PLANT SALE & SWAP 5/14/2016

The Master Gardener Volunteers have kicked off their preparations for their annual plant sale.  Each year, as for the past 12, they offer thousands of plants to the hundreds of people who come out to purchase perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, roses, succulents, native plants, and even some annuals.  Check back here often for updates.

ICE FORMATIONS

An interesting phenomenon was seen at the Arboretum this week. Moisture from the ground created ice crystals which lifted mulch up into the air. Winter can bring beauty to the garden in unexpected ways.

Photo by L. Maclaga

FROZEN CAMELLIAS

Camellia japonica

The cold snap zapped our camellia blooms.  There are quite a few buds, so perhaps it all will be blooming again soon.  Click here for the best information on CARING FOR YOUR CAMELLIAS.

GARDEN PATHS

While not much gardening can be done during the winter months, one thing you can do is to look at your beds with a critical eye to see if adding a path would enhance them.  Paths bring you closer to your blooms and also gets you nearer to any weeds that might pop up.

A new path has been added to our Wildflower Garden.  First a general layout was marked off, then all plants within the path plan were mowed down with a weed eater.  Next cardboard was put atop the chopped down plants to keep plants from regrowing and seeds from germinating.  (Several layers of newspaper works also.) Rain happened to be in the forecast, otherwise the cardboard needed to be 'watered' to keep it in place.  Finally, pine straw was layered on the cardboard.

Some things to consider:
1)  Straight line or meandering path?
2)  Width?  1 person, 2 person, wheelbarrow access?
3)  Mulch?  Pea Gravel?  Pine Straw?
4)  Formal edging?

Plants chopped down

Cardboard placed

Finished with pine straw

BECOME A MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER

Was one of your New Year's Resolutions to improve your gardening knowledge and help others become masters of their gardens?  Consider joining the other 68 volunteers by taking the Pitt County Master Gardening Training Class.  Applications are being accepted now through mid-February.  Click below for more information about the program and a link to the application:

 



MASTER GARDENER