WALIKING TOUR - Featuring PRUNING TIPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.