Pathways Fall 2018 - Alabama Master Gardeners Association, Inc
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Pathways
Fall 2018
Photo by Paul Webb, St. Clair Co
icebreaker game, checkers, line dancing,
2019 AMGA wine, beer, and sodas plus a couple of
Annual Conference prizes to share. Our BBQ meal that
evening will be followed by Jason Powell
Party In The Garden sharing How Petals started its Party!
The 2019 AMGA Annual Conference The conference agenda, as well as the
LOOK WHAT’S INSIDE Steering Committee had so much fun lineup of speakers, is in our new blue
creating this conference. Coming together brochure. This will be ready to hand out at
to make a team has created the the 2018 AMGA Fall Seminar to be held in
comradery felt at each meeting. AND it’s Montgomery. Brochures will go out to
all for you! counties at the Advisory Board meeting on
Page 2: AMGA President
November 6. The brochure will also be
and AC Chair You will benefit as you participate in the online at www.alabamamg.org.
Pre-Conference activities on May 8, 2019;
Page 3: AMGA VICE Permaculture tour, an Orangery Tour, or All conference attendees can hear all
President and covered wagon tours that will showcase speakers this year, no breakout sessions.
AMGA Awards You will have comfortable seating and
Chilton Research and Extension Center.
Other self-guided tour opportunities can professional audio/visual equipment for
Page 4: AMGA your hearing pleasure. All speakers and
include: antiquing, u pick farms, bird
Communications, and meetings will be held in the Clanton
watching trails, Orr Park, Ebenezer
From The Editor Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
Swamp, historic American Village,
Page 5: AMGA Membership downtown Prattville and Montgomery, The conference registration packet will
Robert Trent Jones in Prattville, fishing and be available for you to register by mail or
Page 6-7: ACES boating - all within 45 minutes of our online the first of January. Exact date to be
conference location. announced.
Fall Seminars: If you do not want to be outside on a tour, The committee has tweaked the survey
Page 8: Tuscaloosa Co you can visit the vendors or Silent Auction that you are asked to fill out at the end of
Page 9: Baldwin Co Room, or talk with Advanced Master the conference. There are important
Gardeners. If it dares to rain, we will have a questions to which AMGA would like your
Page 10– 27: Happenings
rain plan. answers. So, pull it out, give your feedback
Join us at 5:00 p.m. for Dr. Neil Lamb’s and turn it in.
return to report on research results in
AMGA Website genomics. He was a great speaker at
Huntsville’s conference, and you will enjoy
alabamamg.org
AMGA Website the opportunity to hear him again. Sondra Henley, Co-Chair Admin
No getting ready for Wednesday Pat Farmer, Co-Chair Finances
alabamamg.org evening Hoe Down, just come as you are
and ready to party! We have an
1
AMGA PRESIDENT Many travel long distances to attend board
Cathy Maddox meetings and to convene related committees.
You can rest assured that these fine folks
Warm greetings! carefully, and efficiently address any issues that
may impact us as an association, and you as
These hot and humid individual Master Gardeners. I encourage each
days of late summer can be of you to make yourself available, yes, even
sweltering, but for volunteer yourself to be nominated for a future
gardeners the season position on the board and/or for an AMGA
ignites plans for creating officer. As we know, any organization is only as
Fall Gardens. More of us are planting fall effective, and healthy as the participation of its
gardens and reaping beautiful, delicious benefits members. We are a vibrant, productive
well into the cold weather months. In recent organization and I am sure you will help us to
years, garden centers, nurseries, and other remain so in the future.
suppliers have increased their offerings for fall In AMGA’s continuing efforts to vary the
planting. I like to think that we Master locations, types of facilities/venues for our
Gardeners had a strong positive influence on this Business Meeting and Conferences each year, we
trend. So, go forth, sow, reap and enjoy! look forward to our 2019 conference hosted by
Fall also brought our AMGA Fall Seminar My Chilton County MGA. Mark your calendar
Sanctuary Garden on September 27, 2018, in for May 8, 9, and 10, 2019.
Montgomery. Congratulations to Capital City
Master Gardeners on an outstanding educational Happy Gardening!
event.
I want to commend your AMGA officers and Board of
Directors for their dedication and diligent work as
representatives of our membership.
AC CHAIR now time for someone else to take a turn. There
Ann Scharko have been volunteers for the Chair and Vice-Chair
positions. Sheila was willing to continue an additional year
The August AMGA AC Meeting was, once again, a good as the secretary but has had to resign due to health
meeting held at Petals from the Past. Various topics were concerns. So, we sure could use a secretary. How about
discussed including what information would be sent you??? Please consider this position and let me know if
through the AC Google Groups and holding conferences you are interested. Also, as always, if you have questions/
at college/university facilities. Since this meeting was the concerns/topics for discussion contact me
third meeting of the year, a nominating committee was at AMGAACCHAIR@gmail.com. We will discuss them at
formed to work on finding new officers for the coming the next meeting on November 6, 2018. We will also be
year. I have served a two-year term, and Sherilyn introducing the new officers at this time.
Osborn has served three years as Vice-Chair. It is
2
AMGA VICE PRESIDENT conference. It has been a while since we have had a
Michael Thomason conference over in that area of the state and they have a lot
to offer.
It has been a very busy summer for I hope you attended the AMGA 2018 Fall Seminar, hosted
me. Wrapping up the Birmingham by Capital City Master Gardener Association, My Sanctuary
Conference and then jumping right in Garden, back on September 27. As you know, it is no small
preparing for the 2019 Conference to be task when preparing for these seminars.
held next year in Chilton County, to Hopefully, with autumn, the temperatures will cool
obtaining a conference host for the year down, activities slow down, I will be able to venture out
2021. and visit with some more Associations. I sure have
Calhoun County Master Gardeners have graciously enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you.
accepted to host the 2021 conference. With the vigor and
enthusiasm I witnessed from them on July 11, as I attended Garden with Authority,
their monthly meeting, I am sure they will have a marvelous Michael Thomason
AMGA AWARDS
Devonne Ellis instructions.
A change in the Outstanding Newsletter Award was
January 2019 will be here before you know it. The
instituted last year. There are three categories:
awards for next year will be presented in Clanton at the
2019 AMGA Annual Conference, May 8-10. All associations 1) Associations with up to thirty-two (32) AMGA members,
are encouraged to submit award nominations by the 2) Associations with thirty-three (33) to fifty-nine (59)
deadline – January 31, 2019. AMGA members and
Order forms for both Reach for the Stars and Advanced 3) Sixty (60) and above AMGA members.
Badges and Stars Awards are found by going to
All associations are encouraged to make submissions in
alabamamg.org, looking under “AMGA Publications and
the appropriate category. If your association has previously
Forms,” and clicking on “AMGA Forms.” Select and print
won this award, you must wait three years before your
the forms needed. Instructions are on the forms. Checks
next submission. Newsletters to be judged will be
should be made out to AMGA and submitted to the Reach
announced in January.
for the Stars Chair with the order form. Please do not send
checks to the AMGA Treasurer. One important note to remember – all nominees for
AMGA awards, except for the Gary Murray Outstanding
Information and instructions for the other award
Service Award, honoring Non-Master Gardeners, must be
nominations are found on the same website,
current AMGA members in good standing.
alabamamg.org, again under “AMGA Publications and
Forms.” To see the requirements for submission, select Please help AMGA reward its most deserving members!
“AMGA Awards and Criteria.” Each award is listed If you have any questions, feel free to contact Devonne Ellis,
separately with its unique instructions. Please follow those devoellis@msn.com.
3
supposed to read the information ‘loads’ I send
AMGA Communications
her as I work on the Local Association Handbook/
Frieda Romanchuk
Guide. I answered “no” that I wanted someone to
have that information in case something should
What does it mean to communicate? To share happen to me. At the meeting, the idea of thumb-
information, news, or ideas. To pass on, transmit, drives as a back-up was mentioned. Jim Whitson
transfer, convey. To connect with, open up to, give heralded Drop-Box, a depository where anyone
access to. That last group’s sentence example: working on a document, newsletter, etc. could
“The dining room communicates with the deposit it, and committee members could act on it
kitchen.” Hello? I decided to quit this line of as needed.
thought but then . . . The point is that at times we think we have
We have discussed our various forms of direct people and/or technology back-up when we do
communication (Pathways, website, conferences, not. If someone moves, becomes suddenly ill or
seminars, meetings) over the last months. One passes, has family issues, etc., that thumb drive,
form of passing along information is when we that association laptop, even that Drop-Box may
change our association duties yearly or biennially. not be accessible. Please talk about this issue in
Some organizations have the immediate past your associations. With sudden health and death
president who aides the new president, who has in issues, family members may not care about the
-training, a vice-president. An assistant treasurer is fact that somewhere in Dad’s office is a thumb
always good to have with a treasurer. A program drive with the database; on Mom’s laptop are the
chair-in-training is great too. financials for the association; or maybe the
At AMGA September BOD meeting, we spoke contact information for the year’s monthly
about back-ups, people, and as it turned out, speakers. It is a topic that is easier to plan for in
technology. Cathy Maddox asked me if she is advance than after the fact. Communicate.
FROM THE EDITOR
Patricia Peoples ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR CALENDAR.
Thanks to all who submitted an article for Pathways or Baldwin Co 2018 Fall Seminar October 25
HAPPENINGS. Without your comments and information, Tuscaloosa Fall Seminar October 27
we would have no newsletter. I would, at this time, like Advisory Council meeting November 6
to recognize Patricia Patty, copyeditor; and Carolyn AMGA BOD meeting: December 4
Wade, proofreader; on their dedication to helping with Order Stars, and Awards nominations deadline:
Pathways as we strive to make sure the newsletter is January 31, 2019
grammatically correct and the words flow to create an Project Funding requests, January 15, 2019
excellent, readable paper. Winter Pathways: Mailing around January 15, 2019
The winter issue of Pathways will be mailed to AMGA Annual Conference: May 8, 9, and 10, 2019
those people that are paid Master Gardeners, and
whose names are listed in the dues tracker. If you wish
to receive an issue, please make sure your information is
correct.
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AMGA MEMBERSHIP Each association should have at least one individual with
Mary Howe access to Dues Tracker (and preferably at least one alternate
administrator). If your association does not have a Dues
Tracker administrator or needs to make a change in the
AMGA’s paid and lifetime memberships for 2018 totaled
individuals with access, please let me know at
about 1950 at the end of August. Several discrepancies still
mary.howe67@gmail.com or by telephone at
exist between membership dues submitted to the
Treasurer and the Dues Tracker postings, so the actual 256-534-4773. Also, please let me know if you have a
count is somewhat questionable. The numbers need to be membership question, or need assistance with the Dues
reconciled at the local association level to assure AMGA has Tracker database.
an accurate membership record. Membership cards for 2019 will be available at the
Dues collections for 2019 will be beginning soon, and the November Advisory Council meeting for those associations
dues payments need to be posted in the Dues Tracker that have not received them prior to the meeting.
database when payments are sent to the AMGA Treasurer.
AUTUMN
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
With what a glory comes and goes the year! Where Autumn, like a faint old man, sits down
The buds of spring, those beautiful harbingers By the wayside a-weary. Through the trees
Of sunny skies and cloudless times, enjoy The golden robin moves. The purple finch,
Life's newness, and earth's garniture spread out; That on wild cherry and red cedar feeds,
And when the silver habit of the clouds A winter bird, comes with its plaintive whistle,
Comes down upon the autumn sun, and with And pecks by the witch-hazel, whilst aloud
A sober gladness the old year takes up From cottage roofs the warbling blue-bird sings,
His bright inheritance of golden fruits, And merrily, with oft-repeated stroke,
A pomp and pageant fill the splendid scene. Sounds from the threshing-floor the busy flail.
There is a beautiful spirit breathing now O what a glory doth this world put on
Its mellow richness on the clustered trees, For him who, with a fervent heart, goes forth
And, from a beaker full of richest dyes, Under the bright and glorious sky, and looks
Pouring new glory on the autumn woods, On duties well performed, and days well spent!
And dipping in warm light the pillared clouds. For him the wind, ay, and the yellow leaves,
Morn on the mountain, like a summer bird, Shall have a voice, and give him eloquent
Lifts up her purple wing, and in the vales teachings.
The gentle wind, a sweet and passionate wooer, He shall so hear the solemn hymn that Death
Kisses the blushing leaf, and stirs up life Has lifted up for all, that he shall go
Within the solemn woods of ash deep-crimsoned, To his long resting-place without a tear.
And silver beech, and maple yellow-leaved,
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/earlier-poems-autumn/
5
From The State MG Program Coordinator
The Value of Volunteering
I hope that everyone is reading the Vol. Opp’s bulletin each month, and considering news articles for it too (see
the bottom of web page here, http://mg.aces.edu/resources/ ). Every time you’re in the community representing
Extension and Master Gardeners, you promote the VALUE of the MG program.
If you’re looking to define the value of your story, here are a few statistics to consider.
Plants in the workplace reduce employee sick time by 14%
A 25-foot tree reduces annual heating and cooling costs for a typical home by 8-12%
Reducing stress and lowering blood pressure
And more (https://www.consumerhort.org/plantsdothat/ )
I’m part of a national group wanting to promote the value of consumer horticulture. We all know how important
plants are to people, but here are just two examples of the general public's contrary perception.
Green industry businesses are one of the first to suffer in an economic downturn.
A new home’s landscape budget is the smallest percentage of the overall construction budget.
The National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) has five infographics promoting the value of horticulture
(linked above). I plan to use these research-based statistics to emphasize the value of your volunteer projects and
activities in future reports. Help me share your stories. Help the public SEE OUR VALUE.
Reminders
Search for Excellence Awards – Search for Excellence recognizes Master Gardener projects throughout the
United States and Canada. It was developed by the International Master Gardener Conference Committee. There
are seven award categories for describing MG contributions in their communities. All volunteer work done by
Master Gardeners is significant, but not all is a Search for Excellence project. The deadline is January 1, 2019.
Contact me if you need help with your application.
Sign In and Make Your Mark! – Were you counted in the 2017 MG Annual Report? http://mg.aces.edu/wp-
content/uploads/sites/5/2018/05/master-gardener-annual-report-2017.pdf Is your local MGA a missing puzzle
piece in our annual report? Make sure you are included this year. As the bright colors of fall arrive, it’s a sign that
our year is winding down. Remember to complete your volunteer reports before the holiday rush. Same deadline,
January 1.
Thank you for everything you do to support Extension and Master Gardeners in Alabama.
334-844-3036
smithkp@auburn.edu
6
https://www.consumerhort.org/plantsdothat/
7
Tuscaloosa Fall Seminar
October 27, 2018
8
9
Happenings
The banana collection includes--Musa: Cardaba, Double
BALDWIN CO MGA (Mahoi), Dwarf Cavendish, Dwarf Green, Dwarf Red,
Paula Pritchett Goldfinger FHIA-1, Grand Nain, Ice Cream, Pisang Ceylon,
Raja Puri, Saba, Sweetheart FHIA-3, Veinte Cohol, and
BCMG member, Arren Graf saw an opportunity for a Sumatrana ‘Zebrina Rojo’. Thanks to the hard work of the
new project when he discovered banana plants growing committee, plants will be sold at the Weeks Bay Reserve
on the property of the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Plant Sale. For more information about the banana plants
Center in Fairhope. With BCMG board approval, Arren or the plant sale, you may contact us at
coordinated with Malcomb Pegues, Research Center www.baldwinmastergardners.com or on Facebook.
Director, and Auburn University, to gain permission for the
project. The plan was to work on banana field
rehabilitation. During the hot summer months, BCMG
members worked weeding, digging, and potting the
many varieties of bananas. Members were able to dig and
pot cultivars to be sold to help fund BCMG scholarships.
BLOUNT CO MGA
Sherilyn Osborne
In May the Blount County Master Gardeners held a
reception to meet and greet new, current, and no longer
active members. The reception was held at Palisades and
was very well attended. Many attendees were from earlier
years, including one member of the first class! We are
continuing to celebrate our twenty-fifth year with many
activities. We participated in the June Fling in Oneonta
where we shared information about our group and made
family pictures inside large flower themed frames. This
month we worked at our local fair. We had our fall
conference at Palisades October 4,, and on October 9, will
travel to Quail Hollow Farm for a tour and lunch with Pat
Dye.
L to R: Cheryl Jones, Frances Gibbs, and Glynis Adams at the
Blount County Master Gardeners reception table. Photo by
Sherilyn Osborne
10CALHOUN CO MGA
Sherry Blanton Our local Extension Service is recruiting members for our
2019 Intern class. We had a great group of new Interns this
On September 15 Cane Creek Community Gardens was year who have made a positive difference to our group.
the site of the 12th annual Fall Fest. Our members operated a Fall, a great time to plant, is just around the corner!
cake walk, bake sale, hot dog lunch, and a country store
which featured beautiful items primarily handmade by our
MGs. The event also had wildlife shows, pony rides, and hay
rides. Proceeds benefit Cane Creek Community Gardens, the
home site of the Calhoun County Master Gardeners.
Our Association will be hosting the statewide Alabama
Master Gardener conference in 2021. Plans are already
underway for this effort.
Our monthly meetings have had fascinating speakers and
programs: ACES agent Stephen Faughn brought residents of
his Legacy Wildlife Room to our August meeting, and we got
to see many interesting creatures up close and personal.
David Doggett, Jefferson County Master Gardener, and
Japanese maple grower, gave a delightful program to our
August Lunch and Learn attendees on using maples in the
landscape.
Our 2018 Lunch and Learn series ended in Stephen Faughn shows member Judy Papic an enormous
September when Hayes Jackson talked about Tremendous toad. Photo by Sherry Blanton
Trees. We will resume in April 2019.
CAPITAL CITY MGA MG Linda Carlton along with her husband, George, hosted
Mary Eleanor Hines a garden tour of her prize-winning daylilies and other
gorgeous plants. Being president of the local Day Lily
Association, she and George are proven experts in these
The heat of the summer didn’t slow us down from our
beautiful plants.
ongoing projects, one being the Montgomery Botanical
Young people from the Department of Youth Retention
Gardens. More than 100 plants have been placed, along with
have built and planted three elevated edible gardens. Mike
donated pine straw, to complete the grooming of this
Forster will assist with their requested fall planting of five
beautiful garden. In addition to the new plants, benches
winter vegetable seed groups. This project will hopefully
carved from an 80-foot oak tree, along with glider style
benefit troubled youngsters and will help them learn another
swings are an artistic addition that graces the beautiful
skill to use in their future.
garden.
Our lunch and learn events, organized by Terese Goodson,
The Rose-Morris House Garden is a project worked by
Mike Forster, and Dale Shepherd are held the first
Cathy Maddox and Karin Carmichael, and other loyal
Wednesday of each month and are free and open to the
members who have maintained this beautiful garden since
public in a downtown facility.
its inception.
The AMGA Fall 2018 Seminar that we hosted, My Garden
Another working project during the summer is Lilly’s
Sanctuary chaired by Karin Carmichael, was of interest to all.
Garden at Forest Ave. Magnet School in Montgomery,
thanks to Ann Oldham and Maggie Stringer, and others.
11CENTRAL ALABAMA MGA August with delicious dishes provided by Master
Iva Haynie Gardeners. There were graduates from Autauga,
Elmore and Montgomery Counties. Several
Even though we have had some hot summer graduates had logged over 100 volunteer hours
days and lots of rainy days, garden activities must and some even over 200 hours.
go on. Central Alabama Master Gardeners have Gardening continues in the learning gardens
continued our monthly meetings, and Lunch and and at the Governor's mansion. The Help Line
Learn programs. Topics have included Landscape was manned until the season ended the latter
Design, Herbs and Their Uses, and Bees, with part of August. The nominating committee is
knowledgeable speakers. Jane Mobley presented working on a slate of officers for next year.
the Lunch and Learn program for Capitol City in
If you have beautiful gardens, you need a place
June on Butterfly Gardening.
to sit quietly and enjoy it. A bench building
In June our group toured some of our own project for Master Gardeners is scheduled for
Master Gardener's gardens and in July, toured September.
George Family Organic Beef Farm in Eclectic. Also
So, rain or shine; hot or not so hot, gardening
in July, there was a special memorial held for one
doesn't stop. Enjoy the meetings and Lunch and
of our prominent Master Gardeners who had
Learn programs, pick the best days and create
passed; Linda Grieble. Her favorite rose was
beautiful gardens to enjoy.
planted at Lanark and a bench placed in her
memory.
We held our Intern Graduation luncheon in
CHEAHA MGA sugar water feeding solution completed the
Debby Mathews garden display. Throughout the garden,
interpretive signage led visitors as they learned
how pollinators and plants work together. Mandy
The Cheaha MGs have been hard at work this
was featured in The Anniston Star and The
year!
Cleburne News and on the papers’ Facebook
Cheaha MGs held their annual plant sale April pages.
28 – annuals, perennials, shrubs, native plants,
Extension CEC and MG Debby Mathews
and trees were sold in addition to vegetable
planted two companion garden areas: a three
transplants.
sisters’ garden, and a trap plant garden with
At the Cleburne County Fair on August 11, MG tomatoes and dill. She also used interpretive
Steve Jones had a composting exhibit. Ann Jones signage to help garden visitors understand
demonstrated Bonsai pruning skills and displayed companion planting concepts.
a variety of her plants that attracted many
Education: REA, Dani Carroll provided two
“fairgoers.” CMG President Carol Wright also
hours of training on Integrated Pest Management
worked the booth and helped with break down.
at our August CMG meeting. We had eleven
Community Garden Projects: MG Mandy Davis members present-a full house for us!
planted a pollinator and hummingbird garden at Refreshments by two of our members made the
the Extension Community Garden. Double evening all the more pleasant!
zinnias, fennel, verbena, red petunias, and
towering sunflowers graced this garden. A double
hummingbird feeder with instructions for making
12CHEROKEE CO MGA The joy of gardening is alive and well in the
Barry W. Kerr Land of Cherokee!
In the last edition of Pathways, we reported on
the Centre Beautification Project, Phase One. This
project involves 28” and 33” concrete planters
which are strategically located on the main street.
In phase one we placed and planted 12 pots which
completed two and one-half city blocks. With our
plant selections, we are in a learning curve. Like
many main streets, our plants are in full sun
throughout the day. We are learning that all
plants identified as “full sun” cannot withstand the
excessive heat of our Alabama summers. Our
planters have been complemented with beautiful
ornamental iron benches and trash containers. The
success of this project has merchants and citizens
requesting more. In the Centre City Council
meeting September 11, the council voted to
purchase 38 additional planters to complete the One of the planters that we planted located on the main
downtown project. We envisioned this project street for the Centre beautification project.
taking three years; however, the success of phase Photo by Becky McMichen
one will contribute to the project being completed
in one year.
DIY FALL WREATHS - IDEAS FOR AUTUMN WREATH CRAFTS
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g1988/fall-craft-projects/
13farm.
CHILTON COUNTY MGA CCMGA partnered with the Chilton/Clanton
Susan M Cleckler library for a series of adult summer programs with
the hopes of educating and spurring interest in our
Chilton County Master Gardeners have MG Intern program for the January 2019 class.
enjoyed the summer with tours, great programs, We have been so fortunate to have wonderful
and speakers. speakers and programs. Mallory Kelly, Autauga
June started with a tour of Aldridge Gardens, County Extension Agent, spoke to us on Advanced
the weather was perfect, and the Hydrangeas MG Certification; Bill Evans, Master Bee Keeper,
were beautiful! Next on our list was Morgan shared his knowledge on the science of
Creek Winery, in Harpersville. We learned the Beekeeping; and Terese Goodson, Master
process of how they make wine from the fruit to Gardener from Montgomery Al, had a
the bottling. We sampled a variety of their wines presentation on Bloom Times: Year Round Color.
and enjoyed every minute. To end our day, we Chilton County MG’s have been working hard
were hosted by fellow Master Gardener, Trisha on the 2019 AMGA Annual Conference. Steering
Williams, and her husband, Jackie for lunch, Committee meetings with Autauga and Shelby
dessert, and a tour of their beautiful flower and counties have been productive, but there is still a
vegetable garden. Our final tour of the year will be lot of work to be done. Fundraising is a top priority
in October to Spencer Farms in Marion Junction for us all!
and a tour of Just Dig It Farms, a permaculture
Tour of Morgan Creek Winery. Back row L- R: Rick Williams, Susan M Cleckler, Jackie Hickman, Lee Walters, Wally Walters,
Jerry Farmer, Pat Farmer, Jimmy Knowles, Joyce Lawson
Front L- R: Trisha Williams, Audrey Giles, Harriett Jackson, Treasia Bennett, Elizabeth York, Mildred Knowles. Photo by
Charles Brammer, Morgan Creek Winery
14CLAYBANK MGA program sponsored by ACES jointly with UAB to
Dee Gilbert help cancer survivors grow their vegetables.
Our liaison with the Wiregrass Rose Society has
The Claybank Master Gardeners in Ozark have increased our membership and theirs, with the
been enjoying a very busy and productive few added joys of more volunteer work at the Dothan
months since we last checked in at Pathways. Area Botanical Gardens Rose Garden. We learn so
CMG President, Janet Shinaberry, sparked a much about rose gardening in this area, and we
new awareness of our diverse and edible local are glad to share with any who ask.
plant life at the Boys and Girls Club, with her A trip to Quail Hollow, Coach Pat Dye’s
presentation on Edible Landscapes. She reports Japanese Maple farm in Notasulga, Alabama is
that the kids are still coming to her with their scheduled for early October. Another trip for the
questions. An after-school program is also in the CMGs to the Lolley’s Mayim Farms near Elba, AL,
planning stages. is also being planned for this fall.
The Ozark-Dale County Library raised beds are Our long-time member Chuck Auman, never
still producing summer basil and green peppers, lets us forget the opportunity to join in the
and we are now working on fall plantings. community volunteer effort toward sprucing up
We have enjoyed a number of opportunities to the grounds of many schools and the library
volunteer with the rural 4-H program, and during Ozark’s “Make a Difference Day” held in
currently, we are hosting the Dale County Master early October.
Gardener class through mid-November. We have
also been privileged to join the Harvest for Health
CMG volunteers at Ozark-Dale County Library Make a Difference Day. Photo by Dee Gilbert
15COFFEE COUNTY MGA
Jacque Hawkins
Reach for the Stars is a service-recognition program for
Master Gardeners who have assisted in educating and
improving their communities. Coffee County Master
Gardener's Association members who were recently
recognized for their volunteer hours in 2017, and earned an
award for amassing 1,000 plus hours received a Gold Badge.
Bence Carter, Regional Extension Agent for Forestry,
Wildlife and Natural Resource Management, spoke to the
Coffee County Master Gardener's Association on Non-native
Invasive Plants. Carter advised that there are over 500
nonnative invasive species in the Southeast, which includes
384 plants; 72 vertebrates (having a spinal column, i.e.,
fishes, birds, and mammals); 92 invertebrate (animal having
no backbone) and 16 pathogens (disease-producing an
organism, i.e., fungus or virus). Invasive plants are spread
through the mulch, pine straw, soil, vehicles, equipment,
people, pets and wildlife. Once identified as invasive, they
should be controlled by using herbicides, mechanical (pulling
CCMGA Project Chairperson Barbara Oliver and
up) or burning.
Bence Carter. Photo by Jacque Hawkins
COVINGTON CO MGA knowledge about Butterflies. Lake Jackson, in Opp,
Mary Ann Gantt decorates for Halloween and will include a display
by the Covington County Master Gardeners.
Covington County Master Gardeners are off to a Newcomer interest is high for becoming certified
great year with new officers: President, Greg Master Gardeners, and a date for classes will be
Lolley; Vice-President, Norma Riley; Secretary, announced soon. Everyone interested in Master
Donna Bateman; Treasurer, Patricia Gunter; New Gardeners is invited to our noon meetings on the
Interns chairperson, Dale Pancake; and Plant Sale second Monday of each month at the Covington
chairperson, Bonnie Reed. Our September Lunch County Extension building on Highway 55 in
and Learn featured Coffee County Master Andalusia.
Gardener, Brenda Evans, who shared her
It is the weather, not work, that wears out sails.
Thomas Fleming Day
https://www.quotemaster.org
16CULLMAN CO MGA
Jennifer Underwood
The CCMGAI has been “keyed up” for the Alabama
Bicentennial. We planted our Bicentennial Garden at the
Richter Chapel with arrangements of Hydrangeas, Japanese
Holly Fern, Lenten Rose, Hostas, and Slender Deutzia.
Landscape lighting was also installed, and landscaping
stones were replaced with natural rock. The small, quaint
chapel, located at 419 1st Ave. SE was built as a memorial to
Hubert Richter, who had often longed for a church that was
always accessible and “never locked.”
Continuing the Bicentennial tune, we are participating in
the theme of “People of Alabama” for the Cullman County
Fair, which will be October 4-13 at the Fairgrounds. Our fair
booth will feature ten prints of artwork done in the late
1930's by John Augustus Walker, a Works Progress
Administration artist. The booth will also feature photos of
our recent Richter Chapel beautification, the Agriplex Rain
Garden, and the Demonstration Garden. The
Demonstration Garden won another PALS Beautification
Award earlier this year. PALS is the acronym for People
Against a Littered State.
On Tuesday, September 11, we had our first ever Ladies The renovations of the Richter Chapel. Photo by
of Master Gardeners luncheon at the Agriplex. Fellowship Tim Crow, Cullman Regional Extension Agent
followed as the finger food was passed.
AMGA Annual Conference will be hosted by Chilton County MGA.
Mark your calendar for May 8—10, 2019
17DEKALB CO MGA – a tasting tea – by providing a garden-themed
Mary Shurett table setting with herb and garden foods for
tasting.
DeKalb County Master Gardeners have been Our award-winning ARC Gardens have
busy! We enjoyed field trips to Petals from the continued to supply ARC residents with tasty
Past and Gibbs Gardens. DCMG members Cindy vegetables, beautiful gardens, and interaction with
Hamlin, Jean Jackson, Stanley Sims, and Robert and DCMGA members.
Donna Wells, shared their beautiful home gardens
for members to tour. Every member returned
home wanting to replicate something viewed and
shared that day. Master Gardeners Bill and
Rebecca Adams invited members to tour their
farm and view the permaculture techniques used.
Dr. Chip East presented an interesting and
informative program on plant propagation, and
Betty Hall shared her expertise in teaching us how
to create hypertufa pots.
Volunteers with Moon Lake Elementary School’s
after-school programs have assisted students in
the design of a pollinator garden, the creation of
terrariums and the formation and distribution of
wildflower seed bombs around the school campus.
Members have volunteered with the
beautification of the DeKalb County Tourist
Association and DeKalb County Library beds and
planters. Members also assisted Fort Payne First
United Methodist Church’s Stroll in the Summer
Betty Hall teaches DCMGA members how to create hypertufa
Garden and the DeKalb County Library’s fundraiser
pots. Photo by Brandy Houston
http://www.luzdelaluna.net
18ETOWAH CO MGA The horticulture Helpline located at the Etowah
Carol Link County Cooperative Extension System Office is
staffed by Etowah, Marshall, and DeKalb County
A group of Etowah County Master Gardeners Master Gardeners. The Office will continue
that assisted with the landscaping of the Etowah answering horticulture questions for area
County Court House were invited, as honored residents through September.
guests, to the June 19 Etowah County In June, at the regular business meeting, our
Commission meeting and were presented with a speaker was Brittney Hughes from Desoto State
plaque that read, “In Appreciation for your Park, who presented a program on carnivorous
selfless contributions of time and talents toward plants. On July 5, following the regular business
the landscaping of the Etowah County meeting, the association had a picnic-style
Courthouse.” barbecue meal, and entertainment was provided
In July, a group of Etowah County Master by a few Master Gardeners along with guests
Gardeners completed the landscape of the Gary Pettis and his son, who played musical
newest construction of the local Habitat for instruments and sang. The speaker in August was
Humanity, in Glencoe. The following Master Brenda Green of Greenrow Farms, who gave a
Gardeners worked on that project: Cookie presentation on Daylilies.
Robertson, Debbie Bradford, Nancy Ford, Donna
Coleman, Barbara Harrington, Sunita Graves, and
Jack Graves.
The Master Gardeners who gave of their time to help with the landscaping of the Etowah County Court House are, L-R,
Back Row: Janice Hatley, Barbara Harrington, Dale Garner, Donna Campbell, Nancy Ford, Bud Utter, Dan Weeks, Debbie
Bradford, and Ken Casey. In the front row, L-R, are Betty Hall, Cookie Robertson, and Frank Dressman. Other Master
Gardeners who helped (not pictured) are Sally Bailey, Patti Cunningham, Virginia Graham, Joan Lee, Pam Prater, Sherry
Young, and Jim Wingo. (The photographer was an unknown person at the meeting.)
19JEFFERSON CO MGA The ninety-one attendees agreed that this reunion was a
Fletcher Harvey huge success and are lobbying to make it an annual event.
Hooray for us!
As we write this, fall is desperately trying to get a grasp in
central Alabama while summer is refusing to let go. While
many were planning plant sales, seminars, and other
equinox-oriented events, our Jefferson County Master
Gardeners did the only logical thing. We decided to have a
party. Combining our regular morning meeting in
September with our evening meeting, we celebrated
ourselves with “Cocktails in the Gardens,” a reunion of
Jefferson Co Master Gardeners, past and present.
The Hospitality Committee, headed by Martha Picardy
and Ruth Varnell, arranged amazing food served
throughout the library area. Our cadre of “certified beverage
team members,” Ruth Varnell, Natalie Lee, Roger Clarke,
Hope Cooper, and Linda Massey, dispensed a variety of
beverages, both “regular” and “high test.” Jason Kirby and
Martha P. created a magnificent floral arrangement Among the attendees at our first (hopefully annual) reunion
were (from left) Past Presidents, Roger Clarke, Pat Cosgrove,
featuring sunflowers, cattails, and various other goodies
Bonnie O’Bannon, Ann Gray Harvey and our current leader,
harvested from roadside ditches and backyards. Gail Pless. Photo by Carol Hagood
LEE CO MGA many more than just one! They were even able
Margaret Holler to see them as very small caterpillars! There
were also many Pipevine Swallowtails flying that
After planting 16 colorful zinnias, fertilizing, day, and they wondered if we gave each one a
weeding, and watering some of the flowers, our name. I told them that we didn’t but that they
dear faithful volunteer, Arthur Herndon, showed were welcome to.
up. Arthur and I were having a nice visit I was able to show them pictures in our
when about ten or twelve children (ages about favorite butterfly book, and they were fascinated
eight and nine) and two adults came walking up and asked so many questions. Those children
to the garden. They were all dressed in the made my day!
same t-shirt which stated the church camp they Another little girl who came with her mom
were attending. They were from a small town, was taking pictures with her new Polaroid-like
but I cannot remember the name. They were camera. She took several butterfly pictures, but
fascinated by all the butterflies and caterpillars only one turned out pretty good. I thought she
they were able to see and discover. would want it, but she insisted that I keep it. She
I told them about the pipevine caterpillar and was adorable! I showed them the new Butterfly
where the pipevine plant was located, but I did Guide and the sheet available to take with them.
not think the caterpillars were there at that time. She was very excited and said to her mom, “now
One of the teachers let me know that she saw we can plant our own Butterfly Garden!”
one, so we all went over to look. There were There is no way I could have had a better
day!!!
20MARSHALL CO MGA tried "Straw Bale" planting this year, and some
Annette Williams have had luck growing squash this way.
On a personal note, my collection of plants is
Fall will be here soon, and the MG's have growing. Some had beautiful blooms to enjoy.
harvested over 6,183 pounds of veggies from Our next meeting will be a picnic and plant
CASA garden. Squash, okra, and beans have swap.
performed well this year. Everyone is looking forward to the 2019
Just a note on fruit trees, my apple tree did Annual Conference, May 8-10, to be held
not do well, but other people’s pear trees have in Clanton, AL.
been bountiful this year. Earlier in the year, Congratulations to our president, Ray Barnes,
blueberries were plentiful. and his wife, Kathy, on the birth of their first
The MGs learned about native trees and grandchild.
plants. We also learned why bats are helpful to We are looking forward to our next projects.
farmers by eating millions of insects. Some of us Have a good fall, ya'll.
MASTER GARDENERS OF There was plenty of good food and some great door prizes.
NORTH ALABAMA The picnic culminated with a walk around the lake lead by
Elouisa Stokes Bob Goodwin. A great time was had by everyone thanks to
On August 9, we started our fall 2018 Tri-County Intern Kendra Spadoni and her co-chair Suzanne Beckinger.
Class with Morgan and Limestone Counties. Our class
coordinator, Alice Lawler, and Regional Extension Agent,
Rhonda Britton, do a wonderful job coordinating these
classes and preparing our Interns.
Probably one of the most enjoyable events we have
helped with lately was answering gardening questions at
the 2018 Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association
Fall Home Show on August 25 and 26. They invited
Master Gardeners of North Alabama (MGNA) to come, and
we were very excited to help a steady stream of visitors. It
was great fun to answer some easy questions, and some
difficult. One lady even brought an infected leaf because
she had heard we would be there. Our Seedlings and
Sprouts team was also there helping children plant a seed in
a cup. It was a special day dedicated to teaching folks about
gardening. MGNA Master Gardeners Barbara Stansky, Melissa
Kirkindall, and Walt Lindblom answer questions at
On Saturday, September 15, about 48 people enjoyed Huntsville Fall Home Show. Photo by Ann Tippie
the annual MGNA picnic on Green Mountain in Huntsville.
21MOBILE CO MGA ACES asked for volunteers to prepare 50 tabletop
Mary Nash arrangements for their annual agents’ conference this year. It
was fun for all who attended the August 20 work day. Dream
We have 151 members in Mobile Master Gardeners. Garden open house was September 10.
Master Gardener of the month for June-Marian Watts (2016), Mobile will host the 2020, Alabama Master Gardeners
and August-Mary Jo Broussard (1994). Annual Conference March 29-April 1, 2020 at the Riverview
The Market in the Square was a success thanks to Lynda Plaza Hotel.
Williams with 550 contacts and 24 volunteers. Fall Market will The Mobile Botanical Gardens 2018 Fall Plant Sale: October
begin in mid-October. 19, 20 and 21. A fall bus trip is tentatively set for Thursday,
Monthly meeting topics: June meeting, Historic Gardens by October 4.
Evan Ware, Regional Extension Agent at ACES for Mobile;
August meeting Urban Oasis and Green Areas in Metro Areas
presented by Terry Plauche.
Lunch and Learn programs: June, David Schmohl from
JubileeScape Gardening for the Disabled; August, Larissa
Graham EPA Brownfields-Groundwork-Mobile; September
17: Sustainable Hydroponic Farming, Dale Spettjans; October
15: Tea Talk, Amanda Wilkins; November 19: Native American
and Midwife Gardens at the Mobile Medical Museum, Daryn
Glassbrook, PhD/Carol Dorsey.
Judy Stout guided the April planting at the Dauphin Island
Elementary School Pollinator Project where kindergarten
through grade 5 planted a flower garden.
The 2018 Intern Class began August 8 with 27 Master
Gardener Interns. The class will run through November 12.
Everyone is welcome during Wednesday classes.
(Left to right): 2018 Master Gardener Interns: Barbara
Stanton, Vicki Herring, Marilyn McLeod and Tom Heagle tour
the Master Gardener Dream Garden. Photo by Alice Marty
MORGAN CO MGA six Interns “graduated” and received their MG
Barb Brown badges. Our greenhouse itself, involves projects
from building maintenance to plant maintenance
The MCMGs have certainly stayed busy this and propagation. The Monday crew brings in from
summer. Over the past six years, the addition of our ten to twenty members (although I think quite a few
greenhouse has changed what used to be the lazy of them show up just for lunch.) The Wednesday
days of summer into many new programs and crew remains smaller, but just as dedicated; and
activities for our members. We have been manning lunch plans are just as important. Now that
a booth at the Farmer’s Market most Saturdays. We September is upon us, that means fair time.
can answer gardening questions, educate interested Everyone is grooming their plants at home for the
folks about the Master Gardener program, AND we horticulture exhibit. A committee is working with
have been selling plants from the greenhouse. It has the Fair board to show the public a great exhibit.
proven to be a great marketing tool for the MG Our Wednesday Lunch and Learn sessions are very
program; which is confirmed by the number of new popular with the MGs and with the public. Recently,
Interns we have had these last several class the director of Pond Spring, the home of General
sessions. June brought us our annual picnic at which Joe Wheeler, spoke to us. If you are in this area,
Pond Spring is a must see.
22PIKE CO MGA in it to make it look like a turkey tail. I didn’t glue the
Sheri Brooks feathers; I used a toothpick to poke holes in the
pumpkin and stuck the feathers inside the holes.
Four Easy Fall Craft Ideas for the Lazy DIY Fan! Trust me, it works!
We all love Do-It-Yourself projects, but they can 3. Kiddie Artwork
be time-consuming (or I have invoked my alternate This is a great way to get some memorable fall décor
ego: Procrastination Patty.) It is possible to still have and keep the kids busy for a while. Cover a section
some fall décor without spending so much time on of floor with a tarp, trash bags, or newspaper to
projects that you qualify for an Associate’s Degree protect it. Give the children finger paint, but only
from Pinterest University. Here are four shortcuts use the colors that would be considered fall colors,
that I have used to get a nice autumn feel without such as red, orange, yellow, or brown. Instead of the
losing three weekends to do it. usual plain white art paper, opt for some lovely craft
1. Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Bins paper in shimmering shades of gold. Let the children
Pumpkins are the mascot of fall. Go to a department paint their ideas of fall on the nice paper. If you are
store near you and get some of those plastic trick-or dealing with a particularly messy artist, you might
-treating pumpkins. Put a small plant in the opening want to invest in some plastic gloves.
as if it were a flower pot. Here’s the fun part, in 4. Minimalist Fall Wreath
September, make sure the back of the bin is turned, Whoever created fall leaf garland deserves a medal.
so the jack-o-lantern face is not showing. In Get a couple of strings of garland and one of those
October, flip it around, so the jack-o-lantern face IS bare-branch wreathes. Carefully wrap the garland
showing. In November: go back to September around it and secure it to the wreath with twist ties
mode. If you are feeling ambitious, paint the or use a glue gun. If you are feeling ambitious, glue
pumpkin bin white, gold, or a more desirable shade some loose fall leaves directly to the wreath.
of orange. Color the jack-o-lantern face back in with Ta-da! Now you have some lovely fall décor, and
a sharpie! you still have time to enjoy the rest of your
2. Real Pumpkins weekend!
Last year, I was on jack-o-lantern number two, and If you are in the Troy area, please drop in on the
pumpkin looked like it would last another week or Pike County Master Gardeners! We meet every third
so past October. Did I throw that pumpkin away? Wednesday at 12:00 pm, at the Pike County
No way! Come November, flip it around, draw a Extension Office, 306 S. Three Notch Street, Troy,
turkey head and neck on the uncarved part of the AL. Phone: (334) 566-0985.
pumpkin, and stick some craft store brown feathers
Shoals MGA wonderful programs from some of our Master
Michael Thomason Gardeners. In June, SMG Dennis Balch presented a
program on the Institute for Learning in Retirement
at UNA. In July, SMG Foy Persell entertained the
Well, it has been a very hot summer here in the members with stories from his childhood about
Shoals, but that did not slow us down. We have farming. In August, Rob Hurt, Manager of the Joe
been participating in the St. Andrews Gleaning Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, explained the
Project working with Meagan Taylor, SNAP different areas in the state which the Refuge
Education/Nutrition Program agent. As of this manages.
writing we have gleaned approximately 3,000 Lbs. SMG has been working on various projects, one
of produce from our local area farmers. of which is the Woods Avenue/Focus Enrichment
In July, we traveled to the West Tennessee Ag Center, where volunteers built raised beds for the
Research and Education Center in Jackson, TN, children there that are used as a learning activity.
where they held their annual Summer Celebration. Have a great autumn!!
We heard from various speakers and learned much.
During our monthly meetings, we have had
23ST. CLAIR CO MGA encourages you to grow as a gardener. We are so
Pam Garrison lucky to have Jason, his family, and their nursery,
Petals from the Past, as a resource.
This June, Dr. Ayanava Majumdar, an Extension A number of our Master Gardeners volunteer at
Specialist from Auburn, spoke to the St. Clair Pell City's Community Garden. They just had a
County Master Gardeners. We learned about ribbon cutting ceremony for their new location
insect control using Integrated Pest Management. across from St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church. The
We gained great respect and understanding of garden has received a grant which will allow them
how successful insects are. We also learned that to have access to water and electricity. All the
using IPM methods can lead to good control of produce grown at the garden is donated to those
insect pests. Dr. A., as he is known, drove up from in need. This year they were able to grow 600
Auburn to Moody through a bad thunderstorm to pounds of potatoes, and 160 ears of corn, along
speak to us and we certainly appreciate his extra with numerous other vegetables. These are
efforts. distributed to The Pell City Senior Center,
In July, Nelda Faulkner shared her love of the Goodworks, The Love Pantry, as well as the
beautiful orchids she and her husband, Harold, Episcopal and Methodist Churches.
grow in their greenhouse. Her photos of the The St. Clair County Extension Office has just
different types of orchids they grow were begun a new Master Gardener class. It is only
stunning. She also taught us about the care of offered every other year here in our county, so we
orchids. Nelda told us that putting ice cubes in the are excited to have it starting now. It will offer
orchid pots was a marketing ploy and was not opportunities for friendships and new ideas from
good for the plants. the Interns as well as our more seasoned
Jason Powell spoke to us at our August gardeners. It is rewarding for current Master
meeting. His topic was Tough Natives For The Gardeners to attend the classes to refresh our
Southern Garden. He brought some beautiful knowledge base and to meet and encourage the
native plants that he used to educate us. When new Interns.
Jason speaks, he always teaches you so much and
TALLAPOOSA CO MGA July's meeting was a culinary success as we
Barbara Butler learned that Tallapoosa Master Gardeners are
great cooks. Members shared favorite dishes at
Tallapoosa Master Gardeners have been our Potluck Lunch. Yum!
fortunate to welcome several very interesting and Our next meeting will feature a new local
knowledgeable speakers to our summer meetings. mushroom farming business. Also this fall, we are
In June, Jane McCarthy gave a very informative talk excited to be planning a visit to the Alabama
on succulents and how to care for them. Governor's Mansion.
Afterward, she shared “pups” from many of the The Tallapoosa Master Gardener members have
succulents she had on display. Thank you, Jane! spent many early morning hours as we continue to
In August, Vicki Campbell shared her extensive help plan and care for the flower beds at the
knowledge in a very informative talk on pollinators Tallapoosa County Courthouse.
and their importance. We learned techniques on
how to protect them and how to attract them to
our gardens. Thank you, Vicki!
24TUSCALOOSA CO MGA Buddy Oglesby offered instruction as we walked
Carolyn Wiggins through Aldridge Gardens and took photos. Then
we had snacks while he demonstrated Photoshop
On September 14, TCMG welcomed our Fall to the members.
Intern class. This class is one of the largest we This Tuesday, Amy Sandberg will be leading a
have ever conducted and is the first evening class workshop for the fifth graders, building worm
in Tuscaloosa since 2014. farms at Jeremiah's Garden. Jeremiah's garden is
TCMG volunteers have continued to staff a community garden that provides garden
tables at the Northport Farmer's Market and the education and products for the Food Bank of
River Market. We have distributed Extension West Alabama.
bulletins, answered questions, and learned from Robin Hoggle arranged a Camellia program for
the producers and shoppers who stopped at our our August meeting, and Ronnie Myers spoke to
table. us about Japanese Maples at our September
Ann Hewlett is the chairperson for our new meeting.
volunteer day at the UA Arboretum. TCMG
members have been working in the greenhouses
and are helping spruce up the front entrance.
At Hospice of West Alabama, volunteers
weeded and pruned the annual plants and
removed volunteer growth from among the
azaleas. Debbie and Sandy have labored keeping
the fountain in the courtyard running.
Tim Eady and Nancy Cobb will be leading the
new Interns in weeding and identifying native
plants at Moundville Archaeological Park in
preparation for the October Native American
Festival.
Dawn Key and Elizabeth Evers helped out at
the Extension Office on Wednesday, and all had a
This photo is a product of the Photoshop demonstration by
good time. Buddy Ogle at Aldridge Gardens. Photo by Brandi Moore,
Nineteen TCMGs participated in a Photo Intern
Workshop at Aldridge Gardens September 14.
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
25WALKER CO MGA asked him why he asked. He said, ‘Because it doesn’t taste
Barbara Higgins like it’s made with love. That was the best compliment he
could have ever given me!
We are very thankful to have our dedicated Master
At the beginning of the planting season, the Walker Gardeners. We were able to donate 180 pounds of
County Master Gardeners were anxious to get started in produce (from the ten raised beds) to local food banks
our raised beds, preparing the soil, and getting seeds in the along with fruits from Master Gardeners’ individual fruit
ground. We started out with many volunteers, and over trees.
the growing season, the number seemed to dwindle down James Daniel had a very successful year feeding and
to a few dedicated true Masters of Gardening. watching hummers. Between March 23 - Sept 13, He used
I visited one of these Master Gardeners’ homes and had 80 pounds of sugar to make and supply 40 gallons of sugar
the privilege of picking some fruit. Everything was well water, the last five weeks He saw 35 to 45 birds in the early
manicured and the soil was putting forth the best fruits and morning and late evening every day, during four days he
vegetables imaginable. You could tell it was planted, toiled, used five gallons of nectar.
and harvested with love. The last meeting of the Walker County Master Gardeners
That visit reminded me of what my son said to me one will be in October when our members will enjoy a nice meal
day when he stopped by for some down-home southern and gather for fellowship. Until spring, this is Walker
cooking. He says few words of appreciation, but when County Master Gardeners signing off.
he tasted the dish, he asked if I had cooked it (I had not). I
MASTER
GARDENERS
Walker Co Harvest of Love, one of ten raised beds. Photo by Barbara S. Higgins
26WIREGRASS MGA Master Gardener class in Dale County. You never
Devonne Ellis know the influence you have until you give it your
all! If your association has an opportunity to do
Happy fall from the Wiregrass Master this project, please get involved.
Gardeners Association. We have been busy
preparing and having our Fall Plant Sale. We had a
steady stream of customers buying shrubs,
perennials, bulbs, trees, grasses, house plants,
jellies, and cookbooks. All of our plants are either
seeded, propagated from cuttings, or we dig from
someone’s yard.
We have a new slate of Officers. They are
Steven Jacobson, President; Jan Shirley, Vice
President; Jennifer Fanning, Secretary, and Cathy
Bruce, Treasurer. We are so proud of our officers.
All of them have only been Master Gardeners for
two years or less. We are very fortunate to have a
wonderful group of volunteers.
Our Wiregrass Master Gardeners, along with
Coffee County and Claybank Master Gardeners,
are involved with Harvest for Health. We have a
total of twelve Master Gardeners helping cancer
survivors learn how to grow seeds and plants in
raised beds or grow boxes. All the people involved Wiregrass MG’s; left to right: Sue McCabe, Linda Isley, and
Cheryl Hatcher, helping at the plant sale. Photo by Devonne
are enthusiastic. We have a lady who was in the
Ellis
Harvest for Health program and is now taking the
"Come SEE us"
Designed by Marian Watts
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