PURPLE FLOWERING GROUNDCOVERS

Blooming right now even in the hot, humid weather are three tough groundcovers.  Click on the plant name to read more about each plant.

IN OUR HERB GARDEN:  (Can you find the yellow skipper? He sees you.)

Verbena rigida (Rigid verbena)

IN OUR PERENNIAL BORDER:

Cuphea glutinosa (Hardy Mexican Heather) 

IN OUR MIXED BORDER:

Delosperma cooperi (Trailing Hardy Ice Plant)

Want to see more plants that don't mind our summer weather?  Join the Master Gardeners this next Thursday, August 2nd for the free monthly walking tour of the Arboretum where we will be highlighting just such plants.  The tour begins at 9:00 AM under the Shelter in front of the Ag Center (403 Government Circle, Greenville, NC). Click her for MAP.

SWEET CORN IN PITT COUNTY

Tomatoes and cantaloupes were harvested this week from the Vegetable Garden at the Arboretum.  Soon we will be picking corn to add to the produce we donate to the Food Bank.  Want to grow your own corn?  Check out these publications and you can be enjoying your own home grown corn:

GROWING ORGANIC SWEET CORN  AND  GROWING SWEET CORN

Mr. McGregor's Corn Crop
Pitt County Arboretum 

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN PITT COUNTY?

Did you know there is a Children's Garden in Greenville?  Come out with your family and explore the Pitt County Arboretum (MAP TO ARBORETUM).  We are open for self-guided tours, 7 days a week, dawn to dusk.  Begin at the  Shelter in front of the Ag Center where you will find a Visitor's Guide.  Bring a picnic to enjoy on the picnic tables in the shade.  Click here for a fun look at why your children should be outside: 

The Dirt on Dirt. 

Here are some pictures from the Arboretum:

ABC GARDEN

PIZZA GARDEN

FAIRY GARDEN

RABBIT TUNNEL

Plants that love the hot weather - SUCCULENTS

Fire Hydrant Garden

Succulents growing in Fire Hydrant Garden

Our Fire Hydrant Garden is in a spot that has full sun and wind exposure.  It is a perfect spot to grow sedums, echeveria, sempervivum and other succulent plants as it also has good drainage.  Perhaps that is the most important thing to keep in mind:  these plants do not like wet feet.  The colors and textures of succulents make an attractive year round display.  All flower at different times during the spring, summer,and fall.

Here's a list of all the ones we have growing in this spot :

 2012 Plant List For Fire Hydrant Garden