Whew, we made it through the summer!  Summer is the time of year when Master Gardeners’ hard work in the winter and spring preparing our gardens really pays off.  Summer is the time of year when plants need constant attention. Summer is the time of year for almost daily monitoring of plants’ water needs, insects, and diseases that can take a toll on our gardens and pots. Lastly, summer is the time of year we try to squeeze as much family and vacation time as possible. I hope everyone had a great summer. Our summer break is over and it is time to get back to work.

There have been a lot of Master Gardener activities and educational opportunities over this past summer. I hope some of you were able to take advantage of the Advanced Master Gardener training sessions and Continuing Education sessions. I am excited how streamlined our procedures during 2025 have become, i.e, paying dues online, the new Stuff Committee platform, instant access to membership information and hours. I want to thank many people, but I have to give special shoutouts to Derek, Breena, Andy, Harold, and other board members who have made my presidency a breeze. We still have a long way before we are totally digitalized but we are headed toward that goal full speed ahead. One of the Board’s priorities this year was to ensure we are preserving Pulaski County Master Gardener history and to digitalize archives. 

We have plenty of work to do in our own gardens and projects. September is the time to dig and divide spring blooming perennials, replenish mulch around all trees and shrubs and add mums, asters, and dianthus for extra fall color. These suggestions are from the Master Gardener calendar.  I am excited about the new incoming class — or as we affectionately call them our “newbies.” Being involved in the orientation process is one of my favorite duties of my position.

I look forward to seeing you at our general meetings in September, October and November and at other Master Gardener events like PNG. 

Peace and blessings,

Pam

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

A Report from the Advanced Master Gardener Class

By Jeffrey McKinley, Scholar’s Garden, and Lisa LaGrone, Scholar’s Garden

The Advanced Master Gardener (AMG) course, held August 1 at Phillips County Community College Grand Center, promised a practical approach with the program “Seed Harvesting, Storage & Germination” — but it delivered something richer: an artful collection of techniques, history and heartfelt stories that reminded everyone why seed saving matters.

Speakers John Coykendall (Master Gardener, BlackBerry Farms, Knoxville, TN) and Michael Washburn (Preservation Director, Seed Savers Exchange, Decorah, IA) led the class through both the science and the soul of seed saving. They began with practical growing advice: how planting techniques and isolation strategies preserve varietal purity, and what plant health and pollination methods (self, wind, insect) tell you about which seed heads to harvest.

Then the program magic appeared in their stories. Every registrant received a packet of peas from John’s personal contributions to the Exchange.  Each variety (mine are “cowpeas 214”) reflects a story of seed preservation.  John shared that in 1992 he visited with Eva Freer of Tennessee who told of a pea variety grown by her family for generations because it cooked quickly and fed the family on busy wash days. She shared a single packet; John grew them, documented the variety, and contributed them to the Seed Savers Exchange so this delicious variety was not lost. They are now commonly referred to as “Washday” peas. That anecdote turned an ordinary seed packet into a capsule of culture and memory.

 John and Michael illustrated practical, easily applied criteria for selecting seeds to save:

• How pollination happens (self-, wind-, or insect-pollinated) — a quick guide to the likelihood of cross-pollination and the need for isolation.
• Plant health — only save seeds from robust, disease-free plants to improve future generations.
• Maturity cues — when seeds are fully ripe and ready to store.

They showed plant-specific examples, which made the technical points stick and participants able to immediately apply their knowledge.

John’s supply of his book, Preserving Our Roots: My Journey to Save Seeds and Stories, quickly sold. Michael capped the program with an overview of the Seed Savers Exchange. The Exchange is an on-line gardener-to-gardener seed swap that features more than 20,000 seed varieties. The wonderful scope of this organization can be found at seedsavers.org

More than 20 sponsors supported the Arkansas County Master Gardeners with contributions, including welcome bags with gifts and local information for the statewide audience. A delicious lunch was provided by Boyd Farmhouse of DeWitt.

This was an unforgettable experience! 

By Sally Miller Wyatt, Maumelle Community Center

Well, summer is waning, and the hottest and driest days may be behind us. Or are they? We experienced many days with high heat indexes in July and August, and below average rainfall in Central, Eastern and Southern Arkansas during those months. However, our driest month (on average) is September. How are our trees coping? Not too well, according to calls coming into horticulture hotlines all over the state. So many people have been calling in, expressing concern about what they’re seeing happening to their trees — especially post oaks — that it prompted Jaret Rushing, Forestry Extension Instructor for the Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture’s College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, to issue an advisory to agricultural agents around the state.

Jaret’s notice, sent out in late June, offered agents advice on how to handle calls coming in from concerned homeowners, and it is shared here, thanks to Derek Reed, Pulaski County Horticulture Extension Agent. Derek noted that the information Jaret provides is valuable for Master Gardeners to share as they are out and about in the community, as well.

“First and foremost, summer is officially here and I fear it’s here to stay for a while,” Jaret wrote. “With that being said, I am already starting to retrieve a few calls from you all (and producers) concerned that some of their trees are starting to die. Let me prelude by saying, this e-mail is not being sent with great news for those who call.

“Extreme spring/early summer excess water availability mixed with cool spring weather and immediately followed by a surge of 100+ degree heat indices is a recipe for tree stress and decline. I anticipate that you all will start getting the calls by the day in the next few weeks of home place trees with foliage that suddenly turn brown and start falling. Sadly, in almost all instances, this cannot be prevented nor treated. The sudden decline of the trees will usually be an indication that the tree was over-stressed in the first place and the extreme change in climate essentially pushed it over the edge.

“In 2021, the ADA Forestry Division released a statement regarding oaks declining. This was accompanied by a fact sheet. If you would like to distribute the fact sheet to producers, I would say that the information is still relevant. Essentially, the decline was a direct effect of the weather phenomenon that we had in 2019, 2020 and 2021 which is eerily similar to what we are dealing with now. 

“If you find yourself bombarded with these types of questions, please remember that Dr. Jacob Hackman and I are here to help as best as we can!  With that said, if you find yourself in a ‘need an answer now’ situation, some questions for you all to ask prior to going to a site would be:

1.) What species of tree is affected?
2.) Is the tree close to a grey water source or septic tank?
3.) Is the tree around an area of water dump (such as a swimming pool)?
4.) Is the tree standing alone with over 10 hours of direct sunlight per day or in a forested area?

If the answers to any one of these questions are:

1.) Post Oak
2.) Yes
3.) Yes
4.) Standing alone and receiving 10 hours+ of sunlight per day;

then sadly the ultimate fate of the tree would be death…. especially if it is already showing symptoms of a rapid decline.

“In this instance, a producer will ultimately ask ‘who can I get to cut down the tree?’ Remember, as agents, you can give the producer numerous numbers of arborists, tree clearing companies, etc. but make sure you remind them that they need to do their research on each one and ask the question “Are you licensed and insured?” This is essential information when dealing with tree removal. One last thing to note is that if the producer wishes to see if the tree will make it through the rest of the summer and come back next spring, that is fine. However, you must make sure they are aware that depending on the severity of the decline, duration of the decline and the decomposition process, they could ultimately see branch fall prior to next year’s green-up and this would make for a potential hazard to themselves and others.

I truly apologize for the bombardment of bad news. That’s the one tough part of an Extension Forester, we very rarely get to deliver the good news. Please remember that we are here to help you all and do not mind traveling to do follow-up assessments if the producers are hard-nosed that the trees are still alive. Please feel free to contact us anytime!  That’s what we are here for!”

To see the ADA Forestry fact sheet, click here:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs

Jaret is based in Monticello and his office number is (870) 460-1052.

Send Pest Questions via email!

Have a pest question? There is a team of experts ready to answer, via email. The Arkansas Pest Crew, specializing in insects, plant pathology, weeds, ornamentals and plant health, can answer your questions via email, and you can even add a photo. The team can be reached at https://uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/pest-management/ask-pest-crew.aspx

Mayflower Celebrates Pollinator Month

By Jeffrey McKinley, Scholar’s Garden

 After asking for directions twice and being greeted by a giant inflatable quail in the parking area, I was sure I was lost – but thankfully, I was not!! I had found the site of the 4^th Annual Pollinator Palooza, held June 28 in Mayflower.

I learned of the event through Brent Baker of Pine Ridge Gardens, who posted it in his June email update. The event was hosted by the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever, and held in the Multipurpose Building in the Camp Robinson Special Use Area. The free public celebration was part of National Pollinator Month. 

In addition to the host, exhibitors included Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Group and Arkansas Master Naturalists. Coleman Little, University of Central Arkansas, wowed attendees with his wealth of knowledge and his impressive display of pollinator specimens. Each exhibitor excitedly shared advice and resources for creating pollinator and bird-friendly habitats, whether in rural areas and or city yards. 

Events included:

• Native plant vendors
• Guided habitat hikes
• Children’s activities

Braving the summer heat, three native plant vendors offered a wonderful selection of plants:  

• Buckthorn’s Native Nursery, White Hall
• Pine Ridge Gardens, Dardanelle
• Native Sun Gallery, Sherwood

Watch for this annual event in 2026.  It’s well worth the trip! 

By Caryn Kinane-Setaro, Old Mill Park and Derek Reed

Celebrate Pulaski County Master Gardener excellence by submitting a nomination for the 2025 Master Gardener Awards. Nominations are open now and due to the County Extension office no later than October 15th. These awards showcase the wonderful gardens, services and education programs that our Pulaski Master Gardeners bring to our county. So, inspire us all by shining a light on a program, an individual, a friend of Master Gardeners, or a project that we can all proudly acknowledge.

It is important to note that the county application is simplified to encourage your participation. Winners will have assistance fine-tuning their applications for the state level contest.

Pulaski County Master Gardener Awards Rules and Application

All awards and nominations:

· Master Gardener of the Year
· Rookie of the Year
· Mentor of the Year
· Project of the Year
· Friend of Master Gardeners (non-Master Gardener who helps projects or programs)
· Business Friend of the Year
· Newsletter of the Year
· Excellence in Education (program that has helped educate the public)
· Agent of the Year

Click here for state descriptions for each category. https://uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/master-gardeners/awards.aspx

The county level application is smaller than the state application. If your nomination wins for Pulaski County, you will need to work with the county agent and the board to complete the application process for the state nomination. Nominees cannot have won an award in the past five years.

How to submit a nomination 

Nominations should include how this person/project has impacted our program. The nomination must not exceed 500 words, and this does not include titles, subheadings and image captions. Provide a description of how the nominee has supported the Pulaski County Master Gardeners. Explain their impact on the program, extension, and the community. Be sure to include how the nominee’s efforts were received and evaluated. Submit three to four high resolution action-oriented pictures with a caption. These pictures should support and clarify how the nominee has impacted the program through their efforts.

Voting will be during our October meeting so please have forms submitted to the county office no later than October 15.

Here’s an example of the form:

2025 Arkansas Master Gardener [Category] of the Year Nomination

[Nominee Name] 

Submitted by [Nominator Name]

Description of nominee’s contributions to the program. Identify participation and programs that nominee has been involved in.

Identify and explain the nominee’s impact on the master gardener program. How have they impacted our community?

Contact Derek Reed (501-340-6650, [email protected]) if you have any questions and check his Friday Weekly Digest for updates.

Continuing Education Committee’s Classes a Hit

By Caryn Kinane-Setaro, Old Mill Park and Christy Bolling, Continuing Education Committee Chair

Kudos to the Continuing Education Committee (CEC) for completing their new four-part series, Gardening With Master Gardeners on Saturday, August 9 at the Arkansas State Auditorium in Little Rock. 

The concept was introduced by Derek Reed in a CEC meeting in the summer of 2024.  He suggested hosting a series of classes that, over a year, would train gardeners in planning, planting, harvesting, seed-collecting and managing diseases and insects.

The Continuing Education Committee includes Joellen Beard, Christy Bolling, Caryn Kinane-Setaro, Dana Downes, Kate Spontak, Marcella Grimmett, Barbara French and Derek Reed.

The series, which started in November, offered training for both Master Gardeners and home gardeners at every level:

November 2024: Prepare For Gardening – The classes discussed different ways to grow plants, soil testing, water conservation, equipment care, solarization, and the use of cover crops.

February 2025: Planting for Production – Attendees learned about covered garden bed preparation, companion crops, crop rotation, record keeping, choosing seeds and plants, seed catalogs, making plant labels and how to start plants from seed.

May 2025: Time to Garden – Participants were asked to look closely at what was going on in their garden with presentations on disease and insects, Integrated Pest Management, plant care and health, and progressing to the summer garden.

August 2025: Gardening for Tomorrow – Classes took participants full circle with presentations on seed collecting, saving and storage, fall planting, navigating the UAEX website for garden information, future gardening and record keeping.

The classes averaged 70 to 90 participants. Videos and handouts were sent to participants following each class.

After each class, participants were given an evaluation form, asking how they had heard about the program. They were also asked to give feedback on each speaker’s topic.

We learned that both new and seasoned Master Gardeners from several counties attended, that members of community gardens in Little Rock and North Little Rock were well represented and that friends of friends came. The overall message was consistent in the appreciation of the classes and the desire for more education. The CEC will be meeting to review the surveys and determine what worked well, what they might want to change and what comes next. 

Maumelle’s Lynda Mitchell Honored by City Leaders

By Sally Miller Wyatt, Maumelle Community Center

July 28 may have seemed like a normal work day for Maumelle Community Center Project’s Master Gardeners, but it had a surprise conclusion for one of its long-time members.

As the group gathered for post-work refreshments, they learned that the city of Maumelle had named July 28, 2025 as “Lynda Mitchell Day.”

Lynda, a Master Gardener since 2017, was clearly stunned and overwhelmed to learn of the unexpected honor, which recognized her artistic contributions to the Spirit Pole fundraiser that is on display in the Circle Bed, and the hand-painted Butterfly House in the Butterfly Meadow. Maumelle Project leader Felicia Hobbs and member Donna Simon had worked with the city leaders to prepare the special recognition.  

The proclamation, signed by Mayor Caleb Norris, recognized Lynda for her many contributions to the Maumelle project, including “her artistic gifts, generous spirit, and lasting contribution to the beauty and heart of our community.” Representing the city at the ceremony were Parks & Recreation Director Phillip Rayborn, Assistant Director Gordon Gorst, and Facilities Manager Kyle Tyler.

Phillip Rayborn took a moment to thank the gardeners for all the hard work they’ve accomplished to maintain the site and noted that he has received not only plenty of praise from the community for how well the gardens are maintained, but that there have been many awards won because of the gardens.

Lynda, taken aback by the recognition, had few words at first but later expressed her gratitude for the unexpected honor. “I was very, very surprised to get this! I would never, ever have expected something like this in a million years.

Native Plant Sale This Month!

Want to do a little online shopping for fall native plants? Go to the fall online native plant sale hosted by the Little Rock Audubon Center September 16-23, 2025, with curbside pick-up at the LRAC on October 3-4, 2025.

This is a great way to access inventory online from numerous central Arkansas native plant vendors at once from the convenience of your home and with a convenient local one-stop pick-up.

This fall sale supports Arkansas native plant vendors, including Pine Ridge Gardens, Grand Designs, Native Sun Nursery, Grand Prairie, Pinnacle Plant & Things, Buckthorn’s Native Nursery, Upturned Pot, and Audubon.

Many thanks to Jeffrey McKinley for the tip and the LRAC staff and volunteers who make this event possible! Questions? Contact [email protected].

Hot Weather Tip from Historic Arkansas Museum Gardeners

Vicki White Davis came up with a nifty idea for Master Gardeners working at the Historic Arkansas Museum, and team member Kate Spontak thought it might be something worth sharing with other projects. 

“Vicki bought some basic, white, all-cotton washcloths that she soaks in water and then freezes in a plastic zip-lock bag,” Kate wrote.

“She brings them in a cooler bag so they stay cool. Even though we start work at 7 a.m., within two hours the sun gets pretty hot and our hands are dirty even through our gloves.

“When we are ready to share snacks and coffee/water as we end the work session, Vicki has a cool, wet cloth to give each person on the crew as a way to cool off (cloth on back of neck) and clean our hands.

“Vicki collects them back and says it is a snap to launder them with a bit of bleach so they are fresh and clean again for the next week.”

Have any other tips to share with the Magnolia Chronicle and Pulaski Master Gardeners? Send them to [email protected].

Milkweed Miracle: Keep the Faith!

Jeffrey McKinley planted rose milkweed last fall, but apparently the plant was struggling. Discouragement turned to relief about a month ago, when she spotted a Monarch butterfly on the plant. “A miracle happened!”

Road Trip to Calico Rock

On a recent trip to Calico Rock, Arkansas to fish on the White River, Jeffrey McKinley discovered Crossroad Gardens in Pineville. “The Kratochvil Family runs the business that sells the products grown on the property. They are committed to clean and non-GMO methods. The grandmother of the family picked fresh tomatoes for us!”

Headed that way sometime? Plan to make a stop, Jeffrey recommends.

Workday Camaraderie at County Extension Office

2024 Master Gardener graduate Caryn Kinane-Setaro completed her five volunteer hours at the County Extension Office Garden on August 25 with project members Ann Griffin, Tomeka Toney, Mary Wildgen and Leslie Green.

The group agreed that the favorite new tool of the day was a pair of purple claw garden gloves that are great for removing lower spent Iris leaves, weeding without tools and keeping fellow volunteers in order.

Caryn shared a photo of her favorite new plant: a glow-in-the-dark chartreuse Illicium parviflorum from River Valley Nursery. “It is a standout that contrasts nicely with the deep red flowers and dark foliage of Cardinal Flower.”

                                             

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.