MARCH 2010 EDITION FIRST DRAFT.Pub

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DCM GA

2010 dues are due with your membership renewal form.

TABLE OF VOLUME XIII , ISSUE 1 MARCH 2010

C O N T E N T S

GARDEN TOUR & 2010 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale 1 PLANT SALE Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet Saturday, May 8th, 9AM-4PM CRITTER IN YOUR 3 YARD! Once again, Denton County Master Gardeners will plan and orchestrate a Terri Smith’s Garden garden tour and plant sale that county PICTURE GALLERY 4 residents have learned to expect each spring. Our guests know that not only NEW KIDS will they be able to visit lovely gardens 6 on the BLOCK... for inspiration and ideas, but also to come away with educational experiences easily applied in their own gardens. The BOOK REVIEWS 8 plant sale offers an opportunity to purchase roses, native and adapted perenni- MG COMMUNITY als and pass-along plants that are sure to Terri Smith’s Flower Mound gardens 9 SERVICE grow in Denton County. The date of our showcase shade plantings and she takes tour is also expected by our guests as the advantage of the sun’s energy where she DEMONSTRATION 10 Saturday before Mother’s Day. can for roses and vegetables. Kimi Dailey GARDEN is captain. Don and Imogene Wier's garden in Denton ASK A MG 12 Brent Bloechle’s Garden seems like being in a bird sanctuary. This garden has the experienced team of NEWSY NEWS 13 Clarice Luce and Darla Bostick as co- captains. Laurel Wallace of Cross Roads has an EUROPEAN 14 PEASANT BREAD inviting garden in a majestic expanse surrounded by Lake Lewisville on three sides, Janie Cindric will serve as captain. GENERAL 15 Brent Bloechle, in Double Oak, proudly MEETINGS recycles all yard waste back into his beds to grow perennials, roses and award- MINUTES 16 winning vegetables. Anita Maynor will be The five lovely gardens are diverse in the captain of Brent’s garden. respect to location and style, sun and Three years ago we added Diggin’ Deeper PRESIDENT’S 18 shade, new and mature in addition each Demos to each garden, adding an educa- CORNER have a significant water feature or tional opportunity. Mary Morrow’s team features built into their landscape. Ac- will deliver these topics: Garden Bed STATEN ISLAND 20 commodating their love of nature and Prep and Bringing Birds to the Backyard CHUCK making the most of it is evident in each (Patsy’s garden); Water Conservation garden. (Laurel’s garden); Veggie Gardens and CLEAR CREEK 21 Patsy Day of Pilot Point has been in the Worm Composting (Brent’s garden); TRAINING SERIES process of taming her wild space for Shade Perennials (Don and Imogene’s 2009 BOARD/ about three years. Her neighbor, Sara garden); and Backyard Critter ‘Scape 22 COMMITTEES Roland, will be captain of this garden. (Terri’s garden). (cont on page 2)

2010 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet Saturday, May 8th, 9AM-4PM

The Plant Sale, headed by Shirley Manfredi, will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Don and Imogene’s Garden Church from 8:00 to 2:00. A pre-order opportunity to buy roses from Chamblee’s was announced at the February meeting by Monica Chaffin. This is an opportunity to purchase container grown roses from Chamblee’s Nursery in Tyler and in doing so give support to our fundraising efforts. Monica says you can look at the roses at chambleeroses.com, pick varieties you want to buy and email your wish list to Monica ([email protected]) by March 15th. She will confirm your order and amount owed Besides being a very satisfying project that by email so you can provide a check by March brings a quality garden experience to the 31st. There is a surprise for another pre- community, the Garden Tour and Plant Sale order opportunity to be announced later. is our breadwinner . DCMGA depends on this fundraiser and your support is crucial to success. There are so many ways members can be involved. Sue Hudiburgh and Janie Farler almost have the brochure, flyer and poster ready for printing with Mary Morrow’s help, but we will need you to ask your favorite vendors to find space for them. We ask you to publicize this event to your friends and neighbors and of course, SELL TICKETS. Buy some yourself and give them to your friends, doctors, dentist, hairdresser, dog sitter, etc. and enjoy the goodwill of the gesture. Laurel Wallace’s Garden Please help and sign up today , by contact- ing Susan Loos or Carolyn Tinner, co-chairs. One of the keys to making a substantial prof- Check the web site, dcmga.com for updates it in the plant sale has been the inclusion of on Garden Tour Workdays. pass-along plants. Pass-along plants are a southern tradition that master gardeners love to follow to share the joy and fruits of their gardens by providing plants that guests can’t often buy except at our plant sale. Contact Al Kirchhoff to advise him what your garden can offer this year. Pot your plants in gallon size containers and include a label that gives the information necessary for the plant to be grown successfully by the purchaser. Deliver your pass-along offerings to the church on Patsy Day’s Garden Friday morning, May 7. For additional info contact Al at [email protected].

2009 was a year full of amazing achievements by DENTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS and a few members went the extra step and were recognized by their peers. The following ‘CRITTERS IN DCMGA’ received awards at the 2010 Annual Dinner and 2009 Graduation CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHICH CRITTER IS WHICH? 1. EDUCATOR AWARD (INTERN) 1.___ A. UNICORN - Some people think unicorns are MARTIN RICHARDS a myth...you are one of the most rare animals. 2. PROJECT MANAGER (INTERN) 2.___ Less than 2% that take the test are unicorns. SUSAN LOOS Unicorns are good at almost everything they do, and are very well liked! 3. SPECIAL MERIT AWARD (INTERN) 3.___ DIANA MCMILLIN B. CATERPILLAR - You are a rare one indeed! People view caterpillars as beauty in the making 4. EDUCATOR AWARD 4.___ and it is usually frowned upon to hurt one. You JENNY ESTES are caring and carefree. Almost everyone likes a 5. PROJECT MANAGER 5.___ caterpillar. MONIQUE GOODHART C. BUMBLE BEE - A beautiful insect that is 6. SPECIAL MERIT AWARD 6.___ good at working with teams and produces some- MARY MORROW thing many want: honey! A bumble bee com- 7. LIFETIME MEMBER AWARD 7.___ mands great respect, and will respond to a bad DONNA WOLFE situation with a quick sting! Bumble bees are serious and very wise. 8. LIFETIME MEMBER AWARD 8.___ MYRNA ENGLE D. WHITE TAIL DEER - (owner’s rendition) Upon testing I’ve been told I’m a White Tail Deer. 9. LONG TERM SERVICE AWARD 9.___ How could this be? I am not smooth, sleek, JOAN STANLEY sharp eyed, but still a gentle and peaceful soul. 10. EXECUTIVE BOARD AWARD 10.___ I can never be at ease for these reasons. I’m CAROLYN TINNER human, but I have this big white target on my behind. There’s open season on me every year. HINT: THERE ARE 3 BUMBLE BEES AND Have you looked in my husband’s deep freeze? 4 UNICORNS! He has 200 lbs of my deer friends in there. Oops! Adjust my clothes, my target is showing. Is he looking? I’m getting to where I suspect “A good gardener always plants three him. Load those guns boys! I am going to the garden. English Peas already. Oh yes, yummy seedsseeds———oneone for the grubs, one for the rose buds. Apple blossoms, tasty. Carrots, oh it weather, one for himself.” has been so long! What, he peed on the carrots, well he can kiss this big white target as i jump C. Collins over his silly little 8” fence. E. SQUIRREL - WOOPS!

The DFW Metroplex had more snow on the ground than they did in Canada for the beginning of the Winter Olympics...it was also warmer in Juneau, Alaska.

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New Kids on the Block... Lots of new faces running around DCMGA-here are a few of their stories...

Carol Armant Stephanie Briggs Barbara Brown Flower Mound Grapevine Highland Village Where did you live prior to Denton County? Where did you live prior to Denton County? Where did you live prior to Denton County? How was gardening different there than here? How was gardening different there than here? How was gardening different there than here? Richardson...poor soil with overgrown Denver...the growing season is much Illinois...I was very young. beds. ‘Mom time’ restricted ‘Garden shorter, the soil is not easy to work in Time’. and the climate is very dry.

What are your plans for your garden after What are your plans for your garden after What are your plans for your garden after you complete Master Gardener class? you complete Master Gardener class? you complete Master Gardener class?

Continue to reinvent my yard & help Continue to work in the community gar- More vegetables and herbs, convert St. others learn to love their den and find a home with a larger Augustine to water-wise. garden experiences. space to garden.

When you are not in the garden, When you are not in the garden, When you are not in the garden, where can you be found/ what are you doing? where can you be found/ what are you doing? where can you be found/ what are you doing?

At church singing my favorite hymn: Volunteering in the food pantry at Computer, writing and reading. “In the Garden” Metrocrest, yoga, or spending time with my husband in the kitchen.

What interested you in becoming What interested you in becoming What interested you in becoming a Master Gardener? a Master Gardener? a Master Gardener?

Spending summers on my grandparents Being a part of the Community garden. Writing gardening articles. farm. I watched the harvest and steps leading up to it. Watching the weather forecast took on a new meaning.

What is your favorite plant(s) and why? What is your favorite plant(s) and why? What is your favorite plant(s) and why? Gomphrena “Strawberry Field”, this is I love flowers because they are a natu- Rosemary...it is hardy, tolerant, useful the flower that draws people to my ral gift suitable for any occasion. and flowers in January, yard.

What has been your greatest gardening What has been your greatest gardening What has been your greatest gardening success? success? success?

My annual garden party...my garden Harvesting fresh organic vegetables for Fig tree and sundrying Roma tomatoes friends come together to share ideas families in need. in solar oven. and swap plants.

Briefly describe your personal, ideal garden: Briefly describe your personal, ideal garden: Briefly describe your personal, ideal garden:

Acres of land covered with trees, plants Smell of earth, sounds of birds, sights Constant productive mix of herbs, and flowers, with trails running through of brilliant color wrapped in a peaceful vegetables and flowers. where I work, walk and just breathe! warm breeze.

page 6 New Kids on the Block... Lots of new faces running around DCMGA-here are a few of their stories...

Kay Bynum Jacqueline Carney Sandy Faciane Denton Southlake Argyle Where did you live prior to Denton County? Where did you live prior to Denton County? Where did you live prior to Denton County? How was gardening different there than here? How was gardening different there than here? How was gardening different there than here? Tyler ... Rowlett...red clay

Make better choices in plant selection Would love to have a potting shed and Construct landscaping around pool. for a garden beautiful in all seasons. like to expand my vegetable garden to include them throughout my flower gardens.

In the kitchen cooking or planning I work as a CPA, have 2 sons, 8 & 12, CASA Advocate, CCA Food Pantry meals who are involved in soccer. My hus- Spend time with my family and grand- band is a great cook, I enjoy his meals. children.

What interested you in becoming What interested you in becoming What interested you in becoming a Master Gardener? a Master Gardener? a Master Gardener?

I already loved gardening, then I learned I became the garden parent at my A friend took the course and I was fas- about the program and can hardly wait to sons’ school and I teach from the JMG cinated by all she learned. participate. program guide, from that i found out about MG.

What is your favorite plant(s) and why? What is your favorite plant(s) and why? What is your favorite plant(s) and why? Tomatoes - love them, also rosemary Anything I can eat or use in cooking, Knock-out Roses, relatively little care, and other herbs. my favorite plants include tomato, basil beautiful flowers. and rosemary.

What has been your greatest gardening What has been your greatest gardening What has been your greatest gardening success? success? success?

Flower gardens for summer/spring Growing vegetables and herbs we en- Lots of colorful flowers in front, flower Color. joy eating. beds as border in front of bushes.

Briefly describe your personal, ideal garden: Briefly describe your personal, ideal garden: Briefly describe your personal, ideal garden:

There are many retired people in the A mix of native plants, grasses and Lots of colorful flowers that are low neighborhood; a community vegetable herbs with winding trails to our pond. maintenance. garden may be a worth while project,

page 7 BOOK REVIEWS BRENT BLOECHLE

The Perennial Care Garden Anywhere Manual By Alys Fowler By Nancy J. Ondra Chronicle Books, Storey Publishing, 2009 2009

The main feature of this book is the list of 125 easy to care for perennials. The plants for the This book explains how to garden anywhere most part are easy to care for and many of from a bucket to a big backyard. The author them will do well in North Texas. The first half carefully guides the reader step-by-step from of the book covers the basics of planting, purchasing the plants to picking a pot or the mulching, weeds and insect pests. The experi- yard space to plant them and most important enced gardener will probably want to jump to when to cut your flowers or pick your fruits and the second half of the book and get to the plant vegetables. The author provides instructions on information right away. The author has includ- how to build a compost bin and do worm ed a detailed description of each plant, with an composting to recycle your yard and kitchen accompanying photograph. Each description scraps into the garden. The book is filled with includes growing tips including light and soil, beautiful pictures that support the text for easy division and propagation, and potential prob- comprehension of the topic the author is lems. Seasonal care and troubleshooting sug- covering. This is a great book for a beginning gestions are also included for the plants. The gardener, especially if you have limited space author was very thorough in the coverage of for a garden. each plant.

Do you want to learn about annuals, perennials, shrubs and Come to the Garden Shoppe trees that: during the Garden Tour and ✿ Breeze through 100 degree meet Steve Huddleston, plus temperatures. Horticultural Author. ✿ Takes droughts/deluges. Steve will be available from ✿ Attract birds, butterflies, 9am to 1pm to sign his book and hummingbirds. ✿ Need no toxic chemicals. Easy Gardens for ✿ Require minimal time from North Central Texas. you!

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Yes, we know Master Gardeners serve the community! We’re active in the schools providing tree seedlings to third graders in both Lewisville and Denton School Districts. We help design and care for church, school and community gardens. We educate the community through the Library Series, the Speakers Bureau, our annual Infofest and the Vegetable, Plant and Herb show. Our personal talents are on display at the annual Garden Tour, accompanied by our increasingly popular plant sale. And each year we increase our presence by educating and training a new class of Denton County Master Gardeners.

In 2009, we expanded our activism within the community to provide assistance to other groups in need of help. In September, we collected food, supplies, medications and money for the Denton Humane Society. So many animals have been turned in by families who are no longer able to care for them during this dire economic period. In October, we contributed more than 640 pounds of food items to the North Texas Food Bank in conjunction with Texas AgriLife Extension and the Denton County Master Naturalists . Once again, their need increased substantially due to requests throughout the County.

And we closed our year in December by collecting new clothing for the children at Denton Pre-School and Tree House Elementary School. Both schools are non- profit and serve low income families providing an excellent resource for children ages four through twelve years.

What a wonderful contribution we have made! My thanks to everyone who partici- pated in these activities in 2009. All the recipients were thrilled to receive our donations and appreciate our interest in their projects.

So, as you can see, Master Gardeners really do serve the community and I am proud to be a member of this organization! Annell Burns, Delegate at Large

Jacqueline Carney, Southlake, sitting on her back porch, enjoying the snow and her pond in the back- ground.

Judy Riley’s dog, Trude, Highland Village, trying to convince the Snowlady to leave her yard!

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RECYCLE, REUSE, REFURBISH TIME TO GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING DESIGN THE FOCAL GARDEN DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: MARCH 5, 2010 ♦ THEY MAY BE DRAWN OR WRITTEN PLANS - maximum 2 pictures attached to illustrate the design or show materials to be used ♦ Members vote at the March General Meeting for their favorite three designs ♦ INDIVIDUALS OR TEAM DESIGNS Put the name or names of the designers on the back ♦ EMAIL ([email protected]), MAIL or DROP OFF DESIGNS TO MARY MORROW or DROP OFF DESIGNS AT THE EXTENSION OFFICE SAVE THE DATE

FUNDRAISER FOR THE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

P iano APRIL 10 As Bar k a ? M e? 4:00 PM UNTIL 8:00 PM G? arty ffl ? den P Ra ion Gar lson uct ? y Ne A irts Rick -sh DETAILS TO FOLLOW T EVENT PLANNER NEEDED - CONTACT CINDY REESE OR ANITA MAYNOR

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ITEM QUANTITY ITEM QUANTITY LANDSCAPE 172 DINO SOIL 89 CU YDS TIMBERS

CONCRETE BLOCKS 265 DINO LITE 42 CU YDS TOOL SHED 1 (ONE) WATER HOSES 4 (FOUR) (METAL) 5/8”X75’ 10x12 KINK RESISTANT, HEAVY DUTY SOAKER HOSES 50’ 4 (FOUR) WATER HYDRANT 1 (ONE) & 200’ WATER LINE

WHEEL BARROW - 2 (TWO) SIGNAGE 2 (TWO) 5 CU FT MATERIAL

COMPOST BINS - 2 OF EACH TOOLS - TROWELS, 2 OF EACH ASSORTMENT SHOVELS, RAKES

Prospective Donors Prospective Donors Prospective Donors Devon Energy Pavestone Truck Rental (TBD) IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE GENTLY Lowe’s Tree Service (TBD) Sweetwater USED ITEMS OR NEW Restaurant, Denton ITEMS FROM THE WISH LIST, Home Depot Dennis Feed Store Fish City OR HAVE ANY Restaurant, Flower PROSPECTS TO ADD TO Mound THE LIST PLEASE CONTACT CINDY REESE Sun Belt Rental 4-Seasons Nursery Cookies in Bloom, OR ANITA MAYNOR Lewisville and Dallas Stores page 11

How do you deter a woodpecker from doing what comes naturally?

This question recently landed at the Master Gardener Help Desk from a concerned homeowner wanting to stop a woodpecker from pecking his oak tree. There are two approaches to discourage woodpeckers. One way is visually and the other is auditory. The idea is to harass the bird until it decides to seek a more undisturbed area. Suggestions include creating black silhouettes of predatory birds like hawks from plywood or cardboard, using noisy items to frighten the birds, like pie pans, toy plastic twirlers, or wind chimes. Loud sounds from toy cap pistols, banging on pots or lids, or using a radio also may also drive off the birds. The key to making these deterrents effective is to place or use these items near the tree damage as soon as possible. Using a water sprinkler may also be an effective way to repel woodpeckers. The pulsating stream of water should be directed to hit the damaged area. The sprinkler can be turned on whenever the bird begins pecking and left on until it flies away, or it can be turned on frequently throughout the day. Follow up should include spraying the affected area of the tree with insecticide to prevent insect infestation. For more suggestions, check out: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/misc/animalpe.html for further information about protecting our gardens from animal pests.

We planted 325 daffodils at the Argyle High School/ Middle School campus and 100 red tulips. Most of the work was done by students in the National Honor Society, Student Council, Green Team, and BSA Troop 192. We also had members of the PTSA Board helping that day.

ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL/ MIDDLE SCHOOL

MARIBETH LYNCH

They were not planted until mid January, it was our rain date. We were going to plant them back in December, but the weather man blew the forecast. It ended up being 35 degrees and drizzling rain - not ideal for getting volunteers - including me.

We all search the web, some almost everyday, some a couple times a month—by popular request, here is a list of favorite websites related to gardening: kinsmangarden.com dandlfarmandhome.com http://backyardheirloomseeds.net/default.aspx http://www.kitchengardeners.org/ http://www.nhg.com/ hobbyfarms.com http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/index.html auntsuesbarn.com If you have a favorite gardening website you would like Included please send to [email protected] page 12

2010 GARDEN TOUR TICKET SALES TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE MARCH & APRIL MG MEETINGS & THE EXTENSION OFFICE

Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet

Garden Tour Work Days GARDEN OWNER CAPTAINS TIME WORKDAYS

FEB 17, MAR 31, APR 21, TERRI SMITH LYNDA HARVEY 9AM-NOON MAY 5

FEB 27, MAR 11, MAR 25, BRENT BLOECHLE ANITA MAYNOR 9AM-1PM APR 3, APR 29

CLARICE LUCE MAR 15, MAR 29, APR 12, DON AND IMOGENE WEIR 9AM-1PM & DARLA BOSTICK APR 26, MAY 6 MAR 17, MAR 31, APR 7, APR PATSY DAY SARA ROLAND 10AM-2PM 21, MAY 3 MAR 12, MAR 26, APR 16, LAUREL WALLACE JANIE CINDRIC 9AM-1PM APR 23, MAY 7

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--- -- For Rye Bread -

Mixing and storing the dough: - - - - - - - - - --

Stephy Briggs lonely Chinese Pistache in Grapevine

Lonely flag in Mary Morrow’s garden in Double Oak

page 14 DCMGA MEETINGS

MARCH 10, 2010 ***9:00AM***

Woodlilies (Yuccas & Agaves) Dr. Peter Schaar Dallas Garden Designer and Horticultural Consultant

APRIL 14, 2010 9:00AM

Wildflower Walk Dorothy Thetford Master Naturalist and a local expert on wildflowers.

MAY 12, 2010 9:00AM

Bats Dotty Hyatt Bat World Sanctuary

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DENTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING February 3, 2010

I. CALL TO ORDER President Connie Gregory called the DCMGA Board of Directors meeting to order at 10:02 A.M. at the Texas Agrilife Extension office in Denton, TX, reminding us that “Teamwork makes the Dream Work”. In attendance were Joe Bendzick, Zoe Broxson, Annell Burns, Lucille Del Vecchio, Janie Farler, Wally Gehrke, Connie Gregory, Sue Hudiburgh, Janet Laminack, Maurine LeBeau, Shirley Manfredi, Anita Maynor, Mary Morrow, Martin Richards, Cindy Reese, Carolyn Tinner, Laurel Wallace, and Donna Wolfe. II. MINUTES Minutes for the January Board meeting were forwarded to the Board via e-mail by Sue Hudiburgh and available at the meeting. The minutes were approved as presented. III. TREASURER’S REPORT Joe provided a year-to-date banking summary, including income, expenses and current assets. Joe explained that the $200 charge to the speaker’s bureau for graduation was a fee to Stephen Chamblee, which will be re-categorized to graduation. The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented with that correction. The audit was completed on 1-11. Betsy Faulkner and Adele Petty were on the committee. Peggy Widmer coordinated and Shirley Manfredi was available for questions. Shirley announced that CPA Vicky Kuithe has agreed to do our 2009 income taxes.

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Project Administration -- Connie Gregory 1. After the last board meeting Cindy Reese submitted a project initiation form for the Demo Garden, which Martin forwarded to the board for their approval by email. The project was approved. 2. Connie or Martin will be working with Maurine on a tour of the Garden Tour homes for the interns, scheduled for March 6. 3. Donna said she has received several project initiation forms and needed clarification on the procedure for handling those. Connie said that Janet should review them first, and then they should go to the vice president, who would contact the project manager to present to the board at a meeting after forwarding the form to the board. Janet has already reviewed a form submitted by Wally. B. Communications – Lucille Del Vecchio Donna forwarded an email from Lucille asking members if they would like to work on publicity. Response was not very good, so Lucille said that it will be necessary to get event information in early so that the three current publicity members can get the work done. Lucille will try to recruit interns at a brown bag. Mary mentioned that one intern has newsletter experience (Susan Cosio), and Janet said one is a freelance writer (Barbara Brown). Zoe and Lucille agreed on next Tuesday for the brown bag. We need a photographer and technology experience, too. Mary said she will take care of photography. Connie mentioned that the membership renewal forms might indicate some members who are interested. Shirley will forward the spreadsheet to Lucille. Annell said that she sent Mary information about adjunct projects for the Rototeller, and she gave the info to Lucille at the meeting. C. Lucille said that her team needs 2 months lead time for magazines and at least 2 weeks for newspaper and online articles. Several of the committee members have connections with publications. Lucille has a new email address ([email protected]). Connie noted that we need a roster update. Lucille met with Beth, from the Flower Mound Library, and Mary Karish about the library series. She also met with Carolyn and Susan about the Garden Tour. An article about pass-along plants is being developed, and they are trying to get the Garden Tour on various publications’ calendars. Connie suggested the MG state calendar, too. Lucille said she has had positive feedback on her bi-monthly calendar, so she will keep that up with workdays, etc., and hand it out at meetings. Mary Morrow will email Mary Karish to see if she needs help with flyers. Lucille will forward Mary Karish’s news forms to Mary Morrow and Janie. Martin said the Denton Record Chronicle had a nice write-up about the Master Naturalists’ graduation. There was discussion about handling of publicity for big events such as graduation. Donna requested that the communications committee be on the lookout for major events for which they don’t receive a communications form. Mary Morrow, Janie Farler and Sue Hudiburgh met to talk about website issues. They have had trouble getting in touch with their Grovesite contact at the Extension. Janet volunteered to help with that. It was decided not to go with the Volgistics software right now and try to come up with something simpler to log hours online. C. Education – Wally Gehrke Wally is working on getting his committees together. a. Adult Education: Monique is meeting with her committee today. b. Children’s Education: DCLA Youth Fair Workshop is scheduled for the 20 th with Linda Harvey talking about Earthkind. There has been a good volunteer response for the tag-in. We will also need lots of people for the judging on the 24 th . There is information on the website, and Mary has added links to the online calendar for more information. Connie mentioned that we have a new org chart to show the relationships of board positions and committees. We have a new Ways and Means chair: Brenda Wellenreiter. Carol Fitch will be planning monthly meeting programs. D. Delegate at Large – Annell Burns 106 (of 148, including the class of 2009) members have paid dues to date. We’ve received 80 membership renewal forms also. Shirley is working on a spreadsheet of interests. (Kudos to Shirley!) The cutoff for dues is February 15, so Annell will follow up with individuals after that. Connie said state dues, which are based on the number of members, are due March 1. Mary said we don’t have to include trainees in that member count, but we need clarification on that. Last year we paid for 160 members. We budgeted this year for 200 members. Shirley will send Martin a copy of the interest spreadsheet after the 15 th . E. County Coordinator – Janet Laminack The first day of class was this week. It went really well. Kudos to the team! Dotty Woodson has asked us to get involved in a Rainwater Harvesting specialist training here. No date is set yet (probably June) and no word on how many can participate. Normally 2 people per county can sign up but we may get more spaces if we host. Dotty and Billy Kniffen would train. They would install a rainwater system as part of the class, and location candidates are the Afri- can American Museum or the demo garden. If we charge enough for class it could help pay for the system. We would need a group of people to do hospitality work and arrange meeting space, recommend hotels, etc. Peggy Durrett has experience in this area. Janet will contact Peggy to see if she is interested. It will probably be a 3-day class. Usually 20 people participate per Don- na and the cost is about $200. F. Volunteer Coordinator – Donna Wolfe No updates today

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(Continued) V NEW BUSINESS A. Tom Harpool Scholarship: We had no applicants last year and have none this year. It has been proposed that we might expand our recipient pool to add youth educational projects (this year: SWAT). The amount would be $1000, the same as before. Each year project managers, as well as horticultural students, could apply, and a committee would decide. Projects could be proposed by the community other than MGs. If the name of the scholarship were changed, it would require a bylaw change. We could just keep the name but expand the possible recipients to include a project. We would have to change the handbook for that, but the bylaws don’t say it must go to a college student. We will need new guidelines for the scholarship committee. Mary will rewrite the scholarship purpose and guidelines. B. Budget: Connie presented the proposed budget and discussed how it differs from last year. The state requires volunteer screening for individuals every 3 years, and they keep track. Last year we didn’t do volunteer screening, but this year we’ll need to screen about 65 members. Screening will cost $10 per person, for a total of $650. The screening is no longer limited to those who work with children. Interns filled out forms for screening yesterday. $500 has been allocated for riding the rails. New this year is liability insurance for the board at $1000/year. Umbrella insurance is $900/year, which would cover our events. We are still checking with other MG groups to see if they have found anything cheaper. SWAT isn’t in the budget because Connie is proposing that the Tom Harpool scholarship be awarded to it. Other items of interest: Projects ($1410 total) are broken out. $3000 is budgeted as seed money for the garden shop. Sandy Read believes we can expect to double that in income. Higher expenses, as well as higher returns, are anticipated for the plant sale. Shirley said that last year the plant sale had a $2500 budget, but we had a presale of roses and plants, and receipts from that were reinvested on plants for public sale. The committee is looking at ways to trim costs this year so that more plants can be purchased. Table rental and security are two of the biggest expenses. Clarice Luce’s daughter works for the police department, so she might be a security resource. Marti Wingo was a police officer, as was Martin, so they may also have some ideas. Donna mentioned that the magnets have been popular and are almost gone. The cost of magnets was approximately $300 last year. Connie will find a spot for the magnets in the budget. Mary asked if publication costs should go under projects or publications, and Connie said they should go under each project. It was suggested that magnets go under publications. Zoe mentioned that we have reserve funds that carry over from year to year, and members ask what we are doing with the reserve. Zoe requested that we use $1000 from our reserve assets for startup money for the demo garden. We expect to get other donors, but we need money to get started. Zoe proposes adding this to the budget that the membership will vote on next week. Carolyn asked if the demo garden will eventually generate income, and Zoe replied that there are discussions currently in progress about that. Zoe said that we can start on the garden next month and could be educating people right away. Carolyn suggested that we also put the income expectations in the budget, in addition to the $1000 expenses. Cindy said there is a brainstorming meeting on fundraising this Friday. Maurine asked if we know what rules are about raising money on county property. Are there AgriLife rules? Or fees? We can’t charge for training but we can sell things. Connie will amend the budget as follows: 1. For the demo garden, add $500 in income and an additional $1000 in expenses, for a total $1300 expenses. 2. Add $650 for volunteer screening 3. Add magnets under publications, for a total of $520 Expenses will not equal income in the budget, since some expenses will be paid from reserve funds. There was a motion by Mary to approve the budget with the above changes. It was seconded by Annell. There was no additional discussion. The budget was approved with one dissenting vote.

VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GROUP DISCUSSION A. State Conference Delegate Second: Martin’s registration at the state conference will be paid for. If Martin cannot attend; do we need a backup? It was decided that we will deal with that if it happens. We need alternate delegates to the state convention— anyone interested should contact Connie. B. Mentors – Maurine LeBeau: Maurine said first day of class was very smooth. C. Spring Tour – Carolyn Tinner: We have 5 gardens: Patsy Day (Pilot Point), Laurel Wallace (Cross Roads), Terri Smith (Flower Mound), Imogene and Don Wier (Denton), and Brent Bloechle (Double Oak). The Wier’s live near the plant sale. Sue and Janie will work on publications. Carolyn is still looking for a captain for Brent. D. Plant Sale - Shirley Manfredi: There is a meeting planned for Friday. They are working on an inventory of merchandise in the resource room. We are already on the delivery schedule of a major nursery. Carolyn and Shirley will host a kickoff meeting on the 12 th . On the 10 th at the general meeting, Monica will discuss pre-sale of roses and Marlene will talk about pass-alongs. A brown- bag is scheduled for the 16 th , and on the 23 rd Monica and Shirley will talk about pass-alongs, roses, etc. Last year we discounted $1 for every $10 spent if a customer had a tour ticket or bought one, and this was popular. Should we do that again? Last year we sold $1200 in tickets at the plant sale. The consensus is to offer the discount again, so Shirley will add lines on the invoice for discounts and tickets so that we can track them. Annell said that plant sale was picked over early by the member presale last year. Shirley said there will be no presale this year, but we will offer perennials and roses to pre-order instead. Chamblee’s has $1000 minimum order (@$4.50-4.75/each for roses) to get them delivered. Last year we piggybacked with Grapevine to make the minimum—and this time we can’t, so it may be tight to get the minimum. If we don’t have them delivered, we will need to figure out how to pick them up. E. Intern Class – Zoe Broxson: Great class. We want to offer them logo clothes, and Zoe needs to find out from Donna when we can do that. Brown bags are being scheduled with project managers. Should we do a mini board meeting for interns? It was well received last year. It was decided that we will reschedule the next board meeting to March 9 th at 12:00. F. Demonstration Garden – Zoe Broxson, Cindy Reese, Anita Maynor: A fundraising meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10 at the Extension office. Anita is second-in-command PM and Zoe is consulting. Plans are to start work in March. Potential donors have already been lined up. Contributors need a copy of our 501(c)(3) letter. Shirley has a copy. Anita is working on a detailed break- down of expenses and plans.

VII. OPEN DISCUSSION A. Mary: Rototeller deadline is Feb 12.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:37 P.M. Next meeting: Tuesday, March 9 at 12:00

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“TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK”

As your President for 2010, this is the theme I will reiterate at every opportunity, for it summarizes in a few words the how and why of the Denton County Master Gardeners.

We are a highly diverse and interesting group of individuals, finding ways to bring together our many skills and gifts to fulfill our common purpose: “to educate our fellow citizens in Denton County about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that pro- mote development of healthy gardens, landscapes and communities.”

To this end, we will undertake some new initiatives and expand others that already exist. Doubtless, new projects will be created.

The new Demonstration Garden is a major undertaking which deserves our support. Many members have spent countless hours planning and pursuing outside donors. The plan is ambitious and beautiful and all of us must play a role in making it happen as a splendid outreach to our community.

The SWAT (Science with Attitude) program of DCMGA supports the knowledge of horticulture and environmental education through the establishment of sustainable Outdoor Learning Centers in our community by training teachers and parents with research-based Extension curricula aligned with TEKS. SWAT (Science with Attitude) program is a collab- orative effort of DCMGA, the Elm Fork Master Naturalists and 4H.

Two three-day training sessions on Level I were held last summer and attended by 35 teachers from 11 schools in the Denton ISD, affecting 1100 students. This training will again be offered in June 2010.

Furthermore, curriculum development for Level II is well underway and training on this level will take place in August, 2010.

Another exciting event coming up is the Rainwater Specialist Training with Dotty Woodson and Billy Kniffen which DCMGA will sponsor on June 28, 29 and 30 th .Keep an eye out for further information about this high profile event that will put us in the state spotlight!

These are only a few of the initiatives which need and deserve your support and I am confident that you will be there, as you always have been.

This will be an exciting and productive year. I will do everything I can to support forward movement, growth and development of DCMGA as we begin our third decade, but how well we realize our common dream will ultimately depend on how successful we are at working as a team. Connie

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Thank You! I would like to take a minute to thank each member of DCMGA for allowing 2009 to be a wonderful experience for me. Each member rallied to do things that were a stretch, outside their com- fort zone and something new…It is so meaningful to our Association and to our County when this is the approach taken. To name a few things: 20 th Anniversary Road Trip, Guiding the Intern Class through uncharted waters after having designed the class, embracing a New Hort Agent. We took on new horizons in education through Diggin Deeper Demos, SWaT, and a more focused InfoFest. Thinking outside the box and looking for a Demo Garden. Having education throughout the County with the Hoop House Class, Library Series Spring and Fall, establishing the VegHeads for guidance in vegetable gardening…….and so many more outreach opportunities through the Speakers Bureau and Ask a Master Gardener Desk. It has been such a pleasure to work with so many folks who do such marvelous work AND make it look so easy. You are the best and my heartfelt thank you. Linda, President 2009

2010 Annual Awards Celebration and 2009 Class Graduation Wednesday, January 13

Our Denton County Master Gardener Association members and invited guests met for our annual awards and graduation dinner at Celebrations Ballroom in Highland Village on the evening of Wednesday, January 13. It was a fun evening for all, and there was definitely a celebratory at- mosphere as we enjoyed a buffet dinner and the evening’s program. Shelby Kilpatrick was on hand to create a photographic record of the evening’s highlights.

Claude Singer led the program with delivery of the evening’s invocation. Steve Chamblee from Chandor Gardens in Weatherford was our keynote speaker. As always, Steve was informative and entertaining. He is a very popular speaker for DCMGA events.

Linda Williams, 2009 President, took the podium to award the DCMGA second annual Community Partner Award to Dennis’ Farm Store in Denton. Dennis and his wife were on hand as special guests for our celebration. They continue to be strong supporters of DCMGA programs and our membership.

Janet Laminack took the stage to present each of the 2009 graduates with their certificates naming them Denton County Master Gardeners. They are also very happy to receive their “official” name tags in the shape of Texas. The Class of 2009 worked hard, played hard and ac- complished many great achievements during their intern year. Congratulations to our graduates.

Janet presented Linda, our outgoing President, with a silver charm bracelet thanking her for her many contributions to our success in 2009. Linda led our association through a busy and fun year full of accomplishments and great events. Thanks for a great year.

Linda thanked the outgoing Board for their contributions in 2009 and then turned the program over to Connie Gregory, our incoming President. Connie introduced the 2010 board, and they took the oath of office. Thanks to all of you who came out and celebrated a successful 2009. Zoe, President 2008

page 19 FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING!

STATEN ISLAND CHUCK

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (Feb. 2) -- As far as B-list celebrities go, Staten Island Chuck isn't all that fa- mous. He lacks the powerful PR machine of Punxsutawney Phil, America's favorite groundhog, who hails from Pennsylvania. He doesn't have an Army rank and an education, like General Beauregard Lee of Georgia, who holds honorary doctorates from the University of Georgia and Georgia State in "Weather Prognostication" and "Southern Groundology," respectively. And he certainly has not been knighted, as has Sir Walter Wally of North Carolina. No, alas, Staten Island Chuck falls rather ingloriously into the groundhog ranks alongside Buckeye Chuck of Ohio, Tutor of Michigan (who is actually a llama) and Chuckles, Connecticut's resident ro- dent oracle, who suffers from permanent neurological damage. In times past, Chuck has proven himself to be grumpy and irascible. Last year, he used his 30 minutes in front of the cameras to make what some interpreted as a political comment rather than a weather forecast: He bit New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on the finger as he reached into Chuck's burrow to call him to duty.But this Groundhog Day, Staten Island Chuck had New York's rapt attention. Residents across the five bor- oughs hoped he would announce an end to this bitter winter, which has held the city hostage with temperatures hovering around freezing and winds driving cold air through even the most fashionable attire. By some reports, it has been the coldest winter since the 1970s. So as the rest of the country watched their cell phones for a text from media-savvy Punxsutawney Phil, New Yorkers were watching Mayor Bloomberg, hoping, praying that Chuck would soothsay an end to the winter's icy embrace. "It has been a cold winter, but paying this visit to Chuck reminds us that the days are getting longer and spring will be here soon," Bloomberg said before donning thick gloves and turning to meet his former foe. "Chuck, Chuck, Chuck, Chuck," the crowed chanted. But Chuck stayed inside. "Chuck, Chuck, Chuck," the crowd grew stronger. Finally, Chuck lumbered out of his burrow and into Bloomberg's waiting hands. Holding the groundhog in front of him like a dirty diaper, Bloomberg turned to the expectant crowd and announced, "No shadow; spring is coming." The crowd erupted into cheers. Chuck has predicted an early spring every year for the past 10 years. In contrast, his pessimistic neighbor to the west, Punxsutawney Phil, has predicted an early spring only once in the past decade -- in 2007. And today, Phil offered much of the same, telling the crowd gathered on Gobbler's Knob to expect six weeks more of winter. Staten Island Chuck was born -- much like "The Situation" of MTV's "Jersey Shore," starring a few young folks from the borough -- with another name. Officially, he is Charles A. Hogg, son of Chuck G. Hogg Sr. and Charlotte Hogg, according to the Staten Island Zoo where he lives and keeps a home office. Chuck carries the torch of a time-honored tradition that began in the 19th century in Punxsutawney, Pa., where German immigrants had introduced Candlemas, a holiday during which animals predicted whether or not winter would continue. Chuck has been at the job for 29 years and has predicted the weather correctly 22 of those years, giving him a respectable 76 percent accuracy rate. An SILive.com poll revealed that 50 percent of people asked believed Staten Island Chuck was a more accurate weather forecaster than a trained meteorologist. Phil, on the other hand, is right only 39 percent of the time, according to "StormTrax Weather Alma- nac and records dating back to 1887," a local television station in Pennsylvania reported. And, of all the weather-predicting animals in this article, only Chuckles agreed with Phil's prediction today. This morning, under overcast skies, Staten Island Chuck gave New Yorkers one more reason to put their faith in a North American lowland mammal known sometimes as a whistle pig. Or, as Bill Murray said it best in the movie that takes place on this day in some fictional year, ROBIN RED BREASTS "Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on its smiling face a dream ... of spring. FROLICKING IN MY YARD Ciao." Dana Chivvis, contributor, journalist and multi-media writer

page 20 The City of Denton & Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area are offering a quarterly nature series.

On January 30 th, The Clear Creek Nature Series presented Wild Neighbors : Situations & Solutions by Bonnie Bradshaw, Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, Project Wild Facilitator and co-founder of the DFW Wildlife Coalition. Many Master Gardeners made up the group of 30 people who attended this presentation. Braving the cold temperatures everyone enjoyed the informative presentation. Many left with a new respect for opossum and coyotes. Did you know opossum eat snakes like spaghetti?

Upcoming Clear Creek Nature Series programs include: Saving from a Rainy Day-Making a Rain Barrel (ages 18+) Tuesday, April 20, 6-8pm; $50, Course Code #28651 Extension Program Specialist Dr. Dotty Woodson teaches you how to design and install a rainwater harvesting system. This class provides participants the opportunity to construct a 55-gallon rain barrel that is theirs to take home! Meet at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area, 3310 Collins Road, Denton. Master Gardeners will be assisting Dotty, details to follow.

Predators From The Sky ( all ages) Tuesday, April 20, 9am-11am, Free, Course Code #28706 Enjoy a Blackland Prairie Raptor Center presentation, “Predators from the Sky.” Day and night, raptors are on the mission to find their next meal. Discover their unique adaptations to hunt in woodland, wetlands, and prairies. Birds of different species and sizes are used to demonstrate their capabilities. Meet at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area, 3310 Collins Road. Must register to attend.

Urban Bandits (all ages) Saturday, September25, 4pm-6pm, Free, Register July 2010 Learn about rehabilitated raccoons before their release into Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area. Bonnie Bradshaw will once again enlighten us about the wonderful ways of our urban wildlife.

To register call 940-349-7275 or on-line at dentonparks.com. Tracy Durmick

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

page 21 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT CONNIE GREGORY

VICE PRESIDENT MARTIN RICHARDS

SECRETARY SUE HUDIBURGH

TREASURER JOE BENDZICK DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WALLY GEHRKE VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR DONNA WOLFE PUBLICITY/COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR JANIE FARLER DELEGATE-AT-LARGE ANNELL BURNS PAST PRESIDENT LINDA WILLIAMS 2010 COMMITTEE LEADERS

PROJECT MARTIN RICHARDS HOSPITALITY CLARICE LUCE ADMINISTRATOR

WAYS AND MEANS BRENDA WELLENREITER SPEAKERS’ BUREAU ANNIE BRACKIN

RESOURCE ROOM JILL PEAK AWARDS LINDA WILLIAMS

WEBSITE JANIE FARLER SCHOLARSHIP ADELLE PETTY

ROTO TELLER MARY MORROW TECHNOLOGY TBD

PROGRAM CAROL FITCH PUBLICATIONS MARY MORROW

ADVANCED TRAINING MARY KARISH JMG JENNY ESTES

AUDIT PEGGY WIDMER PHOTOGRAPHY MARY MORROW

MENTOR MAURINE LEBEAU HELP DESK ELIZABETH SNAPP

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION LISA VAN HORN ADULT EDUCATION MONIQUE GOODHART

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ROTO TELLER STAFF Zoe Broxson------Class of 2006 Janie Farler...... Class of 2003 Annell Burns ------Class of 2003 Mary Morrow...... Editor...... Class of 2001 Tracy Durmick------Class of 2001 Brent Bloechle...... Class of 2003 Connie Gregory------Class of 2008 Al Kirchhoff ------Class of 2007 Susan Loos------Class of 2009 Maribeth Lynch------Class of 2004 Cindy Reese------Class of 2006 Shirley Singer------Class of 2009 Carolyn Tinner------Class of 2002 Linda Williams ------Class of 2000 We hope you enjoyed your Quarterly ROTO TELLER; let us know what you like and don’t like— E-mail the Editor at [email protected]. Also send suggestions, comments, or questions . page 22