THE GARDENGOER

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ST. TAMMANY PARISH MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 17 Issue 12 December, 2014

MG Christmas Party 1

President’s Message 2

MG Programs for 2014 3

Abita Springs Library 4-5

Bayou Lacombe Middle School

6

Plant Show 2015 Back-yard plants

7

Gardengoer Word of the Month

8-9

Word of Month Crossword 10

Renewing STMGA Membership for 2015

11

Membership Renewal Form

12

MG Merchandise Order 13-15

November Meeting Minutes

16-18

November Meeting Pho-tos

19-20

November Board Meet-ing Minutes

21-23

Vegucator Calendar 24

Calendar of Events 25

Directory 26

Editor’s Notes 27

Master Gardener’s Christmas Party

2

President’s Message

Among the many things I love about a garden is the fact that something is always happening.

When I walk in my yard I see that leaf colors have changed and blooms have emerged or faded;

some flowers have gone to seed and others have set buds. These changes take place all of the

time but they seem most apparent to me now as the days shorten and we head through fall into

winter. Changes are also taking place in our St. Tammany Master Gardener Association as a

new board will take office in January. We will also have new chairpersons of various commit-

tees and projects. If you have not had the opportunity to hold an office or chair a project (or

seminar, or special event) I urge you to consider doing so in 2015. We all know that our soil is

improved when we add compost. Now – I am not suggesting that any of us are on a par with

compost, but I am convinced that our association gets better when more folks step into leader-

ship roles and get involved in running our various programs and activities. If there are no pro-

jects that are of interest to you please speak up and perhaps propose a new project or help de-

velop a special interest group. Topics such as organic gardening, managing tropicals or citrus

crops (just to name a few) may be of interest to other MGs. Study groups similar to Vegucators

and our Slidell Library Herb Study Group may be of interest to others and would be of great

value in increasing our horticultural knowledge.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and wishes for a blessed 2015 to all.

Susie Andres, STMGA President

3

Month Speaker Topic Hint Problem Share Hours

January 15 Castine Center

Joe Lapine Master Gardener 2013

Growing Mirlitons Yes

Yes

Yes

1

February 19 Castine Center

Keith Williamson Guardi-an AG

Combining Drip Irrigation and Plastic Mulch

No

No

Yes

1

March 19 Castine Center

Daniel Wells Researcher at Hammond

Station

Louisiana Superplants

Yes

Yes

Yes

1

March 25 Field Trip Afton Villa Rosedown Plantation

4

April 16 Bobby Fletcher Barn

No speaker

Spring Plant Swap

No

No

No

0

May 21 Castine Center

Dan Gill Associate Profes-sor Consumer Horticul-

ture LSU Ag Center

Scholarship Awards

No

No

Yes

0

June 18 Castine Center

Barbara Moore Master Gardener

African Violets

Yes

Yes

Yes

1

July 16 Castine Center

Deborah Nolan Master Gardener

“The Story of vegetables” Yes

Yes

Yes

1

August 20 Castine Center

Suzanne Turner Professor of Landscape

Architecture LSU

“Martha Turnbull’s Garden Diary: Unlocking Rosedown’s

Story”

Yes

Yes

Yes

1

September 17 Castine Center

Clarke Gernon Sr.

Shady Pond Tree Farms

“Christmas Tree Production in Louisiana…from Start to

Finish and all that Happens in Between…”

No

No

Yes

1

October 15 Castine Center

No speaker Fall Plant Swap No No No

October 28 Field Trip Longue Vue Home & Gardens City Park Botanical Garden

4

November 19 Castine Center

Gerry Ballanco Master Gardener 2009

Gardening in Alaska

Yes

Yes

Yes

1

December 17 No Speaker Christmas Party

STPMG 2014 Program

4

Abita Springs Library

Left to Right: Wes Goostrey; Pam Perret; Susan L'Hste; Nancy McDonald; Cindy Manger; Deborah Nolan;

Jean Claire Cleveland; Martha Gruning. “Color It Cool” was the theme of a recent informal seminar on fall and winter flower and vegetable planting, presented by St. Tammany Master Gardener Association and host-ed by the Abita Springs Library. The program had a focus on color in the Louisiana fall landscape – color in nature, color in the ornamental garden, and color in the edible garden. The program was held on the afternoon of No-vember 5 at the library. Martha Gruning, program chair, led seminar attendees on a tour of the gar-dens surrounding the library. Of particular inter-est were the plantings of native plants and Louisi-ana Super Plants. Following the garden tours participants went in-side the library and were treated to three presenta-tions by Master Gardeners Martha Gruning (fall color), Deborah Nolan (fall vegetables) and Cin-dy Manger (colorful ornamentals).

5

Abita Springs Library—Continued

Following the presentations the attendees enjoyed a sampling of winter greens with herbed vinegar, provided by Pam Perret. Door prizes were provided by the library and Master Gardeners. Nancy McDonald donated decorative coffee cans filled with winter bed-ding plants and Johnny Despeaux donated two beautiful camellia bushes. Door Prize Winner of Decorative Coffee Can Donated by Nancy DcDonald Master Gardeners Jean Claire Cleveland handled registration for the program, and Susan L’Hoste distributed evaluations to participants. Also lending help at the program were MGs Wes Goostrey, David Lynd, Pierre Bouchee, Joe James and Dianna Cammatte. This program was one of many oppor-tunities for our association to provide consumer horticulture education to our fellow gardeners in St. Tammany Par-ish.

Susie Andres Facing the audience left to right: Martha Gruning, Deborah Nolan, Cindy Manger, Dianna Cammatte

6

Bayou Lacombe Middle School's Organic Gardening Club participated in the Lacombe Fall Farmer's Market held November 18th at John Davis Park. The stu-dents sold an assortment of items including handmade bird houses, rosemary pita bread, herbal infused vinegars, and many other items. Several members of our association volunteer with these students.

Master Gardener Linda Franzo works with the Gardening Club.

(Photo releases signed)

Bayou Lacombe Middle School's Organic Gardening Club

7

Backyard Plants 2015

Merry Christmas!! I’m sure you have your calendar marked for the Plant Sale:

Friday and Saturday - March 20 -21, 2015! Can’t wait to see what will fill this year’s Backyard Plants Booth! Thank you in advance for your donations – the success of the Master Gardener’s Backyard Plants booth depends on you! (For any new members needing more information, please don’t hesitate to call! We’ll be explaining more at Jan/Feb mtgs) Remember:

· Plant must be labeled (common name ok/ scientific name –great) · Plant must have a viable root system · We do accept hanging baskets and large plants (provided you can bring

them to the booth) · We will only accept plants (no mulch, tools, fertilizer, etc) – trying to keep

it simple and plant focused. · The hours you spend propagating DO count toward your annual require-

ment- so any of you needing a few more hours for 2014 – get going! · Plants must be delivered to the barn – starting Thursday afternoon, March

19 – more details to follow. We will accept donations at the booth until close of the show on Friday.

· If you are physically unable to deliver your plants, and they are small to medium size, please let us know, we will try to arrange a pick up – but only in special situations.

Happy Propagating!

Lisann and Eileen Lisann Cheaney 985-951-9855 Eileen Gremillion 985-869-0466

Plant Show 2015 — Backyard Plants Donation Request

8

GARDENGOER WORD OF THE MONTH

THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

If you are looking for a trip back in time…..buy a copy of THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC. It proudly states on the cover “Published Every Year Since 1792”. Think of it…..just a few short years after we became a country! And, the cover and the content depicts that age and atmosphere. Today it is most noted for its longevity and its weather predictions which use an original (and secret) formula from its first editor and founder, Robert B Thomas. It now incorporates into the original formula statistical averages from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. The Almanac uses 30 year averages, but updates every ten years. While still based on Thomas’ original formula, today’s forecasts include information from solar activity (including sun spots) and the sci-ence of Climatology. In 2008 the almanac predicted that the earth had entered a period of global cooling and would last for several decades. It indicated that our climate for the near future might be cold, not warm. Extremely interesting since as I write this most of the U.S. is under a blanket of snow and ice, and it’s only November. The Almanac also has articles on gardening and farming, planting charts, tables for the tides, astronomical data and recipes and anecdotes. And, it is a “HOOT” to read! I always start from the back (don’t know why) and browse through a few classified ads- everything from psychics and spiritual healers and love life special-ists to slipcovers and rain gutters. You have to love it! Then on to the month by month Sky Watch with moon phases, times for sunrises and sunsets and gobs of other things in-between. It’s a great way to spend a dreary or rainy afternoon curled up on the couch. The 2015 edition, which hit the stores in middle Septem-ber, predicts a cold, dry winter and a hurricane season with few hurricanes but pre-dicts those few will probably hit the Gulf Coast states around late August, rather than heading up the East coast. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is also keeping up with the times and has an on-line version and an on-line children’s version……BUT, DON’T READ

9

THEM…..THAT WOULD JUST BE WRONG, SO WRONG. At least first read the paper one that looks like it is several hundred years old. The paper copy has always had a whole punched into the upper left corner through all the pages. This was originally placed so that you could hang it on a hook in your outhouse. Seems like the activity that takes place there has always made it a good place to read. A few years ago, to save money, the publishers de-cided to save the $40,000 cost of drilling the hole. So many people complained, they had to bring it back...… It just belongs there. So, pick up a copy for yourself. You’ll find out the best days to go fishing and 24 strange and interesting things about this universe, and lots of other tidbits. Then, buy one for a gift (it’s around $5.00). It would make a nice hostess gift for one of those Christmas celebrations you might attend. Especially if you place a string or ribbon through that hole in the upper left and attach to a nice holiday bottle of something with alcoholic content. (You coulda’-shoulda’ taken Urbain’s wine making course!!!!) Kathleen Guidry

GARDENGOER WORD OF THE MONTH Continued

10

ACROSS 2 Latin for two or twin flowers. 6 Latin that indicates a plant used for medicine 8 A sprig in each shoe prevents fatigue 12 2014 Herb of the Year 13 Country with the highest biodiversity of plants 15 Botanical Latin now allows _______ 16 A grass that is good to eat 17 Millennium seed bank location 20 Latin for two/twin leaves 22 Photoperiodism tells a plant when to __ 23 Found in kerosene smoke, incense & plants

DOWN 1 Bermuda grass doesn’t like ___ 3 Mistakes on plants 4 Needs 5 days of twelve hour nights 5 He first used Binomial Latin 7 State plant of Nevada 9 Tree canopy turning green 10 The record of seasonal/climate change 11 Hundreds of fruits on a single plant 14 Artemisia dracunculus (var.) Sativa 18 Analysis now used for plant classification 19 Visible above ground part of some fungi 21 A cocktail with bitter herbs before meals 22 Can’t photosynthesize to make sugar

WORD OF THE MONTH Crossword Puzzle

11

Membership to STPMG may be renewed for 2015. The renewal form is included in the Gar-dengoer and will be an attachment to MoM. To pay your dues submit a check made payable to STMGA for twelve dollars attached to the Membership Renewal Form. (Membership Renewal Forms and a stapler will be availa-ble at the October, November, and December meetings of STMGA.) The completed Membership Renewal Form is necessary to verify the information to be printed in the Directory, determine support for present STMGA committees, projects, and make a re-commitment to the LSU Ag Master Gardener Program. Checks may be mailed to Sue Stoltz, 67301 Bill Stoltz Road, Pearl River, LA 70452. Dues are being accepted now and will be delinquent after December 31, 2014. Membership checks will be deposited only if the member has posted on the LSU AgCenter web site the re-quired number of volunteer and education hours for 2014. The Commitment statement is available at: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/master_gardener/program/guidelinesasalouisianamastergardener.htm

Renewing STMGA Membership for 2015

12

2015 STMGA Membership Renewal Form Please PRINT all information so that it is clear and easy to read.

Name (as you wish it to appear in the directory.) ____________________________________

Mailing Address - Street or PO Box _________________________________________________

City and ZIP Code _______________________________________________________

Phone numbers (home) __________________ (cell) _______________________________

Email address _________________________________________

Committee and Project Support In 2015 I will support by giving time to the following committees and projects: (check all that apply)

Committees

____ Spring Plant Sale

____ Gardengoer

____ Historical Committee

____ Membership

____ Program

____ Scholarship

____ MoM

____ Hospitality

____ Awards

____ Publicity

____ Merchandise

____ Gloves

____ Administrative STMGA Organization

____ Muscle Committee

____ 4-H Activities

____ Other ___________________________

____ None of the above

Education Outreach

___ Ag Center Phone Support

___ Spring Seminar

___ Fall Seminar

___ Table Talks

___ Speaker’s Bureau

___ Covington Farmers’ Market

___ Slidell Camellia City Farmers’ Market

___ West St. Tammany Habitat

___ Vegucators

Projects

___ Abita Springs Library Garden

___ AG Center Super Plants Garden

___ Covington Parent Center Garden

___ Lacombe Wildlife Butterfly Garden

___ Otis House Butterfly Garden

___ School Gardens

___ Slidell CCC Giving Garden

___ Slidell Library Herb Garden

___ Slidell Memorial Hospital Rehab Garden

Recommitment

___________ (Initial for agreement) I have read the Commitment for Louisiana Master Gardeners and agree to abide by its terms. (The Commitment is on page 1-5 of the Louisiana Master Gardner Handbook or available on line at http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/master_gardener/program/guidelinesasalouisianamastergardener.htm )

Send the completed form along with a dues payment of $12 made out to STMGA to Sue Stoltz, Membership Chair 67301 Bill Stoltz Road Pearl River, LA 70452 The check for 2015 Dues will be deposited when the required volunteer and education hours are posted to the LSU Web site.

13

Master Gardener Merchandise Order Now—Due December 17th

Item Description Color (circle choice) Size (circle choice) Cost

A Timberline Men's Polo

Moss/white trim

Black/white trim

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $29.49

2XL - +$2*

3XL - + $3*

B Timberline Women's Polo

Moss/white trim

Black/white trim

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $29.49

2XL - +$2*

3XL - + $3*

C Visor KHAKI $11.99

D Hat STONE / FOREST $12.99

E Women's long-sleeve denim N/A

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $25.99

2XL - +$1.50*

3XL - +$2.50*

F Men's long-sleeve denim N/A

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $25.99

2XL - +$1.50*

3XL - +$2.50*

Women's long-sleeve fitted denim N/A

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $36.99

2XL - +$1.50*

3XL - +$2.50*

Women's short-sleeve denim N/A

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $31.99

2XL - +$1.50*

3XL - +$2.50*

Men's short-sleeve denim N/A

S / M / L / XL /

2XL* / 3XL* $31.99

2XL - +$1.50*

3XL - +$2.50*

I Apron Hunter Green / Stone N/A $14.99

Garden Flag N/A N/A $12.50

MG Tote Bag

Natural Beige Bag with: Royal

Blue / Light Pink / Chocolate

Brown / Red / Navy Blue /

Maroon Red / Black N/A $16.00

TOTAL $

Checks payable to: Dee Middleton

Mail to: 329 Highland Crest Drive Questions? (504) 578-4196 - Cell

Covington, LA 70435 doloresmiddleton@ymail.com

Garden Flag Tote Bag

Orders due by December 17th Dee will be available at the December meeting to take orders

Or contact Dee by cell or email

14

Master Gardener Merchandise Continued

A

B

C

D

15

Master Gardener Merchandise Continued

F

E

I

16

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Membership Meeting Castine Center at Pelican Park in Mandeville

November 19, 2014 Minutes

The meeting was called to order by President Susie Andres at 10 a.m. The invocation was by Donna Howland and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Susie.

Attendance: 88

Susie informed us that Lonnie Holbrook has master gardeners’ cards and membership books and that Dee Middleton has master gardeners logo merchandise in the back of the room see them at the break. Susie then “welcomed the new class to the meeting.

County Agent Will Afton had no updates. He does appreciate the volunteers helping at the AgCenter. He pointed out the different name tags for the new class adding that after complet-ing 40 volunteer hours they will then get the gold name tag. Will introduced Heather Niemic from the AgCenter. She works with 4H Youth Wetlands Program. She needs volunteers please contact Will if interested.

Program: Mar tha introduced our speaker , Gerry Ballanco, STMGA Class of 2009. Ger-ry gave a very enjoyable talk about Gardening in Alaska.

Motion made by Betty Rose and seconded by Pierre Bouchee to accept the minutes as they ap-peared in the Gardengoer. Motion approved.

Officers’ Reports:

Treasurer - Pam Rowe reported that the Treasurer’s report was emailed to the membership. She stated that income this month was from Fall Field Trip, books and glove sales.

Vice President - Martha Gruning finished for the year. Contact Linda Rowe if you have ideas for programs. She thanked everyone who went on Field Trip, it was a fun day. She also men-tions that a map direction to Suzanne Krieger’s house in Slidell is in MoM.

President - Susie announced that Bart Loomis pasted away. She attended the service, very nice. The organization will be making a donation in Bart’s name. Susie did attend the Region-al Conference in Baton Rouge, 24 speakers we might be interested in. Alabama will have the regional conference in 2018 and the international conference is in 2015 at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Gerri Sommers is stepping down as Education Chairman; Ty will appoint a member to fill this position in January.

President-Elect - Ty Guidroz asked that you email him if you are interested in any project or position now or in the future.

Committee Reports:

Garden Show/Plant Sale – Kay and Pete Hanson announced that January will be the first meeting. If you have any suggestion for vendors let Kay know. Joe Lapine has volunteered to co-chair.

17

Hospitality – Barbara Moore announced Christmas Party on December 17, 11:30 a.m. at Su-zanne Krieger’s house in Slidell. Deadline is December 10, $15 each. Plant exchange, $10 minimum.

Scholarship - Pam Peltier announced that the Scholarship committee will meet December 1, 10 a.m. at Betty Cronin house.

Honor Awards – Sandy Arnoult asked if you have 50 hours or more please sign up for either brick or magazine. She has the signup sheet.

Project Reports:

Spring Seminar: Jan Gardner Chairman for the spring seminar Tuesday, February 3, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Covington. She thanked everyone who vol-unteered to mentor. Will working on getting speakers. Cost $20 including lunch.

Fall Seminar: Susie announced the seminar attendance was 185, 201 paid. Wrap up meeting held this morning. There will be a fall seminar, talk with Ty if you want to chair.

Lacombe Butterfly Garden: Kay and Pete Hanson reported on “Wild Things.” The master gar-deners’ booth had 1,000 visitors. Kay and Pete are stepping down and need a chairman for next year.

Parenting Center: Monster Mash Will spoke for Marie Porche. This is the Center’s fund raiser. Master gardeners had information on starting a garden. Great turn out; open a lot of opportuni-ties for us.

Wooden Boat Fest: Mona Russell, chairman, thanked everyone who helped. They had planned for 300 children and had that many on Saturday.

Abita Library: Martha Gruning, chairman, Fall event “Color it Cool” 27 attended good presen-tation by master gardeners. Lots of great support from the library.

Slidell Library Herb Garden: Betty Rose reported on the Fall Herb Fest. Attendance was down, only 200 people. Not well publicize with the library. Speakers were good.

Covington Elementary School: Theresa Wilfert reported that 21 children started working on the gardens, doing well.

Vegucator - Deborah Nolan announced that the Vegucators is graduating another class. Next class starts in January and is expanded to include citrus and fruit.

Unfinished Business: No

New Business:

Susie would like a motion made to order 25 copies of the Louisiana Home Vegetable Gardening and 25 copies of the Louisiana Home Fruit and Nut Production booklets. We get a 25% dis-count and no shipping (Will picks the booklets up). Motion made by Barbara Moore to pur-chase both booklets and second by Deborah Nolan. Motion passed.

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Membership Meeting Castine Center at Pelican Park in Mandeville

November 19, 2014 Minutes Continued

18

Susie will order a few copies of the Private Pesticide Applicator booklet to keep at the AgCenter. Individuals who want their own copy email Susie.

Announcements: Next board meeting date and time TBD by new board.

Meeting adjourned at 11:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Peggy Goertz, Secretary

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Membership Meeting Castine Center at Pelican Park in Mandeville

November 19, 2014 Minutes Continued

19

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Membership Meeting Castine Center at Pelican Park in Mandeville

November 19, 2014 Minutes Continued

Will Afton introduced Heather Niemic 4H Youth Wetlands Program

Gerry Ballanco, STMGA Class of 2009

Gardening in Alaska

20

Last meeting for this Board group—outgoing Board Members Pam Rowe, Susie Andres, Martha Gruning, remaining for another year Peggy Goertz

King Cake?

See Dee Middleton for MG merchandise

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Membership Meeting Castine Center at Pelican Park in Mandeville

November 19, 2014 Minutes Continued

21

President Susie Andres called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. The new board and project and committee chairs were invited to attend. Attendance: Susie Andres, Martha Gruning, Pam Rowe, Julie Deus, Jan Pesses, Ty Guidroz, Jimmy Dejean, Linda Rowe, Pete Hanson, Kay Hanson, Barbara Moore, Sue McGuire, Judy Wood, Art Scott, Kathleen Guidry, Gail Hinkley, Sandy Arnoult, Nancy Thompson, Dee Mid-dleton, Deborah Nolan, and Peggy Goertz. Julie Deus motioned to accept the June board minutes as presented in the Gardengoer. Pam Rowe seconded. Motion approved. Committee Reports: Merchandise – Dee Middleton made a recommendation to the board that when placing orders for totes and/or flags if need be to bumped up to minimum order number, have the organization pay the difference, and then sell the extras at the general membership meetings. Totes (12 min-imum) $16 each and Flags (25 minimum) $12.50 each to place order. Honor Awards - Sandy Arnoult stated that the order for bricks will be placed early because of price increase first of the year. Hours need to be entered by December 15. Cost of the bricks is $23 each. Historian - Kathleen Guidry and Gail Hinkley announced that the organization’s scrapbook will be in an electronic format making it more accessible to members. They asked that you please email pictures to them for the scrapbook. Kathleen and Gail stated they would like to do a presentation at the January meeting. MoM – Art Scott asked that if you have anything for MoM to mail it to his personal email ad-dress. Deadline for MoM is Saturday noon. MoM is sent to only members. The purpose is to cut down on number of emails members receive from the organization. Membership – Sue McGuire (Judy Wood) will be membership chair starting 2015. Gardengoer – Jan Pesses looking for more reporters and pictures for the Gardengoer. She will put a reminder in MoM to remind committees, etc., to take pictures and email them to her. Hospitality – Barbara Moore announced that the Christmas party is going to be nice. The committee has devised a new method for the plant swap. Please bring a plant (minimum $10) to swap. Program – Martha Gruning stated that the fall field trip to Longue Vue Home and Gardens and to City Park Botanical Gardens was very nice and she has passed on a list of suggestions for programs and field trips to Linda. Gloves – Peggy Goertz the gloves are selling.

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Board Meeting AgCenter

November 7, 2014 Minutes

22

Plant Sale – Pete and Kay Hanson are the new Garden Show/Plant Sale chairmen. They an-nounced that would like to increase the educational component of the show. Vendor letters will be going out shortly. Wednesday, December 3 will be a meeting for all Plant Sale chairs. Finance - Pam Rowe, Treasurer, gave the Treasurer report for November. She stated that she is using the old laptop for the financial reports. She has the new signature cards for Ty (new pres-ident) and Jimmy (new treasurer) and will renew with the Secretary of State the new officers.

Scholarship – Susie reported for Pam Peltier, chairman, that the guidelines for the St. Tamma-ny Parish Master Gardener Scholarship have been completed. The committee has put together an informational handout to be distributed at the Farmer Markets. Project Reports: Julie Deus reported on projects.

Abita Library – Fall event “Color it Cool” well attended by master gardeners.

Lacombe Butterfly Garden – need new chairs, Kay and Pete have stepped down. Kay added that over 1,000 people went through the garden during Wild Things. Master gardeners’ booth is the only craft activity for children at the event.

Speaker Bureau – Gerri Sommers, Educational Chairman; Julie Deus, Hands in the Dirt Chair-man. Gerri is stepping down; Ty will appoint a member to fill that position in January.

Slidell Hospital Rehab Garden – Committee is planning for more education programs.

Slidell Senior Center – Project on hold. Article in The Advocate stating that the master garden-ers will be working with the Center’s green team. Julie doesn’t know anything about this. Slidell Library Herb Garden – Fall Herb Fest attendance was down this year. Otis House – Thoughts about possibility converting the garden into a rose garden. School Gardens – Christy Paulsell is doing a good job. Vegucator - Deborah Nolan announced that as of December 10 four new vegucators. There are plans of expanding beyond vegetables adding citrus and fruit to the program. The group is also thinking of the possibility of participating at the Covington Farmer Market on a different week from master gardener weekend. Parenting Center – Will spoke for Marie Porche. Monster Mash was great, lots of good public-ity for master gardeners, lots of teachers interested. Habitat for Humanity – Nancy Thompson stated that new homeowners are required to attend the master gardeners program before moving in. Program is half education classes and half in-stalling plants. Habitat could use trees check with Nancy for more information.

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Board Meeting AgCenter

November 7, 2014 Minutes Continued

23

Beau Provence Assisted Living Center – Not an official project. New Business: Susie announced that the Covington Market, Lacombe Butterfly Garden, Abita Library and Ed-ucation Committee will need new chairmen for next year. The February general membership meeting will be moved to February 25 because of Mardi Gras. Ty Guidroz, President elect, would like to have a social media committee established. This committee would look into the organization having a website and Facebook page. Judy Wood suggested that the committee get in touch with LSU about guidelines. Julie Deus made a mo-tion that an ad hoc social media committee be established. Martha Gruning second. Motion passed. Next Board meeting Ty will let the board know.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Peggy Goertz

St. Tammany Master Gardeners Board Meeting AgCenter

November 7, 2014 Minutes Continued

24

25

Calendar of Events

December 2014

1 Scholarship Committee Meeting 10:00 AM contact Pam Peltier, peltier72@aol.com

3 Plant Sale Committee Meeting—AgCenger 10:00 AM contact Pete and Kay Hanson hansonpk@bellsouth.net

3 Spring Seminar 2015 meeting 1:00 PM AgCenter contact Jan Gardner

5 Deadline to order Pesticide Manual contact Susie Andres susieandres@gmail.com

9 Wine Making Course—Ag Center 6:30 PM —8:30 PM

10 Christmas Party deadline Wednesday December 10th babsofil@gmail.com

10 Vegucator Class 9 AM

13 Slidell Market 8 AM to noon

15 Deadline to select Exceptional Service award contact Sandy Arnoult sarnoult@charter.net

17 STPMG Christmas Party Suzanne Krieger’s house (Slidell) contact Barbara Moore mailto:babsofil@gmail.com

20 Covington Market 8 AM—noon

25 Gardengoer Deadline

31 Deadline for 2015 dues contact Sue Stoltz sue@auduboncreek.com

January 2015

TBD Wine Making Course—Ag Center 6:30 PM —8:30 PM

TBD Vegucator Class 9 AM

10 Slidell Market 8 AM to noon

17 Covington Market 8 AM—noon

21 STPMG Monthly Meeting Castine Center 10 AM

25 Gardengoer Deadline

Stay Tuned for 2015 Calendar Updates

February 2015

TBD Wine Making Course—Ag Center 6:30 PM —8:30 PM

TBD Vegucator Class 9 AM

3 Spring Seminar First Baptist Covington see MoM for details

14 Slidell Market 8 AM to noon

21 Covington Market 8 AM—noon

25 STPMG Monthly Meeting Castine Center 10 AM— note change in date-4th Wednesday

25 Gardengoer Deadline

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PRESIDENT: Susie Andres, susieandres@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT & PROGRAMS: Martha Gruning, mgruning@bellsouth.net TREASURER: Pam Rowe, PamMG09@yahoo.com SECRETARY: Peggy Goertz, peggpegg@aol.com LSU AGCENTER MASTER GARDENER COORDINATOR/COUNTY AGENT: Will Afton, WAfton@agcenter.lsu.edu LSU AGCENTER OFFICE: Mary Beth Kaizer, MKaizer@agcenter.lsu.edu LSU AGCENTER OFFICE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Cindy Manger, beachin70124@gmail.com COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST: Art Scott, folsomart@bellsouth.net GLOVES: Peggy Goertz, peggpegg@aol.com HISTORICAL: Kathleen Guidry, katfire@bellsouth.net Gail Hinkley, dcghinkley@bellsouth.net HONORS: Sandy Arnoult, sarnoult@charter.net

HOSPITALITY: Barbara Moore, babsofil@gmail.com MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: Judy Wood, jazzwood@charter.net MERCHANDISE: Dee Middleton, doloresmiddleton@ymail.com NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Jan Pesses, pessesgardengoer@gmail.com PARLIMENTARIAN: Art Scott, folsomart@bellsouth.net PLANT SHOW: Kay and Pete Hansen, hansonpk@bellsouth.net PROJECTS COMMITTEE: Julie Deus, juliedeus6@gmail.com

PUBLICITY: Ty Guidroz, tyguidroz@charter.net SCHOLARSHIP: Pam Peltier, peltier72@aol.com

SPEAKERS BUREAU: Gerri Sommers, gsommers@bellsouth.net ABITA SPRINGS LIBRARY: Martha Gruning, mgruning@bellsouth.net

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CONCERN SLIDELL GIVING GARDEN: Paul Andres, pkandres@bellsouth.net

COVINGTON FARMERS’ MKT: Jill Stoltz, mailto:Jill@businessworks.com LACOMBE BUTTERFLY GARDEN: Kay Hanson, hansonpk@bellsouth.net LSU AGCENTER LOUISIANA SUPER PLANT GARDEN: Janet Ronquillo, justang5@cox.net MAGIC WINGS BUTTERFLY GARDEN: Marie Porche, marieporche@yahoo.com OTIS HOUSE BUTTERFLY GARDEN: Ann Durel, adurel@bellsouth.net ROOTING THE FUTURE: MGs PARTNER WITH STPSB SCHOOLS: Christy Paulsell, j.christine.paulsell@stpsb.org

SLIDELL FARMER’S MKT: Sue Clites, mailto:suethern@yahoo.com SLIDELL HERB GARDEN: June Taffaro cptjpt @yahoo.com Camille Schwandt camilleschwandt@charter.net

SLIDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL REHAB GAR-DEN: Leslie Landeche, rocknlou@bellsouth.net

VEGUCATORS & TOMATO FOCUS GROUP: Deborah Nolan, mamere09@gmail.com

W. ST. TAMMANY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT: Nancy Thompson, nthomps25@bellsouth.net

STPMG Directory

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Notes From the Editor: I would like to thank all of you for your articles and pictures for our 2014 Gardengoer issues. I

have a special thank you to Kathleen Guidry for her wonderful Word of the Month articles. Each month I can’t wait to see what she has to say! As our association grows, we are growing the Gar-dengoer staff. We will have more photographers and writers available to our project chairs to cap-ture our events. Thank you to those of you who have volunteered.

Looking forward to a great 2015! Master Gardener Photo Link: 2014 Pictures (press Ctrl click) https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_pGgpE3CheTUFdDbGRGczIwR0U&usp=sharing

Past issues of the Gardengoer can be found on the LSU AgCenter, St. Tammany webpage. All issues since January 2010 are listed.. Below is a link to the issues online. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/our_offices/parishes/St.+Tammany/Features/Newsletters/Gardengoer/index.htm We are having issues with posting some of our back issues, but we are working to solve the prob-lems. Here is the link to the LSU AgCenter site to log your hours. Keep posting those hours on a regular basis. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/master_gardener/Reporting+Volunteer+Hours/ Jan Pesses

THE GARDENGOER

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

ST. TAMMANY MASTER

GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

Cooperative Extension Service

St. Tammany Parish

1301 N. Florida Street

Covington, LA 70433

Phone: 985-875-2635 (Covington)

Fax: 985-875-2639

Website: www.lsuagcenter.com/

mastergardener/