So glad to see the crocus and snowdrops pushing up and about to bloom in our park. It reassures me that our garden season will indeed arrive, even if the temperature is not cooperating.

So much to tell you about! Let me begin by congratulating the Class of 2001 on their completion of training. We had so many MGs at the last day, I was most gratified to see the interest and support. The energy in the room was obvious and contagious. And those "treats" were delicious!

In case you have not heard, we are advertising for a part time position to assist me with horticulture programming. I hope to have someone in place very soon this spring. Also, we have expanded our office space and now occupy the offices located on the main floor, too.

I have just returned from a meeting with DuPage Easter Seals and hope that some of you will be interested in working with them this spring and summer.

We still have openings for the garden center help desks in May. I will be offering a quick review of the types of questions you'll most likely encounter and policy and procedures to follow. It's scheduled April 30, at the office, 1-3 pm.

I have had several requests for assistance with designing and planting butterfly gardens. I'll let you know the details as they become available.

Looking ahead to summer, watch for details for MG field trips. They will be announced in the newsletter.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to enroll in gardening classes that interest you. I will be offering a new monthly Lecture Series. (The Get a Grip on Gardening will begin next week and we have filled the class already!)

Enjoy your spring, and stop by to say hi. I already miss seeing you every Wednesday!

A big welcome to all the new Interns and Veterans as we begin the 2001 garden season. While at first you may seem a bit nervous in the office, remember we are all here to help. Helping people with their gardening concerns is not only a rewarding experience, but also serves as a way to reinforce all the information presented in our classes. Once you answer a question for a homeowner, it is one you will always remember. It is also a great opportunity to find out which diseases and pests are pre-dominant for the season. While we hope it's not the case, you might get home and find the same situation in your own yard. It's worth checking out!

New MG Badges
Since we have a new MG logo, the state MG office has arranged for new MG badges. They are making these available to each MG group at no cost. To unify the MG program, we would like to replace the current badges with this new one. We need to know how you would like your name to appear on your badge. Please let us know by April 10. This is a firm deadline. If we do not hear from you, we will order a pin-on type with your name as it appears on the newsletter mailing label.

New MG Apparel
The state MG Office is offering apparel with the new MG logo. The order form was given out at the last MG class.

"Get a Grip on Gardening"
A new three-part series of introductory classes has been developed by Susan to help homeowners avoid making mistakes in the landscape by providing a practical approach to garden decisions. You have already received an announcement in the latest mailing that outlines this program. These will be held April 4, 11 and 18, 6:30-8:45 pm at the Extension Office. The fee is $25 for the three classes, handouts in a three ring binder and light refreshments. Please help promote these classes.

New Monthly Garden Classes
In addition to "Get a Grip on Gardening," one evening each month our Extension office will be offering a garden class that will be advertised to the public. These classes will be held at the Extension office in the Conference Room. Pre-registration is required (these will qualify as enrichment training, too). For each class, the fee will be $5.00 and Susan Grupp will be the instructor.

• Designing & Growing Beautiful Container Gardens
  Thursday, May 17, 6:45-8:45 pm
• Landscaping with Perennials
  Thursday, June 14, 6:45-8:45 pm
• Steps to a Healthy Lawn
  Wednesday, July 25, 6:45-8:45 pm
  
  

Enrichment Classes
Don't forget that veteran MG's need to maintain their certification by continuing their education throughout this year. We encourage you to sign up for gardening classes that you enjoy and help you as a MG. Enclosed is a form to use when submitting your request for a class to be recorded as enrichment.

Gardeners' Gathering
Our first monthly gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 1:30 Ð 3 pm in the Extension Office conference room. Come and join Susan and fellow MG's to meet and share seasonal garden tips as well as take a quick look at the hot topics of the month at the office. This is designed as an opportunity to get to know each other and share gardening experience and knowledge. Call the office to register. Bring a treat if you would like. Coffee, tea and lemonade will be provided. This qualifies as enrichment training.

Visit Perry Woodward's Flower Garden
He has over 300 labeled varieties! There are 50 roses, a 9' x 28' perennial garden, 100 cacti and succulents, a lily plot, herb garden, water pot, bonsai, rock garden and more!

Nothing is for sale and the garden will be open to the public at these times. June 21, 22, 23 from 10–5, June 24 from 1-5.

Directions: Driving east on Roosevelt Rd from County Farm Rd., turn right at second light into Adare Farm. Follow Adare to stop sign and turn left on Creekside. Turn right at third street on right (Spring Green) and go one block. Entrance on left.

Spring has Sprung!
We officially said goodbye to Winter 2001 and welcomed Spring on Tuesday, March 20. Not a day too soon, as all of us are more than ready to get our hands and knees in the dirt again. At this time we also want to welcome all the new MG Interns. We look forward to meeting each of you and working on the many new and exciting volunteer programs throughout the year. A round of applause to all of the new Interns!

Garden Center Sign-up
There are still openings for the Master Gardener Help Desk at area garden centers on Saturdays in May as follows:

Planter's Palette: Platt Hill:

May 5, 9am-noon (1) May 12, noon-3pm (2) May 12, noon-3 pm, (1) May 19, 9am-noon (2) May 19, noon-3pm (2)

If you are interested in any of these openings, please call the office.

MG Help Desk
Nick Janakas, MG and Vice-president of Men's Garden Club of Villa Park has requested MG's to assist clientele with garden questions at their Annual Garden Sale. The club is offering native prairie perennials, astilbe, aquilegia, herbs, hibiscus, wave petunias and hanging pots, to name a few.

Date: Saturday, May 12
Location: The Club Greenhouse
320 East Kenilworth, Villa Park

We would like to have two MG's for each time slot (8am - 11am and 11am - 2pm) to help answer questions and distribute garden bulletins. Please call the office to sign up right away!

Helping Easter Seals of DuPage County
The staff at Easter Seals have requested assistance with their 2 small gardens (approx. 3' x 12' and 3' x 17') and the possibility of a few container/window box gardens for their patio area. They are located in Villa Park and were hoping MG's could help them select the right annuals (maybe a few perennials) and some veggies, possibly, for their site. Also, they would really like to add an educational component. If you would enjoy visiting with their 4-6 year olds and showing and telling the kids about plants–very simple, basic things–call Susan soon. Those "lessons" would be very short–not more than 15-20 minutes! A morning time slot would be best for them. Since they meet every day, year round, the scheduling for this opportunity is very flexible. They were hoping for a few visits this year.

- By Kathy Riley

Are you interested in trading your surplus perennials with other Master Gardeners with no deadlines or "exchange days" involved? The list will be available at the Extension Office and will appear in an upcoming newsletter. Once you have the list, it is up to you to call and make your own arrangements with those who have what you want. This allows for different dividing times and busy schedules.

If you have surplus plants (available sometime during this growing season), contact me with the following information:

• Your name and phone number
• A list of plants you will have available

The deadline for getting your list to me is June 1, 2001. The list will be available in the Extension Office one week later.

Internship Opportunity
Exciting and worth-while internships are available at Bluebird Nursery Inc. in Nebraska. Interns can gain experience in many areas of horticulture, such as tissue culture, greenhouse management, nursery production, plant breeding, plant introduction, retail, gardening, and much more. With over 2000 cultivars and perennial species in production you can gain the experience you need to succeed.

For more info on 3, 6, 9 month and 1-year internships contact Richard Gilbert at 1-800-356-9164. (Deadline for the summer internship was March 1)
E-mail Richard_Gilbert@hotmail.com
See Bluebird at www.bluebirdnursery.com
Bluebird Nursery Inc.
P.O. Box 460
Clarkson, Nebraska 68629

- By Lou Horton

"Wake Up To Spring" and what better title could a Garden Show have for the Chicagoland area. Living in the Midwest we are always teased as gardeners when a warm day hits in February only to have snow in March when we think winter has finally ended. The Chicago Flower & Garden Show brings a sense of excitement to any gardener as they long to work outside once again. The show this year included 30 different theme gardens and while perhaps not as extravagant as previous years, it was still a feast for the hungry gardeners.

I was happy to see many native plants included in a number of the exhibits. The Irish Garden, while small, was very well done. If you're a "hostaholic," "A Tapestry of Shady Characters" highlighted over 130 different varieties among many woodland trees and shrubs. I was especially impressed with the Arthritis Foundations' "Accessible Garden." It aimed at showing people they do not have to give up their favorite hobby when confronted with arthritis and other aliments. The garden displayed adaptive equipment, raised flowerbeds and new developments in garden tools along with seminars on how to create gardens that are practical and simple to maintain.

There also seemed to be more displays that dealt with garden structures such as "Gazebo for All Seasons" which depicted the four seasons, each with its own unique gazebo and accompanying vegetation. My two favorites were "A Backyard Escape" (because the garden displayed the essential features that can make up a garden: ponds, paths, lighting, and of course blooming plants) and our very own University of Illinois Extension exhibit entitled "Fantastic Foliage." It was an amazing collection of plants that totally depended on foliage alone for color and impact. And it was quite an impact!!! A job well done. There were the usual vendors that always seem to occupy too much space that could be used for more garden displays but all in all well worth the admission price for a sneak preview of the season to come. And besides, it was nice to look out and see a landscape filled with flowering trees, shrubs and plants while my own is still sleeping.

- By Kathy Riley

April 4
Cantigny Gardens, Not Just The Usual Perennials. Class taught by Mary Samios-Russell. 7pm. $20. Register 630-668-5161.

April 5
Morton Arboretum, The Herbal Household. Learn how to use your garden herbs to freshen your household. 7-9pm. $23. (mem-bers $18). To register, call 630-719-2468.

April 5
The Garden Market Group, Holiday Inn, 7800 Kingery Hwy, Willowbrook, Il. The Do's and Especially the Dont's of Creating a Charming Low-Maintenance Home Landscape. A seminar presented by landscape contractors Dave & Megan Pearling. Will cover design, layout, installation steps, plant selection, paving materials, and how to minimize expenses & maintenance. 6:30-9:30 pm. $49. Register 800-717-8740.

April 7 to May 13
Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago, Spring Flower Show, 9 am-5 pm, For info 312-742-7736.

April 7
Sid's Garden Center, Palos Hills, Rose Care. Seminar on the planting and season-long care of roses presented by Richard Ellis. 10am. Free. Info call, 708-974-4500.

April 7
Sid's Garden Center, Palos Hills, Spring Pond Care. Presented by Richard Ellis. 2pm. Free. Info call, 708-974-4500.

April 7 & 8
Chicago Botanic Garden, African Violet Show & Sale. Saturday, noon-5 pm. Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. For info (847) 835-5440. Free

April 8
Chicago Botanic Garden, Midwest Fruit Explorers Grafting Session. Experienced, 9 am-noon. Novice, noon - 4 pm. For info 847-835-5440.

April 11
Cantigny Gardens, Rebuilding A Perennial Shade Bed. Taught by Craig Myroup. 9:30 am. $20. Register 630-668-5161.

April 18
Morton Arboretum, Stretch Your Plant Dollars. Taught by Martha Davis, 7-9:30 pm. $23. (members $18). To register call 630-719-2468.

April 20 Ð 22
Chicago Botanic Garden, Antiques & Garden Fair Friday & Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. Admission $15 (members $10 in advance). For information, 847-835-5440.

April 22
Morton Arboretum, Spring Break: Where the "Buds" Are. Day long garden event that covers a wide range of gardening topics including: Learning From Your Site, Extend Your Planting Season, Flower & Herb Container, A Garden Center Guide, Composting with Red Worms, Crystallizing Flowers, Using IPM in Your Landscape and others. 9-3:30 pm. $112. ($89 members). Registration required for the day and for specific workshops. Call 630-719-2468.

April 27
Arbor Day. Mark your calendars to take some time and celebrate the day by either taking a walk in your own neighborhood or perhaps a drive through the Morton Arboretum and appreciate the trees. We are fortunate to live in an area with the Arboretum practically in our own backyard. Illinois statute states: "The last Friday in April each year is designated as Arbor and Bird Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day for planting trees, shrubs and vines about the house and along the highways and public grounds within this State, and for holding appropriate exercises in the public schools and elsewhere to show the value of trees and birds and the necessity of their protection, thus contributing to the comforts and attractions of our State."

April 27 - 29
Morton Arboretum, Arbor Day Celebration. Celebrate America's first environmental holiday, Arbor Day. On Friday, admission to the Arboretum is free, there is a kick-off tree planting, and rides on the Acorn Express will be free. Throughout the weekend, tours of Arbor Day trees past, guided walks, activities, and demonstrations are planned. For info, 630-968-0074.

April 28 & 29
Chicago Botanic Garden, Midwest Daffodil Society Show & Judging School.

April 29
Chicago Botanic Garden, Northern Chicagoland Rose Society Exhibit & Sale. Noon - 4 p.m. free. For info, call 847-835-5440.

April 29
Chicago Botanic Garden, Lily Lecture 2 p.m. free. For info, call 847-835-5440.

April 29
Chicago Botanic Garden, Central States Dahlia Society Sale, 10 a.m. Ð 4 p.m. free. For info, call 847-835-5440.

April 29
Chicago Botanic Garden, Rose Clinic & Sale, American Rose Society, For info, 847-292-0155.

May 5
Oak Park Conservatory, Oak Park, IL. Annual Herb & Scented Plant Sale, More than 200 different kinds of culinary, fragrant, medicinal and ornamental herbs. 9-3 pm. For info, 708-386-4700.

May 10
Chicago Botanic Garden, New & Unusual Trees and Shrubs. Presented by Brian Aaron, Green View Nursery, Inc. 7-9 pm. $26. Register 847-835-8261.

May 12 & 13
Chicago Botanic Garden, Cactus & Succulent Society Sale, Saturday, noon-5 pm. Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. For information, 847-835-5440.

May 12 & 13
Chicago Botanic Garden, Northeastern Illinois Rose Society Sale 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For information, 847-835-5440.

May 18 & 25
Cantigny Gardens, Winfield, Il. Fundamentals of Gardening. Parts I and II of a 5-session class taught by Joe Sable. 6:30 pm $60 for the 5 part series. Register 630-668-5161.

May 19
Main Street, West Chicago. West Chicago Is Blooming. A downtown garden festival featuring plant sale, seminars, workshops and children's activities. 9-2 pm. For info call, 630-293-2200, x141.

May 19 & 20
Chicago Botanic Garden, American Rhododendron Society Show & Sale 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For information, 847-835-5440.

May 22
Morton Arboretum, The Garden Chef. Enjoy dinner while learning how to use herbs to enhance your cooking. 6-8 pm. $40 (members $35). To register, 630-719-2468.

May 29
Garfield Farm Museum, La Fox, Il. Prairie Walk. Learn to identify prairie plants. 9-noon. $5. Reservations required. 630-584-8485.

May 30
Morton Arboretum, Landscape Pest Management: Beneficial Insects & Mites. Dr. Fred Miller will teach this professional level workshop. 9-4 pm. $119. Includes break refreshment & box lunch. For detailed info & registration, 630-719-2468.

Directions: Identify a flower whose name reminds you of each of the following.

A prehistoric fire-breathing reptile that snatches.

The Universe.

An unmarried male's fastener.

Jill's brother preaching.

A first-rate king of the jungle.

A blonde shaft or bar.

A couple of edges of the mouth.

A crazy or foolish bitter pickle.

An A.M. admiration.

Colored part of the eye.

The red, fleshy growth on a rooster's head.

A mirthful precious metal.

A fruit of the month.

Sky-colored objects with clappers from the highlands.

Dark-sighted girls.

Dairy product plant-out-of-place.

Planet for catching insects.

Stinky vegetable leaves.

A calf's petticoat.

A star blossoming plant.

See end for answers.

April 3
Putting Together a Pleasing Container, Darien Park District - Sandy Perakis

April 7
Perennials for DuPage County, Illinois Education Association Retirees Group - Warren Senneke

April 7
Beginning Flower Gardening, Indian Prairie Library - Don Obuch

April 10
Shade Gardening, Village Garden Club of Villa Park - Pat Pieper

April 10
Gardening in the Space You Have, West Chicago Public Library - Perry Woodward

May 5
Perennials, Hawthorn Garden Club of Glen Ellyn Woods - Warren Senneke

May 8
New Perennials, Darien Park District - Don Obuch

May 15
Shade Gardening, West Chicago Public Library - Pat Pieper

May 16
Culinary Herbs for Beginners, Argonne IAAP, Lynn Bement

May 21
Water Gardening, Garden Study Club of Hinsdale, Pat Kosmach

May 24
Perennials, St. Patrick Residence, Joan Swanberg

June 13
Putting Together a Pleasing Container, Women's Garden Club of Villa Park, Sandy Perakis

July 18
Vegetables, Bloomingdale Garden Club - Art Feid

August 15
Tropical Bulbs, Bloomingdale Garden Club, Joan Swanberg

September 6
Ornamental Grasses, Indian Prairie Library, Don Obuch

September 28
Designing for Autumn/Winter Interest, Lombard Garden Club - Don Obuch

According to a national survey of American Medicare beneficiaries conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the average monthly health-care related expenditures of regular gardeners were 17.2% lower than those of nongardeners over the 12-month period studied. So besides eating an apple a day, get out there and dig in the dirt at least once a day.

Protect peonies from botrytis blight. Apply Bordeaux mixture spray to emerging stems. Practice good sanitation and clean up infected leaves as this disease can overwinter on them.

For tuberous begonia fans, a new patented fragrant begonia is on the market. Called 'Scentiment,' this begonia has red-rose flowers that release a delicate citrus aroma. It has a bushy, mounding habit that make it perfect for hanging baskets. The tubers will increase in size from year to year if stored properly at the end of the season. Begonias are shipped as dormant tubers and should be started indoors in early spring. If you want to try them this summer, place your order with White Fence Flower Farm before April 15. (800) 503-9634 or www.whiteflowerfarm.com.

A potato that glows in the dark??? Scientists have produced a genetically engineered "super-potato" that glows when it needs water. The potato plants are injected with fluorescence from a luminous jellyfish. The night-light nightshades are not intended for human consumption but would signal farmers that the rest of his field should be watered. Weird huh?

Now is a good time to help control iris borers by cleaning up and destroying old foliage in your iris beds before new growth begins.

Late winter-early spring is one of the best times to prune trees and shrubs. Avoid bleeders such as maple, birch and elm. Prune oaks only in late fall to avoid oak wilt disease. Prune summer flowering shrubs like spirea and snowball hydrangea.

A reminder as the Garden season starts...the EPA tells us that American households dump approximately 136 million pounds of pesticides each year on their gardens, homes, and lawns--three times more per acre than the average farmer applies. Endangering birds, wildlife, and water is way too high a price for a perfect rose.

Have a favorite plant?? Join a Garden Society that deals with your specialty, share knowledge, and get in on the plant swaps and special garden tours they offer. This month in Chicagoland Gardening, an article outlines the many garden clubs and benefits in belonging to such groups.

Spring bulbs will soon be blooming. Plan in Spring, plant in Fall. Adding more daffodils, crocuses, and other bulbs can be a challenge because they bloom in spring and then disappear. Fall is the time to plant these low maintenance wonders, but right now is the time to decide where you'd like more spring color. To help figure out where these new additions should be added for fall planting, dig planting holes in areas where you want blooms for next spring. Set empty pots into the holes and then fill the pots with soil, leaving just the rims showing. Come fall, simply lift out each pot, drop in the bulbs in the hole and dump the pot of soil over them. Or plant annuals in that spot. Once the annuals die out with the first frost, the place is marked for Fall bulbs. Either way you do it assures added flowering bulbs to your landscape.

Wondering where the best bulb buys are??? A trip to the library and a little research will give you some help. In the September 2000 "Consumer Report" magazine p. 40, gives the top rated "Best Bulb" supplier as well as CR's lowest-rated mail-order companies.

If you find yourself planting at least a flat or two of impatiens each spring, a new introduction by Ball Horticultural Company may be worth checking out. Called 'Fanfare', this impatiens has a mounded, trailing habit, which makes it a better choice for growing in hanging baskets and window boxes. It will thrive in part shade to shade and be offered in lavender and fuchsia. However, it will only be available as transplants and not as seeds.

A reminder...many of our feathered friends are returning to the area so keep those bird feeders full. However, don't get too enthusiastic and completely uncover those perennials. Remember we live in Chicago where Mother Nature may not quite be finished with winter yet. Take heart, there will be many happy gardening days ahead.

For the serious vegetable gardener
Cloches have been around for a very long time. These inverted, bell shaped jars, made from glass early on and now even in terra cotta, could be found in early spring gardens. From the French word meaning bell, French gardeners placed these jars over their plants in the early spring thus protecting them from a late frost and giving them a head start on production. They allow an early jump on seed starting and extend the garden season by a number of weeks. In addition they dress up a garden.

Only a handful of plants are worth the time, money and trouble of covering with a cloche. Yet with the following low budget version the same benefits can be reaped by using the cloche.

Perhaps tomatoes are at the top of the list as nothing is better than a ripe, garden fresh tomato and the sooner the better! Cucumbers, some melons, and a few exotics like artichokes and seed potatoes can also warrant the use of a cloche. By extending the season, these plants produce larger and more abundant fruit. So if you're game, read on...

Materials:

• Old, sturdy, metal framed lamp shades (at least 15" across)
• Covering material (found in garden centers, mail order suppliers, called garden blankets. About 7cents a square. Or, septic paper found in the plumbing section of hardware stores. Clear plastic can be used but be sure it is four- mil found in the paint department as a painters dropcloth. And be sure to leave the top open so it doesn't overheat and will allow moisture to reach the plant.)
• Scissors
• Needle with large eye
• Heavy string
  

Instructions:

Gather old shades. These can be found at yard sales, flea markets, second hand stores.

Cut a piece of covering material large enough to generously wrap the circumference of the entire frame, allowing several extra inches at the top and bottom

Fold the material over and sew it to the frame with heavy string, folding and tucking as necessary to accommodate shades that have a bell shape. If you are using material that will allow rain and sunshine to penetrate, cover the top as well. Loop the string around each rib and around the top and bottom rings to attach the fabric securely. Fold the fabric over onto itself when necessary to maintain a tight fit. If it takes you longer than 20 minutes, you are being too diligent.

Method for use:

In late winter, find an open spot in the garden and set the cloche firmly into the soil. To further insulate the cloche, if you have straw, tuck it around until half covered. By early spring, you should be able to sow cool season vegetables seeds right into the soil the cloche has been covering. Replace the cloche and reset the straw. As the weather warms, take occasional peeks to be sure there is adequate moisture. Once the seedlings emerge and have their first set of true leaves, thin out. Cover the thinned plants and keep an eye on their progress and when they are at least two inches tall, scoop up with a kitchen spoon, rootball and all, and replant in their final place. Depending on the seed variety and size of your "lampshade cloche," you may get an average of 25 transplants. One final note: Seeds started this way may take longer than those indoors under lights, but the plants coming up under the cloche are stronger and better acclimated to the weather and are hardy. Besides, think of all the neighbors that will want to know what the heck you are doing now!!!!

- By Kathy Riley

This is not your usual field guide to trees. The Urban Tree Book by Arthur Plotnik is written for the person who is not only interested in the taxonomy of trees but also in their lore and uses in today's urban and suburban landscape. The author discusses more than 200 species and includes information on the advantages and disadvantages of each (and closely related species) in modern landscape situations, com-mon diseases and pests, and useful keys to identification of the species. Written in the year 2000 in consultation with the staff of the Morton Arboretum, the book contains much up-to-date research and expert opinions about trees. Each section also contains historical perspective on the species under discussion as well as the occasional anecdote and information about the "champion" tree of the species (largest, oldest) and it's location.

There are enough interesting facts about the species covered to allow the reader to compile a serious number of "tree trivia" questions. Want a couple of examples? What kind of tree was the famous "Liberty Tree" in Boston, MA during the Revolution? Ready for the second one? What scene of a famous battle in American history is actually named after the Cottonwood? Check the answers following this article.

Perhaps the most compelling thing about The Urban Tree Book is the author's eminently readable writing style. One does not have to be a tree expert to enjoy reading this book from cover to cover and it is difficult after doing so, not to have a deeper respect for something that enriches our lives in so many ways. The appendix even contains a source of sapling clones from historically significant trees one can purchase inexpensively. The book is commonly available at most of the chain bookstores in paperback at about $18.95.

Actually, there was a "Liberty Tree" in each of the colonies, but by far the most famous was in Boston and it was an American Elm.

The Alamo near San Antonio, TX was named for a grove of Cottonwoods that surrounded the mission. Alamo is a Mexican word for Cottonwood.

- By Lou Horton

A special thanks goes out to Patricia Cannavan, a new MG and Veteran Ellen Kangas for helping Susan and making the 4-H Project Day such a success. This event was held on Saturday, February 17 with the focus on "Learning To Preserve Flowers." From the evaluations the children filled out, it was not only a great learning experience for them but also an enjoyable day. It sparked their interest in horticulture, and they are anxious to see more offerings of this nature in the future.

Another exciting new program that three of our MG's have been working on since January of this year deals with the Junior Master Gardener Program. Sandy Perakis, Vicki O'Rourke and Lynn Bement are teaching a pilot program in Lombard at a local middle school. Its focus is to develop an awareness of horticulture for students. This is a hands-on program, held after school, which covers such topics as basic botany, healing plants, terrariums, and seeds.

A special thanks to Joan Swanberg for master minding the schedule for the office as we start the 2001 growing season. She did a terrific job.

A note to all Interns and Veterans alike Please let us know how your various volunteer projects are coming along so we may let the whole group know what is happening around the county this growing season. Contact the office or the newsletter committee and we would be more than happy to highlight your efforts.

• Occupation: Retired Nationally Certified Elementary School Counselor.
• Number of years as a Master Gardener: New this year.
• Personal hero: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X
• Favorite annual: Zinnia and peppers
• Favorite perennial: Dahlias and Asiatic lilies
• Something about me not too many people know: I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
• My most humbling gardening experience: I potted up many seedlings into peat pots and fertilized them with fish emulsion. I left the peat pots outside overnight and the fish emulsion attracted the raccoons. The raccoons tore the pots apart. I did manage to save some of the seedlings.
• Major gardening accomplishment: I managed to grow Doan Gwa (Chinese melon). My Chinese friends encouraged me to grow them. I managed to grow 80 to 100 melons and took them down to Chinatown upon the advice of my friends with the purpose of selling them to the restaurants. However, the local constable (Chicago Police) wanted to see my peddler's license. That was the end of that, but I was very proud of the fact that I played the role of a farmer.
• Best gardening tip: Use shredded straw as a mulch. Use the regular straw between the rows and shredded straw around each plant.
• If I am not gardening, you will find me: Taking classes such as cooking, computer classes and golf.

- By Ann O'Leary

• Occupation: I am retired right now. Before I retired I was an Image Consultant.
• Number of years as a Master Gardener: New this year
• Personal hero: My Grandmother. I am named after her. She was an independent, active and friendly person. She was a great gardener, loved to bake and made the best apple strudel.
• Favorite annual: Flowering Maple. I started some last year and have them growing in my greenhouse right now.
• Favorite perennial: Foxglove. I know most people think of it as an annual or biennial but mine re-seeds itself and acts just like a perennial.
• Something about me not too many people know: How many cats I have. I take in strays so the number is always different. How many? I'll never tell.
• My most humbling gardening experience: Two years ago I convinced my husband to take out most of the front lawn over the Memorial Day Weekend. We rototilled, put in mushroom compost and then a myriad of plants and bushes. The following week the gas company came and dug up the entire parkway and under our driveway and over our front lawn. We had to remove all the plants they ruined and start over again. The gas company did come back to compensate us. Guess what they wanted to plant? A truckload of new sod!
• Major gardening accomplishment: Our 6 foot by 18 foot pond that we put in ourselves. We have shubinkin and goldfish and a waterfall that you can hear while sitting on the patio. We really enjoy it.
• Best gardening tip: Make sure you have a good foundation of soil before you start to plant.
• If I am not gardening, you will find me: In the nursery scouting out new plants.
  
  

- By Ann O'Leary

Many belated thanks to the two Master Gardeners who showered us with hundreds of leftover plants from a plant sale they had conducted at a Wheaton school last spring (2000). Regrettably, by midsummer no one could recall their names. So, we hope to attract their attention with a note in this, our widely read and circulated newsletter, The Garden Thymes. Be assured, Mystery MG Plant Donors, that every flat of fabulous forbs you delivered was put to good use. The annuals were planted by the West Chicago Terrace residents into their individual barrel gardens or in the hanging baskets above them on the patio. Everlastings were pounded into the sun-baked, rock-infested clay of the back yard garden. Plants deemed historically correct (about 1/2 of them) were installed in the dooryard garden of Kline Creek Farm (DuPage County's 1890's Living History Farm). So thank you again, Mystery MG Plant Donors, from the residents and employees of West Chicago Terrace, the thousands of visitors to Kline Creek Farm, and the MG volunteers!

Regards,
Betty Jeppsen

P.S. If any other Master Gardeners find themselves with surplus plant material, we will be happy to put it to good use.

www.bulb.com
For help in choosing bulbs this is a great site to visit. Operated by the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center it features the best bulb choices and growing techniques for each region of the country.

www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/mbcn.html
This site will open the door to a free online newsletter Biological Control News. Written by entomologists Dan and Susan Mahr of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a great source for practical information about beneficial insects and nontoxic biological-pest-control techniques.

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/dupage/thymes/
Website for The Garden Thymes.

All Master Gardeners now have blue plastic folders which will serve as "office mailboxes." These folders will be used for handouts that are not time sensitive. They will be available in the secretarial area of our office during work hours, during Gardener's Gatherings and any Master Gardener classes held in our office. Please take a few moments to check your folder when you are in the office.

If you attended the last class for our new Master Gardener interns on March 21 and took your blue folder with you, please return it to the office as soon as possible! Thank you.

The Garden Thymes is the official newsletter for DuPage area MG's. If you misplace your copy, it can be found at the above MG website. From time to time, you may have something you would like to share with fellow MG's or perhaps include an article of your own. We would love to hear from you!! Keep in mind the deadlines below for submissions. As always, your comments and suggestions are most welcome. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following MG's that have volunteered to join the Newsletter team. Great to have you!!!! Deb McCullough!! Ambi Pelligrini!! Joseph Valdez!! Joyce Ernst!!

There are also several MG's that have volunteered to be roving reporters and we look forward to reading their articles as the new Gardening Season 2001 gets underway.

The deadlines for all articles to be submitted and for all volunteer hours forms are:

Issue #3 - May 4
Issue #4 - July 6
Issue #5 - August 31
Issue #6 - November 2

Answers to Flower Delights Puzzle:

Snapdragon

Cosmos

Bachelor's Button

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Dandelion

Goldenrod

Tulips

Daffodil

Morning Glory

Iris

Cockscomb

Marigold

May Apple

Bluebells of Scotland

Black-eyed Susans

Milkweed

Venus Flytrap

Skunk Cabbage

Cowslip Sunflower

April 4, 11, 18
Get a Grip on Gardening

April 10
MG Update for veteran MG's
(required recert class #1, option l)

Deadline for MG name badges and apparel orders.

April 16
MG's begin staffing the office

April 24
Gardeners Gathering for MG's

April 26
Lisle After School Program

April 30
Review for garden center volunteers

May 9
MG Update for veteran MG's
(required recert class #1, option 2)

May 15
Budding Gardeners Day For 4H

May 17
Designing and Growing Beautiful Container Gardens

June 14
Landscaping with Perennials

• List of area nurseries worth a glance
• Magazine review "Green Prints"
• Landscape Designers Series, by Ann O'Leary
  

Ann O'Leary
Kathy Riley
Edited by Susan Grupp

DuPage County Extension Office
310B South County Farm Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
Telephone: 630-653-4114
FAX: 630-653-4159
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu