“Propagation: Cuttings and Seeds” presented by Vickie Pepper, Plant Propagator at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens showed how to make the most of the plants you have by collecting and planting seeds and taking cuttings from your existing plants. Vickie shared the best kept secrets of propagation and guided us through the processes that will ensure success. Each person left with a set of plants they propagated using the methods Vickie discussed. Vickie has a degree in Horticulutre from Tidewater Community College and is a Master Gardener. For more information on the gardens and horticulture at the Norfolk Botanical Garden check out their website, http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/gardens-horticulture.
May 17
Ronnie Baum, life member of the Virginia Bonsai Society and owner of Tiny Tree Bonsai in Virginia Beach, presented "Bonsai for You", an introduction to the art of bonsai. He explained the techniques of bonsai, discussed how to achieve a bonsai and showed examples of completed bonsai. Ronnie provided historical background into the art, talked about the different styles and clarified the techniques used to create bonsai. He has presented numerous training sessions and classes across the country and enjoys spreading the word on the proper techniques of bonsai. For more information on bonsai, check the Virginia Bonsai Society at http://www.virginiabonsai.org/.
June 21
Rich and Rickki Sterrett, owners of Sterrett Gardens on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, presented " The Many Faces of Daylilies”. highlighting the most popular perennial in American gardens. The discussed the classes of daylilies, how to choose, grow and maintain these versatile perennial plants and gave tips on how to effectively incorporate them into your gardens. They showed examples of some of their many different cultivars and offered demonstrations on dividing and planting your daylilies. The Sterretts are very experienced and well-known in their field and their gardens are an official American Hemerocallis Display Garden. The gardens are open during June and July for tours and information can be found at http://sterrettgardens.com/.
July 19
"What Bugs You in the Garden?", presented by Margie Cooper from Smithfield Gardens, outlined some of the most common pests and diseases that annoy the gardeners in Tidewater Virginina and NE North Carolina. Using a powerpoint program, Margie showed the pest or disease, the damage caused and most commonly used methods of control. She also stressed that starting with good soil and using good gardening practices helps solve a number of issues with both pests and diseases. Smithfield Gardens has a free newsletter and a wealth of educational programs and free literature available on a variety of gardening topics. For more information, check Smithfield Gardens.
August 16
Members of The Backyard Gardeners presented, "You and Your Lawn", a practical guide to the easy methods of fall lawn care. The types of lawn, cool season and warm season were explained. Since fall is the appropriate season for installing or maintaining cool season grasses, the porgram concentrated on the common tasks necessary to maintain that type of lawn in our area. Warm season grass care for the fall was also discussed and a brief explanation of treatment of warm season grasses in the spring was given. Information was provided on the steps to maintain or create a new cool season lawn in the fall, how to deal with weeds and what weeds should be treated in the fall. The importance of soil test kits was stressed and kits were made available. Calendars outlining the maintenance tasks for both cool and warm season grasses were available. For grass maintenance calendars and more information on seasonal lawn care, check the Virginia Tech Extension Service website.
September 16
Janet Dillender, a canning specialist, presented "Preserving the Bounty", a very informative program on preserving the produce from your home gardens. She discussed the methods of water bath canning, dehyration and pickling. She discussed the basics of each method, explained the equipment needed and showed examples of each type of preservation. Janet provided a wealth of information and had numerous handouts. The samples were great also! Janet has a vast educatonal background as a Home Economist and Consumer Educator and teaches classes on a variety of canning techinques throughout the area. Listed are materials she provided to the group from Virginia Tech Extension and the University of Missouri Extension.
Before You Start to Can, Learn the Basics
Boiling Water Bath Canning
In a Pickle-basics of pickling
Drying Foods
Using Dehydration to Preserve Fruits, Vegetables and Meats
More information on all preserving techniques can be found at both Extension Service websites:
Virginia Tech
University of Missouri Extension
October 18
"What Not to Do in the Garden in Fall", presented by The Backyard Gardeners offered a unique view of the things you should and shouldn't do in the garden in fall. Everything from the types of plants to purchase and install, proper pruning, mulching basics, treatment of houseplants, proper planting of trees and shrubs, fall lawn care, treatment of vegetable gardens, fall and winter bird feeding techniques and much much more were presented to help insure success in your gardens both now and in upcoming seasons. The group stressed fall maintenance as a way to make the spring gardening season easier and more successful. Information from a variety of sources was included. Maintenance calendars for warm season grasses and cool season grasses created by Virginia Tech Extension were shown as well as a variety of literature from Wild Birds Unlimited on numerous birding topics.