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!