A lot is "Growin' On"! We have a wonderful new trainee class of 58 Master Gardeners! We have 45 classroom trainees, 6 of which are out of county and 7 on-line trainees. Please introduce yourself to this enthusiastic class as you find them attending our events.

A big "thank you" goes to Mary Morris for setting up the buddies for the trainees. Thanks also to all of you that volunteered to be a buddy. This program is so essential to acclimating trainees in our group!

Wouldn't it be great if you, the mentor, would make a concerted effort to help find hours for your buddy? You know what counts and the ropes of this organization. An e-mail or call could help your buddy accumulate hours. Maybe some of you have done this before, but if you haven't, wouldn't it make it easier for your buddy if you would work with them until they feel acclimated to the Idea Garden and other MG programs? It could make the task of volunteering in the Idea Garden and community projects a lot easier for a trainee! Consider this food for thought!

Ann Tice has been busy arranging those wonderful free Euro-American plants. She is busy taking orders for these plants that are coming through Josh Schneider this year. Josh had the Mourning Dove Nursery for several years in Mahomet and still is supporting us in his new job. This is such a boost to our Idea Garden. Thanks, Ann!

The program committee has a great program "Ikebana Flower Demonstration." See page three for more information. Remember, trainees, interns, and active MG's, you are welcome to attend all of the functions and meetings that are listed in the Cultivator calendar.

- Jan Fisher, President

Seed starting for the Idea Garden will begin at 8:30 AM on March 8 at the Turner Greenhouses and continue every Wednesday until the plants go to the garden on May 20. Everyone interested in working in the greenhouse is welcome to come, one week or all. Hours worked in the greenhouse count toward IG or Community Garden hours. Trainees might like to come the weeks that there is no class on Wednesday. Some weeks we have enough work for one hour and others we we work two or three hours. Please send me an email if you want to be on the greenhouse worker list serv. I try to let the people on the list know what we will be happening each week. Wear layers of clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, if the sun pops out it can get warm in the greenhouse. The new MG Directory has a map showing the location of the greenhouse where we work. Don't forget the meters take quarters only and it is 20 minutes per quarter!

- Ann Marlow

Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, my husband and I traveled in Australia and New Zealand. Because of my newly acquired interest in such things, I made sure that we visited the botanic gardens in both Sydney, Australia, and Christchurch, New Zealand. Here are my accounts of those visits.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are situated on the shores of the Sydney Harbour. They cover 30 hectares (1 hectare = 2.471 acres) and offer excellent views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The west, south and east sides of the gardens are bordered by The Domain, a popular green space with playing fields, lawns, paths and established trees. We saw school classes in The Domain participating in sports and many joggers making use of their lunch hours to stay fit in spite of their sedentary jobs in the heart of Sydney.

We, along with some of the joggers, entered the Royal Botanic Gardens from the northwest, passing "Sylvester the Digester," an 8-meter high vertical composting unit, which composts the green waste from the gardens. We passed by the Government House, once the official residence of the governor of New South Wales, and crossed the Parade Ground, now a grassy area with many specimen trees, including figs, eucalyptuses, wattles and a jacaranda in the height of bloom in early November.

We stopped in the Herb Garden, which includes both culinary and decorative herbs, as well as medicinal herbs from Europe. A vegetable plot in the center of the Herb Garden is divided into two sections, separated by a bench and fountain, and surrounded by a walkway, a hedge, a wall and the herbs. One section with several varieties of lettuce and small tomato plants reminded me of last spring in the vegetables area of the CCMG Idea Garden – on a grander scale, however. (There even were a few weeds among the lettuce.)

We then walked through the Palm Garden with its dense growth of subtropical and temperate palms, which give one the feeling of entering a jungle. We immediately became aware of the Grey-headed Flying Foxes roosting in the tops of the palms. These bats, native to the east coast of Australia, are damaging the trees in the garden by scratching through the bark as they are roosting and thereby introducing infections. The Botanic Gardens Trust has been licensed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service to use non-harmful methods to discourage the bats from roosting there. I asked the guide on a tour, which we subsequently took through a part of the gardens, precisely what "non-harmful methods" they were planning to use. He said they will remove the bats and resettle them in a natural habitat. He added that they are not sure whether the bats will migrate back or not.

The tour we took was led by a volunteer guide and stressed native Australian trees and flowering plants, including the Sandpaper Fig, whose leaves were used by the Aborigines as sandpaper; the Pink Spider Flower and banksia, which were in bloom at the time; the Rose Gum (Eucalyptus grandis) whose excreted oil gives the Blue Mountains, northwest of Sydney, their blue hue; and a banana tree that wasn't growing well there in Sydney, but does do well further north. We saw a Burrawang, a cycad whose nuts poisoned the early European settlers, although the Aborigines ate the nuts with impunity because the Aborigines leached the poison out of the nuts before ingesting them.

We saw the site of the first garden planted in Sydney by the European settlers. The guide said that that first garden was an "utter and complete failure," because the immigrants did not understand the difference in the seasons in the southern hemisphere and did not realize that the soil there was deficient in phosphorus. And, any vegetables that did manage to grow were stolen or eaten by wildlife. Apparently, in the records kept by the first settlers, mention is made of planting the garden, but not of harvesting it.

We also saw a Wollemi Pine, which was known to scientists by seed and scale fossils dating back about 16 million years but was thought to be extinct until a ranger exploring the Blue Mountains discovered a stand of the living trees in 1994. The exact location of the living trees is not being revealed in an effort to keep the trees in the remote area from contracting any diseases brought in by careless visitors. The specimen in the Botanic Gardens was grown from a cutting. It is growing inside a very sturdy, padlocked cage that is at least four meters high. The tree is now a bit higher than its cage.

The Royal Botanic Gardens include many other gardens, areas and features, which are too numerous to mention here or to take in during one visit. Unfortunately, one of these gardens, the rose garden, is now being redeveloped. The guide admitted that the roses had been affected by a root disease. The new rose garden is scheduled to be completed in 2006.

Gardeners who also are bird watchers would want to spend even more time in the gardens than we did. Since 1991, more than 100 species of birds have been observed there. One that is particularly obvious and, therefore, of interest to first-time visitors to Australia, is the Australian White Ibis. It turns out that this bird is considered a pest in the gardens. The guide on our tour said they are trying to limit their numbers by removing eggs from the nests.

Thus, amidst the abundant green, the great variety of amazing plants and the overall beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, I was reminded of the importance of soil, climate, and the control of diseases and pests to successful gardening.

- Ruth Gerlach

Designed for people with a passion for plants, Ornamentals & Edibles magazine is written by horticultural experts who live and garden in North Central Illinois–people who know all about the challenges and triumphs that local gardeners face.

Ornamentals & Edibles is a full-color, glossy publication and is mailed out six times a year. Articles include topics like 'Landscaping a Narrow Yard,' 'Spring Ephemerals,' 'Savvy Planting on a Retail Schedule,' and more. Regular departments also highlight newly-released plants, answer your gardening questions and track local gardening events.

To receive a one-year complimentary subscription to Ornamentals & Edibles, simply email editorial@ornamentals-edibles.com, phone 815.802.5030 or write to Ornamentals & Edibles, Attention Mary Ellen Smith, 8 Dearborn Square, Kankakee, IL 60901.

The article titled "Join the 2006 Pest Patrol!" that appeared in Dec./Jan. issue should have included Cheryl Pettus in the list of pesticide applicators that were licensed in 2005. The author apologizes for the omission. "Aftercare of Living Christmas Trees" was written and submitted by MG Margaret Hill.

Looking for a way to warm up your February? Come join us for the Tuesday, February 21 Master Gardener monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Japan House. Kimiko Gunji will delight us with a demonstration of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. In Ikebana, the arranger tries to represent the three elements of sky, earth, and mankind in a well-balanced relationship. Kimiko studied Ikebana for many years in Japan.

Register as soon as possible as the Japan House will hold only 50 people for this event. Some will be meeting for dinner on their own at 5:30 at Kamakura (the Japanese restaurant on Neil Street). When you sign up for this program, please indicate if you plan on meeting the group for dinner so a reservation can be made.

Don't forget that in the Japanese tradition shoes will be left at the door, so wear cozy socks! The Japan House drive is just south of the parking lot immediately south of the Idea Garden. Call the office (333-7672) to sign up.

- Ann Marlow

Sign up now for our March 14 bus trip to the Indiana Flower and Patio Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

See more than 30 fabulously landscaped gardens ranging in size from 650 sq. ft. to more than 5,000 sq. ft. Some of the themes are: "A Reflecting Garden", a formal reflecting pond... "Sweet & Simple", a chocolate inspired garden... "The Night Life", featuring a unique look at a water garden at nightfall, "Fiesta", inspired by the fun colors of the southwest... and many, many more!!

More than 400 exhibitors will offer their hardscape materials, live plants, gardening tools and accessories, gifts for the gardener, finer outdoor living products, etc.

Attend any of their seminars and receive continuing education hours. Have lunch on your own at a café or cafeteria on site. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided on the bus that will leave the Extension Office at 7:30 a.m. and return at approx. 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20.00 for CC MGs or $30.00 for others. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible as we are inviting other units to join us.

- Bev Cotter

Have you ever contemplated just how far your breakfast foods have traveled? Discover the path of bananas, coffee and pineapple from field to plate during Sandy Mason's program Friday, February 3 at noon at the Extension office. Sandy visited Costa Rica with Parkland college students in December. Learn about this fascinating country and its people. Bring your own lunch and join us.

- Sandy Mason

A six week Beekeeping for Beginners class is being offered in March 2006 by the Central Eastern Illinois Beekeepers' Association, in conjunction with the University Of Illinois Department Of Entomology at the recently completed UIUC Bee Research Facility.

This noncredit comprehensive course will address beekeeping basics for the beginning student including honeybee biology, purchasing and assembling equipment, handling techniques, and package bee installation. The course begins on March 2, 2006, and runs every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M., for 6 consecutive weeks at the UIUC Bee Research Facility located at 3515 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana. Space is limited to 25 students and course cost is $30 which includes textbooks and other written materials.

Equipment and package bees will be made available through the course for an additional fee. Minimum age requirement to attend the class is 14 years. Reserve your spot by sending your name, address, phone number, and email to:

Attn. Karen Pruiett
Beekeeping for Beginners
320 Morrill Hall
505 S.Goodwin Ave.
Urbana IL 61801

Please enclose a check made payable to Central Eastern Illinois Beekeepers' Assn.

Class Materials:

• Beekeepng Basics published by Penn State

• Beekeeping in the Midwest by Elbert Jaycox

• Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases by Penn State

Course Schedule/Topics-Speaker:

• March 2 Session 1- Introduction, History, and Basic Bee Biology-Dr. Gene Robinson
• March 9 Session 2-Beekeeping Equipment, Assembly, and Hive Location-Bill Fleming
• March 16 Session 3-Basics of Hive Work: Package/Spring colony management-Jim Hayes, Wayne Mathis
• March 23 Session 4-Summer Management: Honey Production-Kathy Sponder, Lorraine Wirges
• March 30 Session 5-Fall and Winter Management: Disease and Pest Management-John Choules, Karen Pruiett
• April 6 Session 6-Course Review/Overview, Q&A, Feedback-Instructor Panel
• April 13 Tentative makeup date for classes cancelled due to foul weather

May 7 - Central Eastern Illinois Beekeepers' Association May Meeting and Picnic at Lake of the Woods-Mahomet IL, All Class members invited-TBA

All Master Gardeners, including trainees, interns and actives are encouraged and welcome to attend any programs or meetings. All meetings and programs are held at the Extension office unless stated otherwise. Don't forget to join the Morning Glories or coffee and camaraderie at Old Farm Paneras on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.

February

1, Wednesday – Happy Birthday MG Carolyn Purcell

1, Wednesday – MG Training: Soils/Fertilizer/Compost & Indoor Plants.

2, Thursday, 11:00am – Program Committee mtg.

2, Thursday, 1:00pm - Advisory Committee mtg.

3, Friday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm – Brown Bag Lunch – Sandy's trip to Costa Rica. Extension Auditorium. Please call 333-7672 to reserve your seat. Don't forget your lunch!

4, Saturday, Border Brunch at Laura Hartman's. Contact Laura if interested. Trainees/Interns welcome

6, Monday – MG Training: Flowers & Herbaceous Ornamentals

7, Tuesday, 9:30am – Garden Walk mtg.

7, Tuesday, 1:00pm – Telenet: Worm Composting is a great way to recycle food scraps indoors all year long. Learn how you can get started this winter and keep your bin healthy and active for years to come. Worm composting is great for kids of all ages. Ron Wolford, Horticulture Educator, will present this informative program. Please call the Extension office (333-7672) to reserve handouts. Open to public.

9, Thursday, 7:00pm – Telenet: Worm Composting repeated. Please call the Extension office (333-7672) to reserve handouts. Open to public.

15, Wednesday – MG Training: Insects/Pests

16 -17, Thursday – Friday, Pesticide Applicator Training, Holiday Inn, Urbana.

16, Thursday, 1:00pm – Idea Garden mtg.

16-17, Thursday-Friday – Pesticide Applicator Training for General Standards; Turf & Ornamentals; Right of Way at the Holiday Inn, Urbana. Call Christine(333-7672) if you would like to register.

21, Tuesday, 1:00pm – Telenet: Indoor Quality Air will discuss types of plants that are best suited to improve indoor air quality. NASA scientists have experimented with different plants, to see how well plants can remove these pollutants. Care and maintenance of these plants will also be discussed. Instructor: Duane Friend. Please call the Extension office (333-7672) to reserve handouts. Open to public.

21, Tuesday, 7:00pm – MG Monthly meeting: Ikebana demonstration by Kimiko Gunji of the U of I Japan House. Space is limited to 50 participants. Please call 333-7672 to register. See article in this issue for details.

22, Wednesday – MG Training: IPM/Pesticide Safety & Wildlife Control/Mgmt.

23, Thursday, 7:00pm – Telenet: Indoor Quality Air repeated. Please call the Extension office (333-7672) to reserve handouts. Open to public.

March

1, Wednesday – MG Training: Vegetables/Herbs

2, Thursday, 11:00am – Program Committee mtg.

2, Thursday, 1:00pm – Advisory Committee mtg.

7, Tuesday, 9:30am – Garden Walk mtg.

7, Tuesday, 1:00pm – Telenet: Dwarf & Unusual Landscape Conifers is an introduction to this diverse group of woody ornamentals. If you have a small garden or narrow landscape beds, dwarf conifers may be the answer. Join Martha Smith, Horticulture Educator to learn about all the different styles, colors, shapes and sizes these plants offer to our landscapes. Please call the Extension office (333-7672) to reserve handouts. Open to public.

6, Monday– MG Training: Trees and Basic Landscaping

8, Wednesday, 8:30am – Greenhouse work days start: Seed starting for IG will begin and continue every Wednesday until May 20th. See article in this issue for details.

9, Thursday, 7:00pm – Telenet: Dwarf & Unusual Landscaping Conifers repeated. Please call the Extension office (333-7672) to reserve handouts. Open to public.

14, Tuesday, 7:30am – MG Bus Trip: Indianapolis Flower show. $20/MG and $30/non-MG guest. See article in this issue for details.

15, Wednesday – MG Training: Plant Diseases

16, Thursday, 1:00pm – Idea Garden mtg.

25, Saturday – 25, April – Christine will be in Shanghai, China! Keep track of her on her blog. Don't worry she'll be working and checking her email.

29, Wednesday – MG Training: Fruits