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TABLE OF TABLE OF TABLE OF TABLE OF

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

2009 SPRING GARDEN TOUR AND PLANT SALE

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NEW KIDS on the BLOCK...

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SPEAKER’S

BUREAU 4

BAYLESS SELBY

HOUSE 5

BOOK REVIEWS 6

JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER

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MINUTES 8

ASK THE MG 9

NO MO’... 10

NEWSY NEWS 11

GENERAL MEETINGS

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ENABLED GARDENING

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

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ANNUAL DINNER/GRADUATION

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BANGALORE 18

TRAINING 21

2009 BOARD/ COMMITTEES

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DCMGADCMGADCMGADCMGA

M A R C H 2 0 0 9M A R C H 2 0 0 9M A R C H 2 0 0 9M A R C H 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E X I IV O L U M E X I IV O L U M E X I IV O L U M E X I I , I S S U E 1I S S U E 1I S S U E 1I S S U E 1

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The 2009 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale team kickoff was on January 29. Plans are well under way to make this year’s event a successful experience for visitors as well as Master Gardener volunteers. This year’s event provides many opportuni-ties for our visitors to Learn from the Learn from the Learn from the Learn from the MastersMastersMastersMasters about gardening in North Texas. All of the tour home gardens are owned by Denton County Master Gardeners, and they demonstrate how the homeowners have addressed and resolved gardening issues in their landscapes. This year’s project garden at Fair Oaks Retirement Center in Denton is supported by DCMGA volunteers. Why We Do ItWhy We Do ItWhy We Do ItWhy We Do It The Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale is our association’s largest public out-reach event each year. Many of our Master Gardeners first learned about DCMGA when they visited our garden tour. This event provides multiple horticulture education opportunities for visitors and our members both at the tour gardens and the plant sale. This event is our association’s primary fund-raising activity. Proceeds from ticket sales, plants and merchandise are used to fund our programs and projects throughout the year. Last but not least, our members,

including interns, have many opportu-nities to work together in a fun environment as we prepare this year to put on a fantastic event for the public. 2009 Garden Tour Facts2009 Garden Tour Facts2009 Garden Tour Facts2009 Garden Tour Facts There are three gardens in Flower Mound and three in Denton. In addi-tion, we have our bonus tour garden, a DCMGA project garden at Fair Oaks Retirement Home in Denton. Barbara Burgin, the project manager at Fair Oaks, was honored with the Project Manager’s Award at this year’s Awards Celebration. Tour gardens are diverse in style and size. The 2009 gardens are: CCCCarole MMMMunro’s - Fisherman’s Haven LLLLinda WWWWilliams’ - No Work, Will Travel LLLLynda HHHHarvey’s - Wildlife Delight PPPPam MMMMcClimon’s - New Beginnings DDDDarla BBBBostick’s - Artist’s Retreat CCCCarol RRRRowley’s - Slippery Slope Solution FFFFair OOOOaks’ - Beauty on a Shoestring Visit DCMGA.comDCMGA.comDCMGA.comDCMGA.com to learn more about the gardens that are on the tour.

(2009 Garden Tour Facts cont pg 2)

2009 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet

Saturday, May 9th, 2009, 9AM-4PM

1989198919891989----2009200920092009 CELEBRATINGCELEBRATINGCELEBRATINGCELEBRATING 20 YEARS20 YEARS20 YEARS20 YEARS

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Diggin’ Deeper Demonstration FactsDiggin’ Deeper Demonstration FactsDiggin’ Deeper Demonstration FactsDiggin’ Deeper Demonstration Facts Diggin’ Deeper Demonstrations presented by Denton County Master Gardeners will be available at each garden to provide education about specific garden topics to our visitors. The topics are chosen from the educational aspects of each garden. Many of the presenters are from the DCMGA Speakers Bureau and our MG Help Desk. Master Gardeners who will present Diggin’ Deeper Demos at the gardens are: Organic Gardening Tips– Jennie Estes/Brenda Wellenreiter (CM) Perennials for the Shade – Diane Land (LW) Rain Gardens – Monica Chaffin (LH) Compost – Kathleen Gielink (PM) Herbs - Susan Musgrave (PM) Mosaics in the Garden – Sandy Hiatte (DB) Square Foot Gardening – Wally Gehrke (CR) Butterfly Gardening – Norma Folse (FO)

Plant Sale/Garden Shoppe FactsPlant Sale/Garden Shoppe FactsPlant Sale/Garden Shoppe FactsPlant Sale/Garden Shoppe Facts Visitors to the Plant Sale/Garden Shoppe will have opportunities to learn about the plants that are available for sale and to purchase plants and other garden related merchandise. Hundreds of plants will be available at our plant sale including pass-along and commercially grown plants. Pricing will provide good value for our visitors, and they will be able to purchase plants they can expect to thrive in their North Texas gardens. The Garden Shoppe will include books, garden tools, gloves, gift items and much, much more. An Ask a Master Gardener booth will be on site to support visitors’ gardening ques-tions. This year’s Plant Sale & Garden Shoppe will be located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 633 Hobson, Denton, at the corner of Hobson and Teasley. The hours are 8am to 2pm.

Other FactsOther FactsOther FactsOther Facts Project team leads are: Project Manager: Zoe Broxson; Co-Manager Linda Williams, Plant Sale: Linda Krimm, Connie Gregory and Marlene Hoffman, Garden Shoppe: Jackie Kerstetter, Diggin’ Deeper Demonstrations: Mary Morrow, Publicity and Promotions: Lucille Del Vecchio, Nancy Ross and Peggy Durrett, Ticket Sales: Connie Gregory, Volunteer Coordinator: Donna Wolfe, Community Compliance: Sandy Hiatte, Photography and Plant Identification: Janet

Gershenfeld and Joan Stanley, Websites and Signs: Janie Farler and Mary Morrow, Budget and Brochure: Shirley Manfredi, Garden Captains: Maurine LeBeau(PM), Annell Burns(PM), Clarice Luce(DB), Sue Hudiburgh(CR), Diana Block(FO), Ana Thompson(FO), Carolyn Tinner(LH), Diane Burch(CM) and Terri Smith(LW). How You Can HelpHow You Can HelpHow You Can HelpHow You Can Help This event is a great opportunity to volunteer and earn service hours. Communications regarding work days and volunteer opportunities will occur primar-ily by email from Donna so please be sure to check your email regularly to keep up with what’s going on. You can volunteer to be part of the planning process, to work on preparation for the tour and plant sale prior to the event, to assist with publicity and promotions, to be part of the 3-D team and to be a Garden Tour docent or work at the Plant Sale/Garden Shoppe the day of the event. Our volun-teers are key players in the success of our event so please take a look at the multiple opportunities that will be available and volunteer as often as possible. As always service hours credit is allowed for travel time. SELL TICKETS before tour day to friends, neighbors, family, business contacts, everyone you know. The ticket price for pre-sales is $8, tickets at the door on event day are $10 for adults, and $5 to tour a single garden. Children 13 and under can attend the garden tour without charge. Tickets will be available in early March. Contact Connie Gregory at connest@verizon.net or 972.539.9290 to receive a supply of tickets. They will also be available at the March and April general meetings and at the exten-sion office. There will be fun prizes for the Master Gardeners who are the top sellers for 2009, so get involved early and start selling ticketsstart selling ticketsstart selling ticketsstart selling tickets. Zoe Broxson

2009 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet

Saturday, May 9th, 2009, 9AM-4PM

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DIANE ALMAND...has been living in High-land Village for 25 years. She has lived in Atlanta, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa. “The heat and watering needs are very different here which means the things I love to grow don't do so well here,” says Diane. She loves to have flowers growing espe-cially in containers and has enjoyed vegetable gar-dening also. Diane plans to have a garden that looks like she knows a lot about gardening. She has been a teacher, her husband is still a nurse and she has a son who is a firefighter.

KATI BELL...has lived in Aubrey for the last 10 years, lived in Flower Mound for 11 years, and Dallas for 30 years. She is interested in soil amendments, proper bed prep, vegetable garden-ing, daffodils, other type bulbs and perennials. Kati would like to learn which trees will grow best and fastest in her pastures. Once she becomes a Master Gardener she plans on expanding her vege-table gardening throughout existing garden beds.

JANIE AND TOM CINDRIC...have only lived in Denton for 5 months, coming here

from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Janie says “We

came from clay & rocks to clay & rocks, but a dif-

ferent kind!, from high to low humidity and tons

more wind here.” Tom enjoys lawns and vegetable

gardening, while perennials, herbs and environ-

mentally friendly practices top Janie’s list, which

Tom plans on following. They never thought they

would be living in Texas, but are loving it.

JENNY FREI...found her way to Double Oak 1 1/2 years ago from her birth place of Switzer-

land, then Japan, Hawaii, Guam, and Southern

California. She finds the climate here very differ-

ent and it is difficult to figure out what will grow,

especially after growing tropical plants. Jenny’s

passion is her garden and she plans to use water

friendly, native plants. She speaks 6 languages and

is learning a 7th!

New Kids on the Block...New Kids on the Block...New Kids on the Block...New Kids on the Block...

Lots of new faces running around DCMGA-here are a few of their stories...

Rehman Abdulali...has lived in Carroll-ton for the last 10 years, coming down quite a

ways from Toronto, Canada. A few things Abdul is

getting use to are that there were many freezing

days up north compared to here and the soil is

quite different. His gardening passions include us-

ing minimum water yet having the plant look

healthy. He plans to volunteer for water conserva-

tion projects and become active in harvesting rain

water. He wants everyone to call him Abdul.

MARK ATKINSON…for the last five years

has lived in The Colony, also coming down quite a

ways from Manitoba, Canada. He enjoys the much

longer growing season here in Texas. Mark enjoys

the challenge of keeping his garden green and

growing. He plans on having bigger and better

gardens once he becomes a Master Gardener.

LORI FAGERQUIST...is from Nashville, Tn

and moved here 16 years ago. She remembers her mother gardening and the summers were milder and they had more rain. Lori loves tending to per-ennials—especially those with bright vivid colors. She will be applying what she learns to her new yard and garden.

MARLON BURTON...lives in Aubrey, and lived in Flower Mound and Dallas (believe Kati and Marlon are related!) His passion is indoor garden-ing. He plans to spread the joy of gardening through community outreach to reintroduce the coming generation to what they eat. Marlon is a survival enthusiast and is interested in learning sustainable food production techniques.

“A good gardener always plants three “A good gardener always plants three “A good gardener always plants three “A good gardener always plants three seedsseedsseedsseeds————one for the grubs, one for the one for the grubs, one for the one for the grubs, one for the one for the grubs, one for the weather, one for himself.”weather, one for himself.”weather, one for himself.”weather, one for himself.”

C. CollinsC. CollinsC. CollinsC. Collins

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SEND YOUR FAVORITE “CRITTER IN YOUR YARD” PHOTO TO HAWKILITLE@AOL.COM

It's not easy being green, red, and blue!

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)

Habitat These beautiful birds prefer the heavier cover found around streams, forest edges and other areas with dense under story.

Distribution Painted buntings are common summer residents in much of Texas, and the southeastern U.S. and Mexico. In the fall they

migrate south to Mexico, Panama and a number of Caribbean islands. Other Painted buntings are part of a genus including the gorgeous blue indigo and lazuli buntings. The Greek myth of Scylla who

turned into the bird keiris, inspired the name ceris for the beautiful painted bunting.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/paintedbunting/)

Description - Male painted buntings have red breasts and rumps, green backs, blue heads and

dark wings. Females are greenish above and buff below.

Life History - Painted buntings are common in many parts of Texas. Around sunrise, males will briefly perch and sing on top of the brush they live in. When the brightly colored male is

noticed, he is often mistakenly thought to be an escaped tropical bird. Male painted buntings have been used as caged birds in some areas due to their bright colors and beautiful voice.

Even though painted buntings are fairly common birds in much of Texas they are rarely

seen. Their habit of remaining in deep brush except when the male sings early in the morn-

ing often cause them to be overlooked. Although primarily seed eaters, painted buntings

rarely come to backyard feeders because they dislike being so far from cover. They also feed

on insects.

This little guy came

a visitin’ Patsy Day

at her home in

Pilot Point!!!

Butte

rfly

Gardening

, Design

, Creation

Propagation Texas Superstars

Xeriscaping

Waterwise

Rain Gardens

Trees Insects Roses

Creating Garden Rooms Garden Junk Garden Structures

Fall Companion Gardening Fall Planning

Landscape Planning

Keys to Su

ccessful G

ardening

Garden H

abitats

Backyard

Habitat

No matter how you look at it, it’s all connected! Come join the 2009 DCMGA Speakers Bureau today! We welcome all speakers, all gardening topics.

We go to libraries, senior citizen groups, garden clubs. Where ever we are needed, we are there!

Contact Annie Brackin at anniebrackin@yahoo.com today!

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Here is a little history about how the Denton County Master Gardeners are helping to create an authentic Victorian Landscape around the Historic Bayless-Selby House Museum. The house was built in 1899, and was donated to the Denton County Historical Commission in 1998. It was moved to its present location, restored and is the centerpiece of The Historical Park of Denton County. The park is adjacent to the historic district and central to downtown Denton and the Court House on the Square.

The Denton Historical Commission and the Denton Director of Museums asked the DCMG’s to be Partners in the de-velopment and future of an authentic Victorian landscape to add to the historical integrity of the restoration of the house. The first time the MG’s became involved with the Bayless-Selby House it was sitting in the middle of what had been a concrete parking lot. We had a long way to go! I volunteered to be the Project Manager and Anne Banks, Carol Fitch, Mary Morrow, Mary Ellen Richards, Selena Schindler and Donna Wolfe also volunteered to be part of the team. We wanted to develop a landscape design and plant list that would be appropriate and could be man-aged in this public park. Individual MG’s traveled to the Heard museum to look at the native plants, to the Heritage Farmstead museum to check out their gardens, take pictures and get ideas. We did a lot of research. A landscape design was decided upon and committees were set up for each part of the garden to choose plants and make plant lists. We obtained bids for the plants from the local nurserymen and pricing from some catalogs. Once everything was compiled, we presented our report to our Partners and it was approved. Funds for this project were to be do-nated by the public. We did not really know how many years it might take to complete the planting of this project; it would depend on when the money was donated. But, because of the community interest in the BSH, the money and public support were there.

Everyone was excited about the plans. The first spring, with the help of spouses, children, friends and anyone that wanted to help, we planted small trees, perennials, shrubs and constructed and planted the herb and vegetable gar-dens. Even the Extension Agent, John Cooper, came by to check on our progress and pitched in and planted two Eve’s Necklace trees (I believe they are his favorite small native trees). Metal plant tags were placed in the garden with the plant names. Folders were created with information on the plants for the docents.

It has been almost eight years since we started this Partnership and each year the landscape evolves and matures. The gardens are a beautiful addition to The Denton County Historical Park and an excellent opportunity for the Denton County Master Gardeners to provide education to the public about safe, effective and sustainable horticul-tural practices that promote development of healthy gardens, landscapes and communities. BaylessBaylessBaylessBayless----Selby House Museum Gardens recognized as First Place Project at State LevelSelby House Museum Gardens recognized as First Place Project at State LevelSelby House Museum Gardens recognized as First Place Project at State LevelSelby House Museum Gardens recognized as First Place Project at State Level Denton County Master Gardeners were awarded first place for the Project of the Year at the Master Gardener Asso-ciation State Conference in Tyler, Texas in April, 2003. Please come join the team, contact Carolyn Gold at crgold@verizon.net.

Historical Park of Denton County

317 West Mulberry Street, Denton, Texas 76201 Carolyn Gold

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Doug Welsh's Texas Garden Almanac By Doug Welsh, Texas A&M Univer-sity Press, 2007

Doug Welsh provides Texas gardeners with a month-by-month guide to planning and maintaining your Texas garden. The book reads like a monthly gardening clinic with helpful

hints, plants lists and landscaping tips. The book has many colorful illustrations to highlight the topics on each page. There are interesting sidebars, and lots of Texas gardening trivia which will keep even the most knowledgeable Texas gardener turning the pages of this book for fresh ideas and information. This book is a must read for every Texas gardener.

Death in the Orchid Garden by Ann Ripley

Louise Eldridge is off to Hawaii to film a segment for her PBS gardening show, Gardening with Nature. She is interviewing botanists at an elite conference on the lush island of Kauai. The clash of the botanist’s egos is not the only

disturbance that occurs in this idyllic setting. Louise is out for a walk and comes across a body at the base of a cliff. Thus begins a search for the killer or could it be killers!

Designing & Renovating Large Gardens by Douglas Coltart Timber Press, June 2007 Okay, you decided to make the move to the big house with the big yard and now as you

look out the back window, things just don’t look right. The proportion is wrong, plants appear to have been just dropped in haphazard and the walkway is a shambles, then this is the book for you. There are good points in the book that everyone can use no matter the size of your landscape. Valuable suggestions on proportion, spacing and size can help in the design and layout of any garden. The objective of this book though is to assist in the planning of a larger garden. There are helpful suggestions on the use of anchor plantings, focal points, and the placement of large scale plantings. Case studies are used throughout the book to demonstrate the beautiful result that careful planning and renovation can produce to make your landscape something to be admired. The book is beautifully illustrated and filled with photographs that bring the design concepts to life.

BOOK REVIEWSBOOK REVIEWSBOOK REVIEWSBOOK REVIEWS BRENT BLOECHLEBRENT BLOECHLEBRENT BLOECHLEBRENT BLOECHLE

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Doug Welsh’s book is available through the DCMGA Garden Shoppe for $20.00.

Contact Jackie at djkerstetter@verizon.net.

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Get your hands dirty,Get your hands dirty,Get your hands dirty,Get your hands dirty, suck a bug,suck a bug,suck a bug,suck a bug, wrap your heads inwrap your heads inwrap your heads inwrap your heads in newspapernewspapernewspapernewspaper . . .. . .. . .. . .

all in an effort to engage students in learning important concepts in all in an effort to engage students in learning important concepts in all in an effort to engage students in learning important concepts in all in an effort to engage students in learning important concepts in plant and garden science.plant and garden science.plant and garden science.plant and garden science. Learn how to use the resources of the Junior Master Gardener® program to help grow good kids in the classroom or at home while boosting science achievementboosting science achievementboosting science achievementboosting science achievement, increasing parental involvementparental involvementparental involvementparental involvement, and involving kids in serviceserviceserviceservice----learninglearninglearninglearning.

Participants will take part in handsParticipants will take part in handsParticipants will take part in handsParticipants will take part in hands----on lessons and projects that are included in the on lessons and projects that are included in the on lessons and projects that are included in the on lessons and projects that are included in the JMG JMG JMG JMG Level One (grades 3Level One (grades 3Level One (grades 3Level One (grades 3----5) curricula. The workshop will overview the 5) curricula. The workshop will overview the 5) curricula. The workshop will overview the 5) curricula. The workshop will overview the JMGJMGJMGJMG program, program, program, program, demonstrate the flexibility of how JMG can be utilized with students, and highlight re-demonstrate the flexibility of how JMG can be utilized with students, and highlight re-demonstrate the flexibility of how JMG can be utilized with students, and highlight re-demonstrate the flexibility of how JMG can be utilized with students, and highlight re-search detailing benefits to kids using the curriculum. This session will feature the search detailing benefits to kids using the curriculum. This session will feature the search detailing benefits to kids using the curriculum. This session will feature the search detailing benefits to kids using the curriculum. This session will feature the JMGJMGJMGJMG Core Curriculum, Wildlife Gardener, Health & Nutrition and Literature from the Core Curriculum, Wildlife Gardener, Health & Nutrition and Literature from the Core Curriculum, Wildlife Gardener, Health & Nutrition and Literature from the Core Curriculum, Wildlife Gardener, Health & Nutrition and Literature from the Garden. Garden. Garden. Garden.

Registration Details:Registration Details:Registration Details:Registration Details: Register early! Registration is limited to 30. Teachers will receive SBEC and TEEAC credit hours.

Call to reserve your spot!Call to reserve your spot!Call to reserve your spot!Call to reserve your spot! Contact: Jenny Estes at jnellieestes@yahoo.com or call 940-271-1402 to register.

Each JMG program teacher guide contains TEKS correlations for math, science, social studies and language arts Each JMG program teacher guide contains TEKS correlations for math, science, social studies and language arts Each JMG program teacher guide contains TEKS correlations for math, science, social studies and language arts Each JMG program teacher guide contains TEKS correlations for math, science, social studies and language arts and includes several standardized test formatted reading passages.and includes several standardized test formatted reading passages.and includes several standardized test formatted reading passages.and includes several standardized test formatted reading passages.

Date: Date: Date: Date: March 30, 2009March 30, 2009March 30, 2009March 30, 2009 Time:Time:Time:Time: 9AM9AM9AM9AM----1PM1PM1PM1PM Location:Location:Location:Location: Denton County Extension OfficeDenton County Extension OfficeDenton County Extension OfficeDenton County Extension Office 306 North Loop 288, Suite 222 For:For:For:For: Teachers, Parents, DCMGA Members Teachers, Parents, DCMGA Members Teachers, Parents, DCMGA Members Teachers, Parents, DCMGA Members ---- Interns and Veterans Interns and Veterans Interns and Veterans Interns and Veterans Cost:Cost:Cost:Cost: $5.00$5.00$5.00$5.00

What a desolate place would a world without flowers!What a desolate place would a world without flowers!What a desolate place would a world without flowers!What a desolate place would a world without flowers! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome.It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome.It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome.It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome.

CLARA L. BALFOUR CLARA L. BALFOUR CLARA L. BALFOUR CLARA L. BALFOUR

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DENTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING January 7, 2009

CALL TO ORDER President Linda Williams called the DCMGA Board of Directors meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. at the AgriLife Extension office in Denton, TX. In attendance were Linda Williams, Shirley Manfredi, Carolyn Tinner, Brenda Wellenreiter, Janet Laminack, Mary Mor-row, Annell Burns, Maurine LeBeau, Lucille Del Vecchio, Zoe Broxson, Sandy Hiatte, Donna Wolfe, Janie Farler, Jackie Kerstetter, and Connie Gregory.

MINUTES Minutes for December Board meeting were forwarded to the Board via e-mail. Minutes were accepted as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT Brenda Wellenreiter, 2008 DCMGA Treasurer, submitted her final Treasurer’s report. Suggestion was made to move the cost of the purchase of a lapel mike from Miscellaneous to Sound System budget item. Treasurer’s Report will be amended to reflect this change.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Project Administration—Connie Gregory submitted report. Advised that we will need to find someone else to take on the Children’s

Garden project because of a change in Susan Kilpatrick’s situation. Town of Hickory Creek has requested help with plant choices in medians. Connie and Linda Williams will go out and talk with them. Clear Creek landscape project was taken on by Monique Goodhart. A school has called in to Help Desk wanting assistance in setting up a Butterfly Garden. A procedure was set up whereby such project requests are referred to the 1st Vice-President (Project Administrator) who will review the project and bring it to the Board. If the project in question involves a school, it will be coordinated with Jenny Estes, JMG Coordinator. A meeting with all project managers has been scheduled for January 22, 10:00 a.m. at the Extension Office to discuss projects in the new year and how to involve the incoming Intern Class.

Ways & Means—Jackie Kerstetter submitted report. Currently working on coming up with ideas for T-Shirt to offer to the member-ship. Will present some options to Board soon. Target date for having T-shirts available is the Field Trip in April. Does not think we have enough merchandise available to set up an on-line store at this point so will not be pursuing at this time.

Communications—Lucille Del Vecchio submitted report. Has sent a press release to local newspapers concerning our up-coming Graduation on January 14. Her goal is to create a feature story about the Master Gardener program each month of the year. The Graduation speaker will be a good feature because he is addressing our Anniversary. Plan to initiate a standard release form for members to sign for approval to have pictures in newspaper, on the Web-site, and in the Roto-Teller.

Report from County Coordinator—Janet Laminack submitted report. Jayla Fry, from A & M, is coming to present an overview of the Master Gardener program to the first Intern Class on February 3.

Programs—Annell Burns, 2008 Program Chair, submitted her final report. Program originally scheduled for February has fallen through and she is working to replace it. Looking for a short presentation because we will be having a lengthy business meeting that month, plus we have a guest coming from Tarrant County (Monica Santiago) who is going to give us a preview of a leader-ship training class she is going to be offering to the organization. Carolyn Tinner, 2009 Program Chair, announced that Zoe Broxson is putting together a program, “Gardens of Mexico” that can be used as an emergency fill-in program in the future.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/GROUP DISCUSSION New Intern Class—Zoe Broxson submitted report. Thirty people have been chosen for the 2009 class. First class is on Tuesday, Feb-

ruary 3. Board and Mentors will be pulling together a pot luck for lunch on the first day. Mentor—Maurine LeBeau submitted report. Mentor Committee has met and attempted to match applicants to members. Doing one-

on-one mentoring this year rather than the pod concept that was used in 2008. A Mentor Orientation meeting will be held prior to the first day of class.

Parliamentarian Issues—Maurine LeBeau submitted report. According to Roberts’ Rules, it is not necessary to report who seconded a motion in the Minutes. Also, the Treasurer is simply a banker. The Treasurer’s Report is just that, a report. There is no need to mention discussion in the Minutes unless there is a challenge to the Report.

Graduation—Zoe Broxson submitted report. 2008 Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 at Celebration Grand Ballroom in Highland Village. We will have a cash bar. The speaker is Tom Leroy from Conroe in Montgomery County. He was instru-mental in starting the Master Gardener program in Texas. Janet Laminack and John Cooper will hand out certificated to the 2008 Interns. For the first time, we will hand out a Community Partner Award.

2009 GPP Garden Tour and Plant Sale—Zoe Broxson submitted report. Linda Krimm is going to take on the Plant Sale in 2009. She is looking for a co-leader. She is working on a budget amount for the Plant Sale. Zoe is planning to hold a Garden Tour Kick-Off meeting some time later in January.

Watershed Training Sessions—Linda Williams submitted report. We made a commitment to Dotty Woodson that during the 1st Quar-ter of the year we would begin to pare down the information she gave us to a presentation that would be workable for us. Will pursue getting the presentation CDs from Dotty so that we can begin that process.

New Computer—Mary Morrow submitted report. Purchase of the second computer and projector has been completed. It is fully loaded and ready for use at the new class. The 501c3 paperwork has been sent in to the licensing agency but she has not heard anything yet.

Project Managers Lunch/Report—Linda Williams submitted report. There will be a Project Managers meeting on January 22 at the Extension Office. All Project Managers are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided.

Other Discussion—Linda Williams submitted report. New name badges for veteran members have been ordered. The color of the state-shaped badge is based on years of service as a Certified Master Gardener: 1) 5 Years-Bronze; 2) 10 Years-Silver; 3) 15 Years-Gold; 4) 20+ Years-Gold with a crystal in the Panhandle of the state-shaped badge. Rule for how years of service is calcu-lated is based on how long a member has been certified. This rule will be incorporated in the organization by-laws. Rule established so that applicants for the Intern class who are declined for one year are not automatically accepted for the next years’ class and need to re-apply to be considered.Want to have a Board Meeting as a Brown Bag lunch for the Intern Class so that the operations of the Board are open and understood by the new class. Brown Bag Lunch Board Meeting is scheduled for March 3, 11:45-12:45. Meeting adjourned at 11:46 a.m.

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What’s bugging you, not bugs, yet! As you drive around and look at everyone’s winter lawns, they all have one thing in common-weeds. This year there seems to be an overabundance of them. Don’t be discouraged, it is possible to control them...by organic means, like pulling, or chemical means or by some combination of the two. But whatever the method, it will take effort to be ef-fective. But first, you need to be able to identify them, we all know the dandelion, and some of us consider it a flower. What else is blooming in the cold, late winter days, reminding us spring is around the corner...here are a few weeds in the turf favorites this year:

Pictures and Weed descriptions taken from BROADLEAF WEEDS IN TURF, IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL PUBLICATION.

What to look for: broad oval pointed smooth leaves with star-

shaped white blossoms.

Structure: low growing.

Life cycle: cool season annual; disappears in heat.

Leaves: broad smooth and oval, pointed, under 1/2” long. Flowers: star-shaped, white, with five notched petals.

Roots: weak, shallow system supporting many mutli-branched

slender stems that root easily at nodes.

Sites: poorly drained shady areas.

Growth period: cool, moist weather. Disappears under high

temperature stress. Seeds germinate from late fall to early

spring.

Treatment period: post-emergence, whenever weed is actively

growing.

What to look for: pink to purple flowers, with hairy upper sur-

faces on leaves.

Structure: grows erect, up to 16” tall.

Life cycle: winter annual, reproduces by seeds.

Leaves: hairy, with rounded teeth; upper leaves clasp the stem. Flowers: tubular but 2-lipped, pinkish to purple.

Roots: fibrous.

Sites: gardens, fields, waste places, especially where soil is rich.

Growth period: flowers in early spring; seeds mature from

April to June. Will disappear under high-temperature stress.

Treatment period: spring or fall, whenever weed is actively

growing.

What to look for: numerous long, creeping stems tinged with pur-

ple which ooze milky fluid when broken.

Structure: prostrate

Life cycle: warm season annual

Leaves: oblong with rounded tip and asymmetrical base; often with purple spot in center

Flowers: inconspicuous.

Roots: central taproot.

Sites: in thin, undernourished turfs under periodic drought stress;

also cultivated soil.

Growth period: plants appear in mid to late May, bloom June-

October.

Treatment period: pre-emerge in late spring, post-emerge when

actively growing

Control: classified as ‘hard to control’.

10

page 10

Texas gardeners love visitors to their yards with a few exceptions -- moles and voles. Voles and moles are rarely seen in the garden, but the damage they leave in their wake is quite noticeable. M is for MoleM is for MoleM is for MoleM is for Mole Moles have poor eyesight and spend their lives in underground burrows. Texas moles live hap-pily in moist (not wet), sandy soils, avoiding deep, dry sands and heavy clay. While not attrac-tive by the kindest standards, moles are harmless to people and pets. In their favor, moles are card-carrying insectivores, enjoying your yard’s buffet of ants, earthworms and grubs. They’ll also consume beetles, spiders, centipedes, insect larvae and pupae, all of which is beneficial. However, they use their over-sized front claws to dig unattractive tunnels as they search for food. Since a single mole can dig up to 15 feet per hour, a mole family can tear up your turf very quickly. An adult mole is gray or brown and from 6 to 8 inches long. They don’t hibernate, and will tunnel under the frost line in winter. Moles reproduce each spring, birthing three to five hairless little babies and future tunnel-makers. V is for VoleV is for VoleV is for VoleV is for Vole Voles are rodents that look much like a field mouse but with a shorter tail and small ears. They are always some color between brown and gray, but unlike mice, voles have a lighter colored belly. Voles grow 4 to 6 inches long and have incisor top teeth, which make them far more destructive than moles. Voles eat vegetation, including roots, bulbs, young trees and shrubs. They can easily strip the bark of the plant at

ground level, killing or exposing it to insects or disease. One way to tell if you have voles is to locate 2-inch-wide “runways” in your lawn. The strips will meander throughout the lawn and end at a hole. This hole is typically an abandoned mole hole. If you find nicely rounded holes in your yard, you are playing host to both moles and voles. Voles would make Planned Parenthood shudder. They can give birth at the age of one month and will have several litters a year. A single pair of vole parents can produce enough off-spring to decimate a Christmas tree farm or fruit orchard in no time.

Doing away with evilDoing away with evilDoing away with evilDoing away with evil----doersdoersdoersdoers Moles and voles are difficult to eliminate once they move to your yard and make themselves at home. Two chemicals can be used, but call in a professional. One method uses an insecticide to eliminate the moles’ food source, but it also kills beneficial earthworms. Another chemical method uses poisons, a dangerous material to have around pets or chil-dren. Populations of voles are naturally controlled by owls, hawks, snakes, foxes, outdoor cats and feisty terriers like Jack Russells. They also can be controlled by humans who have mousetraps and use peanut butter for bait. Put the traps un-der big plant leaves since voles don’t like to come out in the open. Moles can be trapped in Have-a-Heart traps and re-leased about 1,000 miles away, but this is difficult because you must use an insect or slug as bait. That is the same treat you’d use to catch a skunk … something you definitely don’t want to do. Since moles love grubs, get rid of your grubs by releasing beneficial nematodes into your lawn when the temperature hits 55 degrees. These teeny predators harm only unwanted pests (grubs, June bugs, flea larvae, etc.). Water them into the lawn at dusk, and they’ll rid your lawn of grubs within a few weeks. The organic supply company Gardens Alive! is one source for these little helpers. Castor oil reportedly sends moles to your neighbor’s lawn, and some gardeners say it chases nasty voles as well. Most garden centers carry ready-made castor oil repellant products in spray and granular form (one dry product goes by the name Mole-Med). Labels on some of these products claim they’re also effective against armadillos and pocket gophers.... Want to try mixing up your own castor oil repellent at home? Add two tablespoons of castor oil to a sprinkling can filled with a gallon of warm water, add two drops of dishwashing liquid, and sprinkle, stirring constantly, onto the infested area. Apply when the lawn and weather are dry. If heavy rains hit, repeat a day or two afterwards. Otherwise, reapply once a month until you see no new tunnels. To protect tulip and crocus bulbs, fill the holes with sharp stones when you plant spring bulbs. To prevent damage to small trees, make sure to trim grass closely against the trunk to eliminate voles’ hiding places. This is especially impor-tant to do before winter sets in. To protect a veggie garden from all burrowing creatures, sink your fence two feet into the ground. Because voles are so petite, you must make it a small gauge fence. As for battery powered vibrating machines that only varmints can hear … forget it. A British gardening magazine tested those devices and found that they did not repel anything.

PAT PAPEPAT PAPEPAT PAPEPAT PAPE

IS IT A MOLE? OR A VOLE? OR A GOPHER!!!!!!!IS IT A MOLE? OR A VOLE? OR A GOPHER!!!!!!!IS IT A MOLE? OR A VOLE? OR A GOPHER!!!!!!!IS IT A MOLE? OR A VOLE? OR A GOPHER!!!!!!!

11

2009 GARDEN TOUR TICKET SALES CONTEST2009 GARDEN TOUR TICKET SALES CONTEST2009 GARDEN TOUR TICKET SALES CONTEST2009 GARDEN TOUR TICKET SALES CONTEST

TEAM LEAD: CONNIE GREGORYTEAM LEAD: CONNIE GREGORYTEAM LEAD: CONNIE GREGORYTEAM LEAD: CONNIE GREGORY

DETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOONDETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOONDETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOONDETAILS TO BE RELEASED SOON

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MARCH AND APRIL TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MARCH AND APRIL TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MARCH AND APRIL TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MARCH AND APRIL MG MEETINGS, THROUGH THE EXTENSION OFFICE, ORMG MEETINGS, THROUGH THE EXTENSION OFFICE, ORMG MEETINGS, THROUGH THE EXTENSION OFFICE, ORMG MEETINGS, THROUGH THE EXTENSION OFFICE, OR

CONTACT CONNIE AT CONNEST@VERIZON.NETCONTACT CONNIE AT CONNEST@VERIZON.NETCONTACT CONNIE AT CONNEST@VERIZON.NETCONTACT CONNIE AT CONNEST@VERIZON.NET

page 11

AVERAGE DATE OF LAST FREEZE: MARCH 13AVERAGE DATE OF LAST FREEZE: MARCH 13AVERAGE DATE OF LAST FREEZE: MARCH 13AVERAGE DATE OF LAST FREEZE: MARCH 13

We all search the web, some almost everyday, some a couple times a month—by popular request, here is a list of favorite websites related to gardening to get us started:

dandlfarmandhome.com http://backyardheirloomseeds.net/default.aspx http://www.kitchengardeners.org/ http://www.nhg.com/ hobbyfarms.com http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/index.html auntsuesbarn.com

If you have a favorite gardening website you would like Included please send to hawkilitle@aol.com

2009 TOM HARPOOL HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP2009 TOM HARPOOL HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP2009 TOM HARPOOL HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP2009 TOM HARPOOL HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: MARCH 31, 2009

FOR AN APPLICATION GO TO DCMGA.COM/SCHOLARSHIP

12 page 12

20TH Anniversary Road Trip……

Garden Party on Wheels To mark our 20th Anniversary, the Denton County Master Gardener Association will travel by bus to four specialty gardens in Southlake and Dallas:

Lou Milner’s two-acre garden, part vegetable, part rose and all stunning,

Toni Moorehead’s large, showy garden with new additions just introduced last fall,

Fred and Shari Hartrick’s formal garden, trimmed out in hardscape designed and constructed by this Dallas County master gardener couple, a haven of microclimates, roses and unique plantings, Robert Bellamy’s spectacular garden and mosaic artwork wonderland.

DateDateDateDate: Wednesday, April 8, 2009Wednesday, April 8, 2009Wednesday, April 8, 2009Wednesday, April 8, 2009 TimeTimeTimeTime: 9 am to 4 pm9 am to 4 pm9 am to 4 pm9 am to 4 pm

Where:Where:Where:Where: Lowe’s in Lewisville (105 Stemmons Frwy.,I-35) Be there early to ensure our prompt de-parture at 9am. We will park and meet on the West side of the parking lot. Lunch:Lunch:Lunch:Lunch: This is a brown-bag affair—bring your favorite munchies from home. Beverages will be provided. You can also bring guests -- spouses, family, friends and neighbors are all welcome NOTE: ADVANCE TRAINING: 3 HOURS CREDIT Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for guests. Only paid reservations acceptedOnly paid reservations acceptedOnly paid reservations acceptedOnly paid reservations accepted. Send your check to Donna Wolfe, Texas Agrilife Extension,

306 North Loop 288, Suite 222, Denton, TX, 76209-4818

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS

MARCH 31ST

13 page 13

MARCH 11, 2009 ***9:00AM***

TOMATOES BY

GEORGE KRAGEL

DCMGA MEETINGS

APRIL 8, 2009 SEE GARDEN PARTY ON WHEELS

PAGE 12

MAY 13, 2009 9:00am

Janet Laminack Janet Laminack Janet Laminack Janet Laminack

'Gardening on the Equator''Gardening on the Equator''Gardening on the Equator''Gardening on the Equator'

My Days in the Peace Corps My Days in the Peace Corps My Days in the Peace Corps My Days in the Peace Corps

14 page 14

Gardening is the number one outdoor leisure activity in America, with 84 % of households involved in at least one form of gardening (Virginia Cooperative Extension). Gardening is a source of creative self expression, personal satisfaction and pride, meeting both esthetic and emotional needs. It’s an ideal method of maintaining personal well being and improved physical health. It’s been used for decades as a therapeutic tool for persons with mental, emotional and physical disorders. Gardening is a readily adaptable activity, suitable for young children to the elderly. Outside of any specific disability, many gardeners share concerns about the limitations of getting older, about maintaining safety and making things easier. We’ve all experienced the aches and pains of too much time spent in the garden, of sore knees, sore hands and stiff backs. Spring is often the season when we’re most likely to over-do: with glorious weather just around the corner, it’s hard not to tackle all those chores at once, no matter how satisfying and pleasurable they are! Some basic health and sugges-tions to extend your gardening experience include:

Space out.Space out.Space out.Space out. Space gardening out over time, in 20-minute segments followed by 10 minutes of rest or lighter

activity. Or limit work to a maximum of 1-2 hours. Avoid fatigue – stop before you’re tired. Sit when you can rather than stand (see #2 below). Warm up before you begin, do some light stretching to reduce stiffness later on. Don’t plant all

300 bulbs at once! Get on Down.Get on Down.Get on Down.Get on Down.

Whether gardening in containers, raised beds or ground-level plots, many people find that us-ing kneeler benches, stools, or garden scooters allow them to reach the plants at the right level, plus provide support getting up or down.

Benches save the knees, reduce back strain and over reaching. One triple hip replacement friend leans over her padded kneeling bench, supporting her torso, thus freeing her hands to reach the ground yet still keeping her hips from over-flexing; the handy tubular steel push-up assist with getting back up.

Vary tasksVary tasksVary tasksVary tasks. Don’t over-stress joints or muscle groups. Repetitive tasks performed over long periods can

overwork muscles and tendons. Weeding, digging, dead-heading blossoms can all be taxing over time.

Changing out the activity, mixing them with less strenuous tasks, changing hands or position frequently can prevent becoming stiff. Dig a little, water a little, haul a little, rest a little.

Protect Your Joints. Protect Your Joints. Protect Your Joints. Protect Your Joints. Use the proper tools for the task to reduce the force required.

Keep tools sharp to minimize the amount of pressure it requires to trowel or dig. Invest in ergonomic tools. For the gardener with arthritic, carpal tunnel , reduced hand

strength or other problems, look for hand tools with large diameter, cushioned handles or off-set, contoured shafts. These tools help hold your wrist and hands in a more natural, re-laxed, comfortable position, yet still get maximum leverage for your effort. Unbreakable plastic tools are lightweight and don’t conduct cold from the soil. Some can even be heated in hot water, then molded to your grip. The newly popular lime green handled Radius Hand Tools are readily available at local garden shops – and you can’t beat the color for helping make them easy to find!

Distribute the force required over stronger or more body parts by using two-handled tools rather than one hand alone. If you can’t pad the handle, pad your hands. Your local

bicycle shop or home improvement center has fingerless, leather-palmed bike gloves or gel-padded anti-vibration gloves.

Safety Tips, Tools & Techniques to Keep You Digging the DirtSafety Tips, Tools & Techniques to Keep You Digging the DirtSafety Tips, Tools & Techniques to Keep You Digging the DirtSafety Tips, Tools & Techniques to Keep You Digging the Dirt SHER HARNISHSHER HARNISHSHER HARNISHSHER HARNISH

15 page 15

Breathe EasyBreathe EasyBreathe EasyBreathe Easy. Persons with allergy or respiratory problems need to be especially careful. Garden at mid-day, or on cool, cloudy days when the pollen is lowest. Wear a mask – disposable masks are 90% effective when well fitting. Wear MUD (latex or vinyl) gloves to keep spores off your skin; rinse the gloves when done be-

fore taking them off, and then wash your hands thoroughly. Be sure your gloves fit well, although sturdier, oversized men’s leather gloves can rub smaller female hands raw. Check out www.womanswork.com for substantial, women’s proportioned leather gloves as well as other garden apparel and tools.

Moisten soil amendments, especially perlite, vermiculite or peat moss, before using to reduce the risk of particles in the air; or use potting mixture rather than individual ingredients.

Take a load off your backTake a load off your backTake a load off your backTake a load off your back. You can also reduce repetition and force with good body mechanics. When lifting, keep your

arms low, elbows close to your body to maximize strength and minimize strain. The further away from your body you hold or work with something, the harder it is on your shoulders and back.

Lift and carry heavy loads at waist height with two hands. Better yet, use a dolly! Bending at the waist, even to smell a flower, is one of the riskiest maneuvers for someone

with back problems or leg weakness. Adding weight to the bending increases the risk. Keep hoses on reels and pots on small shelves.

Grow vining crops that climb up to meet you rather than you bending over to tend them. Consider raised beds or containers where you can customize the height and eliminate back

strain. Reaching overhead with both arms and looking upward can cause back strain or loss of balance.

Reaching overhead with one arm is safer. When standing, use a foot rest. Placing one foot 6-12” higher decreases strain on spine and

legs. Even a few strategically placed rocks provide this benefit in an unobtrusive and at-tractive way.

The above suggestions are generalizations only. If you have movement or balance limitations, joint or muscle problems, you may want to consult your health care provider or therapist for specific recommen-dations about warm-up exercise and stretching, positioning and lifting techniques. Some handy resources: www.Gardentalk.com . Walt Nicke’s catalogue has a good selection of extended handles as well as well made hand tools. I’m partial to the soil scoop and the SS Cutting Edge Digger Trowel. www.kinsmangarden.com has a smaller selection of hand tools, but the long-handled Korean Hand Plow is efficient and allows a much more upright back position. www.Bahco.com is specific for mechanic tools and pruning equipment. www.peta-uk.com offers Fist Grip Garden Tools (recognized by the Smithsonian Design Museum!) Click on the American flag at the top left for US ordering.

16

2009 is off with a bang. January we graduated 23 from the Intern Class of 2008. We also held a Pro-

ject Managers Meeting where all project managers were invited to attend, outline their project as to

where they came from, and what was on tap for 2009. There was some great synergy created in the

room, as Project Managers were able to help each other out supplying sources for materials and ideas for

generating interest or change in the Project. This was a great way for 1st Vice President Connie Gregory

to get a feel for all the projects and also an opportunity for Janet Laminack to hear about all the pro-

jects at one time.

Gardening for Pleasure and the Planet had its kickoff meeting in January. Project Manager Zoe Broxson

identified the homes that will be on the Garden Tour and the captains who had already been identified.

There is much to do so please call one of the folks who have volunteered to head up a specific piece of a

very large pie if you would like to work on one of their committees. (See 2009 Spring Garden Tour and

Plant Sale article on pages 1 and 2)

Jenny Estes and her JMG folks are busy with school requests for help with “Outdoor Learning Areas.”

We have put together some new guidelines for schools who want to install an outdoor learning center – So,

please be sure to talk to Jenny or one of the Board members prior to committing DCMGA to a school pro-

ject. Of course you would do that anyway, but the new rules might be helpful to you.

I am putting this together on the eve of the beginning of the Intern Class of 2009….There have been a

number of folks who have worked to make sure we (1) had a class this year (2) that we offered exciting

and fresh perspectives and (3) that the speakers we were going to engage were tops in their fields. We

have 30 interns who will be joining us. Please extend a welcome when you see them at meetings or pro-

jects – they have much to offer and some very diverse backgrounds. It is going to be a fun class. Along

with some new speakers for the classes – we were able to extend some of the new topics to include AT

for veteran Gardeners. Please stay tuned and sign up for some of these classes as they become available.

Diana Block is planning the Library Series again this year – I believe that the libraries participating are in

Flower Mound and Lewisville. Please stay tuned for the dates, times and topics. This was a wonderfully

popular series last year in Denton and we are looking forward to two good programs this year.

A final thought. I would like to stress “leadership” in 2009. We need new and more leadership in Pro-

jects, Board, Chairs – all aspects of Master Gardeners. As we work into the middle of the year – We are

hoping to have an advanced training class on “Leadership”. There are wonderfully talented individuals in

DCMGA – many who have outstanding leadership skills –some that don’t even know they have outstanding

leadership skills. WE NEED YOU. If you haven’t been part of the process in Master Gardeners – please

don’t criticize the folks who work hard for our organization. I hope if you haven’t volunteered to be a

Chairperson, Project Manager or Board member that you will consider it, take part in our training this

summer and join the fun!!

Thanks for all that you do – and enjoy the dirt, wherever you find it.

Linda Williams

page 16

17

Our Denton County Master Gardener Association members and invited guests met for our annual awards and gradua-tion dinner at Celebrations Ballroom in Highland Village. It was a fun evening for all, and there was definitely a celebratory atmosphere as we enjoyed a buffet dinner and the evening’s program.

John Cooper, our retired agent, led the program with delivery of the evening’s invocation. It was very nice to have John, now a lifetime member of DCMGA, and his wife Terry join us. Following the dinner Janet Laminack introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Tom Leroy, who is the horticulture agent in Montgomery County. Tom started the first Master Gardener program in Texas, and his topic was “Sprouting Master Gardeners in Texas” which was timely as our own association is celebrating our 20th anniversary year in 2009.

Next John and Janet presented the graduating class of 2008. The 2008 interns were very excited to receive their certified MG certificates and their “official” MG badges. The graduates are Joe Bendzick, Monica Chaffin, Nancy Davis, Norma Folse, Wally Gehrke, Connie Gregory, Marlene Hoffman, Sue Hudiburgh, Renee Laidlaw, Ginny Lassiter, Maxine Lindauer, Shirley Manfredi, Barbara Martinez, Diana Ooten, Sandy Read, Joan Rennie, Audrey Robinson, Sara Roland, Tony Rossi, Carol Rowley, Tammy Saxe, Claud Singer, Nancy Trissell and Lisa Van Horn.

Five Denton County Master Gardeners were recognized for outstanding achievement by “making it better” with DCMGA annual award plaques. The John Cooper Educator Award went to Joanne Fellows who was recognized for the many education programs she leads and participates in. Barbara Burgin, project manager for the Fair Oaks and Fair-haven Retirement Center gardens, was recognized as Project Manager of the year. The Fair Oaks Gardens have been selected to be the project garden for the 2009 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale. The 2008 Special Merit Award went to Janet Gershenfeld for her many contributions to DCMGA programs during the 7 years she has been a mem-ber. The Special Merit Award for an Intern went to Sue Hudiburgh who has been involved in many DCMGA initiatives since joining the 2008 class, logging 288 hours during her intern year. Sandy Hiatte, who has been a tireless volun-teer in both leadership and worker positions since joining DCMGA in 2003, was recognized with the Award of Excel-lence. Congratulations go to all the award recipients.

Linda Williams, 2009 incoming President, took the podium to award the DCMGA first annual Community Partner Award to Upper Trinity Regional Water District. Nancy Tam with UTRWD happily accepted the award and expressed her appreciation for the many Master Gardeners who have been involved in joint initiatives with Upper Trinity.

In 2008 the DCMGA board elected to purchase name badges with the new Texas AgriLife logo for all the members. They also decided to recognize members for service years based on the number of years they have been certified. All members present received their new logo badges at the celebration, and those members celebrating 5, 10 and 15 year anniversaries were asked to stand and be recognized. Members of the 2003 class who are celebrating 5 years of service as certified Master Gardeners are Paula Blackshear, Sandy Hiatte, Karen Phillips, Connie Johnson, Brent Bloechle, Annell Burns, Adele Petty, Julie Levine, Pam McClimon, Clarice Luce, Jan Hodson and Janie Farler. Ruth Bain with the 1993 class is celebrating 15 years as a certified Master Gardener.

The volunteers who provided special assistance for this year’s celebration event were recognized: Linda Williams, event program; Janie Farler, slide presentation of 2008 highlights; Sandy Hiatte, food; Mary Morrow, table decora-tions; Janet Gershenfeld, photographer and Donna Wolfe for coordination of RSVP’s and everything else. President Zoe Broxson turned the program and the President’s garden trowel over to Linda Williams to install the 2009 Officers and Board. Linda presented Zoe with lovely parting gifts as outgoing President including a really gor-geous Tussie-Mussie, a special bouquet that was created by Carolyn Tinner. A Mexican silver pin and a clay art piece created by a favorite Mexican artist were also gifts. Thanks so much.

Linda thanked the outgoing Board for their contributions in 2008 and then introduced the 2009 Officers and Board to the membership: Linda Williams, President; Connie Gregory, 1st Vice President; Jackie Kerstetter, 2nd Vice President; Sandy Hiatte, Secretary; Shirley Manfredi, Treasurer; Donna Wolfe, Volunteer Coordinator; Lucille Del Vecchio, Com-munications; Brenda Wellenreiter, Member-at-Large and Zoe Broxson, Past President.

Mary Morrow donated 24 beautifully decorated cookies from Cookies in Bloom for door prizes, they were a huge hit as door prizes, and a fun competition developed among our members and guests.

The event ended with photo opportunities for the graduates, award recipients and the entire membership who gath-ered for a group shot. Thanks to all of you who came out and celebrated a successful 2008. ZOE BROXSON

page 17

18

BangaloreBangaloreBangaloreBangalore or Bangaluru is known as the “Garden City of India”“Garden City of India”“Garden City of India”“Garden City of India” as well as the Capital

city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. One of its most spectacular gardens

lies in the southern part of the city, LalBagh Botanical GardenLalBagh Botanical GardenLalBagh Botanical GardenLalBagh Botanical Garden. LalBagh is also con-

sidered to be one of the most diverse botanical gardens in South Asia. This garden

was laid out by Tipu Sultan's father, Haider Ali,

in the year 1740. Many of the tropical plants

presented in this garden were brought here by

Tipu Sultan himself. It is famous for this Glass

House whose design was inspired by the famous

Crystal Palace of London. This was host to the

annual Republic Day Horticulture Show, January 17th to the 26th, 2009. The Glass

House of LalBagh Botanical Garden is surrounded by Pencil Cedars and Champaka

trees.

The garden is also the home for many sub-tropical trees, herbs and many colorful

flowerbeds. To irrigate the beds an intricate water system designed and installed in

the 17th century is still being used.

The decorations of LalBagh Botanical Garden also in-clude lush green lawns, this Gazebo, lotus pools, foun-tains, a floral clock and statues. Within this 240 acre garden are individual gardens including this Rose Gar-den, a Topiary Garden and this Bonsai Garden. It also houses an aquarium, but somehow, we missed that!

LalBagh Botanical GardenLalBagh Botanical GardenLalBagh Botanical GardenLalBagh Botanical Garden SUSAN KILPATRICK

page 18

19 page 19

The most unique feature at LalBagh is the

LalBagh Rock, one of the oldest rock for-

mations on earth, dating back to 3000

million years. There is a lake and Lotus

pond. With all of these different habi-

tats, it is also home to a variety of wild-

life. Wintering birds migrate to this area

as well. We found some fascinating spe-

cies we had never seen before, but that

is another story!

The theme of this year’s Republic Day Horticulture ShowRepublic Day Horticulture ShowRepublic Day Horticulture ShowRepublic Day Horticulture Show was “World Peace”World Peace”World Peace”World Peace”. It dis-played over 350 varieties of flowers and was organized by the Mysore Horticultural

Society.

At the Glass House, more than 1,000 roses were used for

this floral arrangement of a huge globe with doves convey-

ing the message of peace. A miniature Ooty displaying

many temperate flowers are shown here behind these girls

you might recognize.

Shelby is sporting her favorite 4-H attire, Kaitlyn in the middle publicizing our

Denton County Garden Tour and Lauren, her new favorite shirt “Green is the new

BLACK”. We don’t plan this stuff, it just happens !

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)

20 page 20

Other attractions inside the glass house included

this display of Thai art, life-size elephants.

Floral arrangements were displayed using a mix

of Dutch, Janur, Bonsai, Belgium, Ikebana, and

Indian floral art.

This one mixes in a few

vegetables in its display

as well as an Indian mask

commonly used in the

south to deflect impure

thoughts.

There were about 100 stalls selling gardening

gadgets, manures, pots, quality seeds, sap-

lings, herbal products, books on plants and

plants. Additionally, there were education

stalls as well as a variety of Horticulture So-

cieties showing off their stuff. The below pic-

tures show stalls displaying different types of

coconuts found in India, all sorts of bulbs for

sale and of course, honey. We couldn’t have

flowers without honey bees.

For more information on LalBagh, you can visit http://lalbagh.org/http://lalbagh.org/http://lalbagh.org/http://lalbagh.org/

21 page 21

FAIR OAKS/FAIR HAVEN ♦ FLOWER POTS FOR PORCHES ♦ ONE LARGE CONTAINER FOR AN HERB GARDEN ♦ HOSES OR SPRINKLERS ♦ BIRDHOUSES AND BIRDBATHS ♦ PATIO FURNITURE (CHAIRS AND BENCHES) ♦ PASS ALONG PLANTS FOR BUTTERFLY GARDENS

COUNTRYSIDE NURSING HOME ♦ BULBS—especially hardy amaryllis ♦ IRIS ♦ DAYLILY ♦ PATIO FURNITURE FOR COURTYARD

DATE SUBJECT SPEAKER

MAR 25 PLANT

CONSERVATION

IN TEXAS

MICHAEL

EASON

LADY BIRD

JOHNSON

WILDFLOWER

CENTER

APRIL 1 CAPTURE THE RAIN DOTTIE

WOODSON

APRIL 8 BUTTERFLY

SECRETS

JOANNE

FELLOWS

MORE TO FOLLOW

FOR MORE

INFO

CONTACT:

DIANA BLOCK

DCMGA AT

COORDINATOR

940.3674848

BETH WALTER

ADULT

SERVICES

LIBRARY

972.874.6159

We have special requests from the retirement community projects for GENTLY used items that would really help put some nice finishing touches to the gardens:

Twilight Garden Club is having a plant/yard art sale Saturday March 14 in Denton. It will be held from 8am to 2 PM at the corner of University and Hinkle at the First Presbyterian Church’s Parking lot. CONTACT RUTH BAIN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

RESOURCE ROOMRESOURCE ROOMRESOURCE ROOMRESOURCE ROOM

There is a new project on the horizon. It will hopefully There is a new project on the horizon. It will hopefully There is a new project on the horizon. It will hopefully There is a new project on the horizon. It will hopefully become a valuable resource to all DCMGA members. become a valuable resource to all DCMGA members. become a valuable resource to all DCMGA members. become a valuable resource to all DCMGA members. The resource room, which is located in the extension The resource room, which is located in the extension The resource room, which is located in the extension The resource room, which is located in the extension office received ,an overhaul. The goal is to assist Master office received ,an overhaul. The goal is to assist Master office received ,an overhaul. The goal is to assist Master office received ,an overhaul. The goal is to assist Master Gardeners in efficiently carrying out their projects by Gardeners in efficiently carrying out their projects by Gardeners in efficiently carrying out their projects by Gardeners in efficiently carrying out their projects by keeping the area organized and relevant.keeping the area organized and relevant.keeping the area organized and relevant.keeping the area organized and relevant. A checkA checkA checkA check----out system has been instituted for resource out system has been instituted for resource out system has been instituted for resource out system has been instituted for resource materials , such as signs and books. A clipboard is in materials , such as signs and books. A clipboard is in materials , such as signs and books. A clipboard is in materials , such as signs and books. A clipboard is in place in a prominent area where name, phone number, place in a prominent area where name, phone number, place in a prominent area where name, phone number, place in a prominent area where name, phone number, date and description of item(s) are logged for check date and description of item(s) are logged for check date and description of item(s) are logged for check date and description of item(s) are logged for check out/in.out/in.out/in.out/in. Information sheets used for tables or booths are now Information sheets used for tables or booths are now Information sheets used for tables or booths are now Information sheets used for tables or booths are now categorically filed in the metal drawers. If handouts are categorically filed in the metal drawers. If handouts are categorically filed in the metal drawers. If handouts are categorically filed in the metal drawers. If handouts are needed take note of which sheets you would like to use needed take note of which sheets you would like to use needed take note of which sheets you would like to use needed take note of which sheets you would like to use and Donna will make copies with correct logo and infor-and Donna will make copies with correct logo and infor-and Donna will make copies with correct logo and infor-and Donna will make copies with correct logo and infor-mation. Extras can be dropped in basket on top of mation. Extras can be dropped in basket on top of mation. Extras can be dropped in basket on top of mation. Extras can be dropped in basket on top of drawers for refiling. If a specific book is needed for a drawers for refiling. If a specific book is needed for a drawers for refiling. If a specific book is needed for a drawers for refiling. If a specific book is needed for a project, please let me know.project, please let me know.project, please let me know.project, please let me know. Red topped containers have been provided to transport Red topped containers have been provided to transport Red topped containers have been provided to transport Red topped containers have been provided to transport table/booth resource items. One is equipped with gen-table/booth resource items. One is equipped with gen-table/booth resource items. One is equipped with gen-table/booth resource items. One is equipped with gen-eral material for quick retrieval.eral material for quick retrieval.eral material for quick retrieval.eral material for quick retrieval. It is my hope that items are easy to view and retrieve , It is my hope that items are easy to view and retrieve , It is my hope that items are easy to view and retrieve , It is my hope that items are easy to view and retrieve , returning items to their original place is necessary. All returning items to their original place is necessary. All returning items to their original place is necessary. All returning items to their original place is necessary. All current and future items stored in the resource room current and future items stored in the resource room current and future items stored in the resource room current and future items stored in the resource room should be clearly labeled and contained .should be clearly labeled and contained .should be clearly labeled and contained .should be clearly labeled and contained . This is a brand new endeavor. Donation of books and This is a brand new endeavor. Donation of books and This is a brand new endeavor. Donation of books and This is a brand new endeavor. Donation of books and other relevant resource material will be accepted,other relevant resource material will be accepted,other relevant resource material will be accepted,other relevant resource material will be accepted, and suggestions are requested.and suggestions are requested.and suggestions are requested.and suggestions are requested.

Jill PeakJill PeakJill PeakJill Peak peaktx@aol.compeaktx@aol.compeaktx@aol.compeaktx@aol.com 972.317.5136972.317.5136972.317.5136972.317.5136

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PRESIDENT LINDA WILLIAMS

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT CONNIE GREGORY

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT JACKIE KERSTETTER

SECRETARY SANDY HIATTE

TREASURER SHIRLEY MANFREDI

VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR DONNA WOLFE

PUBLICITY/COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR LUCILLE DEL VECCHIO

DELEGATE-AT-LARGE BRENDA WELLENREITER

PAST PRESIDENT ZOE BROXSON

PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR

CONNIE GREGORY HOSPITALITY CLARICE LUCE

WAYS AND MEANS JACKIE KERSTETTER SPEAKERS’ BUREAU ANNIE BRACKIN

RESOURCE ROOM JILL PEAK RETENTION ANNELL BURNS

WEBSITE JANIE FARLER SCHOLARSHIP MARY MORROW

ROTO TELLER MARY MORROW TECHNOLOGY LUCILLE DEL VECCHIO

PROGRAM CAROLYN TINNER PUBLICATIONS MARY MORROW

ADVANCED TRAINING DIANA BLOCK JMG JENNY ESTES

AUDIT ANNIE BRACKIN PHOTOGRAPHY JANET GERSHENFELD

MENTOR MAURINE LEBEAU HELP DESK ELIZABETH SNAPP

AWARDS MAURINE LEBEAU “Nothing is more the child of art than a garden” Sir Walter Scott

2009 COMMITTEE LEADERS

2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ROTO TELLER STAFF

Zoe Broxson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Class of 2006 Carolyn Gold - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Class of 1996 Sher Harnish - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Class of 1999 Jennie Estes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Class of 2007 Susan Kilpatrick- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Class of 2007 Pat Pape- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Class of 2009 Linda Williams - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Class of 2000

Janie Farler................................Class of 2003 Mary Morrow............Editor............Class of 2001 Brent Bloechle.............................Class of 2003

We hope you enjoyed your Quarterly ROTO TELLER; let us know what you like and don’t like— E-mail the Editor at hawkilitle@aol.com. Also send suggestions, comments, or questions.