Antique Roses

Antique Roses presented by Jason Powell of Petals from the Past was the program for our January meeting. What a treat to have our area expert on antique roses to talk with us about climbing roses! Antique roses are those introduced before 1867, after that year hybrid teas were introduced. Many antique climbers bloom once in the spring but there are repeat bloomers. Jason also talked about fertilizer requirements and pruning techniques for climbers. One of our door prizes was a potted antique rose won by Joan Barber. Photos by Audrey Giles

Larry Jones about to lead Pledge of Allegiance
Alan Reed and Sondra Henley
Jason Powell talks on antique roses.
Jason Powell presents the program on Antique Roses
V. President Gail Brooks presents Jason Powell with speakers gift
Joan Barber wins door prize of potted antique rose.

The Discovery Center is a “Work in Progress”!

Today was a fun day!!  Some of the Chilton County Master Gardeners spent their morning helping plant a garden in the Discovery Center at Jemison Intermediate School (JIS).

The Discovery Center has been made possible by grants from Cawaco RC&D Inc., Central Alabama Electric Coop, and also from donations from state representative Jimmy Martin (who passed away last year), Jason Powell and Petals from the Past, and several other volunteers. The garden consists of a Sensory Garden, a Pollinator Garden that includes several plants that are native to the state of Alabama, and in the near future, an Analemmatic sundial. They also have several raised bed vegetable gardens and a pavilion. Areas to be added include a wildlife habitat, a walking trail, a greenhouse and a weather station.

Rachel Mims is the gifted specialist teacher responsible for the outdoor classroom. Jason Powell, owner of Petals from the Past, was also instrumental in getting this project off the ground by designing the garden and donating all the plant materials, landscaping materials and being there to help. Also present today were several current and retired teachers and parents.

CCMGA looks forward to continuing to work on this project and we are grateful to be a part of it.  This is what we are all about; teaching and beautifying the community.

Photos by Audrey Giles and Susan Cleckler

Volunteers at Jemison Discovery Center
Volunteers at Jemison Discovery Center
Workers at Jemison Discovery Center
Volunteers at Jemison Discovery Center
Workers at Jemison School
Workers at Jemison I. School
Volunteers at Jemison School

Plant Diseases and Propagation

Our MG class was held this week in the Barn at Petals from the Past in Jemison. The Master Gardener members provide lunch for everyone for this class and we always look forward to this. The instructors were Dr. Jim Jacobi from Auburn on “Plant Diseases” and Dr. Arlie Powell, owner of Petals from the Past on “Plant Propagation”. I can’t believe we are half-way through this year’s Master Gardener Class! We have a very enthusiastic group!

Dr. Jim Jacobi from Auburn University teaches “Plant Diseases”
Dr. Arlie Powell, owner of Petals from the Past, teaches “Plant Propagation”

April Master Gardener Meeting

Jason Powell at April meeting
Jason Powell at April meeting with Sue Webb

Chilton County Master Gardeners met at Petals From the Past in April and thirteen of our Master Gardener Class members joined us. Jason Powell presented a program on Tough as Nails Plants for the Southern Garden. He discussed bulbs that bloom in spring or summer, lose their foliage, survive in place and reappear the next year. Reseeding annuals drop their seeds and need no care through the summer. He also discussed some tough roses, perennials and shrubs that can withstand drought conditions. Photo by Trisha Williams