Spring truly is magical! It’s wonderful and therapeutic to enjoy the season of renewal.  There’s something deeply comforting about witnessing the reliable rhythm of nature – the bulbs emerging, perennials waking up, and the spectacular displays from azaleas and roses. That  perspective about plant life cycles continuing beyond our time on this earthly realm is quite profound.  There’s a certain peace in recognizing we are a part of something much larger and more enduring than ourselves.

Springtime is a busy time for Master Gardeners.  In the past quarter, MG activities have included the Little Rock Greenhouse and Pathfinder plant sales; travel committee trips to Louisiana and Batesville; a successful St. James workday; and two excellent continuing education sessions. It is so rewarding to be part of an active MG community during this vibrant season.  I urge all our members to take advantage of all the activities, including our stimulating monthly general membership meetings.

None of these activities would happen if it was not for the dedication from so many Master Gardeners.  I want to give great big shoutouts to:  Derek Reed, County Agent; our fabulous Executive Board members; our precious project chairs/co-chairs; our devoted committee chairs; and finally, each of our members.

Pam

We would love to hear about your Pulaski County Master Gardener project! Articles and pictures are welcome! Tell us about events, success stories, community service, and interesting education opportunities.

The deadline for our July/August issue is June 16.
Please contact Caryn Kinane-Setaro 
gonegardening101@gmail.com or leave a message or text at 720-388-0690. Happy Gardening!

By Ruth Landers

It was near the end of the day on March 19, 2025 – coincidentally feast day of St. Joseph – as high winds were whipping up on the hill in North Little Rock. A fire broke out in the attic above the fourth floor of the main building (the old orphanage), and it took hold fast. Thankfully, residents were evacuated swiftly. Many volunteers on the grounds beat flames and grabbed hoses as the fire tried to spread across the land to outdoor structures – greenhouse, community garden and hoop houses. The quick actions helped keep it confined to the building alone. Animals were moved and all volunteers rallied to help each other.

The intensity of the fire in the dry, windy conditions made it very challenging to combat. Firefighters from many areas responded as they struggled to control the magnitude of the fire. They were still working into the night when darkness fell and all volunteers and staff were forced to leave. In the early morning light the following day, the extent of the damage was painfully apparent. This beautiful home to many orphans and elderly over the past century was significantly damaged. The roof, attic space and cupola were destroyed. The chapel with recently repaired stained glass windows was also completely destroyed along with every religious artifact in it. The fourth floor was unstable and the ground floor was flooded.  Since that time, a construction team has cleared the attic/roof area and shored up the fourth floor.

The St. Josephs Center and its land is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock. The St. Josephs Center has a 50-year lease on the property including the building. The St. Josephs Center has been open to the public for several years and is strongly supported by the local community. Currently, SJCA is working to create a space on site to continue the Farmstand as the kitchen and porches where it was housed are not accessible for safety reasons.

With all that damage, how did the St. Joseph pollinator garden (our Master Gardener project) fare? The garden is adjacent to the building and sustained limited damage. Debris fell off the roof into the garden and waterfalls from the hoses were running rivers through the paths by the newly installed cut stone borders. It is in better shape than we expected after watching the building burn and shower debris and water on the area. We were able to repair the paths and clear the debris out of most of the seven zones. One zone was very burned but as the landscape was primarily native and like a prescribed burn, they should recover. The sprinkler heads were all melted into the ground and were quickly replaced. With no power to the building, we found an external source to power the irrigation.

A fence line has been erected around the perimeter of the building which leaves our garden only as a viewing point. We are currently not allowed access to the garden for safety reasons. This was extremely disappointing to the Master Gardeners and not good news for our project! We are a very motivated and cohesive group and love the environment at St. Josephs.

We decided to come up with a Plan B for the interim period. Our goal in the pollinator garden is to provide landscaping that supports wildlife with primarily Arkansas native plantings, to support our local bio habitat through conservation and chemical-free gardening, and to educate the public by offering native plant seeds collected on site in order to create biological corridors within our neighborhoods for native wildlife to survive and thrive. We have no doubt that the garden will continue to provide a haven for pollinators in our absence and we can see the daisies, common yarrow, and native honey suckle drawing bees, butterflies and hummingbirds into the spaces right now. The bee hotel survived! Leaf cutter, mason and carpenter bees are still enjoying this nesting site along with a brown thrasher that has squeezed in a nest above a wooden block! It reminds us that nature is resilient and this is a good lesson for us to follow.

With the support of the Pulaski County Master Gardener (PCMG) board, we have created an interim approved plan to work on  removing non-native invasive plants and replacing them with natives to add more pollinator spaces to the landscape. We have two areas. First is clearing a rocky area in front of the community garden that is full of invasive blackberries that block light to the growing beds and is spreading into the gardens. This will be replaced with layers of native herbaceous perennials for the seasons. Secondly, St. Josephs was awarded a NCRS grant to create a pollinator space in a growing area by the hoop houses. The Master Gardeners are going to help create this space, utilizing cover crops and organic methods to clear the grass, and define an area for pollinator plants to thrive through the seasons. St Josephs is on more than 69 acres of land and we still have many growing operations that need to be supported.

 All the Master Gardeners at St Josephs are drawn to the beauty and history of this special place. We hope to be able to get access to our gardening equipment in late April, and crews are helping clear the art studios for all the artists who have been without their supplies. The extent of damage is still unknown, and we await a plan from the diocese for long-term plans for St Josephs. In the interim, The St Josephs Center of Arkansas is working hard to open up the property to the local community. The Thursday night monthly Arkansas Framers Market was held and Earth Day was celebrated in a new area for the public.

We have been truly overwhelmed by the care, concern and support shown by the local community. Equally, we thank the PCMGs for their concern, inquiries and support of our project and the St. Josephs Center as we navigate through the next few months.  As we say at St. Josephs NQBTM : Not Quitting Before The Miracle!

Master Gardener Appreciation Day is set for 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20 at the Courthouse Rose Garden project, 401 W. Markham. Master Gardeners will be handing out plants and providing information about the Master Gardener program, as well as answering questions about plants in general for the public. Want to help out that morning? Volunteerrs are needed! Contact Arline Jackson at (501) 219-2080, or Melody Parsley at (501) 681-2927.

Other Interesting Events:

Master Gardeners do 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

When you think of Pinnacle Mountain what comes to mind? The area is full of things to do, including some great biking trails and excellent, if not sometimes challenging, hiking opportunities. But there is more to see when you visit Pinnacle Mountain. Nestled in the hills where the old visitor center is located, you will also find gardens filled with Arkansas Native Plants.

We are starting the year off strong, tending to the Arkansas Natives growing in the gardens. Master Gardeners have spent the past few weeks collecting leaves, trimming cane and some trees by the entrance gates, as well as everyone’s favorite activity – pulling out those persistent weeds.

There is always a lot to learn and a lot to do – preparing for critters is an ongoing adventure and we are waging the battle with a variety of tools, including hair bags, moth balls, grub repel-ant, and sprayed deer blood (not real blood but real stinky).

Every time we are out there, there is something new to learn and see – something is leafing out, budding, blooming or – in the case of the fringe tree and iris – almost done for the season.

The native plants also have their own plan when it comes to where they grow, gifting us with small surprises every time we visit the garden.

You will find our local favorites like American Beauty Berry, Purple Coneflower, and Black Eyed Susan as well as Wild Indigos and Butterfly weed of all colors. There is a rose bush trailing along the entrance gate we are excited to see in its full glory this year, as well as Wild Geranium, Bee Balms and so much more. Most plants are still working their way out of their winter naps at the time of this writing, but as we get closer to the summer months the garden will wake up.

Come on up and enjoy. You do not need to indulge in a hike or bike ride to see all Pinnacle Mountain has to offer.  The gardens are located by the old Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in Little Rock.

By Jeffrey McKinley, Scholar’s Garden

As I write this, my first greenhouse seedlings have been transplanted into their new, bigger containers. And my tools and supplies are expanding and improving along with being organized. So, I have a sense of greenhouse excitement (actually mine is called a GardenHouse by the manufacturer).  The path to these seedlings has been an adventure.

For me, greenhouses have always had a magical aura – my own little private garden space.  On home tours or garden visits, one finds the curated houses with pots and art complete with carefully selected plants.  Then, the garden magazines and articles (saved in my idea notebook) show everything from the working greenhouse to structures that look more like patio enclosures or small wedding venues complete with chandeliers.    All just was a passing fancy until we decided to remodel our house.  My husband suggested that I investigate a greenhouse.

Knowing what I do now, the decision to acquire a greenhouse involves:

• Purpose and Size
• Location and Base
• Structure and DIY ability
• Budget

Our space allowed for a 6 x 8-foot structure which is directly outside the back door of our home, considered a “recreational” greenhouse. Although the size may sound small, this allows for plenty of room to propagate plants for the home gardener. Also, the environment seems perfect for local supermarket orchids to rebloom.

So, what would the base or floor be?  In many of those pretty pictures, the structures are on grass. But, if you really use a greenhouse, that’s a lot of muddy grass as you water. Washed river gravel is possible but not practical in a confined space. A stone or concrete base makes the structure level and allows for drainage.   

To purchase a greenhouse, we searched locally for possible dealers without success. There are many sources in all price ranges. We opted to begin with a basic starter kit. It arrived – a crate of plastic squares, metal rims and thousands of screws. This is when I realized that, had we not had wonderful construction folks here, this project could have been a large, expensive disaster. All my tools fit in a small red metal toolbox and the carry bag for a small electric drill/screwdriver. Had my “team” not been on-sight remodeling, it could have taken me two years to assemble.

Then, the adage of “you get what you pay for” set in. It had only a door, i.e. no ventilation. One could barely stand inside except directly in the center. When the first “kit’ was partially assembled, a thunderstorm blew the structure to its side. So, we learned that if we wanted a greenhouse we had to invest in the product.

The second result is a 6 x 8-foot structure with a redwood framing and shelves.  Again, it arrived in sections with thousands of screws.  I’m not sure that, without our great construction guys, we would not have been able to assemble. We added caulk to some of the windows and electrical outlets. 

Once in place, it was great except that the weather had turned to those dog days of summer.  So, now it has an automatic fan that is thermostat controlled, a direct water source, a sink….  More to follow! – By a Girl Who Loves a Garden

By Sally Miller Wyatt

Maumelle Master Gardeners returned to work on the eight different beds located around the Jess Odom Community Center in earnest in March, with a “Wake Up the Gardens” theme.

Even after a winter of snow and sleet, and an early spring of heavy rains, seeing those emerging perennials and hardy annuals was inspiration to our hard-working gardeners! We were also pleased to see tulips, planted last fall, out and showing off their colorful stuff in the Circle Bed located just outside the community center’s entrance. Other flowers blooming there included daffodils, pink phlox and pansies. Primrose was taking over some of the beds, unfortunately, so Maumelle gardeners focused on cleaning them out during their March and April workdays.

The Maumelle gardens offer visitors an array of horticultural themes. The xeriscape bed is planted with succulents, and a Fairy Garden bed, always decorated for the holidays – such as St. Patrick’s Day and Easter – greets those coming to the center for their daily exercise, parties or community meetings. Visitors to the community center are also invited to stop by the Butterfly Meadow — a designated Monarch Waystation — with its array of natural plants and flowers, down near the pools.

In late April, we began teaming up with several student volunteers from Maumelle Charter Middle and High schools, in an arrangement coordinated by our president, Felicia Hobbs. The students need to earn 25 volunteer community hours throughout their school year and on April 28, 14 hard-working teens added hours to their goal by joining us on our work day. They helped us unload an entire truckload of dirt by bucket brigade, spreading and raking the soil throughout several of the beds. We are very grateful for their assistance and look forward to working with this energetic group again!  

Green pickle buckets were donated by our local Chick-fil-A franchise, thanks to a collaboration between store manager Heath Samples and Master Gardener Janet Poole. For the past year Heath has thoughtfully set aside empty pickle buckets for our gardeners, who are happy to recycle them for use when weeding or carrying tools.

Maumelle gardeners rake soil the students delivered to the flower beds.

Visitors to the Jess Odom Community Center will frequently pause to praise our work as they come and go out of this busy facility. Their comments and support are truly inspirational! Next time you’re in Maumelle, plan on stopping by the gardens located at 1100 Edgewood Drive.

Photos by Danella Snider

I took these photos during a late spring trip to Argenta. The tulips and early plantings were putting on their final show and the scene was too pretty not to share.

Diane, Sharon and Beth from the Scholars Garden took a field trip to Garvin Gardens.

By Caryn Kinane-Setaro

The Old Mill wakes up and starts to bloom in April.

By Sheryl Porter

In downtown Little Rock, Mary Evans has cultivated an oasis of greenery, earning her the affectionate title of “the crazy chicken lady who lives in the jungle house.” A fifth-generation Arkansas farmer, Mary’s love for gardening runs deep. Raised on a chicken farm in Washington County, she learned early on how to plant, harvest, and can food—a foundation that would shape her lifelong passion.

For more than 46 years, Mary worked as a floral designer and wedding consultant, including four years as the primary florist for the Tyler Rose Festival. She has also spent 34 years as a Pulaski County Master Gardener, dedicating decades to teaching and inspiring others. “I’ve taught thousands how to garden,” she reflects, recalling countless workshops on topics ranging from vegetable gardening and herbs to water features and attracting birds.

Mary was a pillar of the Arkansas Flower & Garden Show for 30 years, designing the main “theme” garden, managing the speaker stage, and recruiting judges. Her ability to “herd cats” made her the go-to person for organizing 30 to 40 speakers and volunteers. She even once improvised a presentation when a bonsai expert canceled last minute, borrowing perennials and delighting the audience with an impromptu lesson.

Her gardening business, Garden Makeovers, became full-time in 2001, allowing her to focus on what she loves most—reviving old gardens and repurposing plants. “To recycle, renovate, reclaim, and restore a garden is absolute Heaven,” she says.

Even during the pandemic, when teaching opportunities dwindled, Mary remained committed to sharing knowledge. Her front yard garden became a community space where neighbors gathered to admire the plants and watch the birds. She also embraced digital tools, transitioning her vast library of gardening slides to digital formats.

Though she no longer actively promotes her business, Mary’s reputation precedes her. “People just knew me, saw me somewhere,” she says. Her gardens have been featured in numerous tours, and her impact on the gardening world is immeasurable.

“I love the Master Gardener program, and I love the Master Gardeners,” Mary says. “They have their own niche in the world.” And so does she—rooted deeply in the soil, sharing her wisdom, and cultivating beauty wherever she goes.

By Jeffrey McKinley

                                                Deviled Strawberries

Brandi at Scallions says this is very popular!

• 1 pint strawberries
• ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup marshmallow crème
• Garnish of shaved chocolate, toasted coconut or powdered sugar

Remove the strawberry cap.  Cut in half lengthwise and remove the core.

Pat dry.

Beat the cream cheese and marshmallow crème until fluffy.

Using a piping bag or Ziploc with snipped corner, pipe into halves.

Garnish.  Refrigerate until serving.

Hint:  If you are running short on time, it works without coring the berries!

Strawberry Shortcake from The “Secret Chefs”

• Use a pie crust recipe.  Use those long unused cookie cutters to cut pie crust before baking. 
• Cap and cut fresh strawberries lengthwise.  Lightly sugar fresh cut berries.
• Whipping Cream

Use a whipped cream dispenser.  These are available on-line and use a small CO2 cartridge.  Cream will keep in refrigerator for 5 – 7 days.  In individual serving dishes, place a layer of strawberries, then a piece of pie crust; repeat.  Top with whipped cream. 

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.