The beginning of a new year is a clean slate—full of possibilities. To realize those possibilities, we reflect, set goals, plan, and work toward them. Along the way, we often discover unexpected rewards, benefits that sometimes outweigh the original goal itself.

As I write this first message of the year, I am looking out my kitchen window at my tenacious Bradford pear tree (yes, some of us still have them!). Amazingly, it is still holding onto most of its beautiful golden leaves. How are those leaves still attached at this time of year? Is this tree simply determined to hang on, or is it a small gift from Mother Nature to bring a smile during cold, cloudy days? Either way, I see a connection between that tree and the Pulaski County Master Gardeners.

Our members are committed, dedicated, and resilient in the face of many challenges. Our organization not only survived the pandemic but continues to grow stronger and healthier through the combined efforts of leaders and volunteers across our organization. My husband, Ken, has often remarked on how we manage to inspire so many members to give so much time and effort to a volunteer organization. My answer is always the same: we passionately believe in our dual mission of community service and continuing education—and we enjoy the added benefit of forming friendships along the way.

How many volunteer organizations require what we do? We complete 40 hours of training in order to work outdoors, in all types of weather, on a wide variety of projects—without monetary compensation. Beyond that, we continually educate ourselves and the public in horticulture best practices. With members this dedicated, the possibilities for our organization are truly endless.

As we enter 2026, let’s look for those possibilities together. One opportunity I see is increasing attendance at our monthly general meetings. These meetings allow us to make social connections, earn two hours of educational credit, and stay informed about the pulse of our organization. They are also a wonderful way to get to know members outside of your own project. This year, we will be exploring new ways to encourage attendance and promote cross-project socialization. I challenge each of you to get to know at least two members this year who are not part of your project.

Let’s continue to grow, serve, and realize our possibilities. Thank you for allowing me to serve alongside you in 2026.

Warm regards,
Michele Wasson

By Jeffrey McKinley, Scholar’s Garden

A few years ago, on a cold, windy, and rainy November morning, I found myself working to obtain the needed volunteer hours. This experience made me reflect on how this situation happened and why tracking hours is important. Now, after being a Master Gardener for 14 years, I realized it was time for a refresher on hour requirements.  Happily, I share what I have learned.

Why Are Volunteer Hours So Important?

The Arkansas statewide Master Gardener Program operates under the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Program. The support and structure for our PCMG program are county agents and specialists at the Pulaski County Extension Office. In addition, the  PCMG program receives support and funding from Pulaski County. Of the 31 sanctioned projects, each has unique benefits to the community and possibly direct benefits to other organizations. For example, at my project—the Scholar’s Garden at the Clinton Library—our hours are also reported as volunteer hours to the Clinton Foundation.

Recording hours quantifies PCMG volunteer hours. A “PCMG Sanctioned Project” has been approved by our County Membership and the County Extension Service Viable projects require time, so the required hours reflect our commitment as Master Gardeners.  Additionally, when we submit activity reports for support or funding, recorded hours demonstrate the impact of our contributions to the Extension Service, Pulaski County, and other organizations.  

Types of Volunteer Hours in Pulaski County

Sanctioned & Non-Sanctioned

Due to the larger number of sanctioned projects, PCMG Program is unique in its designation of hours as either Sanctioned or Non-Sanctioned. Each member is assigned to a project.

• Sanctioned hours are accumulated through work on a member’s assigned project.   
• Non-Sanctioned hours are those volunteered to projects other than a member’s assigned project, participation in committees or leadership roles, or community outreach efforts.
• All work hours, either Sanctioned or Non-Sanctioned, include planning and organizational time, but do not include trave time.

Continuing Education Hours

Continuing Education Hours are earned in many ways.  Time spent is time earned.  So why not:

• On a cold (or warm) winter morning, grab a cup of coffee and read Janet’s column.
• Visit a garden or take a hike looking for early wildflowers peaking out.
• Attend a garden show or competition.
• Research natives that will attract hummingbirds and monarchs.
• Visit another PCMG project – just to learn more.
• And, attend the Master Gardener Monthly Meeting which is always two hours of credit.

Annual Hour Requirements

New members must report 40 hours in the calendar year after completing training (starting January): at least 20 hours from their assigned project (Sanctioned Hours), and up to 20 Non-Sanctioned Hours, of which at least 5 must be from work at the Pulaski County Extension Office.

Master Gardeners in years two through 15 must report 20 hours annually: 10 Sanctioned Hours and up to 10 Non-Sanctioned Hours.  And, all members are required to record 20 Continuing Education Hours.

And, remember, as long as you are a PCMG, report your hours. Even if you are a Life Member (15 years or more), report your hours.  These still count for support and funding.

Deadline for Hours

All volunteer hours must be entered by December 15th of the reporting year. This deadline is established by the Arkansas Extension Service and is firm. No matter how much our County Agent Derek and his staff might wish to accommodate late entries, they are unable to do so. December 15th is the deadline.

Unexpected Events

Life can certainly put weeds in our gardens. If unexpected events arise, a PCMG has two options – to submit a Request for Sustainer Status or Request for Leave of Absence Form.   These are similar in that the hours requirement is relieved. Dues generally must be paid in either case.  The Request for Leave of Absence is for a year and must be renewed. 

To explore these options, my best advice is to call the Pulaski County Extension Office and speak to Derek or his staff.  They are so helpful and supportive to PCMGs! Both these must be submitted by the County Agent for approval and to the Board of Pulaski County MG, so the earlier the better. Remember, the Board does not meet in July, August or December.

So, Hours Resolution for 2026

• Be mindful of when you are engaging in activities reportable as hours.
• Get rid of the sticky notes (in my car console) on which notes of hours are made and then lost.  Report often and all hours.
• January is a great month to plan and educate.
• Reach out to the Extension Office for help!!

A Big Thanks

 Meeting with Brenna, Mary and Enny at the Extension Office made me realize that reporting hours is easy. I so appreciate Derek and them. Just think: 20 hours annually is 1.667 per month. Let’s garden and turn our hours into flowers…and record all of them!!

Want to be a Busy Bee?
Bee sure to record your hours.
New Members require 60 hours on your assigned project.
Regular members require 40 hours on your assigned project.

Don’t forget – Master Gardeners have access to an online calendar containing interesting/important events. You can find this calendar using the link below:

Pulaski County Master Gardener Event Calendar

By Danella Snider, Pinnacle Mountain

Nestled behind the State Hospital on Markham at the intersection of 7^th and Palm you will find the Little Rock Greenhouse. If you are driving too fast, or not paying attention, you will miss the sign and that would be a shame because once you step inside it is easy to see why the volunteers here love the project and tend to it with such care.

I had a chance to speak with Heather Wittler Eruren, one of the project co-chairs, who gave me a tour of the facility and talked about the project and all the work that goes into keeping the greenhouse going.

Once a single greenhouse building utilized by the Arkansas State Hospital for patient use, this facility now hosts two separate structures and is the site for the annual plant sale, held in April each year. The team behind the greenhouse starts work in early Fall, and keeps the momentum going until the annual sale and clean-up, when the weather grows too warm to be in the greenhouse as a plant, or a person.

Inside the Greenhouses

When the weather grows too warm to be in the greenhouse, the Little Rock Greenhouse team tends to a pollinator garden kept on the grounds. Caring for that garden space keeps volunteers active with weeding and watering. This garden is a good space to attract pollinators for the greenhouse and surrounding areas.

The season starts as soon as the weather cools off enough for work in the greenhouse and step 1 is prepping the containers. A lot of the pots and seed trays are re-used and donated, but many are also purchased – all of them need to be washed and sterilized before use. Additionally, all mother-plants are checked for bugs and sprayed before propagation starts in order to mitigate any pests before they become a problem.

The greenhouse offers a mix of Arkansas natives and popular annuals. They work to strike a balance to appeal to the varied tastes of gardeners who attend the sale. Plants come from a variety of sources, including donated seeds and mother plants (the plants used for cuttings), seeds collected at the greenhouse and those coming from project members’ personal gardens. The greenhouse does keep a refrigerator for seed storage and stratification, and natives remain in their natural environment as much as possible.

There are different types of rooting hormones for different plant types (for example, woody verses tissue stem plants). The rooting hormone does make a difference.

Heather Wittler Eruren – Project co-chair

I will admit a flash of envy when we came to the potting station and sink with running water (a greenhouse gardener’s dream). They use one potting mix that is a good seed starter and also works well with plants that have an established root system. This approach has proven easier than changing soil with every stage of plant growth.

A few challenges the greenhouse team faces are watering, pests and labels.

There is a gentle balance when watering seedlings and propagated plants between “too much” and “not enough.” Crossing that line, one way or another, can end badly for the sprouts involved.

Plants are monitored and treated for pests and if anything shows up, those plants are segregated to avoid a larger problem.

Regarding labels, sometimes donations of “mystery seeds” provide a challenge until the plants actually sprout – or pots are mis- or unlabeled in the crush to get everything ready.

Label your plants – when you start a seedling or transplant – be sure to label your plants. Date the planting and if there is a bloom, be sure to add the color.

Heather Wittler Eruren – Project co-chair

Following the sale, a few plants may remain. These may find new homes through Master Gardener booths at farmer’s markets, education projects, and in Master Gardener project gardens.

The Little Rock Greenhouse team make the project a fun place to work. They keep things interesting and there are endless opportunities to learn. This effort is best enjoyed by the rest of us during the plant sale (usually held in April). This is a great display of all the work put in over the previous season and a wonderful opportunity for gardeners to take new specimens home to start their own growing adventures.

By Jeffrey McKinley, Scholar’s Garden

Growing our Seeds and Education Hours

Although winter days are finally here, the seed catalogues arrive as a reminder that growing season is near. Spicy peppers and basil are on my seed and share list. The former can take 90 days to ripe fruit: the latter, 70 days to maturity. And, then all those varieties. Also, don’t forget to look at Seed Savers Exchange, the organization from which Michael Washburn appeared at the Advanced Master Gardner Seminar last summer (seedsavers.org). Start learning and planning now for yourself and your assigned project.

Unexpected in the Greenhouse

Included are pictures of a Christmas cactus with an amaryllis and of some “grocery store orchids.” The Christmas cactus was a gift to me last holiday in about a 5” pot. Repotted and happily green, the plant spent the year in the greenhouse. One December morning, I found this explosion of blooms.  It didn’t want to be outdone by the amaryllis in the wax bulb (which will be planted in the yard after last frost).

The orchids have bloom stalks replete with buds.  Even during cold weather, the Greenhouse temperature remains from 50 – 60 degrees. 

What do you so with the poinsettias?  Put them somewhere warm and keep moist.  Do not trim (yes, they will look ugly).  Once the soil warms, plant in part shade (I plant with caladium bulbs). Usually, they will produce beautiful bright green foliage, and they can grow to about 3 feet. 

Need a $5,000 Plant?

Variegated Monstera was featured in Southern Living. It’s a lovely green houseplant with bright green leaves. The variety Monstera deliciosa “Albo Borsogiana” is a rare specimen known to sell at very handsome sums. In 2020, a plant sold for $5,000 in a New Zealand on-line auction. Also, sought after is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. 

The attraction to these Monstera is the variegation appearing as white patches on the split leaves due to lack of chlorophyll. Growing must generally occur from a cutting as the variegation can be promoted but not created. 

I found a cutting online with one leaf of $135 and an eight-leaf “rooted” cutting for $787.50.  I ordered a similar variety in a 4-inch pot (undisclosed price) and purchased locally called Thai Constellation (in picture, below). 

 

By Sally Wyatt, Jess Odom Community Center

All is quiet on the garden front, according to Derek Reed, Pulaski County Horticulture Extension Agent, and it’s really no surprise as calls to the hot line typically slow down in January.

However, it has been unseasonably dry and warm. Are gardeners worried about their plants not getting enough water? While we did have a dry December, he said, there’s not too much to worry about just yet.

“Even evergreens are on the dormant side now,” Derek noted, “so there is not so much need for water. If we go much longer, though, plants might start getting stressed.”

It’s more important to keep an eye on thermometers. We know frost and freezing weather can wreak havoc on our gardens, so this is a friendly reminder to be prepared to cover sensitive plants when temperatures dip for a sustained period of time.

Frost is generally when temperatures reach 36 degrees, and plants can recover. A freeze is 32 degrees, and a hard freeze is 28 degrees or lower. Plants may not be able to recover from a freeze or hard freeze, as we have all learned!

Covering plants can help hold in heat and prevent frost from developing. You can use frost cloths that are lightweight enough to be placed on top of plants. These cloths will trap heat and allow sunlight and air to flow through. You can use old bed sheets, blankets or towels, too, but since they are heavier, they will need to be elevated from the plants. Use wooden stakes, pipes, wire loops and even tomato cages to prevent the cloth from touching the plant.

At a State Convention, I attended the program by Dr. Chris Cooper, the Memphis area
Master Gardener coordinator. His presentation was “Integrated Pest Management.”
I took notes at the program and wrote down this quote, that I love:

“When we kill off the natural elements of a pest, we inherit their work.”

University of California entomologist Dr. Carl Huffaker

This phrase, famously attributed to Dr. Carl Huffaker in the 1970s, refers to the ecological consequence of using broad-spectrum pesticides or other methods to eliminate natural predators, parasites, and pathogens (the “natural elements”) of a pest.

When these natural controls are removed, the pest populations—often freed from the
check of their enemies—resurge at uncontrollable rates, forcing humans to take over
the laborious and expensive work of controlling them, often leading to a “pesticide
treadmill.” 

And, he suggested checking out a book, “Garden Insects of Noth America: The
Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs,” by Whitney Cranshaw and David Shetlar for further
information on the topic.

By Sally Wyatt, Jess Odom Community Center

I’ve maintained a large vegetable garden for years because I love being able to walk out to the patch with a basket to pick sun-ripened veggies and herbs for my family’s meals and salads. Year after year my goal is to grow a variety of vegetables with enough left over to share with friends and neighbors.

Some might share my goal, but not the work or investment that comes with maintaining a full-on garden. Others may have a yard that is short on space or sun. There may be a solution for you: Bucket gardening.

Gardening in five-gallon buckets offers many advantages. For one thing, buckets are portable enough to move around the yard to follow the sun or if plants need to come inside before heavy rain or a drop in temperatures. Gardening in buckets is also a great solution if you only have sun or space on a porch or deck, or if you have really rocky soil.    

Buckets are a good alternative for those who don’t want to hoe or bend over, too. If you’re raising plants up off the ground, those plants are protected (or should be) from rabbit (and maybe squirrel) damage. And if you have children or grandchildren, planting seeds in a bucket might be a good way to introduce the joy of gardening to them.

I tried bucket gardening last year for the first time and had some successes, but also a couple of fails, which I’m happy to share.

I started my experiment with several five-gallon buckets. This size is ideal because they’re easier to move around. Light-colored ones are best for summer planting, but even green or blue ones will work, especially for spring and fall planting. My buckets came from a big batch that had been donated to our Maumelle Master Gardener group by the manager of our local Chik-fil-A store. The manager was happy to see them go to good use and stay out of the landfills. Since they had held pickles, I cleaned them with warm water and Dawn dish soap before adding garden soil.

An alternative to buckets might be cloth grow bags, which can be found in several sizes at garden centers or online. They won’t be as easy to move around, however.

It’s very important to drill several holes in the bottom for drainage. Use a half-inch drill bit but be careful to drill slowly so you don’t crack the bucket. I forgot to drill holes in one of the buckets I planted with baby potatoes, and the whole batch rotted.

What to plant? Just about anything will work. I tried planting carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, Red Norland and Gold Rush potatoes. I was able to harvest about two dozen Red Norland potatoes and am still picking a few carrots. I was surprised that the squash didn’t make it but believe all the heavy rains in May may have super saturated the soil. It would have been a good idea to move the buckets before all that rain.

Other plants to consider include okra, green beans, peas and cucumbers, melons and green peppers. For near-instant satisfaction (especially for kids), try growing green onions, kale, radishes and salad greens.  

If you’re going to try tomatoes, cucumbers, peas or other vining plants, plan on staking them or use cages. Because there’s not much real estate in a bucket, I’d advise putting only one plant per bucket, especially for tomatoes or squash. Herbs, such as basil, oregano and thyme, as well as flowers will also do well in these containers.

I used bagged garden soil in the buckets, not yard dirt. When planting the potatoes, I filled the bucket about one-quarter full with soil and then barely covered the seed potatoes. As the plants sprouted, I kept adding soil to cover until the plant stems topped the edge of the bucket. When the plants died back a few months later, I dumped the dirt in my compost bin and unearthed about two dozen potatoes. (see photo).

Just like other container plants, your buckets might need more water because they absorb higher temperatures. Give each of your buckets a deep watering each time you water, checking to see that water flows from the drainage holes.

If this is the year you decide to become a bucket gardener, consider sharing your photos, successes and failures with the Magnolia Chronicle!

By Sally Wyatt, Jess Odom Community Center

How’s your soil pH? Is it balanced or in need of some amending?

Now is a perfect time to have your garden soil tested, and the service is free to Arkansas residents, according to Mary Gross, administrative assistant II in the UA Cooperative Extension office in Little Rock.  

Getting soil tested now gives gardeners a chance to amend their soil ahead of planting season.

“We typically do a lot of testing in the fall or early winter, and then in late February or early March,” she explained.

Mary accepts soil samples from residents in Pulaski County. However, if you want soil tested from land in another county, you would need to submit the sample to the Cooperative Extension office in that county, she explained. No matter where you submit the sample, however, the service is free and the testing is extensive. Test results reveal soil pH, levels of phosphorus, potassium and zinc, Mehlich III nutrient levels as well as other soil properties, and recommendations for amendments, if needed.

It takes about three weeks for test results to be mailed.

It is recommended that you pull soil samples from a variety of areas, either in your flower beds or vegetable gardens. The sample should include enough soil to fill a quart-sized Ziplock bag and should be as dry as possible. Mary recommends you dry the soil on newsprint or paper towels before adding it to the Ziplock bag.

“If it is too wet, I will have to dry it out here in the office before submitting it and that could delay the time to get results.”

Mary also has a small request. “If you are going to submit 20 or more samples at once, please call ahead so staff can be prepared.”

Pulaski County residents can turn in samples Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2901 West Roosevelt Road in Little Rock. Call (501) 340-6650 for questions.

“I hope people take full advantage of this great service,” she added.

Calling all gardeners!! Do you have a recipe you would like to share with everyone. We are looking for yummy ways to enjoy the harvest or celebrate the season. If you have a delicious treat you would like to share, send it to [email protected] or [email protected].

Do you have personal or sanctioned garden photos to share? We would love to publish them in
Magnolia Chronicle! Submit photos to Sally Wyatt at [email protected]. Story ideas are
always welcome!

A number of Maumelle Master Gardeners took a field trip to Garvin Gardens in mid-November to partake in a special, reservations-only, three-course tea and treats event. The tea was hosted by a re-creationist for the original Mrs. Garvin, and guests came away marveling at the lovely gardens, delicious bites and historic background of the iconic area.   

A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit a botanical garden in Miami Beach, Florida. As you can imagine, a flourishing garden in zone 11a is a sight to see. We wandered through to site, amazed to see plants only seen in homes or as annuals in Arkansas, growing to heights unknown to those of us in 7b. Some of the most amazing sights were a shrimp plant well over three feet high and a Ficus tree hosting white orchids in its branches (which reached over 40 feet in the air). We also saw a Beaty Berry on the outskirts of the garden, but it was not as impressive as the bushes found in the wild at home. I highly recommend a visit if you ever find yourself in Miami Beach. The stroll is hot and humid, but worth taking to see all the plants on display.

                                             

Want to join the Magnolia Chronicle team? Have a story idea or photo to share? Contact Sally Wyatt at [email protected].

Did you know you can log education hours by simply reading the Magnolia Chronicle? You can add this time to the following project: Edu-Research, Newsletter/Program Lecture.