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November 2024


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!




MASTER GARDENER TRAINING 2025







Applications open November 1 for the 2025 Master Gardener program. If a neighbor or friend is interested in the program, please pass along the word. The MG Training description and the application are found here.  


 I'm also looking for teaching assistants. Members of the Class of 2024 are encouraged to send me a note if interested.

SAVE THE DATE:

MG HOLIDAY POTLUCK

December 4, 11am-1pm, Suffolk County Farm


MG Volunteer Hours

Submit your volunteer hours before you forget them. Please complete the Qualtrics Volunteer survey linked here. https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aiagRHzCO3z8smO

 

Remember you’re responsible for keeping track of your hours. We need the total number of hours per this calendar year as well as your legacy hours since you became a Master Gardener. Those working on their first 125 volunteer hours need to contact me directly via email when 125 hours are satisfied.


Congratulations to Master Gardener Kris Liem on receiving her green pin for completing more than her initial 125 volunteer hours with East Hampton Bioswales and other projects. Thanks also for the donation to the Master Gardener Program!

Volunteer Opportunity


I'm looking for MG Teaching Assistants for this 5 plus week hybrid course that launches in February, 2025.


Content will cover themes familiar to Master Gardeners: storm water management, rain gardens, native plants, lawn reduction, soil health and fresh water use.


If interested in a TA position, please drop me a note with COASTAL GARDENING in the subject line. rz378@cornell.edu

CONTINUING EDUCATION


SEED SAVING RESOURCES


Learn more about seed saving and its importance for biodiversity, health and resilience. This link sent from Cornell University has terrific links to other seed saving articles and videos.




The Massachusetts Pollinator Network hosts monthly presentations by field experts. Please register to get the link.

Tues.November 12th - Night Pollinators, Emily May of Xerces Society

Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season

Dr. Desiree Narango


Watch the recording HERE


Dr. Desiree L. Narango, a conservation scientist who conducts research with Doug Tallamy, discusses plant species best for supporting interactions with pollinating insects and songbirds.

Plant Propagation Workshop Series

 Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor of Horticulture, Cornell University


Module #1 – Sexual Plant Propagation: January 22, 29 & February 5

Module #2 – Vegetative/Asexual Plant Propagation: February 12, 19 & 26

Module #3 – Plant Micropropagation (plant tissue culture): March 5, 12 & 19

                        

Times: Wednesdays, 2-4pm

Fee: $150 per module. All 3 modules: $400.

Zoom access to participate in real time. Lectures recorded.      Online registration here.

For information contact Mark Bridgen at mpb27@cornell.edu or 631-921-4941

Cannas gifted from Nissequogue State Park at the Northport VA tower over our Master Gardeners!

This newsletter is posted on our MG webpage linked here.


If you have photos or news to share in the newsletter, you can email me at rz378@cornell.edu


Or...


Post photos, events and news on our Master Gardener facebook page.


Here's the facebook link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/106946829922350/


Happy Gardening!

Roxanne Zimmer



 423 Griffing Avenue, Suite 100, Riverhead, NY 11901-3071
631-727-7850

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.
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension is funded in part by Suffolk County through the office of the County Executive, and the County Legislature. 

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