This is a library of archived copies of the "Backyard Views", a quarterly newsletter produced by The Backyard Gardeners and handouts and information from our "Garden Talk" speakers.
You may sign up to receive notices of our programming and the current newsletter via email at gardenguru@thebackyardgardeners.org.
Archived TBG newsletters:
Click here to view a copy of Backyard Views, Winter 2011
Click here to view a copy of Backyard Views, Fall 2010
Click here to view a copy of Backyard Views, Summer 2010
Click here to view a copy of Backyard Views, Spring 2010
Click here to view a copy of Backyard Views, Winter 2010
The Backyard Gardeners present a "Garden Talk" once a month. Frequently, speakers provide handouts for the programs. Below are the handouts from the current "Garden Talks".
Garden Talks 2010
January 19
"There Are Worms in My Kitchen" presented by Bill Jowers, Chowan County, NC Master Gardener Volunteer. Bill's talk was on vermiculture and vermicomposting basics. Handouts include info on making a worm bin, setting up the worm bin, prepared worm starter kits sold by the speaker, and resources for more information on vermiculture and vermicomposting.
Directions for making a worm bin
Basics of setting up a worm bin
Worm bin starter kits
Vermiculture resources
February 16
"To Prune or Not to Prune..."
Mik Lestyan, Chesapeake City Arborist discussed "Pruning Young Trees" and demonstrates the correct methods and tools. A comprehensive manual of pruning information gathered from Virginia Tech is found below. A list of certified arborists in Hampton Roads and information from two other sources quoted in the program are also listed.
Pruning Manual
Cerified Arborist List 2010
Dr. Edward Gillman, Univeristy of Florida pruning information http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.shtml
Dr. Eric Wiseman powerpoint on pruning
http://www.forestry.vt.edu/Documents/Pruning.pdf
March 16
"Spice Up your Life"
Elizabeth Meska, Lifestypes by Elizabeth, presented a program on herbs for selecting, growing and using herbs in Tidewater. Elizabeth is a Nofolk Master Gardener, noted herb specialist, and board member of the Fred Heutte Center in Norfolk. She is a personal chef and has a newsletter with information on herbs and their uses. Handouts were available to each attendee with information on herbs and how to make a bouquet garni. Sign up for Elizabeth's monthly email newsletter at elizabeth.meska@cox.net.
List and description of common herbs and spices
Making and using a bouquet garni
April 20
"Theme Gardening"
Ginny Moritz, local garden maven, discussed how to determine a theme for a garden, how to select plants and use garden art and accessories to enhance the garden and demonstrate your theme. She showed photos of a variety of theme gardens and how to use your interests and hobbies to accent your gardens. Ginny showed a variety of different garden art and explained how to make them.
For more information on theme gardens check:
The Children's Garden at Michigan State University http://4hgarden.msu.edu/
Theme gardens guide http://www.gardenguides.com/915-theme-gardens-planning-pitfalls.html
TLC's theme garden info http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/color-theme-garden-ideas.html
May 18
"Meet the Natives"
Vickie Shufer, naturalist and publisher, discussed the best native plants for our area and how to use them in your gardens. She explained which plants are the best to attract wildlife to your yard and showed pictures of each plant. Vickie is an expert in wild food foraging and teaches a variety of nature programs in the area. She also had a selection of native plants for sale. To find out about her programming and the plants she has available check her website at www.ecoimages-us.com or contact her at EcoImages@cox.net.
June 15
"Lavender-Growing, Drying, Using"
Doris Flattum, Harbinger Lavender Farm, Harbinger, NC, discussed the best plants for our humid conditions, the cultural conditions needed for growing lavender successfully, and how to use the harvest. Attached are the handouts for cultural information, recipes for Lavender Lemon Cookies and Lavender Brownies. For more information from the Harbinger Lavender Farm, contact Doris at harbingerlavender@hotmail.com.
Growing Lavender
Herb Cookies recipe
Lavender Brownies recipe
July 20
"Beekeeping for Homeowners"
Frank Walker, Tidewater Beekeepers Society, discussed why bees are important in our gardens, how to attract them and how to establish and maintain bee hives. More information including meeting dates, swarm collection information, beekeeper training programs and resoiurces for local beekeepers can be found at the Tidewater Beekeepers' website at http://www.tidewaterbeekeepers.net/index.html
Mr. Walker can be contacted at tsarsearch4u@cox.net if you have any questions.
August 17
"Organics in the Garden"
Liz Witkowski, Rich Earth
Terri Voss
Liz presented a program on the value of Rich Earth soil amendments and explained how the quality of the soil directly impacts the quality of your flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and lawn. Detailed information was given on the benefits of adding organic material to your soil. For more information on specific products, check her website at http://www.richearth.net/.
Terri offered information regarding the practical usage of organic products and answered questions. Her experience with gardening and working with the Hermitage Museum proved invaluable.
September 21
"Bulbs with a Southern Accent"
The Backyard Gardeners
TBG presents a program about the culture and care of spring blooming bulbs. How to select, plant, and maintain bulbs with the top 12 bulbs that perform best in Southern climates will be highlighted. Examples of each of the types of bulbs and ways to use them in your landscape are shown. Informational handouts on care and maintenance of bulbs are listed below:
Preapared by TBG
Bulb Information Sheet
Guide prepared by TBG-be sure to scroll down the page to get to the info
Growing Spring Bulbs
Prepared by TBG
Bulb Catalogs and Online Information List
Flowering Bulbs info from Virginia Tech Extension
http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-201/426-201.html
Brent and Becky's Bulbs Guide to Planting Spring Bulbs
http://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/downloads/documents/Spring_Flowering_Bulbs_Cultural_Instructions.pdf
October 19
"Houseplants 101"
Audrey Knall, member of The Backyard Gardeners and the Tidewater Orchid Society, presented a program on choosing and caring for houseplants. She presented the cultural information needed to grow and maintain beautiful, healthy indoor plants. Audrey provided lists of plants for all conditions and discussed pests and diseases common in houseplants and how to treat them. The handout lists air filtering plants, easy houseplants, low light houseplants, top flowering houseplants and poisonous houseplants. Cultural and descriptions are given for each.
For comprehensive information on houseplants including profiles on different houseplants, care, types of plants and tips, please check Guide to Houseplants. This website is well organized and contains a wealth of valuable information.
December 14
"Decorating Naturally"
The Backyard Gardeners presented their annual decorating naturally and demonstrated using tomato cages to make outdoor trees for decoration or to feed the birds. Natural materials from the gardens was used. A reception followed with goodies prepared by the members and some attendees. Thanks so much to all who attended and those who shared food items and recipes. The recipes for some of the items and a wonderful recipe for suet cakes from Walt and Aurie Baldwin that are a favorite of their birds are attached.
Happy holidays to all and thanks so much for supporting us in our events in 2010. We look forward to bigger and better programming in 2011!!!!
Recipes for goodies from 2010 "Garden Talk" December reception
Recipe for suet cakes for feeding birds
