November 2014 Newsletter

November 2014
T HE N EW L EAF
Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers’ Newsletter
University of Georgia Extension – Coweta County
255 Pine Rd., Newnan, GA 30263 (770-254-2620)
President’s Notes
By Sonjia Lambeck
What lovely weather we’ve had lately – perfect
gardening weather, and how beautiful the fall
colors are! Master Gardeners gathered recently at
Ron and Carol Stephens’ home for a spectacular
tour of their dozens and dozens of blooming
Camellia sasanquas. What a glorious sight! The
Camellia japonicas were ripe with buds for
another amazing show in early spring. So if you
missed this visit, you may have another
opportunity in a few months.
The Fall Plant Sale was a great success thanks to
the many MGEVs who volunteered over the past
several months. Customers were lining up before
8:00 a.m., so Don Lambeck and his committee
opened the gates early. Even with a bit of a chill
in the early morning air, it was a lovely time. At
the end of the day, we took in nearly $4800.
The upcoming Business meeting on November 13,
is our last meeting of the year, and we will elect
our 2015 officers, so please plan to attend. We’ll
also be signing up for Wreath Sale production
work, our final project for the year. We need
everyone on board to work with our 4-H
counterparts to provide high quality wreaths to
dress up Newnan and Coweta County for the
holidays. This is your last opportunity to get your
hours for the year.
Inside This Issue
President’s Notes
1
Wreath Sale Flyer
2
Ask A MGEV on Market Day
3
Backyard Association
4
The Plants & the Bees
5
Hot Topics
6
Sunshine Committee Report
7
Visit to Bashert Farm
8
Fall Plant Sale Photos
9
Stephens Garden Tour Photos
9
Keeping Our MGEV Program Great 10
Officers/Committee Chairs
Calendar of Events
11
12
Also, November 11, is our last Backyard
Association meeting for 2014, so plan to attend.
You just never know what Allen has planned
for us, and the community. The meeting on
beekeeping had folks abuzz with interest.
Finally, don’t forget to thank a Vet this month.
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 2
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 3
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
Ask a Master Gardener Booth
on Market Days
By Debra Fay
Joanne Donahay , Carolyn Thompson, Anne Boykin, Lyn Matthews
The Ask a Master Gardener booth hosted the last booth of the season at Market Day on the Court House
square in Newnan. Our busy volunteers enjoyed fielding questions from the public about numerous
garden concerns. October highlights include a local lady who hybridizes her irises and a gentleman from
Alabama who raises tilapia and lettuce hydroponically.
We were able to steer some excited shoppers to the concurrent plant sale and got great updates from
those who had already stopped by the greenhouse to support our fundraiser.
Keep Newnan Beautiful looks forward to seeing the Ask a Master Gardener booth in 2015 which restarts
for us in April. Thank you to all those that helped make our public outreach so successful.
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 4
Backyard Association
By Allen Summerlin, BYA Chair
Good day from your Backyard Association. With our weather forecast for the next two
weeks calling for near perfect fall weather, we should all feel blessed. With mums, asters,
Black-eyed Susans, red, pink and white Camellia sasanqua all bursting with their peak colors,
it is truly a spectacular time of year in the garden.
Our October BYA meeting was a lively one that clearly amplified our concern for the
diminishing honeybee population. Mr. Bobby Torbush, President of the Coweta Beekeepers
Association, had a fascinating program that gave us all a better insight into the problems and
possible remedies.
We close out our BYA year on November the 11th with one the South's favorite
nurserymen, Jason Powell, owner of ‘Petals from the Past’ nursery in Jemison, Ala. The
demand for Jason has taken him to 5 states in the last 3 months. His program, "Tough plants
for Southern Gardens," will enlighten us all when it comes to the terms antique, heirloom,
and old-fashioned. Jason is a treasure of gardening knowledge and has the ability to tell you
what you really need to know.
I hope to see you at our next BYA meeting.
Regards, Allen Summerlin
Camellia sasanqua ‘Shi Shi Gashira’
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 5
THE PLANTS AND THE BEES
By Dan Gentry
Bees and plants have conflicting interests for use of pollen
While plants need bees to distribute pollen for pollination/reproduction, bees need enormous amounts of
pollen to feed their young (and themselves). Pollen from up to several hundred flowers is needed to feed one
single larva. Bees gather pollen very efficiently, often taking 70-90% of a flower's pollen in one visit. They
store this pollen in pollen baskets or in patches of their “hair” – their interest is both collecting and
distributing, pollen. Honeybees, in particular, must be efficient since they have to collect enough pollen to
make food reserves to last through the winter for typically tens of thousands of bees in a colony. (Bumble
bees do not overwinter in colonies; only queens survive, in “hibernation”).
While most flowering plants offer nectar to visiting insects as bait to get them to transport pollen from flower
to flower, many have flower structures that prevent pollinators from taking too much pollen. In addition, new
research indicates that the pollen chemistry of various plants might also be important in determining which
plant types bees visit. (It is already known certain varieties of bees only visit one type of plant.)
Collaboration in collecting pollen
Bees communicate information to their hive-mates about the direction and distance of pollen sources via
“waggle dances.” This consists of a waggle phase – rapidly “wagging” its abdomen back and forth while
walking forward. The angle from “up” the vertical honeycomb signals the angle of the food source as
measured from a baseline from the hive to the current location of the sun. The distance/duration of its
movement signals the distance to the food. The bee walks back around to its starting point and repeats the
waggle numerous times. The scent of pollen from a returned bee may assist in finding a particular source of
pollen as well. This waggle mechanism helps secure the large amounts of pollen needed to support the
colony. It appears not all hive-mates follow the “advice” of the dancer, but instead return to known
sites. The dancing seems to be more utilized in hive locations with limited food sources nearby.
Video of waggle dance: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/weirdest-bees-dance
Sources:
 National Geographic Video referenced above
 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201122238.htm
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 6
Liz Volz
Hello everyone! Fall is here, time for another season change, cooler weather, pumpkins and fall leaf color. Start
raking those leaves for the compost pile or use them for mulch. It’s time to plant bulbs for next year, and lift and
divide perennials that may need it. Think about what to do with your potted plants that you’ve collected and planted
this summer. Consider what you want to add or change in your garden for next year. Collect and dry seeds. Start
bringing in your house plants after checking them for insects. Take a soil sample now if you need to. Make sure to
save some room for plants from the upcoming 2015 Spring Plant sale!
Fall Garden Activities
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/content/fall-garden-activities
http://www.mcmga.com/05/09/september-october-garden-chores-for-the-organic-garden/
(This is a link to a Texas publication but it still has some good information that can be applied here.)
http://www.walterreeves.com/seasonal-gardening-calendar/october/
Plant a Fall Garden: there is still time to plant a fall garden.
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/content/plant-fall-garden
Harvesting and Preserving Herbs: dry extra herbs for winter use.
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/content/harvesting-and-preserving-herbs
Fall color in the garden:
The ornamental fruit and berry season is upon us. Bright reds, oranges, yellows, purples and whites suddenly jump to
the forefront.
Fall Berry Color
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/content/fall-berry-color
Time to plant trees and shrubs:
Fall planting allows the trees' and shrubs’ root systems to become established and supply the moisture needed for
next spring's growth. This way your trees and shrubs will get off to a great start.
Fall Perfect for Planting Trees
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/content/fall-perfect-planting-trees
Fall Management of Large Patch Disease in Turfgrass
http://www.ugaurbanag.com/content/fall-management-large-patch-disease-turfgrass
Call Desk Questions and Comments of Interest:
Chestnut Tree - One client called and asked if there was a chestnut tree growing along the fence line (Pine Road) on
the Fairground's property. After taking a brief walk, it does appear to be a Chinese chestnut. Be forewarned, the
burrs are deadly – just like 100 needles sticking you all at once.
Armadillos!! - Yes, they are STILL a problem. Please refer to the past few months of newsletters for detailed
information.
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 7
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE REPORT
By Carol Fuller
Hello Master Gardener Extension Volunteers,
The plant sale is over and wreath making time will be here soon. No rest for the
weary. But isn't it fun!
Continue to keep Pat Clayton and John Secor in your prayers. John's wife Joan had a
stroke in Aug. She has completed rehab and is doing well. We hope she makes a
complete recovery.
Howard Wilson was hospitalized for several days for removal of a mass in his
lung. Prayers were answered when it was tested benign. He is still on oxygen and
recovering from the surgery. We wish him the very best.
J. C. Carpenter's wife, Louise, had gall bladder surgery on the 1st. J. C. says that she is
recovering OK from the surgery except is still quite weak. We wish her a speedy
recovery.
To all of you in the class of '14, I would like to invite members to join Allen Summerlin
and me on the Sunshine Committee. Give me a call (678-423-0264), and let's talk about
it.
Since Halloween is almost here, don't let the ghouls get you.
Be healthy,
Carol
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 8
VISIT TO “DAN CATHY’S” GARDENS – BASHERT FARM AND GARDENS
By Dan Gentry
Sixteen MGEVs took advantage of a special invitation to tour the Bashert Farm. A number of Chick
Fil-A employees and several Fayette County MGEVs participated as well. Dan Cathy
personally greeted us when we arrived and then emceed a program where he talked a bit about his
life and the development of the gardens, gave a devotional, played a hymn on his trumpet and
introduced speakers for two educational presentations: “Annuals: Tried, True and New” by Jenni
Hernandez, owner of Flintwood Farms nursery (that supplies plants to Bashert) and “Starting a Fruit
Orchard” by Jeff Meyers, Orchard Director for Dogwood Church’s ministry of growing fruit to
distribute to the needy. He also co-led a guided tour of the extensive acreage of gardens by his
house. (He picked up garbage from the tables after our lunch (Chick Fil-A sandwich meals, of
course!) and posed for pictures – what an extraordinary guy; he truly lives the Christian faith). It was
a delightful morning and a special treat for us MGEVs to visit the Gardens at Chick Fil-A Dan Cathy’s
home, on September 27th.
~~~~~~~~~~Pictured
below: “The Group” and scenes from the garden~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE NEW LEAF, October 2014
Page 9
Fall Plant Sale
Submitted by Dave Granroos
Stephens’ (Ron & Carol) Garden
Tour
Submitted By Lyn Matthews
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 10
Keeping Our MGEV Program Great
By Dale Senko, President-Elect
The Coweta MGEV program is great because we have a winning combination of volunteers who are willing to lead and
work on projects and committees. This past year has proven we have a group of veteran MGEVs who were willing to give
their time to lead us and a new group of MGEVs who have energetically worked to continue our great program.
To keep our program thriving and surviving and to attract new volunteers for a 2016 class, we need to continue this
winning combination. I know we have MGEVs who want to help, but we also need MGEVs to chair and lead the various
committees and projects.
As we look toward 2015, it is time to identify those of us who will chair and lead projects. Whether you are a veteran
MGEV or a new graduate, we want your initiative to lead committees/projects.
Please say “yes” when I call to enlist you to chair a committee. Better yet, contact me and let me know which
committee you are interested in leading. Ideally, we want two co-chairs for each committee/project, when possible, to
provide depth and coverage. You will see projects/committees listed which are results of efforts started in 2014 and will
need leads.
Thanks to MGEVs who have already agreed to chair a committee or lead a project in 2015:
Dave Granroos /Leigh Anne Harvey - Spring Plant Sale
Nancy Harrelson – Youth Outreach
Edie Scott / DianneTeer - Newsletter
Dave Langhoff / Don Lambeck- Greenhouse
Joan Faletto- Directory
Allen Summerlin / Pat Farmer - Garden Tour
Allen Summerlin - BYA
Pat Clayton- Scholarships
Carol Fuller – Sunshine
Dan Gentry- Speakers’ Bureau
Martha Hendrix/Judy Lippmann - MGEV Training
Add your name to the list. Other chairs/leads needed include: Fall Plant Sale, Market Day, Nature Trail, and Heritage
Demo Garden.
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 11
COWETA COUNTY
MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEERS (MGEVs)
OFFICES, COMMITTEES and SUB-COMMITTEES 2014
Submitted By Sonjia Lambeck, President
Office
President
President-Elect
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee/Sub-Committee
Education Program Committee
Backyard Association
Scholarship
Community Presentation (Ask an MG)
Officer
Sonjia Lambeck
Dale Senko
Dave Granroos
Joanne Donahay
Don Thompson
Chairperson
Dale Senko
Allen Summerlin
Pat Clayton
Lana Jones, Debra Fay, Dale
Senko
Youth Education
Nancy Harrelson
Fund-Raising Committee
Don Thompson
Spring Plant Sale
Dave Granroos
Garden Tour
Allen Summerlin
Fall Plant Sale
Don Lambeck
Wreath Sale
Donna Dietz, Eddie Manning,
Denise Best
Volunteer Management & Support Committee Dave Granroos
Historical
Ruth Fahl
Hospitality
Sandy Smith, Joan Faletto
Directory
Joan Faletto
Newsletter (New Leaf)
Edie Scott, Dianne Teer
Sunshine
Carol Fuller
Volunteer Administration
Dave Granroos
Volunteer Awards
Carol Rouse
Greenhouse
Dave Langhoff
Finance Committee
Don Thompson
Nominating Committee
Eddie Manning
Media Committee – PR, listserv, Facebook,
Lana Jones, Joanne Donahay,
website
Debra Fay
THE NEW LEAF, November 2014
Page 12
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
COWETA COUNTY
MGEV CALENDAR
THROUGH DECEMBER 2014
Submitted By Sonjia Lambeck, President
Board Meetings*
Business Meetings*
Location: Extension Office
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Extension Office
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Dates
Dates
Thursday, Nov 6
Thursday, Nov 13
MGEV Continuing
Education Sessions*
Location: Extension Office
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Other Important Dates*
CCMGEV of the Year Nomination
Thursday, Nov 6
Dates
Thursday, Nov 13
Social/Fund-Raising Events*
EVENT
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
Wreath Sale
November 19 - December 3
Varied
Ag Building
Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 9
Social Time: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Extension Office
*All dates and times are subject to change.

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