RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

Starting January 2, 2019

Live trees (free of all decorations) will be mulched and used around Greenville.

If you live in the city limits, you may place your tree at the curb or drop it off at the Greenville Public Works Department recycling center located at 1500 Beatty Street (Phone 252-329-4522).  If you live in the county, you may take it to a collection site as Yard Waste.  It will be ground and then made available as mulch for $5 a cubic yard. (Transfer Station Phone 252-902-3350)

CARING FOR POINSETTIAS

Learn how to keep your poinsettias growing until spring:

HOME GROWING POINSETTIAS

WINTER EDITION

Click here to read the latest edition:

EXTENSION GARDENER NEWSLETTER

MASTER GARDENERS DONATE

At our Year-End get together, the MGs not only provided the food for the luncheon, they brought non-perishable goods to donate to the local food bank.  Also, some brought items to be donated to the Pet Food Pantry.

CELEBRATION TIME

The Pitt County Master Gardeners' 2018 Year-end Party proved that not only can these folks garden, they can entertain!  At Eric's suggestion, past MGs (emeritus, leave-of-absence, alumnae, etc.) were invited to come back for an afternoon get together.  Additionally, our new MG's were introduced.

Photos by M. Shugart & R. Davis 

THE AFTERNOON WREATH MAKERS

Here is our second group.

THE MORNING WREATH MAKERS

The Master Gardeners enjoyed helping two groups of crafters make their wreaths.  Everyone had a fun time and created wreaths that rival professionals.

MORE LATE FALL PLANTS OF INTEREST

If you would stroll around the Arboretum today, here are some of the plants showing off their fall colors, flowers and textures.

Photos by M. Shugart

Fall Colors from the Arboretum

The color show isn't over yet.  Here are some plants of interest this week:

Photos by T. McDaniel

FROM SMALL FRUITS:

1.  Ficus carica (Common Fig)

2.  Punica granatum (Pomegranate)

3.  Vaccinum x O'Neal (Southern Highbush Blueberry)

4.  Pittosporum tobira 'Tall n' Tough'

FROM CHILDREN'S GARDEN

5.  Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster)

6.  Wisteria frutescens  'Amethyst Falls'  (American Wisteria)

FROM MEMORIAL GARDEN

7.  Acer palmatum 'Orangeola' (Japanese Maple)

8.  Solidago rugosa "Fireworks' (Rough Goldenrod)

9.  Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia)

10.  Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' (Japanese Silver Grass)

WINTER SPEAKER EVENT AT ARBORETUM

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We are thankful for everyone who has supported the Pitt County Master Gardener program.  We continue to maintain and improve our Arboretum with the funds raised by donations, our plant and glove sales, and our speaker events.

THANK YOU

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 6, 2018

10:00 AM – Noon

or

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Pitt County Agricultural Center

403 Government Circle, Suite 2

Greenville, NC  27834

$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 16 people paid in full.

Bring a pair of clippers and gloves.

PLEACHING

BEFORE

PRUNING

Photos by L. Maclaga

In the Fall of 2013 our pleaching project started to take shape.  Three crape myrtles were previously planted to create a natural arbor for our Shade Garden.  We were ready to start forming our 'hedge in the sky'.  Pleaching (learn about it here: PLEACHING) is the process of tying or weaving limber branches together so they may eventually fuse together.  It requires maintenance pruning to keep the growth in check.  This Fall the three trees received a good lopping.  Come Spring, we are hoping for some decent shade when the trees leaf out.

AFTER

PRUNING CRAPE MYRTLES

There is a better way and a better time.

This example seen recently in town does not showcase a properly cared for tree.

Read this article for helpful instructions:

PRUNING CRAPE MYRTLES

Photos by M. Shugart

TRICYRTIS FORMOSANA (Toad Lily)

Here is a close-up of one of the amazing fall blooming plants at the Arboretum.  It is #4 on the WHAT'S IN BLOOM post.  This plant is happily growing in the Shade Garden.  The extra rainfall this year has produced an abundunce of orchid-like blooms.  Click below for more growing information:

TRICYRTIS FORMOSANA

Photo by C. Taylor

EARLY NOVEMBER WHAT'S IN BLOOM

Here are some plants of interest at the Arboretum this week:

Photos by J. Christianson

FRONT ENTRANCE:
1.  Chrysanthamum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' Mum
LANDSCAPE FOR WET SITES
2.  Tintantia pringlei Mexican Speckled Wandering Jew
3.  Ligularia tussilonginea Leopard Plant
SHADE GARDEN
4.  Tricyrtis formosana Toad Lily
CHILDREN'S GARDEN
5.  Cardiospermum halicacabum Love-in-a-Puff
MIXED BORDER
6.  Salvia microphyla 'San Carlos Festival' Little Leaf Sage
7.  Amsonia hubrichtii Bluestar
8.  Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Alert' New York Aster
WILDFLOWER GARDEN
9.  Gaillardia aristata Blanket Flower
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
10.  Foeniculum vulgare purpureum Bronze Fennel

FLOWERING WINTER CONTAINERS

Container Team: Lois, Judy, Blythe
(not pictured;  Holly & Teresa)

The Container Team spent the past few days planning, purchasing, and planting winter-hardy plants in the Arboretum's 6 containers.  Pansies, violas, snapdragons, dusty miller, Dianthus, ornamental kale, and Coral Bells were added.  Last winter's long cold stretches were tough on our container plantings.  We are (as gardeners will be) ever hopeful that this year will be better!

CLICK HERE FOR WINTER CONTAINER TIPS:

FLOWERS & VEGGIES FOR WINTER COLOR

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

A pumpkin story for you:

A SWEET SPOT FOR PUMPKINS

END OF OCTOBER - WHAT'S IN BLOOM

We still have blooms at the Arboretum.  No killing frost yet.  You can find your average last (and first) date of frost by clicking HERE.

Selections by J. Christianson

     Scientific name Common Name (Location at Arboretum)

1.  Bidens aristosa Tickseed (Wildflowers)

2.  Salvia microphylla San Carlos Festival Sage (Perennial Border)

3.  Salvia elegans Pineapple Sage (Herb Garden)

4.  Talinum paniculatum Jewels of Opar

5.  Rosa  hybrid Julia Child Floribunda Rose (Mixed Border)

6.  Canna x generalis Yellow Canna Lily (Wet Sites)

7.  Verbena canadensis Trailing Verbena (Butterfly Garden)

8.  Echinacea purpurea PowWow Wildberry Coneflower (Butterfly Garden)

9.  Lespedeza bicolor 'Little Buddy' Bush Clover (Butterfly Garden)

10. Fatshedera lizei Tree Ivy (CPP Area)

LEAVE THE LEAVES

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Japanese Maple

As the leaves are starting to fall and accumulate on your lawn, it is time to think of other ways to deal with them rather than raking them to the curb.  Read this timely article for more details:

LEAVE THE LEAVES

GARDEN HUMOR

MID-OCTOBER BLOOMS

Photos by M. Shugart

Top:  Callicarpa americana (Purple Beautyberry), Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane), Pentas lanceolata
Middle:  Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats), Salvia guaranitica 'Black & Blue' Sage, Muhlenbergia capillaris (Muhly Grass)
Bottom: Catharanthus roseus  (Madagascar Periwinkle), Ilex verticillata (Winterberry),  Bidens aristosa (Tickseed)

FREIGHT FARM at ECU

A group of Master Gardener Volunteers and our Extension Agent, Eric Derstine, visited the ECU Campus to learn about the Freight Farm which grows lettuce in a shipping container.  The lettuce is used in the campus dining hall.  Skip Allen, Nutrition Manager at ECU (including managing the Freight Farm), led the tour.  It is an amazing operation.  You can read about the process here:  Sustainable Campus Dining

Photos by M. Shugart

CARING FOR YOUR ROSES THIS FALL

Photos by M. Shugart

The roses at the Arboretum are showing off their Autumn colors.  The Rose Curators and Crew were out this week deadheading the faded blooms as needed.

If you need some tips on getting your roses ready for Winter, click HERE.

FALL FOLIAGE MAP

If you are interested in taking a fall colors tours, check out this link to see where and when the peak colors are expected:

FALL FOLIAGE US MAP 

FALL NEWSLETTER

The Fall Edition of Extension Gardener is ready for viewing.  Be sure to read about the Pitt County Arboretum's Herb Spiral on page 2!

FALL COASTAL EDITION

PreFlorence Blooms

We don't know the path of this storm, but while we can let's enjoy what is blooming at the Arboretum now.

1. Gaillardia aristata Blanket Flower (Wildflower Garden)
2. Dianthus chinensis Pinks  (Island by Wildflowers)
3. Callicarpa americana American Beautybush (Landscape for Wet Sites)
4. Budellia davidii Butterfly Bush (CPP Area)
5. Phlox paniculata 'Sweet Summer Dream' (Butterfly Garden)

(6, 7 & 8 from Children's Garden)

   6.  Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy'

   7.  Salvia guaranitica 'Black & Blue' Sage

   8.  Lagerstroemia indica 'Catawba' Crape Myrtle

   9.  Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' Rough Goldenrod (Butterfly Garden)

 10. Liriope muscari Lily Turf (Ag Center Beds)

Photos by J. Debs

SEPTEMBER BLOOMS

Here are some plants of interest this week.

Photos by N. Farmer

Top Row

Verbena rigida (Perennial Border), Hibiscus coccineus Swamp Hibiscus (Landscape for Wet Sites), Liriope muscari (Ag Center Beds)

Middle Row

Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry and Hedychium 'Dr. Moy' Ginger Lily (Landscape for Wet Sites),  Solidago rugosa ''Fireworks' Rough Goldenrod (Butterfly Garden)

Bottom Row

Hylotelphium 'Herbstfreude' Autumn Joy Sedum (Perennial Border), Hibiscus syriacus Rose of Sharon (CPP Area), Tradescantia pallida 'Pale Puma' Wandering Jew (Landscape for Wet Sites)

MONARCH FALL MIGRATION

The fall migration of the monarchs has begun.  You can follow their progress on their trip to Mexico and even report your own sightings here:

MONARCHS

SEED SAVING

As your summer gardens begin to fade, you may want to try saving seeds from some of your favorite vegetables or flowers.  A little background reading might be in order if you haven't tried this before.  For a brief introduction, start here:

SAVING YOUR OWN SEED

For further honing your skill, click here:

SEED SAVING

CATERPILLARS AT THE ARBORETUM

Photo by M. Shugart

This caterpillar was spotted munching on the Bronze Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) growing in the Butterfly Garden.  They can eat quite a bit and also enjoy parsley and dill.  Not to worry, though.  The plants usually grow out again.  You may want to plant a few extra next time!  What will this one become?
Click here to follow its life cycle:

SWALLOWTAILS

If you want to attract more varieties, check out this publication:

BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR BACKYARD

AUGUST ARBORETUM BLOOMS

Here is a sample of what you will find this week at the Arboretum:

Photos by M. Shugart

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

1.  Verbena canadensis (Trailing Verbena)

2.  Foeniculum vulgare (Bronze Fennel)

3.  Lantana camara 'Miss Huff'

CONTAINERS at FRONT ENTRANCE

4.  Portulaca oleracea

5.  Angelonia angustifolia Archangel 'Dark Purple'

MIXED BORDER (our Butterfly Highway)

6.  Nepata x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant' Catmint

7.  Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis)

CHILDRENS GARDEN

8.  Talinum paniculatum (Jewels of Opar)

9.  Helianthus annus (Annual Sunflower)

ISLAND NEAR VEGETABLE GARDEN

10.  Calyophus serrulatus (Showy Evening Primrose)

LATE SUMMER BLOOMING SHRUB

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

A section of winter-damaged shrubs was recently removed from the east side of the Ag Center.  This created an opportunity for the Perennial Border to expand.  The curators have been working hard all season to add new varieties of shrubs and plants to this section.  One of the new plantings is the pictured Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'.  It will take more sun than other types of Hydrangeas and the flower show will continue into Fall.  Follow this link for more growing information:

'LIMELIGHT'

MASTER GARDENERS AT FARMERS' MARKET

Several Master Gardener Volunteers will be at the Farmers' Market this Saturday (August 4) from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Bring your gardening questions and concerns.  This is the last Saturday they will be there until next year.  However, you may always call the Hotline for help.  The hours there are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to Noon.  At other times, leave a message and someone will return your call on those days listed.  (252-902-1705).

4560 County Home Road, Greenville

WHAT'S IN BLOOM IN GREENVILLE

Here are a few plants of interest at the beginning of August:

HERB GARDEN

1.  Satureja montana (Winter Savory)

2.  Ocimum basilicum 'Kilimansharium' (African Blue Basil)

AUDITORIUM CONTAINERS

3.  Solemonstemon scutelleriodes 'Wasabi' (Sun Coleus)

PERENNIAL BORDER

4.  Buddleia lindleyana (Lindley Butterfly Bush)
5.  Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' (Little Leaf Sage)

MIXED BORDER

6.  Lantana camara 'Miss Huff'

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

7.  Verbena canadensis 'Homestead Purple'

8.  Zinnia Profusion Double Cherry

VEGETABLE GARDEN

9.  Helianthus annuus (Annual Sunflower)

10. Asparagus 'Martha Washington'

LATE SUMMER GARDEN CHORES

As we head into the last full month of summer, here is a list of tasks you might want to tackle in your garden:

AUGUST GARDENING CALENDAR 

ODD POLLINATORS

We know that bees and butterflies pollinate our flowers.  Click below to read about four insects that also help with specific tasks:

ODD POLLINATORS OF NC

Here are some flowering plants our pollinators are visiting at the Arboretum this week:

Photos by S. DelVecchio

1.   Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' Little Leaf Sage
2.   Hosta sp
3.   Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
4.   Anethum graveolens (Dill)
5.   Rudbeckia fulgida var sullivantii 'Goldsturm' Black-eyed Susan
6.   Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives)
7.   Phlox paniculata 
8.   Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
9.   Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'
10. Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion' Butterfly Bush

VEGETABLES THRIVING AT THE ARBORETUM

There are several raised beds plus an example of square foot gardening in our Vegetable Garden.  We have several Master Gardener Volunteers who take turns caring for them week in and week out.  The harvest is donated to local food banks or soup kitchens.  Here are some things ripening now:

 (1st column) 'Aphrodite' Cantaloupe and Sunflower

(2nd column) Row of Herbs, 'Suyo' Cucumber, and Grey Zucchini

(Last column) Clemson Spineless Okra, Sweet Banana Pepper, and Orange Bell Pepper

It may seem odd, but now is the time to start planning for your fall garden.  Check out this resource:

GROWING A FALL VEGETABLE GARDEN