Travel provides an opportunity to compare the places we visit with those we know very well. I was in the heel of the Italian boot last month, impressed by a 3,000 year old olive tree still producing olives as well as the sassi or caves of Matera which rank as the third oldest city in the world after Jericho and Aleppo.
A few takeaways.
The southern Italian landscape is dry. Although a regional aqueduct has provided water for about a hundred years, these Italians are keenly aware of their use of precious fresh water. The drought we’re currently experiencing on Long Island deserves our attention given the demands we’re collectively putting on our sole source aquifer. Yes, we need to water our landscapes given the lack of rain. Well-established trees and shrubs as well as more recent arrivals need a very good drink now, but not our lawns.
As seen in the photo, the word “locale” appears on hand-lettered signs in open air markets. No translation needed. The Italians I met had a pride about what grew nearby: semolina, fava, lentils, oregano, olives, grapes, almonds, pistachios, eggplant, zucchini, and, of course, tomatoes. (A word about one of those serendipitous moments. I found myself on a farm that grows black garbanzo beans, ceci neri, an heirloom legume. The farm was considerably off the beaten trail on the path to the recently discovered ‘Crypt of Original Sin.’) Let’s support our local farmers with the apples, pears, herbs, and the last of the corn and tomatoes that we find at farm stands and farmer’s markets.
Figs grow like wonderful giant weeds in Italy, emerging out of cracks between stones. This is a perfect segue to our Master Gardener Doreen Monteleone, who has become a local advocate for growing figs. Have a look here at the terrific News 12 broadcast on Doreen and figs. Kudos, Doreen!
Those who want to know more about figs and purchase different cultivars, find your way to Old Bethpage on Sunday, November 16, 9AM -1PM. The Long Island Fig Network Facebook group sells and trades fig cuttings. The Restoration Farm: 140 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Rd. Old Bethpage. Park on the road near the Farmstand.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Our Master Gardeners have been busy on the native plant and seed front. A few of the photos below feature the recent native seed swap offered by the Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators (North Fork) with Rewild and the Group for the East End. In addition to the collections of seeds…..what struck me about the gathering were the engaging conversations. Those new to seeds and swaps could talk with the Master Gardeners and others who shared their strategies for planting and storing seeds. The session also attracted a number of folks who planted and maintain local meadows. They graciously shared their expertise as well. Thanks to MGs Linda Carlson, Nancy Des Pas Reintersen and Deb Kimmelman for organizing the seed swap.
The Vanderbilt Master Gardeners recently met with the Master Gardeners at the Kubecka Pollinator Garden and the new Rain Garden groups for a tour and then had lunch together. The MGs exchanged ideas, shared seeds and offered advice to each other. As Tara Sammis noted, it was a fine gathering or ‘cross pollination’ of MG groups.
If I might add, this is EXACTLY what the MG program hopes to achieve. Long after MG training, MGs find other MGs and work together in support of best gardening practices.
In this context, let me also recognize the SAP ( Mid Suffolk) group who have reached out to help the Medford Train Station after town workers mowed down plants in their nascent native plant garden over the summer. The MGs decided to move the goldenrod to an area in the back of the garden where hopefully it will remain undisturbed as it grows. The volunteers first cleared out an area and then dug up the goldenrod and replanted it as shown below. Thanks to MGs Kathy Dhundale, Jeanne Branna, Carmela Carlin, Debra Hryvniak, and Diane Clausen for their hard work! They joined Betty Baran, Barbara Bruce, and Don Seubert for a morning dedicated to saving native plants for our pollinators in Medford.
The Beautification Advisory Council of Huntington recognized the Master Gardener Native Plant/Pollinator Garden (Kubecka Memorial Garden) at a Huntington Town Hall meeting in October. Thanks to MGs Alexandra Carnicom, Carolyn Gee, Hope Kranidis, Tara Sammis as well as Don Gee who continue to maintain, replenish and develop the garden every season. The work in progress is captured in the photos.
Congratulations to all!
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