Extension (253-2610).
• A special guest table with the privilege of going through the line first
• A complementary cookbook with recipes for all the featured dishes
• The tasting is free to all preparers (you guests will have to pay)
Save your receipts for reimbursement. For more information call Susan Morgan or Bette Rose at the Extension (253-2610).
Volunteer in the greenhouse!
Ash is in the Greenhouse every morning – why not come in and help him out – Wednesday is the most popular morning for working in the Greenhouse, but he would appreciate your help any morning!
Pro Days Seminar and Trade Show
The NC Cooperative Extension Service will present the 6th Annual Regional Pro Days Seminar and Trade Show for area “Green Industry” workers and plant professional on Wed. and Thurs., Feb. 15 and 16, across from the Leland Industrial Park. The schedule of events will include a number of seminars, e.g., on turfgrass weed management, pesticide application, pesticide disposal, ornamental and turfgrass diseases and insects, plus exhibits featuring equipment, plants and landscape supplies, and finally, educational programs offering NCDA pesticide recertification credits; pesticide applicators will be eligible to receive specialty credits to satisfy their “X.” For information, contact Matt Martin or David Barkley at 253-2610 or Al Hight at 259-1235.
Supply Elementary School
We have an exciting new program coming up at Supply Elementary School working with students in the K through 5 classes, and Charlie will need a lot of Master Gardeners to volunteer some time to make this a success.
The program will cover three topics and we will be working with students in two age groups: Kindergarten through 2nd grade and grades 3 through 5. A brief overview of the topics is:
Propagation, March 21 and 22: We will provide each classroom with containers with growing plants/seedlings, plus measuring devices for water and plant growth. The pots will have 3 types of soil – sand, clay and loam. Students will learn how to care for the plant and will keep charts until we return in April.
Soils, April 11 and 12: Review what students learn re: plant growth in the three different soil types. The program will involve what plants require for growth and why plants grow in certain environments and not in others, as well as how soils are amended to provide what plants need to grow. We will also ask the cafeteria staff to save plastic containers to use in each classroom to collect scarps or discarded fruits and vegetable from the tasting breaks; then put the scraps into a compost bin which we will provide the school.
Compost and Worm Bins: April 25 and 26. This will be an outside program. We do final plant measurements and will bring the worm bin so student can see and touch the worm and see how worms aid in the soil. Also, at this class we’ll give each student a plant to take home, probably a tomato plant.
Charlie is looking for volunteers to work on this project and others that may develop. If you want participate, let Charlie know.
The program will cover three topics and we will be working with students in two age groups: Kindergarten through 2nd grade and grades 3 through 5. A brief overview of the topics is:
Propagation, March 21 and 22: We will provide each classroom with containers with growing plants/seedlings, plus measuring devices for water and plant growth. The pots will have 3 types of soil – sand, clay and loam. Students will learn how to care for the plant and will keep charts until we return in April.
Soils, April 11 and 12: Review what students learn re: plant growth in the three different soil types. The program will involve what plants require for growth and why plants grow in certain environments and not in others, as well as how soils are amended to provide what plants need to grow. We will also ask the cafeteria staff to save plastic containers to use in each classroom to collect scarps or discarded fruits and vegetable from the tasting breaks; then put the scraps into a compost bin which we will provide the school.
Compost and Worm Bins: April 25 and 26. This will be an outside program. We do final plant measurements and will bring the worm bin so student can see and touch the worm and see how worms aid in the soil. Also, at this class we’ll give each student a plant to take home, probably a tomato plant.
Charlie is looking for volunteers to work on this project and others that may develop. If you want participate, let Charlie know.
NEWS FROM CHARLIE:
Please remember that to be a Master Gardener you must have completed all the requirements each and every year. There have been some occurrences where folks have claimed to be Master Gardeners and they have not completed and maintained their obligations. This is a violation of the law.
What a great success the Blazichs’ seminars were. We not only paid for all their expenses but also made a little bit of money as a result. We helped out our friends in 4H as well since they provided the meal. Our visitors seemed to really enjoy themselves and hopefully they will come back for the next one.
Speaking of which, the North Brunswick Expo was a great success also. Twice as many people attended as last year and there were lots of new questions. We must have over 20 "Newcomers Kits" to pass out.
Which brings on the next topic, which is all the seminars coming up. I will be contacting you on the Supply Elementary School project. Other upcoming seminars include: Feb. 16th, Southport Library, 2:00-3:00 PM, subject "Are you ready for Spring?"; Southport Wal-Mart, Feb.18th, 10:00-1:00, seminar at 11:00, same subject as above; Feb. 20, Coastal Garden Club, BMEC room, 1:00-2:00 PM, “Preparing for Spring”; Mar. 1st, Welcome Center in Southport, 1:00-2:00 PM, "Composting"; Mar. 8th, Leland Library, 10:00-11:00 AM, "Are you ready for Spring?"; Mar. 24-26th, "Home and Garden Show" at West Brunswick High School. I'm sure other things will come up. Please remember these events and I will call if you live in the area and ask for some help signing folks in and selling books, etc.
What a great year we had in 2005 and it looks like this year will be even better. New class starts Feb 8th; stop in and say "Hi" to our new members. Help make them feel at home!
Charlie,
PS, I almost forgot, Mar 31st is the all-day "Coastal Garden Seminar" We will invite the public again and try and cover expenses. Billy Privette and 4H will again prepare the food. Topics will be provided at a later date.
What a great success the Blazichs’ seminars were. We not only paid for all their expenses but also made a little bit of money as a result. We helped out our friends in 4H as well since they provided the meal. Our visitors seemed to really enjoy themselves and hopefully they will come back for the next one.
Speaking of which, the North Brunswick Expo was a great success also. Twice as many people attended as last year and there were lots of new questions. We must have over 20 "Newcomers Kits" to pass out.
Which brings on the next topic, which is all the seminars coming up. I will be contacting you on the Supply Elementary School project. Other upcoming seminars include: Feb. 16th, Southport Library, 2:00-3:00 PM, subject "Are you ready for Spring?"; Southport Wal-Mart, Feb.18th, 10:00-1:00, seminar at 11:00, same subject as above; Feb. 20, Coastal Garden Club, BMEC room, 1:00-2:00 PM, “Preparing for Spring”; Mar. 1st, Welcome Center in Southport, 1:00-2:00 PM, "Composting"; Mar. 8th, Leland Library, 10:00-11:00 AM, "Are you ready for Spring?"; Mar. 24-26th, "Home and Garden Show" at West Brunswick High School. I'm sure other things will come up. Please remember these events and I will call if you live in the area and ask for some help signing folks in and selling books, etc.
What a great year we had in 2005 and it looks like this year will be even better. New class starts Feb 8th; stop in and say "Hi" to our new members. Help make them feel at home!
Charlie,
PS, I almost forgot, Mar 31st is the all-day "Coastal Garden Seminar" We will invite the public again and try and cover expenses. Billy Privette and 4H will again prepare the food. Topics will be provided at a later date.
A Note from Kathy Walters
Thank you so much for the lovely South Sea pearl and silver brooch and the plaque you presented me upon my resignation from the Cooperative Extension Service. I will treasure them always…but most of all, I treasure the Brunswick County Master Gardeners! So many of you have been in touch and expressed such kindness – I can’t thank you enough for your thoughtfulness! I am so fortunate to know you and to count you among from friends!
February's Speaker
Don’t miss the February meeting. Our speaker will be Phyllis Meiloe. She will speak about “Ability Gardening: the Use of Garden Tools to Make Gardening Easier for Seniors.”
February Meetings:
Board, Feb 16, 9 a.m.
General Meeting, Feb 23, 9 a.m.
February Meetings:
Board, Feb 16, 9 a.m.
General Meeting, Feb 23, 9 a.m.
Richard's Ramblings
What a great way to start the New Year! We had a well attended, productive business meeting and who didn’t benefit from the “double dip” program. “Team Blazich” can’t be beat!
Shirley and David have worked hard to offer us a dazzling line up of programs for the remainder of 2006 and far into 2007. Many of us have had a chance to glimpse the roster of those who will be presenting programs and I don’t want to miss out on a single one - to do so would be to throw away an extraordinary learning opportunity.
Remember, too, that YOU are the association. What goes on at business meetings concerns YOU! Mark your calendar so you can be at every meeting. Your participation is valued!
Thanks for all you do for Master Gardening and have a great month!
Richard
Shirley and David have worked hard to offer us a dazzling line up of programs for the remainder of 2006 and far into 2007. Many of us have had a chance to glimpse the roster of those who will be presenting programs and I don’t want to miss out on a single one - to do so would be to throw away an extraordinary learning opportunity.
Remember, too, that YOU are the association. What goes on at business meetings concerns YOU! Mark your calendar so you can be at every meeting. Your participation is valued!
Thanks for all you do for Master Gardening and have a great month!
Richard
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
A Message From The President: New Year's Resolutions
As a rule I avoid making New Year’s resolutions as they usually last until January 2. But as we embark upon a new year as a Master Gardener chapter I thought I’d give it one more shot. So, here goes.
I resolve:
1. To lend a hand whenever I can.
2. To look for ways to make new ideas work and not for reasons they won’t.
3. That when in doubt I’ll check things out and not make negative assumptions.
4. To help others succeed, and celebrate their accomplishments.
5. To speak positively about others and about the organization. Someone might be listening.
6. To maintain a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances.
7. To act with initiative and courage, believing that if it‘s to be, it‘s up to me.
8. To act with enthusiasm. I have found it to be contagious.
9. That whatever I want for myself (recognition, respect, loyalty, etc.) I will give to others.
10. To keep faith and never give up.
I know this sounds ambitious but I think it’s worth a try. I invite you to join with me in working for an exciting and productive year of growing our chapter.
Happy New Year…..Richard
I resolve:
1. To lend a hand whenever I can.
2. To look for ways to make new ideas work and not for reasons they won’t.
3. That when in doubt I’ll check things out and not make negative assumptions.
4. To help others succeed, and celebrate their accomplishments.
5. To speak positively about others and about the organization. Someone might be listening.
6. To maintain a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances.
7. To act with initiative and courage, believing that if it‘s to be, it‘s up to me.
8. To act with enthusiasm. I have found it to be contagious.
9. That whatever I want for myself (recognition, respect, loyalty, etc.) I will give to others.
10. To keep faith and never give up.
I know this sounds ambitious but I think it’s worth a try. I invite you to join with me in working for an exciting and productive year of growing our chapter.
Happy New Year…..Richard
Upcoming Events
• Board Meetings: Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16…
• General Meetings: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 23…
• Board and General Meetings will start at 9 a.m. unless you get notice of a change.
• The second annual Business Expo will be held at the Leland Fire House January 28. We will have a booth – sign up to help staff the booth.
• The new Master Gardener class starts Feb. 8
• The Forestry Service will provide trees for our give-away sometime in February. We are promised a much better selection this year. We can use volunteers to help with this.
• The Home and Garden Show is March 25 and 26 at the West Brunswick High School. We will have a booth both days. See Charlie to sign up.
• We will hold a Coastal Gardening Seminar on March 31 in the Extension Training room, with guest speakers and lunch, and will charge a small fee. Sign up to help with this event.
• On April 15 there will be a waste collection for homeowners, and we will conduct a plant clinic at the Southport Wal-Mart.
• Our first Plant Sale of the year will be April 20 – 22.
• The second Plant Sale will be May 18 – 20. Sign up to help with one or both of these events.
• There will be a Pond Management Seminar on May 4. This will be an all-day seminar, and lunch will be provided for a small charge.
• Our annual Recognition Banquet is scheduled for June 20..
• General Meetings: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 23…
• Board and General Meetings will start at 9 a.m. unless you get notice of a change.
• The second annual Business Expo will be held at the Leland Fire House January 28. We will have a booth – sign up to help staff the booth.
• The new Master Gardener class starts Feb. 8
• The Forestry Service will provide trees for our give-away sometime in February. We are promised a much better selection this year. We can use volunteers to help with this.
• The Home and Garden Show is March 25 and 26 at the West Brunswick High School. We will have a booth both days. See Charlie to sign up.
• We will hold a Coastal Gardening Seminar on March 31 in the Extension Training room, with guest speakers and lunch, and will charge a small fee. Sign up to help with this event.
• On April 15 there will be a waste collection for homeowners, and we will conduct a plant clinic at the Southport Wal-Mart.
• Our first Plant Sale of the year will be April 20 – 22.
• The second Plant Sale will be May 18 – 20. Sign up to help with one or both of these events.
• There will be a Pond Management Seminar on May 4. This will be an all-day seminar, and lunch will be provided for a small charge.
• Our annual Recognition Banquet is scheduled for June 20..
Educational Training Programs for 2006
Our speakers for the first six months of the year have all been confirmed and we have a great roster of speakers and subjects. Please put these on your calendar, come to meetings to hear these interesting speakers and learn about their areas. Here’s the lineup for January through June:
January 26: Dr. Frank and April Blazich. This is going to be a double-header and both sessions will be open to the public. So come early and get your space! Dr. Frank and April are both very interesting and engaging speakers. April will conduct an herb seminar following the General Meeting, from @ 10:15 to noon. We will serve lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and then Dr. Frank will show us how to take hardwood cuttings. While the public will pay a fee for these seminars, they are free of charge for Active Master Gardeners.
February 23: Phyllis Meiole. Phyllis will speak on the topic of “Ability Gardening: the Use of Garden Tools to Make Gardening Easier for Seniors.”
March 23: Dr. Tom Creswell. Dr. Creswell is Plant Disease and Insect Clinic Manager in the Department of Plant Pathology at NCSU. He will speak to us about “Ornamental Pathology.”
April 27: Dr. Lane Tredway, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at NCSU. His subject will be “Turf Diseases: Identification, Management and Control.”
May 25: Bryce Lane. Mr. Lane is the host of the PBS series “In the Garden” and a national award-winning instructor in the Department of Horticultural Science at NCSU. He will conduct a hands-on workshop on “Container Gardening.”
June 22: Dr. Jeannie Davies. Dr. Davies is Associate Professor, Extension Specialist, Horticulture Science, NCSU. Her subject will be “Herbs and Other Interesting Specialty Crops for North Carolina.”
January 26: Dr. Frank and April Blazich. This is going to be a double-header and both sessions will be open to the public. So come early and get your space! Dr. Frank and April are both very interesting and engaging speakers. April will conduct an herb seminar following the General Meeting, from @ 10:15 to noon. We will serve lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and then Dr. Frank will show us how to take hardwood cuttings. While the public will pay a fee for these seminars, they are free of charge for Active Master Gardeners.
February 23: Phyllis Meiole. Phyllis will speak on the topic of “Ability Gardening: the Use of Garden Tools to Make Gardening Easier for Seniors.”
March 23: Dr. Tom Creswell. Dr. Creswell is Plant Disease and Insect Clinic Manager in the Department of Plant Pathology at NCSU. He will speak to us about “Ornamental Pathology.”
April 27: Dr. Lane Tredway, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at NCSU. His subject will be “Turf Diseases: Identification, Management and Control.”
May 25: Bryce Lane. Mr. Lane is the host of the PBS series “In the Garden” and a national award-winning instructor in the Department of Horticultural Science at NCSU. He will conduct a hands-on workshop on “Container Gardening.”
June 22: Dr. Jeannie Davies. Dr. Davies is Associate Professor, Extension Specialist, Horticulture Science, NCSU. Her subject will be “Herbs and Other Interesting Specialty Crops for North Carolina.”
Reminders from Charlie!!
Are your timesheets for 2005 up to date? If not, please fill in all the required information as soon as possible.
Each Master Gardener is required to sign a Certification Agreement each year. Please see Charlie or check in the Hotline Office for a copy to sign, and give it to Charlie, David or Bette at the front desk.
Each Master Gardener is required to sign a Certification Agreement each year. Please see Charlie or check in the Hotline Office for a copy to sign, and give it to Charlie, David or Bette at the front desk.
State Association News:
The next Board of Directors meeting will be held January 8 at the Johnston County Extension Building, beginning at 10 a.m. The April Board meeting will be here in Brunswick County on April 17 at 10 a.m. All Master Gardeners may attend any or all Board meetings (only delegates may vote on issues brought before the Board). If you plan to attend a Board meeting, please let Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman know.
The Regional Master Gardener Conference will be held June 8 – 12 in Chattanooga, TN and the State Conference will be October 1 – 4 in Kill Devil Hills, NC. More information will be provided on the Regional and State conferences at a later date.
The Regional Master Gardener Conference will be held June 8 – 12 in Chattanooga, TN and the State Conference will be October 1 – 4 in Kill Devil Hills, NC. More information will be provided on the Regional and State conferences at a later date.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)