What s Happening in the Gardens (page 4)

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1 Seed Packaging January 7 (page 5) Garden Team Callout January 10 Award Banquet January 30 Inside the Fence Ricky s Reflections (pages 2 & 3) What s Happening in the Gardens (page 4) Coordinators Notes (page 5) Opportunities (page 6) How to take care of a freshly cut Christmas tree (page 6) Snow (page 7) Coordinators (page 8) Display Garden Team Volunteer Form (page 9) Display Garden Teams (page 10) MG Volunteer Hours Forms (page 11 & 12) Extension Office: Option 3 FAX #: TDD:711/for hearing impaired Allen County Extension Web Site Report MG Hours to Rhonda Smith smit2177@purdue.edu Ricky s kemeryr@purdue.edu Garden Coordinator Jackie Hoopfer Response Center Coordinator Denise Lloyd lloyddenise@gmail.com Across The Fence Editor Jane Ford bloominthing@gmail.com Plant Sale Coordinators Simone Alberding Jennifer Redwine Sherri Knisley Speaker Coordinator Anita Crusoe anitacrusoe@gmail.com Workshop/Seminar Coordinator Pam Snyder psnyder414@gmail.com The Master Gardener Program, the Display Gardens, and related educational programming, volunteer activities, and all funds raised for maintaining the gardens, are administered by the CED and Horticulture Educator of the Cooperative Extension Service). Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution Purdue MG proceeds are used in the following manner: 90% are used to support the development of the Display Gardens including plant materials, garden supplies, equipment, educational material, promotional materials, and other improvements. 10% are used for volunteer development including events, workshops, group building activities, recognition, and refreshments as needed for such events.

2 Upcoming Dates and Events Awards and Recognition Banquet I haven t found a main event speaker yet for the Award Banquet at IPFW s Walb Union. I will put sign up forms in the January ATF since it isn t until January 30. For new Interns the awards banquet is the time when badges, certificates, and special recognition for MGs are awarded. It is held at IPFW s Walb memorial union. You can google the location on IPFW s campus. It s a fun event and the food and friendship are very special - and who knows- there may be a few surprises this year. Seed Packaging January 7 is the first volunteer event in It is also a fun time after the holidays to package up seed for the fundraiser at the Fort Wayne Home and Garden show. You don t have to sign up for this event - just show up around 8:30 9:00 AM. (See page 5 for note from Nina and Dave.) Home and Garden Show Speaking of the Home and Garden Show, this event will be held at the Memorial Coliseum from March 2 through March 5. Look for signup forms in the January ATF and do not dally as the volunteer slots go fast. There is no main event speaker at the show this year. The show theme is urban gardening which is a hot topic in Display Garden Callout January 10 is the 2017 Display Garden callout. The garden assignments are listed in this issue of ATF. If you want to volunteer in the garden, then fill out the form and mail to our Garden Coordinator Jackie Hoopfer. Do not turn these in at the office mail them to Jackie. (See mailing instructions on form on page 9.) Changes in will mark some changes in how we will do things. First of all it is very likely we will transition to the online reporting system for Purdue MGs sometime next year. The system is currently being beta tested in a few select counties. I am sure there will be some glitches along the way, but overall it will be better for everyone. If you don t use the internet there will be options for you also. Forms and Special Instructions We are also making changes on how you submit forms for volunteer events at the office. This is part of the Working Council s mission to take responsibility for many of those events so that if and when I do retire the transition will be smooth. Purdue administration is also interested in having MG s assume many responsibilities so they can be more autonomous. Look carefully at 2017 signup forms. I will have you mail or those forms directly to the coordinator in charge. Do not drop the forms off at the office or leave them with support staff. I will place a box for forms in the response center if you can t mail directly to the coordinator in charge of the event.

3 The Grapevine at Work I have heard through the grapevine that many of you are concerned about me and my stress level. I want to tell you I am fine. I exercise a lot nowadays. I have great coordinators who help coordinate events. We are in constant communication on many levels - so don t worry about such things. The coordinators make sure I am informed and I value their input and skills to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. MGs are always treasured by me - so you are not the cause of any stress at all with me - and just so you know, I have no plans to retire in the immediate future. Changes to my work schedule There have been some changes made in how I arrange my schedule. Working from home is not encouraged so much nowadays. I have been informed of new accountability standards where we have to be more accountable and present during business hours. Night and weekend work is not a part of those standards so I will be making adjustments to my schedule in response to these new guidelines. These changes will mean I will be at the office a bit more, and it may reduce how efficient I can be so bear with me. As always text me at whenever you have any questions. This has worked out quite well as I am still out and about a lot. Text or to set up an appointment if you need to talk with me directly. Fall MG Class Thirteen members of the fall 2016 MG class passed their exam. This was a very small class so I will only be offering the training once next year in late spring on Monday and Wednesday evenings. This class had some challenges. One of their class members, Earl Nelson, passed away at home this fall. Earl was a great person and was full of enthusiasm about becoming a MG. He was well educated and helped with landscaping and gardens at the Carriage House. The staff there cherished him. Many of the class attended Earl s funeral and spoke in his behalf. It was very touching. In a way it brought that class very close together as the training proceeded. So as we approach the end of 2016 it is important for us to remember the loved ones we lost - family members and fellow MGs. It reminds us how precious life is - how important it is for all of us to continue to focus on the positive things we can do to enrich the world and the people around us. So having said that, I want to thank all MGs for your excellent contributions to Extension and the citizens of Allen County. The Display Gardens were fantastic this year - even with drought conditions. Volunteers who answer phone calls at the office do a fantastic job. (WE will be having training in March as always for Interns. We will be using the phone center for some follow-up questionnaire work in I will give you more information next year. ) We have had lots of fun on clean-up days and open house events this year. MGs who work in the community do incredible things to help others. You should all be very proud of what you do to make the world a better place - especially in these tough times. So I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season - may your dreams be merry, and may you treasure your loved ones as we all look forward to another year. ~Ricky

4 By AMG Cindy Trygg, Display Garden Reporter (Photos on this page by Cindy) The Grounds Crew I wanted to write about the grounds crew before the end of the year because at years end and with the announcements of next year's gardens this area will be divided into two new gardens and there will no longer be a grounds crew. As one of the largest garden groups, they are hardworking people, who in my opinion do not get much recognition for their behind the scenes work. This group works well together on work days and independently on other days. Grounds in composed of the area that surrounds all of the display gardens. This area years ago was mostly mature trees and green grass. In the last two to three years many flowering shrubs, lilacs, and roses have been added to the outlying areas. This means more mulching, weeding, deadheading, and trimming needs to be done. Some of the projects other than the new plantings over the last couple of years have been installing pavers around the new beds and assisting in the installation of the new fence along the grass garden beside the extension office. The biggest job performed by this group is the annual springtime trimming of all the grasses around the extension. This project is done in March when most of us are still planning our own gardens and not thinking of working in them yet. Trimming grasses is a time consuming job when you consider they also help the Prairie Garden and the Grass Garden with their trimming also. Members of the grounds crew are Nina and Dave Thierer, George Wappes, Simone Alberding, Cheryl Sherpinski, Deborah Willig, Kathy Orzechowicz, Stephanie Bailey, Bethany Beebe, Mary Bicknase, Eunice Dietrich, Debbie Tate, Jane McConiga,and Mariann Stuckey. They also wanted to recognize a valuable member of the team, Dianne Greene. Dianne passed away earlier this year. Another person that needs to be mentioned is Dave Braun. Although Dave is not listed as a member of the grounds group, he always shows up and helps out when he is needed. The group says their objective in to enhance the other gardens by slowly integrating these area to make a seamless flow into one beautiful garden at the extension. December 2016 Volume 18 Issue 12

5 Note from Anita: In October we had a record number of requests. We were able to provide 5 organizations with 15 different speaking opportunities and 16 hours of presentations. We have already begun to schedule speakers for We are also beginning to make plans for our annual meeting next year. I would like to encourage new speakers to join again and I have made some adjustments to the form which will be available in the January issue of ATF. Some forms do not include a phone number, address or specialty topics. I would like to make sure that information is included and drop the days and times of availability. I will confirm dates for a February meeting and hopefully put a call out in the January issue of ATF. Note from Nina & Dave: (Seeds for the Home and Garden Show): If you collected and saved your own seed and you have some extra please consider sharing some for us to sell at the show. After you have cleaned them so that all that you are giving us is the seed, then place them in a container and label them. We ask that you give us as much information as you can on the label. We prefer the name of the plant/flower, the color, the height, annual or perennial, bloom in spring, summer or fall. Also if you know the seed needs to be soaked or scarified or frozen please put that on your container. We also would like your name on it so if we have any questions we can ask you. Your name will not go on the packaging for the sale. If you have a picture of it in bloom that would be helpful but not required. Any seeds brought in for the show go in the refrigerator in a plastic container on the shelf. Signups for the Home and Garden Show will be in the next issue of Across the Fence. The show is March 2 nd -5 th,thursday Sunday. Be thinking of when you will be able to volunteer. We could not do this without all of our wonderful volunteers. Be watching for the signup sheets. Note from Jackie: It's not too late to still be a part of a Display Garden for Please fill out the Display Garden assignment form on page 10 and send it to Jackie. Early garden assignments are on page 11 of this newsletter. Updated garden assignments will be in the January ATF. Gardens will start meeting and planning at the first callout meeting on January 10. Note from Pam: Once again as I write this, it s a cool, dreary, rainy day seems like déjà vu s from last month. We ve had some great classes this 2016 season and lots of folks not only enjoyed the classes but also the extra continuing education hours they received. There will be no classes in December or January. February 2017 will be the beginning of our next season of continuing education. Be sure to keep an eye on the ATF for upcoming classes and seminars. As always, I am working on setting up programs for next season. Also we will be changing how you register and pay your fee. That will be explained in detail in ATF along with the next Continuing Ed opportunity. For now, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (260) or send an to psnyder414@gmail.com. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!! Pam 15th of the month is the DEADLINE for information for ATF. Submit items by to editor, Jane Ford at: bloominthing@gmail.com Have questions, who should you ask? All MGs must contact Ricky Kemery for any and all questions relating to the MG program as well as receive from him directly any type of work assignments. If someone tells you to do something other than Ricky, send him a text at (260) to confirm that it is OK to do this, or if he is in the office request permission to see him and confirm. He may refer you to a specific coordinator, one who is in charge of the area you would be working in. Please do not ask any of the secretarial staff in the office for work assignments or take work assignments from any of them unless Ricky has given the OK.

6 A Christmas family outing for a special tree planting from Rick Ritter: On Sunday, December 4th at 1 pm there will be a tree planting event at the Old Historic Fort downtown. Join us as we transplant a 20 year old apple tree - not just any apple tree - as the story goes the tree is a descendant of an apple tree that Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman planted. We have been grafting off of the source tree since last year. If you can t catch us Sunday make sure you check the tree out the next time you visit the Fort. On hand will be an actor in Johnny Appleseed character and a Santa Claus for the kids. Michelle adopted this plant, most likely a Philodendron Selloum, from a neighbor about 10 years ago. It currently stands about 5 9 high in its pot with a spread of about 4 feet. It spends the summers outside on the patio, but it has grown out of the space they had for it in the house. So they are looking for a new home for it. It is free to a good, sunny and larger home. For information or offer to adopt, Michelle Bandor at mmbandor@comcast.net. Fresh Cut Christmas Tree Care by Advanced MG Bethany Beebe Displaying a natural Christmas tree allows our beloved growing things to help us celebrate the holidays. Here are some tips to make your yule a little greener. Preferably, cut your own tree. If precut, make sure needles are not dropping or brown and assure the shape of the tree is normal. Cut off the very bottom of the trunk just before placement in the stand. The cut should be perpendicular to the base, removing about ½ inch of tree, or enough that the exposed wood is not clogged with pitch. No more than six to eight hours should elapse between making the final cut and placing it in water. Keep the reservoir to the tree filled with water, at least to the point of touching the base, checking daily. The living tree, prior to being cut, holds one-half of its weight in water! Lower room temperatures and lower heat-producing Christmas lights will help prevent drying and therefore extend the life of the tree. The tree should be kept away from heat sources like fireplaces and away from HVAC ductwork. Sources: Old Farmer s Almanac online, National Christmas Tree Association, Purdue Extension

7 By AMG Peg Erpelding & Luna Snow, you either love it or hate it, but what is it and just why are we better gardeners because of it? Snow is precipitation that is made up of tiny ice crystals. Snowflakes can be a single crystal of ice or a group of ice crystals that have come together to form a snowflake. Although a snowflake is made of clear ice crystals they appear to be white which is caused by diffuse or reflection of the whole spectrum of light by the small crystal facets (thank you Wikipedia). Snowflakes are each structurally unique with near identical flakes occurring occasionally. So the saying no two are alike is really quite accurate. An interesting item, do you remember ever walking in snow and it sounds like it is squeaking? Well, that is exactly what it is doing, snow will squeak when you walk on it when the temperatures hover at or near 10 degrees F. This is due to air that is trapped between the individual crystals of a snowflake. Ok, so what does all of this have to do with gardening? One of the biggest benefits of snow on the ground is its ability to act as thermal insulation for plants. With a covering of snow plants, bulbs, roots and the soil that makes up the earth are protected by a blanket of snow that holds in heat and protects from extreme cold temperatures. Snowfall also adds moisture to the water table. Melting snow can add approximately 1 inch of water for every 13 inches of snow. When thawing occurs slowly this is a major benefit, but when the melt is too fast it can cause flooding and do extensive damage. One of the biggest pluses for gardeners during the snowy wintery months is the simple gift of downtime from active gardening. A time to step back and really look at your garden. Evaluate what you have and where you want to go with your gardening. Make a garden area larger or smaller, possibly moving some plants to a new location where they can perform better or removing something completely as it just didn t work for you. Are you physically, as a gardener, needing to re-evaluate and adapt your gardening style with more raised beds and large planters? Simplify your gardening, adapting to accommodate your or a family members physical ability while still making gardens a part of your life. The winter months give us time to browse all those gardening catalogs we have received and do some research into new varieties of plants and seeds that interest us. It is a good time to enjoy really looking at your garden and the landscape surrounding it. The snow clinging to the tree branches, the different types of bark on various tree trunks. Look closely at the shape of your plantings as they stand out against the white background of the snow. Had you noticed the berries on certain trees and shrubs? Watch the birds and their habits of foraging for food, even put out a feeder or two or hang a suit block and watch the different kinds of birds that it will attract. Really look at your surroundings and pay close attention to its balance. Do you have a good mix of trees, shrubs and hardscape (rocks, statuary etc.)? Is it balanced in your viewing area or are you seeing something that is a bit lopsided with too much or little in a specific spot? Snowy winter time can be a busy time for the gardener, but also a time of rest and renewal. It makes us really see and get excited the moment we spot that first crocus coming up after the subtle winter landscapes we have been living in for the past months. So for now; let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! =^,,^=

8 Ricky Kemery Horticulture Educator MG Program Coordinator AMG Jackie Hoopfer, Display Garden Coordinator (260) AMG Jane Ford Editor of Across the Fence (260) AMG Simone Alberding Plant Sale Co-coordinator (260) AMG Pam Snyder Workshop/Seminar Coordinator (260) AMG Anita Crusoe Speaker Coordinator (260) AMG Nina Thierer Home & Garden Show Co-coordinator AMG Denise Lloyd Response Center Coordinator (260) AMG Dave Thierer Home & Garden Show Co-coordinator Beginning in January, we have three (3) new at-large members joining the council for the 2017 year. We want to thank the following Master Gardeners for volunteering to serve on the team this coming year: Bill Oliver, Peg Davis, and Kathy Orzechowicz

9 2017 Garden Team Volunteer Form Date Name Please print the above information. Phone Deadline: Please to or mail to Jackie Hoopfer, PO Box 424, Woodburn, IN ** New for 2017, Grounds is switching to 2 separate areas, Promenade and the Glade, other ground areas will be incorporated into existing display gardens. I would like to stay in my existing group (if you check this option you don't have to provide additional choices below) Name of garden you want to stay in: Intern garden- annual garden working on garden design Only available for current Interns I would be interested in volunteering for: Make 3 choices (First, second and third choice) Birds, Bees, and Butterfly Medium garden. Plants grown specifically for garden name. Hot topic for home gardeners Cottage garden Medium garden, continuing work and design with an English garden theme Everlastings / Cutting Large garden, developing into a true cutting/everlasting garden, lots of flowers in group settings Glade grounds-landscaped area, unusual trees and shrubs, will be adding more perennials to this area Monet Pathway Medium garden. Based on Claude Monet s paintings using basic bright colors in groupings. Trial garden - Large garden. Research/Trial garden for seed companies. Ornamental Grass garden Medium garden. Different ornamental grasses and annuals for a balanced goal Terrace/ Hydrangea -Large garden. Hydrangeas, rooftop garden, pond and specialty groupings Patio Garden Small garden. Urban garden focus resulting in a fun, inviting space. Promenade grounds -Care of lilacs, shrubs, shrub roses. Prairie Garden Large garden. Indiana native prairie plants in a very natural setting. Rock Xeriscape Garden -Small garden. Showcasing environmentally friendly, water reducing ideas Sensory Garden - Small garden. Focusing on using plants to heighten sensory awareness Vegetable Garden- Medium garden. Growing vegetables in different educational settings-i.e. raised beds, trellising Woodland - Large garden, highlighting trees, shrubs and plants suitable for shade Plant Sales-From working the plant sales to assisting in taking care of the plants for the sale, you may help in this area even if you are in a display garden above Message from Jackie: It's not too late to still be a part of a Display Garden for Please fill out the Display Garden assignment form and send it to Jackie. Updated garden assignments will be in the January ATF. Gardens will start meeting and planning in January.

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