The Group

I love this planet.  Not only do I love the diversity of its’ people, but also its’ animal and plant life.  I am intrigued by the fact that the sky appears blue even though air is transparent.  I am mesmerized by birds flying fearlessly hundreds, maybe even thousands of feet in the air, and wonder what they see and how it feels to have nothing under foot.   Water, whether in the form of oceans, lakes, rivers or small ponds, holds a particular fascination for me.  I feel an intense connection to  water, a need to be around it, to feel it, touch it and listen to the soothing sounds of waves as they make their journey to shore or cascading over rocks in a woodland creek. I love flowers, with their infinite colors and shapes.  I am amazed at all of the different critters attracted to the different eco-systems found in my own small yard. I like to feel dirt trickling through my fingers and observe the different creatures and insects that call it home.

Why am I telling you these things?  I confess that this is what drew me to the Master Gardener program, the opportunity to learn how to preserve our natural treasures because I see how we take it for granted.  We are destroying this gift, plastic bottle by plastic bottle, chemical by chemical, shopping mall by shopping mall, often without even realizing the ultimate consequences.  Deer and squirrels are considered pests if they eat our plants, when in reality, it is us, who have invaded their home and continually push them closer and closer into oblivion. Someday, our descendents will only see them in old pictures. I felt if I could learn how to construct and maintain a planet friendly yard, I could at least preserve my immediate environment and in some small way, encourage others to do the same.

I am interested in any organization with similar concerns and goals and thirst to know more about their solutions.  When Margaret Bergeron announced the field trip to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, I immediately signed up. I have been to seminars at the Center, but have never taken the tour. The vision of the center is to “inspire and engage communities to promote sustainable development, utilize new technologies and enhance the appreciation of Gwinnett’s natural resources.”

Karen Alexander (center) showing the Student Gardens

We met at the center at 10:15am on Sept 14.  After a brief discussion, Karen Alexander led us on a tour of this remarkable living exhibit.  I was captivated with the living roof, made up of a barrier, covered with soil and finally low-maintenance plants such as succulents.  Living roofs have many financial and environmental benefits.  They decrease water runoff and the water that makes it to the gutter is cleaner, they hold in heat in the winter and absorb sunlight in the summer, keeping the inside cooler. Imagine, if all of the buildings had living roofs, the amount of oxygen that we could put back into the atmosphere.  Karen showed us the student garden and explained that as a learning tool, the students were permitted to make mistakes and ultimately reap (or not reap) the consequences.

As we made our way to the creek, she pointed out the rain gardens, other specialty gardens and their history.  We passed a rosemary tree that was at least 8 ft tall.  My mouth watered as I thought about all the Rosemary Chicken I could make.  As we walked down the woodland path, we took in the sights and smells of nature as intended.

We approached the creek and some of us began the ‘treacherous’ trek across the slippery rocks reaching the waterfall in the middle of the creek.

Our final adventure landed us in the Space Station Exhibit.  Here, visitors can become ISS crew members for a day as they “engage in a multitude of astronaut activities”, including work, eating, sleeping, hygiene and play.  At the end of the tour, we gathered in the dining area to eat our brown bag lunches and engage in discussions about what we had seen. Just think, in one day, we experienced the past, present and the future all in one remarkable place.  I do not know what new adventure Margaret has planned for us.  However, I do know I will say, “Sign me up” and so should you.

Gwinnett Master Gardener’s Virginia Schofield, Emily Eberhardt and Ruth Kail got together and created “Edgar Allen Crowe” as this year’s entry into the Atlanta Botanical Gardens “Scarecrow’s in the Garden” event, Oct 1^st -30^th.

Virginia mentioned that he didn’t place this year but he sure is cute and someone liked him a lot because he’s the first scarecrow that you see when you enter the garden!  This is a fun event for the whole family to visit at ABG.  And, say ‘Hey’ to Mr. Crowe while you are there.

http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/events/scarecrows-garden

The Gwinnett Master Gardener October monthly meeting will take place Monday, October 17th at our  temporary location at the George Pierce Park  Senior Activity Center, 55 Highway 23 NE (Buford Highway), Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 822-5414. 

The featured speaker for October is Linda Copeland, co-author with Allan Armitage of “Legends in the Garden: Who in the World is Nellie Stevens?”  In her presentation, Ms. Copeland will tell us the stories behind Nellie Stevens, Jane Bath, George Tabor and many others.  You will also learn how she accomplished the research to write the Legends book and some information that is not included.  The program with our featured speaker begins at 7 PM.

For our membership, this meeting will also include a report from the 2012 Nominating Committee.  A membership vote for 2012 officers and committee chairs will take place at the November meeting.

Executive Committee officers nominated are: Hilary Wilson, President; Carole Teja , Vice President/Programs; Becky Wolery, Treasurer and Rosalie Tubre, Secretary

Our GCMG/Gwinnett Extension Project at Gwinnett County’s McDaniel Farm Park is wrapping up for 2011 as our volunteers dig into fall.

Spring bulbs were added today at the main parking lot entrance.  Our big fall rennovation of the Farm House foundation shrubs included the use of the park’s tractor and a lot of help from the park’s maintenance heroes, Joe and Juan.  This was our first year planting sweet potatoes in the main demonstration garden plot.  The potatoes were huge.  Lesson learned – harvest a little sooner next year.

Master Gardeners took advantage of fall being a great time to plant and move  shrubs.  The bushy Nandinas that had been in front of the farmhouse for years were removed with the tractor and replaced with small hollies  (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’).  The hollies will grow 2’-3’ wide and tall.  We plan to add dwarf boxwoods, one on each side of the steps to balance out the area.    Daffodil bulbs that were dug up in the removal process were replanted and there is enough room to include ‘old time’ perennials or annuals in the future.  We also moved a large Forsythia bush off to the right side which fills in the space well.  Other tasks and planting of other areas, will be completed in the future.

17 Master Gardeners and friends enjoyed a great morning at Gwinnett County’s Environmental Heritage Center on September 14.  This Field Trip had something for everyone.

We participated in a tour of the outside of this fantastic environmentally friendly building with EHC staff member and Master Gardener Karen Alexander. Several of the gardens are the result of GCMG projects of past years such as these raised beds that are used to demonstrate many facets of gardening.

To add a little exercise to the trip, Karen took us on a short tour of some of the hiking trails at the Center.  EHC has over 7 miles of intersecting trails.  Many of the trails are paved.  Some are like the one shown below where we did a little stream crossing to reach a shoals area.

Then it was back to the center for a water break and a tour of the Space Exhibitwhich explains life on the International Space Station.  EHC is a great resource for the children of Gwinnett County who tour this exhibit frequently.   This is just one example of how great our Field Trips are.  Come join us for future trips.

Seedlings

This is the time of year to collect seeds to share with your fellow Master Gardeners in our yearly Seed Exchange.

What to do:

1. Collect seed
2. Dry seed
3. Store dried seed in paper envelopes, labeled
4. e-mail Jane Burke with a list of what seeds you have to share (see Kathy’s weekly e-mails for the address)

Once I know what everyone has to share I will e-mail you the list and you can pick what you want.  You will receive a list of the seeds people want from you and how many packets of each to make up.  You have to offer seed to be able to request seed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How many seeds per packet?  A:  As many as you would like to provide.  If you only have a few and several people want what you have, you could provide as few as 10 seeds per packet.  If you have a whole bunch to share, go ahead and give them a bunch.
2. What must go on the label?  A:  The common name, botanical name plus variety if possible, flower color, if it is for Sun or Shade and the year the seed was collected.  That is the MINIMUM required.  If you want to provide more information please go ahead.
3. How many different kinds of seed can I request?  A:  If you only have 3 kinds of seed to share but would like 6 different kinds in return, go ahead and request all 6, or 10 or however many kinds you would like.
4. How many packets of each type of seed must I make?  A:  You only have to make up individual seed packs once the requests go out.  If you get 3 requests for a certain seed type then you only make up 3 packets of that kind of seed.

Dates:

Now – Collect and dry seed now.  E-mail Jane Burke with a list of what you have to share (see Kathy’s weekly e-mails for the address).  Provide the MINIMUM information mentioned in point 2. of the FAQ above.  An Excel spreadsheet would be appreciated but is not required.

October 31, 2011 – last chance to participate in the Seed Exchange by submitting a list of what you have to share

November 1, 2011 – the list of what is available will be e-mailed to you.  You can put in your request of what you would like as soon as you are ready.  You have TWO WEEKS to put in your request.  After November 15 requests will not be accepted.

November 21, 2011 – bring seed packets to the November Master Gardener monthly meeting

December 19, 2011 – bring seed packets to the December Master Gardener monthly meeting

January 16, 2012 – pick up your seed at the Master Gardener monthly meeting

February 16, 2012 – Last chance to pick up your seed at the Master Gardener monthly meeting

This month’s meeting is your last chance to buy raffle tickets to win “The Ortho Problem Solver” book.

Don’t forget to bring your money to take a chance on winning the Gigantic “The Ortho Problem Solver”. The only book you will need in your library is this 1035 page reference guide.  If you know the name of the plant, the problem it has, or the insect that is bothering it you can look it up.  Or if know any of these, you can look it up by category, such as weeds, groundcovers or insects.   The handy color tabs assist you in navigating the materials.  The book is valued at $200.

Our first book raffle was won by Suzanne Franklin.   This is your second chance to win!

Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5.  We will sell the tickets at the  September meeting.  The raffle will be pulled at our September meeting.  You don’t need to be present to win. We will also require a minimum of 50 tickets to be sold.  Hurry and get your chance to win this necessary book.

Submitted by Hilary Wilson

GCMG’s September meeting will be held Monday, September 19^th,  at Gwinnett County’s George Pierce Park Senior Activity Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee, GA .  This month’s program begins at 7 PM with speaker Debbie Cosgrove presenting a program on  “A 19th century Physician’s Use of Medicinal Herbs with Emphasis on Native Plants”.  Debbie will introduce us to Dr. Durham’s use of medicinal plants.  Dr. Durham was one of the more renowned physicians of Georgia during the 19th century.

Debbie is a graduate of UGA with a BS in Foods and Nutrition and an MS in Horticulture. In 2008 she and Ellen Whitaker co-authored a book containing the 19th century medicinal remedies of Dr. Lindsey Durham who resided near Athens, Ga. Debbie is affiliated with the historical preservation group the Friends of Scull Shoals. She has an interest in native plants and currently volunteers for the Georgia Perimeter College Native Garden in Decatur. She lives in Arnoldsville, Ga.

Debbie will also have available copies of her book, “Dr. Durham’s Receipts: A 19th century’s Physician’s Use of Medicinal Herbs” by Debbie C. Cosgrove and Ellen Whitaker.   The book is $8 cash or check only.

Congratulations to Gwinnett Master Gardener Rosalie Tubre, whose Special Ed. Junior Master Gardener project at Peachtree Ridge High School has won the “National Achievement Award” from the National JMG (Jr. Master Gardener) Program.  Rosalie and the Peachtree Ridge teacher working with the project will be traveling to Charleston WV to receive the award on October 14th  at the  International Master Gardener Conference. 

Rosalie’s GCMC Project with Peachtree Ridge High School Special Ed. students encompassed two school years for the students to  complete the 8 chapters in the curriculum where it would normally be achieved in one year by regular students. 

Rosalie said “ I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to teach these young mentally challenged and/or disabled students.  They learned a lot from me, but I too learned a lot from them”.

For most of the 10 years I’ve lived in Gwinnett County, the Atlanta Metro Area has suffered some degree of drought conditions, belying the stereotyped “rainy night in Georgia”.  Two years ago we were under the severest watering restrictions ever seen in the region.  Homeowners were forced to turn off their automatic irrigation systems, and were limited to 20 minutes of hand watering during specific hours on assigned days of the week. Lawns turned brown, lawn maintenance companies laid off employees, and the iconic Pikes’ Family Nurseries filed for bankruptcy.  During that time there was no shortage of “Volunteer Opportunities” for a Master Gardener willing to give presentations on rain barrel instillation, or on other WaterSmart Landscaping techniques.

All of that changed when an 8-day rain-event, between September 14 and September 22, 2009, brought record rainfall to the area.  Official gauging stations showed that portions of Gwinnett County received 11 to 16 inches of rainfall, while individual homeowners in Lilburn reported capturing as much as 22 inches in unofficial backyard rain gauges.  Lilburn was hardest hit in the early hours of September 21st, when the Yellow River overflowed its banks, rising 25 feet or more in some stretches.   Homes were flooded, roads underwater, bridges damaged, and schools closed. Many commuters found it impossible to leave their neighborhoods due to street closures.

Even though there is evidence of some erosion of mulch and soil, this landscape handled the Flood of 2009 beautifully.

Flooding was not restricted to areas close to the Yellow River.  Properties well above the river’s floodplain were inundated when every type of drainage was overwhelmed by the extreme volume of water that needed somewhere to go. Downspouts and gutters over flowed, forcing water under doors and into the normally dry ground-floors and basements of homes, churches, schools and businesses.  Virtually every low-lying spot was full of water, ditches overflowed with muddy torrents, and streets turned into rivers.  Street gutters, drop inlets, and drainage culverts were overwhelmed causing rivers of water to flow through homes located nowhere near the drainage systems.  After the final event, even flat landscapes showed evidence that sand, leaves and debris had flowed across it in previously unnoticeable channels.  Since then, I’ve received few requests for presentations on WaterSmart Landscaping.

WaterSmart Landscaping is the Southeast’s wetter version of Xeriscaping, which has become popular in arid regions of the USA.  To those familiar with the concept, Xeriscaping conjures up visions of yards landscaped with gravels of different hues, accented with cacti, agave and Joshua trees (none of which flourish in our region of the country).  WaterSmart Landscaping takes the basic premise of Xeriscaping – maximizing our landscape options while using less water- and adapts it to the realities of the American Southeast.

Interest in WaterSmart Landscaping blossomed in the wake of our recent years of prolonged drought.  But the concepts are not limited to drought.  In fact the concepts are quite compatible with an abundance of rain as well.

Until water scarcity became an issue of common concern, rainwater was routinely thought of as the enemy of homeowners.  Every effort was made to get rid of it.  Rainwater was routinely piped away from homes; captured by French-drains and gutter systems, funneled off the property through buried corrugated black-plastic pipe, and dumped directly onto streets or into drainages.  Rain for the nourishment of our lawns and trees was unreliable, while municipal water appeared to be in unlimited supply; and it was cheap.  So, some of us installed fancy underground irrigation systems and set the timer to water twice a day.

Then drought became the norm, so we switched our collective thinking to embrace water conservation.  Some of us put in low-flow shower heads and toilets, flushed less often, or washed clothes and dishes only when we had a full load.  Some hardy souls hauled used bathwater outside by the bucketful in order to keep their favorite shrubs alive.  We adopted some of the Xeriscape techniques; changing our landscape practices to minimize turf and embrace drought tolerant plants.  Instead of getting rid of rainwater, we designed ways to capture, store and use every drop of it on our landscapes.  But now, after such a severe flooding event, we may be suffering a sort of communal mental whip-lash. We don’t know if we should return to viewing rainwater as our friend, or hold it at bay like an enemy.

Rain will come in its own due time, and there is nothing we can do to control that.  All we can do is control how we respond to an unreliable resource. Because of the region’s growth and the realities of a limited water supply, conservation of municipal water has become ingrained in our daily lives and in our collective thinking. For the foreseeable future water-use-planning is bound to include the realities of both drought and flooding, as well as the brave new world of inter-state water wars.

It is high-time to repackage the image of WaterSmart Landscaping to include the complete range of rain conditions we experience in Metro Atlanta.  In actuality, the concepts of WaterSmart have always been compatible with too much rain, when drainage is taken into consideration.  So drought or abundant rainfall, we can have our cake and eat it too.

Foundation drainage incorporated into backyard landscape design.

To get started on your WaterSmart Landscape, take a walk around your yard and observe the ground.  Try to identify where water flows.  To do this look for shallow drainage channels, sometimes marked by small eroded paths, other times marked by fine sand of lighter color than the surrounding ground.  Perhaps you can see where grass clippings or leaf litter has been bunched together and pushed aside by moving water. For fun, become an amateur scientist.  The next time it rains go outside to see if your observations are correct.  Put on your raincoat or take an umbrella, wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, or go barefooted.  Observe where the water flows.  If you don’t see it moving, walk though standing water and note how deep it is on your foot. By following the deeper water you will be following the drainage.  You might be amazed at how much water moves across your yard in any substantial rainfall, even one of short duration.

Now, with this information, reconsider your present landscape.  Ideally, rainwater should be carried to where it will be of the most benefit to your landscape.  At the same time, it should be directed away from your foundation.  With this in mind you can make logical decisions on where to located flower beds or tree islands.  You can also make new plans for redirecting water flow.  This can be to bring water to a dry area, reduce water flow to a moist area, reduce erosion, or provide for deep watering of drought-stressed trees.  You might want to consider incorporating some form of rainwater storage system to your landscape.  This can include something as simple as rain barrels, or as fancy as an underground storage tank.  There is also the new fashion of including a Rain Garden into your landscape.  All of these water storage schemes can be designed to divert water away from the home or building when it is over abundant.

So now that spring is in the air, take your favorite child (of any age) for a walk in the rain and begin your plans for a WaterSmart Landscape.