Sunday, September 27, 2015

FALL IS FOR SEED COLLECTING

Join a Master Gardener
this Thursday, October 1st
starting at 10:00 AM - Rain or Shine

You will enjoy a walk around the Pitt County Arboretum
collecting seeds along the way.
Seed planting tips will also be given!

The Arboretum is still full of colorful, interesting growing things this Fall.

Meet under the Shelter in front of the Ag Center




Tuesday, September 22, 2015

GOODBYE SUMMER

At an equinox, Earth's Northern and Southern Hemispheres are receiving the sun's rays equally.  Image via Wikipedia
Photo from Wikipedia


Autumn equinox arrives at 4:21 AM EDT tomorrow.  The day and night will be approximately be the same length.  Then the days start getting shorter.  What does this mean for gardeners?  Click below for the answer:  (NOTE:  Although this was written by a Master Gardener in the Charlotte area, the key facts apply to us in Pitt County)


And for more information about the equinox, here's a great EarthSky article:


 


Saturday, September 19, 2015

FALL IS FOR DIVIDING

It is a good time to divide and plant spring and summer blooming perennials.  This will give them a chance to get established before winter and be ready to bloom next year.  Click here for more information on how to tackle this task:

Some plants of interest this week at the Arboretum:

Photo by A. Laliotes
l-r: 

#1 Ilex verticillata  WINTERBERRY HOLLY  Butterfly Garden
#2 Perovskia atriplicifolia   RUSSIAN SAGE  Perennial Garden
#3 Berberis thunbergii "Aurea'    GOLDEN BARBERRY   CPP#1 
#4 Berberis thunbergii var. atropurea   PURPLE/RED BARBERRY    CPP#1
#5 Ocimum basilicum  RED RUBIN BASIL  Container at back of Perennial Garden

Thursday, September 10, 2015

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT FALL

Summer is nearing its end (in spite of today's predicted temperature of 90).  It is a good time to evaluate the landscape.  What did well, what needs to go, etc.  Begin the process by viewing the Fall Edition of the Extension Gardener for the Coastal Region.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

A GUEST IN THE GARDEN

This praying mantis was recently captured (and released) on Work Day at the Arboretum.  This insect is generally considered beneficial although it is not selective in its diet and will eat good and bad bugs.  While we generally reference you to a .edu site, you will be directed to a some facts mixed with a little humor by clicking this link:

Capture & Photo by D. Grimes