Sunday, March 29, 2015

FREE ARBORETUM TOUR

Come out to the Pitt County Arboretum
for a Walking Tour
led by Master Gardener Volunteers

Thursday, April 2nd
Beginning at 10:00 AM

Meet under the Shelter in front of the
Agricultural Center (MAP)

April's tour will include tips on planting containers with
a hands-on demonstration.
Last year's container potting day

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

FINALLY - WHAT'S IN BLOOM

Plants are really starting to come alive at the Arboretum.  Here are some flowering beauties you will see this week.
(l-r) Prunus subhirtella "Pendula' (Weeping Higan Cherry), Chaenomeles speciosa (Flowering quince), Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud), Berberis julianae (Wintergreen Barberry), Prunus x 'Okame' (Hybrid Cherry)

(l-r) Forsythia  x intermedia, Magnolia 'Galaxy', Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia), Camellia japonica

Photos by J Kollar

Thursday, March 19, 2015

DIVIDING PERENNIALS

Master Gardeners have been and will be busy this week and next potting up plants for their annual PLANT SALE, May 16, 2015, (CLICK HERE FOR MORE PLANT SALE INFO).  Our plant sale features plants that do well in our part of the country.  So far, several hundred have been divided and that usually increases to several thousand by the time of the sale. The sale features great prices plus a chance to talk to Master Gardeners to learn proper planting and care techniques for each plant.  We also do a plant swap where you can bring plants from your garden to exchange with other local gardeners.  Here is information to help you in DIVIDING PERENNIALS.
Our Happy Potting Crew
Photo by R. Davis

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

ROOT PRUNING

In the Spring of 2013, Master Gardeners planted a weeping Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum 'Orangeola') in one of the large containers.  The thought was that it would be kept in that pot for a long time with regular root pruning.  However, once it was pulled out of the container two years later with much struggle and a bystander lending a hand, it was decided to NOT put it back in the container, but put it in a permanent spot.  The root system had grown faster and more vigorously than anticipated.  Perhaps this method will be used in the future on a smaller scale.
Spring 2013
Summer 2014
Ready to be removed
It's new home - the Memorial Garden (with Ann R.)
 We tilted the pot and supported it with bricks and boards to protect the crown.

Friday, March 6, 2015

HOME FEST 2015

Come out to the Greenville Convention Center from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM tomorrow, Saturday, March 7th, and visit with some Master Gardener Volunteers.  They'll be happy to help you with your gardening questions.  You can find them by the center stage.
Our Set-Up Crew


Sunday, March 1, 2015

ARBORETUM TOUR

Join Master Gardeners for a free walking tour of the Pitt County Arboretum.
Thursday, March 5th

Starting at 10:00 AM

Come out and see some early signs of Spring

plus learn about some garden chores to do now

Meet under the Shelter in front of the Ag Center

at 403 Government Circle, Greenville
 MAP