Monroe County Master Gardener Association

I can’t believe it was a week ago last Thursday night we said goodbye to summer with a flurry of activity around the office gardens.  The turn out was again unexpectedly good…maybe it was Marlene’s oatmeal cookies or the excitement that builds after a long hot summer and the promise of cool crisp weather.  Thanks to all who turned up and our two presenters!

Lantana

Marlene’s presentation on seed saving and plant overwintering storage was very informative and well received judging by the numerous questions.  Paul came armed with a brand new set of pruners in a holster and led us on a hunt for peonies that needed the “treatment”.  He recommended cutting back the white one by the sign as the leaves were beginning to get moldy, but decided to let the others go a little longer as they were quite green and still capable of storing sugars.  Naida and Jeff recommended that some copper Bordeaux mix be sprinkled on the cut stems to stop any fungus being drawn down into the bulbs.  These little tips are what make community gardening events like this so very interesting and informative.  Paul said he would revisit the peonies in a couple of weeks and show those who want some “offspring”, how to lift and divide the mother plants.

Veggie garden headstone

Alas, the bag garden came to a premature end with some tomatoes and a few jalapenos still hanging in.  We all had a good look at the remains of a parasitized hornworm…I wish we had a specimen jar available to preserve the remains.  Unfortunately the office camera had a weak battery so I missed getting a shot of this rather gruesome end of this voracious predator.

Black gold

The compost has all been sifted and rebagged…Jeff, Carol, Naida and Sandy made short work of this big chore with three wheelbarrows and extra screens. The rest of us clipped, weeded and cutback what was needed.  Unfortunately Mark had another engagement, so the weed whipping and grass seeding will have to wait until another session.

The garden is starting to get some late season color… the catnip is back in bloom and the yew hedge in front is sporting some nice red color, the roses are still going strong, even the rosa rugosa, and the white and purple dahlias are at their best.  Soon the mums will open up and the garden will have a fall feel.

Dahlia and tuteur

This was my last W & L as I am taking a leave of absence for the remainder of the season.  I wish to thank my dedicated crew of regulars, Naida and the Milan gang, Mark and Carol, Sue, Linda and Sandy in particular…without whose help during the hot summer months, this garden wouldn’t be in the good shape it is right now.  I am also very pleased to see so many new faces turn up at the last couple of meetings.  Jennie also deserves a particular mention for all of her behind the scenes help and guidance on what to do with this garden…a task that has strained our friendship on more than a few occasions!

Yew fall berries

Pebble garden

Vincas

I know I am somewhat in the minority by thinking that maintaining  an exhibition/demo garden is essential to a viable MG program.  It is not a requirement, as Jennie often reminds me… but a  teaching tool that the coordinator may decide to use as part of the extension program.  Whatever your particular position is on this, the fact remains that a high visibility gardening club must garden in public if it is to be taken seriously, let alone fulfill its MG community outreach mission.

Allysum

Catnip

Ornamental Pepper

Hens and chicks

Let’s plan on business as usual until we hear otherwise.  In the meanwhile, keep gardening!

Frank