The Garfield Gardener THE NEWSLETTER OF GARFIELD PARK MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
January 2018 Next Meetings
January 10 6:30 p.m. Topic: Volunteer Opportunities
February
No Member Meeting; GPMGA Board Meets March 14 April 11 May 9 June 13 July 11 August 8 September 12 October 10 November 14 December 12
Meetings occur the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Garfield Park unless otherwise noted Purdue University is an equal opportunity / equal access / affirmative action university. If you require an accommodation or special assistance to attend these programs due to a disability, please contact Steve Mayer at 317.275.9290. Some accommodations may require 2 weeks notice. Newsletter Editor: Oren Cooley pastpfct@aol.com
President’s Letter Greetings Fellow Gardeners, As I am writing this article, it is 3 degrees outside today and the temperature is dropping. This is a great time to catch up on reading, gardening ideas and projects. My project over winter is to grow some microgreens for the first time this January. They are similar to sprouts, but require soil and sunlight (or a grow light) to grow. As the name suggests, microgreens are just miniature plants of greens, herbs or other vegetables. Like sprouts, they are a concentrated nutrient source and packed with beneficial enzymes because of their rapid growth. How to Grow Microgreens: Growing Supplies for Microgreens Find a south-facing window with plenty of sunlight or install an inexpensive grow light. A grow A shallow tray of some sort light mounted under kitchen cabinets works per- Organic soil to fill the tray fectly for growing greens on the counter—if you Seeds for microgreens have the space to do it. In warmer months, Optional: A warming mat to speed these also can be easily grown outside. germination Place an inch of organic potting soil in the bot Optional: A grow light or a sunny spot tom of a shallow tray or planter, and smooth out in a south-facing window as evenly as possible. Scatter seeds over the surface of the soil evenly. You will spread more seeds than you would if just planting the seeds to grow to full size since they will only get 1-2 inches tall and you will want to harvest as many as possible from each tray. TIP: Soaking the seeds overnight will speed sprouting time but will make it more difficult to scatter them. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and spray the surface with clean, filtered water. Place on the warming mat (if using) and under the grow light or near the window. Mist the seeds a couple of times a day to keep the soil evenly moist while waiting for the seeds to germinate. Greens are usually ready to harvest in 2-4 weeks depending on the type of seed used. To grow another crop, either remove the roots and replant, or dump the entire tray in the compost and fill with more soil to replant. If you dump in the compost, some straggler seeds usually volunteer and make a crop of their own a few weeks later. I found the above information on the Wellness Mama website. There also is a wide variety of microgreens: Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Radish, Beet, Watercress, Herbs, Greens, Cabbage, Mustard, Chia Sunflower and Buckwheat. Just a reminder that we meet in January (instead of February). Stay warm and enjoy the winter scenery! —Carrie Alumbaugh, GPMGA President
An Invitation to ‘Grow with Us’
Learn more at: www.IndyGPMGA.com www.IndyMG.org www.IndyHorticulture.org
Purdue Extension-Marion County cordially invites Master Gardeners to Grow with Us at the Second Annual Celebration on Thursday, January 25 (from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) at The Willows on Westfield (6729 Westfield Boulevard, Indianapolis). Complimentary meal provided. Attire is Business Casual. Register by January 15 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-pemcannual-celebration-grow-with-us-tickets-41353553592
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Garfield Park Conservatory Tour Guide Schedule January 13 (1:00 p.m.) Conservatory Tour Guide Training Garfield Park Conservatory January 13 (2:30 p.m.) Tour guide needed January 27 (2:30 p.m.) Tour guide needed Anyone interested in becoming a tour guide should contact Victoria Metheaux at vmeth@comcast.net.
Upcoming Hospitality Help Many thanks to the GPMGA members who brought covered side dishes, salads, drinks and other edibles to the GPMGA Annual Holiday Pitch-in last December. Everyone enjoyed the many dishes during the festive event. If you wish to help with a future meeting, please contact Jeanne Corder at corder99@aol.com. If you wish to help with the July pitch-in, contact Sue Hoyt at msue3@hotmail.com.
Master Gardener Meeting January 10 The Garfield Park Master Gardeners will learn of available volunteer opportunities at the next GPMGA meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, at the Garfield Park Conservatory. During the meeting, Garfield Park Horticulturalist Susan Micks will discuss volunteering at Garfield Park and GPMGA Member Lane Judkins will talk about volunteer projects at the Indiana World War Memorial. In addition, GPMGA Member Jenny Fernsler and Russ Harbold, naturalist at Brook Park Elementary School (Lawrence Township), will talk about an IPS school garden opportunity.
Downtown Indy Beautification Update I always like to see what the “official” colors are as set by Downtown Indy, Inc., and look forward to May/June when the summer colors are planted. Downtown Indy’s Beautification Calendar is distributed to more than 1,000 Downtown businesses to encourage colorful landscaping and clean properties. For the upcoming seasons, Downtown Indy recommends the following flora: Spring – Vibrant pansies in blue, yellow and citrus mix. Summer – A colorful mix of annuals in purple, orange, yellow and lime green. Plant varieties include Guara Siskiyou pink and Verbena bonariensis combined as “thrillers”. Celosia Twisted orange, Coleus electric lime and Zinnia Zahara yellow are “fillers” with Verbena Endurascape magenta as “spillers”. Fall/Winter – Mums, cabbage/kale, pansies or evergreens are suggested for planting. Winter is the time for holiday decor, lighting up exterior trees. At the Indiana World War Memorial, we try to abide but it doesn’t always work out as planned. We are learning what the squirrels do not like, which is the main factor in determining what flowers we request. The annual vinca works really well in University Park while Coleus is a bust due to “critters”. Marigolds have been the best bet in Veterans Memorial Plaza for the hot dry sunshine. I am tickled that we have been able to use cannas the past several years in the pots along the front of the building as this arrangement makes a truly impactful entry. While hibernating through the winter, my dreams are already full of vivid flowery visions for the next season! —Lane Judkins
2018 GPMGS Officers/Committee Chairs President Carrie Alumbaugh carriesalumbaugh@gmail.com
Program Director Barb Jablonski bpjablonski@gmail.com
Newsletter/Publicity Director Oren Cooley pastpfct@aol.com
Immediate Past President/Secretary Nancy Boettner nancyboettner@sbcglobal.net
Hospitality—Snack Coordinator Jeanne Corder corder99@aol.com
Conservatory Tour Coordinator Victoria Metheaux vmeth@comcast.net
Vice President Lane Judkins APJ44@sbcglogal.net
Hospitality—Set-up Coordinator Bill Bernstein billbe19@comcast.net
Historian Jayne Queck jaqueck@aol.com
Treasurer Cindy Maude cmaude@sbcglobal.net
Hospitality—Pitch-In Coordinator Sue Hoyt msue3@hotmail.com
Plant Sale Kay Martin-Pence guitargirl929@gmail.com
Questions about Reporting Hours Debbie Schelske dschelsk@purdue.edu
Please contact the officers and chairs of the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association if you have any questions or suggestions .
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GPMGA Minutes—December 13 Program Master Gardeners shared the stories behind the photos they submitted for the Slide Show; Tour of Garfield Park Conservatory; Pitch-In Dinner with lots of great food from all our members! Sharing by Steve Mayer – Steve relayed his thanks for all we do for the community, and extended an invite to the Grow With Us Celebration at The Willows on Westfield (6729 E. Westfield Boulevard) on January 25 (6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) Business Meeting (Board Business) President-Nancy Boettner: Welcome; Last day to enter 2017 hours is Friday, January 12, 2018; Watch for not-for-profit organizations that you might help support with a grant next year; GPMGA paid Extension Office $107.86 toward the purchase of a sign for the tent at the Demonstration Garden; Board voted to sponsor the Purdue Extension Annual Celebration set for Thursday evening, January 25, at The Willows on Westfield (Indianapolis) for $250 Vice-President-Carrie Alumbaugh: Introduced new members/guests Secretary-Lane Judkins: Review minutes from last meeting Treasurer-Cindy Maude: Checking balance is $6,542.08 Hospitality-Sue Hoyt, Jean Corder, Betty Hurn Johnson: Many thanks to all who contributed to the evening’s buffet Newsletter/Communications-Oren Cooley: Numerous articles submitted. Programs- Barb Jablonski: January meeting on Volunteer Opportunities; Contact Barb to present Historian-Jayne Queck: See article about Boynton in December newsletter Conservatory Tours-Victoria Metheaux: Training on January 13 (1:00 p.m.) Motion to accept these Board reports: Bill Bernstein motioned; 2nd by Carrie Alumbaugh. Motion approved. Opportunities/Other Business Garden Question: Is it best practice to remove leaves from shrubs? Remember: There will be a meeting in January, and no meeting in February. —Lane Judkins
Indianapolis Home Show January 19-28 The Indianapolis Home Show will devote more than 25,000 sq. ft. to landscaping and gardening January 19-28 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, with lavish, landscaped feature gardens—by the area’s top landscape professionals—nestled in the center of the West Pavilion and sprinkled throughout the entire show space. Besides the Centerpiece Home built by Fischer Homes, this year’s show will feature a village of tiny homes— complete with landscaping and flora—for participants to enjoy. The display will explore the current tiny house movement and will showcase the advantages of simpler living in a smaller, more efficient space. The five different tiny homes are work of the following builders and landscapers: • Modern Tiny Living – New Leaf Landscape Design • Titan Tiny Homes – Dave’s Lawn and Landscape • Switchgrass Tiny Homes – Country Gardens • Carpenter Owl – Vive Exterior Design • BoAd Micro Villas – The Turf Boss
Garfield Park Master Gardener Association in association with
Purdue Extension - Marion County Discovery Hall, Suite 201 Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205 Phone: 317.275.9290 FAX: 317.275.9309 E-mail: MayerSL@purdue.edu AnswerLine: 317.275.9292 or marioncountymg@gmail.com It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats. If you require an accommodation or special assistance to attend programs due to a disability, please contact Steve Mayer at 317.275.9290. Some accommodations may require 2 weeks notice. Purdue does not endorse nor disclaim information that appears in this newsletter. It is intended only for informational purposes. Questions: Contact Steve Mayer at mayersl@purdue.edu or Debbie Schelske at dschelsk@purdue.edu
Each home in the tiny village will have its own dedicated landscaping, highlighting the finest flora there is. In addition to the feature gardens in the West Pavilion, the 2018 Indianapolis Home Show also will provide a green touch to the Unilock Corner Beer Garden and Outdoor Living Stage areas in the South Pavilion. For more information, visit www.indianapolishomeshow.com.
Helping Others Grow Sharing Knowledge Volunteer Commitment
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From the Bookshelf . . . Start a Community Food Garden: The Essential Handbook by LaManda Joy Community gardening enhances the fabric of towns and cities through social interactions and accessibility to fresh food, creating an enormously positive effect in the lives of everyone it touches. LaManda Joy, the founder of Chicago’s Peterson Garden Project, has worked in the community gardening trenches for years. In Start a Community Food Garden, LaManda covers every step of the process: fundraising, community organizing, site sourcing, garden design and planning, finding and managing volunteers, and managing the garden through all seasons. A section dedicated to the basics of growing was designed as an educational tool to help community garden leaders teach their volunteers how to successfully garden.
On the Web . . . American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) https://communitygarden.org/mission/ The ACGA includes professionals, volunteers and supporters of community greening in urban and rural communities in the United States and Canada. The association works to promote and support all aspects of community food and ornamental gardening, urban forestry, preservation and management of open space, and integrated planning and management of developing urban and rural lands. The ACGA recognizes that community gardening improves people’s quality of life by providing a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulating social interaction, encouraging self-reliance, beautifying neighborhoods, producing nutritious food, reducing family food budgets, conserving resources, and creating opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy and education. Do you know a great website? Please send to pastpfct@aol.com.
Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities The following list provides a sampling of the many opportunities Master Gardeners have to volunteer in the Indianapolis area throughout the year:
Extension Office Opportunities Master Gardener AnswerLine Phone Center The Master Gardener AnswerLine Phone Center is staffed during the day Monday through Friday to provide the public with answers to gardening questions. To sign up for a morning or afternoon shift, please call 317-275-9292. If no one is available, please contact Debbie Schelske at 317-275-9286 (or Steve Mayer at 317-275-9290). E-mail Master Gardener AnswerLine An e-mail Master Gardener AnswerLine was established in 2001. Homeowners email their lawn and garden questions to the Master Gardener e-mail address (marioncountymg@gmail.com) at the Extension office. Master Gardeners access the Master Gardener mailbox and answer the gardening questions from home on Saturday or Sunday. For more information or to participate in this volunteer activity, contact Steve Mayer (MayerSL@purdue.edu). Master Gardener Speakers Bureau Speakers are always needed for various groups including garden clubs, neighborhood associations and service clubs. If you are a Master Gardener who can speak on any gardening related topic, you are needed. If you would like to be placed on the list of potential MG speakers, please contact Steve Mayer (MayerSL@purdue.edu).
Community Garden Projects Junior Master Gardener Program Purdue Extension-Marion County Indiana State Fairgrounds, Discovery Hall 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.jmgkids.us/ Steve Mayer, 317-275-9290, MayerSL@purdue.edu Marion County Fair Purdue Extension-Marion County Indiana State Fairgrounds, Discovery Hall 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.marioncountyfair.org 317-275-9305 Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden Purdue Extension-Marion County Indiana State Fairgrounds, Discovery Hall 1202 E. 38th St., Suite 201, Indianapolis, IN 46205 www3.ag.purdue.edu/ counties/marion/Pages/ PurdueDemoGarden.aspx Steve Mayer, 317-275-9290, MayerSL@purdue.edu
Community Volunteer Opportunities Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens www.ambassadorhouse.org 317-845-4265 CoCoRaHS {Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network) www.cocorahs.org Ken Scheeringa, Indiana State Coordinator, 765-494-8105, CoCoRaHS@purdue.edu Cold Spring School www.friendsofcoldspringschool.org Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (www.eiteljorg.org) Deborah Kish, Volunteer Services Manager, 317-275-1325, dkish@eiteljorg.org
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Volunteer Opportunities (continued) FFA National Organization (www.ffa.org) Jim Armbruster, Senior Relations Manager, 317-802-4334, jarmbruster@ffa.org Indiana Governor's Residence (www.in.gov/gov/2332.htm) Steve Mayer, 317-275-9290, MayerSL@purdue.edu Indiana School for the Blind (www.isbvik12.org) Elizabeth Garvey, Volunteer Coordinator, 317-253-1481, egarvey@isb.state.in.us Indiana Medical History Museum’s Medicinal Plant Garden (www.imhm.org) Kathleen Hull, Coordinator, 317-996-4380, hullk@ccrtc.com Indiana State Museum (www.indianamuseum.org/volunteers) Karine Huys, Manager Volunteer Services, 317 650-9589 Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (www.downtownindy.org) Anne Maschmeyer, Beautification Director, 317-237-2222, anne@downtownindy.org Indy Parks (www.indyparks.org) www.indy.gov/eGov/ City/DPR/Admin/Pages/Volunteering Annette Harding, 317-327-7275, Annette.harding@indy.gov Information about specific parks where Master Gardeners volunteer: Eagle Creek Park (www.indy.gov/eaglecreek) Janice Parks, Volunteer Coordinator, 317-327-7123, Janice.Parks@indy.gov Garfield Park (www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org) Susan Micks, Garfield Park Horticulturalist, 317-327-7184, smicks@indy.gov Holliday Park (http://holliday12ark.org) Katie Neill, Volunteer Coordinator, 317-327-7180, Katie.Neill@indy.gov Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (www.kibi.org/volunteer) Abby Dennis, Projects Coordinator, 317-264-7555, ext. 123, adennis@kibi.org Lucille Raines Residence (www.lucillerainesresidence.weebly.com/) Ryan Zumbahlen, 317-681-9553, rzumbahlen@yahoo.com Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art) www.discovernewfields.org/support/volunteer Chris Morehead, Manager of Volunteer Services, 317-923-1331, ext. 297, cmorehead@discovernewfields.org Nina Pulliam Ecolab at Marian University (www.marian.edu.e/ecolab) Stephanie Schuck, 317-955-6505, sschuck@marion.edu Pathway to Water Quality Exhibit at Indiana State Fairgrounds www.iaswcd.org/districttools/pwq Sara Peel, 765-337-9100, speel@arionconsultants.com President Benjamin Harrison Home www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/give/volunteer Lukas Ramey, Director of Volunteers, 317-631-1888, volunteer@bhpsite.org Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (www.rhin.com) Karen Lawrence, 317-329-2197, karen.lawrence@rhin.com Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, Inc. (www.rmh-indiana .org) Mary Friend, Volunteer Services Manager, 317-267-0605, ext. 225, mfriend@rmh-indiana.org St. Augustine's Home for the Aged (Organic Kitchen Garden) www.assistedliving.com/indiana/indianapolis/st-augustine-home-for-the-aged/ White River Gardens & Indianapolis Zoo (www.indyzoo.com) Office of Volunteer Services, 317-630-2041, volunteer@indyzoo.com
Master Gardeners The Purdue Master Gardener Program is an integral part of Purdue Extension that provides Indiana’s citizens a chance to grow. Approximately 50 Indiana counties have active Purdue Master Gardener programs. In 2016, the 3,075 active Purdue Master Gardener volunteers reported that they gave 163,483 volunteer hours (valued at $3.7 million) and 40,653 education hours, and that they made 160,821 educational contacts. In 2015, the Extension Master Gardener National Committee released data about the impact of Master Gardeners and their activities nationwide. The numbers reflected data collected in 2014. (Currently, the last year for which information is available.) At that time, Indiana was one of 38 states (that had Master Gardener programs) that reported information about the impact of their programs. Only 49 states have Master Gardener programs. Nationally, 83,389 Master Gardener volunteers gave 5,293,130 volunteer hours in 2014. The national average was 60 hours a year per person. The total value of those hours was $122,112,509. The national estimated value of volunteer time was $23.07 an hour, according to Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org). Master gardeners interacted with 1,047,037 people in 2014. Direct contacts included hotline/helpline calls, e-mails, live presentations, site visits, and events such as farmers’ markets, plant clinics, and state and county fairs. In 2014, Master Gardeners sponsored or created 2,026 community gardens—with 1,001 of those community gardens involving youth. Those gardens donated 846,431 pounds of produce to local food banks. It also was estimated at the time that Master Gardeners helped with more than 6,000 other community gardens nationally that year.
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Extension Horticulture Hints—January 2018 Steve Mayer, Extension Educator-Horticulture, Purdue Extension-Marion County Steve Mayer, Extension Educator-Horticulture, for Purdue Extension-Marion County, serves as coordinator and instructor for the Purdue Master Gardener program in Marion County.
January Garden Calendar Tips Note: Letters and numbers following the tip refer to Purdue publications; other reference links on the topic may also be supplied. First Week: Mark your calendar on Saturday, Feb-
ruary 24 – this year’s date for the Purdue ExtensionMarion County Spring Garden Clinic. More information will be available later here: <https:// extension.purdue.edu/marion/pages/article.aspx? intItemID=23987>.
Second Week: One of the keys to successful land-
scaping is advance planning on paper. Consider the entire landscape design process. (HO-204)
Third Week: If large trees need pruning or other
tree care, choose an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires testing of tree knowledge http://www.treesaregood.org/.
Fourth Week: Finish planning the home orchard.
Be sure to choose fruit varieties that resist disease. (HO-190) (ID-146) <https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/pubs/ HO/HO-190.pdf; https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/pubs/ Midwest_Home_Fruit_Production_Guide_940.pdf>
Follow me on Twitter @purduehortindy (or view at: http://twitter.com/purduehortindy) for more tips. You don’t have to be on Twitter to simply view my comments.
Millenium Allium Named Perennial of the Year Allium ‘Millenium’ was selected by the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) as the 2018 Plant of the Year®. Each year the PPA chooses a different perennial plant to promote. PPA members nominate and vote for plants based on criteria like low maintenance, climate adaptability, insect/disease resistance, availability, multiseason interest and ease of propagation. Because of this, Plant of the Year candidates are generally good choices for home gardeners. The PPA describes this year’s plant this way: Allium ‘Millenium’ produces an upright foliage clump of grasslike, deep green leaves that attains a height of 10-15 inches in spring. In midsummer, 2-3 flower scapes rise above the foliage with each scape producing two or three showy two-inch completely round umbels of rosepurple florets that last as long as four weeks. No com-
mon serious pest problems have been reported. ‘Millenium’ exhibits 50% reduced seed production, raising less concern for self-sown seedlings. For more information on this plant, go to: <http:// www.perennialplant.org/index.php/component/k2/ item/198-2018-perennial-plant-of-the-year>. A two-page PDF version with more information is at: <http:// www.perennialplant.org/images/Allium_Flyer.pdf>. A complete list of PPA Plant of the Year plants (19902018) is online at: <https://extension.purdue.edu/pages/ article.aspx?intItemID=27678>.
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluations The Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation program evaluates herbaceous and woody plants in comparative trials. Their plant recommendations are suitable for central Indiana since the Chicago Botanic Garden is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b and AHS Plant Heat Zone 5. The latest issue (#41) of their Plant Evaluation Notes published in 2017 is A Comparative Evaluation Study of Geum spp., available online at: <https:// www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/ no41_geum.pdf.> The report indicated that Avens should be grown more widely based on their performance in the trial and the wider range of flower colors in the newer hybrids. There was a good mix of old and new varieties among the top performers. Just over 60 percent of taxa in the trial received good or excellent ratings – ‘Mai Tai’, ‘Sangria’, ‘Totally Tangerine’, and Geum triflorum were the highest rated plants. Additional information on the plant evaluation program and all 41 issues of their Plant Evaluation Notes are available online: <https://www.chicagobotanic.org/ research/ornamental_plant_research/plant_evaluation>. The Chicago Botanic Garden collaborates with Fine Gardening magazine to publish some plant trial results. 2017 magazine articles on Baptisia and Hibiscus are at: <https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/ plant_trials_articles>. Fifteen other plant articles are also listed and more are planned for 2018.
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The Question Box January 2018 Steve Mayer, Extension Educator-Horticulture Purdue Extension-Marion County
Purdue Extension has a series of publications to help homeowners, farmers and commercial applicators learn how to more effectively protect critical pollinator species from insecticide exposure and other risks (Purdue entomology photo/ John Obermeyer).
Q. I want to learn more about honeybees and how to keep them healthy. Does Purdue have information on the subject? A. The Complex Life of the Honey Bee: Environmental, Biological, and Chemical Challenges to Colony Health, Purdue publication PPP-116 (POL-9), June 2017, explains the complex biology of honey bees. It also explores the roles pesticides may play in bee health, examines the latest knowledge in this fast-developing field of research, and discusses the regulatory effort to determine the risk of pesticides to honey bees and other pollinators. The 76-page publication is online: <https:// ppp.purdue.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/PPP116.pdf>.
Additional publications on pollinator protection were also introduced in 2017: POL-8: Biology and Control of Varroa Mites in Bee Hives POL-7: Why Should We Care About Pollinators? POL-6: Recommended Indiana Native Plants for Attracting Pollinators POL-5: Best Management Practices for Indiana Pollinator Habitat All nine pollinator protection publications are at: <https:// extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/pubs/ PollinatorProtection.html>.
Q. Can cabling and bracing help reduce the risk of tree failure? A. Cabling, bracing, guying or props may help prevent branch or whole-tree failure. These tree support systems reinforce critical areas of the tree by limiting the movement of branches or leaders. They help reduce the risk of injury to humans and damage to property by providing supplemental support for structurally weak areas of the tree. However, it is important to understand that not all risk can be alleviated by tree support installations. Also, not all trees can be reinforced with supplemental support. A qualified arborist (an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist) should be consulted to determine a tree’s eligibility for a support system. For more information, consult Purdue publication FNR-550, Large Tree Cabling and Bracing (September 2017): <https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ FNR/FNR-550-W.pdf>. Q. Should I stake or guy my newly planted trees? Should the tree be wrapped to protect the trunk? A. According to Purdue publication FNR-547, Tree Support Systems (July 2017), the likely answer to both of these common questions about post-planting tree care is often “no.” Researchers do not always agree on the use of tree wraps. Some studies of common paper tree wraps have shown that they do not prevent extreme fluctuations in temperature on the bark which cause sunscald. Tree wraps are also not suitable for preventing insect entry during the growing season. Trees establish themselves quite well in normal situations. Support systems such as staking and guying are, in most cases, unnecessary and can even be detrimental. Movement caused by the wind is crucial in helping saplings develop into strong, structurally balanced trees. However, in special situations, staking, guying or a similar system may be needed to hold trees upright until adequate root growth anchors them firmly in the soil. When necessary, the support system must be installed properly and removed at the appropriate time to prevent damage. Typically support systems should be removed after one growing season. The system should be reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed to ensure the equipment is functioning properly. Purdue publication FNR-547 is online: <https:// www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-547W.pdf>.
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Show / Event Calendar January 13 (1:00 p.m.) Conservatory Tour Guide Training Garfield Park Conservatory 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org
January 25 (6:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m.) Purdue Extension Annual Celebration The Willows on Westfield 6729 E. Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis https://extension.purdue.edu/Marion
January 15-17 Indiana Green Expo Indiana Convention Center 100 S. Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis www.indianagreenexpo.com
January 27 (8:00 am– 4:00 pm, CST) Porter County Master Gardeners Annual Gardening Show Porter County Expo Center 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso www.pcgarden.info/gardening-show/
January 17 (6:30 p.m.) Great Plants for Shady Areas Brownsburg Library 450 S. Jefferson, Brownsburg www.bburglibrary.net
January 27 (9:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.) Central Indiana Gardeners Social and Seed Swap Hamilton County Fairgrounds 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville www.hcmga.org
January 19-28 Indianapolis Home Show Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis www.indianapolishomeshow.com January 20 (11:00 a.m.) The New American Backyard Indianapolis Public Library-Franklin Road Branch 5550 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis www.indypl.org/locations/franklinroad
February 15 (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) Grassroots Networking and Resources to Manage Invasive Species Indiana Invasive Species Council Hendricks 4-H Fairgrounds, Danville www.indianainvasivespecies.org
"Successful gardening is doing what has to be done when it has to be done the way it ought to be done whether you want to do it or not."
February 24 (9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.) Annual Spring Garden Clinic St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 100 West 86th St., Indianapolis https://extension.purdue.edu/Marion
—Jerry Baker (1931-2017) Author, Plants Are Like People; Celebrated as (Self-Proclaimed) “America’s Master Gardener”
2018 GPMGA Membership Dues Renew your membership in the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association. Dues are $15.00 per year and help pay for special activities, speakers, the newsletter and donations to community projects. Monthly meetings occur on the second Wednesday of the month and begin at 6:30 p.m. Unless otherwise noted at the prior meeting or in the newsletter, meetings are held at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis. Date _________ Name ________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________________ State _______ Zip _________________ Telephone _________________________________ E-mail __________________________________ Completion date of Master Gardener Training Class ______/______/______ I volunteer with: _______________________________________________________________________________________ _____ I wish to be included in the 2018 GPMGA Member Directory. _____ I wish to be included in the GPMGA Member Directory on the website _____ I wish to receive future newsletters by e-mail only. Submit this form and your $15.00 annual membership fee to: Cindy Maude
603 Teton Trail
Indianapolis, IN 46217