March Native Plants

Our program for March was presented by Chilton County Master Gardener Trisha Williams, who shared with us her PowerPoint, “Native Plants in Grandmother’s Garden”. Trisha shared many native plant species with corresponding photos that included, but certainly not limited to, Bird’s Foot Violets, Columbine, Foxglove Beardtongue, Tall Ironweed and Red Buckeye. She reminded the membership of the 1973 Endangered Species Act regarding the harvesting of natives from the wild, and instead recommended the use of reputable nurseries. A handout with information and resources on native plants was provided.
Harriett Jackson and Hugh Nichols shared a research opportunity that’s under the guidance of ACES’s lead Dani Carroll and the Alabama Smart Yards educational program. Participants are being solicited for home vegetable variety trials. They will be provided seeds and will participate in collecting data related to plant date, quantity planted, emergence date, flowering date, first and last yield date, etc. Potential MG participation and additional information will be forthcoming.
Leslie Durham talked about the need for the association to create a Fundraising Committee.
Reports were given on the Demo Garden, the Extension Office Beds, and the Recreation Bldg Beds, with the last one being a work in progress.
Several volunteer opportunities were discussed.
Our Hospitality Committee was commended for their beautiful St. Patrick’s Day table decorations and also the volunteers who coordinated the food snacks. And many thanks to Betsy Smith for donating the Rosemary Sugar Cookie-filled coffee mug door prizes!!