Perennials of Master Gardeners

The Garden of Master Gardeners has many perennials. Those are our members that keep coming back, year after year. We also have many octogenarians and nonagenarians in our Garden of Members. There are also plants that can live to be 100. Some that come to mind are the Jade plant and Christmas cacti. Peonies are another plant that can live on and on for years, as can the orchid.  Ferns can also live to be 100 or more.  So like the plants that live on and on, we at Chilton County Master Gardeners Association celebrate our octogenarians and nonagenarians and recognize them each year to let them know how much they are appreciated. Photos by John Sanders, Audrey Giles, and Pixabay.

Pruning Techniques

Sharon Hosch, head lead at the Demo Garden, came to speak to the intern class today about the Demonstration Garden that they maintain at the Chilton Research and Extension Center. She explained to them what’s at the Demo Garden and how it’s maintained, the schedule they normally work, and how they could earn hours by helping there. Then Pat introduced to the interns our Secretary, Treasia Bennett. Every year we invite the officers to come by and be introduced to the new intern class.
The morning zoom class was “What Did I Eat Yesterday?” led by Dani Carol from the Auburn Home Grounds Team. The class was about growing vegetables and fruits in your home garden.
After lunch, Pat Farmer introduced Harriett Jackson, who is over the Pollinator Bed at the Demo Garden, and Ruby Moberg ( not pictured), who is lead over the Extension Office Gardens. Harriett demonstrated to the class how to prune the knock out roses at the Extension Office. The interns learned a valuable, hands on lesson today. Photos by Audrey Giles.

Sharon Hosch, Team Leader at the Demonstration GardenB
President Pat Farmer, introduces to the intern class our Secretary, Treasia Bennett
Harriett Jackson demonstrating pruning knock out roses.
Harriett Jackson knows all about pruning😄!
A beautiful tall yellow bearded Iris already in full bloom at the Extension Office
The class looks totally engrossed in the pruning lessons!

Upside Down German Chocolate Cake

Try this delicious version of German Chocolate Cake.  Ann Moore brought this cake to a class and the recipe was requested by many. It is very moist and absolutely delicious.

First Layer:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Upside Down German Chocolate Cake

  • 1 c. chopped pecans
  • 1 c. coconut flakes
  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • vegetable oil (follow cake mix instructions)
  • water (follow cake mix instructions)

Spread chopped pecans and then coconut on bottom of pan.

Mix cake according to package directions. Pour over pecans and coconut.

Second layer:

  •  box confectioners’ sugar
  • 8 oz. softened cream cheese
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t. vanilla

Mix cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, 2 eggs, stick margarine, and vanilla until blended. Pour over cake mix.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

Recipe provided by Ann Moore

Rain boots and April Flowers

Bright rain boots filled with spring flowers welcomed us to our April Chilton County Master Gardener meeting, thanks to Hospitality leader, Lyn Webb.

Congratulations to Intern Joan Crocker, who was awarded her Master Gardener badge and certificate.

 Mollie Smith, Auburn School of Fisheries manager, presented a program on Aquaponics. She described the system used at AU and also showed how a smaller scale home version could be set up. Fish are grown in tanks and the water is used to water and fertilize plants. The fish, usually Tilapia, are also harvested. AU has had great success growing vine crops with their system. 

 Photos by Diane Clapp.

Charla with program speaker
V.P. Charla Giles and speaker Mollie Smith
Joan Crocker received certificate
Joan Crocker
speaker Mollie Smith
Speaker Mollie Smith, A U Fisheries Manager
Hospitality lead Lyn Webb
Hospitality Lead Lyn Webb
Members enjoy the meeting
Members at meeting 4-21