Plant a Row for the Hungry - Georgia Master Gardener Association

1. Quarterly Newsletter of the Georgia Master Gardener Association, Inc.
Fall 2010
GMGA MISSION STATEMENT: To stimulate the interest in and
increase the knowledge of gardening, and to voluntarily, enthusiastically,
and responsibly share this knowledge with others.
Georgia Master Gardener Association
2010 Fall Conference
Garden Stewards: In Tune With Nature
Friday, October 1, 2010
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Hills and Dales Estate
Saturday, October 2, 2010
8: a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Callaway Business Conference Center
Hosted by
The Troup Master Gardener Association
And
Master Gardener Volunteers from Carroll, Coweta,
Meriwether, Muscogee, and Troup Counties
Conference information and registration form inside

2. President’s Corner * Fall 2010
GEORGIA MASTER GARDENER
ASSOCIATION, INC. “In the summertime when all the trees and leaves are green…”
2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Isn’t amazing what spring rains and summer
President …. Judy Mitchell .. Cobb heat accomplish. Plants that I have spoken to
judithandcompany@comcast.net . 770 928-1529
seriously about their continued existence over
President-Elect .. W. H. Smith ... Carroll
the past years with little result, are glorious in
whpeggy@bellsouth.net .. 770 834-4266
Vice President … Jim Spivey ... Lee their green colors, burgeoning blossoms, and
spiveyjdp@hotmail.com .. 229-439-9369 size. My hydrangeas are stunning. They are
Vice President-Elect .. Mike Sikes…. Barrow covered with blossoms whether in sun or shade.
msikes@mccorklenurseries.com . 706-224-3680 The azaleas were better then they have been
Treasurer ……. Regina Lorenz … Fulton in years. My roses are bursting with color. The
treas4gmga@yahool.com… 770-642-0909 gardenia bushes are covered with blossoms. Ferns and hostas are
Secretary .. Diane Stephens ... Houston larger and lovelier than ever. Some of the garden areas that seemed
erincelt@hotmail.com ... 478-988-8344 a tad puny are practically jungles with pruning becoming an essential
Past President …. Brenda Beckham .. Clarke part of my garden activities. Those plants I viewed as shrubs or
bbeckha2@bellsouth.net .... 706 549-0981 dwarfs are nearly trees. My lorepetalum have gone bananas. They are
gorgeous but unfortunately they have almost totally covered over one
DISTRICT DIRECTORS:
walkway and are growing into other plants. It’s wild and wonderful and
NW (EVEN) …… Rita Fullick …. Cobb
rfullick@aim.com.... 770-423-7269 will require me getting myself in gear to get on with the taming job I
NW (ODD)… Jack Driskell ... Cobb have ahead of me.
elgate@aol.com ..... 770 428-1317
NE (EVEN) ….. Alice Tenold…. Baldwin Of course when the planned gardens are doing this well, the weeds
amtenold@charter.net.. 478-968-7513 are doing very well also (Some of my weeds almost require pruning). I
NE (ODD) .... Alvin Rothe ... Pickens have no excuse for not picking them as I sure can see them. I have
arothejr@etcmail.com ... 706-692-1589 been known to lack knowledge about the identity of the plant which
SE (EVEN) … Susan Thurman … Irwin gives me a little more time before I have to bend down and pull the
sthurman@irwin.k12.ga.us... 912-383-2769 sucker.
SE (ODD) ……. Louise Grotheer.. Chatham
gmagrotheer1@bellsouth.net . 912 925-2623 Spring rains and gentle breezes have given way to summer heat and
SW (EVEN) .. Sandra Lee .. Houston humidity and those sometimes nasty afternoon “showers.” While
slee27@windstream.net .. 478 987-9805 gardening is almost always a joy, it is less so when you are pruning
SW (ODD) …. Ron Wolfe .. Dougherty and pulling weeds while drowning in your own sweat. While the garden
wolfe_er@bellsouth.net .. 229-883-2349 tends to look a tad wilty in the heat of the afternoon, it perks back
up as the air drops to a mere 85 or I finally water. I am still into
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS:
EVEN: Joan Benz ....... Troup drought mode when it comes to watering so I water very sparingly. I
jbtcmg@talltree.com..... 706-645-1999 need to rethink some of my habits. With the heat and humidity, the
EVEN: Russell Brannon … Cherokee spring plants have declined but the summer plants have burst forth
ribsjb@windstream.net .... 678-493-7229 bringing new colors and textures to the scene. While the garden
ODD: Dick Chenoweth .... Rockdale seems to readily adjust, I who remain drowning in my own sweat am
Disu42@bellsouth.net ... 770-483-0760 “… in a continual state of inelegance” (Jane Austen). But that is the
ODD: Pat Farmer ……… Rockdale state of gardeners who enjoy digging in the dirt and other related
irishapache@yahoo.com ... 770-922-6694 activities.
It is my hope that you all are enjoying your
GMGA COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS – 2010 garden as much as I am enjoying mine.
Bylaws & Nominating ... W. H. Smith .. 770 834-4266... whpeggy@bellsouth.net
History .......................... Mike Doyle .. 404-248-1027 ... gardener6@comcast.net
Membership …………. Carole Teja 404-643-2354 .membership4gmga@gmail.com
Merchandise ............…. Dick Chenoweth … 770 483-0760 … disu42@bellsouth.net
Judy
Newsletter ….……….… Fred Dyer …. 706-867-7647 ... fred.dyer@usg.edu
Programs ..………..…... Jim Spivey .. 229-439-9369... spiveyjdp@hotmail.com
Project Funding …...….. José Tallet … 478 335-8684 … jtallet@cox.net
Public Relations ............ Pam Keene ... 770 965-3340 .... pam@pamelakeene.com
Photos ........................... Charlie Miller . 770-934-3607 cjrleasemiller@bellsouth.net U N IV E RS ITY OF G E OR G IA
Web Site ........................ Sandi Cantel .. 770 965-4947 .. smcantel@charter.net College of AGRICULTURAL &
State MG Coordinator Marco Fonseca... 770-228-7243 mfonseca@uga.edu
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
State MG Program Asst Krissy Slagle .....770-228-7243 -kslagle@uga.edu
Cooperative Extension Service
If you want to be involved with one of these committees, give the chairperson a call. http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension
* Parliamentarian ……. Gerry Slaughter... 770-345-2540 . gerry_s_2002@yahoo.com
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 2 --Fall 2010--

3. NOTES FROM THE MOUNTAINS GMGA County Assignments – 2010
Editor's comments Fred Dyer SOUTHEAST DISTRICT – 39 Counties, Two Directors
Louise Grotheer Susan Thurman
Bryan Johnson Appling Jeff Davis
Some of you may know, I recently had major surgery (open heart) and Bulloch Laurens Atkinson Montgomery
am just getting back up to speed. I do appreciate the thoughts and Burke Liberty Bacon Pierce
prayers that I have received from so many. On another note, since this Chandler Long Bleckley Tattnell
is the first issue of the SCOOP to be distributed only electronically, Chatham McIntoch Brantley Telfair
any feedback you might care to offer would be appreciated. Hopefully Effingham Sceven Camden Toombs
you have checked out the new website by now. Judy has also called for Emanual Treutlen Charlton Ware
you to provide material (stories, photos, etc.) for the new website. Evans Twiggs Coffee Wayne
Jefferson Washington Dodge Wheeler
Remember the Fall Conference is coming. Registration and other
Jenkins Wilkinson Glynn
information on the Conference can be found again in this issue.
Conferences are an opportunity for you to gather with your friends
and other gardener associates. You also support GMGA and the ideals SOUTHWEST DISTRICT – 41 Counties, Two Directors
of the Master Gardener Program when you participate in the Sandra Lee Ron Wolfe
conferences and other activities of your group. Ben Hill Quitman Baker Early
Crisp Randolph Berrien Echols
My goal for the SCOOP is to provide you with a means to tell your Dooly Schley Brooks Grady
stories to others across Georgia. Keep sending your stories to me and I Houston Stewart Calhoun Lanier
will try to do justice in reporting your hard work. Thank You!! Irwin Sumter Clay Lowndes
Lee Taylor Clinch Miller
Macon Terrell Colquitt Mitchell
Jim Wilson Marion Turner Cook Seminole
Jim Wilson, author and former host of the Victory Garden on Peach Webster Decatur Thomas
PBS, passed away August 1st. Jim Wilson was a good friend of Pulaski Wilcox Dougherty Tift
gardening and was known by many of our older Master Worth
Gardeners. Jim had spoken at more than one GMGA
conference. He passed away in Columbia, Missouri. He was 85 NORTHEAST DISTRICT 40 Counties, Two Directors
years old. Jim was the spokesperson for Fafard for many years
Alvin Rothe Alice Tenold
and continued that job after he moved from Aiken, South
Banks Jackson Baldwin McDuffie
Carolina to Columbia, Missouri. Memorial Services were held
Barrow Lumpkin Butts Monroe
at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 16, 2010, at Broadway
Dawson Madison Clarke Morgan
Christian Church, Columbia, Missouri. Gardening friends were
Elbert Pickens Columbia Oconee
especially invited to bring their own garden favorites to the
Fannin Rabun Glascock Oglethorpe
Memorial Services in lieu of traditional displays.
Franklin Stephens Greene Putnam
The family suggests donations to Plant-A-Row for the Hungry, Gilmer Towns Hancock Richmond
Garden Writers Foundation, 10210 Leatherleaf Court, Habersham Union Jasper Taliaferro
Hall Walton Jones Warren
Manassas, VA 20111 (or www.gardenwriters.org); or the
Hart White Lincoln Wilkes
Rothenberger/Wilson Missouri Master Gardener Endowment
Fund, c/o Darcy Wells, 2-4 Agriculture Bldg, Univ. of MO,
Columbia MO 65211, (573) 882-9003.
NORTHWEST DISTRICT – 39 Counties, Two Directors
Jack Driskell Rita Fullick
Bartow Forsyth Bibb Meriwether
This is the REFUND POLICY as adopted by the Carroll Fulton Chattahoochee Muscogee
Catoosa Gordon Clayton Newton
Board of Directors: Chatooga Gwinnett Coweta Pike
Cherokee Haralson Crawford Rockdale
If a cancellation is made to a conference: Cobb Murray Fayette Spalding
A. FULL REFUND shall be made up to 60 days before the Dade Paulding Harris Talbot
conference. Dekalb Polk Heard Troup
B. FIFTY PERCENT (50%) REFUND shall be made Douglas Walker Henry Upson
after 60 days and up to 30 days before the conference. Floyd Whitfield Lamar
C. NO REFUNDS shall be made after 30 days before the
conference.
DISTRICT DIRECTORS – AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE
Our district directors are one of GMGA’s most valuable resources.
They are the conduit of information, ideas, problems from the local
chapters to GMGA. Please contact your district director for assistance
and ideas in the ongoing development of your local organizations.
Below are the current counties assigned to our district directors;
however, they are subject to change. Please note that not all counties
currently have resident Master Gardeners.
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 3 Fall 2010

4. PLANTING ROWS BY CHILDREN, CITIZENS Not satisfied, Barbara sets up at the local farmers market held
twice a week. She arrives around 7:00 in the morning and canvases
AND PRISONERS the shoppers for some of their produce then wheedles the vendors
into donating what they don’t want to take back home. I told you,
By Peg Arey, Floyd County Master Gardener
she never sleeps.
Floyd County Master Gardeners have been too small a group to
The produce from all those efforts is delivered to the Community
participate meaningfully in ‘Plant A Row for the Hungry.’ The past
Kitchen and Action Ministries Food Pantry which together totaled
January class, however, brought us lots of enthusiastic interns and
over 66,000 meals last year.
one, Barbara Earle, took on the program. She never sleeps; Barbara
is the Director for the Rome Free Clinic, volunteers at the
Community Kitchen which feeds the hungry, maintains a multi-acre
garden, and cans and preserves. Governor Perdue Again Honors Georgia Master
Gardeners With A Proclamation
Her Plant A Row project is a bit different. She began with seeds
donated by her garden club in Rome, GA. Then, Barbara delivered Governor Perdue signing proclamation. Left to Right: Mrs. Marco
the seeds to Floyd County College and Career Academy and Rome Fonseca representing GMGA as part of GMGA's Continuing
Middle School’s horticulture programs where the students planted Education, Marco Fonseca, State MG Coordinator, Governor
them. When they grew out, she picked up the flats of tomatoes and Perdue signing Master Gardener Day proclamation, Lynwood
peppers and chauffeured them to the Library where Barbara and Blackmon, DeKalb County Extension Agent representing the
another MG intern gave them away to the public. Each person was Community Gardening programs, Judy Mitchell, GMGA
given information about ‘Plant A Row’ with directions on where to President.
take their donations.
More flats went to the Floyd County prison where Warden Jeff
Chandler has begun a gardening program with the prisoners. The
prison donates to Plant A Row.
Additionally, the Boys and Girls Club which is one of the Master
Gardeners projects, has been working on raised beds for vegetables.
The children donate a portion of their bounty.
Governor Perdue presents the Proclamation to Marco Fonseca.
Editor’s Note: Governor Perdue declared March 20, 2010 as
Master Gardener Day in Georgia to honor the contributions and
volunteer service performed by Master Gardeners for Georgia.
The Proclamation was signed on May 25, 2010 due to the
Governor’s schedule.
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 4 --Fall 2010 --

5. GMGA BOARD MEETS to serve each member of GMGA, the general public and gardening
communities through out the State. They are community and
Wednesday July 21, 2010 President Judy Mitchell called the GMGA educational leaders working closely with their local and state-wide
board to order at 10:00 AM for it’s regular quarterly business Extension Service Offices. Through their local communities and
meeting. GMGA they are committed to improving education and knowledge
of gardening to all levels of society including our youth, the elderly,
handicapped, and even those incarcerated.
The ultimate life blood of most volunteer organizations is found
through an effective and committed leadership.
I urge each GMGA member to get to know your GMGA Board
Member, if you do not already, and let them know how much you
appreciate all they do for you and your gardening communities.
Submitted by Charlie Miller, GMGA photographer and
Lifetime Master Gardner, DeKalb County
SELECTED MASTER GARDENER SNIPPETS
CARROLLTON: SHADE GARDENING SYMPOSIUM on Sept. 25,
with featured speaker Erica Glasener. Sponsored by Carroll
County Master Gardeners. Six break-out sessions will also be
offered. Vendors will be selling shade plants throughout the day.
The board met at the UGA Research Center and Gardens in Griffin, Cost is $10, payable by mail or in person at the Carroll County
Georgia. Extension Office at the Agricultural Center at 900 Newnan Rd.
Carrollton, GA 30117. Registration forms at the Ag Center or e-
mail uge2045@uga.edu. Space is limited.
ATHENS: STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN PERENNIAL
SYMPOSIUM Wednesday, October 13 8:45 am – 3:00 pm. Cost
members $55; non-members $60 (includes lunch buffet) Callaway
Building Auditorium Perennials are at the heart of every flower
garden. They bring beauty and wildlife to our gardens year after
year and are essential in our memories of home. Perennials connect
us to nature and place and contribute to the spirit of our gardens
as places of comfort. In this information-packed program,
perennial experts will discuss a variety of topics from specific
plants to maintaining a sustainable landscape to designs that make
The principal discussions were ways to improve, GMGA’S our gardens our own. This program serves as an Elective for the
conferences, funding, communications, broadening membership and Certificate in Native Plants. AGENDA:
GMGA’S service to its members and all Master Gardener Groups • Dr. A’s Perennials for Everyone – Allan M. Armitage,
throughout the State. Professor of Horticulture, UGA
• Easy Fruits and Berries in the Garden – Steve Brady,
Believe me there are many challenges that face the GMGA Cobb County Extension Agent
organization and it’s membership daily, and, on an on-going basis. It • “Hot" Plants & New Trends for the Georgia Gardener –
is a never ending challenge. Thanks to these GMGA members who Matthew Chappell, Extension Specialist & Assistant
are willing to serve our organization for their extra work and Professor Horticulture Department.
commitment. • An Almanac for Garden Management – Mary Attaway,
Attaway Gardening, Athens, Georgia
• Strategies for Sustainable Gardening – Kevin Kirsche,
Director of Sustainability, UGA
For more information on this and other events (the fall class
schedule is now set) visit http://www.uga.edu/botgarden.
Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture has added a new site
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/. You can access the Center’s
Factsheets and Landscape Alerts more easily from this site.
For other events around the state: http://www.exploregeorgia.org/.
By Krissy Slagle, UGA~CAES~Cooperative Extension,
Georgia Master Gardener Program
Serving on the GMGA Board requires major commitments from the
individuals that are involved. These dedicated Master Gardeners are
outstanding in their own communities but also, step forward and
commit their additional time, financial resources and personal effort
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 5 --Fall 2010 --

6. Rita Fullick Rita retired from IBM after a 30 year career in sales and
District Director, Georgia Master Gardener Association. marketing and immediately adapted to retirement life. She jumped
into new activities, she enjoys racing sailboats, anything to do with
By Lya Sorano water, travel, cooking, teaching yoga, volunteering for the
performing arts and of course gardening.
Rita Fullick was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and was
introduced to gardening, at the age of 3, by her dad who shared a Atlanta Yacht Club on Lake Allatoona is Rita’s little piece of
neighborhood community garden. Growing up close to the ocean and heaven. A cabin, sailboat racing, kayaking, fishing, friends and
in a place where nature, great weather and outdoor activities family all are a special treats for summer days.
surround you, Rita fell in
love with, gardening and Her next venture is to work with Cobb County on a Community
many other outdoor Garden where folks come together and garden on individual plots
activities early in life. of land. Providing a place where people can enjoy the outdoors,
improve quality of life and produce food together is the ultimate
Becoming a Master goal of this garden. The hope is that this garden will provide access
Gardener and sharing her to fresh produce and plants as well as getting exercise, fresh air,
love of gardening while sense of community and connection to the environment. Just
juggling career and raising perfect for a Master Gardener Project!
a family seemed to be the
ultimate personal luxury. So Rita may be reached at 770-423-7269 or rfullick@aim.com.
in 1993, she approached
Lya Sorano is a Georgia Master Gardener (Gwinnett 2005) and a writer
IBM with the request for
whose topics have most often covered international business, the role of
time to complete the Master women in the international arena and information technology. More recently
Gardener training and a garden writer and member of the national Garden Writers Association, her
volunteer time needed to gardening posts can be read on http://georgiagardener.blogspot.com/ and
become a Master Gardener. Karen Platt’s “Gardens of the World” (http://karenplatt.co.uk/blog/).
In 1994, she completed her training and 10 years later, in 2004
became a Life Time Master Gardener. Editor’s Note: This is a continuation in a series on your Officers and
Committee Chairs. Others will be highlighted in future newsletters.
She has worked on many projects over the years and is currently
working with Eagle Scouts on elementary school gardening projects, Louise Armstrong Grotheer
is a Docent and provides specific support for Daffodils at Smith Southeast District Director, Georgia Master Gardener Association
Gilbert Garden, assisting with designing a community garden for
Cobb County and is a GMGA Director. Her latest projects are a Louise Armstrong Grotheer is the Southeast District Director
Sensory Garden and a raised bed garden at Russell Elementary for the Georgia Master Gardener Association and is a native o f
which focused on the 30 vision impaired students as well as children Savannah, GA.
of all ages. Both of these projects give each student a chance to
participate; younger children planting seed, learning about stages of Shortly after retiring in 2004, Louise took the Master Gardener
growth and various plant parts, older children performing soil tests, class in 2005. She is very
developing plans for the garden space, and composting from the active in the local
cafeteria. The highlight is seeing eyes light as kids plant, harvest and association having served
eat their own vegetables. The Sensory Garden enables visually the Coastal Master
impaired students to experience a garden filled with art, activities Gardener’s as President,
and plants the students can touch, taste, smell, and listen to. Vice President, Secretary,
“Children and gardening” … it combines all the senses and continues and Membership Chair.
to delight and surprise. There is always something new to explore, She is currently serving as
things to look forward to and learn. the Association’s
Treasurer. Louise joined
While in college, studying sociology, Rita was introduced to yoga and the Georgia Master
throughout her schooling and career always ventured into yoga Gardener Association
classes. Yoga became a lifelong love, and helping others with this (GMGA) board in 2007
as the SW District
healing art became a dream. Days after retirement she started
Director and currently
investigating the path to become a certified yoga teacher. Just 6
serves on the Grant
months into retirement life Rita took her yoga teacher training and
Committee.
began teaching yoga just last year, 2009 at Smith Gilbert Garden and
the West Cobb Senior Center. The shared passion for gardening and Louise is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Savannah
Yoga go hand and hand with her continued Master Gardener and and has served as the Church Council President, Secretary and
Yoga volunteer activities. Pre-school Chair. She is active on The Chatham County
Resource Protection Commission and has served as a board
Rita has called Kennesaw home for 23 years and raised two member on the Savannah Tree Foundation.
daughters in Georgia. She lives with her husband, Darrell and three
cats named: Scruffy, Felix and Shadow. Her daughters, Dara and She has 2 children and 2 extended family children. As a
Devyn both live within 10 miles. An invitation for a home cooked grandmother of 4 and great-grandmother of 1, she stays very
meal brings them running for home, food and family, a wonderful involved with her family, attending school functions, soccer
way to spend time together. games, and all other duties that arise.
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 6 --Fall 2010 --

7. BUSY TIME FOR ATHENS AREA
MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
This has been a busy start to 2010 for Athens Area Master
Gardeners. Judy Hawks, new president, says that she hopes this year
will be remembered as one of expansion of service and expertise to
new counties in our area as well as a continuation of ongoing projects
in the Athens area.
NEW PROJECTS
1. Butterfly Dreams Farm, Farmington, GA. (Oconee County)
This is a non-profit therapeutic equestrian program for special
needs children. It is recognized as a North America Riding for Judy Hawks, John Quackenbush and Becki Peters work in Oconee Plant-A-
Row.
the Handicapped Association Center where horses are used as
natural therapy assistants. The garden was made possible by a
grant from Home Depot providing plants and landscaping
materials. AAMGA was asked to plant a butterfly garden for
the children's enjoyment and education. The project was
completed this May.
2. Oconee County Senior Citizens' Center, Watkinsville, GA
A grant was approved for a raised bed garden in the pergola
outside the Senior Center. The project began last year and the
garden was dedicated May 21.
3. Oconee Plant-A-Row for the Hungry, Thomas Orchard,
Watkinsville, GA
The project started this year on land provided by Thomas
Orchard in Watkinsville. Jerry and Paula Thomas, good friends Shirley Baker helps with 4-H Club Reward Day.
of AAMGA, plowed the land and provided vegetable plants,
seeds, fertilizer, and irrigation. The vegetables will be
distributed by the Northeast Georgia Food Bank.
4. 4-H Club Reward Day, Oconee County
AAMGA has been helping the Oconee fifth grade 4-Hers by
judging projects on the local level to compete in District
competition at Rock Eagle. AAMGA volunteers assist the 4-
Hers with their projects and help them practice in front of
others to prepare for District meet. For 2 years, the Oconee
Extension Service has had a Reward Day for students who
competed in county and district competitions. May 13 this year,
137 students participated. AAMGA volunteers guided students
through interactive materials from the Garden Earth Naturalist
curriculum.
CONTINUING PROJECTS
Volunteers work at Clarke Middle School Plant-A-Row. Shown are Cheryl
1. Athens Plant-A-Row for the Hungry, Athens Middle School campus, Autry, Jemmie Vanderlip, Cheryl LaValley, Bob Wolf, Jack Vanderlip, Betty
Justice, Elizabeth Thurman and Carol Wolf.
Athens, GA
This garden continues to reap a wonderful harvest. Last year
1057.5 pounds of vegetables were donated to the Athens-Clarke
County Food Bank.
2. Rain Barrel Project, Athens-Clarke and surrounding counties
This project was reported in the SCOOP previously. We
continue to convert donated materials into rain barrels. This
year we are partnering with local nursery, Thyme After Thyme,
for sales. This has been the most successful monetary project of
our group, and we have given several scholarships to UGA
Horticulture students from the proceeds.
AAMGA has a large membership for such a small area, and this
year, we are contributing to local food banks from two AAMGA
Plant-A-Row gardens. We continue to work with large organizations
such as UGA as well as small non-profits to fulfill our goals. Volunteers work in the Butterfly Dreams Garden. Those in the picture are Bill
and Anne Walker, Judy Hawks, Heather Jordan and her daughters.
Judy Hawks, President, Athens Area Master Gardener Association
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 7 --Fall 2010 --

8. The Story behind Fall Leaf Colors is reduced. The cell connections in the abscission layer weaken and
eventually break causing the leaf to fall off.
The brilliant fall colors of deciduous trees are one of nature’s most
fascinating shows. The mountains of North Georgia and other states The different species of trees vary in their levels of the pigments.
are popular destinations for people who travel to see spectacular Hickories have more of the carotenoids thus giving their leaves the
displays of the leaf colors. Many people wonder what causes the brilliant yellow to brown colors. Some other species, such as
leaves to change colors. Basically, they dogwood and sweetgum, anthocyanin
undergo a biochemical process, which pigments are more prevalent causing
induces the color changes, in response colors ranging from red through maroon
to shorter days and cooler to purple. Sometimes there are
temperatures. intermediate colors, such as orange,
which is the result of mixture of two or
All leaves have essentially three main more of the pigments.
pigments: chlorophyll, carotenoids, and
anthocyanins. Chlorophyll is one giving What about evergreen trees and shrubs?
the leaves a green color and is found in Their leaves stay green and do not fall off.
specialized cell structures called
How do they manage to survive the
chloroplasts. During the growing
winter cold? The foliage of these plants is
season, the green color of the
covered with a thick wax coating and
chlorophyll dominates and masks out
their cells contain substances resistant to
the colors of other pigments that are
freezing. The leaves and needles are thus
present in the leaf. The molecule traps light
Two Acer Rubrum ‘October Glory’ able to stay on the tree during the winter. The
energy and absorbs the blue and red parts of the
foliage can persist for some years but eventually
spectrum, converting the energy into food
does fall off the plant in time and is replaced by new growth.
substances through photosynthesis.
The window of peak colors differs every year due to the
The carotenoids are yellow and orange pigments that help channel
temperatures and rainfall patterns. Some years they are more
light energy to the chlorophyll. They are found both in the
spectacular than others. The intensity of fall leaf color and times
chloroplasts and other similar cell structures called the chromoplasts.
vary each year. Usually the peak time in North Georgia is in the
Chlorophyll is a short lived molecule and rapidly degrades as new
middle to later part of October. The type of weather in the fall has
chlorophyll is synthesized. The carotenoids help replenish chlorophyll
the greatest impact on the intensity of colors. Clear, dry days help
and increase its life. They help make more of the light spectrum
bring out the full color of the leaves. Dry weather increases the
available, besides than just red and blue light, for photosynthesis.
sugar levels in the leaves, which enhances the production of the
Also, they protect the chlorophyll molecules from being harmed by
pigments. Prolonged drought conditions can delay the arrival of
intense sun light.
fall colors. Warm, wet periods
The anthocyanins are potent anti- during fall decrease the intensity of
oxidants. They are water soluble autumn colors. A severe frost will
molecules found throughout the kill the leaves, causing them to turn
plant cells and are red, pink, and brown and to drop early. The ideal
purple colors. These pigments weather conditions for attractive
absorb the ultraviolet rays to protect fall colors are dry summers are
plant cells and act as sort of a followed by crisp, cool, but not
natural sunscreen. Some species of freezing cold, fall nights.
plants have a red tinged color in
You can plant trees in your yard
their new growth, which are full of
that produce brilliant fall colors.
anthocyanins, to protect juvenile
Red maples, especially the hybrid
plant tissue from the sunlight. Plants
varieties ‘October Glory’ and
growing under high light levels
'Autumn Flame,' have bright red
usually will have a greater
colored leaves. Trident maples have
concentration of the pigment than
yellow to red foliage. Sourwood
those growing in the shade. This
trees turn a red to maroon color in the fall,
phenomenon can be observed in trees where the Several Acer Rubrum ‘October Glory’ and the Gingko tree is famous for its brilliant
inner leaves of the canopy are lighter in color
yellow to gold colors.
than the outer ones. A period of night time temperatures below 45
degrees but above freezing promotes the development of more
The leaves change colors during the fall as part of the plant’s
anthocyanins in the leaves increasing the intensity of the colors.
survival mechanism.
Exposure to light causes chlorophyll break down over time. The
The beautiful displays of color are more than just that: it is the
leaves must produce new chlorophyll molecules to replace what has
process that helps the plant get through the winter months and be
been lost. As the days become shorter, production of it decreases. The
ready to put out new growth in the following spring.
other pigments become visible since the level of chlorophyll is no
longer present in the quantities to cover them up. Timothy Daly is the Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension
Agent with Gwinnett County Extension office. He can be contacted at
An abscission layer, in which a band of cells become dry and corky,
678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com.
begins to form at the base where the leaf petiole joins the branch. As
this layer develops, the level of water and mineral intake into the leaf
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 8 --Fall 2010 --

9. Sponsored by the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs, Inc.
Sessions on basic horticulture will be offered at the Aldersgate Methodist Church, 3185Wheeler Road, Augusta, Georgia. The topics are
listed below. Speakers will be master gardeners and other qualified locals. The morning session will be a classroom setting; the afternoon
will be a tour of a private garden or greenhouse.
The cost of each session is $25.00 which includes all fees and lunch and treats for both days. Make checks payable to the Augusta Council of
Garden Clubs, Inc. Please contact Judy Kirkland, course chairman, at 706-556-3417 or jukirkland@charter.net, for additional information.
The course is open to any interested person. Registration is limited to approximately 30 persons. Deadline is 10 days prior to each session.
Registrar for sessions July – January is Ginny Allen, vallenotr@aol.com 706-736-6793; 2916 Westchester Drive, Augusta, GA 30909
BASIC HORTICULTURE SESSION REGISTRATION
____ August 21 – Perennials, Bulbs, Annuals ____ September 25 – New Cultivars ____ October 16 – Native Plants
____ November 13 – Indoor Plants ____ January 15 – Trees and Shrubs
PLEASE CHECK ABOVE THE COURSE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE REGISTERING NOW. PLEASE PRINT BELOW.
Name
Address
City State Zip (9 digit)
Phone E-Mail
Special meal needs YES/NO ______________________________________________________
Dates & Presenters the horticulturist at Emory University, and one of her uncles owned a commercial
orchid greenhouse and florist shop where she frequently visited. She enjoys
August 21-VirginiaAllen is a Master Gardener, 2nd VP of Cherokee Rose
sharing her garden on tours which emphasize native plants and wildlife. Sharyn
Garden Club, and Garden Therapy Chairman of the Augusta Council of Garden
maintains her registered Wildlife Habitat garden and grows orchids on the side.
Clubs. She began gardening when she was three, worked in a florist shop when in
She is a lifetime Master Gardener, past president of Georgia Master Gardener
high school, and has attended many garden workshops. She has won awards for
Association, a member of the Greenbrier Garden Club as well as a member of the
horticulture and flower arrangements in both Cleveland, Ohio, and Augusta, Georgia,
Rose, Hydrangea, and Orchid Societies. She is also a consultant for the Georgia
presented garden programs at the Augusta Home and Garden Show and for area
Garden Club in both Landscape and Garden Design and an accredited Flower
garden clubs, and contributes to garden articles for the Columbia County News
Times. Show Judge.- Sharon Miles has been growing African violets since childhood.
She is a "self-taught, trial and error, fire and miss-fire, experimenting gardener"
September 25-Jenny Addie has been immersed in horticulture all of her life. whose knowledge is "very down to earth and simple to guarantee success with a
Her father, a horticulturalist, ran a Bonsai nursery in her native country of Australia. plant that has the reputation of being difficult." She is a member of the African
jenny's grandmother was a pioneer in hybridization. Jenny majored in horticulture at Violet Society of America, an African violet judge and have grown many prize
Burnley College in Melbourne, and she has been employed at the Green Thumb
winning exhibition violets. -Milledge and Joanne Peterson took over
Garden Centers for the last 30 years. - Ted Stephens is the founder of Nurseries Bedford Greenhouses eight years ago and began the transformation of Augusta's
Caroliniana, a retail garden center focusing on offering rare and unusual plant oldest nursery. Both come from backgrounds outside of the horticultural industry,
material to the gardening public. He travels to Japan and other countries regularly to but have had gardening in their blood from the time they bought their first home.
collect new plant selections for introduction into the American market. He has served
as past president of the South Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association and
January I5 - Suzanne Thomas is a Master Gardener whose major interest
currently serves on the advisory board of the South Carolina Botanical Garden. are trees and organic gardening. She is a life long gardener and writes a monthly
article, Gardening in Montclair, for her neighborhood newsletter She was project
October 16 - J. Scott Smith earned a BS in Horticulture and a Masters from leader at the Martinez Post Office planning and planting trees for shade and
UGA. He is a GGIA Certified Professional who has worked at Groves Nursery and
beauty. -Laura Sheets has been gardening in Aiken County for over 20 years.
taught at Aiken High as Agriculture Instructor, and he is now teaching Environ-
Her education in horticulture was informal-a combination of advice from
mental Horticulture at Augusta Tech where he has been for 28 years. He has been a
Nurseries Caroliniana, information from Southern Living, and a lot of trial and
frequent guest with demonstrations and programs for the Master Gardener Program,
error. In addition to working in her own yards, she has led a landscape club at her
Sacred Heart Garden Festival, Augusta Home and Garden Show, and many others. In
the last 20 years he has especially shown interest in native species that could serve in church. She enjoys all kinds of plants, but trees are her favorite.-Cathy Black is
practical landscape applications. a Senior Forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission for the last 24 years. She
is currently the educator and manager of Spirit Creek Educational Forest and has
November 13 - Sharyn Altman has been surrounded by plants her whole life. served on the PKP Foundation Board for more than 15 years.
She was raised on an ornamental, evergreen nursery south of Atlanta. Her dad was
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 9 --Fall 2010 --

10. Hall County Fall EXPO The private gardens that will be included on the 2011 tour belong
to: Kimberly Riggan, 6542 Vista View Ct., Flowery Branch; Lynn
Two-day Event Slated for September 24-25 Kempler, 4700 Martin Rd., Flowery Branch; Diane Korzeniewski,
1831 Watuga Dr., Gainesville; Becky Mensinger, 2061 Riverwood
By Pamela A. Keene, Hall County Master Gardener
Dr., Gainesville; and Mary Beth Tharp, 3427 Talking Leaves Trail,
Gainesville.
Because fall is the best planting season, the Hall
County Master Gardeners are once again
“The gardens we’ve selected for next year are already beautiful,”
offering the Fall Garden EXPO for two days –
said Leslie Johnson, chair of the event. “With our volunteers
September 24-25 – at Chicopee Woods
working on them for the next nine months and the additional
Agricultural Center in Gainesville off I-985 at
growth during this time, we will certainly have excellent examples
exit 20.
of gardens for the public to enjoy.”
“Things are shaping up nicely for the fall two-day event with many
The event takes place every other year and features gardens by
vendors already committed,” said Tammy Dellinger, chair of the
Hall County Master Gardeners. It is billed as an educational event,
event. “Vendors have been signing up earlier than usual and promise
with information about gardening, wise water usage, habitats and
to provide a wide assortment of plants, trees, shrubs, perennials,
horticulture.
annuals, garden art and gardening products.”
The EXPO fills the arena at Chicopee Woods. In addition, there will
be free gardening workshops presented by Master Gardeners, an
“Ask a Master Gardener” information booth, children’s hands-on Eleventh Annual
gardening experience booth, Artists’ Row with creative garden arts
and crafts, plus a snack bar with sandwiches and refreshments. PLANT EXCHANGE AND SALE
For directions and more information, visit www.hcmgs.com.
Saturday, September 18th 2010
Hall Confers Lifetime Memberships 9:00-12:00
Three Hall County Master Gardeners have achieved Lifetime Savannah Rapids Pavilion, Martinez
Membership status for 2010. They are Ron Brechter, Hugo Kollmer
and Susan Gannaway. Congratulations to these dedicated Master
Parking Lot (rain or shine)
Gardeners. Admission free
Junior Master Gardeners’ Program Grows in Hall Bring plants and gardening items to
This next school year, 14 schools will be involved in the Hall County trade or sell
Junior Master Gardener program. The program continues to add Participants provide their own tables
schools each year.
“Our master gardeners have been excellent volunteers and trainers,”
For information call -
said Mindy Wade, chairman of this ongoing project. “We realize that Helene Hondrum 706-854-8215
a love of gardening begins at a young age and these students are Betty Crowther 706-825-8613
proving us right. Their enthusiasm is contagious.”
Jan Nelson 706-955-7775
Existing school programs are Centennial Elementary, Chestnut janoops@comcast.net
Mountain Elementary, Myers Elementary, Wauka Mountain
Elementary, Sardis Elementary, Lakeview Academy, Mount Vernon Betsy Ristroph 706-738-4684
Elementary, Lula Elementary, Gainesville Elementary, Spouts bristroph@knology.net
Springs Elementary, Friendship Elementary, Flowery Branch
Elementary, Sugar Hill Elementary and Martin Elementary.
For directions, please visit:
Additionally, JMG will be partnering with West Hall Middle, Lanier http://www.columbiacountyga.gov/Ind
Career Academy and South Hall Middle School, as they add
horticulture programs to their curriculum. HCMG members will
ex.aspx?page=2423
serve as mentors for these programs.
Organized by the Cherokee Rose
Gardens Selected for 2011 Garden Walk Garden Club, with the cooperation of
“In Our Own Back Yards,” the HCMG’s garden walk brought more the Richmond and Columbia County
than 500 people into five private gardens in South Hall County in extension offices,
June 2009. The committee for the biennial event has already selected and area Master Gardeners
five private gardens throughout Hall County. Gardens on Green at
the Hall County School Board on Green Street will be showcased as
well.
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 10 --Fall 2010 --

11. New Lifetime Master Gardeners
Congratulations to six North Georgia Master Gardeners who were
• 8:00 Registration
awarded lifetime badges. Standing from left, Eddie Ayers, County
Extension Coordinator, Fannin County, and Lifetime Master
• 8:30 Welcome
Gardeners Suzanne Richterkessing, Susan Burkett, David
Richterkessing, Judy Spencer, Nancy Goodson. And Jo Anne Allen in • 8:45 "Native Hollies of the Southeast" - Gil Nelson
front. • 9:45 "Climate Change and Plant Phenology in the Southern
United States" - George Kish
Submitted by Jo Anne Allen, Union County Lifetime Master • 10:45 Break
Gardener • 11:15 "Trilliums: An Appreciation" - Tom Patrick
• 12:15 Lunch or Optional Workshop (extra fee, 20 people per
session, lunch delivered to room)
“FALL FOR THE GARDEN” • A. "Propagating Native Plants" - Jan Midgley
• B. "Basic Pruning" - Barbara Dorfman
Clayton County Master Gardener’s • C. "The Basics of Digital Photography" - Georgia Nature
5th Annual Symposium Photographers Association
• 1:45 "Plant Communities of the Coastal Plain" - Gil Nelson
Saturday, November 6, 2010, 9:00 A.M.—4:00 P.M.,
• 2:45 Break
Eula Ponds Perry Learning Center,
137 Spring Street, • 3:00 "Native Vines for Your Garden" - Dan Long
Jonesboro, GA 30236 • 4:00 End of Program
The “dog days” of summer are behind us and the blossoms have Visit http://gnps.org/shortterm/Symposium_Announcement.php
faded. Some people see Fall as a time to close down the garden for more information and to register for the Symposium
and wait for spring. Not so! Conditions are just right for (fill out form online and print receipt to mail )
refreshing your garden and getting a head start on — yes, next
Spring. As one growing season ends, next years can be taking
shape. Fall is the perfect time to plan, plant and dream for a
glorious new beginning in your garden.
The Presenters:
Michael Francis, Jim Harrington, Jason Magistro and Shannon
Pable
Cost: $35.00 until November 1st, after November 1st - $40.00 The Georgia Botanical Society is a group of folks who get
together to…
Registration Form, Schedule & Additional information:
www.claytoncountymastergardeners.org/ or
• Promote the understanding and appreciation of plants
www.ugaextension.com/clayton/ (News & Events) and their relationship to the environment, as well as the
770-473-5434 (Tom Bonnell, Horticulture Program Assistant) study of botanical sciences.
• Undertake or support the setting apart of appropriate
areas in Georgia for the preservation of native and
cultivated flora for the enjoyment of the public.
Atlanta History Center
• Encourage the protection of rare and endangered plant
130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305-1366
species and significant botanical habitats.
Telephone: (404) 814-4000 Fax: (404) 814-2041 • Promote the conservation of botanical resources and
E-mail: Information@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com encourage the practice of a conservation ethic.
Web: www.atlantahistorycenter.org For more information visit: http://www.gabotsoc.org/
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 11 --Fall 2010 --

12. Dunwoody Nature Center Grant Garden volunteers. A few of the removed plants that were of value were
transplanted to other spots in the Park.
Submitted by Kendra Boyer, DeKalb County Master Gardener
The Dunwoody Nature Center’s Master Gardeners worked this
winter and spring installing a ’Grant Garden,’ made possible by the
generosity of the GMGA. This garden area, comprised of a sloping
bank that extends between two drainage conduits, contains a set of
wooden steps with handrails and is located at the base of a giant
sweet gum tree. The area transitions from the parking lot down to an
open area that is used for family picnics, outdoor classroom activities
and as an event area for festivals. The proposed area was a very
visible, but unsightly, spot full of invasive, undesirable shrubs and
neglected non-native plants.
Preparing the soil.
The site before beginning the “Grant Garden.”
In late fall the Master Gardeners, with the help of volunteers from
the National Charity League, removed all the existing plant
materials. A planting design was created by the Master Gardeners
after conferring with Gary Peiffer, DeKalb County Extension Agent
and Certified Arborist, as to the feasibility of planting so near the
large tree. Crossties were ordered to define and terrace the space. Almost finished.
With the help of some strong young men from the Greater Atlanta
Christian School, the ties were set in place and loads of topsoil and
composted soil were added where necessary. In keeping with the
Nature Center’s philosophy of only adding native plants to areas,
viburnums, native deciduous azaleas, oakleaf hydrangeas, iteas,
anise, foam flowers, and celandine poppies were added in stages.
Four season interest was one prime criterion for this area as was
drought tolerance and low maintenance.
The finished garden.
Thanks to the GMGA grant, we were able to purchase most of
these plants, with the remaining being donated from woodland
gardens or from other spots in the Park. We also purchased the
Beginning the work! crossties, rebar, soil additives, and pine straw for mulch. A
descriptive plaque is being devised to show the public how the area
The planting took place in several installments depending on plant has benefited in terms of erosion and safety concerns, why the
availability and with the help of many interested community service
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 12 --Fall 2010 --

13. invasive plants were so undesirable, and why native plants are so New Organization Serves the North Georgia
beneficial to wildlife and the environment.
Mountains
Dunwoody Nature Center Recognizes Master As Georgia’s Master Gardener program celebrated its 30th year, a
Gardeners new local organization to support new master gardeners was in the
making. In the spring of 2009, Mickey Cummings and Robert
Dunwoody Nature Center has named its Georgia Master Gardeners Brewer, Union and Towns County Cooperative Extension Agents,
in DeKalb as the 2009 Dave Adams Award recipients. Especially facilitated a master gardener class with twenty-eight enrolled. The
recognized are five Master Gardeners who have given time and talent efforts of these agents laid the foundation for the newly-formed
for the past several years to the benefit of the gardens and grounds of Towns-Union Master Gardener Association (TUMGA).
Dunwoody Nature Center
In March, Jo Anne Allen, President of the North Georgia Master
Each year the Dave Adams Award recognizes an individual, group of Gardener’s Association, brought master gardeners together to form
individuals, or organization that has made the greatest contribution TUMGA. The association was organized to meet gardening-related
to the Center for the year. The award honors the memory of Dave needs of the communities of Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville,
Adams, whose commitment to the Dunwoody Nature Center was and Suches in the beautiful North Georgia mountains. Nowhere in
given with the greatest of love and dedication. Georgia can gardeners share a greater gardening experience than
the four seasons of these Appalachian Mountains.
Kendra Boyer, Jeff Coghill, Rita Johnston, Nancy Baldwin and Alice
Moore are the five Master Gardeners who volunteer at Dunwoody Association leaders are Co-Presidents, Jo Anne Allen and Judy
Nature Center and work far and above the program’s minimum Caines; Vice President, Patti Bransford; Treasurer, Marcia Little;
requirements for continuing service. Joining them in 2010 as interns and Secretary, Lynn Mosley. Meetings will be held the first
are Su Ellis and Cathy Jones Thursday of each month on the campus of Young Harris College.
TUMGA is already involved in several projects: 1) the design and
Executive Director Claire Hayes (MG ’03) notes that a “key part of
planting of containers around Blairsville’s town square; 2) re-
our mission is ‘to preserve and manage the natural environment’ of
planting of flower beds at Towns County jail in Hiawassee; 3)
Dunwoody Park. The Georgia Master Gardeners in DeKalb are
Towns County Demonstration Garden; 4) the Union County
tireless in the hard work of removing invasives, installing native
Farmer’s Market flower show in August; and 5) assist with new
plants, caring for new growth, and training future generations of
Master Gardener training to be offered Feb – April, 2011. Our
Master Gardeners. They love this green space, and we are so much
website, Perennial Pals, is being developed and should be up and
the better for their passion”.
running in July. Additionally, TUMGA donated funds to purchase a
Master Gardener handbook to a U.S. Army Chaplain in
Afghanistan who works with an agricultural team there helping
Afghan farmers.
A major “down in the dirt” project currently involves the planting
and maintenance of the Union County Community Garden. In
cooperation with Union County Government, Rotary, UGA
Cooperative Extension Service, and Nelson Ace Hardware of
Blairsville, TUMGA members planted 300 tomato plants. The
plants, fertilizer, and canning jars were provided by Rotary.
Maintenance by TUMGA members has involved staking, weeding,
and fertilizing the plants. Georgia’s 9th District Economic
Opportunity will identify families in need of assistance to pick and
can the tomatoes for home use. Canning will be done at the Union
County cannery, one of few remaining in Georgia. The garden is
located next to the newly constructed Union County farmer’s
market. The land and facility for the market was funded with local
SPLOST funds. A new Union County cannery will open in the
Receiving the Dave Adams Award. summer of 2011.
Dunwoody Nature Center is located at 5343 Roberts Drive, in the Watch for upcoming TUMGA news as the organization grows and
new city’s Dunwoody Park. The park is free and open to the public blossoms in the north Georgia mountains!
sun-up to sun-down. seven days a week. For more information, check
the website www.dunwoodynature.org. By Annette Hopgood, Union County Master Gardener
Submitted by Kendra Boyer, DeKalb County Master Gardener Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Telephone: 404-876-5859 Fax: 404-876-7472
The State Botanical Garden E-mail: info@atlantabotanicalgarden.org
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a not-for-profit 313-
acre preserve set aside by the University of Georgia in 1968 for
Web: www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
the study and enjoyment of plants and nature. The Garden is
located at 2450 S. Milledge Avenue in Athens and online at REMEMBER,
http://www.uga.edu/botgarden. Issues of the SCOOP are available
IN COLOR (PDF format) at www.georgiamastergardeners.com
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 13 --Fall 2010 --

14. Gardening is Like a Box of Chocolates rows of farm fields, all gorgeous and healthy looking, I ask, “How
can they do that? There is so much of it, and it is all perfect!”
But Don’t Let it Get You Down Farmers can pretty well control most bugs and pests, but the
weather and other factors are beyond even their control. I have
Wasn’t it Mama Gump that told her world famous Master Gardener
friends, a wife, who grew up on a farm, and their stories of owning a
son, Forest, (He mastered everything else, probably gardening too),
horse, pets everywhere, the harvest and aunt Lulu’s cooking, all
“Gardening is like a box of chocolates---“, you know the rest.
sound wonderful to me. Many times, though, I have thought
“Gardening is great, but I wouldn’t want to be a farmer and have to
Silly isn’t it? -- I don’t think so. Stop
put my assets on the line every day.” So lets praise and give thanks
and think about it yourself. When
for all of those farmers who provide our nourishing needs and are
were you ever able to predict what
willing to put it on the line, come what may. They are more like
your garden harvest and the many
Forest Gump than I will ever be. How does your garden grow?
things that might affect it were going
to be like in any gardening season? It
Fred Wilhelm, Cobb County Master Gardener
is always a toss up whether you will
have a sweet Bon Bon season, on the
edge Peanut Brittle weather or a Sour Ball summer. An early freeze,
late frost, too hot, too cold, a drought or a monsoon, clay, rocks, roots,
damaging wind, ice, hale, early blight, late blight, fungi for all seasons
and bugs, bugs, bugs always saying “ Plant that Garden--Make my
day!” just waiting to weigh in and lay waste to all of your hard work.
I’ve been gardening for years, just hoping, waiting for an average
(normal) year, but one never comes. I have long thought there is no
place for the word “normal” in our language. It is a useless word that
never comes to pass.
That said, one might think “What’s the use? Why garden at all?” Now
that is a bad thought! Get it out of your head! Gardening is too good
for your body and mind. I hope I’m not depressing you, though,
because my intent is just the opposite. Just ask yourself “What would
Forest Gump do?” I saw the movie. I know what he would do. He Georgia Master Gardener Association
would look at the bright side, not complain or feel put upon. He would
knuckle down and forge ahead, ever understanding and always
2011 Spring Conference
smiling. Later at the country market Forest would still be smiling Hosted by
whether or not he had much to sell—even happy that the little bugs The Floyd County Master Gardener
had something to eat too. Although I think I know what Forest would Association
do, believe me, I’m no Forest Gump!! I’ve been there, done that--
frequently frustrated, hurt, complaining why me? Always willing to
share some of my plants with the pests, but these “Garden Terrorists” When In Rome…
are without conscience, holding me hostage in my own space, always
wanting more than I am willing to give. So where does that leave me?
Eco Friendly Gardening
What should I do about it? I love gardening. It has so many benefits April 29 and 30, 2011
that I have to stick with it,- garden till I drop, I guess.,---try to be like at
Forest. The Forum
2 Government Plaza, Rome, Georgia, 30162
Anticipation is a great word. Isn’t half of the fun of an event often the
anticipation of its occurrence? Thinking about a vacation, an upcoming Join us at the
ball game, a party, a wedding and more are times when anticipation Meet and Greet on Friday, April 29, 2011
plays a major role. So it is with gardening. The excitement of spring (or 5:30 to 7:30 at the
fall) planting, the anticipation of sprouting seeds, creating something ECO Center at Ridge Ferry Park
beautiful from something as small as the head of a pin, the thought of
the taste of that first tomato sandwich or that first salad containing all Tour the Gardens of Oakhill, Take a River Boat Tour and
of your own home grown ingredients are times worthy of great Enjoy Where the Rivers Meet the Mountains in Rome
anticipation. Am I making a case for gardening till you drop? Speakers at the Conference:
Terry Kay – Subsistence Gardening
Commitment and Challenge are good words too. Believe me there is Tara Dillard - Gardens of Italy
plenty of both needed in gardening. Delight is what we like to feel in Joe Cook – Watershed Management
all things. Dr. William Welch - Heirloom Gardens
Paula Refi – Designing with Native Plants
It boils down to this: If we could talk to Forest today I think he would Dr. Martin Cipillini – Chestnut Restoration and Longleaf Pine
tell us--“ Put all those bad thoughts aside, and enjoy the Anticipation of Malcolm Hodges – Nature Conservancy Sites in NW Georgia
a new growing season. Accept the challenge, make a Commitment to
use your knowledge and energy wisely, Deal with what comes along, Visit Floyd County Master Gardeners on Facebook
and Enjoy the delight you will feel when you bite into that first favorite for further details
fruit of your efforts.” Garden till you drop!
Check upcoming issues of The Scoop for more
These things are easy for home gardeners to say, but what about our conference information
farmers and commercial growers? Whenever I see pictures of perfect
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 14 --Fall 2010 --

15. DISTRICT BIOLOGIST SPEAKS TO MASTER
GARDENERS
Jeff Brooks, District Biologist with the U. S. Corps of Engineers, was
guest speaker for the March 16 meeting of the Northeast Georgia
Master Gardeners at the Hart County Learning Center on Benson
Street. He was introduced by Rita Harper of Elberton, a former
district director with Georgia Master Gardeners.
Brooks‚ topic was Birds and Birding on Corps land, which includes
Lake Hartwell, Lake Russell and Lake Thurmond (Clark’s Hill).
Brooks stressed the importance of protecting the wildlife around the
three lakes that make up the Upper Savannah River basin.
He seemed pleased to announce that there is a pair of Bald Eagles
nesting in the top of a pine tree below the dam on the Georgia side of
Lake Hartwell. There are others nesting on Russell and Thurmond
lakes but this is the first time the National Birds have been spotted on
Hartwell, he said.
Rita Harper, left, introduced Jeff Brooks, right, at Master Gardeners‚
meeting, March 16, 2010.
Other birds that are making their nests on the three lakes include the
Osprey which also nests in the tops of trees. Blue Herons are plentiful
and can be seen around all three lakes. White and brown pelicans are
spotted often. Many migratory birds, such as Canadian Geese stop to
rest and feed here.
During the question-and-answer period, Brooks explained that sea
gulls seen often around the lakes are also seen everywhere there are
bodies of water. In answer to a question about furnishing food and
water to birds, he said that in this area it is not necessary as there is
plenty to eat and anywhere there is a leaf to catch water, birds can
get a drink. The reason for having food and water available near a
window is so we can enjoy watching them, he said.
In response to the question about how the weather affects the wild
turkey population, Brooks explained that very wet weather like we
have had this past year, decreases the number of wild turkeys as they
nest on the ground and lots of rainfall destroys the eggs. The latest graduates of Master Gardeners who have their hours for 2010 and
were presented their certificates by Charles Rice, Hart County Extension
He explained that the Corps did not agree with the plan of inviting Agent. Pictured left to right: Steve Holder, Maureen Holder, Sandy Holt, Julie
coyotes into this area, and that among the small animals that coyotes Ann Deeds, Doris "Dee" Wiser and Charles Rice, Hart County Extension
are eating are young deer. Agent. (20 April 2010.)
Faye Ward, who lives on Hartwell Lake said that she had observed
an anhinga, or snake bird, which swims beneath the water with only
the head showing. This bird spears fish with its beak and tosses it in
his mouth. She has built a nesting place for wood ducks and hopes to
have a pair nesting soon, she said.
More information is available from the Georgia Wildlife website,
<mhtml:{6FD85670-EBE3-4235-8CB5-628D90A89D48}mid://00000108/!x-
usc:http://www.georgiawildlife.com/>www.georgiawildlife.com
About 50 members and guests attended the March 16 meeting. The
Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners met again at 5:30 p.m. on April
20 at the Hart County Learning Center. At the business of the April
20th meeting the interns that have met their hours to become Master
Gardeners were introduced. Also honored were those that have
become “Lifetime Master Gardeners.” Club president, Gerald
Hardin of Elberton, officiated at the meetings.
Thomas Dixon, Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners
These Master Gardeners have earned their "Lifetime Member Status:
(pictured left to right) Sheryl Cantwell, Rita Harper, Minnie Crider, Peggy
Matthews, Joanne Stanfill and Thomas Dixon were presented Lifetime
Georgia Master Gardener certificates by Charles Rice, Hart County Extension
Agent, Not pictured: Faye Ward, Beverly Verdery and Ila Rae Feltman.
(20 April 2010.)
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 15 --Fall 2010 --

16. An Area Designed for our Feathered Friends In the fall, the grass in the area to be developed was removed. The
arbor was constructed and the pond installed. The plants that could
Submitted by Patty Mallicote and Kathy Molnar be purchased in the fall, such as rhododendron, mountain laurel,
winterberry holly, anise, beautyberry, and a variety of ferns were
Wildlife abounds in Tallulah Gorge State Park with a gorge that added. A rain barrel was installed so water would be conveniently
drops 1000 feet surrounded by rugged terrain and a fragile available for the new plants. There was a concern with the
ecosystem. Some effort had previously been given to attracting birds frequency that water had to be added to the pond, so a solution was
to a viewing area just outside the window of the visitor center. Other found using an automatic filler valve. The manufacturer provided
activities and reduced staff caused the emphasis to shift. In the spring the valve at no cost to the project.
of 2009 two Master Gardeners new to the area saw the bird area as a
project beckoning their attention. Contact was made with the Park
administration and with the Friends group. With the wholehearted
support of both, a plan was developed to create an area attractive to
birds with plants, a moving water source, and shelter/nest sites. A
grant application was submitted to the Georgia Master Gardeners
Association and happily, funds were awarded to purchase plants for
the bird garden.
Planting in process. Work being done on the rain barrels.
Additional native shrubs and perennials were added in the spring. A
Al Rothe of GMGA presents the grant check to Master Gardeners, display in the Visitor’s Center identifies plants, birds, and their
Friends of the Park, and the Park Superintendent. interaction. A second rain barrel was added and the automatic float
valve was connected to the rain barrels. (The barrels were connected
The project began in the summer of 2009. A plan was developed that
to provide optimum access to water.) Recent rainfall has ensured
included adding a variety of native shrubs, perennials, vines, and
full rain barrels due to the large roof area and has resulted in a
ferns. Native plants were selected to provide berries, seeds, and
constant water level in the pond.
nectar and eventually shelter as the plants mature. A soil test was
conducted by UGA via the extension office. An arbor was designed to
provide the birds with shelter and a pond with a bubbler was added
to supply moving water. In addition to the funds granted by the
GMGA to purchase plant material, the Friends of Tallulah Gorge
State Park agreed to provide funds to purchase the building
materials for the arbor and the pond. Friends also assisted with labor
during the preparation, planting, and building phases.
Plants going in around the pond.
The bird garden now attracts a variety of birds and butterflies in
addition to other creatures, such as foxes, squirrels, and a bear.
Visitors to the Interpretive Center window enjoy watching the birds
and using the accompanying display to identify birds and plants.
In the beginning – before any work was done.
-- The Georgia Scoop-- 16 --Fall 2010 --