UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, March 1st:  10:00 AM - Noon   'Meet the Master Gardeners Morning' . 

All are invited to come out and talk with the Master Gardeners as they work in the various gardens at the Arboretum.  They will be ready to answer your questions about vegetable gardening, herbs, roses, perennials, wildflowers, butterfly gardens, fruits, trees and shrubs as well as questions about the Master Gardening program.  It is looking to be a beautiful day.  Wear your walking shoes and bring your questions!  Gather under the Green Roof Shelter in front of the Ag Center.  MAP

Tuesday, March 6th :  10:00 AM - Noon   'Home Vegetable Gardening Workshop'.  

Learn how to have a successful vegetable garden at home. Cool season vegetable planting will be demonstrated (depending on weather) and warm season vegetables will be discussed. Other topics covered will include soil preparation, soil testing, watering, and row covers. Call 902-1709 to register by leaving your name and phone number.   The morning will begin with check-in at 9:45 AM in the Auditorium at the Ag Center.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Creeping Phlox

Phlox subulata
THRIFT or CREEPING PHLOX

This is a native semi-evergreen groundcover which is covered in bright magenta flowers in late winter and spring.  It is a perennial growing in our Wildflower Garden at the Arboretum.  It grows 4-6 inches in height and spreads up to 24 inches.  It prefers sunny spots and is tolerant of most soils.  This phlox is definitely a bright spot in a landscape that is just waking up from the winter grays.

More information may be found here: Phlox subulata

Picture by CT

NC Extension on YouTube

Spring is just around the corner!  Now is the time to sharpen your gardening skills.  NCExtension has put up some how to videos for various garden topics: pruning, propagation, planting, and more.  Check it out:  http://www.youtube.com/NCExtension.

WHAT'S IN BLOOM - Star Flower

Ipheion uniflorum (Star Flower)

You will find this early blooming plant in our Fire Hydrant Garden.  Here you see it with just a touch of frost being warmed by the sun.  This dainty plant from a bulb has six petaled, star-shaped, fragrant blooms which last a long time.  They naturalize readily.  Best yet, they are deer and rodent resistant!  You may want to put them on your list of bulbs to buy and plant in the fall.  Here is a more detailed fact sheet:  IPHEION

MEET THE MASTER GARDENERS

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.

HAIRY BITTERCRESS

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.