DCM GA
1989-2009 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
TABLE OF VOLUME XII , ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2009
CONTE NTS Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet GARDEN 1 INFOFEST Garden InfoFest NEW KIDS 3 on the BLOCK... The sun was just coming over the tree The usual Garden InfoFest fanfare was tops when out of the shadows a convoy available for all to participate: silent PLANTS, POTS 4 of 50 plus Denton County Master auction treasures, abundant door AND PEOPLE Gardeners filed through the gates of prizes, yummy 4-H food concessions, Upper Trinity Regional Water District. JMG games galore and fabulous shop- BOOK REVIEWS 6 Tucked into their cars and pickups ping. Highlights of the day were found were all kinds of goodies they needed by all inside and outside the venue. DCMGA AWARDS 7 that day. Slowly but surely, they Speakers and DCMGA demonstrations paraded around the highlighting the ‘hot topics’ enticed MINUTES 8 grounds unloading the visitors and kept them spellbound. equipment, setting All around the scene Master Gardeners ASK THE MG 9 up canopies and revealed tools of the trade, declared RIDING THE tables, assembling words of wisdom and instructed intelli- 10 RAILS demonstrations and gently. As the day wore on the wind putting the final began to stir, the clouds began to NEWSY NEWS 11 touches to their designated talents. darken, Master Gardeners loaded up As the sun touched the sky all were their wares and filed out one by one CHRISTMAS ready to greet over 200 visitors from satisfactorily knowing they had 12 LUNCH around the county to share with them fulfilled their mission. everything they wanted to learn about EARTHKIND ‘Water Conservation’ and ‘Fall SPECIALIST 14 TRAINING Vegetable Gardening’ . These topics, chosen early in the planning stages by MEET THE 2010 the members due to their growing BOARD OF 16 DIRECTORS popularity in the community, were the focus of the 2009 Garden InfoFest held PRESIDENT’S 18 on a fabulous fall day in October. CORNER Upon entering GENERAL the gates guests 19 MEETINGS were greeted by Brother Nature COOL SHADE 20 and the sound of FOR 3RD GRADE bubbling water as it cascaded over the DCMGA 20th RETREAT 22 Anniversary Cake Fountain. 2010 BOARD/ See more pictures on Page 2 24 COMMITTEES page 1 2009 GARDEN INFOFEST
FALL VEGETABLE
GARDENING
C O N S W E A R T V E A R T I O N New Kids on the Block... Lots of new faces running around DCMGADCMGA----herehere are a few of their stories...
ANA THOMPSON... for the last two years Marti Wall ... has been living in Denton for has lived in Argyle moving from Rhode Island. She 42 years, living in Gonzales, Tx (South Central) before she landed here. She enjoys all flowers and finds the heat to be a formidable factor when gar- vegetable gardening. Marti plans to install a new dening. Ana’s passion is ROSES, ROSES and ROSES. landscape plan and reduce the amount of turf She has 47 rosebushes in her garden that she area. She has three granddaughters who, so far, planted in 2008. She plans to rework her garden to share her love of plants. employ the best practices and everything she learned in Master Gardener class. IMOGENE AND DON WIER... have Laurel Wallace…lives in the Cross Roads lived in Denton for eight years after making the for the last ten years, coming over from Seal Beach rounds in Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Borger and Odessa, Tx. They find the plants and environment in Southern California. The climate was so mild in different here, but now have the time to work and that part of California Laurel could grow every- learn gardening. Imogene and Don plan to learn thing. She loves all flowers, especially those that how to handle the different environments of sun attract birds and butterflies to her gardens. She and shade in their garden. Don worked for Phillips plans to redo some of her gardens and apply what Petroleum Company and Imogene became familiar she has learned in class. Laurel loves that the re- with land-grant colleges and extension service mainder of her immediate family have found their through 4-H while attending Kansas State. way to Texas.
MARTHA “MARTY’ WINGO... has lived in Denton for the last eight plus years, coming all the way from Frisco! She has a passion for St. Augustine grass, Pecan trees, butterfly gardening and fra- grance in the gardens. She will be redesigning, installing and maintaining 5 different gardening ‘zones’ in her yard after she completes class. Marty is a retired police officer and volunteers as a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate for Denton County Friends of the Family. Her daughter is a 3rd year Veterinary student at A&M, and she has five grandchildren! “Like the musician, the painter, the poet, and the rest, the true lover of flowers is born, not made. And he is born to happiness in this vale of tears, to a certain amount of the purest joy that earth can give her children, joy that is tranquil, innocent, uplifting, unfailing. Given a little patch of ground, with time to take care of it, with tools to work it and seeds to plant in it, he has all he needs.” CELIA THAXTER (1835(1835----1894)1894)
page 3 Plants, Pots and People Gardeners meet at Fairoaks BARBARA BURGIN
A fun time was had by all who attended the 6-pack party at Fairoaks Retirement Community. On Tuesday, October 20th 3 ½ Master Gardeners, 5 ½ members of the Garden Culture Club spent several hours planting daffodils and arranging fall flowers in flower posts and flower beds. (I counted myself as the ½, belonging to both MG’s and the Garden Club).
MG’s and Garden Club members were asked to bring a 6-pack of flowers or a bag of potting soil. They responded with a bounty of flowers and a ton of potting soil. We had flats of pansies, snapdragons, dusty miller, dianthus and mums to plant; we even had several blue- bonnets that were grown from seed by a member of my garden club! We had enough do- nated planting soil to not only refresh the existing pots, but we were able to fill and plant extra flower pots to give to any resident who wanted them.
The Garden Culture Club donated 100 daffodils to Fairoaks. We planted 50 Carlton (large 14- 18"), 25 Jetfire (a miniature 10") and 25 Tete a Tete (a miniature 6"), all solid yellow in color and on the top 10 list for our area. I can hardly wait until this spring when they bloom!
The residents had signed up to have the flowers planted and many came to the potting site to help plant or help in selecting the plants for their pots. Other residents who were not at home or unable to come found their flower pots filled with an assortment of beautiful fall flowers. The weather was windy, but we all had a good time planting and visiting. Three groups of gardeners all working together! If you visit Fairoaks you will see many colorful flower pots proudly displayed on tables, porches and in flower beds.
A special thank you to the gardeners who helped with the fall planting, I couldn’t have done it without you!
Master Gardeners: Wally Gehrke Al Kirchhoff Marry Morris
Garden Culture Club: Charlie Marie Goss Karen Peden Renate Schwalm Susan Thomas Brigitte Yarborough
Garden Club Members who donated soil and flowers but were unable to attend: Gay Lynn Bynum Carol Copeland Marie Harris Linda Mash
Thank you one and all, Barbara
page 4 Plants, Pots and People Pics
TURTLES AND AND BIRDS
DRAGONFLIES
OH MY! FROM AROUND LYNDA HARVEY’S GARDENS
page 5 BOOK REVIEWS BRENT BLOECHLE Compost: The Newspaper Natural Way to Pennies Make Food for Your Cardboard Garden and Eggs for Growing a by Ken Thompson Better Garden
DK Publishing, 2007 By Roger Yepsen With all of those leaves blowing around your yard and neighborhood, it is time to gather them up and put them to good Tips, tips, and more tips, over 400 use in your yard. hundred great ideas for a better garden using simple to follow suggestions. The Ken Thompson provides a useful guide for growing and fertilizing suggestions are the gardener to use in creating compost organic. for their home landscape. The author takes you step by step from what The broad topics covered are: material to use to how to use it in your Seed Starting and Saving garden. About a third of the book covers Planting and Transplanting what compost is, how it is created from Soil, Compost, and Fertilizing the breakdown of organic matter, and Weeds and What to Do about Them what organic matter you should use for Getting a Leg Up on Pests and successful composting. A wide selection Diseases of compost bins and piles is covered with The Vegetable Plot the pluses and minuses of each dis- Flowers in Beds and Plots cussed. When you have successfully cre- Growing and Enjoying Herbs ated compost, the author details how it Tools, Supports, and Storage can be used in the landscape, in potting Out in the Yard or as a soil amendment. This is a great guide for helping an individual with a You can open this book up and find garden understand how to recycle their something interesting on every page. yard waste, rather than sending it to the There are many, many fun garden landfill or burning it. activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
page 6
Tear out sheet and bring with you to the Christmas lunch on Dec 9 Select one name from each category:
VETERANS • Educator Award: Someone who has shared their knowledge with the rest of our group or the public at large. Is generous with time and knowledge. NOMINEES: Joanne Fellows, Mary Morrow, Jenny Estes • Project Manager Award: A project manager who stands out as organized, keeping projects moving, meeting goals, available to those serving be that public or other members. Someone who you would like to learn from when it comes to leading a project. NOMINEES: Barbara Burgin, Monique Goodhart, Jenny Estes • Special Merit Award: Someone who always seems to be there doing the right thing at the right time – doesn’t necessarily take a leadership role, but who you can count on. NOMINEES: Carolyn Tinner, Mary Morrow, Donna Wolfe, Sandy Reed, Joan Stanley, Susan Kilpatrick • Long Term Service Award: NOMINEE: Joan Stanley
INTERNS • Special Educator (INTERN): NOMINEES: Martin Richards • Project Manager (INTERN) NOMINEES: Susan Loos • Special Merit Award (INTERN) NOMINEES: Ana Thompson, Diana McMillin, Susan Loos, Shirley Singer
OTHER • Community Partner Award: A person or organization in one of our communities who stands out as a partner of DCMGA and who works with us to advance our mission. Keep Denton Beautiful, Denton DISD, Dennis Feed Store, Trinity United Methodist Church
page 7 DENTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING October 7, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER President Linda Williams called the DCMGA Board of Directors meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. at the Texas Agrilife Extension office in Denton, TX. In attendance were Janet Laminack, Annell Burns, Maurine LeBeau, Carolyn Tinner, Connie Gregory, Sandy Hiatte, Linda Williams, Donna Wolfe, Brenda Wellenreiter, Lucille Del Vecchio, Shirley Manfredi, Martin Richards, Sue Hudiburgh, Janie Farler, Mary Morrow, Wally Gehrke, and Patsy Day. II. MINUTES Minutes for September Board meeting were forwarded to the Board via e-mail. Minutes were accepted as presented. III. TREASURER’S REPORT Shirley Manfredi, DCMGA Treasurer submitted report. Report was accepted as presented. Shirley also presented the financial report from the Garden InfoFest. Most of the income came from the fee for vendor booths. Event came in within budget however income did not cover costs. IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Project Administration —Connie Gregory submitted report. Cool Shade for the Third Grade is on track. Volunteers will bag trees on October 21 at Lucille Del Vecchio’s house. Trees will be distributed to LISD Third Graders on October 22 nd and 23 rd . Project Manager Meeting was a non-event. Project Manag- ers need to get in their annual Project Renewal forms. Upper Trinity Water District is proposing a new project for the Master Gardeners. It is being renamed the Tho- mas E Taylor Water District and the garden is being named the Nancy Tam Garden. Nancy wants to designate a part of the garden as a Master Gardener garden. We would serve as consultants to the project and the Upper Trinity Landscape crew would provide the work. Sandy Hiatte made a motion to participate in this project. Carolyn Tinner seconded the motion. There was discussion of the motion. Motion passed unanimously. B. Ways & Means — Sandy Read was not in attendance. No report was submitted. C. Communications —Lucille Del Vecchio submitted report. Distributed a listing of media in which info about the Fall InfoFest was placed. There was paid advertising in the Denton Record Chronicle. Lucille wants to create a time line calendar so that advertising for events can be submitted on a timely basis. Linda Williams requested Connie Gregory to put together a list of projects that need a notebook of process in order to produce their event. Gathering this information would be a start towards creating Lucille’s proposed time line. Need to submit a paid advertisement for the Round-Up. We currently have 29 applications for the 2010 class in hand we will continue to take applications for the 25 class slots. D. Programs —Carolyn Tinner submitted report. Originally scheduled topic for next week’s general meeting is no longer available. Zoe Broxson will be presenting the program. General meeting is an evening meeting with Meet-N-Greet starting at 6:30 p.m. E. Member-at-Large —Brenda Wellenreiter submitted report. Proposed By-Laws changes passed at the September General Meeting. Proposed hand books were distributed for comment. Handbook issue will be addressed after the first of the year. F. Report from the County Coordinator —Janet Laminack submitted report. She wants to do a short video presentation at the annual Commissioner’s Break- fast in December. Requested photos in order to put something together. Mary Morrow will assist her in accessing the organization photo files. G. Volunteer Coordinator —Donna Wolfe submitted report. Currently 29 applications for the 25 slots of the 2010 class. H. Nominating Committee —Connie Gregory submitted report. Connie organized a nominating committee by inviting a representative from each class. She publicly thanked those people who actually served on the Committee—Peggy Durrett; Pam McClimon; Barbara Burgin; and Nancy Ross. This slate will be an- nounced at the next general meeting for voting at the November general meeting. E-mail notice will be sent out to the membership. Connie presented the slate of nominees for the 2010 Board: President Connie Gregory Secretary Sue Hudiburgh Vice-President Martin Richards Treasurer Joe Bendzick Director of Education Wally Gehrke Delegate-at-Large Annell Burns Director of Comm. Lucille Del Vecchio Past President Linda Williams I. Class of 2010 —Zoe Broxson was not in attendance. Janet Laminack reported that class preparation is going well. First class begins Tuesday, February 2, 2010. J. Leadership Class —Linda Williams submitted report. Thirty-one people participated in the leadership class held on September 23. Class went very well. It was a “great class”. The instructor, Monica Santiago, was a delight. There is a second portion of this class that can be presented at a later date, if we wish to do this. Suggestion was made to have Monica come to do a Board Training for the new Board. Discussion ensued as to whether we want to create a Blue Ribbon panel to come up with recommendations for changes in our organization. Do we want to make cultural changes in our organization? What do we want to be when we grow up or do we feel grown up? K. Grant Presentation —IBM has a grant program in support of non-profit organizations. Sue Hudiburgh, a former IBM employee, submitted a grant proposal on behalf of the DCMGA. Sue presented Linda Williams a check in the amount of $1,000 from IBM. This money will go toward the purchase of an enviroscape. This is the second year in a row we have been awarded this grant. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS/GROUP DISCUSSION A. Fall InfoFest —Linda Williams submitted report. Annual Fall InfoFest held this past Saturday, October 3. Considered it a successful event. We had 204 attendees. There will be a debriefing meeting at Mary Morrow’s house November 2 from 12-3. Need to let Mary know if you are coming and bring a covered dish for lunch. Linda Williams and Donna Wolfe will be supplying chili for the attendees. B. Water Barrel Class —Linda Williams submitted report. Only four people have signed up for the class. Look at this as a spring class to capture the rains. C. Demonstration Garden —Linda Williams and Janet Laminack submitted report. Linda and Janet made presentation to the Commissioners Court this past month and got unanimous approval for the donation of the land for the demonstration garden. The next Demonstration Garden Planning Meeting will be prior to the general meeting on October 14. D. Round-Up —Linda Williams submitted report. The annual Round-Up will be held on October 21 from 10-12 at the Extension Office. Some discussion of Agenda and program ensued. Four teams of two were formed to conduct interviews in early November. E. Retreat —Connie Gregory submitted report. The annual planning Retreat will be held on November 18 from 10-1 at Upper Trinity. There will be a Con- tinental Breakfast starting at 9:30 a.m. F. Awards —Linda Williams submitted report. Linda will ask at next week’s general meeting for nominations for organization awards. G. 2009 Christmas Party —Linda Williams submitted report. Zoe Broxson has secured Ben E. Keith community room for the Christmas party on Dec. 9. Anyone who wants can bring a centerpiece to decorate the tables. Discussion centered on bringing a donation of some sort for a children’s charity rather than doing the gift exchange. Research of organizations we want to donate and recommendations at the November Board Meeting. H. Graduation —Annell Burns and Maurine LeBeau submitted report. Graduation to be held on January 13, 2010. Annell and Maurine have done some research into rooms and caterer for the event. Suggested Metropolitan Caterers in Denton. The cost of the meal would be $31-$33. Lucille Del Vecchio made a motion graduation be held at Metropolitan Caterers. Brenda Wellenreiter seconded the motion. Discussion followed, motion passed unanimously. It was decided that the organization would pick up the cost of the audio-visual needs for the event. Steve Chamblee will be the speaker at the event. I. December Board Meeting —The December Board Meeting will be held at Linda’s house on December 2 at 10:00 a.m. J. Arboretum Day —Linda Williams submitted report. Arboretum Day will be held on November 7 from 9 to 3. It means free admission for all Master Gardeners. It is like an Ask a Master Gardener booth on steroids. Do we want to participate this year? Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
I have several limbs with mistletoe I would like to grind up and use for mulch, do I need to cut out the mistletoe first or if I leave attached do I need to compost it for a year before I can use?
There is absolutely no risk of infection, you may grind up limbs and mistletoe and use as mulch per Dave Appel, Dept. of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, TAMU.
What varieties of peaches can we grow in Denton County?
According to John Cooper, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Emeritus, these are the best varieties for Denton County: 'Sentinel’, ‘Harvester’, ‘Red Globe’, ‘Milam’, ‘Loring’, ‘Dixiland’, ‘Redskin’, ‘Surecrop’, ‘Jefferson’, and ‘Belle of Georgia.' However, before planting peach trees, read the fruit/nut spray schedule so that you will know what to expect. Peaches are not the easiest fruit to grow here, but if you can, you are quite a gardener! The average number of chilling hours for Denton County is around 875,i.e., 825-925, but for all practical purposes regarding fruit trees, you can go with 750-950 which biases toward having enough chilling rather than not getting enough, which is safer for the trees. This wider bracket allows you to include more varieties many of which are very good for our area.
The links below are to John's article "Fruits Thrive in North Texas," the Fruit and Nut Spray schedule, and a list of chilling hours required for different varieties: http://dcmga.com/Fruits%20Thrive%20In%20North%20Texas.htm http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/b-5041.html http://www.ces/ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-327.html
Help! I have asps falling out of my trees, stinging my kids and dogs. What can I do?
A: We have had several reports of puss moth caterpillars, also known as asps, this year. They are not usually harmful to the trees, but their stings are painful. Use products containing Bacillus thuringiensis or carbaryl for control. Bacillus products are most effective on the smaller stages of the caterpillars. Always read and follow label instructions carefully. Source: http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/IPM/Landscape/F1/nStingingCaterpillars.htm
Q&A submitted by Janie Farler from the Ask a MG desk and photo submitted by Clarice Luce.
page 9 ALL ABOARD FOR THE SPRING TRIP MAY 18, 19, 20, 2010 RIDING THE RAILS RIDING THE RAILS is a cross curriculum field trip designed to teach science, reading and math through an outdoor learning environment. It began in the spring of 2007. It has expanded to eight learning stations with each learning station using the JMG activities as a guide. The first Riding the Rails brought 35 at risk reading students to the garden but through the recent SWAT training with DISD as partners we will reach 600 students this school year alone. This Fall we serviced 305 students from DISD despite the cold rainy weather and several postponements. Thank you for your support of this project. It cannot be done without your support both fi- nancially and service hours. In the Spring,( May 18, 19 and 20) we will once again Ride the Rails and bring 295 more students into the garden experience. Due to the large number of students several of our stations needed help through donations. Sav-On Pharmacy donated 400 pill bottles/caps and Lowe's reduced the cost of tubing less than half for the Bug aspirator station. Some of the pictures included in this article show our support of their donations. Listed below are the eight Learning Stations and the educational empha- sis. Note that the teacher designation corresponds to the SWAT training where the classroom teachers attend a 3 day summer training and then are given the reward of bringing their students to Riding the Rails. These teachers lead the designated stations at Riding the Rails. Also DISD pays for the school buses that bring the students to our project. Station 1: JMG activity: Math Connection/Train Demonstration/Small Plants - ESTES FAMILY Vocabulary Word: Calculate Engage and Explore practical application of metric system Station 2: JMG activity: Gas Gobblers – TEACHER Vocabulary Words: Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Engage and Explore the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange between plants/people Station 3: JMG activity: Brainteaser: “What plant has eyes?”-TEACHER Vocabulary Word: Modified Stem Engage and Explore potato, how to plant/uniqueness (modified stem not a root) Station 4: JMG activity: Make & Take Sombreros-TEACHER Vocabulary Word: Nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium) Engage and Explore plant needs Station 5: JMG activity: Read Tops & Bottoms Book -TEACHER Vocabulary Word: Compare, Summarize Explore, Explain and Extend compare/summarize w/Tops & Bottoms/ Tortoise & the Hare Station 6: JMG activity: Carnivorous Plants-MG/MN Vocabulary Word: Carnivorous Engage and Explore venus fly trap’s and pitcher plant’s carnivorous nature. Station 7: JMG activity: Suck A Bug – TEACHER Vocabulary Word: Bug Aspirator Engage and Explore the scientist’s use of a bug aspirator. Students make a bug aspira- tor to take back to school to use in future science discovery lessons. Station 8: JMG activity: Beak Tools –MG/MN Vocabulary Word: Habitat Engage and Explore bird’s beaks in relationship to food source. There are so many ways to participate in this project. I hope if you have not been a part of the Riding the Rails Team that you will consider joining us for the Spring trip,: May 18, 19 and 20, 2010 Jenny Estes Project Leader
jnellieestes @yahoo.com
940-271-1402
Denton County Master Gardener Association receives $1,000.00 grant from IBM
Sue Hudiburgh, IBM retiree, made this opportunity possible for the second year in a row. The grant was received for the purchase of an ENVIROSCAPE, a learning tool that is a demonstration of "watershed management" in an urban community. This tool will be used by Master Gardeners to demonstrate to and educate various civic groups, schools, and at speaking engagements throughout Denton County.
SPEAKER’S BUREAU Want to share your love of gardening with others? The Speaker's Bureau is looking for Y-O-U. We have had 44+ speaking events this year. For more information contact: Annie Brackin Speaker's Bureau Chairman [email protected]
SPRING GARDEN TOUR AND PLANT SALE An indication that plans are being made for an upcoming important gathering is often communicated with a ‘Save the Date’ notice. The date is May 8, 2010. Even though we haven’t reached this year’s winter season, it is almost time to begin plans for the Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale we hold every May. Susan Loos and Carolyn Tinner agreed to co-chair this event and will start the wheels turning in earnest in January; so be looking for more details then. Four Master Gardener members have volunteered their gardens to date and there is hope for one more to turn up. The plant sale will be the biggest yet. Yes, it is way early to start thinking about something that we do in May, but how else can we guarantee the great outcome we have become known to deliver?
The longest dry spell of record in the U.S. commenced as Bagdad, Ca. went 767 days without rain.
page 11 HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER 9 11:00AM BEN E KEITH THE HOSPITALITY ROOM 2801 S I -35E in Denton TAKE AIRPORT RD EXIT
Bring a covered dish, holiday centerpiece and your gift for the children
AVACADO AND CORN SALSA 2 cups fresh or frozen corn heated in microwave From the kitchen of Tina and Joe Bohn until tender crisp (Cooled)
Ingredients Salt & Pepper to taste Juice from ½ lime
½ Medium Red onion diced Mix all ingredients and serve 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro Note: Makes an excellent topping for grilled 1 8 oz ripe avocado diced chicken breast, fajitas or Chili
Jingle Bells...Merry Elves Master Gardener Christmas Party December 9, 2009 Ben E. Keith Hospitality Room 11:00 until 1:00
All Master Gardeners, Veterans and Interns , are invited to participate in our Annual Christmas Party
We are doing something different this year --- We are bringing PJ’s and Undies (new, leave tags on, include Christmas tree tag) to Children at Denton Pre School and Tree House School At our last General Meeting you may have picked up a Christmas tree tag indicating what to bring, if not, bring a gift card (Minimum of $10) and we will pass it along or contact Annell Burns or Maurine LeBeau.
In the event that you feel as though “What’s the use, if there isn’t a gift exchange?” We have a couple of surprises for you. Do bring a dish to share, a Christmas centerpiece and Holiday SpiritSpirit---- There will be games and a prize or two. And remember it is time to vote for the DCMGA Members Award election… You won’t want to miss out on the fun and fellowship (and the good food). See you there………Linda Williams
page 13 National Earth-Kind™ Specialist Training Environmental Stewardship Shirley Manfredi
The Earth-Kind™ Environmental Landscape Management System revolves around two criti- cal considerations: 1. The intelligent selection of adapted plant cultivars with very strong genetics (the Earth-Kind™ Rose Research Program). 2. The creation of a healthy and environmentally sound growing medium (the Earth-Kind™ Environmental Soil Management Program).
I recently had the opportunity to attend the National Earth-Kind™ Specialist Training when it was held in Ft. Worth. Denton County’s allotted two positions were filled with myself from Pilot Point and Lynda Harvey from Flower Mound. Other attendees came from as far as Cor- pus Christi and Odessa and as close as Collin and Dallas Counties.
The quality of speakers was outstanding: Steve Chaney, CEA Horticulture, Tarrant County; Gaye Hammond, Houston Rose Society; Mark Chamblee, Chamblee Rose Nursery, Tyler, TX; and Garey Wylie, Master Gardener, Johnson County, to name a few.
Much to everyone’s disappointment, Dr. Steve George, Texas Agrilife Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist, Dallas, had to cancel at the last moment due to illness. Dr. George’s passion, enthusiasm and immense knowledge were greatly missed. However, Steve, Gaye, Mark and Garey rallied, adjusted the agenda and covered very nicely.
Fortunately, I have heard Dr. George speak a number of times. For those who are not aware, Dr. George is referred to as the father of Earth-Kind™. As the story goes, he was explaining to his wife the direction that this program was taking when, at one point, she used the term earth kind . Dr. George latched on to it and then Texas AgriLife carried it forward ultimately making it a trademark.
The Earth-Kind™ concept is not just about roses. Its goal is “for Americans to enjoy beauti- ful, productive landscapes requiring only minimal maintenance while providing maximum pro- tection for the environment”. It is based on the combination of the best of organic and tradi- tional gardening and landscaping techniques as well as a research-proven system based on real- world effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
While space here is too limited for great detail, the following are a few highlights. • This program, conducted by scientists with Texas AgriLife Extension, an agency of The Texas A&M University System, is the largest rose research program in the country. • Only those cultivars which survive rigorous research and testing including no spraying, no fertilizing, little pruning and greatly reduced watering once the root system is established, receive the coveted Earth-Kind™ label.
page 14 • This process is consumer driven. There are literally millions of people who would like to grow roses but few, including me, have the time or the inclination to tend them and even fewer are willing to spray. • At their request, this program has been rolled out to other countries with currently 39 now conducting their own research in a like manner. • Because of this program, there is a rejuvenation of roses being seen nationwide. • There is a definite consumer savings not only in money but also in water and time.
As rose trials continue with more cultivars being added, the process is in the planning stage to incorporate research trials on other plants such as herbs and perennials.
Growing Medium
The common thread throughout this program, no matter the plant, is the Earth-Kind™ Environ- mental Soil Management Program which is the creation of a healthy and environmentally sound growing medium.
Again, due to limited space, the simple basics: • Proper bed preparation, based upon the type of soil involved, incorporates 3” of fully fin- ished compost and if clay soil, includes 3” of expanded shale. • Top dress with 3-4” of large-chipped hardwood mulch. Replenish at least once if not twice a year as the mulch composts maintaining a 3-4” depth. • Utilize drip or soaker hose irrigation.
I can personally attest to just how well this works but I arrived at it from a different direction. In starting my rose beds some years back, I determined that buying bagged mulch would be too expensive. Remembering that my Arborist had once told me that tree/leaf clippings made great mulch, I contacted the tree trimming company just down the road and had them drop off a truckload of chipped trees and leaves. I mulched 3-5” deep and continued to top dress yearly as it decomposed. These companies look for places to offload their clippings. I hope that as this concept grows, they never realize just how wonderful a product they have and start charg- ing for it.
As I dig into those beds now, five years later, it is amazing how fertile the soil is. It is so easy to dig in and many more earthworms inhabit the area. Just think, if I had known then what I know now about proper bed preparation how much further ahead I would be. Ah well, life is about learning.
Hopefully this has provided more insight into the Earth-Kind™ Environmental Landscape Management System. Not only is it helpful to us as gardeners but it is also environmentally friendly and contributes to savings in many areas.
The local research trial sites in Addison and especially Farmers Branch have embraced this concept and are well worth seeing. More seminar detail is available on these subjects as well as Dr. Buck, his roses and his contribution to many of our Earth-Kind™ cultivars. I can be reached at [email protected] or 940-365-3193 for questions or just to chat about this wonder- ful movement. In addition, a wealth of information about the Earth-Kind™ concept is avail- able on the aggie.horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind website.
page 15 MEET THE 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connie Gregory (Class of ’08), a Denton County resident since 1989, is currently 1 st Vice President and Project Administrator. She coordi- nated the outdoor learning activity area for Infofest 2008, chaired Ticket Sales and co-chaired Plant Sale for Spring Tour 2009 and par- ticipated in the recent by-law revision. She has a BA in French and Secondary Education and has been married to Chris for 40 years. They have one grown son. PRESIDENT
Martin Richards (Class of ’09) Georgia-born, retired professor of Infor- mation Systems Management at the UNT, holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Georgia. He also has experience as a police officer and deputy sheriff. Martin has gardened since childhood and lived in Denton since 1984. As an Intern, he has been active with the “Veggie Group”, presented a booth on winter vegetable gardening at the Fall Infofest and was project manager for the Children’s Garden. He is particularly inter- ested in water-wise cultivation practices and rainwater harvesting. Martin and his wife of 23 years, Ginny (Class of ’92), volunteer with the Denton County Medical Reserve Corp. VICE PRESIDENT
Susan Hudiburgh (Class of ’08) a native Dallasite, retired two years ago from IBM, where she was a programmer for 25 years. Sue has done extensive work on rainwater retrieval and presented booths at both Infofest 2008 and 2009. She is a talented graphic designer and is responsible for Tour and Infofest posters. She has also secured two IBM Grants for DCMGA. Her favorite thing about Master Gardeners is working with fellow members on projects, especially digging in the dirt. Her other volunteer activities include Habitat for Humanity, Friends of the Carrollton Library and Greater Lewisville Cares. She is married and has one daughter who lives in Los Angeles and is a grad student at USC. SECRETARY
Joe Bendzick (Class of ’08) grew up near LeSueur, MN on a small fam- ily farm. He holds a BA in business administration with an emphasis on accounting from St. Cloud State College. He built, owned and op- erated multi-family properties in Denton from 1973-2000. As a Master Gardener, Joe has participated in the Vegetable Shows in 2008 and 2009, worked on securing and handling vendors at the Infofests both years and helped prepare saplings for distribution to elementary schools. He and his wife Mary are active in local organizations. TREASURER
page 16 MEET THE 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wally Gehrke (Class of ’08), a farm boy from North Central Iowa, worked all his adult life, except for two years in the Army and one year of teaching high school science, in the telephone indus- try. While working full-time, he earned BA degree from the Univer- sity of Northern Iowa. He retired at the end of 2007 after 21 years as an engineer/manager for Texas Instruments' internal telephone systems. Wally is married with two adult children and two grand- sons. His emphasis as a Master Gardener is on effectively presenting gardening techniques to potential future gardeners. Among his presentations are a Show and Tell for Infofest 2008 about turf and a Square Foot Garden Show and Tell for the 2009 Spring Garden EDUCATION Tour, which he has since presented several additional times. With each presentation, he strives to enlighten and spark interest in a larger number of people. He hopes to engage many more of our members to become active participants in the various excellent programs that the Denton County Master Gardener Association provides to educate Denton County Residents.
Lucille DelVeccio (Class of ’06) is currently Communication Director and has been responsible for fulfilling the publicity needs of the organization. She holds a Masters degree in Education, is a realtor and Texas Real Estate Instructor.
COMMUNICATIONS
Annell Burns (Class ’03) has served three years as project manager for the Speaker’s Bureau, one year as the monthly Program direc- tor, and has mentored six interns. An alumna of SMU, Annell has lived in North Texas since 1990 with her husband, Leo. She has daughters in Arizona and Florida and two grandchildren. Her “live- in children” now include three dogs, three cats and two cockatiels. Consequently, Leo no longer lets her go near any animal adoption facilities! She has found being a DCMG one of the most fulfilling experiences DELEGATE AT LARGE of her life.
DONNA WOLFE LINDA WILLIAMS (CLASS OF 1996) (CLASS OF 2000) VOLUNTEER PAST PRESIDENT COORDINATOR
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SUSAN LOOS As the lead on this project I was tasked with providing 3,000 trees to the third grade children of Denton county. As an intern, this was my first project. While doing the trees for the Arbor day project, I knew I wanted to pursue Cool Shade. Seeing the excitement on the kids faces while distributing the trees is what sold me. My co-leader, Susan Mus- grave, sent out the e-mails to the schools and told them of our plan to distribute again this year. The schools responded to me with their head counts and times that would be best for them. This process took quite awhile and many e-mails back and forth. After getting all the schools and counts, it was schedul- ing time. I grouped them by cities over the two day period we had designated as delivery dates. With many schedules, tree counts, school lists and kids, I was ready for the daunting volunteer requests. I needed a bunch of peo- ple to bag and almost as many to deliver. Everyone I called to help me did just that. It was amazing how many people showed up for bagging, came dry and left soaked to the bone. It was wet and crazy but came off in record time. The people who were bagging and deliver- ing took their trees with them and the others came by and picked theirs up. This project was a success because of the many people that worked together to get it done. This project had some stressful moments but I would have to say it was very "cool".
By Keith Magee Assistant Editor— PILOT POINT POST—SIGNAL Brockett Elementary School third graders literally became “tree huggers” last week during a “Cool Shade for the Third Grade” program last Friday. The program, sponsored by several organizations, helps to educate third graders about the important role trees play in the planet’s environment. And they really did get to hug a tree, so to speak. Sara Roland of Pilot Point was part of the program, and she was dressed as a tree. That prompted many of the students to want to get a hug from the tree. “The children get so excited over a tree,” said Sandy Read, one of the program presenters. “We are teaching them about the outdoors and growing things.” The program includes information about how trees clean the air and water as well as provide food and shelter for animals and humans. This year, the program was presented in 26 schools throughout Denton County during a two-day period last Thursday and Friday. They also visited Monaco Elementary School on Friday in Providence Village. “We’ve been doing this for five years,” Read said. The group also visited Pilot Point Intermediate School last year. The program was a collaborative effort by the Denton Soil and Water Conservation District, Upper Trinity Regional Water District, Denton County Master Gardener Association, Denton County Master Natu- ralist and the Dallas Morning News . After the program, each student received a tree to plant. They were told they could plant them at home or they could donate the tree to a friend, neighbor, school or church. All in all, 3,000 trees were given to Denton County students. It wasn’t an easy chore for the group. “We were bagging 3,000 trees Wednesday in the rain,” Read said. page 18
COOL SHADE 3RD GRADERS SHOW THEIR THANKS FOR THE TREES
HAPPY TRAILS SANDY AT OUR MEETING IN NOVEMBER WE BID FAREWELL TO SANDY HIATTE. SANDY BECAME A MAS- TER GARDENER IN 2003. SHE SOON GOT ON BOARD LITERALLY BECOMING 2nd VICE PRESIDENT IN 2004, THEN ON TO 1ST VICE PRESIDENT IN 2005, PRESIDENT IN 2006 AND ONCE AGAIN SHE VOLUNTEERED TO BE PRESIDENT FOR 2007. SANDY AND HER HUS- BAND, PAT, ARE RETIRING TO ST JOSEPH, MISSOURI, WHERE THEY HAVE BUILT THEIR DREAM HOME. EVERYONE ENJOYED CAKE AND SOME SPARKLING CIDER AS THEY BID WELL WISHES SANDY’S WAY. SHE WAS PRESENTED WITH A GIFT MADE BY JANIE FARLER NAMED “MEMORY LANE”. IT CHRONICLED THE JOURNEY SHE HAS MADE WITH US THROUGH THE MASTER GAR- DENER PROGRAM AND EVERYTHING SHE WILL MISS ABOUT LIVING IN TEXAS! SHE ALSO RECEIVED GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ROSES AND BULBS FROM THE CREW TO START HER NEW GARDEN! WE WISH SANDY AND PAT THE BEST AND WE WILL MISS YOU, COME BACK TO SEE US SOMETIME, YA HEAR...
page 19 It is that time of the year……time for the Holidays, time for planning next year, time for celebrating our achievements, time for setting new goals.
Just came back from President Elect Connie Gregory’s retreat – much to be said, some good thoughts to go forward with, some housekeeping to be done. It should be interesting in 2010 and I am sure it will be fun.
Rather than celebrate the achievements of 2009, I would like to say THANK YOU….there will be a more formal time, but to all of you who have gone the distance, given of yourselves and dared to think new thoughts –Please accept my gratitude.
We have some great things on the horizon. A demo garden to plan and begin working on, SWaT, Water Harvesting opportunities, a new class to bring along, enjoy and to learn from. We have graduation of interns and installation of 2010 Officers on January 13.
There will be new opportunities forthcoming from Texas Master Gardeners; Charters to be signed with each Association and Insurance issues to be followed up on, just to name a few.
There will be a State conference in Dallas in the Spring. For those of you who have never gone to a conference, what a nice opportunity to see what it is all about and how Denton stacks up as an Association without incurring the costs of an overnight stay. For others it will be a good time to renew old acquaintances and make a few new ones.
So, whatever your reason for celebrating or reviewing…..take a few minutes to think about what role you want to play in Master Gardeners and how you can be an engine of change for the better……….
Happy Holidays to you and yours, Linda
page 20 DCMGA MEETINGS
JANUARY 13TH, 6:30 PM
2010 ANNUAL DINNER
& GRADUATION FOR
THE CLASS OF 2009
CELEBRATIONS BALLROOM, HIGHLAND VILLAGE
FEBRUARY 10, 2010 9:00 AM RANDY WESTON WESTON GARDENS
page 21 Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 26 members of DCMGA met for our An- nual Retreat at the Upper Trinity Water District in Lewisville. The theme of the Retreat this year was “Ready - Aim- Fire!” After a continental breakfast and social time from 9:30 to 10:00am, the meeting began with our President, Linda William’s power point presen- tation of our progress in the last year vis-à-vis the issues raised at the Retreat in 2008. This is where we are now – “The Gun at the Ready ”. After a break, the “ Aim ” was discussed, namely, where do we want to go. The major elements of the discussion focused on Pro- jects and Fund Raising Project issues addressed included reviewing current projects, revising and simplifying the project initiation process and possibly establishing a standing committee, chaired by the Project Administra- tor (Vice President), one other Board Member (to be de- termined), and several non-board members (3 minimum) to review proposals and, with the approval of the Agent, present them to the general membership to determine their level of support. Fund raising issues were discussed as a function of our need to operate in the black on a regular basis and simultaneously diversify our “portfolio” as we go forward, to support our continued educational out- reach as both our organization and the population of Denton County continue to grow. Participants also offered many valuable suggestions on additional topics. One proposal would expand the scope of the membership renewal proc- ess to include a requirement that members commit specific numbers of service hours to projects of their choice on an annual basis as they re- new their membership. The intent of this modification is to enhance the process of recruitment and allocation of volunteers for each project al- lowing us to focus in each case only on those individuals who have “signed up”. Other discussion centered on how our newsletter, the Rototeller, now functions, in terms of frequency, length and method of distribu- tion. Suggestions were made that it might be more effective if pub- lished more frequently in a shorter format and that perhaps a semi- annual expanded edition might be introduced. There was also discussion about publishing on-line v. sending the Rototeller snail mail.
page 22 After all the previous discussion and an- other break, and the moderator suggested the formation of two ad-hoc committees: one to brain-storm on project related issues to be chaired by the new VP, (project man- ager); the other to do the same regarding fund-raising activities, chaired by the new President. A minimum of three participants from the general membership will be needed to participate in each committee. It is expected that these ad- hoc committees will make recommendations in mid-February, 2010, which can be brought to the general membership for discussion. This represents the “ Fire ” portion of the theme. Participants also suggested the formation of an additional ad-hoc com- mittee to review the number of service hours currently required of cer- tified members. The meeting adjourned on schedule at 1 pm. It was a gratifying, productive exchange of thoughts and ideas. The creativity and openness of our mem- bers continually amazes me. This will be a challenging and exciting year. Thanks to all of you who were able to take advantage of the opportunity to attend and be heard. Keep talking to me. Connie Gregory President-Elect
Dear friends and fellow Master Gardeners, Today we shared a wonderful, open and productive event. Having never directed anything remotely like this before, I was full of apprehension. But all of you brought so much to this process and were entirely open in sharing your thoughts, that my fears were allayed. I cannot thank you enough for the extraordinary level of your participation and great suggestions. We have many opportunities to pursue and I am encouraged by your response. I would far rather address each of you individually, but I must ask your indulgence, since I am about tapped out right now, BUT I could not let this day pass without ex- pressing my appreciation for what you have brought to the table. Let us move forward together to enhance the growth and educational outreach of the DCMGA in service to the people of Denton County. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be grateful for- and all of you are among those for whom I am giving thanks. God bless. Connie:)
page 23 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 LUCILLE DEL VECCHIO DELEGATE-AT-LARGE ANNELL BURNS PAST PRESIDENT LINDA WILLIAMS 2010 COMMITTEE LEADERS
PROJECT MARTIN RICHARDS HOSPITALITY ADMINISTRATOR
WAYS AND MEANS SPEAKERS’ BUREAU ANNIE BRACKIN
RESOURCE ROOM AWARDS LINDA WILLIAMS
WEBSITE JANIE FARLER SCHOLARSHIP
ROTO TELLER MARY MORROW TECHNOLOGY LUCILLE DEL VECCHIO
PROGRAM PUBLICATIONS MARY MORROW
ADVANCED TRAINING MARY KARISH JMG JENNY ESTES
AUDIT PHOTOGRAPHY
MENTOR MAURINE LEBEAU HELP DESK ELIZABETH SNAPP
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION LISA VAN HORN ADULT EDUCATION MONIQUE GOODHART
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ROTO TELLER STAFF Barbara Burgin------Class of 2007 Janie Farler...... Class of 2003 Jennie Estes ------Class of 2007 Mary Morrow...... Editor...... Class of 2001 Connie Gregory------Class of 2008 Brent Bloechle...... Class of 2003 Susan Loos------Class of 2009 Diana McMillin...... Class of 2009 Shirley Manfredi ------Class of 2008 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 .
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