SAYING GOODBYE

Good luck on your new path.

Danny Lauderdale is moving on to his new career, so it's time to reluctantly say goodbye.  The Arboretum was his vision.  He planned gardens around a nondescript public building creating a beautiful, living showcase that also was a place to learn.

Danny is an educator for the professionals and home gardeners.  He patiently led our large, diverse group of Master Gardener Volunteers.  He brought us all together to focus on the single goal of learning all we could about proper gardening techniques.

He had many titles and duties while at the Pitt County Extension Office, but the one he will always carry is friend.  Farewell, Friend.  Please visit.  After all, we'll just be continuing to perfect your Arboretum.

NC WILDFLOWER OF THE YEAR

   

Every year the North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Garden Club of NC select a plant that is native to the Southeast.  They then distribute the seeds for free.  The program began in 1982 with the purpose of promoting conservation through propagation.  This year's plant is Eryngium yuccifolium, Northern Rattlesnake-master.  Its summer flowers attract many pollinators.  To read more about this plant and find out how get your free seeds, click here:

  WILDFLOWER OF THE YEAR    

HELPING MONARCHS

The Master Gardeners have taken on a project to help our monarch butterfly population.  Several of them have planted seeds of Asclepias incarnata and Asclepias syriaca, two types of milkweed.  Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants.   They hope to have these plants available for the May 14th Plant Sale at the Arboretum.

The seeds of Asclepias need a period of moist cold (stratification) before they will germinate.  To aid in this, they are being started in plastic jugs.  It is an interesting method.  You can find many websites or youtube videos explaining this technique.  This is one:  SOWING SEEDS IN MILK JUGS.  Maybe you want to try?  Be sure to read the seed packet for specific planting instructions.

THANK YOU

The Pitt County Master Gardeners would like to thank you, the attendees, and our sponsors for supporting us at our recent speaker event with Bryce Lane.  It was an educational and entertaining morning where Bryce encouraged us to not just see and learn, but DO!  Here are a few photos from last Saturday.

Our Committee with Bryce & Danny

Photos by R. Davis & D. Grimes

Thanks also to the Planning Committee of Joanne, Susan, and Rosanne.

We are very grateful for our Event Sponsors:

• 103.7 WTIB-FM
• Anderson Pine Straw & Mulch
• Carolina Seasons Nursery
• Burger King (Williamston, Ahoskie,Windsor, Washington and Chocowinity)
• CD Rouse & Co.
• East Coast Equipment
• Little’s Nursery
• Plant & See Nursery
• TurfWise
• Wild Birds Unlimited

WHAT'S IN BLOOM

There are not many blooms this time of year.  However, berries and great foliage brighten the gardens around the Arboretum.  These selections are from our Certified Plant Professional Collection.

Photos by K. Previll

 

 

1.       Daphne odora   (Fragrant Winter Daphne)
2.       Berberis julianae  (Wintergreen Barberry)
3.       Hydrangea anomala petiolaris   (Climbing Hydrangea)
4.       Nadina domestica     (Heavenly Bamboo)
5.       Ilex vomitoria x pendula    (Weeping Yaupon Holly)
6.       Lonicera fragrantissima     (Winter Honeysuckle)
7.       Aucuba japonica      (Japanese Aucuba)
8.       Nandina domestica      (Dwarf Nandina)
9.       Osmanthus heterophyllus     (Holly Tea Olive)
10.   Magnolia stellate    (Star Magnolia)

PRUNING TIME

Winter is a good time to prune your trees and shrubs IF THEY NEED IT.  Join Danny Lauderdale at the Pitt County Arboretum for a Pruning Demonstration.  Proper pruning tools, techniques, and timing will be discussed.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016
Starting at 10:00 AM
Meet in front of the Ag Center at
403 Government Circle, Greenville

Call 902-1709 if you have any questions.

CLICK HERE FOR
 GENERAL PRUNING GUIDELINES