Fall Fest

From the Coordinator

Earth Notes

ES Committee Tip of the Month

Salad Boxes

Back to School Plants

Garden Contest Results

Night Gardening

MG's on the Road

Fall Fest

Calling all MGs - the Fall Fest Committee needs your donations of gently used, garden-themed items for our Frugal Gardener booth.  Please bring items to the September 15th general meeting so that we can price and organize them for the September 26th event.  If you cannot make it to the meeting on the 15th, call Nancy Novak to arrange a drop-off or pick-up.  Thanks for your support.

Plants for Fall Fest

I know all you Master Gardeners have been potting up plants for the Annual Fall Fest Plant Sale.
We would like them dropped off at Smedley Park Educational Center between September 19th and September 23rd.

We will need Botanical & Common name, and plant description on each plant. Last year, shrubs and native plants were the most popular. We are also focusing on plants that attract pollinators. No plant donations accepted on day of sale!

Also, we are looking for Plant Grooms to come in and make these plants shine!
So if you have an extra hour or 2, come down to the Environmental Center between
Sept 23rd and 25th. For more information and times, please contact: Hazel Delikatny

Many thanks to Noreen Kebart and the Garden Contest Committee for a very successful year. The contest winners will be awarded ribbons and certificates at the Fall Fest.

We welcome the Master Gardener Class of 2009. This year’s training is being held at the Twentieth Century Club in Lansdowne with the Philadelphia County class on Wednesdays from 12:30-3:30. Veronica Connor is coordinating the refreshments for this large group. If you would like to contribute a food donation, please contact Ronie. Members who would like to take a refresher class may attend the sessions.

The Teaching Gardens look great this year, thanks to the chairs and committee volunteers and the weather. We are counting bees in the pollinator garden for the Penn State researchers. They will have data from all of the counties collected by Master Gardeners across the state. Thanks to Helene Harris and Nancy Ellis for counting and submitting the reports.

The Hillside Native Garden is looking better every year. This tireless (or maybe, by now, just tired!) committee has been working every Monday to weed, plant, prune, and mulch.

The Shade Garden is very lush this year, and is very appreciative of the summer’s weather. I’ve only seen Carl and Marion drag hoses out for the Terrace Garden one time this season. I’m sure they welcomed the change.

Wilma Ervin and Deborah Hemphill have recently adopted the ‘garden with the sign.’ It’s looking better already. We’ll have a real garden name as soon as they determine just what plants they want to install. It’s a small area, but steeply sloped and quickly moves from full shade to full sun.

Please support the Fall Fest Committee by donating plants, items for the Frugal Gardener table, bake sale contributions and registering for the programs. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend. We always have a great time. Plants Sale and Frugal Gardener table will be open from 9-1:30.

Enjoy the beautiful month of September, and I hope to see you at the September 15th meeting, and at the Fall Fest.

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ENERGY EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING

As Master Gardeners, we play an important role in teaching our community about energy efficient landscaping. The following information on landscape shading is from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency web site.

Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase your air conditioner use. Incorporating shading concepts into your landscape design can help reduce this solar heat gain, reducing your cooling costs.

Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9° F . Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop.

Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading device casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shading strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate.

Trees can be selected with appropriate sizes, densities, and shapes for almost any shading application. To block solar heat in the summer but let much of it in during the winter, use deciduous trees. To provide continuous shade or to block heavy winds, use dense evergreen trees or shrubs.

Deciduous trees with high, spreading crowns (i.e., leaves and branches) can be planted to the south of your home to provide maximum summertime roof shading. Trees with crowns lower to the ground are more appropriate to the west, where shade is needed from lower afternoon sun angles. Trees should not be planted on the southern sides of solar-heated homes in cold climates because the branches of these deciduous trees will block some winter sun.

Although a slow-growing tree may require many years of growth before it shades your roof, it will generally live longer than a fast-growing tree. Also, because slow-growing trees often have deeper roots and stronger branches, they are less prone to breakage by windstorms or heavy snow loads. Slow-growing trees can also be more drought resistant than fast-growing trees.

A 6-foot to 8-foot deciduous tree planted near your home will begin shading windows the first year. Depending on the species and the home, the tree will shade the roof in 5–10 years. If you have an air conditioner, shading the unit can increase its efficiency by as much as 10%.

Trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants can also shade the ground and pavement around the home. This reduces heat radiation and cools the air before it reaches your home's walls and windows. Use a large bush or row of shrubs to shade a patio or driveway. Plant a hedge to shade a sidewalk. Build a trellis for climbing vines to shade a patio area.

Vines can also shade walls during their first growing season. A lattice or trellis with climbing vines, or a planter box with trailing vines, shades the home's perimeter while admitting cooling breezes to the shaded area.

Shrubs planted close to the house will fill in rapidly and begin shading walls and windows within a few years. However, avoid allowing dense foliage to grow immediately next to a home where wetness or continual humidity is a problem. Well-landscaped homes in wet areas allow winds to flow around the home, keeping the home and its surrounding soil reasonably dry.

For more information, go to http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11910

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ES Committee Tip of the Month

Don’t remove dead trees! Let them stand to preserve critical habitat for 85 species of cavity-nesting birds and other animals.

Salad Boxes on Martha Stewart

At USDA’s Earth Day celebration, John Traunfeld (University of Maryland’s State Extension Master Gardener Coordinator) brought a “Salad Box” to demonstrate how to grow greens in a small space. It was a big hit at the USDA/CSREES booth. At that time, John mentioned that a larger version, a Salad Table, had been featured on Martha Stewart’s daytime television program.
 
To view this “Martha Stewart Show” segment, go to this website: www.consumerhortcop.wordpress.com Also posted is a link to the University of Maryland home and garden fact sheet on how to build and use Salad Tables and Boxes.
 

Speakers Bureau Meeting

  There will be a short meeting of the Speakers Bureau directly after the Second Saturday on September 12, 2009 around 12:15 pm, we will be discussing the topics for the 2010 Second Saturday programs. So please bring along some ideas. If you can't attend please email me with some ideas for topics or speakers...all input is appreciated.
 
Thanks, Joe Daniels

 
Hope everyone is enjoying this interesting summer...first too cool, then too wet....now beautiful temps for the month of July...what more could we ask for this year. I hope everyone plans to attend the July meeting at the Grange Estate in Havertown on July 21 at 6:30 PM, where we will hear about beekeeping as well as receive a tour of the historic Grange Mansion. I thought I would give you some bee facts to sweeten you up for the talk...lets see what you remember by that night.
 
How do honeybees make honey?

Worker bees collect nectar (water and complex sugars) from flowers and pass it to other workers, which convert it to digestible sugars. Bees evaporate the nectar's water by working it in their mouths and then depositing it in cells and fanning it with their wings.  When the liquid is reduced to about 18% water, the honey is ready for them to use.

How fast can a honeybee fly?

A honeybee can fly up to 15 miles per hour when searching for food. When it is returning to the hive and is laden with nectar, its speed is only about 12 miles per hour. It beats its four wings at a constant rate of about 240 beats per second.

How is beeswax made?

A young worker honeybee eats lots of nectar or honey and later emits a drop of wax via one of eight glands on its underside. The wax hardens into a flake, which the bee (or one of its neighbors) then chews, mixing it with secretions until it's workable. Beeswax is used to build a honeycomb.

Can honeybees see color?

Honeybees can sense colors ranging from yellow and green to blue and ultraviolet. They can also detect an ultraviolet-yellow combination named "bee purple." The bees can't see red--it would appear black to them.

Do honeybees sleep?

Honeybees sometimes exhibit sleep behavior, although not exactly as humans experience it. Research has shown, however, that their muscles relax, body temperature decreases, movement is at a minimum, and reaction to stimuli is slowed.

How long do honeybees live?

Drones live from 3 to 10 weeks; if food is scarce or winter arrives, they are usually evicted from the hive. A worker bee's life span is shorter in summer than in winter and can range from 1 to 6 months. The queen can live from 2 to 5 years.
 
Study and remember these facts....the quiz will be given out at the end of the meeting. See you in a few weeks and have fun in your gardens. 

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We beat the heat and the rain to successfully complete the 20th annual Garden Contest. Nine judges visited 30 gardens over a two-day period o determine the winners in four categories. As always, we were inspired by the gardeners that participated. The winners who will receive their ribbons and certificates at Fall Fest are:

Large Ornamental
1st – Corinne Kassab Fiore
2nd – Pat Neff and Preston Miller – tie
3rd – Anne Suplee
4th – Cynthia Brown
Honorable Mention – Steve Critz

Community Garden
1st – Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
2nd – Kinder Park
3rd – Brookhaven Memorial Garden

Youth
1st – Main Street School
2nd - Elwyn Hort Therapy
3rd – Madison Wean

Vegetable
1st – James Makoulian
2nd – Dale Drais
3rd – Jim Hulme

We are eagerly looking forward to next year’s contest which will have a new category – Pollinator Garden.
Noreen Kebart

HAVE TO TRY "NIGHT GARDENING"
by Elsie Mueller

    I never did it, but after reading "Night Gardening" by E. L. Swann – and a recent book discussion selection at the Lansdowne Library - I realize I have missed out.

   The short, but powerful novel is an unlikely, but charming tale which combines a Zen philosophy of gardening with a passionate romance involving mature adults (yes, over the age of 60). It's fascinating how gardening, plants (inc. Latin names) and landscaping get interwoven with two dynamic characters you have to like.

    The setting is between two large properties in Cambridge, Mass. near Harvard Square. The action however, is dependent on and the result of a large crack in a crumbling brick wall.

    Tristan is the divorced successful landscape architect transported from New Hampshire to reconstruct the couple's garden at any expense.  Almost accidentally, he investigates the crack, sees Maggie attempting difficult exercises to regain motor skills and speech.  And it happens.  He detects her Irish beauty and resilient personality and is attracted.  After many peeks at Maggie struggling the maneuvers in her garden which shows signs of long neglect, he meets her.

    The encounter is dramatic.  From the crack he sees her trip and fall down on her back. Tristan rush over to help her, discovers she is happy peering up at the trees being moved next door.  Impulsively, he lies down with her to watch the large tree tops and wonderful dialogue ensues.

   They decide to meet secretly every night to restore her garden and also enjoy a sensuous relationship.  She's surprised he is interested and intrigued by the silver-haired kindred spirit.  He sees rare beauty beyond her stroke impaired appearance.

    The author's love and keen knowledge of horticulture is used for many rich metaphors for the nurturing of the characters.  Each chapter begins with a quote from gardening experts to emphasize the spiritual nature of gardening.

    Here is one from Julie Moir Messervy, Contemplative Garden:

   "Deep within each of us lies a garden.  An intensely personal place.  Throughout most of our lives, this garden remains hidden from view save for brief glimpses during moments spent daydreaming or in quiet contemplation...but many of us long to make this imaginative garden real."

    To decide if good gardening awakens sensuous feelings or if erotic interludes inspire good gardening, read the book and decide.   Sorry, sad though positive ending.  Book is available in Delaware County libraries.

Join the MG Annual Bus Trip, this year first thing traveling to the PA Farm Show on Saturday, January 9, 2010. We are well-known ‘foodies’, so check out below what may be in store for your lunch and/or take-home pleasures! This day of hort & Farm fun is $42.00 and you will not have to worry about weather (it’s Inside the Complex) or weeding your garden. Call the office to register. Bus seating is limited.

FOOD COURT
Farm Show Food Court-
One of the most popular attractions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the Food Court. Located in the Expo Hall and Main Hall of the Complex, the Food Court offers visitors a variety of Pennsylvania products including the famous Farm Show baked potatoes. The Food Court generates income to support the non-profit Pennsylvania Agricultural Commodity Organizations. Below is a list of commodity associations and a list of products available during Farm Show Week.
  
PA Bee Keepers Association – There are 1,700 registered beekeepers in the state of Pennsylvania. The money raised at the Farm Show funds honeybee research at Pennsylvania colleges, promotions for PA honey production and the scholarship and travel expenses of the Honey Queen.
  Products for Sale: honey ice cream, honey waffles, bottles of honey, and beehive products

PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc. – This is the oldest Potato Cooperative in the United States, chartered in 1922. The money raised during Farm Show week helps to support the marketing and promotion of PA potatoes. Monies are also used to pay dues for PA growers to belong to National Potato organizations; fund research projects, and promotional opportunities for PA growers.

  Products for Sale: baked potatoes, fresh cut French fries, potato donuts, potatoes and
baked sweet potatoes

PA Dairymen’s Association – This organization is a service organization that provides scholarships, youth programs, and agricultural education programs across the Commonwealth. They also maintain the milk house facilities located in the Farm Show Complex. The Dairymen rely on the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show to fund their activities.

  Products for Sale: milkshakes, milk/chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, deep fried mozzarella cubes with marinara sauce and ice cream cones

PA Livestock Association – The main purpose of this organization is to develop and conserve the agricultural and soil resources of Pennsylvania by promoting the production, marketing, processing, and maximum use of beef cattle, sheep, swine, and horse livestock within the state. The money raised at the Farm Show helps support youth livestock programs, the Keystone International Livestock Exposition and collegiate and youth judging teams.

  Products for Sale: pork barbeque sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches, lamb stew, ham and cheese sandwiches, beef meatball sandwiches, beef sausage, Jumbo beef/pork hot dogs, steak salad, ham salad, horseradish and pink lemonade

PA Maple Syrup Producers Council – Income from sales made during the Farm Show is used to promote Pure Maple products in a variety of ways including sponsorship of the Pennsylvania Maple Sweetheart.

  Products for Sale: maple sundaes, maple yogurt, maple cotton candy, maple coated nuts, maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream sugar, maple sugar and cookbooks

PA Mushroom Growers Cooperative – This organization gives its proceeds to the American Mushroom Institute, which conducts research and supports mushroom growers throughout the United States.

  Products for Sale: deep-fried breaded mushrooms, packaged fresh mushrooms and portabellos, mushroom soup, grilled portabellas, grilled portabella sandwich, mushroom salad and schroomies.

PA Vegetable Growers Association – The Association represents the commercial vegetable, potato and berry growers in the state. It is dedicated to providing educational resources and opportunities for its members, to supporting practical production research, to promoting growers and their products and to representing the interests of the industry. The Association started selling vegetable soup at the Farm Show in 1979 and has since expanded its menu as well as its profits, thanks to the help of over 200 volunteers now needed to staff the booth for the week. In the past 16 years, the Association has been able to contribute over $310,000 from its Farm Show profits to vegetable and small fruit research projects at Penn State University.

  Products for Sale: vegetable soup, batter-dipped vegetables, blooming onions, strawberry slush drink, broccoli-cauliflower salad, chicken corn soup, chili, dill pickles, carrots and celery, tomato juice, broccoli soup, berry pie, pumpkin pie and bean salad

Penn Ag Industries Assoc./Penn Ag Poultry Council – The Council is a part of PennAg Industries, the oldest agri-business trade organization in the United States and one of the premier agricultural organizations in Pennsylvania. The funds raised during Farm Show Week are used to support programs for industry as well as educational programs for consumers. In addition, $5,000 in proceeds are earmarked to the FFA Foundation Endowment Fund for the next 5 years. The money will go toward contest, awards and other youth activities related to poultry.

  Products for Sale: chicken nuggets, chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs, turkey barbecue, wings, bucket of chicken, chicken cheese steak, seasoned slow roasted rotisserie sliced chicken, chicken soup, deviled eggs, red beat and mustard eggs, chicken parmesan sandwich, turkey meatball sandwich and chicken chili

Penn Ag Industries Assoc./Penn Ag Poultry Council & Penn Ag Aquaculture Council. –

  Products for Sale: fish sandwich, trout chowder and tortilla crusted tilapia, fresh bagels w/or w/o cream cheese, cinnamon sticky bun, shoofly pie by the slice or whole pies, whoopie pies with white or peanut butter icing, large cookies and cinnamon bun

Penn Ag Industries Assoc./Penn Ag Poultry Council & Penn Ag Swine Council –

  Products for Sale: breakfast sandwich (egg & sausage or Canadian bacon) and slow roasted pulled pork

State Horticultural Association – the SHAP booth at the Farm Show is committed to raising money for the apple and fruit tree industry. One of the major benefactors of our booth is the fruit research lab in Biglerville. The center is committed to development of new knowledge and education necessary to lead and support the successful transition of the industry to new production systems and markets. The fruit centers infrastructure transformation through orchard replanting into new production systems, equipment technology development and laboratory renovations will continue to allow our field to grow and address the changes that need to be made for the future fruit farmers to thrive in Pennsylvania.

  Products for Sale: apple cider, fresh apples, apple dumplings with ice cream, apple butter, cider floats, caramel apples on a stick, dried apple snacks, and apple or peach sundaes.

Pennsylvania FFA Foundation – The mission of the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation is to raise funds to cultivate Pennsylvania’s most important agricultural commodity – our youth. The financial support provided by the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation helps to grow and develop the future agricultural leaders of the Commonwealth. The FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

  Products for Sale: hotdogs, grillers, rib sandwiches, and deep fried mozzarella cubes, apple cider, honey dumplings with ice cream, orchard freeze slushy and bakery products

Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association – The Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association (PCA) has over 1400 members, and is affiliated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The PCA is a co-sponsor of the Pennsylvania Beef Quality Assurance Program, the Pennsylvania Beef Expo, summer Cattlemen’s Field Day, and several other educational and information programs. The PCA also publishes the quarterly Keystone Cattlemen magazine. Monies raised at Farm Show help to provide scholarship for college students, supports many other youth and adult educational activities, and provides funds for NCBA membership.

  Products for Sale: rib eye steak sandwiches, philly cheese steak sandwiches, beef BBQ sandwiches, beef hotdogs, steak, egg and cheese sandwiches, beef sticks, peach tea, apple cider and chocolate or white milk.
Pennsylvania Culinary Connection
 
The Culinary Connection, featuring a kitchen stage where celebrity chefs and culinary students conduct cooking demonstrations showcasing PA produced food products. Several demonstrations will be conducted each day during Farm Show week.
 
The Marketplace features a variety of Pennsylvania companies promoting their own snack foods, candy, spices, processed meats, condiments and beverages, to name a few, through sales and sampling.
 
Displays of food products, produced and processed in PA, formerly the Food Pantry, are located in the Southwest Corner of the Main Exhibition area of the Culinary Connection.
 

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NEWSLETTER STAFF:

Editor: Barbara Smith
Web Designer: Kristi D'Amore
Committee: Linda Barry, Joe Daniels, Carolyn DiPaulo, Marianne Martin, Elsie Mueller, Marion Nelson, Cynthia Sabatini, Mary Sambor, Carl Pfeiffer & Arlene Pugh

Cooperative extension e-mail: DelawareExt@psu.edu
Blog Address: http://go.philly.com/gardenerjournal