Neat that you're using the 'natural' control for your web worms, Ann.

David, long story on the Master Gardener program, and to be honest, it's different in each County. Really depends upon the person at the Extension office that is running the program. I know that the Manatee County group has a Plant Sale each year like we do, but the Pinellas County group don't.

I took the course the first year we moved to Florida, in 2002. A very talented teacher and energetic fellow who was a terrific leader was in charge then and our program was one of the most successful in the state. He now lives next door to me, c/w wife and family . . that's another long story, but a GREAT thing for me! Anyway, after he moved on into the private sector, we suffered 5 years of poor leadership where a talented volunteer work force of over 100 MGs accomplished very little in the way of community service, but the new regime at Extension is doing great work the last few years.

The year I was Chair of the Advisory Committee (it's too easy to put up your hand and volunteer for these things), it was decided we would have a Plant Sale once a year to raise funds. Before that the only money we had was a yearly grant from UF that was enough to fund stuff like refreshments for our meetings and work parties, and an awards dinner once a year in December. I was opposed to the idea from the get-go (yet another long story) but luckily we did spend some time making sure we had worthy projects to spend the money on. We now give out all the money we earn each year - between $8000 and $12,000/yr. It is spent on grants for projects that our Master Gardeners work on in the community. The MG's must apply, enumerate what they will spend the money on, and report back to the AdComm c/w receipts to account for how the money was spent.

I've had two grants from the MG program in the past two years to put in a veggie and butterfly garden at the local elementary school. I go there once a week through the school year with two other MG's and we see 50 to 80 kids each week. Dozens of other projects have benefited from the proceeds of the accursed Plant Sale . . . Besides that we man information booths at various events around the county, Farmer's Markets, libraries, and several of the Lowe's stores locally have us come once a month to do a Plant Clinic. We also have a permanent Plant Clinic at the Extension office manned by MG's every day from 9am to 3pm where we answer phone, e-mail and visitors' questions on gardening.

Hm, got carried away as usual and I should have Tree-mailed this to you, but if you have more questions, feel free to ask.

Elaine,
I think this is a worthy "off topic" post. I'm sure as you said the MG's program is pretty different for each county. I almost applied a few years ago, but really felt like I could not devote the time. Better to be realistic, but I'm thinking at some point I would like to be able to.

The two ladies who I know here said they left because it got too "Political"?......and I never questioned either of them on what exactly; how or in what way....

That was a very good answer indeed and thank you for taking the time to let us know. Others may have wondered too at some time.

I tried again to research a bit more about it last evening and as before;...the more I read the more confused I still was. I guess I'm not the brightest candle on the cake!

You're answer was perfect!
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Thank God for that GREAT RAIN we got last night!!! Heres a rainy evening picture...

I took the MG classes last year to learn more about gardening in FL & to meet people with similar interests. Like Elaine said, every county runs their program a bit differently. Here in Clay we are involved with programs in a number of schools, have a large part in the Fair, have a booth at the Farmers Mkt so we can answer questions, and then also have the opportunity to get our hands dirty working in the gardens around the Ext Office. Oh, and we trade plants!!!!!!

So far, I'm having a great time &, after the 1st year, am only required to donate 35 hrs/year & attend a couple continuing ed classes. I've discovered I have an interest in proper use/control of fertilizers & pesticides so have taken a number of those classes & can get additional certifications. We have a monthly luncheon or dinner & usually a guest speaker. There are some GOOD cooks in our group!!!!!

indeed!

So right, Jean. We have potluck lunches for our quarterly in-service meetings, and for the first day of the new class year. They are fabulous!! Amazing food and nice people abound.

On the 'political' issue, that is so right, too. It's a "disease" that infects nearly every volunteer organization because you can just put up your hand and end up in a position of authority. (guess how I know this? ) There are always people who get a kick out of being in charge, and they gravitate towards the Board positions. Then if there's not somebody pretty strong-willed there to keep things on track, they tend to forget what the purpose of the organization is and get caught up in making and enforcing rules - kids on the playground bossing other kids around .. . ? The whole thing degenerates into petty political battles and becomes destructive as the good volunteers get tired of dealing with petty dictators. HOA Boards are notorious for being strongholds of frustrated politicians too, imho.

Anyway, how'd I get back onto that soapbox? I have new daylilies open this morning - meet 'Moonlit Masquerade'. Second bloom on Siloam Double Classic has one petal towards the 'double' status, too.



Some orchids for your enjoyment, too.

Elaine,
That orchid on the far left can give anyone missing their northern bulbs a "Daffodil " fix !!

No kidding, and it lasts longer than any daffodil I've ever seen and smells better as well.

Probably bloom again in the fall, too.

Elaine, I really like the way that Moonlit Masquerade midrib brings the white (or cream) into the purple. Very cool! Speckled orchid makes me drool.

Thanks for the info. on the MG program & yes, pretty much what I expected. Each county is different & I am SURE each group is different in differing years. It sort of all depends on who holds the positions of power. One reason I have never taken part.

Despite the down side it's very gratifying, once you get past the petty politics, Ann. I'm in my 12th year as a MG and have discovered to my great satisfaction the real 'power' of being a volunteer. You can air your opinions with impunity and pretty much do what you want to do. They can't fire you, unless you do something really egregious. I go to one Board meeting per year, present my grant report, apply for a new grant and tell the Board what I think of them. Since I paid my dues years ago on the Board, I can call them on getting sidetracked and I hope it helps keep their eyes on the prize.

Also volunteer well over 100 hours each year, doing something that is really worthy, teaching kids the fun and beauty of gardening. We have kids from K to 5th grade learning everything from photosynthesis, composting and soil science to the life cycle of a plant and non-toxic pest management and they're out in the sun getting their hands in the dirt, too. If just one scrap of what we're teaching those kids sticks with them to adulthood, it's worth SO much especially on the environmental front. So, that's the "up" side and it's way bigger than the down.

Luckily the group here is very "unpolitical". And the camaraderie far outweighs the couple meetings a year - which are entirely voluntary also!!!!

Well, we've been dry around here for 2 days now...Rain showers have been popping around us, but nary a drop in my garden. Maybe that will change for today. I reluctantly went out and watered this morning, so, as my luck goes, we'll get a deluge/frog strangler this afternoon! Let's hope anyway!

Same here, Tara. I turned the irrigation back on when the thunderstorms all stayed inland of us yesterday. So of course it rained just as I was going to bed, and again this morning it is thundering loudly and pouring generously. Never fails!

We've lucked out so far with daily showers that are good "soakers". In town yesterday they had hail. It stayed just to the west of us and we got the nice rain w/o the damage.
Black Bat plant has been tooling along happily.

Send that gal to the database and get yourself an Acorn MJ 'cause its a great Pic'!
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I'm with all of ya' that are getting the rain and thankful for it. Us too!

Ooo, nice bat Mj!
My spiral ginger with the white flowers is just blooming for the first time this year. Unlike a lot of these, the flowers on this one are a good size. Begonia 'Elaine' has nearly black leaves.

Our gardens do have similarities Elaine!

Beautiful pictures of some mighty pretty plants everyone! Especially love that Bat, MJ!!!!

Well, as predicted, the sky has opened up! And it is looking like a gully washer! Hallelujah!!!

Σας ευχαριστώ κυρία μου!

(Its,..."Thank you Ma'am" in Greek)

Well the letters are pretty!

Loving the Rain too!

Very pretty!
Never seen any of those "letters" on my keyboard!
Copy and paste? Never tried that...with other languages...

Amazing what these computers can do!