The Master Gardener program began in the 1970's in response to the many gardening questions that resulted from the rapidly increasing level of interest in home gardening. The idea was to train knowledgeable gardener volunteers to help University Extension staff deliver home gardening information to the public.

Our local Master Gardeners are able to build on their interests and acquire greater expertise through the resources available through the Extension Service and the University of Missouri.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Hickory County Master Gardeners recommend contacting your local Extension Service for more complete plant and growing information and how to become a Master Gardener.

Meetings are reserved for Master Gardener members, but community programs hosted by the Master Gardeners are public events and will be announced in the local newspaper.

As of 12/31/2014, this blog will no longer post new articles. It will remain active as an archive. Please use the tools available in the right column to search for information and source links provided in previous articles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://extension.missouri.edu/ and http://mg.missouri.edu/.


Saffron Crocus: A Fall Bloomer

 

Gems among the scattering of fallen leaves.

 
The saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, is the source of one of the most expensive natural spice products, rivaling gold in its price. The cooks among us recognize it as a treasured spice to add flavor and color to foods such as bread, cake, rice and tea. 
 
In its storied past, it has been used as medicine.  From curing a hangover to curing the plague, saffron was the answer for many people.  Modern Europeans drink an elixir called Fernet-Branca which is considered a general health promoting tonic.  Saffron has also been used as a perfume or dye, and in some cultures was used much like money.


While the spring-flowering crocus is welcome after the dreary winter months, this fall blooming crocus may also be a favored addition tucked into the fall garden.  Good planting sites include naturalized areas under trees and shrubs, in rock gardens, or amongst low-growing perennial groundcovers such as vinca (Vinca minor).  For the best visual display, plant in clumps of 25.  This fall-bloomer is compatible to our hardiness zone and the bulb or corm is planted several inches deep and 6 inches apart in late July or August.

If interested, one source for Saffron Crocus is www.whiteflowerfarm.com. When browsing the site, you may enjoy the article discussing this crocus whose availability is becoming less common. Master Gardeners make no recommendations regarding retail sources, but have had experience with named sources.

Sources:  http://web.extension.illinois.edu. The Homeowners Column by Sandra Mason; http://www.thegardengeeks.com. Saffron by Jennifer S. Nelson, University of Illinois Extension Office; and http://www.ipm.iastate.edu. Horticulture and Home Pest News publication.
 
 
 
 



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