A GARDENER'S HAPPY NEW YEAR

To start the New Year off right, click here for

12 New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners

SWAMP WHITE OAK

The Arboretum recently added  some new trees to its landscape: Quercus bicolor.  These trees replace the Pyrus calleryana (Bradford Pear) that were once planted in an area behind the Ag Center.  The Bradford Pear was once widely used as an ornamental tree.  It has been out of favor due to its weak wood structure, its invasiveness, and its short lifespan.  Here is an Q & A Section that points out the problems with a  BRADFORD PEAR.

Quercus Bicolor

Swamp White Oak

The oaks were purchased using the money raised from our Annual Plant Sale, Speaker Events, Friends' Membership, and donations.  We are hoping that soon they will provide much needed shade in this area.  Here is a fact sheet detailing some of its characteristics:

Quercus bicolor

  Photo by T. McDaniel

A GIFT FOR A GARDENER

Looking for something unique to give the gardener in your life?  Tickets to our upcoming speaker event might be just the thing.

WREATH WORKSHOP - Afternoon Session

If you missed our workshop, here is an article that may help you do your own thing:

HOLIDAY DECORATING WITH FRESH GREENERY

WREATH WORKSHOP - Morning Session

We had a very artistic group of people in both groups.  It was a fun day of creating and sharing.  Many were ready to sign up for next year's workshop!

OUR GREEN ROOF SHELTER BECAME GREENER

Our Green Roof Shelter is now really green.  When you visit the Arboretum this is the place to start. Check out our 'What's in Bloom' display. Master Gardeners pick 10 plants of interest each week.  A display case lists the plants and where to find them. Maps of the Arboretum are also located there.

A FUNGUS AMONGUS

Ganoderma (Saprophytic Fungus)

This fungus was spotted on a Zelkova serrata tree at the Arboretum.  Its pattern is quite striking.  However, it is not good news for the tree that will probably need to be taken down before it falls down.  What caused the decay?  Perhaps at some time the tree was damaged by mowers or weedeaters?  Some claim this fungus has medicinal value, but caution must ALWAYS be used when ID is not 100%.  Here is more information:

GANODERMA ROOT ROTS

LATE NOVEMBER BLOOMS

Colder nights, but pleasant days are keeping our gardens looking lovely.  Numbers 7-10 are showing their fine fall foliage colors.  For a little background on why leaves change color, click here FALL COLORS. Below are a  few plants of interest this week:

Photos by T. McDaniel

Top (l. to r.)
Near Landscape for Wet Sites
1.  Eriobptrya japonica (Loquat)
Wildflower Garden
2.  Bidens aristosa  (Britton Bearded Beggarticks)
Shade Garden
3.  Tricyrtis formosana (Toad Lily)
4.  Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress'
Herb Garden
5.  Rosmarinus officianalis (Rosemary)

Bottom (l. to r.)
Children's Garden Rabbit Hole
6.  Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle)
Small Fruits
7.  Vaccinium ashei (Rabbiteye Blueberry)
Butterfly Garden
8.  Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' (Glossy Abelia)
Landscape for Wet Sites
9.  Ligularia tussilaginea (Leopord Plant)
Small Fruits
10. Vitus rotundifolia 'Carlos' (Scuppernong Grape)

WHAT'S IN BLOOM

If you are looking for some outdoor activities over the Thanksgiving weekend, you may want to stroll around the Arboretum.  There are many plants of interest to see this time of year.  Some are flowering, some are showing fall color, and some have interesting seed heads.  Here are some you will see:

Photos by M. Shugart

Top (left to right)
WILDFLOWER GARDEN: Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)
FRONT ENTRANCE: Camellia sasanqua
FRONT CONTAINER:  Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragons)
Middle
BUTTERFLY GARDEN: Foeniculum vulgare (Bronze Fennel)
FRONT CONTAINER:  Thuja occidentalis 'Sunkist' (Arborvitae)
PERENNIAL BORDER:  Rosa 'Radrazz' (Knockout Rose)
Bottom
MIXED BORDER:  Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan' Juniper
WILDFLOWER GARDEN:   Chasmanthium latifolium  (Sea Oats)
CHILDREN'S GARDEN:  Miscanthus sinensis 'Super Stripe' (Zebra Grass)

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP

Pitt County Master Gardener Volunteers will help you create a wreath made from a variety of greenery clipped from our Arboretum’s shrubs & trees.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

10:00 AM – Noon

or

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Pitt County Agricultural Center

403 Government Circle, Greenville

$10 fee (must be paid in advance to hold spot)

Cash or Check Payable to Pitt County Mutual Exchange

Call 252-902-1709 to sign up and arrange payment.

Each class is limited to first 15 people paid in full.

Bring a pair of clippers and gloves.

BEES & THEIR LOOKALIKES

Here is a blooming Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' growing in one of our larger containers by the entrance doors to the Ag Center.  It is underplanted with White Cool Wave Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana).
Upon close (but not too close) inspection, you will see a yellow jacket wasp gathering the flower's nectar.  They are beneficial in the garden as they prey on pest insects.

You can read more about non-bees here:
NON-HONEYBEE STINGING INSECTS

Photo by H. Wilson

FREE DAYLILY PLANTS

The Master Gardener Volunteers are renovating some of the older garden beds at the Pitt County Arboretum.  One of the plants that has multiplied and is ready to divide is our daylilies.  Come out to the Arboretum (403 Government Circle) on

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER  11

9:00 AM to NOON

Bring a shovel and containers.

Master Gardeners will be on hand to guide you.

Various colors available.  FREE! FREE!  FREE!

LATE OCTOBER BLOOMS

Lots of colorful blooms still to be found at the Arboretum.  Here is a sample of what you can see:

Phots by M. Endres

Top (l to r)

HERB GARDEN

1.  Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

PERENNIAL BORDER

2.  Coreopsis integrifolia (Fringeleaf Tickseed)

3.  Ruellia brittoniana 'Purple Showers' (Mexican Petunia)

4.  Salvia microphylla 'San Carlos Festival (Little Leaf Sage)

5.  Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink'

Bottom (l to r)

LANDSCAPE FOR WET SITES

6.  Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)

7.  Tradescantia pallida 'Pale Puma'

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

8.  Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)

9.  Lantana camara 'Miss Huff'

WILDFLOWER GARDEN

10.  Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)

ASPARAGUS - A Perennial Vegetable

This picture is the 'fern' that  grows once you stop harvesting the asparagus.  It is feeding the roots for next year's crop.  You will want to leave this until frost hits and turns it brown.

If you are thinking about planting asparagus in your home garden, you may want to prep a bed now while the weather is still pleasant.  In our area, the best time for planting is February.  Here are two articles to help you get started:

PREPARATION & ANTICIPATION

HOME GARDEN ASPARAGUS

And once you are able to harvest, here are some hints on preparing it:

ASPARAGUS - GROW IT/EAT IT

HARDY MUMS

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink'

AKA Chrysanthemum "Sheffield', Chrysanthemum zawadskii 'Hillside Sheffield Pink',  or Dendranthema morifolium 'Sheffield'  

These are just a few names you might find attached to this beautiful hardy mum which is blooming at the Arboretum this month.  It has a looser structure than the mums for sale everywhere this time of year.  It, however, is one that reliably returns each year and slowly spreads to create a lovely mass of flowers.  This is often called an heirloom variety.  You may not find it for sale at local nurseries.  However, there is a very good chance we will have it at our Spring Plant Sale (May 19, 2018).

More information on hardy mums can be found here:  NOT YOUR AVERAGE MUM

A VISIT TO SOIL LAB & MORE

A group of Master Gardener Volunteers led by our agent, Eric, recently visited the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agromonic Division.   It was an information packed morning.  The day started in the soil testing lab where they were shown what happens with those little brown boxes filled with soil.  Next came the nematode testing area where they were able to view the tiny worms with microscopes.  The last stop was the lab for plant tissue/compost/pond water analysis.  The day ended with lunch and shopping at the Farmers' Market.

P.S.  Those that didn't follow the rules (long pants) had to wear blue coveralls!  Everyone looks so serious!  For more information about these services offered to farmers and gardeners, click here:  NCDA & CS AGRONOMIC DIVISION.

WHAT TO DO AND NOT DO THIS FALL IN YOUR GARDEN

We always have 'TO DO' lists.  Even when the main growing season is over, there is still work to be done in the garden.  Read this 8 GARDENING MISTAKES and you'll help your garden get ready for winter and look better next spring.

There is still lots of color in the fall garden.  Here is what's in bloom at the Arboretum this week.

Phots by K. Previll

Top left to right:
Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)
Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Sputnik' Buttonbush
Salvia microphylla "Hot Lips'
Bottom left to right:
Ruellia simplex 'Chi Chi' Mexican Petunia
Eupatorium coelestinum (Wild Ageratum)
Tradescantia pallida 'Pale Puma' Wandering Jew
Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)
'In the Mood' Tea Rose
'Pretty Lady' Floribunda Rose

HARDY FERNS

Several hardy ferns have recently been added to our Landscape for Wet Sites.  You might think of ferns as fussy plants, but there are some that do well year-round and even stay green over the winter.   Once established they require minimum care.   Most ferns prefer filtered sunlight and moist, humus soil.  You can find a diverse selection of frond shapes, colors, and heights.  Pictured is our current selection and plans are underway to add more natives.  You can read about individual ferns at this site:  FERNS

Onoclea sensibilis

Sensitive Fern (Native)

Osmunda regalis

Royal Fern (Native)

Athyrium filix-femina

Lady Fern (Native)

Woodwardia areolata

Netted Chain Fern (Native)

FALL/WINTER CONTAINER PLANTING DEMO

Join the Master Gardener Volunteers
and learn how to plant an outdoor container this Fall that will look great all Winter.
THURSDAY, Oct 5, 2017
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Meet under the Shelter in front of the Ag Center
403 Government Circle, Greenville

Get tips on the best containers, soil, and plants to use.  They will also discuss

how to care for them over the colder months.

Rain or Shine.  Free!

Questions?  Call 902-1705

AUTUMN EQUINOX & FALL GARDENING

September 22nd at 4:02 PM marks the Autumn Equinox.  The sun aligns exactly on the equator and the time of day equals (almost) the time of night.  Then the days become shorter until we reach the Winter Solstice.  What does this mean for gardeners?  There are quite a few chores to tackle and you will find a good list here to keep you busy:  FALL TIPS

Don't forget to sit back and enjoy the beautiful fall flowers.  This goldenrod, Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks',  is blooming in our Mixed Border and the Wildflower Garden at the Arboretum.  It is very popular with the bees and butterflies.  If you are sneezing now, you probably shouldn't be blaming goldenrod.  Read this myth busting article:  GOLDENROD vs RAGWEED

HARVESTING MUSCADINES

Last week over 60 pounds of muscadine grapes were harvested from the Small Fruit Garden at the Arboretum.  We grow several varieties:
*Nesbitts - a black colored grape 
*Carlos - bronze colored and the leading variety grown in NC
*Higgins - pink/bronze colored
*Hunt - dark purple colored

Thirteen pounds were divided into 26 eight-ounce cups and delivered to the Winterville Manor, a resident care  home for indigent citizens.  The remainder was donated to the St Paul's Food Pantry.  The harvesting is expected to continue for several more weeks.

Interested in growing your own? 

Read this:

 MUSCADINES IN THE HOME GARDEN

A WORKING GUEST AT THE ARBORETUM

Master Gardener Volunteer Suzanne G. spotted this busy Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly collecting nectar from the Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage) growing in our Butterfly Garden.  This salvia is a late summer/early fall bloomer that attracts many pollinators this time of year.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS SALVIA BY CLICKING HERE.

Photo by S. Gray

LATE SUMMER BLOOMS

Here are some plants you will see in bloom at the Arboretum this week.

Photo by S. Gray

TOP:

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

1. Solidago rugosa (Rough Goldenrod)

2. Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)

ROSE GARDEN

3. Rosa 'Radbrite' Climbing Rose

PLANTS FOR WET SITES

4. Hedychium 'Dr. Moy' (Ginger Lily)

5. Tradescantia pallida (Wandering Jew)

BOTTOM:

HERB GARDEN

6. Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives)

AG CENTER 

7. Liriope muscari (Lily Turf)

8. Hemerocallis sp. (Daylily)

CHILDREN'S GARDEN

9. Sedum spectable 'Autumn Joy'

10. Canna 'Bengal Tiger' (Canna Lily)

LATE SUMMER HUMOR

(SOURCE: #finegardening, #jtgardens)

FALL EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

Read some gardening tips and information specific to our area.  These newsletters are published quarterly and geared to the growing conditions for us in the Coastal Plains.

FALL EDITION

THE TOTAL ECLIPSE & YOUR GARDEN

Watch & Report.  Read this brief article about what to look for.

 WATCH YOUR PLANTS TODAY

Have fun and protect those eyes!

JOE PYE WEED

Meet Joe Pye.  This is our Eutrochium purpureum (formerly Eupatorium purpureum) growing in our Wildflower Garden next the cistern pump.  With the tag of 'Weed' added to the name, it may seem like an undesirable plant to deliberately put in your garden.  However, the butterflies and bumblebees greatly appreciate this late summer/fall blooming perennial.  If you look closely at the picture you will see a bumblebee collecting pollen.  You will find other Joe Pye Weeds in our Plants for Wet Sites, Perennial Border, and the Herb Garden.  This attests to its adaptabilty and easy care attributes.  Read here for more about growing this great pollinator garden must have:

REACH THE SKY WITH JOE PYE

And if you want to read the back story of 

"Who was Joe Pye?"  CLICK HERE

WHAT'S IN BLOOM

Our much needed rain has reinvigorated the gardens at the Arboretum.  Except for the vegetables and containers, the plants that are established do not get supplemental water during a dry spell.  It is a true test of survival.  These are some of the plants that are of interest this week:

HERB GARDEN:

1. Ocimum basilicum Red Rubin Basil

4. Allium tuberosum Garlic Chives

5. Lavandula angustifolia Lavender

BUTTERFLY GARDEN:

2. Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower

PERENNIAL GARDEN:

3. Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' Threadleaf Tickseed

9. Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian Sage

CHILDREN'S GARDEN:

6.  Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan

10. Lagerstroemia sp. Crepe Myrtle Tree

PLANTS FOR WET SITES:

7.  Tradescantia pallida 'Pale Puma' Wandering Jew

SMALL FRUITS:

8.  Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu' Japanese Persimmon

Photos by M. Endres

FALL WEBWORMS

Have you seen this in the ends of branches on your trees?

In late July and August, the second (or third) generation of fall webworms has hatched and this protective web keeps predators out while the webworms feed inside.  Large trees are usually not harmed by this feeding, but smaller trees might be.  A good way to get rid of them is to poke the web open with a stick exposing the webworms to their predators:  birds, wasps, and hornets.   You don't need to light it on fire as some people may suggest.
READ MORE HERE: WEBWORMS

MASTER GARDENERS at FARMERS' MARKET

Bring your gardening and turf questions to the Leroy James Farmers' Market at 4560 County Home Road in Greenville.
Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will be there to answer your questions, distribute soil sample boxes, and happily tell you about upcoming events at the Arboretum.

8:00 - 11:30 AM
Saturday, August 5th.

WATERING IN A DRY SPELL

We are not in a drought situation.  It's just been awhile since we have had significant rainfall.  It might be time to add some supplemental water.  You can follow these guidelines for watering in a drought as they apply for times like this as well.

CLICK HERE:  DROUGHT TIPS

BECOME AN EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER

A new class will be beginning August 15, 2017.  Deadline to apply is fast approaching - July 25th!  Click on this link for all the information:

PITT COUNTY MASTER GARDENER

EGGPLANT

 We are growing two types of eggplant in the Vegetable Garden at the Arboretum.  Eggplant love hot weather and these are producing a bunch of fruit (which is donated to local food banks).  Check out this publication for more growing information (NOTE:  It talks about growing it by the acre, but the care facts are still the same for growing it in your home garden!)

EGGPLANT

 

JULY GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Hemerocalis 'Hal's Pink' Daylily

Gardeners can never rest!  This link will take you to a blog to follow for Southeastern gardeners.   The writer has listed some chores to keep you busy this month.

GARDENING WITH CONFIDENCE

TOMATO PROBLEMS

You might be picking some beautiful tomatoes from your garden about now.  Or you might be puzzled by a plant that is seemingly healthy one day, and wilted the next. What could be wrong?  This is what happened to 2 of our plants in the Arboretum's Vegetable Garden.  You can see (at the right) it is loaded with fruit, but the foliage is dying.  If you are having problems, check out this link with descriptions and pictures of common tomato problems. The list may seem long and daunting, but prevention and treatment information is also given.  And all is good when you bite into that homegrown tomato sandwich!

TOMATO DISEASES

WHAT'S IN BLOOM

 This is a small sampling of what you will see at the Arboretum this week.  Take some time during the long holiday weekend to come out and see all the rest!  There is plenty of shade and several benches throughout the Arboretum.  The building will be closed on July 4th.

1. (Butterfly Garden) Cielo estrellado  'Winston Churchill' Daisy
2. (Perennial Border) Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldstrum' Black-eyed Susan
3. (Perennial Border) Echinacea 'Sunrise' Big Sky Coneflower
4. (Butterfly Garden) Lantana camara 'Miss Huff'
5. (Herb Garden) Cymbopogon flexuosus East Indian Lemon Grass
6. (CPP Area) Hibiscus syriacus Rose of Sharon
7. (CPP Area) Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea Redleaf Barberry
8. (CPP Area) Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea' Japanese Barberry
9. (Butterfly) Eupatorium dupium 'Baby Joe' Dwarf Joe Pye Weed
10. (Wet Site) Tradiscantia pallida 'Pale Plum' Wandering Joe

Photos by H. Wilson

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?

You can read more by clicking here:
PITT COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM

BLACKBERRIES

The thornless blackberries we are growing in the Small Fruit section at the Arboretum are showing several stages of growth.  From just flowering, newly formed berries, and ripening berries, we will have an extended picking season.  Blackberries grow well in our area.  Their relative, raspberries, do not do as well.  You can read why at the link:  GROWING RASPBERRIES IN NC. 

So, maybe you want to try blackberries.  This publication has some information for commercial growers, but it also gives valuable growing details for the home gardener:  GROWING BLACKBERRIES IN NC.

*NOTE:  Our fruit and vegetables grown at the Arboretum are donated to local food banks.