FALL IS FOR SEED COLLECTING

Join a Master Gardener

this Thursday, October 1st

starting at 10:00 AM - Rain or Shine

You will enjoy a walk around the Pitt County Arboretum

collecting seeds along the way.

Seed planting tips will also be given!

The Arboretum is still full of colorful, interesting growing things this Fall.

Meet under the Shelter in front of the Ag Center

(CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS)

GOODBYE SUMMER

Photo from Wikipedia

Autumn equinox arrives at 4:21 AM EDT tomorrow.  The day and night will be approximately be the same length.  Then the days start getting shorter.  What does this mean for gardeners?  Click below for the answer:  (NOTE:  Although this was written by a Master Gardener in the Charlotte area, the key facts apply to us in Pitt County)

THE ADVANTAGES OF FALL GARDENING

And for more information about the equinox, here's a great EarthSky article:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EQUINOX 

 

FALL IS FOR DIVIDING

It is a good time to divide and plant spring and summer blooming perennials.  This will give them a chance to get established before winter and be ready to bloom next year.  Click here for more information on how to tackle this task:

  DIVIDING PERENNIALS

Some plants of interest this week at the Arboretum:

Photo by A. Laliotes

l-r: 

#1 Ilex verticillata  WINTERBERRY HOLLY  Butterfly Garden
#2 Perovskia atriplicifolia   RUSSIAN SAGE  Perennial Garden
#3 Berberis thunbergii "Aurea'    GOLDEN BARBERRY   CPP#1 
#4 Berberis thunbergii var. atropurea   PURPLE/RED BARBERRY    CPP#1
#5 Ocimum basilicum  RED RUBIN BASIL  Container at back of Perennial Garden

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT FALL

Summer is nearing its end (in spite of today's predicted temperature of 90).  It is a good time to evaluate the landscape.  What did well, what needs to go, etc.  Begin the process by viewing the Fall Edition of the Extension Gardener for the Coastal Region.

 CLICK HERE

A GUEST IN THE GARDEN

This praying mantis was recently captured (and released) on Work Day at the Arboretum.  This insect is generally considered beneficial although it is not selective in its diet and will eat good and bad bugs.  While we generally reference you to a .edu site, you will be directed to a some facts mixed with a little humor by clicking this link:

Pet Your Praying Mantis

Capture & Photo by D. Grimes