Garden New Year's Resolutions

Make this a resolution you can keep:
This year in my garden I will ____________________________.

Start your year out on the right foot by coming to the Arboretum for an inspirational presentation by Bryce Lane on January 30th.  Prior to the program, you will be able to enjoy coffee and homemade breakfast snacks while you visit local vendors' display booths.  Click here for the details: BRYCE LANE FLYER

THE SHORTEST DAY

Photo from EarthSky.org

"The winter solstice reminds us how remarkable plants are. They have abilities to sense the world around them and respond to it in ways that many gardeners are unaware of. It might not have occurred to you that it is just as important for a plant to know when it is time to bloom or drop its leaves as it is for a farmer to know when it’s time to plant a crop."
Quote from an article by Dan Gill, LSU Horticulturist
Read his full article about why the winter solstice is important to gardeners by CLICKING HERE

And for all of you wanting more scientific information about this year's solstice check out this go to website:  DECEMBER 2015 SOLSTICE

LAST MINUTE GIFTS FOR THE GARDENER ON YOUR LIST

They already have the best quality pruners, trowels, spades, loppers, hats, garden gloves...........

Here are two suggestions for gardeners in the Pitt County area:

1) Friends of the Arboretum Membership which helps support our Pitt County Arboretum.  They will enjoy discounts at local garden centers and shops.  Also, they will be admitted to our annual Plant Sale (May 14, 2016) ahead of the general public.  Additionally, they pay a reduced fee for our speaker events (see Item #2).  Click here for APPLICATION and a full list of benefits.

2)  Tickets to Bryce Lane who will be speaking at the Arboretum on January 30th.  Click here to view the FLYER with all the details.

HAPPY POINSETTIA DAY

Yes, it is today!  (One of those little known facts to share.)    No, we don't grow poinsettias,  Euphorbia pulcherrima, at the Arboretum.  Although we do have some of its relatives there.  It is a native plant from Mexico.  Over 70% of the poinsettias sold in the US are grown at the Paul Ecke Ranch in California.  While it once was a secret family method of producing full flowering plants, the secret was out in 1991 changing the industry.  Want to know more about the most popular potted plant? 

 CLICK HERE FOR POINSETTIA FACTS

Are they poisonous?  No.  But neither are they edible.  Best to keep them away from creatures that might chew on the leaves as they may cause nausea.  Some are allergic to the sap in the stems.  With proper care, you can enjoy your plants for months.

CLICK HERE FOR POINSETTIA CARE

WREATH MAKING CLASSES

Master Gardeners led two classes this week demonstrating an easy way to make a beautiful wreath from our cuttings of the shrubs and trees from our Arboretum and their own gardens.  A total of thirty people took the classes and thirty different looking wreaths were created.  The popularity of these classes may translate to a repeat next year.  Next time we will try to get more to pose with their finished project.

 Class 1

 

Class 2