By Joanne K., with contributions from Diane S., Dell E., Tommy M., and Alta A., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Gardens are always changing, and the Arboretum gardens are no exception. Plants die, outgrow their space, fail to thrive, or a garden just needs to be rejuvenated. A case in point is our new vegetable garden, the latest work in progress! When the irrigation system no longer functioned in the old vegetable garden adjacent to the Children's Garden, the vegetable garden team, in consultation with the Horticultural Extension Agent, decided to create a new one in an area ..read more

Extend the Life of Your Summer Annuals Coleus displays  in many home and public container gardens around the area have been spectacular this year. Perhaps you have a favorite coleus or another summer annual that you don't want to lose when the frost comes. As summer winds down, many annuals have luxuriant growth from which cuttings can be taken to propagate over the winter to enjoy in your garden next spring. Propagating cuttings is a fun way to extend your gardening season. Following are two easy propagation methods using stem cuttings. ii) Angel Wing Begonia leaf cut in half horizontall ..read more

Summer Planters That Beat the Heat Eastern NC is definitely in the dog days of summer now, with the heat index soaring above 100 and rain coming sporadically. Containers plants are particularly vulnerable to this twin whammy of hot, dry conditions, as the containers tend to dry out quickly. Pitt County Master Gardeners were asked to share photos of some of their favorite container gardens that have held up well this summer despite unfavorable growing weather. Below are their containers, along with the plants that have beat the heat ..read more

By Joanne K., Pitt County EMGV Although it's the middle of summer, now is the time to start planning and planting your fall vegetable garden. The eastern NC climate allows for three-season gardening, and the cooler fall temperatures are ideal for such crops as lettuces, onions, broccoli, collards, and cabbage. Fall planting can be done between mid-August to mid-September. Start by getting a soil test, which is free between April 1 and the end of November. Soil test boxes and forms are available at the Pitt County Agricultural Center lobby and the NC Cooperative Extension office at 403 Governme ..read more

By Joanne K., Pitt County EMGV Gorgeous hydrangea blooms in hues of pink, purple, blue, white, and green are the current stars of eastern NC gardens. These shrubs have really rebounded this year with robust blooms after the disappointing hydrangea displays in 2022 due to an exceptionally dry year. But now as the blooms start to fade, gardeners are faced with the question of when to prune their plants. Pruning is needed to remove old blooms, control size and shape, remove diseased/damaged stems and leaves, or rejuvenate an overgrown plant. The rule of thumb for hydrangeas is if they bloom on ol ..read more

Story by Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Oh, my aching back! My creaky knees! This tool hurts my hand! The litany of gardening aches is universal, and with the arrival of spring and planting season, the pain chorus sings loudly. ​No surprise, since after little gardening activity during the winter, our bodies need to ease back into it. To do that, think about ways to simplify both your garden and your gardening practices.  ​It's not only seniors or those with physical challenges who benefit from simplified gardening.  A lot of bending, squatting ..read more

Story and photos by Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Although our grass does not actively grow in winter and early spring, the weeds certainly do! They seem to pop up everywhere in the lawn, causing headaches for grass lovers. Weeds are defined as plants growing where you don't want them. Most of the same weed species will return in the same areas every year. Weeds compete with the grass for light, water, nutrients, and space. This time of year you are likely to see a variety of broadleaf weeds, including Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Hairy buttercup (Ranunc ..read more

By Joanne K., Pitt County EMGV Our warmer than usual winter has gardeners itching to start planting their vegetable gardens. Visions of freshly picked greens, ears of corn, and tomatoes tickle the tastebuds with the promise of wonderful flavors to come. It’s  time to put in those cool season crops that thrive in the low temperatures and humidity of early spring. Also, there is less pressure now from potential pests that may attack your crops. In February and March, the following crops can be put into the ground from seeds and transplants. —arugula, beets, carrots, Chinese cabbage, cilantr ..read more

Since the Arboretum contains dozens of different types of trees and many shades of berries, it’s not surprising that each of the twenty participants at the Wreath Making Workshop on December 8 created a distinct work of art for the holiday season. Some wreaths were many tones of green, while others included pine cones and berries for ornamentation. Others were lush creations befitting a royal palace. Participants enjoyed the process of making their wreath as much as they marveled over their finished creations. Thanks to the Master Gardener volunteers who organized the workshop, wrapped the Sty ..read more

By Joanne K., Pitt County Arboretum Extension Master Gardener Volunteer With the approach of spring, gardeners are eager to head outside to get a head start on the multitude of spring chores awaiting them. One of those may include pruning woody shrubs. Although pruning is not necessary every spring, it's the time of year when bare limbs allow gardeners to see the shape of the plant to determine if winter cold, insects, or disease has caused damage, if the natural growth of the plant needs to be managed, or the ornamental appeal of the shrub could be enhanced. If any of these are true, then it ..read more