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/.


Wildlife Gardening



A successful garden can be a balanced garden.  It is possible to be rewarded for your efforts with fresh vegetables, cut flowers, and a beautiful landscape but also give back in appreciation of Nature.  A gardener is never in complete control but must recognize that Nature is the true Master.  Never forget that we are but stewards of the land.  Play nice.
Here are the top frequently asked questions from the National Wildlife Federation:

How can I encourage good bugs in my garden, but discourage bad ones? 
The best way to avoid pest insects is to have a diverse garden with a variety of native plants. If you only have a few types of plants, you are more likely to attract that specific plant’s pests. It’s harder for pests to find plants when they are mixed in with lots of other species. Also, diversely planted gardens attract more beneficial insects and pest predators such as birds, dragonflies, toads and lizards.

Bumblebee on St. John's Wort
What is the best way to attract honey bees to my yard?   
Native flowering plants are the biggest attractant for bees. That goes for honey bees and the thousands of native bee species—including bumble bees, mason bees, and more. Don’t forget that bees need water, too.
Common Milkweed
Where can I find native milkweed to attract monarch butterflies?  
There are a few dozen species of native milkweed. Some are wild plants that are best gotten through local native plant sales and plant swaps. Others are cultivated and commonly available in garden centers, such as swamp milkweed, butterfly weed and desert milkweed. Just be sure to ask which are best for your region.  See previous post (Collecting Native Seed) in this blog for more information or click here.


How do you balance creating a brush pile as a habitat for wildlife with a fire-safer zone?

 If you live in a fire-prone area, brush piles are not the best idea. Instead, provide cover by building a rock pile or wall, by densely planting shrubs, installing roosting boxes, or protecting the existing native vegetation.  The photo above shows backyard landscaped with rock and wood terraces, sidewalks and steps, rock areas between shrubs, bluebird box on fence all in a mix of native and cultivated plants.

 If you’re a Wildlife Gardener who hasn’t yet certified your garden with National Wildlife Federation, you can join the ranks of some of the most dedicated friends of wildlife by certifying your space as an official Certified Wildlife Habitat® site!
Sources:  David Mizejewski, National Wildlife Federation Naturalist, Media Spokesperson & Author and Beti Pearson, Hickory County Master Gardener & Missouri Master Naturalist
Posted: 8/8/14
 
 

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