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'