Stumpery

The Stumpery at the Angelina Farmers' Market is a showplace for plants that thrive in the shade of hardwood and pine trees. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of shade loving ferns and shrubs and take away ideas for their own landscapes. Master Gardeners volunteer hours of work at the Stumpery every week.  To learn more about the Stumpery, click here.

Master Gardener Plant Sale 2008

The Angelina Master Gardeners annual plant sale was held on March 29, 2008 at the Farmer's Market. The Plant Sale Chairpersons this year were Gerald and Linda Snider.

The plant sale was very successful due to the Snider's direction and the hard work by all the Master Gardeners. Proceeds will fund educational projects by the Master Gardeners.

Forestry Museum Honors Master Gardener Johnny Davis

Congratulations to Master Gardener Johnny Davis!  He was recognized by the Forestry Museum as the volunteer with the most hours this past year.  Johnny maintains the native plant beds and butterfly gardens as a volunteer project for both the Forestry Museum and Angelina Master Gardeners.

Visit the Forestry Museum on Atkinson Avenue in Lufkin to enjoy the native wildflowers.  Read the article in the Lufkin Daily News.

Earthkind Rose Trials

Angelina Master Gardeners planted Earthkind Roses in March 2007 to begin a four year trial of five varieties.  This is part of a nationwide trial of these roses, and the first of its kind in Angelina County. Earthkind Roses are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.  

Varieties included in the test are: Bright Melody, Dorcus, Do-se-do, Malaguena, and Care Free Beauty.  The Malaguena rose is pictured at the left.

For more information on Earthkind Roses visit http://earthkindroses.tamu.edu  To read more about our rose trials  (continue)

        Azaleas

by Rose Ella Forsythe, MG

Azaleas are not difficult to grow, even though they have earned the reputation as such.  They fare better if a little planning goes in the planting.  Azaleas should be planted in a semi shaded spot, neither full sun nor dense shade. The filtered sun under pine trees is an ideal spot. 

Mulch azalea beds with pine straw, rotted pine bark or shredded oak leaves, about 1 inch deep around plant and 2-3 inches deep between the plants. Mulching controls weeds, holds in moisture and helps lower soil temperatures.

Water-soluble azalea fertilizer in a hose-end sprayer right after blooming works well.  If gives them enough "boot" to get through the summer.  Do not fertilize later than July, because it will stimulate new growth that will freeze more easily.

If you choose to prune your azalea bushes do the pruning directly after the spring bloom and never after July 1.  They set buds for the next spring starting in July, and pruning later than this date will remove the next spring's bloom.  If your plant needs a lot of pruning, it is best to do some this year and complete the pruning next spring.  Too much cutting back may shock the plant.

Azaleas should be watered during the drier part of summer.  A soaker hose placed in the bed when the azaleas are planted is ideal.  Azaleas will start to look wilted when they are very thirsty, however they will wilt before the ground dries out completely, warning you to give them water.  (read entire article by choosing "Garden Articles")