1-2 The Road Almost Not Taken

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Olivia Kelly
5 years ago
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What made this trip so special is the fact that I was able to spend quality time with my best friend since childhood, along with her husband and her mother-in-law, all from

Although I almost declined the invitation because of minor motion sickness symptoms I had been experiencing and felt might hinder my enjoyment of the vacation, I am so

Our destination was the ancestral hometown of my friend s now deceased father-in-law, a retired USAF Lt. Colonel.

Myrtle Davis Excerpts from The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, And I I took the

decades ago for extended family gatherings and individual family get-aways in Gosport, Alabama, a small rural community located approximately 100 miles north of Mobile.

1 NORTHEAST LOUISIANA MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER Gardener s Scoop April 2017 The Road Almost Not Taken by Rose Lee Recently, I almost missed out on a road trip that turned out to be a most memorable outing. What made this trip so special is the fact that I was able to spend quality time with my best friend since childhood, along with her husband and her mother-in-law, all from Mansfield, TX. Although I almost declined the invitation because of minor motion sickness symptoms I had been experiencing and felt might hinder my enjoyment of the vacation, I am so thankful for Dramamine and for not allowing a minor ailment to spoil my plans. Our destination was the ancestral hometown of my friend s now deceased father-in-law, a retired USAF Lt. Colonel. Specifically, we traveled to the family cabin built almost two Traveling Companions: Rose Y. Lee, Guy Davis, Mona Davis & Mrs. Myrtle Davis Excerpts from The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, And I I took the one less traveled by, And that made all the difference. decades ago for extended family gatherings and individual family get-aways in Gosport, Alabama, a small rural community located approximately 100 miles north of Mobile. Once we arrived at the cabin, I again almost missed out on viewing the peaceful, bucolic countryside located just a few miles down the road from the old family homestead. I became so comfortable reading from my Kindle, sharing home-cooked meals, and generally conversing with my traveling companions within the cabin s cozy interior; as well as exploring the exterior surroundings both from the screened back porch and along the dirt path that served as the entrance and exit to the wider twolane highway located about a quarter of a continued The Davis Family Cabin, Gosport, Alabama 1-2 The Road Almost Not Taken 2 Amaryllis 3 Bee Removal Inside the Gardener s Scoop 4 A non-bee person s view of bees 5 Zoo Workday 6 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 7-10 A Day with the Daffodils 11 Calender Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 1

mile in either direction, that I almost declined the invitation to see some of the local

Although it is uncertain whether I will ever visit that area again, I will forever cherish

I hope the pictures taken during my brief but pleasant excursion will inspire others to get

another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

The pastoral settings invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

2 mile in either direction, that I almost declined the invitation to see some of the local countryside farther down the road. What a treat I would have missed! Although it is uncertain whether I will ever visit that area again, I will forever cherish the memories made during my stay. I hope the pictures taken during my brief but pleasant excursion will inspire others to get out and enjoy the inherent simplistic beauty of our southern landscapes to explore other roads not often taken. Happy spring! Scenes from the Countryside Both [roads] that morning equally lay [But] I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I could not get a close-up picture of the sheep because they were grazing too far away. The pastoral settings invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery. However, the cows tolerated my presence with what appeared to be quiet indifference. I took the [road] less traveled by, Because it was grassy and wanted wear. Virginia Lee s amaryllis planted next to her garage apartment is looking great! Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 2

3 Steve Walker s bee removal. This happened at my house today. That's Highland Elementary School in the background The hive appeared on the post sometime during the day, so I called Amy Weeks with Hill Country Beekeepers Association. I got her number ( ) from a brochure she had given out when she spoke at a Master Gardeners meeting a couple years ago. She came by and removed the hive. Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 3

4 Sakes alive! It s a beehive! So now what do I do? A non-bee person s view of bees by Midge Willis As my friend and I were marking trees that he would cut and use at his sawmill, we came upon a dead walnut tree. Knowing walnut would make good wood for smoking things or use in a fireplace, we decided he would cut that tree. As he admired his find he was surprised to find honey bees flying in great number in and out of a hole about 25 feet up the tree. He walked around the tree several times trying to figure out how to get the bees out without getting stung. I have had two other experiences with bees years ago and did not know what to do then so I still am at a loss as to how to handle these protected intruders. The first time I had a problem was when they had built a nest between the second story floor and first floor ceiling of a two story house we were going to buy. It seemed to be a large colony because they were coming out all over the house. We were advised that there was honey in that cavity that would have to be removed or it would mold and cause problems if left there. We did not buy that house. The other experience was when a few bees decided to build in our attic. We put a fast stop to that by calling the exterminator. I have no idea what that guy did but the bees left so I am still at a loss when it comes to making bees go away and leave me alone. My thoughts about bees have changed drastically since taking the test for my private applicator s license so I could get a card that allowed me to purchase certain restricted chemicals and then a year later becoming an Advanced Master Gardener. First, I asked if these bees in a tree in my yard would cause me any harm. I wondered if the systemic imidacloprid I have already put around most of my flowering plants will kill them, but it s too late to change that. There was evidence at the site of the hive of serious house cleaning marked by small pieces of honeycombs at the base of the tree so this hive is not new. I did what any Master Gardener would do. Kerry! Help! Kerry came out and looked the situation over and answered my questions. First, he told me they will not harm me if I leave them alone. If I decide to try and get the bees out by any means we better have a bee suit on. Okay, delete that thought. Further, he said, if we do somehow manage to get bee suits and we do cut the tree and let it fall to the ground we will probably kill the queen. But keep those bee suits on because the bees that are left are going to be some mad bees. Eventually those bees will die off without a queen. Next, I had to consider that if we did cause them to leave that tree, where would they build their next nest? A picture of my attic popped up in my head. Not a place I want a bunch of bees. Here s my decision. Those bees are not harming me but I may harm them with my use of systemic pesticide which has already been used. From here on, I will try to use less of that and spray other things very early or late when they are not active. It s too late to change the systemic now. The bees are here for now. If any brave soul knows how to get them and has a need or desire for them let me know. Contact me if you want them or have advice for me on this matter. I will not allow the tree to be cut unless the bees have been removed. I will say a small prayer for my safety every time I drive the tractor around that tree in order to cut the grass and hope the vibration from the tractor does not make all of them mad. From here on I will try to be more mindful of nature and use softer means of killing white flies and aphids and such. I will try harder to be a good steward on this land I am blessed to live on. Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 4

Dawn Jordan, Leader Laura Hardin Patti Kintzing Elaine Johnson Patti Wilder Jerry Hunter Buck Bounds Rex Griffin Mary Sue Tiller Amarrilus Deutscher NELA MG

5 Saturday, March 25, with the flamingos at their flower bed we weeded and replanted. Pictures by Steve Walker MG Hospitality Team for April Thank you Team 2 for the delicious food provided for our March meeting. Team 3 is up for April. Dawn Jordan, Leader Laura Hardin Patti Kintzing Elaine Johnson Patti Wilder Jerry Hunter Buck Bounds Rex Griffin Mary Sue Tiller Amarrilus Deutscher NELA MG Board Members President Lisa Richardson Vice President Christy Francis Secretary Virginia Lee Treasurer Steve Thomas Recorder Linda Tubbs Historian Mary Ann Wooten Member-at-Large Warren Daniels Member-at-Large Ken Grant Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 5

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work by Rose Lee Since I completed the Master Gardeners class in spring 2013, I must confess that I have not always been as actively involved physically as many other members.

Recently, however, I received a personal invitation to assist the greenhouse group who work each week at Kiroli Park to complete tasks related to maintaining the Master Gardeners greenhouse.

The efficient, methodical process used to transfer the plugs into larger trays allowed us to prepare a multitude of flats within only a few hours.

The camaraderie and team work among the participants made it a pleasure to be involved in the group effort.

6 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work by Rose Lee Since I completed the Master Gardeners class in spring 2013, I must confess that I have not always been as actively involved physically as many other members. Due to other commitments, for the most part, I have limited my involvement with the MG group to writing gardening articles for local media sources in order to accrue the required volunteer hours. Recently, however, I received a personal invitation to assist the greenhouse group who work each week at Kiroli Park to complete tasks related to maintaining the Master Gardeners greenhouse. On this particular day, I was able to not only observe first-hand but also, after a brief tutorial, participate in the transfer of flower plugs into larger trays to be sold at the upcoming plant sale. The efficient, methodical process used to transfer the plugs into larger trays allowed us to prepare a multitude of flats within only a few hours. While I participated in only one work day, I can truly say that it was a pleasure to join the efforts of such a dedicated group. The camaraderie and team work among the participants made it a pleasure to be involved in the group effort. If the dedication and commitment of the greenhouse group is any indication of others who are doing their part to make the plant sale a success, I have no doubt that the sale this year will be yet another overwhelming success a true testament to the adage that team work makes the dream work. With participation from the various other committee chairpersons and their hard-working committee members, preparation for the upcoming NELA Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale is truly a team effort.!!!!! Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 6

7 A Day with the Daffodils Pictures by Steve Walker Pictures from the McFarland Daffodil Walk. The ladies wearing flower headbands were available to answer any questions you may have about daffodils. Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 7

8 Pictures continued on page 7 Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 8

9 Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 9

Volunteer Service Hours As of April 3, 2017 490 Volunteer Service Hours 108 Continuing Education Hours This time last year: 338 Volunteer Service Hours 19 Continuing Education Hours Do

An educational program of the LSU AgCenter The Louisiana Master Gardener Program is a service and educational activity offered by the LSU AgCenter.

10 Volunteer Service Hours As of April 3, Volunteer Service Hours 108 Continuing Education Hours This time last year: 338 Volunteer Service Hours 19 Continuing Education Hours Do not forget to record your hours! The next Master Gardener meeting is Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the LSU AgCenter. An educational program of the LSU AgCenter The Louisiana Master Gardener Program is a service and educational activity offered by the LSU AgCenter. The program is designed to recruit and train volunteers to help meet educational needs of home gardeners while providing an enjoyable and worthwhile service experience for volunteers. Contact: LSU AgCenter 704 Cypress Street, West Monroe, LA (318) Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 10

April 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Noon - 6PM 9PM - 3PM 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MG Meeting 6:30PM Upcoming Activities 2017 Spring Fest Preview Sale 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 MG class on Dr.

9am 3pm Extension Office Seminar Springing into Vegetables 9am 12pm Klima Hall in American Rose Center 30 31 There will be two guest speakers for the new Master Gardener class in May: May 4th

11 April 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Noon - 6PM 9PM - 3PM MG Meeting 6:30PM Upcoming Activities 2017 Spring Fest Preview Sale MG class on Dr. Ron Strahan Lawns & Weeds 6:30PM Newsletter article submission deadline Spring Fest Plant Sale LA Purchase Gardens & Zoo Easter Egg Hunt Piney Hills MG Green Thumb Jamboree 9am 3pm Extension Office Seminar Springing into Vegetables 9am 12pm Klima Hall in American Rose Center There will be two guest speakers for the new Master Gardener class in May: May 4th (Christy Francis speaking on herbs) May 25th (Dr. Sara Shields speaking on ornamentals) Le Tour des Jardins, Sat, May 6, 10am 5pm, Pioneer Heritage Center Gardens open at 9am REMINDERS Remember to record your hours of training and service on the website regularly. Remember to pay your Master Gardener dues of $15 per person for 2017 by sending to the Ag Center with a designation that it is for your MG dues. Gardener s Scoop April 2017 Page 11

Spring Plant Sale Big Success

May 2014 Spring Plant Sale Big Success Planning and Hard Work Pay Off In Spite of Unfavorable Weather Despite being held on a cold, damp, and windy day, the 2014 Spring Plant Sale now goes on record as