The September Chilton County Master Gardener program was presented by Jefferson County Master Gardener, Mrs. Phyllis Clay. After becoming a MG she volunteered with the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Herb Army and discovered a love of all types of basil. Her garden contains 40 cultivars of basil. She taught us that basil originated in Asia and Africa and according to folklore was a symbol of love. Basil was used medicinally in the American colonies for headaches and colds. Basil has great variation in leaf color and texture. Some popular cultivars are Tulsi, Sweet Basil, Genovese, Cinnamon and Purple Ruffles. Although they are annuals in our climate they are easily grown from seeds or cuttings.

Congratulations to Sonja Johnson who was awarded the Peach award this month for being involved in many MG activities.

Jacob Turner, REA, reported that 2600 people participated the Pollinator count on August 22 and 24. That was a great number for Alabama’s first year of participation.