A Plant Odyssey
by Cathy Robertson
A group of Fayette County Master Gardeners took the day Saturday, May 16th to treat themselves to a fun filled plant odyssey. Warren Griffith, designated driver, Greg Guenin, Bonnie Thomason, Toni Robertson, Lila Frazer and I traveled to Jemison to begin the day at Petals from the Past. The minute we stepped out of the van I realized what all the hullabaloo about Petals from the Past has been about. Having never been there but hearing and reading about it for years, I immediately understood why folks are willing to drive so far to this oasis of plant knowledge and treat for the senses. I was stricken by the charm of the place. We were greeted with refreshments of homemade scones and jams, cookies and lemonade or tea, all presented quite beautifully. We stretched our legs among the grounds and were mesmerized by the choices. We had to hold back because it was time to move over to the “barn”, a beautiful multipurpose building, where we were to spend the next two hours attending a workshop on holistic, sustainable landscaping using native plants.
Jason Powell, owner of Petals from the Past, introduced the speaker, Arnie Rutkis, landscape and gardener designer whose specialty is working with stone and native plants. (see him on his website stoneshovel.com). Arnie went on to enlighten us about “ecoscape”, a way to heal a patch of broken land; an ecological landscape where urban blighted properties are transformed into usable landscapes with native plants and herbs. The prime example that he used to illustrate his points was a project he recently complete at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, a private initiative to protect endangered species. At Turkey Creek, the Land Trust worked for two years to combine approximately $1.5 million from the Jefferson County Greenways Program with $750,000 in private landowner contributions to secure support from the Alabama Forever Wild Program and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Jefferson County and others to help establish the 700-acre Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Greenways. Arnie’s portion of the project was a collaboratiave effort between the Fresh Water Land Trust, state lands, UAB, Birmingham Southern, Samford, the City of Pinson and Jefferson County. Arnie presented slides depicting the process of transforming the landscape of misused and abused property while also changing the attitude of people. Throughout his presentation Arnie showed photographs and listed many drought tolerant native plants that can be used in any landscape project.
Following the presentation we enjoyed a delicious boxed lunch, returned to the nursery to stroll and shop. Under umbrellas we spent all our money and filled the van to capacity with irresistable plants not found in any of the nurseries or greenhouses we usually patronize. While Jason’s reputation preceded this visit I was overwhelmed with his knowledge, graciousness, and humor as he enlightened and entertained us until it was time to head into Hoover to Aldridge Gardens.
While dodging torrential downpours, thunder, lightening and near tornado winds throughout the day, we were blessed to arrive at Aldridge Botanical Gardens during a break in the weather. Even though I had been to these gardens several times, this is the first time I was able to witness the numerous varieties of hydrangeas in near full bloom. Of course, the snowflake hydrangeas are predominate but the the display of gardens among the 30 acre estate is magnificent. If you can’t get to Birmingham, you should at least take a virtual tour on the website at www.aldridgegardens.com.
FCMG gives hearty thanks to Warren for his willingness to give up his Saturday to chauffeur such a rowdy bunch, especially in such horrific weather.
Master Gardener’s Minutes
April 20, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Greg Guenin at 5:20 P.M. Those in attendance were Toni Robertson, Charlotte Stewart, Lila Frazer, Cathy Robertson, Warren Griffith, Greg Guenin and Bonnie Thomason.
Copies of the minutes from the previous meeting were passed around to those present. Charlotte Stewart made a motion to accept the minutes. Lila Frazer seconded the motion. The motion unanimously carried.
Greg asked for a Treasurer’s Report. Bonnie Thomason stated that we now have only one account after combining the money from the old Master Gardener’s Ass. account. We now have a total of $2868.79 in our account.
Old Business:
Tree to be planted by Herb in memory of Bob Robertson still has to be done. Charlotte asked Toni if she would prompt Herb to complete this project.Tree marking. Warren reported that the park suffered significant damage from the recent storms. Charlotte made a motion that we postpone the trimming and cutting of trees until later. The Forester’s still need to mark the trees for removal and trimming. Greg will talk to the mayor about a timeline for getting the cleanup started. Greg stated that the city wants to send a letter to the local tree trimmers about putting the chips from the trees at the end of the old runway.
Greg stated that Bevil has a group of young men called The Outdoorsman Club. The club is looking for work for these young men. Greg will contact the sponsor of the club to see if these young men can help with digging the holes for the hydrangea bed.
Charlotte asked about improving the cattle washing area as part of the RC&D Grant.
Cathy Robertson will coordinate our trip to Aldridge Gardens and Petals from the Past. The trip is scheduled for May 16th. A suggestion was made to invite the Park Maintenance people.
The meeting was adjourned and Cathy Robertson showed a slide presentation of our website and reported on the conference she attended in Huntsville.
Master Gardener’s Minutes
March 9, 2009
The meeting was called to order by President Greg Guenin at 5:25 PM. Those in attendance were: Lila Frazer, Charlotte Stewart, Kathy Wright, Warren Griffith, Toni Robertson, Greg Guenin and Bonnie Thomason.
Minutes from the previous meeting were passed out to members present. Lila Frazer moved to accept the minutes. Warren Griffith seconded the motion. The motion unanimously carried.
Greg asked for a treasurer’s report. Bonnie reported that we had $2,534:54 in our account and $339:25 in the old account. Bonnie reported that she wrote a check to the Probate Judge for $13:00 for the filing of the amendment to the incorporation papers and a check to AMGA for registration to the conference for $75:00. Cathy Robertson will be attending the conference.
Greg asked for an update on the status of the 501(3)c. Kathy stated that she had received the letter and Fayette County Master Gardeners Ass. Inc. is official as of July 31, 2008. The official letter of notification was filed in the Extension Office. Greg thanked Terri Rogers, Kathy Wright and Sam Junkin for all the hard work to achieve this status.
Old Business:
Herb Lowe will be planning a tree in memory of Bob Robertson.
Greg purchased tape to mark the trees that need to be cut down and trimmed. The red tape will be used for trees that need to be removed and the yellow tape will be used for those needing pruning. Greg spoke to the mayor and the city will help us with this project. Greg will notify the mayor once the trees have been identified. Warren stated the Foresters would be at the Extension Office on Friday to give away whippets of trees and he would speak to them about marking the trees.
Greg asked the mayor about the area at the end of the runway. We would like to use this area to put wood chips from the trees to compost. Lance Holliman from Parks and Recreation is concerned that the area would become a dump for more than the chipped material. He is concerned that tree limbs and stumps would be included. Greg also met with the county commissioners about doing the same thing at the old Industrial Park.
Greg emailed a diagram of the proposed Hydrangea bed to several people. The club decided to schedule a work day at the park for March 21, 2009 at 9 AM. Bonnie will email everyone to reminded them of the workday and to bring tools. Charlotte stated that Herb has access to an auger. Greg said he would check with the high school about getting some youth to help.
Kathy Wright gave a report on the RC and D Grant. She attended a meeting and got information on how they wanted us to proceed. We need to complete the project and then turn in cleared checks and receipts before we can collect the money. The deadline for the project is September 30, 2009. Kathy suggested that we check with both the Fayette Ag. Service and with Fayette Grain and Seed about allowing us to run a tab.
Plans are to work on the hydrangea bed this spring and then work on the native drought-tolerant bed at the Extension Office this summer and to complete in the fall.
New Business:
Bonnie will email club members to remind them of upcoming meetings ect.
Kathy will call Aldridge Gardens about a trip to the gardens. Warren will check on the availability of the bus.
Toni Robertson moved that the meeting adjourn. Lila Frazer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.
Minutes for Master Gardner’s Meeting
February 9, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:20 PM by President Greg Guenin. Those in attendance were: Warren Griffith, Lila Frazer, Toni Robertson, Terri Rogers, Kathy Wright, Elaine Vance, Bonnie Thomason and Greg Guenin.
A copy of the January minutes was passed out for members to review. Greg asked for a motion to accept the minutes. Lila Frazer made the motion and Charlotte Stewart seconded the motion. The motion unanimously carried.
Bonnie gave a treasurer’s report of $2,617:54 and reminded the members that we have a separate account that Terri maintains. Terri is to call Bonnie with the amount in that checking account. Charlotte Stewart made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Lila Frazer seconded the motion and the motion unanimously carried.
Terri Rogers gave a report on the Articles of Incorporation. Terri received a letter stating that we (members) needed to include an amendment to our application. The papers would need the signature of the President and Secretary, they would need to be notarized and filed with the Probate Judge’s office. The club would need to vote on the amendment. Lila Frazer made a motion to accept the amendment and Kathy seconded the motion. The motion unanimously carried. Terri gave the papers to Bonnie.
Kathy Wright reported on the service hours. Kathy totaled the hours and reported that there were no changes in the badges except for hers. Herb Lowe has the highest stars awards available in AMGA. The service hours have been sent to state.
Warren reported that the Extension Office has five people signed up for the new Master Gardner’s class. Toni Robertson will put something in the newspaper to try to generate more interest in the class. Nelson Wynn will be responsible for organizing the course.
Old Business:
Charlotte mentioned that we needed to discuss planting a tree in memory of Bob Robertson at either the park or St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Toni said that Herb Lowe had spoken with Cathy Robertson as to what kind of tree she would like planted and where she wanted the tree planted. Charlotte made a motion that we let Herb take care of this matter. He is to plant a tree of Cathy’s choice at the church. Lila Frazer seconded the motion. The motion unanimously carried.
Tree identification was the next item of business. Before we can mark the trees, the dead wood and tree trimming will need to be done. After this is accomplished, Warren can contact the Foresters to come in and identify the trees. Greg will speak to the mayor about getting the city workers to do some of the work of removing the dead wood and trimming the trees. Greg will purchase two different colors of tape and give the tape to Warren.
Next item on the agenda was the area to be developed to plant the Snowflake Hydrangeas. A work day was set for Thursday, February 12 at 3:00 PM. We have fifty-four hydrangeas that will need to be planted. Terri asked about the composted leaf matter at the end of the old runway. There is not very much of the compost left due to frequent use. Greg stated that he would talk to the mayor about having the professional tree trimmers bring their chips and deposit them at the park to use for mulch at a later date. If this could happen, we would have a continuous source for composted material.
Charlotte spoke in regard to the RC&D Grant. We will receive $2,226:00 and the project will need to be completed in nine months. The grant was written to develop the corner at the Extension Office with drought resistant plants. The area will need some work and Master Gardener’s will need to get permission from the county to use this land. The land belongs to the county. Greg will contact John Gordon and John Underwood about developing the area.
Greg asked about a time frame for finishing these projects. The membership agreed that the hydrangeas needed to be finished this spring. We can work on the corner at the extension office this summer and get ready for fall planting.
Kathy Wright will have to attend a meeting for training and how to use the money we receive from the RC&D Grant.
Toni made a motion to adjourn. Lila seconded the motion. The motion unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned.
Minutes for Master Gardner’s Meeting
January 12, 2008
Master Gardners met for their first meeting of the year at the Extension building on Jan. 12, 2009. Those in attendance were Lila Frazer, Kathy Wright, Renee Blackwell, Herb Lowe, Charlotte Stewart, Bonnie Thomason, and Pres. Greg Guenin.
Greg called the meeting to order at 5:20 pm and welcomed everyone for coming. Sec/Treas. Bonnie Thomason gave a brief synopsis of minutes from our Dec. meeting. A motion was made to accept the minutes and was seconded. The motion passed. Bonnie then gave a financial report that we now have in our new account a total of $2,592.54. A motion was made to accept the report and was seconded. The motion passed.
Bonnie reported that state dues (for eleven members) were sent to the State Treasurer by certified mail and they had received the dues. The members are as follow: Herb Lowe, Terri Rogers, Charlotte Stewart, Toni Robertson, Cathy Robertson, Bonnie Thomason, Kathy Wright, Joe Collier, Greg Guenin, Renee Richardson, and Renee Blackwell. We have four patron members. They are as follow: Janelle Couch, Lila Frazer, Joyce Prater and Elaine Vance.
Kathy Wright gave a report on the Advisory Meeting she attended in Clanton on Jan. 6th. Items that were discussed were:
We can charge Patron members whatever we want. Most other groups charge their Patrons a higher membership fee than we do.
Pathways will be sent electronically from now on.
New Master Gardner’s have to complete 45 service hours and have one year to complete. Current Master Gardner’s have to complete 25 service hours.
The state is encouraging all Master Gardner’s to fill their service hours online.
Charlotte made a motion to keep the patron dues the same. Renee Blackwell seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Kathy shared with the group that we had received a two thousand dollar grant from the Fayette Foundation.
Charlotte informed the group what was requested for each of the two grants.
Fayette Foundation Grant was written for the enhancement of the park.
The RC&D Grant was written to landscape the area around the sign at the Extension Office using drought resistant plants.
Herb Lowe asked about planting trees at the park. There was a lengthy discussion about what our priority should be regarding the use of the Fayette Foundation Grant money. Master Gardner’s would like to finish the Tree Identification but cannot really plant new trees until some of the dead trees and dead wood have been removed. Master Gardner’s already have fifty Snowflake Hydrangeas that will need to be planted. They are in one gallon containers and are banked-in at Charlotte Stewart’s house. Further discussion was tabled until our next meeting. Motion made to adjourn.
We met at Charlotte's house and had a business meeting first. The new officers were voted on and approved. Greg, pres.; Cathy Robertson, V-pres; Bonnie, Sec./Tres. Terri is going to continue to help us with the 501(c)3 stuff until she moves. Our local committee chairpersons; Charlotte is going to be grant writer, Lyla Frazier is going to be corresponding secretary, and I am going to try to do The Scoop. Reminders were made to have service hours and dues paid by the 25th of Nov. We had received 1 letter from the IRS stating that we had sent all or nearly all of the info they needed. If there was no list attached we should be hearing from them in 60 days or so.
Then Bonnie decorated Charlotte's livingroom mantle for Christmas. Refreshments were served. Deloris was at the meeting but left early.
The October, November and December meetings have been scheduled. Check the calendar and click on the meeting date for details