Officers

President Donna Tolewitzke

Past President Ann Fergeson

Vice President Cindy Morris

Secretary Karen Massey

Treasurer Stephanie Neely

Assistant Treasurer Sandy Puryear

Projects Barbara Pitcock

Programs Laura Bettis

Recruitment, Retention, Recog-nition Peggy Lane

Historian Diane Sandberg

Social Debbie Tate

Parliamentarian Mimi Cox

Executive Committee The Officers

Newsletter Editor Donna Tolewitzke

Members-at-Large Donna Bandy Val Price

February 2018 Volume 13, Issue 1

Our next meeting

is Feb., 1st

Greeting @ 6:00

Meeting @ 6:30

MG Business

Meeting

Standing Committee Chairs

Welcome to 2018!

We are starting a New Year which also means we are starting

another year of gardening and learning together. We reached

our 10,000-hour goal last year and I couldn’t be happier. There

are several up and coming events that our members can attend

that will enrich our knowledge and help with maintaining our

work/learning hours; the seminar “Countdown to Spring’, also

the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show and then the FFA/CDE

project, to name a few. We have lots to do and only a year to do

it all! We’ll make this year a momentous year!

Donna Tolewitzke~ President

WEEDER’S DIGEST CRAIGHEAD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

2

The frigid cold weather the last two weeks of January has finally left us

and hopefully milder temperatures will be around awhile. This may afford

us the opportunity to get outside and perform some maintenance in our

yards.

If there is still some pruning of trees that needs to be done, this is an excellent time to per-

form these duties. February is also the time to begin thinking of pruning your roses. This

may be done beginning around the middle of the month.

If you are establishing a new garden or contemplating a renovation, drawing a plan with the

plants you want and their placement will assist in the planting process when establishment

time comes. As always, a soil test is a good idea so any needed amendments can be applied

before planting, especially soil pH.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that we have 22 participants in the new Master Gardener

training class with 19 being from Craighead County. Thanks to all who are assisting with

conducting the class and for those who recruited individuals to allow us to provide this

training.

By

Branon Thiesse BS, MS County Extension Agent - Staff Chair

f O O d

The 1st Class for 2018 was Saturday the 20th of January. I

walked in and was amazed to see so many attendees! YES! We are growing! Come and join in on some of the classes, meet with the new class. Save the

Date, Jan. 27th.

S T E V

E C U L P

3

Minutes of the December 2017 Meeting

By Ethel Cole

The December 7, 2017 meeting of the Craighead County Master Gardeners was

called to order at 7:25 pm by President Ann Fergeson following a delicious Christmas potluck dinner.

Program – The evening’s program was the presentation of awards to the most deserving members.

The CCMG board added two new awards this year: “Yes I Can” award went to the member who dis-

played a positive, committed attitude and in some cases, overcame personal obstacles to perform

needed duties. The 2017 award went to seasoned member, Ginger Adams, recognized for her 200

work hours in organizing seed collection for the NEA Fair. The new members given this award were Bob and Tricia Brashears. The second new award was the “Never Say No” award given to the person

who always answered the call when help is needed. Seasoned Members receiving this award were

Stan Bachman, Barb Evans, Pat Finch, Jason Mullins, Debbie Tate, and Mike Wilbanks. Joseph

House was the new member earning this award. Other awards presented were: Master Gardener of

the Year for 2017 – Ann Ross; Rookie of the Year for 2017- Karen Pearce. Branon Thiesse and Ann

Fergeson were given gift certificates in appreciation of their service to CCMG. (Editors Note: Photos of the Award Recipients on following page.)

Minutes - Minutes of the November meeting were approved as printed in the monthly newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report – Stephanie Neely gave the treasurer’s report and stated a total of $520 had

been collected to donate to the Helping Neighbors Food Pantry. The report was approved as stated.

Old Business – A goal of 10,000 logged hours had been set for 2017. At the time of the meeting,

10,669 hours had been recorded.

Announcements – Dues were now payable for 2018; New calendars were given to each member and were also available for purchase at a cost of $1.00 each; Members needing to update their contact

information for the directory were given forms to fill out; New member classes will begin January 20,

2018. Mentors for the new members are needed.

Birthdays – Members with a December birthday were given a plant.

Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm.

Thank you Ethel

4

Master Gardener

of the Year 2017

Left: Ann Ross

Rookie Master

Gardener of the Year

2017 Right: Karen

Pearce

Awarded “Yes I Can”

Left: Rookies

Tricia and Bob Brashears

Right: Seasoned

Ginger Adams

Awarded “Never Say

No”

Left: Rookie

Joseph House

Right: Seasoned

Stan Bachman,

Debbie Tate,

Barb Evans,

Pat Finch

5

The January 4, 2018 meeting of the Craighead County Master Gardeners was called to order at 6:30 pm by President Donna Tolewitzke Program – was not scheduled for this meeting. Donna announced the new 2018 Officers, Project Chairs and Standing Committee. Donna reviewed with everyone the certification requirements for all Master Gardeners for 2018. And reminded everyone to please log hours. Donna also had the honor to present a trowel pin to 22 members with 100+ working hours. 5 members from that group had 200+ working hours. Minutes – from the December meeting and January meeting will be approved as printed in the monthly newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report - The report was accepted as reported by Stephanie Neely, treasurer. A new total

for the donation for Helping Neighbors Food Pantry is $560.00. Reminded everyone after the close of the meeting dues would be going up to $15.00. Old Business – Ann Ross had a prior meeting with the committee on the Spring Seminar and an-nounced most of the plans had been made. That everyone could sign up tonight at the meeting and planning for 150 to attend. Announcements - Donna Tolewitzke mentioned that only 7 people had signed up for the new member class and need 20 for class to continue. The last date to sign up is January 12th. Neva Shewmaker stated that she needs volunteers to sign up for snacks at the new member classes. Ralph Seay asked for volunteers to sign up for the FFA/CDE on March 7th. Peggy Lane has 10 people signed up for mentoring the new class. Donna Tolewitzke asked for ideas for an Advance Class to be hosted by Craighead County Master Gardeners. Barbara Pitcock asked for volunteers for the Project Committee to help with a new project being pre-sented by Riceland Foods. Melinda Smith asked for volunteers to start helping in the HWE School greenhouses in 2 weeks. Laura Bettis had forms to be filled out to help her with ideas for presenters.

Birthdays – Members with January birthdays were given potted daffodil bulbs.

Meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm

Minutes from the January Meeting By Karen Massey

Left to Right, back: Barb Evans, Donna Tolewitzke, Joseph House, Lana Keyes, Peggy Lane, Ann Ross, Mike Wil-

banks, Susan Westbrook, Bruce Schelin, Middle: Pat Finch, Mimi Cox, Stephanie Neely, Sharron Schelin, Ralph Seay Seated: Melinda Smith, Karen Pearce, Diane Sandberg. Not pictured: Ginger Adams, Stan Bachman, Jason

Mullins, Debbie Tate

Trowel pin Recipients

6

HWES News Chair– Melinda Smith

Planting in the greenhouse at HWES has started! Come join us! Email or call Melinda or Sherri and tell them when you are coming! 870-243-4188 or 870-530-3286.

Here is just one of the

many photos you can see

on our Facebook page. Can you guess where this

was taken?

Crocuses sprouting through the ice/

snow. Submitted by Joseph House

Shenia Mullins awarded

her 10 years of service

7

The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department

Note all the Department’s environmental efforts have to do with buildings and equipment.

The AHTD is involved in being a conscientious care taker of flora and fauna as well.

The Department is doing its part to beautify the over 200,000 acres of highway roadsides

it maintains through its popular “Wildflower Program.” Throughout the State, approximately

1,000 miles of highways have been included in a system of Wildflower Routes that showcase

existing wildflower populations. Maintenance practices along those routes allow annual and perennial wildflowers to prosper and return year after year.

A second part of the program, title “Operation Wildflower,” takes a proactive stance. It

establishes new roadside wildflower populations with plant seed donated by local sponsors.

New flower populations are being established along Interstates and primary highway right-of-

way and result in showy displays in the large areas where they are planted. A sign program identifying wildflower areas increases public awareness of the program.

The program has helped reduce long-term maintenance costs, enhanced roadside wildlife

habitat, provided an attractive roadside environment and preserved native plant populations.

It all adds up to roadside areas the erupt into blankets of color as the flowers come into

bloom.

In addition to wildflowers, the AHTD is also involved in a Milkweed Management Plan. The plan has been put in place as an independent project due to the growing decrease in

Monarch Butterfly populations and the milkweed plants they survive on.

“We were approached by the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks to see if we could include

milkweeds in our wildflower seeding program,” stated Kayti Ewing, Environmental Analyst I.

The result has been the planting of native milkweed plugs across the State. “We hope the milkweed populations will attract Monarch butterflies in great

numbers in the years ahead,” Ewing

added.~ AHTD Magazine

Submitted by: Terri Inman

February 1st– Registration opens for the State Master Gardener Conference in Fort Smith,

AR. Look for registration information on the MG ONLY portion of our website (under Master

Gardener Conference) that is password protected.

February 20th- “Countdown to Spring Seminar” Located at Southwest Church of

Christ, Better Life Center Gym, 1601 James St., Jonesboro, AR. Registration begins at

9:00. Seminar is from 9:30-2:00pm. Cost is $20 which includes lunch, snacks and drinks.

March 2-4- Arkansas Flower and Garden Show at its new location. Arkansas State Fair-

grounds, 2600 Howard, Little Rock, AR. For more information:

https://argardenshow.org/

Events

8

Logging in Hours: If you are having problems logging hours and/or would rather Cindy log

them for you please email her at cindyamorris@hotmail.com. Please include where you worked,

the date and the amount of time you worked. And let's not forget, include your learning/

education hours!

Being Respectful: Just a reminder to be respectful of not only the speakers at meetings but

to your fellow MGs. You may think you are talking quietly but voices carry making it difficult for

others to hear what is going on during the meetings.

Sign In! As you arrive at the MG meeting each month, be sure to SIGN IN and pick up a ticket

for the door prize(s). The sign-in sheet will be on the table to the right as you come in the

door. At the end of each meeting, we will draw for a door prize!

Name Tags: Be sure to wear your MG name tag to each meeting and receive a KISS! Otherwise

put 50 cents in the jar.

Reminders

January Birthdays

5th- Erlene Wise

7th- Donna Bachman

11th- Lana Keyes 12th- Monica Hansen

13th- Glenda Drace

13th- Cindy Morris

19th- Pat Finch

19th- Sharron Schelin

19th- Billy Woodruff 21st- Karen Massey

22nd- Jan Dupwe

29th- Bruce Schelin

31st- Ellen Hester

February Birthdays

7th– Brenda Lane

15th- Mary Hosinski

15th- Breana Watkins

16th- Val Price 18th- Judy Strange

20th- Paul Schneider

27th- Mike Wilbanks

Project Chairs

ASU Display Garden & Farmers’ Market Susan Westbrook

On the Deck Jan Dupwe

ASU Greenhouse LaVeta Howerton

Butterfly Garden

Barb Evans Pat Finch

Courthouse, Extension

Office & City Hall Nick, Marilyn & Katie Wysocki

NEA District Fair

Ginger Adams-Seeds Mike Wilbanks-MG Booth Mimi Cox- Floriculture

NEA FFA-CDE Stan Bachman

Native Plant Garden

Ethel Cole

Plant Sale Jason Mullins

Plants for Sunset Gardens

Margaret Williams

Extension Office Work & 2017 Basic Training Class

Neva Shewmaker

HWES Children’s Learning Garden

Melinda Smith

9

Fun and Useful Links

Arkansas Master Gardener Program http://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/master-gardeners

CCMG Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Craighead-County-Master-Gardeners/629232630461141?ref=hl

HWES School Gardens Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/HWESschoolgardens

Janet Carson's Blog - In the Garden

http://uofacesmg.wordpress.com/

Jim Long’s Blog http://jimlongsgarden.blogspot.com/

Public Horticulture Events

http://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/master-gardeners/events.aspx

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension

http://www.uaex.edu/

Garvan Gardens with Janet Carson

http://www.garvangardens.org/photos-videos/gardeningwithjanet.aspx

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension

Service offers its programs to all eligi-

ble persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orienta-

tion, national origin, religion, age, dis-

ability, marital or veteran status,

Weeder’s Digest is the official news-

letter of the Craighead County AR

Master Gardener Program.

Please contact the newsletter editor at

dtolewitzke@gmail.com with your arti-

cles, ideas, photos and suggestions.

Newsletters are Adobe files and re-quire the latest

Adobe Reader to view. You may down-

load the latest Adobe Reader at

"http://get.adobe.com/reader/".

Craighead County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers

working with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Exten-sion Service and Craighead County officials to provide beau-tification projects and horticultural information to the resi-dents of the county. In 2017 Craighead County Master Gar-

deners reported more than 11,108 hours of service and education to bene-fit Craighead County.

Branon Thiesse BS, MS

County Extension Agent - Staff Chair

Copyright 2012 -2018 Craighead County Master Gardeners. All rights reserved.

Our friend, Renee Shepherd, owner of Reneesgarden.com (Renee's Gar-

den Seeds), is making a wonderful offer for Health, Wellness and Envi-ronmental Studies Elementary School. If you go to her website and or-der seed, and use this code when you order: FR556A, she will donate 25% of the price of the seed you order, to the Health, Wellness and En-

vironmental Studies Elementary Kitchen/Garden Program. Isn't that great? So, go to her website and order some seed, being sure to use the FR556Acoupon code.

Bromeliads for Brunch? For decades, our nation has been “dumbing down.’” The

depths to which we have gone simply astound. I purchased a Bromeliad last summer. The tag at-tached to it was a bummer. “Not Suitable for Human Consumption,” it said. I read it again, not be-

lieving what I read. I eat a lot and like a variety of food; Bromeliads for Brunch doesn’t sound that

good. Last week, I bought a new Chrysanthemum. “This Plant Not Edible” was on my new Mum.

Due to the frequency of these warning quotes, they obviously think we’re a bunch of goats. Appar-

ently, this is a real problem today for them to continue to warn us this way! I keep hoping their as-sessment is not true; on my part, it may be optimism which is undue

~ Robbie J Huffman

10

Seminar Registration Form “Countdown to Spring”

Please make checks payable to CES and mail to: Gardening Seminar Craighead County Cooperative Extension Service 611 E. Washington Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401

Your Name _____________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________

E-Mail or phone contact __________________________________________

Lunch will be provided. Note: Registration Limited “The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex,

gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic infor-mation, or any other legally protected status and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.”

Registration Closes February 13, 2018