Garden Insects

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 by trisha

Chilton County Master Gardeners had a last minute change of meeting location and met at the City of Clanton Zoning and Planning Room. Autauga County Master Gardener Anthony Yarborough spoke to us about Destructive Garden insects. We learned about several insects that attack our vegetable gardens such as flea beetles, squash bugs and the always hiding tomato hornworm. Let’s not forget about the white flies, flea hopper, pickle worms and more. He told how to scout insects and control them early. He suggests following Integrated Pest Management using cultural and mechanical methods before using insecticides. When insecticides are needed start with Bt, Sevin, or Milky Spore Powder before using more potent chemicals. Always spray early or late to help protect bees.

Our members were encouraged to help with our plant dig on Thursday, seed saving, Helpline calls, and sharing vegetables through the Grow More Give More campaign. We had a good turnout and expect to be back at our normal meeting place in August, hope to see ALL of you there!

Pres. Pat Farmer presents Anthony Yarbrough with hand crafted walnut pen by MG Ron Herbster

Back, Ron and Cheryl Herbster, front, Jan and Jim Rabey

Back, Jerry Farmer and Jimmy & Mildred Knowles; middle, Faye Collins and Wally Walters; front, Joyce Lawson and Judy Cobb

back, Linda Church, front, Lanell Baker and Harriett Jackson

Let’s Grow Herbs

Posted on June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 by trisha

What a treat to hold our June meeting at Petals From the Past! Our own Betsy Smith, who is working on her advanced certification on Herbs, was our speaker. She taught us about the five herb families and their growing needs such as amount of sun, soil type, water needs, and space and duration (perennial or annual). The families are mint, aster, carrot, amaryllis and laurel and of course she gave us the scientific names for each family.

Betsy also gave us handouts: one about all the different herb families and another on how to gather and dry herbs. We also enjoyed passing around the potted herbs she had for us to touch and smell. Who knew there were so many types of mint and thyme available and she didn’t even have them all!

Following the meeting a tour of Petals From the Past was available and that is always a fun learning experience.

Photos by Diane Clapp and Ruby Moberg

Betsy showing herbs — Betsy Smith presents “Herbs!”

Shoes with Herbs on them — Betsy’s shoes match the presentation!!

Betsy Smith makes presentation — Betsy Smith presents program on Herbs.

Plant Swap Fun

Posted on May 12, 2021June 7, 2021 by trisha

Lake Mitchell Pavilion was the site for our annual May Plant Swap. Although it was overcast it was a nice day to be at the lake. It is always a treat to see what plants our members have propagated or purchased to swap. We had dipladenia, roses, hosta, begonias, geraniums, hydrangeas, hosta, Solomon’s seal and more. There was also a fig tree and a plum tree plus tomato seedlings that were shared.

Kathy Giles, the park manager’s wife, spoke to us about the Higgins Ferry park and some of the things they do on a daily basis. A new playground was finished this Spring and she explained how it was built with donations. She told us about the activities at the park and that it is free except for camping.

Badges and certificates were presented to our newest certified Master Gardeners: Peggy McGraw, Ruby Moberg and Patty Frye. Congratulations for completing volunteer requirements during a trying year.

Photos by Diane Clapp

Awards Day!

Posted on March 11, 2021April 23, 2021 by trisha

Awards Day, March 9, 2021, was a special meeting day for Chilton County Master Gardeners!

We awarded Reach for the Stars bronze pins to Benita Cahalane, Charla Doucet and Kaylee Doucet. A silver pin was awarded to Larry Jones and a gold pin to Debbie Housner. Lyn Webb received her gold badge and Lanelle Baker got her platinum badge. For earning more than 4000 hours, Harriett earned her ruby star.

Our top hours volunteers were recognized and presented certificates.
1st Place: Lynn Webb, 600.5
2nd Place: Harriett Jackson 447.5
3rd Place: Sondra Henley, 425.5

Top Intern hours was awarded to Gail Brooks, 83.45 and top Continuing Education hours was awarded to Lyn Webb, 171.5.

Our Master Gardener of the year is Susan Cleckler. She has served as President for two years and lead us through this challenging year. Susan has been involved with all aspects of MG and is a great example of what a MG should be.

Congratulations to our 2020 award winning volunteers!

David Doggett, Jefferson County Advanced MG, Aldridge Gardens Docent and a member of the Alabama Hydrangea Society, taught us about winter pruning of panicle and smooth hydrangeas. He gave us detailed instructions for first, second and third year cuts. He also discussed propagation using the winter cuttings and suggested books on propagation. It is always a real treat for David to share his knowledge with us.

The Hype about Hemp

Posted on February 10, 2021April 29, 2022 by trisha

Then first CCMGA meeting of 2021 was held on February 9 at the Clanton National Guard Armory. Thirty-four mask-wearing members met in the large bay which gave us room to be socially distanced. We did not meet in December or January so it was nice to see everyone, even though we were 6 feet apart!

Our speaker, Jessica Kelton, Alabama Cooperative Extension System REA for Farm and Agribusiness presented her program, “The Hype about Hemp”. Hemp was first grown in Alabama for CBD oil, fiber and grain in 2019. There are regulations and oversight for growing hemp. For CBD production growers use cloned plants as female plants are needed. Mixed seedlings are planted to grow hemp for fiber or grain. We learned that hemp does not like “wet feet” but needs irrigation. After harvest the plants must be hung to dry much like tobacco. This can be a challenge in

Alabama’s humid climate.

After the program, we had our usual business meeting where we approved the 2021 Budget, announced our Plant Sale for April 17 to be held at Goose Pond Park, announced Ask a Master Gardener being held at Garrison’s from Feb 29 through April 10, and heard a report of the February Advisory Cancel meeting by Council representative Harriett Jackson. L

Diane’s Broccoli Salad

Posted on January 14, 2021April 2, 2021 by trisha

Diane Clapp provided this recipe for Broccoli Salad that she created by combining several recipes. The recipe was requested by several in attendance at one of our Christmas Parties.

Diane’s Broccoli Salad

Yield: 6-8 servings

Salad:

1-2 heads of broccoli – wash thoroughly and cut into small flowerets
6-8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
½ cup golden raisins (may use dried cranberries)
¼ cup sunflower kernels
1-2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped red onion (optional)

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
¼ cup sugar

Place broccoli crumbled bacon, sunflower kernels, raisins, and onion (if using) in a large bowl and mix. In a small bowl, mix dressing, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture tossing gently.

***You can prepare ingredients and keep them separate until ready to use. Best to mix just before serving.

Photo credit: www.pixabay.com

Congratulations Interns!

Posted on January 14, 2021February 11, 2021 by trisha

Master Gardener Interns have had a difficult time earning volunteer hours to become certified this past year due to, of course, COVID 19 restrictions. CCMGA is pleased to congratulate Patricia Agee, Gail Brooks, Linda Church, Julie Garris, Sharon Hosch, Jane Rabey, Jim Rabey and Rae Ann Wright on becoming certified Alabama Master Gardeners during this difficult year. Volunteer activities included not only gardening activities but even mask making! There are eight more 2020 Interns working towards their certification and we encourage them to help with upcoming Master Gardener volunteer opportunities as much as possible!

Another Certified Master Gardener

Posted on December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 by trisha

Chilton County Master Gardeners welcome Jane Rabey, our newest certified Master Gardener. After weeks of classes and Covid-19 cancellations Jane has earned 50 volunteer hours to become a certified Master Gardener. Congratulations Jane!

Congratulations MG Class

Posted on April 28, 2020April 28, 2020 by trisha

Due to the Covid-19 Stay at Home order, the 2020 Chilton County Master Gardener class members have been studying and completing tests on the remaining class topics at home. Once we can hold classes again we will reschedule the remaining classes. We look forward to the time when they can join our association members in MG and Extension activities and complete certification requirements. Congratulations to Patricia Agee, Gail Brooks, Linda Church, Joan Crocker, Julie Garris, Sharon Hosch, Peggy McGraw, Ruby Moberg, Jane Rabey and Jim Rabey for completing and passing all their tests!

Wonderful Japanese Maples

Posted on March 11, 2020March 11, 2020 by trisha

Japanese maples, what a wonderful topic for a rainy March day! Our speaker for our Chilton County Master Gardener meeting was David Doggett, a Jefferson County Master Gardener and volunteer at Aldridge Gardens, who grows over 70 cultivars of Japanese maples at his home in Irondale. He discussed choosing a site, selecting a variety, companion plants and planting. David has donated and planted 51 (48 cultivars) Japanese maples at Aldridge Gardens.

There are cultivars to meet the needs of most gardeners: small or taller, upright or weeping, fine leaved or more coarse, textured leaves or smooth. Colors often vary from season to season but include reds, pinks, light greens, apricot, yellow, darker greens and more.