Revised GMGA Districts (2)

News from the Northwest (3)

News from the Northeast (8)

News from Central (10)

News from the Southeast (10)

News from the Southwest (11)

GMGA Spring Conference in Rome, GA (12)

Grants (13)

Membership (18)

Directory (19)

The Scoop

In This Issue

Hello, Georgia Master Gardeners, I bring you greetings from your GMGA Board. A Little History – We’ve all heard of the creation of Master Gardeners in 1973 through Washington State University Extension. Perhaps you also know that the first Georgia Master Gardener training class was offered by UGA Extension in Atlanta in 1979, but have you wondered how our organization of GMGA came into being?

I’ve recently had something of a history lesson on this subject. I learned that the first state-wide meeting of Master Gardeners was held in 1988. Some of our members remember this occasion, but most are like me. We weren’t Master Gardeners back then.

Gary Wade, who was the State Master Gardener Coordinator at the time, wrote, “The year 1988 was an exciting one for Master Gardeners in Georgia. Our first state conference was a huge success. It not only brought together Master Gardeners from around the state to share information and exchange ideas, but it also fostered a new spirit among Master Gardeners and an eagerness to help strengthen our statewide program. It was suggested that a system for networking or sharing among Master Gardeners be established.”

In 1990, from these beginnings, the Georgia Master Gardener Association was formed based on the belief that a statewide organization might help all Georgia Master Gardeners to communicate, learn and serve the public better. In 2003 GMGA became a 501(c)(3) corporation. We have assumed many responsibilities—state conferences, our newsletter The Scoop, garden grants, internal communications with local units—and we are moving on in 2011 to tackle new issues and challenges. The Present – You may notice a change in who your District Director is this year. The Board has increased the number of District Directors from eight to fourteen in order to provide better communications and service to local Master Gardener groups. Elsewhere in this edition of the Scoop, you’ll find a map of the new districts and a list of Directors and the counties they serve.

District Directors are a critical component of GMGA. They are the link between the Board and members in their districts. They maintain lines of communication with County Agents and local Master Gardener organizations and facilitate sharing of information about educational programs and gardening events. Your District Director is your first point of contact when applying for a project grant. He or she must sign off on your grant application and will monitor progress of funded projects. (continued on page 2)

Spring 2011 Georgia Master Gardeners Association

President’s Message

March 19 as Georgia Master Gardener Day

Georgia Master Gardeners help backyard gardeners across the state grow. And the service they provide is literally worth a fortune. Last year, Master Gardeners in Georgia worked 221,184 hours and travelled 945,375 miles, donating the equivalent of $4.8 million through the volunteer service.

Marco Fonseca presented the Governor a "big" check to the Citizens of Georgia for $4,826,948 representing the value of MG volunteer hours for 2010. We received the Governor's proclamation designating March 19 as Master Gardener Day in Georgia.

See the full story at http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu

From left to right: Sandra Edwards, CES Program Assistant, Fayette Co.; Terry Fonseca, DeKalb MG; Marco Fonseca, State MG Coordinator; Governor Nathan Deal; WH Smith, Carroll MG and 2011 GMGA President; Tom Wilson, Fayette MG; and Sherry and Paul Beggs, Douglas County MGs. All four of the folks from Fayette and Douglas are PAR leaders in their communities.

GMGA MISSION STATEMENT

To stimulate the interest in and

increase the knowledge of

gardening, and to voluntarily,

enthusiastically, and responsibly

share this knowledge with

others.

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Spring 2011 Page 2

Revised GMGA Districts Approved by Board January 19, 2011

President’s Message (continued from page 1)

There are many other things on the Board’s agenda for 2011. We’ll be working hard to keep you informed and we count on your support and involvement.

GMGA Needs You - It’s through our members that we get our work done, are able to offer garden grants, hold conferences, and support the ongoing work of GMGA and Extension. I know that many local Master Gardener groups are vital and dynamic and that your work with local organizations is satisfying and rewarding. (I belong to what I think is one of the best of those, in Carroll County.) The way I see it, belonging to GMGA simply caps the whole great Master Gardener experience!

If you haven’t already renewed your membership in GMGA for 2011, please do so now. Go on line to pay, or print a form and mail it in. I’d ask you to go one step further: Remind a friend to do the same or talk to a new Master Gardener or one who doesn’t belong to GMGA and encourage them to join.

So long for now and Happy Gardening. I hope to see you every one at the Forum in Rome April 29-30!

WH Smith, 2011 GMGA President Carroll County Master Gardener since 2001

Revised GMGA Districts

There's a new webmistress in town and she's looking for articles, photos, suggestions, comments, anythings and everythings from the membership. The website is for the members and input is eagerly solicited. This email account is set up for GMGA use. Please use it.

www.georgiamastergardeners.org Terri Ceravolo Sweet Apple Graphics gmgawebmaster@graphicsgreen.com 770.329.7722

Communications

My mailbox continues to fill up with requests to send info to the Master Gardener listserv. It's wonderful being able to do this service for our volunteers and groups, but here are a few reminders about the listserv.

If you are sending something to go out, the listserv doesn't accept attachments. We can't use any information that can't be cut and pasted into e-mail body text. Please include complete information including event address, contacts, costs, etc.

Please don't ask us to resend info that you accidentally deleted from your e-mail box. As much as I love being helpful, we do have well over two thousand people on this list. You can find the exact information in the listserv archive at:

http://listserv.uga.edu/archives/gamgardener-l.html

You can also register a password at this listserv site and that will allow you to manage your preferences like starting or stopping e-mails when you travel, or you can change how the listserv messages are delivered to you: daily as one big digest or individually. You can also receive them as a list of messages titles with links to read them at the online archives.

Remember, you can also use the MG Events Blog and Calendar to help you keep track of the things you are interested in.

http://georgiamgevents.blogspot.com

Krissy Slagle UGA CAES Cooperative Extension Georgia Master Gardener Program

ListServ Information Website

The newsletter is taking on a new look as we minimize size to save costs and move more general information to the website.

As your new Scoop editor, I invite you to send me PLENTY of pictures and news of what Master Gardeners are doing in your community. The newsletter is about PEOPLE and we want to see your SMILING FACES!

Meanwhile, bear with me as we make the transition. If you have any questions about the new format, please drop me a line.

Kimber Pepper Carroll County MG 408 W Lakeshore Dr Carrollton, GA 30117 gmgscoop@gmail.com 770.286.2631

Newsletter

Issue

Deadline

Publish

Spring Feb 15 Mar 15 Summer May 15 June 15 Fall Aug 15 Sept 15 Winter Nov 15 Dec 15

Please keep submissions to 1000 words or less.

Newsletter Deadlines

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Spring 2011 Page 3

Northwest District 1

Russell Brannon rlbsjb@windstream.net 678-493-7229

Bartow

Catoosa

Chatooga

Cherokee

Dade

Floyd

Gordon

Murray

Walker

Whitfield

Northwest District 2

Jack Driskell elgate@aol.com 770-428-1317

Carroll

Cobb

Coweta

Douglas

Haralson

Heard

Paulding

Polk

Northwest District 3

Tony Rusciano afinered@aol.com 770-772-9194

DeKalb

Forsyth

Fulton

Gwinnett

Northwest District 4

Dick Chenoweth Disu42@bellsouth.net 770-483-0760

Clayton

Fayette

Henry

Newton

Rockdale

Spalding

Northwest District 5

Joan Benz jbtcmg@charter.net 706-645-1999

Chattahoochee

Harris

Lamar

Meriwether

Muscogee

Pike

Talbot

I am the garden writer for Fayette Woman magazine and also do a blog online for Fayette Woman. My blog is called “Garden Views.” To read my latest entry, click on the following link:

http://fayettewoman.com/author/bonnie I just started blogging for Georgia Gardening Magazine. The blog is “A View from My Garden.” Follow this link to read about a gardening show with a musical theme: http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/g

a/blog_02_summary/

Bonnie Helander

Fayette Master Gardener

The Weekend Drive

News from the Northwest

I will continue to send messages about events and other items of interest to Master Gardeners via the listserv. However, I will also be posting them on a new blog. Using the blog allows for easier access for readers to view archives and I can include some pictures and links. If you're already a blog reader, you can also subscribe to the blog or add it to your dashboard. Bookmark this address for future reference

www.georgiamgevents.blogspot.com I also have another blog that may be of interest, Life in the Garden, which is about our activities on Wednesdays in the UGA Research and Education Garden with volunteers and friends. That blog is

http://gardenfriend.blogspot.com Remember to visit:

www.gamastergardener.org.

Krissy Slagle, UGA CAES Cooperative Extension, Georgia Master Gardener Program

Follow Krissy’s Blog!

Carroll County Master Gardeners Mother’s Day Plant Sale Saturday, May 7 from 9:00-1:00 Carroll County Ag Center, 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton Information: Carroll County Extension Office at 770.836.8546 Coweta County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale Saturday, April 09 from 9:00-2:00 Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan Information: Coweta County Extension Office at 770. 254.2620

DeKalb Master Gardener Association Spring Plant Sale Saturday, April 30 from 9:00-1:00 Northlake Mall Parking Lot Information: www.DMGA.org or e-mail DeKalbGardener@gmail.com

Fayette Master Gardeners Association 3rd Annual Plant Sale and Demonstration Saturday, April 30 from 8:00-2:00 Fayette County Administration Complex Parking Lot 140 Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville Information: call 770.305.5153 or email fmga08@gmail.com

Forsyth County Master Gardeners Annual Spring Plant Sale Saturday, May 7, from 9:30-2:30 The Avenue Forsyth, in the lot between Furniture Express and Hwy. 141 - the exit off GA 400 is Exit 13, Bethelview Road and Hwy. 141 Information: Forsyth County Extension Office at 770.887.2418 Fayette Master Gardeners Association 6th Annual Spring Garden Tour Saturday, April 30 from 10:00-4:00, rain or shine Additional information: call 770.305.5153 or email fmga08@gmail.com

Visit six fabulous gardens located in Peachtree City, Brooks and Fayetteville. Tour passes cost $15.00 per person and will be available at local businesses beginning in April.

Follow Bonnie’s Blog!

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Fayette Master Gardeners Contribute 88% of

Fresh Produce to Atlanta Food Banks in 2010

PAR

Read more about this story submitted to TheCitizen.com by Bonnie Helander. Click on the link to find the article.

http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-13-2010/fayette-master-

gardeners-contribute-88-percent-fresh-produce-atlanta-food-banks-

Fayette Food Feat

Valley Master Gardeners University of Georgia Extension Columbus Botanical Garden Gardening with the Masters Series begins March 3 $12 per session ($10 MG or CBG member) Information or to register: call the Columbus Botanical Garden at 706.327.8400

March 17 - Plant Selection March 24 - Veggies 101 March 31 - Organics 101 April 7 - Container Veggies April 14 - Happening Herbs April 21 - Watchable Wildlife April 28 - Heavenly Hydrangeas

Cherokee County Master Gardeners Free Seminars Information: call the Cherokee County Extension office at 770. 479.0418 or email uge1057@uga.edu Visit our website at www.ugaextension.com/cherokee

March 19 - Fairy Gardening April 9 - Gardening for all Seasons: Spring April 23 - Let’s Hear it for the Birds April 30 - Alternative Gardening Techniques May 7 - Native Plants May 14 - Hooray for Herbs May 21 - How to Garden Frugally June 11 - Composting, Vermiculture and

Growing Mushrooms June 25 - Pollinators are our Friends

GNPS meetings are held at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

1345 Piedmont Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA

GNPS PO Box 422085

Atlanta, GA 30342-2085 770-343-6000 or www.gnps.org

Georgia Native Plant Society

Georgia Wildlife Federation

11600 Hazelbrand Road Covington, GA 30014

Ph: 770-787-7887, Fax: 770-787-9229 http://www.gwf.org

DeKalb Master Gardener Association Awards Fourth Scholarship for 2010-2011 School Year

The DeKalb Master Gardener Association was pleased to present a total of $3000 in horticulture scholarships for the current school year. We awarded $2,500 to three students at our September 2010 meeting. Our last scholarship winner, Tony Gobert, received his award at our January 2011 meeting. He is one of two DeKalb County residents in the horticulture program at Gwinnett Technical College to receive a $500 scholarship for this school year.

Tony Gobert attends Gwinnett Tech and resides in DeKalb County. Tony grew up on a farm in Louisiana at a time when the garden provided a major part of a family's food supply. Inspired by his mother and father, he developed a special bond with his family and the earth at an early age. His studies at Gwinnett Technical College follow a career that included college, the U.S. Army, GE, and GTE. Tony hopes to see more local urban gardens because the health of our children and grandchildren can be improved by the consumption of more fresh vegetables. He is interested in the efficient capture and usage of water as it benefits our environment and the quality of our fruits and vegetables.

DMGA members take great pleasure in seeing the fruits of their labors going to such worthy causes. Their now famous Spring Plant Sale at the end of April is the sole fundraiser for the association. They are very proud to be assisting in the education of the next generation of horticulture professionals. DMGA is an association of about forty Master Gardeners and friends in DeKalb County, Georgia. Their mission is education, service, and social activities. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.dmga.org. Have you stopped learning yet?

Submitted by Mike Doyle President, DMGA

www.dmga.org

Master Gardener LOGO

Please remember that the Georgia Master Gardener Program logo is trademarked by the USG Board of Regents and permission to use must be granted by the University of Georgia through its Division of External Affairs.

This mostly pertains to use on merchandise and similar uses, but also includes personal use on social networking sites, blogs, etc.

Ms. Mary Beth Crumley in the External Affairs Service Office at 706-542-4583 can assist with any questions. Visit: www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/policies/nodes/view/203/Logos-and-Trademarks

2011 International Master Gardener Conference October 11-14 Charleston, WV

Hosted by the West Virginia University Extension Service and the West Virginia Master Gardener Association, the conference will feature a variety of presentations for every level of the soil yielding arts from the study of plant materials to the challenges of sustainability.

For more details visit: http://imgc.ext.wvu.edu

Further Education

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This photo of the author’s layout shows an Aristo-Craft locomotive with a custom wood built station and town. The track is LGB and has been in place since 1997. It is ballasted with Chicken Grit, a crushed granite rock, available at most feed and seed stores. Petunias and Hosta can be seen in this photograph. Note the water garden in the background. Many garden railroaders find themselves adding water features to their garden as they provide additional interest.

Introduction to Garden Railroading

Model railroading has been around for over a century. It is fascinating for all ages, especially with the recent popularity of Thomas the Tank Engine and toys. One of the fastest growing aspects of the model train hobby is garden railroading, or taking the models outside and actually running them. While some people may not have room in the house, most everyone has some room outside to dedicate to the hobby of garden railroading. Small gardens in the back of the house became the norm in Europe in the early 1900’s and soon, people were placing their trains in these gardens. Most trains were hand made in the early years, but around 1970, a German company, Lehmann’s Toy Trains, introduced a model train that could run outdoors and soon the idea spread to America. Lehmann’s became known as LGB, one of the leading makers of outdoor trains. The LGB trains can run in the rain or even snow! This is true now of all the garden train brands.

Garden railroading fits in nicely with traditional gardening. In addition to the plants with their colorful blooms and foliage, you get the movement of the trains as well as train sounds. Some of the trains can be very colorful, too. The railroad and garden can be started from scratch or it can be installed in an existing garden by planning track to go around and through the plants. Some garden railroaders use full size traditional plants in their garden, while some specialize in miniature or bonsai type plantings to make them appear as appropriate scale sized scenery for the trains to run around.

The traditional indoor sized trains, often called N scale or HO scale are too small for outdoor use. Lionel sized trains have been used outdoors, but are still smaller than what is desired for outdoor use. LGB introduced the 1:22.5 scale, based on European 2 foot gauge trains. These were small colorful trains that looked nice on tight turns in the real 1:1 scale world as well as in the garden. Other companies, like USA TRAINS, Bachmann, and Aristo-Craft Trains introduced a 1:29 scale standard gauge train that has proved reliable and accepted by the American market. The newest scale to hit the market is 1:20 scale to represent Colorado narrow gauge trains. All these scales operate on the same gauge track. While it can be confusing at first, one can learn very quickly what they like and what will work in their garden.

The hobby of garden railroading can be simply placing the ready made train into the garden, or it can become as involved as using wood-working skills to build structures and trestles. Photography could be worked into ones interest as well, as could electronics by making the train and some features remote controlled. Falling in love with the smaller trains might even lead you to take up riding real trains around America or throughout the world. The hobby can be as simple or as complex as you desire, or as time permits.

In today’s world, most trains and supplies are purchased over the internet. Some local hobby shops still carry some model railroad supplies. Stores such as Michael’s and Hobby Lobby also have craft supplies that can be used in garden railroading. Most Hobbytown USA stores carry limited supplies for the garden railroader. Still, the best pricing can be found at internet stores like Trainworld, RLD Hobbies, St. Aubins Trains, and G-Scale Junction.

Just like Master Gardeners, you can learn directly from others by joining groups. The Georgia Garden Railway Society has meetings at different locations throughout the metro Atlanta area each month at member’s homes. This way you get to see what others have done. Each meeting provides an opportunity to bring ideas home to your own backyard. See http://ggrs.info for complete info on the local organization. There are even national conventions where you get to ride around on charter buses looking at 4-7 different train set ups each day, then return to a convention hall with dealers and manufacturers showing off the latest offerings. The 2011 convention is in Kansas City. See http://www.ngrc2011.com for complete convention info. A smaller garden railroad show is coming up in May at Dalton, Georgia, just up I-75 at the Northwest Georgia Trade Center. See http://www.segrs.com for information on this local show.

Submitted by Ted Yarbrough

This is a simple oval of track with a pea gravel base and bird houses used as buildings. Almost anyone can have a set up like this. Or, if desired, you can get as detailed as you like with your structures and trains as in the photo below.

The author is a former Master Gardener and is on the executive board of the Georgia Garden Railway Society. He also teaches 8th grade in Whitfield County, Georgia.

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Arty's Garden: The People Who Live in My Garden

The 2010 Census counted everyone in my house but not the people living in my garden. There are at least 15. Many of these people are no longer in this world, but live on in the flowers, trees, vegetables and shrubs they gave me and my family. Let me see…there are daylilies from my first-grade teacher; daffodils and a yucca from Mom-ma Robinson; a Japanese maple given by a professor when I graduated from college; a fountain -like plumbago from my allergist; Egyptian walking onions from an uncle; ‘Aloha’, a 1949 hybrid tea rose from an aunt; English boxwoods from Uncle Bob Keever, the great-uncle who taught me how to root cuttings of shrubs; sunflowers and rose campion from Hettie and Luther Yarborough, my “adopted” grandparents next door; ferns, trilliums and red spider lilies from Tony Clack, my friend and favorite Cabbagetown neighbor; and others from friends and relatives.

There is a maxim I have heard all my life: “I’ve never met a stingy gardener.” Whether it is watermelons and tomatoes from the vegetable garden or a start of a flower or shrub, gardeners always share. The people who gave me plants, cuttings and seeds did so because they wanted to share a favorite plant with someone who was interested. They gave me something more valuable than the plants, though, especially those who shared plants with me as a young person. They gave me the joy of gardening and of sharing. They gave me a sense of importance and confidence – that I was worthy of their attention and worthy of taking care of a valued plant. They also gave me a garden composed of memories as much as of trees and flowers. When I walk through it, I see faces and hear voices; I never garden alone.

Create a more beautiful world and a living legacy by sharing the joy of gardening. I may never get a statue or be honored on a postage stamp, but I’ll be more than happy with the memorial of someone saying, “Arty gave me that; every time it blooms I think of him.”

“Arty’s Garden” is written by Arty Schronce, Director of Public Affairs for the Georgia Department of Agriculture and a lifelong gardener. Arty is a horticulture graduate of North Carolina State University. He lives and gardens in the historic Cabbagetown neighborhood of Atlanta. He encourages all Georgians to discover the pleasures of plants and gardening. Visit www.agr.georgia.gov for more information on the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Market Bulletin, and Arty’s Garden articles.

Submitted by Arty Schronce, Director Public Affairs, Georgia Department of Agriculture

Editor’s Note: This article is used by permission. It was originally published in the Farmers & Consumers Market Bulletin, Vol. 93, No. 24; Wednesday, December 1, 2010. The Web page is: http://agr.georgia.gov/portal/site/AGR/menuitem.e429305ad2099d1d6eff626ed03036a0/?vgnextoid=5f643401c771c210VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4a3c1eeea1096210VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD.

These images, submitted by

Dennis Holt of Carroll

County, were obtained

through a friend of his in

Atlanta who also has a

Railroad Garden.

Lettuce Spray by Eddie Rhoades © 2011 Let us pray, for those who spray they see a bug and get carried away The poisoned bug, on the ground he lies and is eaten by a robin, which soon dies The residue seeps into the ground, and poisons water all around What about the butterflies, and the bees? Who will pollinate our flowers and trees? Why should we care about ethics and nature? We've killed the creepy, crawly creature.

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The Scoop on Dirt by Fred Wilhelm, Cobb County In the “Good Old Days” we didn’t have electronic gadgets and complicated stuff kids today can’t live without. Believe it or not, we actually enjoyed each other, and being outside and enjoying any vacant lot or body of water we could find. They were our “toys”. Perhaps the most versatile of our “toys was plain old ordinary Dirt.

Dirt was what we dug trenches in when our lead soldier armies were at war. It was what comprised our ball fields, what skinned our knees, dirtied our pants, what we got under our finger nails, and what we tracked into the house. It was where we found earthworms for our fishing bait, and where we may even have helped plant a small garden. We were told “Don’t worry about a little Dirt,-- every kid will eat ten pounds of it before he is twelve.” A little scratch?—Just rub some dirt on it and move on. It was all true, and I have loved Dirt ever since.

Many years later I came to attention when instructors in my Master Gardener course talked about the need to turn my Dirt into Soil. I was hooked, and learning how to turn ordinary Dirt into something worthwhile became a passion. I learned about nutrients, NPK, compost, manures, soil sampling and other neat stuff. I even added words like, Rhizome, and Apical Dominance to my vocabulary. Wow, this is great I thought! So, impressed with this new found knowledge, I forged into a gardening career not aware of how little I really knew about being a good steward of my old friend, Dirt.

Since then, reading about the plight of our soil, and what might be done to preserve, protect and defend it has interested me. It’s not surprising then that an article in E-Magazine caused me to ponder a Soil/Dirt dilemma. In that magazine Tamsyn Jones wrote in an article with the title: The Scoop on Dirt:--It’s one of nature’s most perfect contradictions: a substance that is ubiquitous but unseen; humble but essential; surprisingly strong but profoundly fragile. It nurtures life and death; undergirds cities, forests and oceans; and feeds all terrestrial life on Earth. It is a substance few people understand and most take for granted. Yet, it is arguably one of Earth’s most critical natural resources—and humans, quite literally, owe to it their very existence.

I’m sure most of us seldom give thoughts like that to the Dirt we see every day--- taking for granted that it will always be there for us to dredge, pave, pollute, and use to its exhaustion. We give it little respect, and even our language maligns it as in “dirt poor, dirty dog” and other derogatory terms. That said, I investigated why we should really worship the dirt we walk upon.

In his book on Dirt, William Bryant Logan called it The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth—our chemical processor. It bears our weight, carries our water. It is the stuff kids play in, where seeds germinate and where organic material finally comes to rest in humus—that great organic stew vat which it continuously returns to us. Without soil humans would be creatures of the sea.

When we look at Dirt we don’t often think below the surface and consider its layers where thousands of organisms are doing their work for our benefit right underfoot. One could go on and on about how soil microbes work their magic helping plants by breaking down organic materials, the “fixing” of nitrogen in the soil, soil’s role in recycling carbon, the most vital element for

living beings—the glue that holds everything together in fertile soil. Dirt/Soil is important stuff that warrants all of the TLC we can provide. Threats? You bet! Wind and water erosion cause soil loss and run off into the seas—a single rainstorm can wash away centuries of soil accumulation from neglected or poorly managed land. Most soil lost to erosion contains more beneficial nutrients than in the soil left behind. It often contains phosphates, pesticides and fertilizers that run off polluting our waterways.

Excessive irrigation, compaction, and tilling, overly intensive farming, and just plain neglect can cause soil to become salty or more acidic—useless.

Technology has developed pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides that promote better crop yields. However, chemical overuse can damage or ruin overworked soil.

Then there is the promotion of the use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical products purely for reasons of profit. I’m ashamed to admit I sometime I may have been swept up in all of the advertising and thought-- If a little of these new products is as good as advertised, a little more might be even better.

Solutions? You bet! Fortunately there is much we can do to combat what might seem a helpless situation.

Education is a good place to start: Educating ourselves and properly informing those who may seek our guidance in gardening.

Study, don’t just look at the pretty pictures in those gardening books and magazines.

Encourage the next generation to pursue careers in agriculture or horticulture.

Manage our irrigation to save the soil and Preserve our water supplies.

Conserve by using rain barrels, and other means.

Feed our gardens new organic material regularly.

Plant cover crops. Allow soil to lie fallow for periods of recovery.

Compost, Compost, Compost. My space limited composting is now done in an ordinary trash barrel. I plant some for me, some for my neighbors, some for the pests and the rest for compost.

I have a great little tiller—the greatest thing since sliced bread. It was so much fun to use, watching it chew up the earth, that for a time I became a recreational tiller.—No more! I have learned the wisdom of no--till gardening.

IPM we have learned about. Well, let’s use it. Plant beneficial pest-deterring plants.

Go organic, or partially so in our gardening. I used to think going organic was too purist--like for me. I don’t feel bound to be totally organic in my gardening, but limiting chemical use, and aiming in that direction most of the time is a worthy goal. As Master Gardeners, I know you are concerned too. Think about it---what else can be done to assure our old friend Dirt will remain at our beck and call in times to come just as it has for eons past?

How does your garden grow?

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Northeast District 1

Glynn Rogers Rogers7949@windstream.net 706-867-0003

Dawson

Fannin

Gilmer

Habersham

Lumpkin

Pickens

Rabun

Stephens

Towns

Union

White

Northeast District 2

Barb Misner bmisner@windstream.net 706-754-5988

Banks

Barrow

Elbert

Franklin

Hall

Hart

Jackson

Madison

Walton

Northeast District 3

Merry Anderson merry.anderson@att.net 706-549-4121

Baldwin

Butts

Clarke

Greene

Jasper

Morgan

Oconee

Oglethorpe

Putnam

Northeast District 4

Judy Kirkland jukirkland@cobridge.tv 706-556-3417

Columbia

Glascock

Hancock

Lincoln

McDuffie

Richmond

Taliaferro

Warren

Wilkes

News from the Northeast

Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale Friday, April 15 from 10:00-5:00 Saturday, April 16 from 9:00-2:00 Hart Botanical Garden on Hwy 77, south of town, just past Hart EMC on the left side Information: www.negamastergardeners.org

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia The Trial Gardens at UGA Spring Plant Sale Saturday, April 9 from 8:00-2:00 SBGG Visitor Center, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens Information: call 706.542.6014 or fax 706.542.3091 Website: www.uga.edu/botgarden Blog: www.statebotgardenga.blogspot.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/botgarden_ga Facebook: www.facebook.com/botgarden

The Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners, Inc. Christmas Party

The Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners, Inc. met at the Hart County Learning Center December 7 for their annual Christmas meeting. All shared in a covered dish dinner and fellowship. Robert Meaders presented a program on Cottage Gardens of England.

Pictured are: Front row (row 1): Meridy Wright, Ila Ree Feltman, Minnie Crider, Gloria Riedl, Kay Cleveland, Maureen Holder: Row 2: Elga Bunk, Miriam Palmer, Peggy Arnold, Sandy Holt, Sheryl Cantwell, Pat Quinn, Vicki Rosenquist, Sharon Hill, Kate Kirby Row 3: Anne Hinson, Joanne Ridgway, Beth Carter, Janet Massey, Tom Dixon, Robert Meaders Back row (row 4): Ray Ritter, Zen Greenlee, Gerald Hardin, Jan Taylor, Frank Cross, Diane Bourn, Dee Wiser, Charles Rice, Gary Cobb.

The Weekend Drive

Spring 2011 – March, April, May

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens,

CLASSES REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

For more details, call 706-542-6156 or register online at

www.uga.edu/botgarden

Zumba® at the Garden Friends First Friday Forged From Nature Opening Reception Artist Walk and Gallery Tour Exotic Birds and Reptiles on Planet Earth Organic Gardening: A Primer on Growing

Herbs and Vegetables Qigong for Health & Relaxation Naturescaping with Natural Fibers Beekeeping for Beginners: Units 4-6 Bird Ramble Herbal Lotions, Salves & Lip Balms Native Medicinal Plant Walk and Talk Leopold Discussion and Greenfest Kick-Off Spring Break Mini-Camp Fairy House Workshop Spring Wildflowers of the Upland Deciduous

Forests of Georgia Spring Wildflowers of the Granite Rock

Outcrops of Georgia EcoFocus Film Festival—Screening of FRESH Fruit and Vegetable Design Unit 4 First Annual Half-Moon Outfitters Trail Run Grab your Family and Take a Hike! The Georgia Review's 2011 Earth Day

Celebration: “The Writer and Social Responsibility”

Nature Journaling Drawing in Nature--Illustration in the Garden with Toni Carlucci Garden Photography Butterflies: Their Host Plants and

Conservation Compost Tea Party Creative Miniature Design - Unit 5 Wild Foods Wetland Plants: Ecology and Identification Plant Taxonomy Kitchen Cabinet Remedies: Foods, Herbs

and Spices as Medicines

Further Education

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Lifetime Georgia Master Gardeners, Lynne Burke, Elga Bunk and Dotte Ielmini receive certificates from Charles Rice. Thanks, Thomas Dixon, 706-356-8758

Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners Master Gardeners Plan to Sell Yard Art as Part of Fundraiser The Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners, Inc. will have a new attraction as part of their annual plant sale fundraiser scheduled for April 15 and 16. A display of yard art made from glass pieces will provide a new look for family flower gardens. Kay Cleveland, project chairman, brought a display of glass towers to the Feb. 15 meeting. She said she came up with the idea to create these art towers for sale after looking closely at one. She noticed how it was put together and then she started collecting glass items such as wine bottles, glass plates, pieces of cut glass and a piece of rebar or a stalk of bamboo to help it stand up. "Glass pieces can be found in thrift stores and yard sales, or maybe in your own cabinets. Maybe you have a piece of cut glass that your grandmother gave you. When the sun shines on the cut glass pieces, it brings out the many colors in the glass," she explained. Kay said she hopes that club members will help make some for sale, and that others will donate pieces that she and her committee will make for them. They hope to have 15 to 20 glass towers for sale. The plant and yard art sale will be held from 10am to 5 pm on Friday and 9 am to 2pm on Saturday at the Hart County Botanical Gardens located southeast of the Hart County Electric Membership Cooperative on Hwy. 77. During the Feb. 15 meeting, Rachel Rice, daughter of Charles and Caren Rice, gave a presentation on planting Clover and other legumes around pecan trees to help gather nitrogen from the atmosphere that is absorbed into the tree roots. This practice gives the tree energy to green up sooner and produce larger and better nuts. Lynne Burke, Dotte Ielmini and Elga Bunk received certificates naming them Lifetime Georgia Master Gardeners. Pictured with them is Charles Rice, Hart County Extension Agent. Lifetime members have been an active member of the organization for ten years and have completed 25 hours of community service each year. Janet Massey and Charlene Cunningham received certificates for meeting the basic requirements - complete Master Gardener Training and 50 hours of community service - to become Master Gardeners. They are also pictured with Charles Rice, Hart County Extension Agent. Officers for 2011 are: President, Meridy Wright; Vice-president, Frank Cross; Secretary, Maureen Holder and Treasurer, Janell Grice. The annual dues are $15. For more information on becoming a member, call the Hart County Extension office at 706-356-3134.

Submitted by Thomas Dixon Master Gardener

Publicity Committee Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners, Inc. 706-356-8758

Georgia Master Gardeners, Janet Massey, left, and Christine Cunningham, right, receive certificates from Charles Rice. Thanks, Thomas Dixon, Master Gardener, Publicity Committee, Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners, Inc.

Kay Cleveland and Robert Meaders examine the construction of glass towers to use as yard art.

Rachel Rice gives presentation on planting clover and legumes to help grow better pecans.

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Central District

Sandra Lee slee27@windstream.net 478-987-9805

Bibb

Bleckley

Crawford

Houston

Jones

Macon

Monroe

Peach

Pulaski

Taylor

Twiggs

Southeast District 1

Susan Thurman sthurman@irwin.k12.ga.us 912-359-2238

Appling

Atkinson

Bacon

Brantley

Camden

Charlton

Coffee

Dodge

Glynn

Jeff Davis

Johnson

Laurens

Montgomery

Pierce

Telfair

Toombs

Treutlen

Ware

Washington

Wayne

Wheeler

Wilkinson

Southeast District 2

Louise Grotheer gmagrotheer1@bellsouth.net 912 925-2623

Bryan

Bulloch

Burke

Candler

Chatham

Effingham

Emanuel

Evans

Jefferson

Jenkins

Liberty

Long

McIntosh

Screven

Tattnall

News from Central

Master Gardener Groups Invited To Visit Acclaimed Cox Arboretum

A special invitation has been extended to Georgia Master Gardener groups to visit Cox Arboretum www.coxgardens.com, one of the largest private collections of temperate flora in the U.S. Located on 13 acres outside Canton, Ga. (40 miles north of Atlanta), the collection numbers more than 4,000 diverse specimens. The unique arboretum attracted the attention of University of Georgia Coach (and Master Gardener) Vince Dooley, who described his visit in his recently published book Vince Dooley's Garden: A Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach, excerpted below.

To schedule a field trip, Master Gardener groups should email Tom Cox at coxarb@bellsouth.net, providing brief information about the group and a preferred date with several alternates. Tom and his wife Evelyn, who created the arboretum two decades ago, travel globally to acquire additional rare and endangered specimens and in support of the garden’s educational and scientific mission. They welcome visits of Master Gardener groups, with whom they look forward to sharing their impressive plant collection on informal walking tours.

Tom was national president of the American Conifer Society and with Dr. John Ruter, is co-authoring a first-ever book on conifers for the south.

News from the Southeast

Insert Your Story Here!

In 1000 words or less, plus a picture or two,

tell me what the Master Gardeners are

doing down in Southeast Georgia.

Send story to gmgscoop@gmail.com

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Southwest District 1

Ron Wolfe wolfe_er@bellsouth.net 229-883-234

Ben Hill

Calhoun

Clay

Crisp

Dooly

Dougherty

Irwin

Lee

Marion

Quitman

Randolph

Schley

Stewart

Sumter

Terrell

Tift

Turner

Webster

Wilcox

Worth

Southwest District 2

Jean Arambula jean.arambula@gmail.com 229-444-5191

Baker

Berrien

Brooks

Clinch

Colquitt

Cook

Decatur

Early

Echols

Grady

Lanier

Lowndes

Miller

Mitchell

Seminole

Thomas

News from the Southwest

Southwest Georgia Master Gardeners Georgia Master Gardeners are Active in Southwest Georgia The St. Teresa’s Catholic School Outdoor Classroom in Albany is a prime example of such work. Julie Franklin, a Master Gardener whose children attend St. Teresa’s, has accomplished wonders in building a demonstration garden to provide educational opportunities for students. She has retained a passion for gardening that started with a grandparent’s encouragement when she was small.

Mrs. Franklin says that the idea for an outdoor classroom started with Linda Groarke, another parent at St. Teresa’s. Enthusiasm for the project grew, a committee of parents and teachers formed, and the garden became a reality in March 2010. Mrs. Franklin has worked with parents and other volunteers to establish the garden which provides hand-on learning for children.

The St. Teresa’s garden enhances the science curriculum for older students and provides them with the experience of vegetable cultivation. The outdoor classroom introduces “farm to table” concepts for younger children.

The will be a new Master Gardener class starting in September in Dougherty County. Learn more about Southwest Georgia Master Gardeners at http://www.swgamastergardeners.com/index.htm

For information on the fall 2011 Master Gardeners class, call James Morgan, Dougherty County Extension Service at 229-436-7216. We are based in Dougherty County, but draw members from six counties.

Submitted by Norris Wootton Southwest Georgia Master Gardeners

woottonn@gmail.com 229-698-4253

Master Gardener Julie Franklin shows off cauliflower at a recent winter workday at St. Teresa’s Catholic School outdoor classroom.

a group of folks who get together to:

Promote the understanding and appreciation of plants and their relationship to the environment, as well as the study of botanical sciences.

Undertake or support the setting apart of appropriate areas in Georgia for the preservation of native and cultivated flora for the enjoyment of the public.

Encourage the protection of rare and endangered plant species and significant botanical habitats.

Promote the conservation of botanical resources and encourage the practice of a conservation ethic.

For more information visit: http://www.gabotsoc.org

GMGA Merchandise

Visit the on-line store at http://georgiamastergardeners.org/store

You’ll find bucket hats and ball caps, aprons and license plates. Plus, renew your membership on-line and pay for your GMGA Spring Conference as well!

The Georgia Botanical Society

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Friday April 29, 2011 2:30 - 6:00 Early Registration/Check-in at the Forum

3:00 - 4:30 Tour Oakhill Gardens

4:00 - 6:00 Sneak-a-Peek at what the Venders have for sale at The Forum

5:30 - 7:30 Meet and Greet Fellow Master Gardeners at the ECO Center

Meet Dr. Scott Angle – Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UGA

Listen to Eric Lindberg, ECO Center Director, talk about the ECO Center’s mission and LEED remodeling.

Learn what Malcolm Hodges of the Georgia Chapter of the Nature Conservancy knows about the unique and

endangered species of Blacks Bluff Preserve, Marshall Forest, and Braille Trail located in Floyd County

Ride a shuttle from/to Forum and Eco Center -or-

Take a walking tour on the Riverwalk to the Eco Center

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres with wine and other beverages

Meet the conference speakers

Ride the Roman Holiday Riverboat on the Oostanaula and Coosa Rivers

Saturday, April 30, 2011 8:30 - 9:30 Registration and Check-in

8:50 - 9:00 Welcome and Greeting

9:00 - 10:00 Tara Dillard - Gardens of Italy - Politics, Religion and Sex

10:00 - 10:05 First Door Prize Drawings

10:05 - 10:30 Visit Venders

10:30 - 11:30 Dr. William Welch - Southern Heirloom Garden, Rediscovering Our Green Connections

11:30 - 11:35 Second Door Prize Drawings

11:35 - 1:30 Lunch Break

12:00 - 12:30 Munchin’ Lunch with Joe Cook – Coosa River Watershed

12:45 - 1:15 Munchin’ Lunch with Dr. Martin Cipollini – American Chestnut and Longleaf Pine Research

1:15 - 1:30 GMGA Updates

1:30 - 1:35 Third Door Prize Drawings

1:35 - 2:35 Jim Rodgers - Gardening Wild, Build Your Own National park

2:35 - 2:40 Fourth Door Prize Drawings

2:40 - 3:00 Visit Venders

3:00 - 4:00 Terry Kay - Hungrier by the Dozen

4:00 - 4:10 Final Door Prize Drawings and Grand Prize Drawing

4:10 - 4:15 Thank You and Farewell

Georgia Master Gardener Association

2011 Spring Conference April 29th and 30th

When in Rome… Green Gardening for the Future

Mail your form(s) and check, no later than April 22, 2011 made payable to GMGA to:

GMGA 2011 Spring Conference 1425 Market Blvd, Suite 330-204

Roswell, GA 30076

For registration forms and further details, visit

http://georgiamastergardeners.org/featured/spring-conference-in-rome

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Project Funding Report - Spring 2011

GMGA received ten grant applications during the July to November 2010 period. Of these one was withdrawn since funding was found elsewhere. Eight of the remaining were judged to meet the criteria set forth in the GMGA Project Guidelines. A total of $3,799.00 was approved for these projects.

Neighborhood Garden Clarke Karen Hanna Witten $500.00 The Neighborhood Garden was started in January 2009, and is located in a historic African-American neighborhood in Athens. Traditionally a lower-income area, the neighborhood is now in transition. Neighbors are a diverse group, including long-term residents, homeless people, short-term residents in drug and alcohol treatment programs, and students. From the start our approach has been to garden at low cost. The supportive community has donated many items, and several of the homeless gardeners regularly scout to recycle in the garden what has been thrown away at construction sites and in more affluent neighborhoods. The garden provides organic vegetables for the community, serves as an educational site, and is a place for diverse neighbors to meet, talk, and work together.

A major goal this year is to increase our harvest so that neighbors get more vegetables by increasing soil fertility. Our leaf-mold piles, serve as a good source of added organic material, but we also need composted manure. To improve yield we also need to continue to control weeds with minimal labor, which we now do with layers of newspaper covered with pine needle mulch. In the amounts we need, both manure and pine needles are the highest-cost items in our yearly budget.

Pollinator Garden Muscogee Pat Barfield $650.00

Pollinators such as birds, bats and insects play an invaluable role in producing our food supply- pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are essential for maintaining healthy diverse ecosystems. There are few educational opportunities for youth and their parents to participate in that inform them of the importance pollination plays in our environment and well-being and the practices that homeowners can incorporate into their home garden to be good environmental stewards.

Since the Columbus Botanical Garden's Mission is to preserve a portion of the rapidly diminishing open space in Columbus and to provide the public with a unique educational facility that is based on environmental awareness, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension collaborates with the garden and provides the educational component for its visitors. In conjunction with installing the garden with appropriate signage, Master Gardeners will provide a series of training opportunities to adults on gardening with pollinator friendly practices and using the components of Integrated Pest Management for effective control of pests while limiting damage to beneficial insects and other animals.

Signage for Walker-Peters-Langdon House Muscogee Gayle Dean $650.00

The Walker-Peters-Langdon House was built in 1828 and is considered the oldest house in the original city of Columbus. Several accessory structures were moved from other proprieties and include a slave house, a drying house, an outhouse and a dovecote.

The kitchen garden was reconstructed at the time the Historic Columbus Foundation acquired the Walker-Peters-Langdon House in 1967. Master Gardener involvement began about 2004, with 2 members working to reclaim what was a very overgrown area. The 2008 MG class became involved with the Garden during training and many continued, forming a core group of “WPL” workers. A combination of excellent research, planning, group discussions and just plain hard work has made the Kitchen Garden a showplace. The purpose of this grant is to

select and maintain appropriate plants (flowers, vegetables, trees and herbs) found in a House Garden typical of the 1860’s

educate visitors in understanding the importance of the Kitchen Garden to the early families

assist visitors in identifying plants and their common use for the 1860’s through labeling of individual plants and placards with overviews of the herb, vegetable, outbuildings and “Kitchen Garden”

educate visitors about the preservation method of drying vegetables & fruits (drying shed)

educate other Master Gardeners of the historical usage of plants

expand the plantings and the educational material within the Garden

increase public awareness of the Garden through Community presentations

update information (brochures, plant labels) as the Garden evolves

Grants

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Chestnut Mountain Hall Dave Rusk $560.00

The Junior Master Gardener program at Chestnut Mountain (known as the ‘Wonder Worms’) was started for the 2007-2008 school year with 12 student participants. In 2008, the school moved to a new facility, and the program was expanded to include 35 students. This school year, 33 students are registered for the program. This past school year, 15 - 5

th graders were certified as Junior Master Gardeners. At present, two school

teachers and six Master Gardener volunteers from Hall County coordinate the program.

The school has provided a large area of the school grounds for the JMG garden, known as the “Wonder Garden”. Under the auspices of the Junior Master Gardener Program, the “Wonder Garden” continues to grow and expand. Since the inception of the garden, the garden has started literally from ground zero to one that now encompasses a large perennial garden, 20 raised–bed gardens for vegetables and flowers, two large composting bins, a large arbor, an enclosed garden shed, a permanent perimeter fence, gutters and downspouts feeding two large rain barrels, and the planting of 8 large red maple trees, six large river birch, two large crepe myrtle, and three peach trees.

The requested grant money is to fund a new combination perennial and annual flower garden.

Mistletoe State Park Columbia Sheryl Silva $ 215.00

The project we are requesting funding for is to re-establish herbs planted along a popular trail at Mistletoe State Park. Park staff along with elementary students had planted herbs along the Canyon Loop Trail several years ago. These herbs were used as interpretation tools for Park Rangers along the trail. In the winter of 2008 the park had a control burn. This burn unfortunately got hotter than anticipated and burned up the herbs.

The project goal is to re-establish herbs planted along the Canyon Loop Trail for Environmental Education Learning and the enjoyment of park visitors. The objective is to utilize herbs through student’s sense of smell, touch and sight for environmental education learning. Herbs increase the opportunity for children to experience nature through their sense of smell and touch. They remember better if they not only see rosemary but also smell and touch it. The general public will also get to enjoy the smells and sights of the herbs as they hike along the trail.

Each year North Columbia Elementary School fifth grade classes come to Mistletoe for an Environmental Education Adventure. Their program focuses on gardening and planting trees. The teacher has already scheduled the field trip for May 2011. Seventy-five 5

th graders learn the

importance of plants and soil; then have the opportunity to dig in the soil and plant a plant.

Kings Bridge Middle School Jackson Joan Houser Stevens and Micah Story $116.00

Kings Bridge’s garden design will include four 4 feet x 8 feet raised beds accessed to a composting area, two rain barrels and an area for students to mix soil. The area is located adjacent to the school’s greenhouse that will allow students to begin crops during colder months before transplanting them into the garden.

Garden maintenance will be done by members of the FFA, FCCLA organizations, sixth grade science classes and students enrolled in the agriculture class at Kings Bridge Middle School. Also to connect the garden with the curriculum, Georgia’s sixth grade science standards include the study of soil and water. A representative from Clarke County Water Conservation will visit our school to teach students how to make a rain barrel and the importance of conserving water.

The agriculture class will utilize the garden during the school year and FFA members along with the FFA advisor will maintain the garden lab during the summer months. Other participants will include Jackson County 4-H Club and Jackson Creative, an adult disabled agency, and student’s families will assist with summer maintenance. The produce that will be harvested will be donated to a local food bank and used as part of the student’s supervised agriculture experience.

Windsor Forest High School Chatham Elise Zador $430.00

The objective of this project is to encourage students and parents to engage in gardening by learning and utilizing the square foot garden method.

Windsor Forest High School students in Savannah, Georgia will learn about the Square Foot Garden method and construct square foot gardens on the school premises. The students will plant and produce a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and plants with the assistance of the High School Agriscience teacher and several Georgia Master Gardeners from Chatham and Bryan Counties. Additionally, the students will learn how to prepare several different healthy dishes with the harvest and have a teacher/community lunch utilizing some of the produce. The students will in turn be empowered to share their knowledge with their friends and family in order to encourage home gardening.

The gardens will be used throughout the school year hosting either Fall or Spring crops. The average number of students in the Windsor Forest High School Community that will be exposed to this method will be ninety students per year. In the summer, when school is not in session, the containers will be prepped for the next season or may contain a variety of low maintenance crops that can be enjoyed when the next school year begins.

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Tucker Elementary Perry Houston Teddie Berry $678.00

In the summer of 2010, Teddie conducted training for teachers interested in starting a Junior Master Gardener Program at their schools. Tucker Elementary in Perry, GA sent representatives to that training, and they now have a team of 5 who are running their program. These same teachers will be trained in the summer of 2011 in our School Master Gardener Program.

Parent involvement from the Tucker neighborhood is high, as is faculty interest in what JMG is doing. We would complete this project on a Saturday morning when faculty, parents, and student volunteers could join Master Gardeners in improving their community in a way that can be appreciated by thousands of people every day. The project gives Master Gardeners a chance to teach the students—and all the adults—about good landscaping principles, including the WaterSaver basics we learn in the Advanced Class here in Houston County. By teaching a few members of the community, we can reach so many more.

Georgia Master Gardener Association, Inc. Project Grant Application

Cover Sheet

Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Home phone: ___________________________ Cell phone: _____________________________ Email address: ___________________________________________________________________ Name of organization: ____________________________________________________________ County in which project will be created: __________________________ Number of Master Gardeners who will work on the project: __________ ___________________________________________ Signature of the District Director

Send to: Judy Mitchell, 4740 North Springs Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144

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Georgia Master Gardener Association Criteria for Awarding Grant Money

Mission Statement: To stimulate interest in and increase knowledge of gardening,

and to voluntarily, enthusiastically, and responsibly share this knowledge with others.

1. The Georgia Master Gardener Association allocates monies each year to help support a variety of horticultural projects in the state of Georgia.

The number of requests that will be funded depends on the amount of money available each year. Grant requests should not exceed $700. As a

general guideline, grants usually are in the $100-$700 range.

2. Any person or organization requesting funding for their project must complete a written application (form provided) and provide detailed

information regarding the project. If selected for funding, an agreement with the GMGA must be signed stating that the group will give a

presentation about the project to the GMGA membership and/or provide an article in The SCOOP. The recipient of the GMGA funding must

agree to provide additional information, including financial accountings on request and be open to visits by the GMGA Board of Directors or its

representatives.

3. Organizations submitting applications must be non-profit and must not have political affiliations. They also should have at least one county-

registered Master Gardener among their members. It is strongly encouraged that the requesting Master Gardener be a member of the GMGA.

4. The purpose of the project should be educational and should promote and involve the community in gardening.

5. The project should utilize as many Master Gardeners as possible.

6. The project should have realistic goals and objectives, and the funds granted should make a significant contribution to the project.

7. The project should make a difference, even in a small way, to the community it serves.

8. Once completed, the project should have a regular maintenance schedule to ensure its continued operation.

9. Any group that receives a grant will be required to submit a scrapbook including a brief report, receipts showing how the money was spent, and

photos to the committee. In addition, they will be required to do an oral report, submit an article for the SCOOP, or do a poster display at one of

the conferences. All reports are due within one calendar year. Applicants should indicate how they plan to present their project on the

application form.

Application for Fall 2011 Georgia Master Gardener Association Grant

Applications due by May 15, 2011

Name Date

Address

Telephone number(s) (area code 1st)

E-mail address

Year and county of Master Gardener coursework _________________ County in which project will be created___________________

Name of organization

Provide on a separate sheet a 100 to 200 word description of the project, which must include how much community is/will be involved.

Amount requested (between $100 - $700, not to exceed $700) ______________________________

Describe in a detailed budget on a separate sheet your planned use of grant funds. Be as specific as possible.

Estimated project completion date __________________ Please include complete design for project, and state how project will be maintained.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Number of persons expected to work on this project

Number of persons working on project who are Master Gardeners

How do you expect to document the project for GMGA members & your community? (Attach a separate sheet if you need more space)

PROJECT FUNDING CHAIR: Judy Mitchell, 4740 North Springs Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144

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Georgia Master Gardener Association Project Grant Application

Mission Statement: To stimulate interest in and increase knowledge of gardening,

and to voluntarily, enthusiastically, and responsibly share this knowledge with others. The Georgia Master Gardener Association allocates monies each year to support a variety of horticultural projects in Georgia. The number of requests awarded depends on the funds available. Funding requests cannot exceed $700. Organizations submitting applications must be non-profit and have no political affiliations. A certified Master Gardener who is a member of GMGA must make the application.

Any person or organization requesting a project grant must complete a written application that provides detailed information about the project. If selected, an agreement with GMGA must be signed that states the recipients of the grant will provide information about the completed project to the GMGA membership. This documentation can take several forms ranging from an article for the SCOOP to a CD presentation to a link to the GMGA website. The recipient must provide a complete financial accounting including original receipts for funds expended and be open to visits from the GMGA Board of Directors or its representative(s).

Deadlines for submitting an application for GMGA Project Grants are June 15th

and November 15th

. Project Funding Items Currently Approved

Plants

Planting Material

Educational Materials such as books placed in libraries and classrooms, pamphlets, tapes, CDs, teaching materials, signage

Landscape Timbers

Initial irrigation/Pond Supplies

Hardscape—For example, a wheelchair ramp to raised beds

Funds for Junior Master Gardeners Project Funding Items Currently Denied

Hand tools, wheelbarrows, tillers

Hoses

Hardscape—cement sidewalks

Sheds, arbors, walls, trellises, terraces—liability issue

Grading—liability issue

Power equipment—bulldozers, backhoes –liability issue

Correction of drainage problems—liability issue

Benches, plant containers, birdbaths, and feeders

Maintenance materials such as replacement plants, amendments, pesticides

Invasive plants

Funds for teaching a Master Gardener Course

For-profit organizations

Criteria for Awarding GMGA Project Grant Money

1. The purpose of the project is educational. 2. The project promotes community involvement in horticulture. 3. The project utilizes as many Master Gardeners as possible. 4. The project has realistic goals and objectives. 5. The funds granted will make a significant contribution to the project. 6. The project will make a difference to the community it serves. 7. The project has developed a regular maintenance schedule. 8. A plan for documenting the project for GMGA and your community has been created to effectively demonstrate how your goals and

objectives were achieved.

Application Procedures

Complete the Application Cover Sheet which includes basic contact information and requires the signature of your District Director. The application cover sheet should be attached to your proposal. The proposal should be no longer than two pages plus attachments such as photographs. The proposal will include (in this order):

Description of your project including goals and objectives

Who will be involved in the project including the number of Master Gardeners, other volunteer organizations, groups, and volunteers from the community.

Describe how your project will benefit the community.

Describe how the project will be maintained and who will provide oversight.

Describe your plan for documenting the project.

Describe in a detailed budget your planned use of the funds.

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2011 GMGA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Calendar year: 1st January through 31st December, 2011

GEORGIA MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION, INC. www.georgiamastergardeners.com

online payment with a credit card is now available Name: _______________________________ Phone: ___________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________ Zip: ______________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________

Types of membership (check one):

$15 Georgia Master Gardener who completed my training in ________ with ____________ County $________

$25 Couples get a price break $________

$15 Friend of Master Gardeners $ ________

Additional tax deductible donation $ ________

TOTAL $ ________

Make check payable to GMGA Inc.

Mail to Carole Teja, CMGA Membership, P.O. Box 920490, Norcross, GA 30010-0490

Questions? E-mail at membership4gmga@gmail.com or phone: 404-643-2354

If you change your address during the year, PLEASE let us know ASAP so we can keep your records up to date.

Membership

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GEORGIA MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION, INC. 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE CHAIRS & APPOINTED POSITIONS

OFFICERS FOR 2011:

President W. H. Smith Carroll gmgapresident@gmail.com 770-834-4266 President-Elect Jim Spivey Lee spiveyjdp@hotmail.com 229-439-9369 Vice President Mike Sikes Barrow msikes@mccorklenurseries.com 706-224-3680 VP-Elect Ginny Word Floyd ginnyword@comcast.net 404-293-6131 Treasurer Regina Lorenz Fulton treas4gmga@yahoo.com 770-642-0909 Secretary Diane Stephens Houston DianeStephens@comsouth.net 478-988-8344 Past President Judy Mitchell Cobb judithandcompany@comcast.net 770-928-1529 DISTRICT DIRECTORS:

Russell Brannon (EVEN) Cherokee NW1 rlbsjb@windstream.net 678-493-7229 Jack Driskell (ODD) Cobb NW2 elgate@aol.com 770-428-1317 Tony Rusciano (EVEN) Fulton NW3 afinered@aol.com 770-772-9194 Dick Chenoweth (ODD) Rockdale NW4 Disu42@bellsouth.net 770-483-0760 Joan Benz (EVEN) Troup NW5 jbtcmg@charter.net 706-645-1999 Glynn Rogers (ODD) Lumpkin NE1 Rogers7949@windstream.net 706-867-0003 Barb Misner (EVEN) Hall NE2 bmisner@windstream.net 706-754-5988 Merry Anderson (ODD) Clarke NE3 merry.anderson@att.net 706-549-4121 Judy Kirkland (EVEN) Columbia NE4 jukirkland@cobridge.tv 706-556-3417 Sandra Lee (ODD) Houston Central slee27@windstream.net 478-987-9805 Susan Thurman (EVEN) Coffee SE1 sthurman@irwin.k12.ga.us 912-359-2238 Louise Grotheer (ODD) Chatham SE2 gmagrotheer1@bellsouth.net 912 925-2623 Ron Wolfe (ODD) Dougherty SW1 wolfe_er@bellsouth.net 229-883-2349 Jean Arambula (EVEN) Lowndes SW2 jean.arambula@gmail.com 229-444-5191

GMGA COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Bylaws Jim Spivey spiveyjdp@hotmail.com 229-439-9369 Communications Regina Lorenz treas4gmga@yahoo.com 770-642-0909 Education (interim) Judy Mitchell judithandcompany@comcast.net 770-928-1529 Finance Majorie Stansel 4615@bellsouth.net 770-949-0946 History Long Range Planning Membership Carole Teja membership4gmga@gmail.com 404-643-2354 Nominating Programs Mike Sikes msikes@mccorklenurseries.com 706-224-3680 Project Grants Judy Mitchell judithandcompany@comcast.net 770-928-1529 Ways & Means GMGA APPOINTED POSITIONS:

Merchandise Dick Chenoweth disu42@bellsouth.net 770-483-0760 Newsletter Editor Kimber Pepper gmgscoop@gmail.com 770-286-2631 Parliamentarian Gerry Slaughter gerry_s_2002@yahoo.com 770-345-2540 Public Relations Pam Keene pam@pamelakeene.com 770-965-3340 Photographer Charlie Miller cjrleasemiller@bellsouth.net 770-934-3607 Website Terri Ceravolo www.georgiamastergardeners.org 770- 329-7722 UGA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION REPRESENTATIVES:

State MG Coordinator Marco Fonseca mfonseca@uga.edu 770-228-7243 State MG Program Asst Krissy Slagle kslagle@uga.edu 770-229-3368

Directory

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Don’t forget to register for the GMGA Spring Conference. More details inside this

newsletter!

GMGA – The Scoop 408 W Lakeshore Drive Carrollton, GA 30117

Visit Georgia Master Gardeners online today at www.georgiamastergardeners.org