Floral Design Workshops

2011 Best of Show Pot-et-Fleur design by Phyllis Flowers 

Photo by Anne McNeilly

The design committee for the McCracken County Fair Flower Show, "SEE BLUE," is planning a series of three workshops on floral design.  The first one will be April 27, 1:00 p.m., at the

McCracken County Extension office.  Other sessions will be on May 11 and June 8.

On April 27, Sally Wilkins, National Garden Clubs Certified Flower Show Judge, will demonstrate  making two different designs featured at this year's show, Illuminary  and Pot-et-Fleur.

Illuminary designs are  creative, abstract designs  incorporating lights for special effect.  In the 2015 flower show, the class is titled "Blue Moon of Kentucky."  Pot-et-Fleur designs are more traditional and combine rooted and cut flowers, as in the prize-winning design pictured above.  This year's  class is called "Blue Oasis."

 Anyone interested in learning more about  floral design is invited to attend these sessions.  One need not be committed to entering  design competition at the fair.  

Feeding the Hummingbirds

If you have not already done so, now is the time to put out your hummingbird feeders. It is not necessary to purchase premixed nectar; in fact you should avoid nectars that have a red dye. According to the KernAutubon.org site, the perfect recipe for hummingbird nectar is:

1.    One part sugar to four parts water - stir until sugar is dissolved. Measure examples: ...

2.    Bring solution to a boil to kill bacteria and slow spoilage - allow to cool.

3.    Fill feeders just enough for a day or two of use. Extra solution may be refrigerated if used within one week.

Remember to keep the feeders clean as mold can be harmful to the birds. Do not use soap and bleach for cleaning, instead use only vinegar and water.Do not use honey in the nectar.

In addition to feeders, hummingbirds are attracted to flowers, especially those with tubular blooms like this Major Wheeler Honeysuckle.

Photo from Master Gardener, Chris Janne

Some other favorites, according to The Hummingbird Society are aloe vera, bottlebrush, fuchsia, beebalm, Chinese lantern, Threadleaf Hyssop, columbine, Bird of Paradise and salvia

For more information on placement, cleaning, ant and bee control as well as the preferred feeders, visit the KernAutubon.org  and The Hummingbird Society websites.

What is Hypertufa?

Hypertufa is a substitute for a slowly precipitated limestone rock made with cement and aggregates. There are many different compositions available on the internet. The mixture can be molded using a variety of easily found objects. After it is molded, it needs to cure several weeks before using.

Photo from http://www.thehypertufagardener.com

Hypertufa is very porous, making it an excellent choice for herbs and succulents. Because of its rustic appearance, it is often used in or to contain Fairy Gardens.

Kathy Wimberley is presenting a workshop on making hypertufa planters at the May 5^th McCracken County Master Gardener Association Toolbox. Participants will make a planter to take home. The workshop will be held at the McCracken County Extension Office, 2705 Olivet Church Road in Paducah. It is free and the public is invited. Advance registration is required and can be made by calling 270-554-9520.  

Spring showers bring weeds.

Spring showers bring May flowers is true; it also brings weeds. Not only are weeds an eyesore, but they also compete with desirable plants for nutrients, water and sunlight.

See all those little seeds? With a little wind, they will become new dandelions.

It is important they are destroyed before they go to seed and spread. There are several ways to control the weeds for successful and beautiful gardens.

While hand pulling is the most desirable, it is not always the most practical except in small areas. Pulling while the weeds are small and the ground is moist works best. It is important to remove the roots.

Solarization with clear plastic will work on annual weeds but must be done early in the season.

Mulching, both organic and inorganic, is also useful in controlling weeds.

If using chemical weed control, it important to follow the directions carefully. Keep in mind, preemergence herbicides do not kill existing weeds; they keep weed seeds from germinating.

For more information on controlling weeds, refer to the University of Kentucky Extension Service publication Home Vegetable Gardeningin Kentucky.

A few of the common weeds found in Western Kentucky.

Purslane

Creeping Charlie, Ground Ivy

Nutsedge

Crabgrass

An excellent source for weed identification can be found here.

The (almost) Carefree Garden

What are the best plants for garden that provide color, shape and texture while requiring very little care? Without a doubt, it would be succulents.

Photo from The Succulent Source 

No longer limited to hens and chicks, cacti and jade plants, most garden centers carry an extensive variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Used for ground cover, in containers, in formal gardens as well as for artistic designs, succulents are seen everywhere.

Native to a dry environment, they store water in their leaves and stems, requiring watering once a month; smaller plants may need watering more often. Perfect for the busy (or lazy) gardener!

Photo from Master Gardener, Chris Janne

When planting, attention should be given to drainage as wet soil will cause the roots to rot. In the garden choose a sandy, rocky location or add sand to the soil. For containers, try using a bagged soil formulated especially for succulents. They will survive an extended period of time planted in sphagnum moss. The moss, not the plants, will need to be soaked in water occasionally. Debra Lee Baldwin has written several good books on growing and designing with succulents.

While they need bright light, they should be protected from long periods of time in direct sunlight; 3-4 hours of direct sunlight will keep them happy without giving them sunburn.

Some succulents are cold hardy in our Zone 7a, but most will need to be wintered over inside, preferably in a greenhouse or basement with supplemental lighting.

No plant is easier to propagate than succulents. Take a leaf (or use one that falls off), lay aside in a sheltered spot for a few days so the cut will callus. Stick the callused end in soil, water thoroughly and it will root. Do not keep the soil damp, water when the soil is completely dry.

In areas where there is heavy rain in the spring and fall, succulents in container should be in a covered area to prevent their roots from sitting in wet soil. When the rainy season is over, they can be moved to the patio or other outdoor spaces.

Avoid over-watering and succulents are perfect for an almost carefree garden. For inspiration and more details, visit The Succulent Perch website. (If you find background music annoying, you may want to mute the sound while visiting their page.)