Author: audrey

Tour of the Demo Garden

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by Audrey Giles

Thursday May 5 was a beautiful day for a tour of the Chilton County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden. We were host to Regional Extension agents Mallory Kelley, Dani Carroll and Bethany O’Rear and interns of Lee, Elmore, and  Montgomery County associations. Everyone met at 10 am for a tour of the different beds of the garden. CCMGA member Harriett Jackson gave a short bio of the Gardens and how the new one came about. Matthew Price, director of Chilton Research and Extension Center, told them a little about the center, what their purpose is, how they are funded, and all the fruits they grow. Everyone enjoyed delicious doughnuts from Lickin Good Doughnuts, coffee from Jack’s, and ice cold bottled water. Then they all  climbed aboard the 2 tour wagons from the Chilton Research and Extension Center to see the kiwi, strawberries, peaches, and figs, to name a few, that they are growing for research. After that, they all drove up the road to Petals From the Past for lunch and a welcome speech from Jason Powell of Petals.  After their lunch catered by Panera Bread, they all had a tour of Petals by Jason and then went SHOPPING🤩🪴🎍🌳🌾🌹🌼💵💵❗️

Photos by Audrey Giles

CCMGA intern Tammy Gentry on left with guests from Montgomery, Lee, and Elmore County associations.
CCMGA member Harriett Jackson, gives a short bio of the Demo Garden and how the new one came about..
CCMGA Pres. Pat Farmer and member Audrey Giles
CCMGA Intern Hugh Nichols and one of the guests.
Native Columbine in the Native bed.
CREC Manager Matthew Price and CCMGA Pres. Pat Farmer
CCMGA intern Kerry Rush talking to one of the guests.
Getting ready for the tour of the Center.
R.E.A. Mallory Kelly really tickled about something!

Perennials of Master Gardeners

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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

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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

Posted on by audrey

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