March 30, 2009
Symposium of the Perennial Plant Association
I am passing along information from Monica David and Martha Smith about this continuing education opportunity. Might be an interesting day in St. Louis this July.
The St. Louis Gateway region is hosting the national meeting and week-long professional Symposium of the Perennial Plant Association. A new feature of the Symposium, celebrating 27 years in 2009, is a one-day perennial seminar designed specifically for the benefit of Master Gardeners, professional gardeners and landscape enthusiasts.
Perennials in Design Seminar, presented by the Perennial Plant Association, features "A Potpourri of Plants, Designs, and Arrangements". The program will be Monday, July 20, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Marriott Union Station Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The program features presentations by six nationally recognized speakers with decades of experience in growing and designing with perennials. Timely topics include "Designing with Color and Texture", "Bulbs in Gardens", "Four Seasons of Container Gardens", "Tough Perennials for Tough Sites", "Perennial Floral Design, and Perennial Plant Communities". Early bird registration is just $69 and includes all presentations and beverage breaks. Full time students may pre-register for $25.
For more details, visit www.hortco-op.org or contact the Perennial Plant Association at (614) 771-8431 or ppa@perennialplant.org
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 9:30 PM | Permalink |
March 27, 2009
Congratulations Class of 2009
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 11:31 AM | Permalink |
March 24, 2009
New Distance Diagnosis Website
A new Distance Diagnostics website has been launced. It explains the Illinois Distance Diagnostics system and provides homeowners with information on how to collect a good sample for diagnosis or identification.
A unique feature is a Picture of the Week that shows various samples that have been submitted. Check it out - http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/distancediagnostics/
The site was developed by Dennis Bowman, Extension Educator, Crop Sciences.
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 9:08 AM | Permalink |
March 19, 2009
2nd Quarter Assignments Posted!
The volunteer assignments are completed. Really they are! Look on the right to find links to the volunteer assignment list and calendars for Garden Help Line, Kline Creek, Graue Mill, We Grow Dreams and Speakers Bureau. Thank you for doing so much for DuPage County!
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 1:15 PM | Permalink |
March 9, 2009
Another Great Reference
"UI Plants is a database on woody landscape plant identification, culture and usage for the Midwest, including native and introduced species and their major varieties and cultivars. This encyclopedic resource serves as a learning tool for students, avid gardeners and industry practitioners who want basic and in-depth information on woody plants commonly found in the northern portion of eastern North America."
Visit UI Plants now. Enjoy all the pictures of green and blooming plants!
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 10:15 PM | Permalink |
March 5, 2009
Meet Golden Hakone Grass
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Over the Fence will be a great way to share the U of I Extension horticulture related news releases. Here is the first of many to follow. |
Perennial Plant of the YearThere's a new pick for the top perennial plant, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. "The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) 2009 Perennial Plant of the year is Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' or commonly called Golden Hakone Grass," said Martha Smith. "PPA members annually submit nominations and the top five are sent out for membership to make the final decision. Growers, retailers, designers and independent gardeners make up the diverse mix of membership from all across North America and Europe. "To be selected as the PPA perennial plant of the year is to be chosen from a large cross section of the green industry." Golden Hakone Grass grows 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide with an arching form that resembles a cascading miniature bamboo. Individual blades are ½" wide and bright yellow with very thin green stripes. Cool autumn weather brings out shades of pink and red in the foliage. Mainly grown for its golden foliage, Hakonechloa does produce tiny flower spikes August through September. "Hardy to zones 5 to 9, it should do well in most Illinois gardens," she said. "The exception would be far northern zone 4 areas." Hakone grows best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. If you have poorly drained soil, heavy clay soil or very dry soil this grass will not perform well. Amend the soil with organic matter or aged manures to improve the conditions for Golden Hakone Grass to survive. Partial shade is the preferred location though more sun brings out the golden foliage color. Deep shade often results in foliage that is more green than golden. "In my Zone 5 garden, Hakonechloa has done very well for 10 years on the east side," Smith said. "Soils have been amended with compost over the years, and plants are thriving. "Golden Hakone Grass does spread by stolons but so slowly that it is not a threat to take over a garden. In fact, many gardeners wish for a faster pace! Due to this, the plants don't need to be divided for several years. When division is required, do so in early spring as new growth is developing. Another plus is this shade-tolerant grass has few insect or disease problems and is not favored by deer." Hakonechloa is a great hosta companion. The golden foliage contrasts well with blue-foliaged hostas and accents those with golden centers or edges. Other companion plants to consider are astilbe, tiarellas, heucheras (coral bells), bleeding heart, and lady's mantle. Consider using it in a container where it can cascade over the edge like a waterfall. "Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' brightens a shady spot, compliments purple, red or blue foliage companion plants and offers an oriental feel to a garden," said Smith. "The foliage also catches in the breeze offering motion to your landscape. Go for the gold this year and try Golden Hakone Grass." Source: Martha A. Smith, Extension Educator, Horticulture, smithma@illinois.edu |
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 8:30 AM | Permalink |
March 4, 2009
A Few New Websites
Here is a portion of the news release announcing two new University of Illinois Extension websites.
Successful Container Gardens, http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/containergardening. As its name implies, the site is dedicated to container gardening. Topics include choosing a container, selecting soil mixes, choosing and combining plants, fertilizing, watering and grooming basics. You'll also find special containers such as water gardens, hanging baskets and topiaries, as well as creating whimsical containers.
Check out the online Illinois Vegetable Garden Guide at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/vegguide. This user-friendly website includes sections on 10 steps to a successful garden, garden problems and their control, and tips on growing specific vegetables.
Source: Annette Campbell, Extension Educator, Communications & Marketing
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 8:00 AM | Permalink |
March 3, 2009
The Blog Begins
Hello DuPage County Master Gardeners,
Welcome to our new blog, Over the Fence. This will be a great one stop place to find all sorts of news and information. Please visit frequently so you can hear about volunteer and educational opportunities, upcoming events, and all the Master Gardener neighborhood news.
Come visit if you need to check out the volunteer assignments or find the link to report your hours. Check out all the other links on the right.
Here are some continuing education opportunities that look very interesting.
A Morning with Tracy DiSabato-Aust - Hurry! March 5th!
Ready, Set, Grow - Whiteside County
I look forward to visiting with you Over the Fence!
Posted by Sarah Navrotski at 1:00 PM | Permalink |
