Welcome to the Pitt County Arboretum

MEET THE MASTER GARDENERS

2012-02-09T23:36:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, March 1st, from 10:00 AM to Noon you are invited to come out to the Arboretum and meet, visit with, and ask questions of the Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers. They will be busy working in the various gardens at the Arboretum, but are eager to answer any gardening question you have. The morning will begin at the Information Center under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center (click here for MAP). From there you will be guided to the various gardens. Follow this link for the Visitor's Guide to familiarize yourself with all the different types of gardens we have. Call 902-1709 if you have any questions.

2012-02-04T23:40:00.000-05:00

CLICK ON RED HIGHLIGHTED WORDS TO VIEW LINK.

HAIRY BITTERCRESS

2012-02-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

Cardamine hirsuta
Hairy Bittercress

With a name like that, it just can't be good can it? If you agree, you are right. This past week the Master Gardener Volunteers spent several hours at the Arboretum pruning, weeding, and cleaning up winter debris. This was one winter weed that was found in several areas. The biggest problem with this weed is that it sprouts fast, grows fast, flowers fast, forms seeds fast, and therefore can spread fast. The best news is that it is easily pulled out. For more detailed info should you want to know more click HERE.

WALKING TOUR - Featuring PLANTS WITH WINTER INTEREST

2012-01-30T08:08:00.001-05:00

Join the Master Gardeners for the free monthly walking tour of the Pitt County Arboretum. This month they will be focusing on plants that show off their beauty in their bark, berries, or blooms. The tour lasts about an hour and is given rain or shine.

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

10:00 AM

Meet under the Green Roof Shelter

in front of the Ag Center.

MAP

2012 NC WILDFLOWER OF THE YEAR

2012-01-27T20:21:00.001-05:00

Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)

Who else likes this flower?

Parsleyworms (aka Black Swallowtail Caterpillar)

Here is a link for all the information about this wildflower selection and its lovely caterpillar:

Zizia aurea

To receive a brochure and seeds of the current North Carolina Wildflower of the Years send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
2012 NCWFOY
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Campus Box 3375, UNC-CH
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375

Will we have this in our own Wildflower Garden at the Pitt County Arboretum?
Come out and see!

WHAT'S YOUR ZONE?

2012-01-26T08:23:00.000-05:00

The USDA has just released a new web tool to help gardeners determine their Plant Hardiness Zone. Click on this link: ZONE MAP and type in your zip code to begin. An interesting and informative article can be found by clicking on the "ABOUT" tab and then MAPS & GARDENING or just click on these red words to go right to the section.

Also, be sure to head to the Greenville Convention Center next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (February 3-5) for the annual Friends of the Shepard Memorial Library Book Sale. You are sure to find some gardening books to add to your collection. For more information on the sale the Daily Reflector lists the email contact as patricia@wimcocorp.com.

THE BEAUTY IN BARK

2012-01-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

Taxodium distichum
Bald Cypress

Winter time landscapes with their bare trees and shrubs, brown grasses, and lack of blooms can reveal some spectacular textures, colors, and shapes in trees that are otherwise obscured in the spring, summer, and fall. Here are four trees at the Arboretum that add winter interest. Check out those in your own yards and see if you can 'see' them in a new light. Our February Walking Tour (2/2/12 @ 10:00 AM) will feature more plants like these:

Acer griseum
Paperbark Maple

Lagerstroemia indica
Crepe Myrtle

Prunus x yedoensis
Yoshino Cherry

Pictures by AS

CHILDREN'S ABC GARDEN

2012-01-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

Pi-Co-Bo is the topiary bunny who lives at the ABC Children's Garden at the Pitt County Arboretum. You'll find him in the center of the garden with his butterfly net keeping watch over the birdhouses, butterflies, blooms and occasional visiting bunny. The A to Z garden of interesting plants was created in 2007 to encourage children to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the garden. Plants were chosen for this garden for their unusual names, interesting smells, and variety of blooms. Recently the entire crop of ABC letters was recut and painted for a fresh flush of color.

ABCs are drawn on boards

Skilled craftsmen cutting letters

Ready for sanding & priming

All primed

Base color applied

Ready for decorative touches

NOW - THE BIG REVEAL!!!!!

You'll have to visit the Arboretum to see the rest! People of all ages will enjoy the colors, textures, and beauty of this garden even now in the winter!

WALIKING TOUR - Featuring Attracting Birds to Your Landscape

2012-01-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers on the next FREE Walking Tour of the Pitt County Arboretum. The theme of this tour will be 'Attracting Birds to Your Landscape' with trees, shrubs, and other plants. Additionally there will be a demonstration showing how to make 2 simple bird feeders. More seasonal weather is predicted, so bundle up because the tour will go on!

Eastern Bluebird Baby

WALKING TOUR

of the

PITT COUNTY ARBORETUM

403 GOVERNMENT CIRCLE

GREENVILLE, NC

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012

10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Map to Arboretum

FELDER RUSHING and 'Slow Gardening'

2011-12-28T16:06:00.002-05:00

Join Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and
Friends of the Pitt County Arboretum for a presentation by Felder Rushing, America's Foremost Gardening Humorist on January 28th, 2012 from 10 am to noon. Never thought of gardening as funny? Think again! Come for an hour of offbeat, quirky gardening humor. Felder Rushing is author and co-author of 16 gardening books, including Passalong Plants. He will speak on the topic of his latest book, Slow Gardening, answer questions, and sign copies of his books. A limited number of tickets are only available through the Pitt County Office of NC Cooperative Extension by calling 902-1709.
Event Location
Pitt County Agricultural Center
403 Government Circle
Greenville, NC 27834

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!

MORE BERRIES

2011-12-24T10:13:00.001-05:00

The last post focused on holly berries, but a further look around the Arboretum reveals more plants with berries.

Pittosporum tobira

Pittosporum truncatum

Pyracantha sp Firethorn

Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache)

Nandina domestica

Holly Berries at the Arboretum

2011-12-17T00:27:00.001-05:00

Ilex opaca
American Holly

Ilex x Mary Nell

The hollies (Ilex) have adorned themselves for the holidays. What could be more festive? We have a fair selection of holly trees and shrubs at the Pitt County Arboretum. As you see, each variety has its own leaf color and shape. Each has different clusters of berries in varying shades of reds. Hollies grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. Keep in mind if you go shopping for one, dwarf doesn't necessarily mean small. You also may need both a male and female species to get lovely displays as pictured here. Read the plant tags carefully and ask the nurserymen questions. You can read more about general growing tips of hollies by clicking here. You can also 'google' the individual hollies shown here. But in the meantime, enjoy these pictures taken this week.

Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah'

Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula'
Weeping Yaupon Holly

Ilex cornuta "Burfordii Nana'
Dwarf Burford Holly

Ilex x attenuata 'East Palatka'

Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri'
Foster's Holly

Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'

Ilex verticillata 'Sparkleberry'

Ilex cornuta 'Needlepoint'

Mockingbirds like hollies, too!

Pictures by TS

COMFREY IN THE HERB GARDEN

2011-12-11T13:16:00.002-05:00

Sepals of Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)

Photo by AS

Common names for this herb are boneset, healing herb, or knitbone. Comfrey is a hardy perennial with leaves that contain allantoin and was used in folk medicine as bandages to aid in healing. It is not recommended for eating due to the alkaloids found in them. What is it good for? Organic gardeners claim older leaves can be tossed into the compost pile to aid decomposition. It is a deep-rooted plant that can grow to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It flowers throughout the summer with pinkish blooms.

For further reading, click on these links:

Comfrey for Compost

Comfrey as a Field Crop

BECOME A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER

2011-12-02T08:42:00.001-05:00

Are you interested in meeting, mingling, and working along side people who

Love digging in the dirt (which they often refer to as "SOIL")?
Swoon over a just turned compost pile?
Have the phone number of the Transfer Station on speed dial to check when mulch can be picked up? (FYI: 902-3351)
Claim their favorite wardrobe accessory is a Felco pruner in a leather case clipped to the belt?
Own a Hori Hori and can use it as deftly as a chef's knife?
Are eager to meet and share the joy and trials of gardening with you?

Then perhaps it is time for you to take the Extension Master Gardening Course. The Pitt County Cooperative Extension is starting a new class beginning on Thursday, January 5, 2012. Applications are being accepted now. Hurry, though, the deadline to apply is December 9th. Follow these links below for more information.

Master Gardener Volunteer Program

CLASS INFORMATION

APPLICATION

If you have any questions, contact Sarah Roberson at 902-1709.

HOLIDAY DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

2011-11-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

Join Extension Master Gardeners for a FREE Walking Tour of the Pitt County Arboretum. This months tour guide will demonstrate how to take cuttings from your garden to use for holiday decorating.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1st

10:00 AM

The Tour begins under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center (Click on MAP link for directions).

Call 902-1709 if you have any questions.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

"Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all."

William Faulkner

CARING FOR YOUR GARDENING TOOLS

2011-11-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

Danny Lauderdale's weekly Daily Reflector article stressed the importance of protecting the tools we use in our gardens. If you would like to read in more detail how to maintain shovels, rakes, hoes, pruners, etc., follow this link:

Sharpening and Cleaning Tools

CAMELLIA SASANQUA

2011-11-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

To either side of the entrance to the Ag Center you will find a row of fall blooming

Camellia sasanquas. They form a full, glossy green hedge when not in bloom.

Camellias come in a large variety of sizes ranging from 4-15 feet with flower colors in shades of pinks, reds, and whites. According to 'Floridata':
"Sasanquas can cope with many different soil types. They prefer rich organic acid soils (the same as azaleas and rhododendrons). Provide plants with an organic mulch such as leaf litter or shredded bark. These plants have beautiful natural shapes but if you need to do some pruning it is best done "lightly" and in very early spring before the buds form."

Follow this link for the NCSU Fact Sheet: Camellia sasanqua

FALL COLOR

2011-11-11T19:07:00.000-05:00

It may be a bit cooler this weekend, but the scenery outside is worth heading out to see. Many trees and shrubs are at their peak color. Bring your family, a picnic, and a camera and come out to the Arboretum this weekend for a picture perfect time. The stores may be trying to get you to think about Christmas, but why not savor the fall for a few more weeks?

Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)

FALL MULCHING

2011-11-04T11:02:00.001-04:00

A group of Master Gardener Volunteers spent this week at the Arboretum mulching. They used shredded leaves and the free mulch from the Pitt County Transfer Station. Mulching now will help protect the roots from some freeze/thaw cycles we inevitable experience. It also will keep the soil a little warmer so root growth can continue. And we are hoping that it will help smother weed seeds! Click here for an interesting article on FALL MULCHING. Remember to keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the plants and please don't volcano your mulch even if you see it done in commercial settings. Read this MULCHING fact sheet for all you could possibly want to know about the why, what, and how of mulching.

The Transfer Station at 3025 Landfill Road in Greenville has FREE MULCH for you, too. Call 902-3351 to find out days and times you can pick it up. At the Greenville location, they will load your truck/pickup/trailer for you. In Ayden-Grifton site at 5171 Weyerhaeuser Road you will need to load it yourself. Be sure to take a tarp to cover it before leaving the station.

FREE WALKING TOUR OF ARBORETUM

2011-11-01T18:53:00.000-04:00

Join the Extension Master Gardeners

for the next FREE WALKING TOUR

of the

PITT COUNTY ARBORETUM

Meet under the Green Roof Shelter

in front of the Ag Center

November 3rd, THURSDAY

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

(Rain or Shine!)

The November tour will feature

composting: the how, the why, the when!

Questions? Call (252) 902-1709

SPECIAL TOUR GROUP FROM ST. PETER'S Junior Kindergarten

2011-10-27T10:00:00.003-04:00

Sawtooth Oak

Forty 4 year olds, their parents and teachers recently toured the Arboretum. The curious, inquisitive group searched for butterflies, watched bees on the Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha), caught insects, collected seeds from Love-in-a-Puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum), tickled their noses with wands of Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), searched the Childrens' Garden to find the letter of their name, and filled their pockets with Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissma) acorns. They later enjoyed treats brought by the parents and spread out on blankets next to the Butterfly Garden.

If you are not able to come to the regular free walking tours given by Master Gardener Volunteers on the 1st Thursday of every month, please call 902-1709 to schedule a private tour for your group at other times. Please call at least a week before your desired tour time and date. Our next scheduled tour will be Nov. 3rd beginning at 10:00 AM in front of the Ag Center. This month's theme will be COMPOSTING - very relevant now that leaves have begun to fall. Come out and learn what else you can compost and see how easy it is to make black gold!

PRUNING DEMONSTRATION AT PITT COUNTY ARBORETUM

2011-10-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

Presented by Danny Lauderdale, Extension Agent and the

Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers

Date: November 16, 2011

Time: 10:00 a.m.-Noon Check-In at 9:45 a.m.

Where: Pitt County Ag Center Auditorium

with outdoor demonstrations in the Arboretum

What: Learn how & when to prune trees,

shrubs, vines, and perennials

Free demonstration, but you need to register by Nov. 14th by calling 902-1709

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Homeowners, Commercial, Landscapers, Professionals

MUSCADINE GRAPES UPDATE

2011-10-21T09:25:00.000-04:00

The final harvest of grapes netted twenty-three pounds of grapes. That brings the total harvest for the season to 60 pounds which were donated to the Greenville Food Bank with some minor sampling done by the picking crew to make sure they were just right! According to our Small Fruit Curator, nothing needs to be done this fall to the grape vines. The leaves will fall off and then in late winter/early spring they will be pruned back severely. Follow this blog and we'll let you know when we are doing that task.

Hurricane Irene did some damage to the trellises and they will be straightened up at pruning time.

THE FUNGUS AMONG US

2011-10-15T06:49:00.002-04:00

MUSHROOMS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Photos by Master Gardener A.S.

We didn't plant them and we don't harvest them, but they're here anyway growing in our mulched beds. What do we do about them? Nothing really. Mushrooms in the mulch are actually helping to decompose twigs, leaves, and other organic matter. Most disappear on their own in a few days. If they are bothersome to you in your garden you could pick them and dispose of them. Don't eat them, unless you are
110% sure they are edible. Here are two publications with more details on fungi: 'What's Growing in my Landscape Mulch' and Mushrooms and Other Nuisance Fungi in Your Lawn

So what to do? Enjoy their unique beauty!

Ornamental Grasses

2011-10-07T17:06:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for something

easy to grow and maintain
drought tolerant
high pest and disease resistance
4 season interest
large variety of sizes

Look no further than ornamental grasses. Click here to read about selections good for North Carolina: Ornamental Grasses .

Below are pictures of the Arboretum's Wildflower Garden where native Pink Muhly Grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris, is at its peak. It is especially lush this year, perhaps due to the extra rain we've had.

Muhlenbergia capillaris
Gaillardia aristata

Salvia coccinea
Muhlenbergia capillaris
(Photos by Master Gardener C.T.)

For all you could possibly want to know about muhly grass, click here .

ARBORETUM WALKING TOUR

2011-10-04T19:00:00.000-04:00

Join Master Gardener Volunteers this Thursday, October 6, 2011, for the next free walking tour of the Pitt County Arboretum. This month's tour will feature tips on planting spring bulbs and self-seeding annuals. The tour begins at 10:00 AM under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center. Click on the map link in the right hand column for directions.

FALL GARDEN CHORES

2011-09-22T10:08:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox. On this day the number of daylight hours approximately equals the number of nighttime hours. The exact moment of the equinox is 5:04 AM. What does this mean to the Arboretum? The beginning of Fall signals Master Gardener Volunteers to begin preparing the Arboretum for the coming winter months. Some of the chores they will be tackling include cutting back dead foliage on perennials, weeding, and raking leaves. This garden waste will go into our compost bins. Read this brief summary on COMPOSTING or refer to this site BUILDING YOUR COMPOST PILE for more details.

They also will be reviewing what plants have performed well or might need replacing. They won't be doing any major pruning on trees and shrubs as this is best done when plants are dormant. However, any broken or dead branches may be removed. This may be a major chore right now as damage from Hurricane Irene lingers.

Home gardeners can add these tasks to their fall to-do-list:

FALL GARDEN CHORES.

HERBAL TEAS

2011-09-17T12:22:00.000-04:00

The Herb Garden at the Arboretum is laid out in a circular pattern. This layout makes it easy to reach herbs from the center crushed gravel walkway. This is a good pattern to imitate if you are considering putting in an herb garden in your yard so that the herbs are readily accessible for snipping. Many herbs will grow year round in Pitt County. Check out this publication for a list of herbs to grow/how to grow them/how to use them: Growing Herbs for the Home Gardener.

Are you a tea drinker? The next few weeks are good times to head out to your herb garden to gather herbs to dry, brew, or store. This will give your perennial herbs a chance to recover from being cut before our first frost and a chance to gather annual herbs that will be damaged by frost. You might be familiar with chamomile, mints, and lemon balm teas, but have you tried parsley, rosemary, or dill? There is often a question of whether or not they have medicinal values. Click here for an interesting study done at Tuft University: Reading Herbal Tea Leaves

Additionally, you can find out how to make herbal tea by reading this:

Homegrown Teas

MUSCADINE GRAPES

2011-09-11T15:37:00.000-04:00

Carlos

Last fall 4 types of muscadine grapes were planted on sturdy wooden and wire trellises. The vines were flush with leaves and grapes when Irene came through. Even though they are in a fairly exposed location at the Arboretum they survived with just a few leaning posts and some grapes blown to the ground. Before the storm, the first to ripen were the Nesbitts, a black colored grape. The other varieties we have, Carlos (bronze colored and the leading variety grown in NC), Higgins (pink/bronze colored), and Hunt (dark purple colored), are all ripening into nice sweet grapes thanks to the sunny days, drier air, and warm temperatures. So far 37 pounds of grapes have been donated to Greenville's Food Bank and it is expected that many more pounds will be picked throughout September.

According to NCSU Horticultural Leaflet Muscadine Grapes in the Home Garden, muscadines are well suited for growing in our area. Additionally, it states that

"Muscadines grapes, (Vitis rotundifolia, or alternatively, Muscadiniana rotundifolia) are often referred to as scuppernongs. Muscadine is native to the Southeastern United States and has been cultured for more than 400 years. It was first known as the ‘Big White Grape’, and was later named ‘Scuppernong’ after the area in
which it was found. With time, the name scuppernong became generic with all bronze muscadines, regardless of actual variety name. However, this is incorrect nomenclature, since ‘Scuppernong’ is only one of many cultivars of muscadine grapes."

An extensive brochure on how to get started can be found here: Muscadine Grape Production Guide. You may also contact the Extension Master Gardeners (see right side column 'Ask a Master Gardener' for how to do that) if you have more questions.

AFTER HURRICANE IRENE - What to Plant?

2011-09-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

The Arboretum weathered Irene about the same as the rest of Eastern Carolina. Some of the larger trees lost were a Chinese Elm, High Cotton Crape Myrtle, Eastern Red Cedar, and Bradford Pears. A group of Master Gardener Volunteers worked diligently Monday after the storm to clean up smaller limbs and leaf debris.

As we all continue to clean up perhaps your thoughts mirror many others who wonder what if anything can be done to minimize damage from future storms. Read this article written by Pender County's Extension Office on Hurricane Resistant Trees. It list better choices of trees to plant in addition to better ways to plant them.
Another Internet search brought up a useful site which lists hurricane resistant trees as well as those not recommended. Click here for that list: Hurricane Resistant Trees

The good news is that Fall is the best time of year to plant. Why? Paul James, Master Gardener and The Garden Guy says:

"Why is fall planting so good for plants? In the fall, the warm soil encourages root growth. Roots continue to grow through the winter until the ground freezes, or in areas with mild winters, roots may continue to grow. In early spring, roots begin new growth or continue to develop at a faster rate, and top growth begins. While the same plant planted in spring gets a slow start due to cool soils, the fall-planted plants are becoming well established. Hence, the spring-planted plant on the right lags. When summer finally arrives, the fall-planted plant is far better equipped to deal with heat and drought, largely due to its well-established root system."

WALKING TOUR - Fall Vegetable Planting

2011-08-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

Join the Extension Master Gardeners for the next free walking tour of the Pitt County Arboretum. The tour will be this Thursday, September 1st, beginning at 10:00 AM. Follow the signs and meet under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center. (Click on the MAP link in the right hand column for directions.) The tour lasts approximately one hour. This month's tour will highlight fall vegetable planning and planting. Now is the time to get your greens in the ground. Come out and learn more about what and how to plant this time of year as well as see all of our wonderful trees, shrubs, perennials, roses, herbs, and small fruits in the other areas of the Arboretum.

Tours are given rain or shine (but not hurricanes!).

HURRICANE IRENE - What if......

2011-08-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

Maybe we won't need to use these, but just in case, here are two links to some "After the Storm" information:

Tree and Forest Disaster Recovery
Storm Related Pest Problems

Hurricane Irene

WHAT'S IN BLOOM? Mystery Plant? Do you know?

2011-08-18T12:20:00.003-04:00

Abelmoschus esculentus

This flower is on a plant related to the hibiscus. In some countries it is known as 'Lady's Fingers'. It produces an edible pod. It is very drought and heat resistant. What is it's common name?

OKRA

So how often do you get a big, beautiful flowering plant that also has edible parts? Okra pods are fast growing and may require daily pickings. Our okra in the vegetable plot at the Arboretum is going full steam right now. The pods are best harvested at 3-4" long after that they tend to become tough. What about the "goo" when cooked? This is a plus when making gumbo, not so much in other recipes. Several hints found to minimize this are to leave them whole, sprinkle with lime or lemon juice, and cook quickly. Here are some recipes from NCSU's Produce Lady if you are ready to try some healthier ways to prepare this vegetable. You'll have to scroll down a bit once you go to the link for the okra ones.

For more on this good-for-you vegetable click here to read what a former Extension Master Gardener from Mecklenburg County wrote about growing, harvesting, and preparing okra.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM?

2011-08-11T15:11:00.000-04:00

Have you been to the Arboretum lately? If it has been a while, you're sure to be amazed to see how we have grown. If you can't come to our monthly (first Thursday of the month) tours led by Master Gardener Volunteers, you are invited to take on a self-guided tour anytime from dawn to dusk. Where to start? The best place to begin is under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center. It is the tall, wooden, open air structure right next to the front parking lot. Under the shelter you will find a display that contains Arboretum brochures with maps to aid you in exploring the gardens. Also, you will see two shelves lined with flower pots filled with cuttings of shrubs, trees, perennials, herbs, grasses, etc. that are showing their best/most interesting features at the time.

So what might you see this week in bloom? Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), Salvia farinacea (Mealycup Sage), Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite' (Rose of Sharon), and a variety of roses to name a few.

Also, if you have a group or club that would be interested in having a tour at another time, please call. The phone number, address and map links may be found in the right column of this blog.

Hope to see you soon!

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Turk's Cap

2011-08-05T15:25:00.000-04:00

Here is a nice plant that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It will flower in part shade, but does well in sunny locations, too. It tolerates drought, once established, or will grow in moist soil. The bright red turban shaped flowers love the hot weather in late summer to fall. This perennial is even listed as not a favorite of deer! Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) may be found in our Childrens' ABC Garden where it is about 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. You can't miss it. The hummingbirds have found it, so you will surely see them zipping from bloom to bloom when you visit. Further growing conditions can be found by clicking here.

PLANTS FOR HOT, HUMID SUMMERS

2011-07-29T10:59:00.002-04:00

It is easy to have a great looking garden in May and June. But the true test of a plant here in Eastern Carolina will come in July and August. Hot, humid weather and irregular rainfall take its toll on all living things.

Come out to the Pitt County Arboretum this Thursday, August 4th for a free walking tour. Master Gardener Volunteers will be highlighting perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, and even vegetables which are thriving and which are not!

The tour begins at 9:00 AM under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center Building (click on the map link in the right column for directions). The tour lasts about an hour and is given rain (wouldn't that be nice?) or shine. Bring your friends, neighbors, and your questions!

STAR ATTRACTION THIS WEEK: Cosmos

2011-07-22T17:18:00.002-04:00

The Arboretum's Fire Hydrant Garden was created to demonstrate what can be grown in small, sunny, dry and rather inhospitable spot. This small bed contains assorted sedums and grasses. But scattered throughout is a nice annual that conveniently reseeds itself each year: Cosmos sulphureus.

This plant stays about a foot tall with golden flowers of about an 1" to 1 1/2". It has ferny foilage. But best of all it blooms and blooms and blooms. It readily reseeds to ensure more blooms until frost and then if you have let some go to seed, they will start blooming again after sprouting when the soil warms next growing season. This flower doesn't need fertilizing or much water. Plants under stress tend to just be smaller. Watch carefully for new seedlings sprouting around the base of the plants this year so you won't mistakenly pull them out next year thinking they are weeds. Below you will see them in the Fire Hydrant Garden:

So, if this hasn't convinced you to grow these easy care annuals, read this from the AgriLife Extension from Texas A&M. (NOTE: List has been edited for space. The full article can be found at Aggie Horticulture)

THE TOP TEN REASONS EVERYONE SHOULD BE GROWING COSMOS ARE:
#10 -- Cosmos is one of the easiest-to-grow flowers... and is generally a pest-free annual.
# 9 -- Cosmos is THE BEST annual for Hot, Dry Locations
# 8 -- Cosmos is THE BEST annual for Poor Soils
# 7 -- Cosmos is a self-seeding annual
# 6 -- Cosmos is an annual which can be direct - seeded into the planting area
# 5 -- Cosmos flowers can be used as Cut Flowers.
# 4 -- Cosmos flowers are suitable for drying.

# 3 -- Cosmos are suitable for backgrounds and screens.

# 2 -- Cosmos attracts birds and butterflies such as (Monarch - Danaus plexippus)

AND, THE NUMBER 1 REASON everyone should grow cosmos is -- Growing cosmos is as close as any of us will ever come to actually causing a "cosmic event" but it will be easy for ANY of us to produce showy flowers in an orderly arrangement of cosmic proportions.

VIVA LAS VEGAS IN THE CHILDRENS' GARDEN?

2011-07-15T22:09:00.000-04:00

Gomphrena Globosa 'Las Vegas Purple' is what you will find in spectacular bloom this week. Even after another scorching hot, humid week this Globe Flower or Globe Amaranth (as it is commonly called) is looking fabulous. This excerpt from the Learn2Grow website describes it perfectly:

"Distinctive, round, brightly colored flowers cover this popular warm season annual in the heat of summer. Globe amaranth is an attractive, bushy bedding plant that is native to the southern regions of Central America. Its papery everlasting flowers dry and hold their color well, so they are especially popular for crafting and flower arrangements.

Globe amaranth forms neat clumps and has simple, slightly fuzzy green leaves of medium green. From summer to fall, its stiff, upright branches hold small, round, clover-like heads of papery bracts (petal-like leaves) that subtend tiny yellow flowers. The flower heads attract butterflies and are long-lasting. Deadheading is only necessary when the blooms turn brown. Full sun and summer warmth are essential for this effortless ornamental. It grows best in perfectly drained garden soil and will withstand some drought once established. It has few to no pest and disease problems but will develop root or stem rot if planted in poorly-drained soil. Enjoy this long-blooming annual in containers or sunny mixed borders. More compact cultivars, like those in the Las Vegas Series, are ideal for smaller garden spaces. The flower stems are long enough for cutting."

A GOLD STORM IN OUR PERENNIAL GARDEN

2011-07-08T10:54:00.002-04:00

Doesn't just seeing this plant make you smile? It has been a steadfast performer at the Arboretum returning year after year through the coldest of winters and hottest, driest of summers. It is commonly called Black-eyed Susan and is currently in full bloom in the Perennial Garden.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

Below is an excerpt from the Perennial Plant Association's website:

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' has been selected by the Perennial Plant Association as the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year. Acclaimed internationally as one of the most popular perennials for the past fifty years, its bright golden-yellow flowers shine in gardens worldwide. In 1937 Heinrich Hagemann observed a glorious stand of Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii at Gebrueder Schuetz's nursery in the Czech Republic. Recognizing the superiority over other commonly-grown Rudbeckia species, Hagemann convinced his employer Karl Foerster of Potsdam, Germany to propagate his discovery. World War II interfered with the planned debut of the plant and it was not until 1949 that the triumphant success of Rudbeckia fulgida var.sullivantii renamed 'Goldsturm' began. 'Goldsturm' translates to English as "gold storm." Heinrich Hagemann, although retired, maintains an active interest in his company, the world-renowned Hagemann Staudenkulturen. A member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, orange coneflower or black-eyed Susan has a native range from New Jersey west to Illinois. 'Goldsturm' orange coneflower is significant in its compact habit and 1-2-inch golden-yellow petals which encircle a nearly black cone of disk flowers. The leaves are coarse, dark green lanceolate to ovate, 3-6 inches long; stem leaves are smaller, almost bract-like. The "gold storm" blankets the tops of 18-30-inch tall plants from mid-July to October. Plant width is 24 inches.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

2011-07-04T09:07:00.001-04:00

GOD BLESS THE USA

HERBS for HOME

2011-07-02T19:09:00.000-04:00

Thyme

Did you know that many herbs thrive year round in our area? Come to the next free Walking Tour of the Arboretum when the Extension Master Gardeners will be featuring our Herb Garden. You are sure to pick up useful tips for growing herbs in your own gardens. The tour lasts about an hour and is given rain or shine.

PITT COUNTY ARBORETUM

WALKING TOUR

THURSDAY, JULY 7th

STARTING AT 9:00 AM

Meet under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center

(click on the Map link in the right column for directions)

If you'd like to do some reading before coming, click on this publication: Herbs for the Home Garden

MASTER GARDENERS AT FARMERS' MARKET

2011-06-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

The Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers will once again be at the Farmers' Market on County Home Road in Greenville this Saturday morning, July 2nd, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Stop by their table with your gardening questions/problems or for information about the Pitt County Arboretum. Click here for directions: MAP

VEGETABLES READY FOR PICKING

2011-06-24T23:22:00.002-04:00

Our Vegetable Garden at the Arboretum has begun to yield a bounty of produce. This week 22 pounds of cucumbers, cabbage, red potatoes, tomatoes, green beans and okra were picked and taken to the Greenville Food Bank. The vegetables are grown in raised beds in a small area. It is always amazing how productive this garden is. Over the course of the summer, we expect to donate several hundred pounds to the Food Bank. If you would like to start your own vegetable garden, check out this publication for guidance: Home Vegetable Gardening

THORNLESS BLACKBERRIES

2011-06-17T11:52:00.001-04:00

YUMMY!

In the Fall of 2010, a Small Fruit Garden was started at the Arboretum with plantings of thornlesss blackberries, muscadine grapes, and blueberries. In the Spring of 2011 a fig, pomegranate, kiwi vine, and a Goji berry were added. Last week the Master Gardener Volunteers began harvesting the blackberries. The first week 3 pounds of earlier ripening Arapaho blackberries were picked. This week 8 pounds of Arapaho and Navaho blackberries were picked. The berries were donated to our local food bank as are all the edibles grown at the Arboretum.

If you are interested in growing blackberries in your garden, you can refer to this publication, Growing Blackberries in North Carolina. While some of it's focus is on commercial growing, most of the information can be adapted to home gardens. Should you have questions, scroll down the right side of this page to "Ask a Master Gardener" for ways to contact them.

Come out and see our new Small Fruit Garden. It is just one of the ways we are 'growing' the Pitt County Arboretum.

SUMMER 2011 SUCCESSFUL GARDENER

2011-06-14T16:12:00.001-04:00

The summer edition of the Extension's Successful Gardener is now available for online viewing. Click here and then select the "Coastal Plain" edition for timely articles on gardening in this area including:

Water-Wise Tips
Vegetables and Summer's Heat
Summer Chores
Cane Fruits
Green Swamp Nature Preserve
Spotted Wing Drosophila
and more......

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Daylilies

2011-06-10T13:27:00.001-04:00

It wouldn't be June if we didn't mention our daylilies, Hemerocallis sp . Even with the hot, dry weather conditions we have been experiencing our daylilies are putting on quite a show. You will find our daylilies in various gardens: around the Ag Center, in the Butterfly Garden, mixed in the Perennial Border, and scattered about in the Mixed Border. Daylilies are an easy care perennial. They come in many colors, sizes, and bloom times. More information on growing and caring for them can be found by clicking here to go to the American Hemerocallis Society's webpage.

The pictures below are just a sampling of what you will see at the Arboretum.

FARMERS' MARKET on COUNTY HOME ROAD

2011-06-02T22:49:00.001-04:00

Stop by and visit with the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Pitt County Farmers' Market this Saturday, June 4th, from 7:30-11:30 AM. You will find them at a table amongst the produce stands on the first Saturday of every month this summer. Bring your gardening questions and pick up some helpful gardening tips. If you've never been to the Farmers' Market, follow the map below:

WORKING WITH WILDFLOWERS

2011-05-27T20:47:00.003-04:00

Would you like to incorporate wildflowers into your garden? You can learn how to grow and maintain them, plus other valuable information by joining the Master Gardener Volunteers at the next FREE Walking Tour of the Pitt County Arboretum on Thursday, June 2nd. The tour will begin at 9:00 AM in front of the Ag Center under the Green Roof Shelter (you'll see the 'Garden Tour' sign when you drive up to the building). Click on the map link on the right for directions to the Ag Center/Arboretum.

The tour will last about an hour and is given rain or shine. Here is a sneak preview of what you will see in bloom at the Arboretum's award winning Wildflower Garden.

Blanket Flower, Black-Eyed Susan
& Brown-Eyed Susan
Gallardia aristata,
Rudbeckia hirta
&Rudbeckia triloba

Guara lindheimeri

Catchfly
Silene ameria

RAIN BARRELS

2011-05-27T06:49:00.002-04:00

Should we use the water collected from our rain running off our roofs and gutters in the vegetable garden? Read this NC Cooperative Extension article for the answer: Rooftop Runoff

WHAT"S IN BLOOM - 'Early Sunrise'

2011-05-20T06:48:00.002-04:00

There is a cheerful burst of color in the Children's Garden: Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'. Coreopsis, commonly called Tickseed is generally an easy to care for perennial. It produces double daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. They love the sun and butterflies love them. They are also deer resistant. Keep deadheading them over the growing season to extend blooming. Leave new fall growth at the base for overwintering.

This is a perfect time to visit the Pitt County Arboretum. There are so many plants in bloom this time of year it is difficult to pick just one to feature. The weather has been pleasant for a walk through the gardens. Self-guided tour maps may be found under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center. Master Gardener Volunteers lead walking tours on the first Thursday of each month starting at 9:00 AM during June, July, and August and 10:00 AM for the remaining months.

PLASTIC POTS

2011-05-15T18:38:00.000-04:00

Don't just toss them in the garbage. Lowe's Home Improvement stores will take not only pots, but also the tags. (However you may want to save the tags for plant care information.) Click here to read Lowe's policy: RECYCLE THOSE POTS! Check with your local nursery's also as they may also have a use for them.

SATURDAY IS THE DAY FOR THE PLANT SALE

2011-05-09T07:55:00.000-04:00

RAIN OR SHINE!

We have a great variety of plants available. Among our plants you will find some old fashioned passalong plants which often aren't available in the nurseries. The plants have been potted up from the Arboretum gardens and home gardens and lovingly cared for by the Master Gardeners for the past weeks who are now ready to turn their care over to you. Hope to see you there!

PLANT SALE AT PITT COUNTY ARBORETUM

2011-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Master Gardener Volunteers' Annual PLANT SALE will be SATURDAY, May 14th. We have almost 2,000 plants for sale: perennials, trees, shrubs, roses, vines, herbs, sedums, pond plants, heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables, and some annual plants.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PREVIEW SALE FOR FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM
   (Memberships may be purchased at that time)

10:00 AM - NOON SALE OPEN TO PUBLIC

11:00 AM PLANT SWAP.
   Bring plants, pots, garden art, garden books, etc.
   to swap with your neighbors.

Click on MAP in the right column for directions.
Call 252-902-1709 for any questions.

FARMERS' MARKET on COUNTY HOME ROAD

2011-05-06T13:23:00.003-04:00

Stop by and meet some Extension Master Gardener Volunteers this Saturday from 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM. They will be ready to answer gardening questions you may have as well as talk about the Pitt County Arboretum. From now through August, on the first Saturday of the month, they will be at the Farmer's Market on County Home Road in Greenville. Click here if you want to learn more about the Master Gardener Program in North Carolina.

WALIKING TOUR - Featuring GARDENING WITH CHILDREN

2011-04-29T22:02:00.001-04:00

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers this Thursday, May 5th, for our monthly FREE WALKING TOUR of the Arboretum. So many things have come into bloom at the Arboretum and the gardens are in top form. Additionally, you will see a demonstration on how to make Seed Balls. This is a fun activity for everyone in the family. Click here for the history of SEED BALLS.

TOUR: Starts at 10:00 AM under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center
Last about an hour
Rain or shine

REMINDER: The Annual Plant Sale is just two weeks away. Click on the "2011 Plant Sale" in the right hand column for more information. We will have hundreds of plants for sale at very good prices! We have perennials, shrubs, trees, roses, herbs, pond plants, heirloom tomatoes, other vegetables, and some annuals.

Help us help you!

2011-04-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

Pitt County Extension is always striving to improve the Arboretum and its offerings. They would appreciate your comments on what you think are ways to help you more in your gardening endeavors. Please take a few moments to answer a few questions by clicking on this SURVEY.

SPANISH LAVENDER

2011-04-22T15:56:00.001-04:00

In full bloom now in the Herb Garden at the Arboretum you will find Lavandula stoechas or commonly called Spanish Lavender. It is also sometimes called the Bunny Ears Lavender. Searching the web for growing tips, this was found at everything-lavender.com:

Growing Spanish Lavender - Gardening lavender is an easy and rewarding experience and this type of lavender is no different. It will grow in USDA Zones 6-10, but is probably best in Zones 7-8. It requires well drained soil and little water after it is established. Although it is drought tolerant, it also does well in humid weather better than other varieties.
This lavender blooms in the spring and should be pruned when it is done blooming. It propagates through seeds or cuttings. The blooms don't typically attract butterflies or hummingbirds, but honey bees do seem to enjoy them. The scent from these lavender blooms is not quite as sweet as the English Lavenders and has been compared to rosemary."

DOWNY PHLOX IN BLOOM

2011-04-15T22:24:00.002-04:00

Phlox pilosa

You will find this native perennial plant blooming in our Wildflower Garden. Wildflowers.org describes this plant as follows:

"A mounded perennial, downy phlox grows 1-2 ft. tall and bears clusters of fragrant, pale pink to lavender flowers. The petals of the showy flowers are joined at their bases into an elongate tube. Stems and narrow, paired leaves are covered with soft hairs."

At the Arboretum this plant will bloom for about a month. It is sure to attract butterflies and bees. To find out more about growing this perennial, click here. To read more about native plants for our area, check out this book: "Gardening with Native Plants of the South" by Sally and Andy Wasowski.

SPRING 2011 EDITION IS READY

2011-04-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

The Spring 2011 Extension Gardener Newsletter is ready for viewing online.
This edition covers:

Japanese Maples
Dealing with Drought
Irish Potatoes
Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park
Vermicomposting
Spring Chores
and more.....

Click here for the full Coastal Plain version.

HUMMINGBIRDS ARE BACK IN PITT COUNTY

2011-04-09T07:48:00.002-04:00

Instead of trying to remember the water:sugar ratio (4:1) or how to clean your feeder (no soap), why not plant a hummingbird garden? In the Children's Garden at the Arboretum you will find a hummingbird magnet, trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), in full bloom climbing up the Rabbit Hole/Tunnel.

Rabbit Hole with honeysuckle

Close up of honeysuckle

To get started in creating a hummingbird garden check out this resource: Working With Wildlife: Hummingbirds and Butterflies. Of course you can always do a Google Search and find lots of information online. One site, Hummingbirds.net is another good place to start.

Remember that the Pitt County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale is May 14th where there will be plants that attract hummingbirds for sale. Scroll down the right column of this blog for PLANT SALE information.

GARDENING IN SMALL SPACES - SQUARE FOOT GARDENING

2011-04-02T07:24:00.001-04:00

This month's free Walking Tour of the Pitt County Arboretum will feature Square Foot Gardening. Wikipedia has a brief description of this type of intensive gardening which you can view by clicking here. To go to the source though Mel Bartholomew has created an all inclusive web page to view by clicking here. There you will enter his Square Foot World.

On the tour, you will also see how spring weather has started to green up the Arboretum. Come out and join the Master Gardener Volunteers for a leisurely stroll around the gardens. They will help you understand the diagrams below. Click on the map in the right column for directions.

TOUR DATE: Thursday, April 7th

Starting at 9:00 AM

Tours last about an hour and are given rain or shine.

Meet under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center.

Diagrams for SFG

IT'S A GOOD TIME TO MULCH

2011-03-28T22:09:00.001-04:00

The Arboretum is looking in top shape right now. Master Gardener Volunteers have spent many hours over the past few weeks spreading mulch in most of the gardens. The mulch will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. We use the free mulch from the Pitt County Transfer station. Our mulch was once your yard waste and Christmas trees. You, too, can get free mulch. Check out the Pitt County Website for the phone number to call to see if mulch is available. Remember to take a tarp to cover your load when leaving the transfer station.

MG Volunteers at Work

Ag Center with New Mulch

IT'S TIME TO TWITTER

2011-03-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

Danny Lauderdale our Extension Agent and Arboretum Director has started to Tweet! You can follow his updates at www.twitter.com/pittgardening. It is a public site and you can see what is going on or what to be looking for in the garden and landscape or at the Pitt County Arboretum that is current, up to date, and links you to more information. If you want to officially follow pittgardening on twitter you will have to set up an account which is easy to do. Then you can reply to his tweets (posts) and see them on your twitter account.

--

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Trees and Shrubs

2011-03-18T21:15:00.001-04:00

Head out to the Arboretum to see these trees and shrubs in bloom. Most can be found in our Certified Plant Professional (CPP) area. The camillia is next to the Perennial Garden. You will find maps in the display case under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center Building to aid you in a self guided tour. The CPP area is a good place to see just how large some of the plants will get that you purchase for your own space. The trees and shrubs all have plant tags that give information on mature plant sizes. If you click on the red names of these plants below, you will be directed to a fact sheet about each one.

Magnolia 'Galaxy'

Prunus x yedoensis -Yoshino Cherry

Loropetalum chinensis -Fringe Flower

Cercis canadensis -Eastern Redbud

Chaenomeles speciosa -Flowering Quince

Cercis chinensis -Chinese Redbud

Camellia japonica -Japanese Camellia

National Gardening Association

2011-03-11T07:36:00.002-05:00

The National Gardening Association has a website that posts regular 'Regional Gardening Reports'. Skip Richter is the garden writer for our Lower South area. His recent column, 'Hope for a Brown Thumb', should gives us all some inspiration as we head into our Spring gardening season. He wrties, "We gardeners are lifetime learners, and gardens grow better as the gardener grows!"

The Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers have begun potting up perennials, shrubs, trees, and starting seeds for vegetables which will all be available at their annual PLANT SALE to be held May 14th. Scroll down the right side under HELPFUL LINKS for more plant sale information.

Yellow Blooms

2011-03-04T20:44:00.003-05:00

Yellow is the color you see in bloom at the Arboretum this week. First is the forsythia x intermedia which is growing in the Certified Plant Professional area. This is an easy to grow shrub that is one of the earliest to bloom and brighten the landscape. You can find growing information by clicking here.

Additional yellow blooms can be found on the daffodils planted around the Ag Center, in the Children's Garden, and in the Fire Hydrant Garden. The daffodil bulbs have been in the ground for several years and multiply readily. A large variety of bulbs have been planted to ensure that blooms continue for weeks.

A wise gardener proclaimed that it is time to prune the roses when the forsythia blooms. And that is exactly what has been happening at the Arboretum over the past week. However, if you have a once-blooming climber wait until after it blooms to do any pruning. As always, if you have any questions about gardening call the Master Gardener Hotline at 252-902-1705.

STAKING PERENNIALS

2011-02-27T08:47:00.001-05:00

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers this Thursday, March 3rd, for our free monthly walking tour of the Arboretum. This month's focus will be on creative ways to stake perennials. Now is a good time to get plant support in place before plants grow and get floppy. It also gives time for the plant to grow through the support and eventually hide it. The tour begins at 10:00 AM (rain or shine) and lasts about an hour. Additionally you will be able to see the gardens beginning to come to life after such a cold, cold winter.

Pea Sticks

Click on the MAP link in the right column for directions.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Lenten Rose

2011-02-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

Helleborus orientalis

You will find this gem in our Perennial Border. In late winter when there is little color in the garden, this evergreen plant unfurls its rosy mauve blooms to add a beautiful focal point. It grows only about a foot tall, but its blooms lasts for weeks. Here at the Arboretum, this plant gets a little more sun that is usually recommended, but still it thrives. Once established it is drought tolerant. Ideally it is good for shade gardens. For more information about growing this in you own garden, click here.

SAVE THE DATE - PLANT SALE

2011-02-17T09:03:00.001-05:00

The Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers have set the date for their annual PLANT SALE held at the Arboretum: Saturday, May 14, 2011.

From 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Special Preview Sale for Friends of the Arboretum
From 10:00 AM - Noon Open to All
Starting at 11:00 AM Plant Swap

Last year we had over 2,000 plants for sale. Perennials make up the majority of our stock, but we also have trees, shrubs, roses, vegetables, herbs, and some annuals. Most plants sell for $1 to $2. More information on the sale can be found here: Plant Sale . Additionally as we get closer to the sale, check back on this blog site where we will be listing some of the plants we will have available.
Mark your calendar today!

EARLY VEGETABLES

2011-02-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

It's time to plant the early vegetables in our Arboretum Vegetable Garden. Earlier in the month the cover crop of crimson clover was tilled into the soil. We'll be planting crops such as cabbage, carrots, lettuce, onions, peas, and potatoes. For a comprehensive article on how to prepare garden beds, how to plant, what to plant, when to plant, when to fertilize, etc. click here: Vegetable Gardening.

WINTER HONEYSUCKLE

2011-02-04T16:43:00.000-05:00

Lonicera fragrantissima

Blooming now is the wonderfully scented Lonicera fragrantissima, Winter Honeysuckle. As described on the 'Floridata' website:

"Winter honeysuckle is a bush, not a vine, but it has those familiar honeysuckle flowers and that sweet honeysuckle scent. Winter honeysuckle gets 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) tall, and its irregular, tangled branches form a twisted labyrinth as much as 8-10 ft (2.4-3 m) across. The leaves are nearly evergreen in the South, but deciduous in cooler climes. They are borne in opposing pairs along the slender, arching stems. Flowering begins in late winter and lasts for several weeks, filling the air with fragrance when nothing else is blooming. The flowers are extremely abundant, creamy white, about a half inch (1.5 cm) long and arranged in pairs in the leaf axils."

To read about growing it in this area, please click on Lonicera fragrantissima for a fact sheet and more pictures.

WALIKING TOUR - Featuring PRUNING TIPS

2011-01-31T11:06:00.002-05:00

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers for the next free tour of the Arboretum this Thursday, 2/3, starting at 10:00 AM. The focus of February's tour will be a demonstration of proper pruning techniques. Tours begin under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center. Click on the map link in the right column for directions. Tours last about an hour and are held rain or shine (sleet or snow, but let's hope not).

Click on each of these titles for basic pruning instructions:
Pruning Basics
Pruning Shrubs
Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Here is a brief video from Fine Gardening on how to sharpen pruners to get your pruning off to a good start.

WINTER INTEREST - BOTTLE TREE

2011-01-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

The centerpiece of our Herb Garden is our cobalt blue bottle tree. Dangling from the lower arms is a variety of metal kitchen utensils. Among the often drab colors of late winter we have this bright, charming addition to the Arboretum.

If one does research on the history of the bottle tree, many folk tales may be found. Felder Rushing has an extensive story about Bottle Trees as well as pictures of other styles. So whether or not you believe the myths or just want to add some garden art to your landscape, come out and see our tree for inspiration.

PEARL FRYAR EVENT

2011-01-25T11:42:00.002-05:00

SOLD OUT! There are no tickets left for this Saturday's (1/29) event. Thank you to all who purchased tickets in advance. We are all looking forward to hearing Mr. Fryar speak and watch his topiary demonstrations. To those who have tickets, we'll see you at 9:00 AM!

LOVE, PEACE, and PEARL FRYAR

2011-01-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

Only one week before Pearl Fryar will be at the Pitt County Ag Center. On Saturday, January 29th he will be in Greenville to speak, answer questions, and create topiaries. Breakfast refreshments will be served from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM and you will have a chance to visit local sponsors booths. Mr. Fryar will speak from 10:00 AM - Noon. After his presentation there will be a drawing for door prizes. All of this for $10 ($5 if you are a Friend of the Arboretum). Call 252-902-1709 for tickets.

There is no "Garden Expo" this year which in previous years has been at the Greenville Convention Center in February. So this event will be your best chance for some inspiration this winter. For more information about the speaker visit www.pearlfryar.com .

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Winter Jasmine

2011-01-21T16:55:00.001-05:00

Jasminum nudiflorum

Growing in the Perennial Border is this winter flowering shrub. The small 1 1/2"-2" yellow blooms are a bright spot in an area where most of the plants have been cut back. For a full fact sheet on winter jasmine, click here.

OLD BLOOMS FOR WINTER INTEREST

2011-01-15T07:55:00.002-05:00

In our Children's Garden grows a plant called Leonatis leonurus (Lion's Tail). It is a perennial that blooms in the late summer, early fall with clusters of orange-red flowers which butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to. The blooms were left to fade on the plant and now have added dimension to the winter garden. This has been an outstanding performer at the Arboretum where it gets full sun. If you would like to see what it looks like in bloom and to see its growing needs click on this Lion's Tail link.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM

2011-01-08T07:35:00.002-05:00

Abelia x grandiflora
'Confetti'

While technically not 'in bloom' this time of year, who needs flowers when you have great looking foilage which changes colors throughout the year. You can find this Abelia x grandiflora 'Confetti' in our Mixed Border Section next to the Perennial Garden. This is a small mounding, tightly branched shrub that grows 2-3 ft. tall and slightly wider. It will flower summer through fall. This Abelia is truly a 4 season shrub. If you want to put one in your own garden you can find growing information by clicking here.

PLANTS FOR FORCED BLOOMS

2011-01-02T17:39:00.000-05:00

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers for January's Free Walking Tour of the Arboretum. The focus of this month's tour will be identifying shrubs and trees which can be cut and brought indoors to force early blooms. Meet in front of the Ag Center on Thursday, January 6th at 10:00 AM. The tour will be given rain or shine (or even snow, but let's hope not) and lasts about an hour. Click on the MAP link on the right for directions.

There are still tickets available for Pearl Fryar.

Call 252-902-1709 for more information.

WHAT"S NEW AT THE ARBORETUM?

2010-12-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

NEW SIGNS! We have new signage to help everyone navigate more easily around the gardens. If you can't get out soon to see them, check out the pictures on our Facebook page Pitt County Gardending.

Winter Descends on the Arboretum

2010-12-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Winter Solstice is upon us. We have finished most of the clean up work/mulching that needs to be done at the Arboretum. One thing we DID NOT do was to cut back the lantana. Even though it has died back for the winter, we leave the stems attached to protect the crown of the plant. When we see new growth in the Spring, we will trim the dead stems back to the ground then.

As a side note, if you happen to be awake around 1 AM you'll be able to see the start of a rare phenomenon: a total lunar eclipse occurring during the solstice. The full moon will appear as coppery red according to Space.com. Read the full article here: Amazing Spectacle. If you miss this, you'll be able to catch it again December 21, 2094.

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR GARDENERS

2010-12-09T09:52:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for a unique gift for the gardener on your list? Here are two things to consider:
1) A year membership in 'Friends of the Arboretum'. Friends enjoy several benefits including discounts to local gardening centers, access to hundreds of gardening books in our library, newsletters, and a special invitation to shop early at our annual plant sale. Memberships start at $20 per year and are tax-deductible.

2) Tickets to an upcoming event "Love, Peace, and Pearl Fryar" which will be January 29, 2011 from 9 AM to Noon at the Pitt County Agricultural Center Auditorium. The morning will begin with refreshments and a chance to visit our sponsors booths. Then from 10 AM to Noon, Pearl will speak, answer questions, and create topiaries. Visit www.pearlfryar.com to learn more about this inspiring individual. The cost is $10 General Admission/$5 for Friends of the Arboretum.

Call 252-902-1709 for more information about either of these.
Why not gift yourself, too?

HOLIDAY DECORATING FROM THE GARDEN

2010-12-06T11:25:00.000-05:00

These lovely arrangements and wreath were created by one of our Master Gardener Volunteers. She used cuttings taken

from the Arboretum consisting of magnolias, junipers,

hollies, dusty miller, and roses.

PLANTS FOR WINTER INTEREST

2010-12-04T07:04:00.000-05:00

The Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia) is a native plant. You will find it in the Arboretum's Certified Professional Plant Area. It has dark green leathery leaves with a cinnamon underside. The leaves can be cut and used in holiday wreaths, garlands, or in centerpieces. This evergreen tree can grow up to 50-80 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide. It is suggested that the lower limbs be left all the way to the ground to hide leaf drop which occurs in the spring and fall. If the Southern magnolia is too large for your own yard, you might consider planting 'Little Gem' which grows 12-20 feet tall and 12 feet wide. It's leaves have a bronze underside.

FREE WALKING TOUR OF ARBORETUM

2010-11-27T08:04:00.001-05:00

Ilex verticillata - Winterberry Holly

Join the Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 2nd, for a free Walking Tour of the Arboretum. The focus of the tour will be "Good Plants for Winter Decorating". Meet under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center. The tours last about and hour and will be given rain or shine. Click on the MAP link on the right for directions.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-24T09:09:00.000-05:00

"Not what we say about our blessings, but
how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." -

W.T. Purkiser

TREES FOR FALL COLOR

2010-11-20T08:34:00.001-05:00

This week in mid November at the Arboretum you will find many deciduous trees in their full fall color glory. Below is a list of the colors that are predominant and which trees best display that color.

YELLOW: Ginko biloba - Ginko
YELLOW/ORANGE: Carpinus caroliniana - American Hornbeam
ORANGE: Acer saccharum - Sugar Maple
RED-ORANGE to RED: Pistacia chinensis - Chinese Pistache
RED: Cornus florida - Flowering Dogwood
REDDISH BROWN: Quercus alba - White Oak
BRONZE RED: Zelkova serrata - Japanese Zelkova
RED/PURPLE: Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple
ALL FALL COLORS: Lagerstroemia indica - Crape Myrles

Hurry out to see these colors because soon they will be gone!

WITCH HAZEL

2010-11-12T18:16:00.001-05:00

If you visit the Arboretum this week you will see that our hybrid witch hazel, Hamamelis x intermedia, is blooming. Its showy yellow flowers compliment the changing colors of the other deciduous trees in the Certified Plant Professional area. More details about witch hazel can be found by clicking here.

HOLLY LEAF OSMANTHUS

2010-11-05T18:58:00.001-04:00

What's in bloom this time of year? Osmanthus heteropyllus, holly leaf osmanthus, blooms in the fall. Its extremely fragrant white flowers are a delight. This evergreen shrub can be found in front of the brick wall between our compost area and the herb garden. Its spiny-edged, glossy green leaves resemble a true holly, but the leaves are opposite on the stem. This shrub can grow large, but is easily kept in bounds with selective pruning. They have been noted to be somewhat resistant to deer munching.

LEARN HOW TO TAKE HARDWOOD CUTTINGS

2010-11-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

On this month's free walking tour, Master Gardener Volunteers will show you how to take hardwood cuttings to propagate trees and shrubs. Meet under the Greenroof Shelter in front of the Ag Center starting at 10:00 AM this Thursday, November 4th. Click on the map on the right side of this page for directions. Tours are held rain or shine and last about an hour. Bring any other questions you may have about starting your own plants.

FALL IS FOR PLANTING

2010-10-29T10:55:00.002-04:00

Arborvitae
in Mixed Border

The Arboretum is a great place to visit before you begin planting. In our Certified Professional Plant area, the Mixed Border, and around the Ag Center Building you will find plants that do well in our climate. Additionally you will see how large some trees and shrubs may grow from their small 1 gallon pot. You may visit the Arboretum from dusk to dawn any day and do a self-guided tour. Or join Master Gardener Volunteers on the first Thursday of every month starting at 10:00 AM for a Free Guided Walking Tour.

Before planting, take a moment to read Planting Techniques to help get your purchases off to a good start.

According to the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association these are

Fall-planting benefits:

· Landscapes established during the fall months conserve North Carolina’s precious resources by requiring less water during the establishment period;

· Trees, shrubs, perennial flowering plants, and turfgrass are well adapted to planting in North Carolina during the fall months — especially if those plants were grown locally in North Carolina;

· Landscapes established during the fall months exhibit superior growth during the following years.

PINK MUHLY GRASS IN WILDFLOWER GARDEN

2010-10-28T07:26:00.000-04:00

Muhlenbergia capillaris

As seen earlier this week.

WHAT'S GROWING AT THE ARBORETUM - COMPOST

2010-10-23T06:50:00.002-04:00

The fall clean up at the Arboretum has produced a lot of leaves, spent flowers and stalks from perennials, and summer vegetable plants that have stopped producing. All of these are added to our compost bin along with coffee grounds and vegetable and fruit waste from the Ag Center Kitchen. We have a three bin system. The first bin holds all the new waste. After it has decomposed some, it is turned into the middle bin. Finally, it is moved to the last bin when it is dark in color, crumbly, and has an earthy smell. It is then available to amend the soil in our gardens. Instructions for making your own compost can be found by clicking here. It is a simple way to reduce what goes to the landfill.

More on Saving Seeds

2010-10-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, Master Gardener Volunteers led a tour group through the Arboretum and gave them a chance to collect seeds from perennial and annual flowering plants. If you would like to try saving seeds, read this "Seed Collecting and Storing" to pick up some helpful hints.

CONTAINER GARDENS - Beyond Pansies

2010-10-15T10:21:00.005-04:00

The containers around the Ag Center at the Arboretum have been changed out for their fall/winter arrangements. We have 12 large winter proof containers. Gone are the warm season annuals and in their place are plants that will provide color, texture, and structure over the colder months. Our containers have a variety of plants one might not consider growing in a confined place. In two we have Hetz Midget arborvitaes (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget') which have been in the same container for several years. Other evergreens we have grown are the Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') and Emerald Green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green') both which were subsequently planted in the beds around the Ag Center after they outgrew the containers. These evergreens are the focal point of the containers, the thrillers. Surrounding these tall plants we have planted fillers which are compact, bushy plants such as pansies, dianthus, heucheras, to name a few. To complete the look you will find spillers such as Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia).

Additionally, several Extension Master Gardener Volunteers assisted 'Uptown Greenville' in selecting plants for large planting beds in Greenville along Evans Street between 4th and 5th Street. Planting Day is Tuesday, October 19th starting at 2 PM. If you would like to be involved, click here Uptown Planting Project .

Check out all these new plantings for some inspiration.

SAVING SEEDS

2010-10-07T21:18:00.002-04:00

A large group of Master Gardener Volunteers was busy this week tidying up the perennial beds, the Wildflower Garden, the Vegetable Garden, the Mixed Border and the Children's Garden. In addition to removing plant debris, pulling weeds and treating fire ant mounds, time was spent cutting back some perennials that have finished blooming for the year.

Our Wildflower Garden is mainly populated by the seeds left behind from this year's flowers. Dried flowerheads of the gaillardia (pictured), rudbeckia, and salvias are left over the winter. The birds enjoy the seeds and there are more than enough to fill the garden next spring. Annual vines that cover the Rabbit Hole in the Children's Garden produce seeds used to replenish next year's plants. Some of the vines grown are: Purple hyancinth bean (Lablab purpureus), Love In a Puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum), and the Moonflower Vine (Calonyction aculeatum).

People that came out today for the monthly Walking Tour were able to take home some of the seeds from our plants. If you are interested to learn more about saving seeds, read this article for some quick tips.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Swamp Sunflower

2010-10-01T21:49:00.003-04:00

If you are searching for some bright rays of sunshine after several days of rain, you need look no further than the swamp sunflower, Helianthus angustifolius. It is just coming in to bloom in the Wildflower Garden at the Arboretum. The cheerful yellow blooms often stretch up over 10 feet tall and will be in bloom for several more weeks. This is a native plant that does well in rain gardens, clay soil, loves the sun, and mulitplies readily in the garden. Butterflies and bees are attracted to it. More information can be found at this link.

To see more fall blooming plants, join the Extension Master Gardeners this Thursday, October 7th for a FREE Walking Tour of the Arboretum. The tour begins at 10:00 AM, lasts about an hour, and is given rain or shine. Meet them under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center for the start of the tour. Click on the MAP link in the right hand column for directions.

FYI - PESTICIDE COLLECTION DAY

2010-09-27T08:52:00.007-04:00

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services along with the Pitt County Cooperative Extension Center is offering a pesticide collection day for residents in Pitt and surrounding counties from 10 :00 AM to 2:00 PM this Thursday, 9/30, at the Pitt County Agricultural Center. Any pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.) that are in original containers and are clearly labeled may be brought in. There is NO CHARGE to the public participant for this service; however, they CANNOT accept products with unknown identities, products that are unlabeled, or products not in pesticide containers. If you have any unlabeled products, please call 902-1704 to discuss these items prior to collection day.

This is a great opportunity to clean out your garden shed/garage and safely dispose of unwanted pesticides.

WORK DAY AT THE ARBORETUM - Dividing Daylilies

2010-09-24T18:09:00.000-04:00

Next week the Master Gardener Volunteers will begin the task of dvividing perennials in beds that are becoming overcrowded. One of the perennials that needs attention are the daylilies. After a time daylilies form too large of a clump and may not flower well. It is also a way to move some favorite varieties to other areas needing some fresh color next spring. A good guide to follow for dividing clump-forming perennials can be found at this link. Last year we held a "Dollar Daylily Sale", but do not have enough plants available to sell this Fall. By next year we may have enough to again host this popular event.