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Brunswick County Master Gardener
Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
Volume VII Issue 9
Sharing Gardens with Birds
Getting Ready for Autumn Migration
Certified Master Gardeners
Check the NCSU Website for opportunities to fulfill
your 40 hours are required to remain qualified. 2014
requirements are minimum 10 hours Hotline and 10
hours Botanical Garden. Click here
Scheduled Speakers
Oct 23 – Nat Martin, Turf Management
Nov 27 – Tom Ericson, Transplanted Garden redux
Other Events of Interest
Oct 4 – Sunset at Sunset
Oct 9-10 Fall Plant Sale
Oct 15 – DIY Bolivia starts
Oct 21 – Southern Regional MG Conference
Dec 11 – Holiday party
Plant Sale
Final sale of 2014
October 9 and 10
9am - 5pm
Flowers, shrubs, trees, and personal plant donations
from our own Master Gardeners
From late August we can hear
the sounds of hundreds of
thousands of birds in the
skies after dark as they pass
through our state on their
migration south. Why? As
speaker at our September
meeting, Andy Wood offered
an explantion for this annual
phenomenon – food, climate,
reproduction are their
primary reasons for traveling from as far as the
Arctic Circle to Louisiana, Mexico, and Brazil. Each
day of their trip they lift off at dusk when the air is
cooler and predators retire for the night, although
they're still at risk to be a meal for owls, etc.
As dawn approaches our feathered friends waxwings, warblers, chicadees, robins, bluebirds
to name a few, look for a place to spend the coming
day. They usually look for an inviting forest,
swamp, beach, savannah, or residential area where
they can rest and recuperate. That means they
need shelter to sleep, water and high protein food
to recharge.
How can we help? We can make our yards
attractive to them by having a variety of plants that
provide seeds and berries that they crave –
coneflowers, holly, yaupon, primrose, dogwood,
beautyberry, honeysuckle, etc., and that harbors
insects that meet their refueling requirements –
spiders, grasshoppers, flies, more.
We can also keep the landscape lighting low to
result in a life-friendly habitat that will enable these
travelers to complete their journey safely, for many
years to come.
Andy Wood is Director of the Coastal Plain
Conservation Group located in Hampstead NC. For
more information see http://coastalplaincg.org/
Regular meeting on October 23rd at 9:00 am
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
Master Gardeners Board
Elected Officers:
Sam Marshall Extension Horticulture Agent
Propagation Class Visits Biltmore Estate
The Plant Propagation class recently visited the Biltmore
Estate in Asheville, wrapping up a 4-week course in plant
propagation. Members of the class spent two hours on a
private garden tour, given
by a member of the
Biltmore Garden Staff.
Master Gardeners were
given a brief history of
each part of the garden,
and also graciously allowed to take cuttings and
collect seeds
from some
very
interesting
plants.
The tour also included a visit to the Biltmore
House, which most would probably agree was second-best to the actual garden
itself.
After lunch, we travelled north to Burnsville, and given a tour of the Carolina
Native Plant Nursery.
We were shown the propagation
houses where all the plants were
started and
held for
sale.
The trip to
Asheville
was an
excellent
wrap-up to
the class and a fantastic way for volunteers to get to
know one another and strengthen friendships.
Again, thank you for all that you do!
–
October 2014
Sam
Master Gardener License Plate Update
DMV is now processing the applications. If your renewal date is at least 3
months away, the plate will be mailed directly to you. If the date is closer
than 3 months, DMV will contact you with instructions for issuance.
Page 2
President
Joanne Bendy
[email protected]
910-575-0071
Vice president
Mike Duffy
[email protected]
805-975-5767
Treasurer
Bob Gelinas
[email protected]
910-755-7578
Recording Secretary
Marianne Bell
[email protected]
910-253-6697
Corresponding Secretary
Ann Gallman
[email protected]
910-363-4027
Volunteer Chairs:
Banquets/Parties
Sonia Smith
[email protected]
203-249-5911
Gardens / Webmaster
Fred Mina
[email protected]
910-278-6205
History
Barbara McCoy
[email protected]
910-575-7679
Library
Grace Wrigley
[email protected]
910-846-3341
Membership
Judy Ruth
[email protected]
910-854-0184
NCMGVA Liaison
Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman
[email protected]
910-754-4148
Newsletter Editor
Hank Rapp
[email protected]
910-253-4071
Restitution
Anita Handler
[email protected]
910-845-0669
History/Publicity
Mary Dixon
[email protected]
910-755-6873
Donna Coulson
[email protected]
910-399-6321
Trip Planning
Ellen Pecina
[email protected]
910-575-6877
Michelle Spencer
[email protected]
910-620-5954
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
Growing Shiitake Mushrooms in
North Carolina
By Donna C. Coulson, 2014 Master Gardener Intern
Did you know that the Cooperative Extension at NC A&T
State University in Greensboro sponsors an educational
program and provides technical
expertise to train commercial NC
farmers how to grow Shiitake
Mushrooms? I didn’t—until we
heard Dr. Felicia Anike speak at
our Master Gardener meeting on
August 28th. Anike is a
researcher at the Edible and
Medicinal Mushroom program
who has many years of
experience in research and
outreach programs on exotic
mushrooms.
Why mushrooms? They have
both medicinal and nutritional value plus they provide a new
way to generate revenue. Two farms in Brunswick County
are currently involved in this effort.
Mushrooms are nutrient-dense—high in protein, high in
good fat and rich in Vitamins B, D, K, A and C. They contain
selenium and are high in fiber. They are a unique
carbohydrate. From a medicinal standpoint, mushrooms
stimulate the immune system, are an anti-cancer agent and
also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Traditionally, the US has imported shiitake mushrooms from
China yet Dr. Anike emphasizes that we can grow these
ourselves vs. just consume them. Their physical properties
include a cap on top, a gill underneath that cap and they
have a stipe for a stem.
We learned that there are “4 S’s’” for selecting a shiitake
site to grow these mushrooms: (1) Shade, (2) Slope, (3)
Space and (4) Sprinklers for a
water source. But first, know that
mushrooms are planted on logs,
not in the soil. So to implement
those 4 S’s, the following is
needed:
SHADE to prevent logs from
drying out and from mycelium
going through the log. If conditions
are not ideal, low production and
poor quality will result. If the area’s
too hot, the mushrooms will not
fruit. The proper temperature is between 65-77º. Growers
want 80-90% of the sun blocked by tree foliage or shade
cloth during the hottest part of the year. SLOPE will
determine the size of the logs selected and the stacking
Page 3
October 2014
style. Mushrooms can be grown on either flat or sloped
land. The slope determines how easily the grower can move
around. SPACE is needed to accommodate the logs once
they are inoculated and ready to stack. Locate ¼ acre for
every 200 logs or ½ acre if the plan is to add 200 logs a
year for 5 years. SPRINKLER SOURCE. If rain is scarce, a
sprinkler or drip irrigation can be used. A location with
access to clean water is critical. The booklet, Sold on
Shiitake, has recommendations listed on the log
management chart.
Logs you’re saying? Yes, hardwood trees are recommended
– like red, white or chestnut oaks or sweet gum logs. Logs
should be free of disease or decay. Ideally, tight bark with no
bruises are best and trunks and branches that are fairly
straight.
What’s a good time to cut logs? The late winter between
November-January or between February-March when they
are not actively growing. Logs need to lie for 10 days with
branches intact before cutting into them. And logs must be
inoculated within 90 days of cutting. Sounds more like a
doctor than a farmer! This process involves (1) Drilling the
appropriate holes with a special bit with start and end holes
1-inch from the ends of the logs. (2) Injecting spawn into the
logs and plunging the plunger into the spawn 4 times to load
it. The loaded plunger is placed over the hole and tapped 4
times to discharge the spawn from the plunger into the hold.
(3) The holes are sealed with wax over the entire surface at
the ends of the logs using dapper or dip ends into the
cheesewax or beeswax. Paraffin wax is not used. (4) Like
any good Master Gardener would, labels are made and
attached to the log.
The logs are stacked for INCUBATION no higher than 4 feet
using base logs to keep inoculated logs off the ground.
Some of the disease and pest challenges for mushroom
growers include green mold (trichoderma), black mold
(hypoxylon), turkey tail (coriolus versicolor), termites, bark
beetles or the Bess beetle, the brown tiny beetle, slugs and
snails along with the usual deer and squirrels who will be
attracted to the fruit.
First fruiting begins in October/November while second
fruiting is between February and May. Eastern NC fruits in
February while fruiting begins in late April in Western NC.
If you are seriously
interested in mushroom
farming, use the Sold on
Shiitake Coursebook Dr.
Anike gave those in
attendance or you can
contact them at
[email protected] or
1 336 285-4854
# # #
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
Chicken Soup with Ginger & Shiitake Mr. Tom says:
Tom Woods, MG Coordinator – Coop Extension
Mushrooms
Serves 3-4
Cook Time 1 hour
This and That
Now that you've learned how
to grow your own shiitake
mushrooms, you'll want to
use them. I found this recipe
in an advertisement from
Olive Nation.com where I
buy my Australian Ginger. They sell a variety of dried fruits, nuts,
and mushrooms.
Ingredients
1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
3 cups boiling water
1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, preferably bone-in, cut into
chunks
A 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced very thin
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
A pinch of Trapani Sea salt
1 teaspoon corn starch
Preparation
Soak the mushrooms in the hot water for 20 minutes. Use a
bowl or a smaller pot to keep the mushrooms submerged in
the water.
While the mushrooms are soaking, mix the soy, sugar, salt and
corn starch in a large bowl. Make sure there are no corn
starch lumps. Add the chicken and ginger to the bowl, toss to
coat with the marinade, and set aside.
When the mushrooms have softened, remove from the water
(saving the soaking liquid) and slice thin. Add the mushrooms
into the bowl with the chicken. If the soaking water has grit in
it, pour the soaking water though a fine-meshed sieve lined
with a paper towel into another bowl.
Put the chicken mushroom mixture, and the mushroom
soaking liquid into a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to
a bare simmer, cover the pot and cook gently for 25 minutes.
Serve hot.
Yield: Serves 3-4.
recipe and photo from simplyrecipes.com
Page 4
The Fall Plant sale is scheduled for
Oct 9 and 10. A list of the plants that
will be available can be found on the
website, http://www.bcmgva.org/. This plant sale will
be characterized by plants grown or propagated by
members of the BCMGVA; sort of a return to our
beginning practices for all of the original plant sales.
I will be purchasing the plants to block the sight line to
the Gas pump area on October 1. We will schedule a
work day after the Fall Plant sale to plant. The area is
intended to demonstrate varieties that can be used for
this function: Nellie Stephens Holly, Wax Myrtle,
Arborvitae, Cryptomeria and Leyland Cypress.
This is the time of year to begin looking at your
volunteer hours and taking the steps to get the 10
hours of Info-Line time, 10 hours of Botanical Garden
time and 20 additional volunteer hours completed.
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN CAKE
This recipe was
feature in the latest
Better Homes and
Gardens magazine.
Prep time: 35 min
Total: 1 hr 30 min
SERVES 12
About 630 cals,
8 g protein,
76 g carbs,
35 g fat (21 g sat),
3 g fiber.
550 mg sodium.
October 2014
Meanwhile, prepare Butter Cream Frosting
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
Directions
Beat butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sifted
powdered sugar alternately with milk beating well after each
addition.
Beat in additional milk, if necessary, to make of spreading
consistency. Tint with orange gel food coloring to desired
shade. Place 1 cake layer onto cake stand. Top with onethird of frosting; spread evenly. Add second cake layer on
top. Spread remaining frosting all over top and sides of
cake. Cake can be stored, covered with plastic wrap and
refrigerated, up to 3 days.
Ellie Bierman's
No Bake Energy Bites
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
Served at the August Membership meeting, here's the
recipe:
Ingredients
Preparation
Prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease two 8-in.
round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper;
grease. Dust pans with flour. - In Ig. bowl, whisk flour,
cocoa, baking soda and salt. In med. bowl, whisk buttermilk,
pumpkin and vanilla. In Ig. bowl, with mixer on low speed,
beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase speed to high;
beat 5 min. or until pale and fluffy, occasionally scraping
bowl with rubber spatula. Reduce speed to med.-low; add
eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour
mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and
ending with flour mixture; beat just until batter is smooth,
occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula.
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake cakes 30
to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes
out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 min. With small
knife, loosen layers from sides of pans; invert onto wire
racks. Carefully remove and discard parchment; cool
completely, about 45 minutes. Layers can be wrapped in
plastic and stored at room temperature up to 1 day or in
freezer up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature before
decorating.
Page 5
2 c. Oatmeal- use up to 2tbsp water to
soften oatmeal
1 c. Peanut butter
1/4 c Honey
1 c. Ground flaxseed
1 c. Dried fruit
2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 c. Chopped almonds
Preparation
Mix all together. Make small balls with a
small scoop or in the palm of your hand.
Set balls on a cookie sheet and place in
freezer until hard. Put balls in an air tight
freezer bag. Keep in freezer until ready to
eat.
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
THINGS TO KNOW
Something, as yet undiagnosed, is affecting oak trees in
Brunswick County. The symptoms are: leaves suddenly (a
few days or less)
turn yellow, then
brown but do not
drop from the tree;
dieback of twigs
and stems.
These symptoms
are common to
several diseases
that host in oak
varieties;
Hypoxylon Canker normally follows severe drought and has
the additional sign of large spore bearing mats beneath the
bark; Oak decline is normally characterized by the “stag
head” look where the tree dies and drops foliage from the
top down; Sudden Oak Death has been found in Western
North Carolina nurseries and can be vectored into our area
by ornamental plants like camellia and viburnum; Bacterial
Leaf Scorch is perennial and normally affects only a portion
of the crown; Oak Wilt always results in defoliation and
proceeds from the top of the canopy down; Armillaria Root
Rot normally shows cankers on the stem and also often has
mycelial mats beneath the bark; and Oak Anthracnose is
seldom fatal, affects white oak family and normally proceeds
from the bottom to the top of the tree.
It is also possible that this is nothing of concern and merely
trees going dormant early; they don’t like all this rain any
more than we do.
I need more data. If you know of an oak in stress or
showing some of these symptoms; photograph it, document
location, progression of symptoms, and history of plant. If
possible, bring in a limb with the symptoms.
October 2014
September Meeting Minute Briefs.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pres Joanne Bendy opened the meeting at 9:05
Sharon Davis and Judy Ruth hosted the refreshment break.
Treasurer, Bob Gelinas, presented the Treasurer report with a
balance of $35,732.32
Restitution – Monica Bender reported that 18 clients are
engaged in several projects.
Membership – Judy Ruth advised that she will be contacting
members who need to complete their commitment.
Corr. Secretary Ann Gallman was not available but reported
sending several cards during the month.
Publicity – Donna Coulson stated that she has prepared a press
release for the plant sale and has completed several newsletter
articles.
NCEMGVA Rep, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, reported on the
license plate bill has been approved. You should be contacted
by DMV with a schedule.
Trips – Ellen Pecina said that the Duke Gardens trip was
attended by 12 MGs.
Hort Agent Sam Marshall was in Asheville with the Advanced
Propagation class
MG Coordinator Tom Woods advised that the receptionist,
Cathy, is moving and her last day Oct 1st. We will need to
provide coverage. The golf cart has been accepted by Hughes
and Hughes as a donation. A new Deere riding mower has been
purchased by the BCCE. Some problems with
chrysanthemums, liriope have been observed. Also a
mysterious oak tree disease has materialized (see article in
newsletter).
Hort Assistant Michelle Spencer was in Asheville but requested
help for boardwalk construction on Oct 1st and with plant ID
labeling.
Bob Gelinas is looking for suggestions for a shade structure on
the plant sale pad. Send ideas to him with links to your
suggestion(s).
President Bendy advised the next year's calendar would have
one plant sale in the spring (May 6-9) and the Recognition
Social would follow the regular meeting in April. The
possibility of sponsoring a state conference in Brunswick
County in 2016 is still under discussion.
Tom
October (from the Greek Oktw, "eight") was originally the eighth of
ten months on the oldest known Roman calendar, with March (Latin
Martius) the first month of the year until perhaps as late as 153 BC.
After the calendar reform that added January and February to the
beginning of the year, October became the tenth month, but retained
its name.
October is commonly associated with the season of autumn in the
Northern hemisphere and spring in the Southern hemisphere, where
it is the seasonal equivalent to April in the Northern hemisphere and
vice versa. In the Western world, October is also commonly
associated with Hallowe'en (All Hallows Eve)
Page 6
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
President's Message
Joanne Bendy, President BCMGVA
The weather is finally cooling down. If
only the rain would take a break once in
awhile. I would really enjoy sitting
outside under the Pergola for a Happy
Hour. Oh well, the bright side is that I
have saved a lot of money not running
the irrigation.
The plants in my garden have really
exploded this year. Fall color is arriving.
Rose Greenhow dies
Oct 1, 1864
Confederate spy Rose O'Neal Greenhow drowns off the North Carolina
coast when a Yankee craft runs her ship aground. She was returning from a
trip to England.
Purple spikes of Russian Sage,
yellow blooms on Giant Elephant
Ears, peach blossoms on
Angel Trumpet, and red
spider lilies have appeared.
What's growing in your garden?
At the beginning of the war, Maryland native Rose O'Neal Greenhow lived in
Washington, D.C., with her four children. Her deceased husband was
wealthy and well connected in the capital, and Greenhow used her influence
to aid the Southern cause. Working with Lieutenant Colonel Thomas
Jordan, she established an elaborate spy network in Washington. The
effectiveness of the operation was soon demonstrated when Greenhow
received information concerning the movements of General Irvin
McDowell's army shortly before the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. A
female courier carried messages from Greenhow to Confederate General
Pierre G.T. Beauregard at his Fairfax, Virginia, headquarters. Beauregard
later testified that because of the gained intelligence, he requested extra
troops from General Joseph Johnston's nearby command, helping the
Confederates score a dramatic victory against the Yankees in the first major
battle of the war. Confederate President Jefferson Davis sent Greenhow a
letter of appreciation the day after the battle.
Federal authorities soon learned of the security leaks, and the trail led to
Greenhow's residence. She was placed under house arrest, and other
suspected female spies were soon arrested and joined her there. The
house, nicknamed "Fort Greenhow," still managed to produce information
for the Rebels. When her good friend, Massachusetts Senator Henry
Wilson, visited Greenhow, he carelessly provided important intelligence
that Greenhow slipped to her operatives. After five months, she and her
youngest daughter, "Little Rose," were transferred to the Old Capitol Prison
in Washington. She was incarcerated until June 1862, when she went into
exile in the South.
Happy Fall Gardening !!
Joanne
Greenhow and Little Rose spent the next two years in England. Greenhow
penned a memoir titled My Imprisonment and traveled to England and
France, drumming up support for the Southern cause. She then decided to
return to the Confederacy to contribute more directly to the war effort.
Greenhow and her daughter were on board the British blockade-runner
Condor when it was intercepted by the U.S.S. Niphon off Cape Hatteras,
North Carolina. The Yankee ship ran Condor aground near Forth Fischer.
Greenhow was carrying Confederate dispatches and $2,000 in gold.
Insisting that she be taken ashore, she boarded a small lifeboat that
overturned in the rough surf. The weight of the gold pulled her under, and
her body washed ashore the next morning. Greenhow was given a hero's
funeral and buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina, her
body wrapped in the Confederate flag.
Page 7
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
Master Gardeners tour Duke Gardens – September 18 -19
submitted by Donna Coulson
A dozen Brunswick County Master Gardeners ventured to Raleigh on September 18th and 19th to visit both the
Duke Gardens and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University where the Miro
exhibit is on display. The artist, a contemporary of Picasso, was part of the
Surrealist movement of the late 1920s and a sculptor for 60 years.
MG Ellen Pecina arranged the trip and our Docent, was Priscilla, originally from
Madison, NJ. The Sara Duke Gardens were a gift from daughter Mary Duke Biddle
in 1938. Ooh’s and ah’s could be heard as we saw the 6.5 acre H. L. Blomquist’s
Garden of Native Plants, the W. L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum,
the Sarah Duke Rose Garden and Roney Fountain, Victoria Water Lillies and Koi
ponds and the Hanes Iris Garden. The Doris Duke Center & Gift shop is a place for
meetings and workshops.
(Following photos from Donna Coulson)
Sarah Duke Garden
Page 8
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
Roney Fountain
October 2014
Victor Water Lillies and Koi
Participating in the tour with Ellen was back row Karen Rife, Joanne Norman-Edwards and her husband Jim, Jack Bendy, and
Dick Chadwick, front row Donna Coulson, Carol Chadwick, Merry MacBarb, Joanne Bendy, Ellie Bierman, and Linda Lemiux.
Page 9
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
Stinging Caterpillars make an Appearance in Home Gardens
- Sam Marshall, Horticulture Agent
If it stings or bites, it probably makes its home in Brunswick County. From the biting flies that terrorized us
earlier this summer, to the ever-pleasant mosquitoes and fire ants, there are a lot of critters out there that can
make life outdoors unpleasant. In recent days, however, reports of a stinging caterpillar that bears an uncanny
resemblance to a small toupee have been coming into
the Extension Office. These hairy caterpillars look
harmless, but those who have experienced its sting
quickly realize it is anything but. Meet the pus
caterpillar.
What is this caterpillar?
Coming in at about one inch in length, the pus
caterpillar is the larval form of the southern flannel
moth, a small attractive moth native to the
Southeastern United States. While the adult is
completely harmless to humans, the larvae are
considered one of the most venomous caterpillars in
the United States. They typically are found feeding on
the leaves of oak and elm tree species, but may feed
on up to 40 different plant species.
With two life cycles per year, the southern flannel moth emerges sometime in the beginning of summer, and
again in the fall. During this time of the year, many of the caterpillars are in a stage of pre-pupation, a behavior
known as "wandering." This is the stage at which the caterpillar will roam the foliage of plants looking for a
place to spin a cocoon. What this means for you is that you are likely to find them on all types of plants around
your home, so care should be taken when pruning leaves, or handling plant material.
Don't panic!
While any bite or sting from a venomous insect
may be cause for concern, the sting of the pus
caterpillar is not fatal, although some may
experience severe allergic reactions to the venom.
The severity of the reaction depends on the site at
which you are stung and the thickness of the skin in
the affected area. The likelihood of getting stung is
unlikely; however you should always be aware of
your surroundings and take general safety
precautions to avoid accidents.
The pus caterpillar is about 1-inch long when mature and completely covered with gray and brown hairs.
Stiff spines under the soft hairs are attached to poison glands that break off in the skin when touched.
If you are stung, masking tape may be used to remove the stinging hairs from the affected area. Apply ice and a
topical hydrocortisone cream, or take an oral antihistamine to reduce swelling. Pus caterpillar populations are
kept in check by natural enemies and chemical control is not recommended.
If you have more questions about control options, please contact the Extension Office in Bolivia at (910) 2532610.
Page 10
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
BRUNSWICK COUNTY THIRD GRADERS EXPERIENCE "LIFE ON THE FARM"
–
submitted by Patti Schleig
September 15-26 provided the third graders of Brunswick County an experience that many are unable to have:
they spent a day on the Funston Farm in Winnabow. Through the generosity of Mr. Wilbur and Mrs. Mary Earp,
farm owners, the farm was open to the County
students. The Brunswick County 4-H; Farm Bureau,
Master Gardeners; North Carolina Soil and Water,
Brunswick County Parks and Recreation, and the NC
Cooperative Extension sponsored this event.
All schools in the county sent third graders to spend a
day of learning and fun on the farm. Many children
had never been on a farm and the experience was
invaluable to their learning of topics they will be
presented in their third grade curriculum. Each group
rotated through seven learning stations during the day.
The stations included Plant People which introduced
the children to the understanding of plant needs.
Another station taught children about the seeds and
their contribution to plant life. Soils provided the students with a knowledge of what composes soil and its
importance to plant life. Composting showed the children how plants and animals work together to improve the
environment and the soil. Pollination Station showed the
interdependence of plants with insects, animals, and
environmental conditions. At the Photosynthesis Station
children learned how plants make their food and provide
humans with oxygen. The Hayride was an exciting
adventure through the large farm providing children with
an up close and personal view of a working farm...an
experience few can say they have had.
All the stations were manned by volunteers from each
of the sponsoring agencies. Children were
introduced to all of the topics in an outdoor learning
environment that provided for interest and fun.
Teachers and parent chaparones joined in the class
activities and seemed to enjoy the experience as much
as the students. This was a day that should stay in the
children's memories for years to come.
Page 11
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association Newsletter
October 2014
Keene NH Pumpkin Festival
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteer Association
P.O. Box 109
Bolivia, NC 28422
Office: 910-253-2610
First Class Mail
Useful links for online access:
http://www.bcmastergardener.org/
http://brunswick.ces.ncsu.edu/
http://www.ncmastergardeners.org
http://pendergardener.blogspot.com/
Page 12