SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

It really is.  These crocus were recently in bloom at the Arboretum.  More blooms will be on the way.  Promise.

NC WILDFLOWER OF THE YEAR

Silene viginica (Fire-pink or Scarlet Catchfly)
Each year the North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc. are co-sponsors of the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year program. The project's aim is to actively promote, each year, throughout the state and region an attractive plant that is native to the southeastern United States.

You can receive free seeds and a brochure by sending a SESE to:
 2015 NCWFOY
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Campus Box 3375, UNC-CH
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375

Click here for more information:

 WILDFLOWER OF THE YEAR

A free program on growing wildflowers will be offered on April 20, 2015 at the Pitt County Arboretum.  Registration will begin soon.

FLOWERS IN WINTER

 Hellebores x ericsmithii
'Shooting Star'
Lenten Rose

Lenten Roses add blooms to the winter landscape.  We have them in a container by the side entrance to the Ag Center as shown to the right.  You will find another one in our Shade Garden (bottom picture).

Click HERE for growing and care information.

CUTTING BACK ORNAMENTALS

Muhly Grass last fall

Earlier this week on the monthly work day at the Arboretum Master Gardeners continued the winter clean up of the gardens.  Top on the list was cutting back ornamental grasses.  All of the Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) in the Wildflower Garden was cut back to within a few inches of the ground.  All of the monkey grass (Liriope muscari) around the Ag Center was trimmed.  Soon new growth will begin.

Other pruning tasks can be done this month.  Check out this list:

PRUNING TREES & SHRUBS

ARBORETUM TOUR with SHRUB PRUNING TIPS

Join Master Gardeners this Thursday (2/5) starting at 10:00 AM.  As you walk through the gardens at the Arboretum, tips will be given on how to best prune (if needed) the various shrubs planted there.  Dress for the weather - a bit of rain is forecast, but the tour goes on.

Meet under the Shelter in front of the Ag Center (MAP)

Tours last about 1 1/2 hours.  Bring your pruning questions.