The
Scoop
Well, this is my last issue of The Scoop as Communications VP. We’ve
made a huge amount of progress over the past year. Gayle Dean, The
Scoop editor, and Terri Ceravolo, the GMGA webmaster, have done a
great job. They have worked closely together and with me to bring you
what we hope was good information for you.
Our goal this year for The Scoop was to have articles that were 1) specific
to gardening that would be useful and 2) to keep you informed about what
is happening in GMGA, in our local groups and with UGA. We gave
you an overview of the districts, the directors and the good ideas and
activities going on in the districts. We think we’ve done a pretty good job.
We would love to know what you think. Please email feedback to me at
[email protected].
The GMGA website was completely revamped and revised and now
published 6 times annually. The website has been greatly expanded to
include a speakers list, public and private gardens, all of our historical
documents and information and the most popular area – our events
calendar. Terri has done a great job of keeping that updated. I can attest
to the fact that a website is a living, dynamic thing. It needs constant
attention, updating, revising, correcting and expanding to keep it fresh and
relevant. We hope to continue these events and expand them. This is your
website and only as good as the information we have.
We could not have done this without all of you. You have been so
wonderful to send us articles, information and pictures about what is
happening in your areas, asking us questions which helped us to explore
new topics and to share your news. Thank you.
I’m handing over the reins as VP of Communications to Janie Seglund.
You will be introduced to Janie in the next few weeks both on the website
and in The Scoop. I’m excited to see what she and the team will do next
year. She is very qualified and will bring a wealth of new ideas. I wish
her great success. She will have a lot of good help with Gayle, Terri and
all of you. Again, thank you all for a great year.
Dot Martin\
Editor’s Note: Gayle and Terri would like to thank Dot for her
outstanding leadership and patience. We did great things together!
November 2014
Inside this issue:
President's Letter
2
Advanced Training
3
Annual Conference
4-6
Destroy Iris Litter
Little River
7
8-9
Hickory Grove Farm
10
Boston Elementary
11
Did you know ?
12
Fall Migration Tips
13-14
UGA Sheri Dorn
15
Bulbs
16
Lots of Stuff
17
Membership Benefits
18
Membership Renewal
19
Ballot - Board
20
November 2014 President’s Letter
In late August, I met with many Houston County Master Gardeners. Sandy Lee,
Central District Director, was my tour guide. I met with Charlotte Mote, County
Coordinator ANR Agent, and Teddie Berry, Program Assistant Horticulture, for an
overview of Houston County MGEV projects. We toured the Hafley Park Demonstration and Education Gardens, and many local Master Gardeners talked about their part
in the garden. I visited the Perry Hospital Healing Garden and the JMG educational
classroom at Russell Elementary School; Teddie Berry’s design is exquisite. Tonda
Seyl and Sandra Blanco are doing a great job with the Junior Master Gardeners there.
The last part of my visit was to Wellston Villas Houston Habitat for Humanity community renewal
program. Diane Stephens (also the new incoming District Director) was the host for this part of my visit,
and we met with Hope Hicks, Houston County Habitat for Humanity Program Services Coordinator. I met
one of the Habitat owners who had expanded the garden area installed by her and her garden buddy. Her
yard was a pleasure to see. After Houston County, I took a personal vacation to Minnesota, Wisconsin and
North Dakota. My husband and I had set a goal to play golf in all 50 states; this trip completed the goal!
The Savannah Conference was terrific. The speakers were great, and many of us came home with a door
prize. We were able to sell the remaining GMGA merchandise except for license plates. We will keep
those and will continue to offer for sale at future conferences. I believe all our vendors did well too.
At our business meeting, we acknowledged our existing Board members as well as past presidents and
extension personnel who were able to attend. We introduced the nominated Board members; and for the
first time in a number of years, we have a Master Gardener serving in each District for GMGA!
GMGA Bylaws provide for voting for officers at the annual business meeting; if no annual meeting is held
(or if it is held in the spring), voting can be either online or by mailed ballot. This year, in addition to the
ballot offered at the annual business meeting, we will need to also offer an online ballot and will include it
in the Scoop. This is due to the Georgia law which states that non-profits must have a quorum of at least
10% of Certified Master Gardeners in attendance at the annual business meeting. We are also adding a
report of the Annual Business Meeting to the website since no information from past business meetings is
available except the references in past Scoop publications.
Our Treasurer gave an overview of our financials, and the financials are added to the Board minutes on the
website after being approved by the Board. Becky Blade, our long-time Cobb County Master Gardener,
reminded us how far we have come from the small group that began the organization in 1989.
Following the end of the Conference, the current and nominated Board met to discuss our plans for the
coming year (better marketing of GMGA, continuing the Field Trips, continuing to add new members to
GMGA, and building relationships with major vendors).
We have done a great job of recruiting new members to GMGA, and there are more than 1100 of us at
present time. We plan to continue to get the information out to new MGEV’s, and we encourage each of
you to sign up one new GMGA member this next year. We are also looking for a member who would be
willing to help with marketing, so if you believe you could fulfill that need, feel free to contact me or one
of the other board members. Look for a short blurb in upcoming newsletters to elicit your help with Board
needs.
Marjorie Stansel
2
Advanced Training: Teaching with Demonstration Gardens!
Almost every, if not every, Master Gardener Group across the state has a demonstration garden. It’s what
we do! However, in our Advanced Training Class the day before the Conference taught by Sheri Dorn, our
MG Coordinator, we found out that what we are doing may be only a small segment of what we could and
should be doing.
My takeaway from this
full capacity class of 30
people was that this is
one of our top two or
three opportunities to
really serve our
communities. Our goal
as Master Gardeners is to
educate our county
constituents about our
environment through
gardening.
Sheri first gave us a template for assessing our gardens. What is our real mission for our demo gardens?
She gave us examples with handouts from the Journal of Extension, of Demonstration Gardens in other
states that use their demo gardens to teach how to solve community problems. An example, a North Lake
Tahoe Master Gardener group became aware of the growing lack of clarity in the lake, one of the deepest
and clearest high altitude lakes in the world. This group worked collaboratively with other organizations
in the area to build displays and do demonstrations and lectures to teach their community how they can
have fire defensible space around their homes and still have lovely landscapes.
In Anne Arundel County, MD again they use their demo garden to teach kids how to be good stewards for
the Chesapeake Bay. The most common problem is excess nutrients. They built native plant gardens
within one of the large education centers. They have worked collaboratively with the school district to get
their program into the curriculum both in the classroom and with hands-on learning.
Another group in New Jersey is using their demo gardens to help solve the excess nutrients and pollutants
in their area by building several rain gardens in each major “hub” of their county and having demonstrations and lectures. In each example that Sheri gave us, there was the theme 1) what problems in your local
area needs to be addressed 2) who can you work with collaboratively to help with funding, space,
resources, 3) how do you build a program that will bring your public to you to learn what you have to
teach.
There was such a broad mix of MG’s from around the state with so many good ideas. We are all on the
right track but this class gave us a better road map with some real tips on how to better utilize our gardens
and thereby better serve our communities. Sheri is going to offer more of these classes. I suggest you sign
up.
Article by Dot Martin. Photo by Charlie Miller
3
We just wrapped up the GMGA Annual Conference in Savannah
earlier this month. The hosting group was Coastal Master
Gardeners.
What a great time we had! Whether you were catching up with your
gardening buddies or meeting new friends, the weekend was filled
with opportunities to learn about plants, pests, and improved
processes to help us deal with both.
The Friday night reception was held at the Coastal Georgia
Botanical Garden at the Historic Bamboo Farm. Even though Mother Nature gave us a generous shower
just as we were about to begin, the low country boil, chicken fingers, and red rice were a big hit and
everyone enjoyed the guitar player, who provided background music.
The conference kicked off bright and
early Saturday morning at the Coastal
Georgia Center, which is supported
by three universities so you know
there was everything available for a
“lot of learning” with Master of
Ceremonies Steve Taylor.
The speakers were awesome! Gene Phillips, a worldwide authority on camellias,
shared his passion of rare and unusual camellias available in the marketplace
today. He knew how they were named, the history of the hybridizers for particular
camellias, and gave us a real appreciation for all of the behind the scenes work
bringing camellias to market.
In 2001, Mr. Phillips had a vision of establishing a premier public camellia garden
at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah. He was the driving force
behind establishing “The Judge Arthur Solomon Camellia Trail” and he told us all
about Judge Solomon. This garden is one of the most diverse collections of
camellias found in any public green space in America.
Mr. Phillips web site is www.camelliashop.com and his blog is at thecamelliagardener.wordpress.com
4
Jenks Farmer, spoke to us about trends in organic gardening and his experiences in private
and public gardens around the South. He is a renaissance plantsman with degrees from
Clemson and University of Washington in science and botany. He led teams to create and
plant two of South Carolina’s major botanical gardens including Riverbanks Botanical
Garden in Columbia. He has written a book, Deep-Rooted Wisdom. Currently he is interim director of Gardens for Historic Columbia and runs an organically managed family
farm with Tom Hall. One of his specialties is crinium lilies. His blog is
www.JenksFarmer.com
Norman Winters, the “Garden Guru”, provided colorful photos and suggested
combinations of tropical plants, ‘tough as nails’ flower options, and captivating
combinations of color and style for our gardens. He gave us a guided tour of the
Coastal Botanical Gardens pointing out some of his favorite plants, showing
how pollinator friendly they were, and giving us a bit of a hint of all the good
things to come at the Gardens. It was a feast for the eyes, and we learned a lot
as well. He is also a syndicated garden columnist with articles read coast to
coast. You can check out the Gardens at www.coastalgeorgiabg.org.
The afternoon panel covered a diverse range of topics including the recent growth of urban agriculture and
community gardens, sustainability and stewardship of our land, ecosystem services and habitats, the benefits of native plants, and the great monarch migration. The speakers and topics covered were:
Bob Westerfield, faculty member and State Horticulture Specialists for UGA and who is no stranger to
us, gave us tips on Backyard Survival for a Safer and Healthier Crop;
Eamonn Leonard from the Department of Natural Resources gave us an overview of some of the issues
in dealing with invasive species and promoting the use of native species;
Karen Jenkins told us about the importance of trees and how we should be “thinking green”;
Linda Lamb told us of the perils of our Monarch Butterflies and how it is imperative that we work to
save them;
Dr. Blake Caldwell and Dennis Hutton gave us the benefits and joys of working on Community Urban
Gardens. They encouraged us to work toward urban gardens in our area.
We had numerous vendors offering native plants, camellias, unique nursery stock, jewelry, botanical water
color prints, signed books, and garden art. And lucky attendees went home with some great door prizes!
For those of you who attended, I hope you found the 2014 conference to be informative and enjoyable. If
you were unable to join us in Savannah this year, you should start making plans now to attend the 2015
conference in Dahlonega. See you there!
Submitted by Steve Taylor SE2 District Director and Dot Martin VP Communications
Photos by: Charlie Miller Additional photos at: www.georgiamastergardeners.org/
gmgaSavannahConference.htm
5
6
Fall Task: Remove and Destroy Bearded Iris Foliage
The Iris borer is one of the most destructive pests of the Iris Plant. It is
the immature stage of the Iris Moth and is found in Georgia. The eggs are
able to winter in old iris foliage and plant debris at the base of the stalks.
To reduce / prevent problems in the spring, remove ALL foliage each
winter from all your bearded irises. This can be done after the first frost
when the female has completed laying her eggs. Put the foliage into trash
containers - do NOT compost this material. Even if your plants do not
look diseased, that does not mean that a moth has not found them and laid
eggs that will overwinter very well, hatching in the spring when the
temperatures warm to about 70o. in early May and soon larvae are
tunneling into the leaves.
Eventually, in
midsummer, they move
down to the rhizome
below ground. Here, the
larvae grow until they are fat grubs that damage the plants
extensively. In fall, they pupate and emerge as egg-laying
moths.
Infected plants will discolor, wilt, and die beginning in
June and July. At this time, a caterpillar can be found
feeding on the inside of rhizomes. The wounded rhizomes
are then susceptible to root rot and bacterial soft rots.
Other bacteria then colonize the rotting tissue.
Cultural Controls
Remove old plant debris near iris plants to destroy overwintering sites. In
spring, watch for small (approximately ¼" long) larvae as they begin to
tunnel into iris leaves. These small larvae can be crushed by hand. Borers that
have reached the rhizome may be skewered by inserting a wire into the entry
hole in the rhizome.
Products containing parasitic nematodes Heterorhabditis or Steinernema have
been successful in controlling iris borer larvae when used as soil drenches in
June and early July. Insecticides must be applied before borer larvae tunnel
deep into the plant. First sprays should be applied when new iris shoots are 46" long, and a second application should be applied 10-14 days later.
References:
http://greenindustry.uwex.edu/problemdetails.cfm?problemid=1399 University of
Wisconsin-Extension
http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/houston/anr/documents/14_May-June.pdf
http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cobb/anr/Documents/beardediris.pdf
http://www.irises.org/About_Irises/Cultural%20Information/Pests_Diseases.html
Images: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/832/ Photos: DavesGarden.com
7
Article: Gayle Dean
Growing a Youth Garden:
Little River Elementary School Budding Gardeners Club
How the garden began: Two teachers, Laura Johnson and Nancy Joyner, and two parents from Little
River Elementary School in Woodstock attended an intensive Master Gardener training course in the summer of 2010. They worked with school officials to submit a school garden proposal that was approved by
the Cherokee County Schools Grounds Committee.
During the 2010 – 2011 school year, parent, student and teacher volunteers began the transformation of a
grassy, barren area into a lovely garden. The work was supported totally by fund raising, including sponsorship of gardens by parents.
A parent contributed the material and hours of work to construct large stone planting areas for annuals and
perennials. The garden included a butterfly garden, a bird garden, a pizza garden, and a sensory garden with
old instruments as planters. Old bricks from the former school building were used in the landscape as a
decorative piano keyboard in the sensory garden.
In the rear of the school one storage container was painted in 2010 by a local Boy Scout Pack to be a replica of the boxcar in the series The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner. Two beds were constructed to
plant the vegetables that the children from the story grew which included carrots, potatoes, onions, and turnips. The project was funded by the Boy Scout Pack.
The Budding Gardeners Club: The Budding Gardeners Club began in the fall of 2011
under the leadership of two Master Gardeners
and second-grade teachers, Laura Johnson
and Nancy Joyner. Master Gardeners Sherry
Wileman, Susan Morris and Linda Connelly
are on the leadership team.
Fourth and fifth graders participate in 8 meetings per school semester. The size of the
group has grown from 15 in the first to semester to 24 current participants, with a waiting list every semester.
The children gain hands-on experience in
planting, maintaining and harvesting a vegetable garden in three raised beds. They are
also responsible for weeding and planting in
the rest of the garden.
One semester, the Budding Gardeners designed and planted miniature gardens in galvanized tubs in a rock
garden. Building scarecrows is always a fun fall project. Adding bulbs to the garden is another learning experience. With the helping hands of a volunteer, the children constructed bird houses for the garden.
(cont. pg 9)
8
Apples are also a fall topic, with an opportunity to taste a
variety of apples and homemade applesauce. The students
have the opportunity to observe the apples that grow on the
two apple trees in the main school garden. During the first
meeting of fall, 2014, the Budding Gardeners tasted the first
harvest from the trees.
Indoor activities have included making a variety of bird
feeders; using natural dyes from plants and vegetables; and
making seed tapes and pots from newspaper. The children have made apple bread, miniature pumpkin pies,
suet, granola and pizza. This fall they have pressed flowers from the garden to use in a later project.
Cherokee County MG’s have taught the Budding Gardeners about bees and other pollinators; backyard
wildlife; vermiculture; the water cycle and pollution; and birds in the backyard. The leadership team continues to tempt their taste buds with taste tests for vegetables such as cucumbers, squash, beans and kale.
The “bed” garden: In the spring of 2013
work began on a second garden, with
“beds” for each grade level. The garden
was partially funded by a grant from the
Georgia Master Gardeners’ Association
and a grant from “11 Alive.”
A parent volunteer built all of the raised
beds with decorative headboards and
footboards. Each grade (kindergarten
through fifth grade) has a bed.
A 2013 fall fundraiser generated enough funds to purchase soil and plants for the newly constructed “bed”
garden. A local American Girl troop helped to put the soil into the beds to ready them for spring planting.
Homerooms volunteered to plant the beds with plants purchased from the fall fundraising efforts.
Students used their math skills to measure the depth of the holes for planting. One fifth grade math class
planned a lesson on area for the planting of
their bed.
One additional garden was added in the
spring based on the Frog and Toad literature series. Plants were purchased to simulate water which were planted in a round
pond-shaped bed. Frogs statues have been
gradually added to show the whimsical environment of the garden.
The Little River Elementary School garden
has a Facebook page to share our experiences. We have many more creative ideas
to follow as time and funds allow.
Article & Photos by: Sherry Wileman.
9
Cherokee County Master Gardeners take Trip
to KSU’s Hickory Grove Farm and the Commons
In early 2014, Georgia Traveler aired a program that included a piece about Kennesaw State University’s
use of local produce in their cafeteria, The Commons. This piece peaked the interest of a local Cherokee
Master Gardener. From that came a great field trip in August to the University Gardens.
The KSU Farm-to-Campus program was begun in May 2010 with a small organic farm outside of
Cartersville. The following year saw an expansion to another farm in Ball Ground, including greenhouse
space, and then in 2013 to Hickory Grove Farm in Cobb County. Melissa McMahon, Marketing Manager
of Culinary and Hospitality Services, KSU Farmers Market Manager, and Community & Education
Outreach Coordinator “all in one person,” as Suzie commented, explained that the gardens, two
greenhouses and a hydroponic lab we were looking at had just a year ago been the site of a cement plant,
not the most hospitable environment for growing vegetables.
But extensive soil renewal has now produced some lush crops of squash, melons, tomatoes, okra, corn…
well, the list goes on. Add to that several climate-controlled structures used for propagation and learning
labs for students who also spend time working at the farm and you have quite an operation. Melissa took
us on a walking tour, which also included a look at shitake mushroom-growing logs and a vermiculture set
up (who knew that if worms find the housing not to their liking—they leave!) From afar we viewed the
free range chickens which produce eggs for the Commons and bee hives storing honey. In all, Melissa
explained that only non-GMO heirloom vegetable varieties are cultivated, using natural methods of soil
preparation, fertilization and pest control.
Then it was on to KSU and lunch! We were anxious to see this Student Culinary Center recently ranked
fourth in “Best Colleges for Food in America.” The building was especially constructed using much
natural light, local materials and the talents of resident artisans. Forty percent of all produce used is locally
sourced, 20% coming directly from KSU’s own farms. With a meal plan, 8000 students per week may eat
as much as they like from the nine “bars,” each surrounding cooking stations where the food is constantly
being prepared in small batches and is thus very fresh. Everything under the sun seems to be available,
from fresh salads to hot dishes, pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and all sorts of sides. There is a bakery and
a dessert bar. Most intriguing is the foreign foods bar that changes its menus to reflect different cultures.
Melissa told us that though students may start the year with a taste for fast food, she has statistics to show
that before long they are choosing the more exotic ethnic offerings. We had a difficult time deciding what
to eat first! With much enthusiasm we joined the student throng, gathering up plates of delicious food —
often the products of the farm we had just seen. An exhilarating experience — and we can go do it again.
The Commons is open to the public on Saturdays, for a fee of course, but once inside — it’s all yours!
Check out http://dining.kennesawstateauxiliary.com/eateries/the-commons/ to find a list of all the local
sourcing and natural preparation and much more.
Article by: Joan McFather.
10
Cherokee Co. – Boston
Elementary School Application:
A Project Grant Awarded
Proposal: 1 MG involved. 7
Parents. Design and implement a
sensory garden where students will
utilize scientific, mathematic, and
technology basics to develop,
implement, and care for their
garden.
Teachers will use the garden to give
hands on experience in an
alternative teaching environment.
The school presently has 6 raised
bed, one for each grade, and a
wheelchair accessible bed. They have enthusiastic teachers, parents and students.
Russell Brannon (as GMGA District Direct for NW1) presented Boston Elementary a $500 grant check for
their student garden. Anne Mooney (Garden Committee Chair) is pictured, along with Dot Martin, Jessica
Welker (parent sponsor) and her two little helpers Riley & Breanna, from 1st & 3rd grade respectively.
This was presented at a teachers meeting after school.
Article by: Dot Martin. Photo credit: Robyn Dailey.
Did You Know: More than
33,000 acres of Georgia's total
pecan acreage is located in east
Georgia.
According to the UGA Center
for Agribusiness and Economic
Development, Georgia pecans
have a $249 million farm gate value.
The state is the country's leader in pecan production
for the past 17 years. For the full story, go to:
http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/?public=viewStory&pk_id=5212
Article by: Maggie Dudacek
11
Did You Know?
With a wing span of four inches,
the monarch butterfly is known for its lengthy migration
and is the only butterfly species to make annual northsouth migrations like many bird species.
This tree in
Mexico is
covered with
Monarch
Butterflies.
When the
butterflies
migrate to the
Map: Monarchs Across Georgia
reserve they
congregate thickly on trees to conserve heat, open their wings to
catch the sun's warming rays and at dawn take flight in their
millions and mate.
However, having a life span of only two months, it takes four
generations to complete the round trip.
Photo and more information at:
http://monarchnet.uga.edu/Partners/WWF-Mexico/index.htm
“ Tag, You’re It”
The purpose of tagging a butterfly
is to match the location of capture (tagging) with the point of
recovery. The information then helps determine the
pathways taken by the migrating monarchs, the influence of
weather on the migration, the survival rate, etc.
The Monarch Watch needs volunteers to help gather date
to answer the many questions asked about the Monarch
migration. Only through the cooperative efforts of volunteer
taggers will we be able to obtain sufficient recoveries and
observations of the migration to answer these questions.
More Information can be found at: http://monarchwatch.org/
tagmig/tag.
(Photo by: Nick Baldwin at St. Marks NWR).
12
Fall Migration Gardening Tips
Each fall, Monarch butterflies and many birds migrate south, heading to Mexico and Central and South
America. Here are a few tips to help them along their journey. By October, the annual Monarch migration
from Canada to Mexico is in full swing. This year more Monarchs are making the trip; this is good news
because over the last 20 years Monarch populations have declined by almost 90 percent. There has been a
decline in many common bird populations, too.
One of the leading causes is habitat loss. As our nation grows, as more highways and parking lots are built
and more land is cleared and developed, the natural areas that have traditionally provided shelter, food and
water for wildlife are being reduced and becoming spaced farther apart. This makes it hard for many
species to survive. One way each of us can help is landscaping with the needs of wildlife in mind. Many of
the needs of butterflies and birds overlap, so by learning to garden successfully for butterflies you learn
many of the elements of good gardening practices for birds and other wildlife.
Shelter, food and water are essential to a wildlife garden. Because butterflies go through a complete
metamorphosis from egg, to caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly, they need both host and nectar plants
as food sources. Through the caterpillar stage, it needs a “host” plant which is a native plant that through
evolution has become the caterpillar’s food source. Host plants vary for each butterfly species and without
them butterflies won’t reproduce. Adult butterflies need nectar-rich blossoms during the spring, summer
and fall.
Milkweed is Monarch’s host plant (and a great nectar plant) so try to include
some native varieties, like Asclepias tuberosa. There is debate about the value
of Asclepias curassavica, tropical milkweed, in our region, especially because
it doesn’t always die back in our mild climate which encourages Monarchs to
overwinter. If you plant it, please cut it back to the ground each fall. Monarchs
Across Georgia has great resources online at www.eealliance.org/mag.
4th instar larvae
munching on milkweed
leaf . UGA photo
They’ll also need a sunny location with at least 6 hours of daily sunshine,
shelter from wind and rain, moist sand for “puddling” and a shallow water
source, and flat rocks for basking.
This fall try to let your garden die down naturally and where you can leave leaf litter in place; some
butterfly chrysalis overwinter in it and leaf litter provides mulch and protection for plants. Brush piles
provide shelter for hibernating butterflies and they provide shelter, nest sites and insects for birds. Leave
snags, if they are not a danger; they provide nesting, foraging, perching and roosting sites.
Herbicides, fungicides and pesticides can be lethal to birds and butterflies, so use them sparingly. Runoff
also pollutes our groundwater. By reducing your lawn area, you may be able to reduce water and chemical
use, and have a safer and more enjoyable yard for your family too.
Try to include evergreen, fruit and seed bearing trees, native grasses and plants for birds. A great choice for
fall bloom to attract hummingbirds is firebush, Hamelia patens. Dogwoods, magnolias, hollies, cedars,
oaks, wax myrtle, beautyberry, wild plums, wild azaleas and thistles are great selections.
Some nectar plants to consider are pentas, lantanas, salvias, cone flowers, zinnias, asters, ironweed,
maypops, butterfly bush, coral honeysuckle, bee balm and goldenrod. A window box or a few pots of
plants are great additions.
(Cont. Pg. 14)
13
You can learn more by visiting butterfly gardens.
There is a new project being undertaken to establish a Regional Monarch Butterfly Trail of linking gardens
from the Albany area to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Monarch Pollinator Garden established by
Apalachee Audubon. Since the Radium Springs Butterfly Garden 2012 dedication, a butterfly garden has
been added at Albany’s Carnegie Library with the help of Dougherty Kiwanis.
Dougherty County’s Radium Springs Garden includes an award-winning Monarch Pollinator Garden.
This was a collaborative project between Dougherty County, Master Gardener Extension Volunteers and
Albany Technical College’s Environmental Horticulture Department.
To celebrate the RiverQuarium’s recent 10th anniversary, a butterfly garden is
being established (Photo left) and plans are under way to add native trees and
plants critical to ecological biodiversity and which support the struggling
Monarch population along the trail leading from the RiverQuarium to the
Thronateeska Heritage Center; this will serve as a demonstration walk for
educational programs and provide habitat for both native and migrating birds
and insects. Visit their website at: www.flintriverquarium.com
In Camilla, there are two beautiful new butterfly gardens.
One at the DeSoto Trail Regional Library (Pictured right
and below) was established this spring with lots of great
community support … a perfect project!
Another garden is at Louise Watts Park, thanks to
the efforts of Master Gardener Patsy Stripling and
other members of the Camilla Garden Club who were joined by the city of Camilla, Mitchell County and
great businesses and organizations working together to enhance the community.
Just beyond Thomasville Birdsong Nature Center has a beautiful butterfly garden; for details, see
www.birdsongnaturecenter.org or call 800 953-2473. The 26th annual St. Marks NWR Monarch Butterfly
Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. It will include lots of family activities and opportunities to see
and learn about Monarch butterflies. For more information see: www.fws.gov/refuge/st_marks/ or call
(850) 925-6121.
There is so much more to learn and enjoy! The Dougherty County Extension Office or your local Extension
Office has more information and the University of Georgia provides great information online. For more
information, contact Dougherty CEC James Morgan at (229) 436-7216 or [email protected].
Article and Photographs by: Suzanna MacIntosh. Lifetime MGEV
Article (no pictures) previously published in Albany Herald
14
Winding Down a Busy Year
It feels as though New Year's Eve has come early this year. You know, the time of year when you are feeling mellow and contented, reflective and thoughtful, and at the same time, positively itching to clean out
the closets, reorganize the pantry, and plan next year's garden. It has come early this year as several large
and important projects have been launched and there is simply no time left to start something new!
We have launched MGLOG, our first online record keeping system here in Georgia. Agents have worked
hard to learn the system and load volunteer and project data. MGEVs have worked hard, too, learning to
use the system, enter projects, and report volunteer time. Everyone deserves a huge pat on huge back for
doing such a great job!
We have also created a new look for the Georgia MGEV program. With an updated program logo and new
UGA Extension logo, we created a new "Learn, Serve, Grow" series, including a new brochure, banner,
display, and PowerPoint template. We have also offered MGEV project sign templates to Agents. We are
working toward a cohesive look for the Georgia MGEV program to build recognition across the state.
So that is the satisfied, reflective side. What about the clean-out-the-closet side? I think that refers more to
the general state of my office after several weeks of conference travel following this big year for our program! It is time to clean off the desk and prioritize the next year.
What is ahead of us, you ask? We'll start the year with some research updates that are planned for January
(see recent details in Snippets; more details coming very soon). We'll spend some time sorting out our projects, learning what we do most and best, determining what resources are priorities for MGEVs and Agents.
We'll have plenty of advanced training to go around. We'll even release our very own youth gardening project materials.
As for planning the garden for next year, I am reconsidering my container gardens! I think they need to be
drought-tolerant, perennial succulents that can amuse me with color and texture. Now, where are those
plant catalogs? Surely I didn't recycle them already?!
Sheri Dorn, State Coordinator, Georgia MGEV Program
Sunbelt Expo - Sondra Hurst, Shirley
Tyner, and Chris Hurst, from Dougherty county
assisted with the MGEV booth at the Sunbelt
Expo in Moultrie, GA, 10/14-17, 2014. This
booth represented the Department of Horticulture in the UGA College of Ag building.
Many other Dougherty MGEVs helped staff the
booth and give presentations in the Rural Lifestyles section. This new booth and banner are
sporting our new theme, "learn, serve, grow."
Article and Photo, Sheri Dorn
15
Bed Preparation for Bulbs
The majority of bulbous plants prefer a moist, well-drained medium sandy loam that
does not remain wet and sticky after heavy rain or dry out too quickly. Good drainage
is essential. If in doubt, test for drainage before planting. Dig a hole about a foot deep
and fill it with water. The next day fill the hole with water again and see how long it
remains. If the water drains away in 8 to 10 hours, the soil is sufficiently well drained
to grow most bulbs.
If drainage is a problem or if the soil is too sandy or a heavy clay, you may need to use a soil amendment.
Peat moss, bark, rotted sawdust, compost, perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand and many other materials have
been used successfully. The type of amendment needed depends on the structure and texture of the existing
soil, drainage, and the type of bulbs to be grown. Spread several inches of material on the soil surface and
thoroughly incorporate it. In extreme cases, you may need to install drainage lines or construct raised beds
to ensure good drainage.
A pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is best for most bulbs. Incorporate lime if a soil test indicates a need for it. In the absence of a soil test, add 1 to 2 pounds of 5-10-10, 10-10-10, or 8-8-8 fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed
space. Organic fertilizers such as bonemeal are often recommended for bulbs, but they are probably no better than inorganic sources used at the proper rates. Incorporate lime, fertilizer, and any soil amendments
thoroughly and deeply, at least 12 inches. Do not attempt to work the soil when it is too wet. If you can
crumble the soil between your fingers, it is dry enough for digging and planting.
Selecting Bulbs
Bulbs are sold in a variety of retail outlets. Always buy from a reputable dealer. Avoid bulbs that are soft or
look molded or discolored. Bulbs should be firm and have unblemished skin. There is a direct correlation
between the quality of the bulb and the quality of the flower produced; bargain bulbs are no bargain!
Spring-flowering bulbs purchased in the spring are simply leftovers from the previous fall and are virtually
worthless.
Bulbs are generally graded and sold according to size, usually circumference. Large bulbs produce larger
and/ or multiple flowers. The largest bulbs are not necessary for good landscape effect. In most cases, medium grades are entirely satisfactory.
Source: http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.cfm?number=B918
16
May, June, August and September
have all been global record-breaking months
The earth could be heading for its warmest year on record, meteorologists at the National Oceanic
and Atmosphzeric Administration (NOAA) announced on Monday.
Last month was the warmest September in 135 years of record keeping, with
the global average temperature 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit (15.72 degrees Celsius). May, June and August were also record-breaking months.
The reason for the rise in temperature is partly due to a band of warm water
that develops in the Pacific Ocean called El Niño.
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2014/
Good news - we are growing because of you!
Please continue to introduce others to the
Georgia Master Gardener Association !
(Application and renewal form on page 18)
2015 GMGA
CORRECTION:
Board Meetings
The next meeting will be in
Griffin, January 23rd at 10:30.
Last Issue
(September
2014) Ron Wolfe
spotted that we
incorrectly
identified the
district as SW1
for his article.
Advanced notice is required If
you wish to be placed on the
agenda. Contact Marjorie for
this.
It should have
been SW2. Our
apologies for this
error.
Members are always welcome to
attend the board meetings.
17
GMGA Membership Benefits
GMGA is the voice of the combined Georgia
Master Gardener Extension Volunteer
Chapters. We serve as a vehicle to promote,
celebrate, and share the achievements of the 1000
+ and counting MG’s in 65 of Georgia’s
counties.
The Scoop, our newsletter, provides news of MG
chapter events, projects, educational articles,
speakers, programs, field trips, and UGA news.
The website is now a comprehensive overview of all things gardening. Do you need a speaker? Are you
in a new area of Georgia and want to visit both public and private gardens in that area? Do you need
resources to find out about good and bad bugs? About native plants? How to develop a bog garden? Looking for gardening events throughout the state (and beyond!) for the next month or the next six
months and even beyond? Are you interested in what was happening in GMGA 10 years ago or finding an
old Scoop article? GMGA’s website is a comprehensive gardening tool for just about anything you want to
know.
GMGA supports community activities through annual Project Grants. These grants, which are supported
entirely by member dues, fund a variety of projects in communities across Georgia.
The Annual Conference provides education, entertainment, and a place to meet friends and engage with
other MG’s from around the state.
GMGA is a great organization that is working hard to let you know all about our gardening world. We
continuously search for new ideas and great people. We know you are one of them. Come join us!
www.georgiamastergardeners.org/gmgajoinus.htm
Submitted by: Dot Martin
Georgia MGEVs attend
The Southern Region MG conference in
Baton Rouge, LA,
October 22-24, 2014.
The conference provided great opportunity to
recharge horticultural batteries, exchange ideas, and
have a great time! Article and photo: Sheri Dorn
18
2015 GMGA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
GEORGIA MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION, INC.
Name: ____________________________Spouse: (if joint) ___________________ Phone: ________________
Address: _________________________________ City: _________________ Zip: __________4Digit:________
Current County: __________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________________
Type of membership (check one): Couples joining pay $25 for year. If you both are Master Gardeners, complete both.
1. Georgia Master Gardener
Year Certified
__________
County _______________
$15.00 __
Year Certified
__________
Spouse County _______________
$25.00 __
2.
Printed Copy of The Scoop Available by Subscription for Paid Members
(Mailed 6 Times a Year)
$15.00 __
3)
Friend of Master Gardeners (Non-voting member of GMGA)
$15.00 __
Total $ _________
Membership expires each December 31st)
------------------------------------------------------------Cut-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Make check payable to: GMGA
GMGA Membership
P O Box 767368
Roswell, GA. 30076
Or online – Pay through web site at: www.georgiamastergardeners.org/gmgamembership.htm
Questions about GMGA? E-mail at: [email protected]
(If your contact information has changed, PLEASE update at: georgiamastergardeners.org , click on the membership tab.)
GMGA: Our mission is to enthusiastically, voluntarily and responsibly promote the knowledge and dissemination of university based applied research through a statewide network of Master Gardeners.
Benefits
GMGA WEBSITE at: www.georgiamastergardeners.org.
THE SCOOP ~ our Newsletter
NEW RESOURCES
PROJECT GRANTS
ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE
ADVANCED TRAINING with UGA
GMGA FIELD TRIPS
19
Ballot for 2015 GMGA Board of Directors
The GMGA Board presents the following slate of candidates to serve terms beginning January 1, 2015.
You may vote for the entire slate or for individual candidates. Nominations for GMGA Board & District
Directors to serve in 2015 are:
President, Marjorie D. Stansel, Douglas County
Vice President, Communications, Janie Seglund, Greene County
Vice President, Membership, Kevin Osburn, Fulton County
District Director, NE2, Rosemarie Sells, Walton County
District Director, NE3, Jackie Williams, Oconee County
District Director, NE4, Judy Kirkland, Columbia County
District Director, NW1, Dot Martin, Cherokee County
District Director, NW2, Tommie Munro, Carroll County
District Director, NW3, Margaret Bergeron, Gwinnett County
District Director, NW5, Joan Benz, Troup County
District Director, Central, Diane Stephens, Houston County
District Director, SE, Steve Taylor, Chatham County
District Director, SW1, Chris Hurst, Terrell County
District Director, SW2, Ed Millere, Thomas County
The following candidates were elected for a two-year term in 2013 and will not appear on this ballot:
Carole Teja, VP-Education; Linda Nunez, Treasurer; Norris Wootton, Secretary and Parliamentarian.
The following District Directors were elected for a two-year term in 2013 (an odd year) and will not appear on this ballot: Joel Hitt, NE1 and Glenda Garris, NW4.
______ I vote for the entire slate of candidates
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
______ I vote for the following candidates only
President, Marjorie D. Stansel, Douglas County
Vice President, Communications, Janie Seglund, Greene County
Vice President, Membership, Kevin Osburn, Fulton County
District Director, NE2, Rosemarie Sells, Walton County
District Director, NE3, Jackie Williams, Oconee County
District Director, NE4, Judy Kirkland, Columbia County
District Director, NW1, Dot Martin, Cherokee County
District Director, NW2, Tommie Munro, Carroll County
District Director, NW3, Margaret Bergeron, Gwinnett County
District Director, NW5, Joan Benz, Troup County
District Director, Central, Diane Stephens, Houston County
District Director, SW1, Chris Hurst, Terrell County
District Director, SE, Steve Taylor, Chatham County
District Director, SW2, Ed Millere, Thomas County
______________________________
Print Name
Mail to:
______________________________
Signature
GMGA Membership,
Online voting is at
P.O. Box 767368,
http://questionpro.com/t/AJGebZRmRj
Roswell, GA 30076
The election closes December 1st.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 1 Dec. 2014.
20
Kevin Osburn
GMGA Membership
P O Box 767368
Roswell, GA. 30076
The
Scoop
21
January 2015