First, CONGRATULATIONS to all our new interns that completed MG training this past April! It was a big time (and mind) commitment and we are proud of you! Be sure to keep introducing yourselves as you attend events. Don't be shy! Thank you also to Carolyn Purcell and Rita Weisiger along with Christine Martinez for helping with this year's class; you did a great job!

Speaking of names, if you haven't already, pick up your NEW improved MG directory in the office. A fabulous addition is photos in the back of all your MG buddies (the ones we have photos of, that is.) Thank you to all of you on the Membership Committee who put in such hard work to make it happen. This was a big project, and we appreciate your diligent work!

We are happy to have Karyn Traum helping out with the MG office hotline from the end of May until August. Also, thanks to all the office mentors for helping the trainees "learn the ropes" of the office. The good programs keep on coming from program committee. A great time was had by all in Chicago on our recent trip to the Botanic Gardens and more is lined up for the summer. Not only do these folks arrange things, but are gracious with bringing treats AND cleaning up after the programsusually thankless job! Not this time&THANK YOU!

The Idea Garden is shaping up nicely. Thanks to EuroAmerican for the donation of 850 plant plugs which our gorgeous greenhouse goddesses have been growing and giving "TLC." Saturday morning "Gardener's Chats" have started at the IGcheck the schedule.

Kudos to the Garden Walk committee for getting nine wonderful gardens for Garden Walk. The Walk is coming up soon and it's our main money-maker for all our projects, so please sell the tickets you are sent and more, if you can. Also, volunteer to help out and make it a smashing success again on June 20.

State MG meeting will be held September 9–11; plan to attend one, two or all three days. It's close and in Decatur this year. New tours are planned the first day, with one to be very special. There will be three speakers from Ohio State demonstrating proper tree planting tips LIVE. The other two days are bursting with a variety of lectures: viburnums, floral design, turf weed control, introduction to Japanese gardening, native plants, new annuals and perennials, a three hour hands-on design course by fantastic Janet Macunovich (national author), plant disease, pressed flower, candle, and salsa-making workshops, home irrigation, tree ID, tropicals, "lasagna" gardening by nationally recognized author Pat Lanza, best fall perennials for Illinois, roses from cuttings, hardscaping and so much MORE!

So, lots going on, plant growing, and opportunities for fun/comradery. In Felder Rushing's words, "Luckily, to a gardener, all other gardeners are friends. A true gardener would much rather shake a hornet's nest than deny an interested party the joy of a beautiful plant."

- Ann Tice

Wednesday, June 9 – 8:00 am: Annual Road Buying Trip. This year we will be exploring two new nurseries in Indianapolis and you will have every opportunity to go on a little wild shopping spree. Meet at the Extension office at 8:00 a.m. sharp to car pool to some new nurseries in the north Indy area. We will be stopping at Altum's (altums.com) in Zionsville, lunching in downtown Zionsville, and finishing up at Eagle Creek Nursery Co. in Indianapolis. Sandy will be along to handle purchases for the gardens. If you're willing to drive your vehicle, call the office by June 4. We'll match you up with others who need a ride.

Tuesday, July 20 – 7:00 pm: Landscaping for Wildlife with guest Beth Chato of the Audubon Society in the Extension auditorium
Want to know what attracts certain birds to your yard? What bushes, berries, colors, or landscape features compel a visit by your favorite songbird, brings bees to pollinate, invites colorful butterflies? Learn to be a good friend to wildlife by creating water, plants and color features that provide food and safe harbor to our winged and other friends. Tuesday, August 17 – 6:00 p.m., Hypertufa Workshop. Hyperwhatsa? Sounds wild, but you will be able to contain yourself as you learn the art of hypertufa.

Sunday, October 03 – 2:00 p.m.: Fall Outing to the Botanic Gardens and Museum in Mahomet

Tuesday, November 16 – 6:30 p.m. : Annual Business Meeting & Pot Luck

Tuesday, December 14 – 11:00 a.m.: Holly Day Luncheon at Kennedy's

Circle up, gather round, and join master gardener gurus at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays at the Idea Garden for informal and informative discussions on different areas of the garden. Yes, they count toward education hours. No need to sign up, just show up. The public is invited so bring your friends and your questions to stump the garden gurus. Upcoming chats include:

• June 12-Borders, Laura Hartman,"OK, It's Blooming, Now What: Garden Maintenance and the Art of Deadheading Flowers"
  
• June 19- Roses, Gloria Levitt, "Everything's Coming Up Roses"
  
• June 26-Pest Management, Jim Simon, "IPM in the IG - Pest Management; Controlling Garden Pests"
  
• July 10-Small fruits, Phil Dzuik, Gabrielle Mayer, Karen Knight, "Berry Good Fruits- a Chat on Small Fruits"
  
• July 17-Vegetables, Pat Noland, "Veggie Tales: What's Up In the Vegetable Area"
  
• July 24-Tropical, Carolyn Burrell "Tropical Plants: Making a Big Bold Statement"

Call the Extension office to reserve a seat and information packet at 333-7672 or email champaign_co@extension.uiuc.edu. Tuesday programs are at 1:00 p.m. and Thursday's at 7:00 p.m. All programs are held at the Extension office, 801 N. Country Fair Dr. in Champaign.

• Ornamental Grasses-June 15 and June 17
• Butterfly Gardening-June 29 and July 1

Meconopsis 'Lingholm' Debuts at the University of Illinois Plant Biology Conservatory

The Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis 'Lingholm', has been grown successfully for the first time at the University of Illinois, Plant Biology Greenhouses. Meconopsis is a member of the Papaveraceae or Poppy family. It is native to the western Himalayan mountains, inclusive to Upper Burma, Tibet, and the Yunnan provinces of China.

Meconopsis is one of those elusive, yet most desired ornamentals in the gardening world. Many gardeners have tried to grow them only to fail, because their summers are too hot and/or dry. To understand why these plants are so unique, it helps to know the growing requirements of these plants. Meconopsis grows best in moist, well-drained, semi-woodland areas with acidic soils. They prefer cool and damp summers, like Scotland and the Himalayans. Here in the United States, the only places they can be grown successfully are in Alaska, coastal Washington, and Oregon. They will die if temperatures are over 80° F for a long period and actually prefer temperatures in the 50°F-60°F range.

In climates where the winters are cold, they need the protection of snow to keep the crowns from freezing. In their native mountains, there is snow on the ground from October to April. They require a lot of moisture during the growing season and if the pH of the soil is too high, they will lose their blue color and turn pinkish-purple. As you can see this plant is a challenge even to the best of gardeners. Here at the University greenhouses, where we have the technology to simulate the growing environment of the Himalayan summers, we still had to overcome a few obstacles while learning how to grow these fascinating wonders of the plant world.

This was the first year a show such as this was ever attempted at the Plant Biology Greenhouses. Therefore, we kept the show small in case we were not successful at growing the poppies. We had a very nice show with close to 180 visitors. Now that we know we can grow the poppies, we are looking forward to having a bigger and better show next year in early March.

- Debbie Black, Greenhouse Manager, Plant Biology Gr

Editor's Note: In addition to the Idea Garden, there are a number of community gardens maintained by Champaign County MGs. This is the first in a series to introduce you to these gardens and the great work going on in our MG community.

The Garden at the Champaign County Nursing Home Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Unit, is called, by those of us who work there, the ARD Garden. There is a fairly long and complicated history to this garden. I will try and make it short and simple.

The original design of the Garden was done by Martha Tyson, as her master's thesis in Landscape Architecture. This was in 1991. Martha went on to bigger and better things, and I don't know how much of her plan had been implemented when, in 1992, a large part of the garden area was torn up to put in pipes and storm sewers. Picture heavy equipment going back and forth and soil and clay layers getting all mixed up.

In 1994 a member of the C-U Herb Society, Betty Yapp, who had a mother in the Alzheimer's unit, was inspired to make something of the mess. She called on friends to help. Over the years the stewardship of this garden has transferred to Master Gardeners.

Thanks to an on-going generous budget from Master Gardeners, and a lot of hard work by many volunteers, this garden has grown and developed and become a place of beauty and a refuge for many - residents, family members, friends, and staff. We have learned valuable lessons while working here, lessons in the value of color to both enliven the spirit and calm the mind; lessons in the choice of plants to create a bold, noticeable presence, and plants that can help to stir memories; lessons in trying not to entice people into corners or down dead end paths. As is true in most gardens, lessons continue to be learned.

This garden has been on the Master Gardener's Garden Walk two times - in 1995 and in 2003. Last year we received an award from the Illinois Health Care Association for "Group Volunteer of the Year." People came and interviewed us and photographed the garden, and then last September we were invited to the annual meeting and awards banquet in Peoria, where videos of the gardens and projects undertaken by award recipients were shown and we received special plaques honoring our activities. (There were several different volunteer groups and individuals from around the state). It was very nice to be so recognized. We had a good dinner too.

There is a new CCNH under construction not far from the present building, and when finished (estimates are about two years) residents of the present nursing home will be moved there and this place will be vacant. So far, only vague noises have been made about our part in the gardens that are planned for the new facility. Will we, in fact, be asked to design and plant a new garden? Probably not, but we should have some input. How much? What will become of our present garden? The memorial arch? The memorial Magnolia? The memorial rock and plaque? Some demands must be made. Stay tuned...or come join in the fun. There could be exciting times ahead.

Until the move takes place, we are dedicated to maintaining this garden and keeping it beautiful. Anywhere from two to ten volunteers turn up every Monday morning around 9 o'clock - weather permitting. If in doubt call me, Phyllis Brussel, 337-0118; or Carol McClure, 359-7267.

- Phyllis Brussel

The rose has played a significant part in America's history. There are more than 30 species that are native to America. The Cherokee Indians regarded the rose as a sign of friendship. The Pilgrims planted wild roses in the first American gardens. George Washington grew roses at Mount Vernon, and Thomas Jefferson grew them at Monticello. John Adams first planted roses at the White House, and in 1913, Mrs. Woodrow Wilson established the formal "Rose Garden," which was refurbished by Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960's. When President Roosevelt died, all the members of Congress wore white roses, and in many cities today, a red rose is given to naturalized citizens. And of course, the rose is America's national floral emblem.

Roses are easy to grow...forget what you may have heard about roses being difficult to grow. Roses are surprisingly self-sufficient plants. Roses will return more to you for your time and effort than any other flower. "Happy Roses." It is a happy occasion to speak of having "happy roses" in our rose gardens and of having the gaiety that roses enjoy and provoke. Let's ponder a few moments the term, "happy roses." Fantasize a little and perhaps the experience will be beneficial in our quest to learn more about roses. Enjoying this hobby as an easy fashion rather than seeing it as a tiring chore.

Throughout the garden, "happy faces" greet us in a rainbow of colors. These beautiful roses do not accidentally grow. The roses' happy faces occurred because the rosarian applied proper care. They require a healthy diet to perform their best, as all living creations. Fertilizer left in the garage or garden shed will never increase the "happiness" of the rose bush. It must be applied.

Although roses will sing for joy when at least six hours of sunlight is present, too much heat can cause stressful "attitudes" to creep in and the "happy" mood departs. We then must provide plenty of water to return a smile to the bush and the rose will clap for joy with every sprinkle that touches them. Roses need at least one inch of water per week, in hot weather more. Learn what roses like and don't like and you can grow roses.

There are many fungicides on the market, and to discuss them properly one needs to know basic IPM measures. Essential nutrients are the same whatever their source. Fertilizers are classified as either organic or inorganic. Organics include manures, compost and other plant or animal residues, like seaweed, and liquid fish. Usually, their nutrient content is low, and soil-improving aspects high. Most gradually acidify soil and add humus. Microbial activity in the soil breaks down the fertilizers, and is stimulated by the addition of organic matter. The organic stuff you put into the soil breaks down into elements the plants can use, and the bacterial activity in the soil makes it fresh and vital.

There are many fungicides on the market, and to discuss them properly, one needs to know basic IPM measures. Essential nutrients are the same, whatever their source. Fertilizers are classified as either organic or inorganic. Organics include manures, compost and other plant or animal residues, like seaweed, and liquid fish. Usually, their nutrient content is low, and soil-improving aspects high. Most gradually acidify soil and add humus. Microbial activity in the soil breaks down the fertilizers, and is stimulated by the addition of organic matter. The organic stuff you put into the soil breaks down into elements the plants can use, and the bacterial activity in the soil makes it fresh and vital.

Some favorite roses are: Sheila's Perfume, Veteran's Honor, Dainty Bess, Fame, Moonstone, Rose de Rescht, just to name a few - check them out in the Rose Section of the Idea Garden.

- Gloria Levitt

"Out damned spot!" That person muttering in one of our public gardens while squirting pesticides and protected by long clothes, hat, goggles and gloves, is one of your Licensed Pesticide Applicators on Patrol. If it is not, ask to see their license, because:

"The Illinois Pesticide Act states that if you apply pesticides...on property you do not own, you must be licensed. This also applies to volunteer work and this means all pesticides, even the ones you use at your home without a license." (Michelle Wiesbrook, Imagine, Vol. 4, No. 4, July-August 2003, p. 15.)

"...I understand and agree to:...abide by the Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing requirements for the application of pesticides when acting as a Master Gardener Volunteer...." (2004 Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement, p. 1.)

Rather than have one of our own risk being charged with a misdemeanor and a fine (up to $5,000), we thought it important that you know which ten of our MGs is licensed and the areas for which they have primary responsibility.

Sandy Mason is the overall Supervisor for all pesticide applications in CCMG public gardens. Eight of us are licensed as Public Pesticide Applicators (PA's) through the Champaign Co. Extension Office, Josh Mikeworth is a Village of Savoy PA, and Nancy Jones is a Commercial PA. The licenses include specific category certifications that are the result of passing a separate exam in each category. Sandy is the only one of us that is licensed to apply pesticides to edible plants, but Jim Simon also is a licensed Pesticide Operator and may treat edibles under Sandy's specific instruction. Jim Hoyt is certified for Right of Way' settings and the rest of us are certified to treat ornamentals.

Treatment requests for specific areas should be addressed to the following PA's:

Community Gardens: CC Humane Society - Jim Hoyt; CC Detention Center - Nancy Jones; Crisis Nursery - Bill MacDonald; and, Stratton School - Nancy Jones, Jim Simon. Bottenfield School is not active this year and the Chairs of Centennial H.S. and CC Humane Society intend to operate without the use of any pesticides.

Idea Garden: The pests find the brick walks more of a barrier than the wooden fence around the central IG. Consequently, the following are responsible for quadrants bounded by the brick walks: Northwest - Bill MacDonald; Southwest - Ann Bentley; Northeast - Ann Tice; and, Southeast - Jim Simon. The Rose Garden crew includes Cheryl Pettus, Bill Sipple, and Jim Simon. As Coordinator of the PA effort, Jim Simon will care for the remainder. Josh Mikeworth will be our Chief Scout, but we will rely on everyone to use their MG knowledge to employ nonchemical strategies and report the rest to us.

The Pest Patrol is a wonderful way to get to know our plants (and pests) more intimately, so we invite you to obtain a license (the Urbana workshops and exams are in early February) and join us. Contact Jim Simon if you have questions. In the meantime, we'll be doing the Bindweed Beetle Boogie and be there on the spot if you need us.

- Jim Simon

A project to enhance the appearance of the Shed and Compost area and provide more shaded areas for plants and people in the Idea Garden reached substantial completion on Arbor Day, April 30 with the last of 13 new plants placed along the north and east sides. A Paper Bark Maple (Acer griseum) now marks the eastern terminus of the IG complex; Four Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum Bluecrop' and "Phil's Gift") provide an eastern face for the compost bin; Five Northern Compact Arrowwoods (Viburnum dentatum Blue Muffin', a.k.a. V. dentatum Christom') are grouped to screen the north side of the compost bin; and, three multi-stemmed Apple Serviceberries (Amelanchier x Grandiflora Autumn Brilliance') will provide a shady spot for people and plants while helping to settle the shed into the landscape.

Space does not permit a detailed discussion of all the aspects of landscape design and plant selection that are embedded in this project, but mention of a few may help MG's notice others. Viewed at a distance from the north, these plantings will help to make the IG look more like a connected group of gardens than a garden with outbuildings and the fall color of this composition will be a stunning eye-catcher from the Lincoln-Florida intersection! The Maple will provide a 30 feet high third element that completes our shed and gazebo skyline while the Serviceberries will front the shed with a panoply of form, texture, and color that better associates with the attributes of the north Border Garden.

The sweep of the mulch around the entire shed complex shows how a collection of many elements may be gathered into a more coherent composition when reconciling the need for buildings and material storage, yet meeting the requirements of institutional lawnmowers and pickup truck access to the composting bins. It also illustrates the use of flowing forms to soften the hard edges of built objects and to promote a more casual landscape setting. And, it serves as a counterpoint to the classic geometric design of the Gazebo complex and the row garden style of the Berry Patch/Rose Garden grouping.

As one looks more closely, the Blue Muffin Arrowwoods demonstrate the use of a relatively new cultivar that was developed for foundation plantings and other residential scale applications while their arrangement shows that shrubs used as screens need not be in a straight line. The color connection between Blue Muffin's bright blue berries and the Highbush Blueberries will indicate one way of providing continuity when using different plants for different purposes at outside corners.

The next phase will be to add those plants that are favorites in shady MG gardens but not known to many of our visitors.

The original committee of Sandy Mason, Phil Dziuk, Ernest Young, and Jim Simon was formed at the October, 2003 IG Committee meeting and had many helpers and advisors who participated in a process that required approvals from higher authorities. Sandy's leadership and design contributions were instrumental in so many ways that she deserves special thanks and extra chocolate. Phil Dziuk obtained the blueberries for no cost, while Shane Coultra of Country Arbors Nursery found and delivered the nine other plants at a price that amounted to a gift worth over $400. Not including the mulch, the project cost $415 and more hours of labor than any of us wishes to total. A fine way to mark Arbor Day 2004!

- Jim Simon