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CCEDC 2023 MGV Spring Plant Sale
By Joyce Tomaselli, CCEDC Community Horticulture Resource Educator
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The 30th annual Master Gardener Spring Plant was a huge success, thanks to hundreds of shoppers from Dutchess County (and beyond!) and thanks to the scores of Master Gardener volunteers who worked for months leading up to the sale, for hours (and miles) setting up the sales, with smiles helping folks during the sale, and cleaning up afterward (in the pouring rain).
Both planning and planting for the sale starts in Autumn when foliage plants such as Coleus and Geranium are moved indoors from our Nursery Bed to be grown into hundreds of new cuttings for the next year. Orders for perennials are placed in September to ensure a good selection, the orders for annuals are finished by mid-October in order to receive an early discount (every penny counts), and seeds for vegetables and herbs are selected in January. Selections for all the plants are made with input from the Master Gardner volunteers who lobby for their favorites based on appearance, vigor, disease resistance and taste. In mid-March the heat is turned on in the greenhouse and thousands of tiny plugs arrive to be potted.
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This year a snowstorm delayed the order of perennials from Michigan, leaving them on a loading dock in Orange County potentially over the weekend. Undaunted a volunteer navigated amongst the 18-wheelers and retrieved the plants.
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After a few weeks in the greenhouse the perennials were moved to the hoop house whose sides were rolled down at night to provide some protection from the cold and rolled up during the day to avoid too much heat accumulation. The sunny and mild spring weather was excellent for these plants.
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Within days the greenhouse filled with trays of almost 5,000 annuals and over 1000 herbs. Master Gardener Volunteers arrived armed with coffee and dressed in layers to peel off as the sun heated the greenhouse. They were rewarded with camaraderie and cookies. | |
Next to be planted were the seeds for vegetables, herbs and more flowers. By mid-April the growing areas were all full. The growth of the plants was affected somewhat by cloudy weather in late April and early May but then the sun came out! You could see them get bigger one day to the next. They really popped. | |
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The week of the sale the front lawn of the Farm & Home Center is turned into a pop-up store. “Walls” are created with poles and ropes, the “Sales Floor” is laid out with fabric (put under the flats to avoid any chance of jumping worms), and the “Plant Check” aka Holding Area is set up to park plants for shoppers as their boxes fill.
The perennials were moved into the lawn on Wednesday afternoon with confidence that they were totally acclimatized to the spring weather. But Mother Nature surprised us. Cold temperatures and strong winds caused some damage overnight. Most gardeners and shoppers knew they would bounce back quickly but it was sad to observe.
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At 7am Friday all the plants in the “Warehouse” (aka greenhouse) were moved to the sales floor. | |
Tents went up, hundreds of empty strawberry boxes were stacked for shoppers and plants were assembled in tidy rows with their signs. Volunteers walked miles without ever leaving the building’s grounds. The sun was shining. The enthusiasm was contagious. Saturday was cloudy with rain predicted in the afternoon. Many more shoppers enjoyed the sale. The rain held off until the last 30 minutes then it poured. But Gardeners are not bothered by rain! | |
At the end, MGVs moved the unsold plants back near the greenhouse for purchase then took down the tents and signs and strawberry boxes and protective fabric. The front lawn was empty. | |
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The MGVs were still exhilarated but now sopping wet.
They had the chance to purchase leftover plants then the few remaining were donated to local gardens. This is the primary fundraiser for the Master Gardener program in Dutchess County. We truly value your support.
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THIS YEAR’S CRAZY SPRING WEATHER
By Joyce Tomaselli, CCEDC Community Horticulture Resource Educator
Weather extremes at CCEDC were observed first-hand this spring during the preparation for our Plant Sale. Many MGVs were at the Farm & Home Center in Millbrook every day taking care of plants which were very well known and closely observed. Perennials grew very well in the warmth of March and April which were 6-8 degrees above normal. The extended cloudy period late April slowed the growth plants from seed such as tomatoes and peppers, but they recovered nicely when the sun came out again in May. Similarly, the flowering of annual plants slowed noticeably but resumed vigorously with full sun.
Our observations though were within a controlled environment. The plants are all grown in closed or covered structures and are watered by hand each day, so rainfall fluctuations were not a problem. The greenhouse is heated. The hoop house temperature is managed by rolling the sides up or down.
The low temperatures and strong winds the night of May 17 damaged some of the Perennials which had been set out on the lawn for the sale e.g. Aralia cordata (Japanese spikenard), Astilbe, Brunnera macrophylla and Hosta. We saw damage Thursday morning which continued to become more obvious the next few days as damaged leaves wilted and turned brown. Then we saw plants in the demonstration gardens which had been damaged. Then calls started coming into the office with concerns about trees and shrubs. Leaves were wilting, browning and falling off.
The Northeast Regional Climate Center collects and summarizes an amazing amount of weather data. This map shows that the night of May 17 temperatures throughout Dutchess were below freezing, some areas as low as 25.
But all year, the weather has been unusual. January was more than 9 degrees above normal with 200% more rain than usual. February was 4-6 degrees above normal with only 25% of normal precipitation. March averaged normal temperature and precipitation. April was 5-7 degrees warmer with normal precipitation. May was dry and cool. Read more about recent weather at the NRCC Blog.
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Young tender leaves are very susceptible to temperature extremes. Some genera leaf out later than others and are more vulnerable. It may take a few days for frost damage to become evident. It is usually characterized by browning of new growth, particularly leaves and needles. The damage is largely aesthetic, and plants will quickly resume growth. There will likely be some growth reduction in these plants for the current season, but there will be little, if any, lasting impact. Don’t be tempted to fertilize now. Let the tree or shrub manage its own response.
What you CAN do, however, is realize that our soil now is very dry and consider watering the plants properly. Water trees and shrubs deeply every few weeks during dry spells; read more details in this CCE Tompkins fact sheet. Let a hose run slowly, use a soaker hose, or build a bucket drip system: Drill a few holes in a 10 gallon bucket, place the bucket by the tree, fill it with water and walk away as it slowly drains. Applying a two- to three-inch layer of mulch around them will help keep their roots moist and reduce evaporation from the ground. Be sure to keep the mulch from touching the bark – that just makes a nice place for pests to live and attack the tree. Remember, water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep healthy roots.
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My Five Favorite Gardening Tools
Liselotte Vince, Master Gardener Intern, Class 2022
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There are so many gardening products on the market, it’s can be overwhelming trying to decide what to buy. I’ve compiled a list of five of my favorite gardening tools that I reach for time and time again. The criteria for this list is that they must be durable, be easy to use, and hold up to constant use. All of these products can be found online or at a gardening center. | |
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Pruners:
The Felco F2 hand pruners are by far my favorite pruners. Yes, they are a pricier than other hand pruners on the market, but boy do they last! They are comfortable and light weight. All parts are replaceable and there is a lifetime guarantee. A big bonus for me is the red handle. I tend to “lose” some of my gardening tools, but the red handle helps me locate them in no time.
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Tubtrugs:
I would be lost without this handy durable trug. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors. I use mine for weeding, seed starting, harvesting, carrying water or compost and so many other gardening chores. It can also be used inside for soaking laundry, as an ice bucket, or holding kids toys. The trugs have 2 handles and are very light weight, clean up easily and stack inside each other.
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Gorilla Cart:
My Gorilla cart was a Mother’s Day gift many years ago. I was debating between a wheelbarrow and this cart and I am so glad my husband chose the Gorilla cart. I haul compost, potting soil, plants, gardening tools, fire wood and anything else I need to get from once place to another without spilling anything. The tub is easy to clean, just rinse and then dump by using the quick release dumping feature. The cart is very easy to maneuver as it has zero-turn steering. The tires are big making this cart extremely stable on rough terrain.
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Hori Hori:
In Japanese, Hori Hori means to dig. This versatile gardening knife never leaves my side during the the gardening season. One side of the knife is serrated while the other has a straight edge. There are also inch markers on the blade which allows you to plant and sow seeds at the correct depth. I use my Hori Hori for weeding, transplanting seedlings, planting bulbs, cutting small twigs. This tool will quickly become one of you favorites!
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Tweezerman Dual Nail Brush:
After a day out in the garden, my hands are filthy. I will definitely use gardening gloves for really messy jobs, but on the whole, I tend not to wear them. This nailbrush, along with a little soap and elbow grease, will get the dirt from under your nails in no time. I have one by every sink. And in case you garden in flip flops, that will be our secret, this brush will also get the soil off your heels and toes!
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Adriance Memorial Library
CCEDC Sustainable Home Gardening Best Practices
June 13, 20, 27 at 6:30- 8pm
Learn how to garden more sustainably. This class will demonstrate approaches which maximize positive impacts to our environment by adopting improved gardening practices. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County Master Gardeners at the Adriance Charwat meeting room. 93 Market St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For more information contact Krista Miller (845) 485-3445 x3366 or kmiller@poklib.org.
Registration is required for each session.
June 13: Intro, Soil Health, and Water Management Register
June 20: Biodiversity, Plant Selection and Pollinators Register
June 27: Tools, Climate Change and Summary Register
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FAIRY HOUSE HUNT, LOCUST GROVE
Weekends until June 25, 10 am – 3 pm
Enjoy this scavenger hunt, a beloved annual family event, at the Locust Grove Estate, 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie. Each of the 26 Fairy Houses celebrates an heirloom flower or one of the 100 year-old trees at this historic site. The educational event, including labels telling kids about the trees and how they grow is great family fun; outdoors, off-screen and into the heart of nature. $10 per person, kids under 4 are free. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
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College Hill Park Lown Memorial Rock Garden
Every Wednesday until August 30th, 9 am – 12 pm
Interested in gardening, helping pollinators, or contributing to a local historic landmark? Join us at the College Hill Park Lown Memorial Rock Garden, from 9am to 12pm, every Wednesday this summer. No experience needed, tools will be provided, and transportation is available to Vassar students. The Lown Memorial Garden is a wonderful historic rock garden on the east side of College Hill Park in the City of Poughkeepsie.
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MASTER GARDENERS SPEAKERS BUREAU
Master Gardener Volunteers offer lectures on a wide array of subjects for gardeners. Favorite topics include: Vegetable Gardening; Pollinator Gardens; Home Composting; Sustainable Gardening Best Practices; Gardening in Small Spaces; Deer Defense; Bulbs for All Seasons; Spotted Lanternfly; Jumping Worms, Putting the Garden to Bed in Fall; and Nature in Winter. Additional topics can be prepared to meet a particular group’s needs or interests. Most of these topics are available to be delivered in person or online.
The talks are 45 minutes in duration, followed by 10-15 minutes for questions from the group. A fee of $75 per lecture (or 3 for $200) helps support our numerous community projects. To arrange for a speaker, and details of offerings, contact Francheska Kuilan at fk232@cornell.edu
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UPCOMING LIBRARY & GARDEN CLUB TALKS:
Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3, 10-5, the Rhinebeck Reformed Church garden and plant sale at 6368 Mill St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. Plants donated from local businesses or dug from local gardens will be offered as well as garden decorations, furniture and planters. Vendor space is available. For more information contact Brenda Klaproth at bklaproth@ymail.com (845-309-3181) or Nancy Katrulya at (914-489-2001).
Saturday, June 3, 10am, Millbrook Library, 3 Friendly Ln, Millbrook, NY 12545. “Become a Gardening Detective” by CCEDC Community Horticulture Resource Educator Joyce Tomaselli. For more information and to register visit MillbrookLibrary.org
Thursday, June 15, 6pm, Beekman Library, 11 Town Center Blvd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533, “Cutting Gardens” by CCEDC Master Gardener Volunteer Susan Kavy. For More information and to register, go to BeekmanLibrary.org
Saturday, June 17, 11 am, LaGrange Library, 1110 State Rte 55, Lagrangeville, NY 12540 “Gardening in Small Spaces” by CCEDC Master Gardener Volunteer Linda DiGasper. For more information and to register visit LagLib.org
Tuesday, June 20, 6:00 pm, Pleasant Valley Library, 1584 Main St, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. “What’s the Buzz, Creating Pollinator Friendly Gardens” by CCEDC Master Gardener Volunteers Gwen Davis, Janice Novet and Johanna Tomik. For more information go to PleasantValleyLibrary.org.
Saturday, July 8, 10am, Millbrook Library, 3 Friendly Ln, Millbrook, NY 12545. “Deer Defense” by CCEDC Master Gardener Mary Nisley. For more information and to register visit MillbrookLibrary.org
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SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENTS
Would you like information on an upcoming gardening event to be shared in this newsletter?
Send an email to: Francheska Kuilan at fk232@cornell.edu by the 25th of each month to be included in the next month’s newsletter.
Please include the date, time, location, a short description, cost and contact information for more details.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our office is now open to the public, but staff are working from home some days. Please make pre-arrangements before bringing soil or diagnostic samples to the office. Please email Francheska Kuilan at fk232@cornell.edu for forms and instructions.
Need Soil pH Testing? Need Lawn or Plant Diagnosis?
Have any gardening questions?
The Horticulture Hotline, (845) 677-5067 is open April to October each Wednesday from 9am to noon. Diagnostics questions can also be submitted to our website at www.CCEDutchess.org/gardening. Click on Contact Us and select the topic of Gardening. If a photograph is included, please ensure it is focused and as close up as possible.
Samples for identification or diagnosis can be submitted all year long. Please contact our office at 845-677-8223 or email fk232@cornell.edu to arrange sample drop-off. There is a $15 fee for samples.
Visit our Horticulture Diagnostic Lab website for reliable resources and information on our services.
Cornell University Diagnostic Services:
Gardening Information:
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Visit the Cornell Garden Based Learning Website to learn more about vegetables, fruits, lawns, trees, shrubs, houseplants, soil, composting and pests.
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New York State Integrated Pest Management for Communities for structural and garden pests.
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Websites for Gardeners - many topics, including bees, nuisance wildlife, mushrooms, invasive plants, certified arborists and weed ID.
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Should a mushroom be growing in a potted house plant?
Answer: This is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, yes, the “Yellow Houseplant Mushroom”. It causes no harm.
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A large woodpecker was observed digging in a lawn. Do you know which one and why? | |
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Websites mentioned in Dutchess Dirt are provided as a courtesy to our readers. Mention of these websites does not imply endorsement by Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension or by the author.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
The programs provided by this agency are partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess.
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