We're So Excited About Summer That We Wet Our Plants!

August  2018 / Volume 137
August Horticultural Tips
All kinds of garden tips (Flowers, Trees & Shrubs, Lawn & Turf, Fruits & Nuts, Vegetables and other information) for the month of August can be found by clicking on AUGUST.

Interested In Becoming A Tulsa Master Gardener?  
Orientation Sessions Begin This Week!
 
The Tulsa Master Gardener program is looking for active adults that enjoy interacting with people, get along well with others, are life-long learners and are ready, willing and able to volunteer their time to enhance the numerous Master Gardener community outreach programs.

The Tulsa County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators trained by Oklahoma State University to provide OSU Extension research- based horticultural information to local home gardeners and the community.
 
There are only two Orientation Sessions held each year....beginning this week.  So, if this sounds like something you would be interested in becoming, click 
HERE 
for more information .
Proper Tree Pruning

Maintaining a pristine and attractive landscape requires dedication, hard work and . . . pruning.  And, when the landscape includes a regimen of trees, shrubs and hedges, you can rest assured that your landscape diet includes pruning.  Pruning serves several purposes including directing growth and allowing light and air to the tree or plant while removing excess weight of damaged and diseased branches.

Click on TREE PRUNING to read about the proper way to prune trees.
What Is Xeriscape and Would I Be Interested?

A new trend may be coming to Tulsa - the Xeriscape, or the water saving garden. The root of the term "Xeriscape" refers to "without water".  That is, low-water gardens.  Google brings images of cacti, rocks capes, succulents, gut-savoring Mexican food, and heat! In desert areas this type of landscape is the norm. So, is Tulsa taking the trend?  With the continued hotter and dryer conditions we're experiencing, it appears so.  But, where do you start and what should you consider before going to this landscaping route?

To find out why people consider this way of landscaping and how best to get started, click on  XERISCAPE    
Under-Used Plant Varieties

         {Trident Maple}                   {Shenandoah Switch Grass}

        {Grey Owl Juniper}               {Moonshadow Eunonymous}
When it comes to garden landscapes, so many plant varieties are worthy of use in our home gardens as well as commercially.  Whether they possess a particular flower, foliage, color or fruit, we typically see a similar pallet across our zone.  But, w ith all of these desirable characteristics, some plant materials are simply overlooked and under-used.  Consider some of these and your landscape may very well be unique among  your neighbors.

Click PLANTS  to see a listing of some under-used plant varieties, their sizes and proper location to plant.
Dreamin' Of A Fall Veggie Garden?

If you're dreaming about that fall veggie garden, don't linger much longer in slumber.  Believe it or not, now is actually the time to get those vegetables going.

There are always several considerations when planning your fall planting: soil preparation, temperature, space for the garden, space for each crop, irrigation needs, time to maturity, whether to plant seeds or seedlings...just to name a few.

For some help, click on FALL VEGGIES  for help to get started and some of the more important things to consider at this time.
Water Features - A Perfect Addition To Any Setting
Water views are a prime real estate asset but, for those whose home doesn't front an ocean or lake, there is the option of a small pond or other water feature. The romance of garden ponds conjures images of breathtaking water lilies.  Plus, the sound of running water is calming and relaxing, providing a back-yard oasis - something that is sometimes needed in our rush-rush world.   A gurgling waterfall, a meandering stream, or fish darting beneath lily pads beckon one to unwind.

If this sounds interesting to you and you wish to learn a bit more about various water features, click on WATER FEATURES.  
Landscaping For Water Conservation
If your yard has a grassy lawn with trees and shrubs, you are probably very aware of how dependent plants are on water to survive and remain healthy and attractive.  And, Oklahoma summers put a high demand on watering needs to keep it looking good.  So, if you're looking for ways to avoid high water bills in part due to landscape watering needs, consider an alternative.   One strategy is to conserve water through creative landscaping.   A well-designed landscape not only adds beauty to your home, but it can help reduce your water use, improve your home's comfort and lower your energy bills all year long.

Click on WATER CONSERVATION  for a few landscape design tips to conserve water.
DID YOU KNOW?

The Tulsa Master Gardener Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization.  As such, it receives no city, state or federal funding for its Tulsa community outreach programs. In fact, the Tulsa's Master Gardener programs are self-funded by its own fundraisers, from member donations, and from public donations.

The main Tulsa Master Gardener fundraiser is its Annual Spring Plant Sale that is held each April.  Other fundraisers include the Garden Tour and Garage Sale in June.  And, one of the most important income sources that sometimes gets overlooked are the personal and corporate donations.  These are so important in helping us to meet our financial obligations and we want you to know they are very much appreciated. 

MG Endowment Fund
 
Did you know that we have been around for over three decades, since 1983?  And, we plan to be around for many more decades.  Did you know that  we are one of the top five Master Gardener county programs in the entire nation?  We are, indeed, because of the size of our Foundation membership as well as the diversity and activity level of our community outreach programs!  
 
So, we are pleased to announce, in partnership with the Tulsa Community Foundation, the Master Gardener Foundation recently established an Endowment Fund to ensure our long-term financial strength.  Our plans are to build this fund for many years before making any withdrawals from it.  Please consider us as you make your annual gift giving as well as longer-term estate planning decisions.  Remember, all donations are fully tax deductible! 
 
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund the long-term success of the program, click on   TULSA MASTER GARDENER ENDOWMENT FUND.
 
If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to help fund our annual expenses, click on  TULSA MASTER GARDENER AGENCY FUND.
 
We thank you for having been such faithful contributors both in the past and in advance for your future consideration and participation!
Got a Question? Or Maybe a Soil or Plant Sample?
MG logo
Our Master Gardeners are on hand to assist you with even the toughest gardening questions. Visit us in person, by phone, via email or online! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.


Address: 4116 E. 15th Street, Gate 6 at the Fairgrounds
Phone: (918) 746-3701

Need More Information?
butterfly
law n fertilizer
complex leaves
All about butterfly gardening in Tulsa County.

How to Take a Soil Test
How to collect a good sample of soil from your lawn or garden and get it tested at the OSU lab.

Once you have collected your soil test and gotten the results back, now what? Find out here. 

Show and tell.
Cool Season Lawn Care (Fescue)
12-month maintenance calendar.
State horticulturists, nurseries and growers pick favorite plants, shrubs and trees for use in the Oklahoma landscape. See the winners for this year and years past.


A list of recommended trees with descriptions. 

A list of over 60, by size and color.

Visit our demonstration garden on  15th Street, open 7 days a week. 

Current and historical source of rainfall, air temperatures, soil temps and much more. Click on Bixby station.  



  
BECOME A MASTER GARDENER!
 
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