Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod Newsletter

March 2013  

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Russell's Letter

Hello Everyone,

 

A little different weather this year compared to last. I am beginning to see a lot of crocuses and snow drops in bloom, a sign that warmer weather is truly on its way.

 

March is the best month for pruning so get your pruners out and prune some trees and shrubs. There is a lot of plant damage from the heavy snows and wind this winter. This is a good place to start your pruning by removing those damaged limbs.

 

We have several things coming up, make sure you mark them on the calendar.

General Meeting - March 25

Trainee Luncheon and Tomato Workshop - March 27

Continuing Education - April 6 - we will be opening the continuing education program to the public next week. We will not be able to save a spot for you once that has occurred so please make sure you that you respond ASAP.

 

For those of you looking for some continuing education hours, I have several programs coming up. They maybe worthwhile attending if you have interest in the subjects, see attached flier.

 

Russ

 

President's Letter

Fellow Gardeners,

 

Sadly, Harry Bowen, a member of our first trainee class has passed away. Harry, fellow trainees and Roberta Clark drove over the bridge that first year to begin this journey we are all taking now. They defined our future and our passion to teach. Harry created the demonstration gardens at the Barnstable Fairgrounds that we still maintain. He propagated most of the heaths and heathers we see around us today. That's where I met Harry-lecturing on his beloved heaths and heathers.

 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 11:30 at Ballymeade Country Club off Route 151 in North Falmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the West Falmouth Library. For online guest book and directions, please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Appreciation: Last year the Board asked for volunteers to develop a mentoring program for our trainees. This Steering Committee of Mary Lou Roberts, Leslie Altman, Susan Sweeney and C. L. Fornari  studied our experiences as trainees and new Master Gardeners. They authored new guidelines for our mentoring program that includes more in depth contact between the mentor and trainee with more support in the all-important first 30 days of Plant Clinic duty. Our new approach will partner a Master Gardener with a trainee until that trainee earns their badge. Thanks to this Committee and all Master Gardeners who are volunteering their time and experiences to serve as mentors.

 

Upcoming: Our March 25th General Meeting will be at the West Barnstable location. Coffee and early morning snack will be served 9:00. After our social time, Mary Ann Buss will have a photo presentation and will advise us on our new committee to support and grow our lecturing and photography abilities. If you need help with your photo taking skills, computer skills, or lecturing skills, or want to help others, please join us. Our first meeting for this Support Committee will be:

 

Brainstorm Meeting

April 10 @ 10:00 am

Mashpee Public Library

 

Mary Ann writes: Come to the first session of a new Master Gardeners' Support Group. We will hopefully set an agenda for a group to support the Speaker's Bureau.

Together we can improve our photography skills, learn some editing techniques and learn how to develop our own power point presentation or assist those who want to give presentations.

The goal for the first meeting will be to learn where members' skills are at present and what we can do to improve them. Attending the first meeting will help us make this group relevant to all who are interested. Questions? Call Mary Ann Buss at 508.539.7009 or E-mail at [email protected]

 

Education Day: Terrarium Workshop is April 5 and the Education Day is April 6. Please send your completed form for the Workshop with payment to Lynne Dowdall and for Education Day with payment to Chris. If you have questions, please call Lynne Dowdall at 508.362.0249. On March 11, the event will become available to the public.  

   

Karen Slavens

508.888.8786

   

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Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Barnstable, Massachusetts 02632
(508) 375-6698
 
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Barnstable, Massachusetts 02632
(508) 375-6690