President’s Message: June 2023

Carol Mendel

As we round the corner to warmer days and higher humidity gardening really kicks in with a vengeance.  I’m shocked to discover that some plants that looked dead are coming back…and I wish I had heeded Janet Carson’s advice to wait a little better.   I pulled up a few plants TOO SOON.

But I’m always ready to try some new plants, and now I have the perfect place to do just that.  I’ve just completed an outside structure that I call a “folly”, which is an architectural term for a building that has no purpose.  This folly is made of old windows and doors and has no roof.  I can already tell that I’m going to love it…and I’m still shocked that it survived the March 31st tornado.

One of my most favorite parts of being on the MG board is being a member of the PEST committee.  I enjoy visiting with the project chairs and seeing their enthusiasm for their projects.  This past month the group visited Mount Holly, Curran Hall, and the Courthouse Rose Garden.  It was eye opening and inspirational.  And if you are ever caught downtown use the Curran Hall bathroom…it helps with their visitor numbers!

And speaking of Curran Hall, Carolyn Newbern, a master gardener since 1994 and MG president from 2002-2003, is moving with her husband to Fayetteville this summer.  She has truly been the heart and soul of Curran Hall and will be missed by many groups…not just ours.

We have several educational opportunities coming up…one that sounds especially good is the hydroponics workshop on July 13 at the state office.  Our own Derek Reed along with Rob Galloway will be the speakers.  Sign-up information should be elsewhere in the Chronicle.

Again…so many good things are happening with master gardeners, and not just in Pulaski County.  I’ll be anxious to hear how Randy does as statewide coordinator with our MG conference (June 8-9).  I know it will be a great success and Pulaski County will be well represented.

See you at the meeting!

Carol Mendel

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