FYI - PESTICIDE COLLECTION DAY

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

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.

COVER CROPS FOR VEGETABLE GARDEN

The vegetable garden at the Arboretum has been cleaned up for the season.  This week crimson clover was planted in the raised beds.  Read this article to learn how cover crops help build rich garden soil.  Our vegetable garden contributed well over 700 pounds of produce for the local food bank.  We grew a large variety of food in a small space.  The crimson clover will grow over the winter until we are ready to till it under in the spring and begin planting again.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Muhly Grass

Many ornamental grasses are coming in to bloom this time of year.  At the Arboretum one that draws attention is Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass).  Pictures cannot capture the graceful elegance this brings to a late summer/fall garden.  

A quoted description of this grass describes its beauty: " One of the most striking perennials we saw was muhly grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris.  Our collective heads were turned on a bright October day when we saw a mass planting of muhly grass backlit by the early morning sun. The delicate, wispy plumes shimmered an iridescent pinkish-purple that made even the most flamboyant flowers look tame by comparison."   (read the full article here......).

The Fall Extension Gardener Newsletter also has an article on ornamental grasses.  Click on the 'Coastal Plains' version for gardening advice for Pitt County. 

You will find muhly grass in our Wildflower Garden and Fire Hydrant Garden at the Arboretum.

HOME GARDEN TOURS

Friends of the Arboretum are invited to join other Master Gardeners for free tours of  five Master Gardener Volunteers' home gardens.  The sole aim is to do some garden hopping, explore with each other, share ideas and have some fun. Be prepared to see our gardens...weeds, warts and all!

We will have two days of visits: Thursday, September 16 and Friday, September 24. RAIN OR SHINE!  We will visit 3 gardens on the 16th beginning at 9:00 AM (2 gardens in the morning, lunch at the place of your choice and the third garden in the afternoon).  On the 24th, also starting at 9:00 AM we will visit 2 gardens (both in the morning) and lunch at the place of your choice if you wish.  You are welcome to come one day or to come both days.  If you are a Friend and plan to join us, please RSVP to pammastin@gmail.com .

Not a Friend of the Arboretum?  Sign up now before the tour.  Scroll down in the right column for Friend information.    If you would like more information about the tour email pammastin@gmail.com or call 252-902-1709.