Headwater Master Gardeners
CLICK HERE TO PAY 2025 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Our last workday of 2024 at the Victory Home Greenhouse near Tallulah Falls. We were busy as bees potting, dividing, watering and labeling the oodles of plants we’re already nurturing for our annual Plant Sale in May. We think you’re gonna love the amazing variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, succulents and ground covers we’ll have for sale!
The Children’s Garden at the Clarkesville Library has been readied for winter with stones neatly arranged around the flagpole and leveled with the ground. Pavers have been added lining the gravel path near the annual flowers.
Also, the garden has been mulched and trimmed back. Thank you to all the Master Gardeners and spouses who worked hard to get the garden ready for its winter rest. Now we gardeners can rest too.
The numbers are in from the August census -- and they're amazzzzzing!
This year Florida joined the census, and started strong with 2,808 counts uploaded, while North Carolina increased their participation to 2,287. You all may remember that Hurricane Debby impacted South Carolina's effort and it is amazing that 412 participants were able to count and upload data. Georgians continue to increase their participation with 13,269 counts uploaded.
Some other quick stats:
-- 838 new sustainable pollinator gardens were created as part of the Census project in 2024.
-- 540 educators reported that the Census was used as part of their STEM/STEAM initiative impacting over 3,000 students.
-- 269 counties in the four participating states were represented in the 2024 Census.
Even more important, observing pollinators for the Census provided valuable opportunities for participants to increase their understanding and appreciation for the diversity of bees, butterflies, wasps and flies that help sustain our gardens, farms and wild places.
Thanks to all you wonderful plant lovers, we made more than $22,000 from our annual Plant Sale last week at the Victory Home greenhouse! It was our most successful sale ever!
Your support allows us to fund our community programs such as the Children's Garden in Clarkesville and the Pollinator Garden in Rabun, and provide scholarships to area students headed for careers in horticulture or environmental science.
We give all of you who purchased plants last week a big (green) Thumbs Up!
Below is what is available as of 4/17, with more plants coming in every day!
Click here to read WOMEN’S HISTORY DAY - FOCUSING ON WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE AND BOTANY (FROM LIFESTYLE)
CLICK HERE TO PAY DUES — $20 by 2.29.24 — $25 if late
It’s not too soon for those 2024 goals!
Training classes are one day a week in Habersham County. You’ll learn research-based horticulture practices, make new friends and support gardening projects in your community.
Master Gardener trainees from Habersham, White, Banks, Stephens and Rabun counties are eligible. Contact your local Extension Agent for more info and an application:
Banks County:
Zach Mccann
zmccann@uga.edu
Rabun County:
John Scaduto
John.Scaduto@uga.edu
Stephens County:
Erin Harper
Erin.Harper1@uga.edu
White County:
Nathan Eason
neason@uga.edu
Habersham County:
Steven Patrick
Stevep@uga.edu
Song, laughter, treats, and a gift exchange were all part of our Headwaters Master Gardeners annual holiday celebration. The homemade goodies were tasty, but the fun and friendship is always the highlight.
Special thanks to Kathy Booker for the extra effort to make the event so lovely.
It’s not too soon for those 2024 goals!
Training classes are one day a week in Habersham County. You’ll learn research-based horticulture practices, make new friends and support gardening projects in your community.
Master Gardener trainees from Habersham, White, Banks, Stephens and Rabun counties are eligible. Contact your local Extension Agent for more info and an application:
Banks County:
Zach Mccann
zmccann@uga.edu
Rabun County:
John Scaduto
John.Scaduto@uga.edu
Stephens County:
Erin Harper
Erin.Harper1@uga.edu
White County:
Nathan Eason
neason@uga.edu
Habersham County:
Steven Patrick
Stevep@uga.edu
This is naive scarlet honeysuckle. Great for humming birds. One just came to my feeder. First is season. We have 6 of these plants in sale
Spring Plant Sale Coming Up!
Everyone is waiting for Spring, just like we are! The Headwaters Master Gardeners of Rabun, White and Habersham Counties host an annual spring plant sale so you can stock up on the good stuff grown by “people in the know”.
Mark your calendars now for Wed, May 10 – Saturday, May 13, 9 am – 4 pm, at the Victory Home Greenhouse, 157 Victory Home Lane, Clarkesville, GA 30523 (GPS address), just past Tallulah Falls Middle School on 441. We’ve added an additional day to this popular event so all our friends, neighbors and the public can enjoy shopping just in time for Mothers’ Day!
Choose from annuals, perennials, ferns, grasses & groundcovers, natives, shrubs, and even inoculated shitake mushroom logs.
Your purchases (cash, check, or credit card) benefit the Headwaters Master Gardener community garden projects including the Victory Home Greenhouse project, 4-H programs, student scholarships, Clarkesville Children’s Garden, Rabun Pollinator Garden, and so much more. Check out our website after April 22, 2023 to see a list of the wide array of plants available. (www.headwatersmastergardeners.com).
membership dues now
Dues are $20 (Payment is due by February 28, 2022. After February 28, 2023, dues will be $25)
Click on the Plant Image below to pay your dues
You may also send a check for dues to HWMG, P.O. Box 662, Lakemont, GA 30552
Monthly meeting at 10A Thursday, February 16 at Habersham Co. Ext. Svc. office, 555 Monroe St, Clarkesville. Kathy Booker will report on the recent donation of a high hoop at the VH greenhouse. Bring your ideas for gardening projects the group might find interesting. Come a few minutes early if you want to get in some "plant chat" with friends before the meeting.
Monday is always a fun day when Master Gardeners play in the dirt together!
We are getting ready for our Spring Plant Sale set for May 10-13 (mark your calendars!) at the green house at Victory Home residential treatment center. Every Monday afternoon several of us gather to pot, prune, divide and water our growing inventory of plants
Today we potted, watered and labeled more 250 elderberry and butterfly bush cuttings. We also divided and potted the native groundcover, galax, and started some onions and potatoes.
We are “hooping” it up because of this incredible donation of a Hoop House for our gardening home base at Victory Home in Tallulah Falls!
This hoop house was donated and installed in in two days last week by the Chestatee-Chattahoochee
RC&D Council. It is located by the existing greenhouse and will allow for earlier and longer growing times.
We will use the new addition to plant cool weather veggies such as lettuce, carrots, radishes, etc. that can be used in meals for the clients of Victory Home, a residential addiction recovery center. We already involve inpatients in our greenhouse activities, helping us to nurture plants intended for our annual plant sale.
We want to give a special shout-out to Habersham Extension Agent Steven Patrick for facilitating this partnership with the Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Council, one of a nationwide network of community-based, non-profit Councils who support agricultural development in their regions.
Love gardening but want to learn more about proper horticultural practices AND make a difference by applying your new skills in your community?
Apply now for the next Georgia Master Gardener class starting in March 2023!
Becoming a Master Gardener requires commitment. You’ll need to complete about 42 hours of training and 50 hours as a volunteer for UGA Extension the first year. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to volunteer for 25 hours a year after that.
The rewards are many:
You’ll expand your gardening horizons by learning research-based practices you can apply to your own yard and in community gardening projects, whether your passion is growing vegetables or attracting butterflies.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend special field trips, conferences and programs.
You’ll be part of a respected national network of like-minded gardening ambassadors who assist universities in promoting good gardening practices.
And, you will make new friends who totally understand your plant obsession!
Call the phone number in your county to apply for the March 2023 class. Deadline to register is Jan. 20, 2023.
Fun and learning at the recent Shiitake Mushroom workshop
Watch this spot for a flyer with details on the upcoming Natural Wreath Workshop, Saturday, November 19th, sponsored by Headwaters Master Gardeners
Pollinators Welcome at New Garden in Rabun County
The “Welcome” sign is out for bees and butterflies at a new demonstration pollinator garden in downtown Clayton installed and maintained by the Headwaters Master Gardeners.
The garden is located between the Rabun Extension Office and the Rabun Supervisor of Elections at 184 S. Main Street in Clayton. It features a variety of flowers, shrubs and small trees that attract pollinators, including Georgia natives like Fothergilla, Joe Pye Weed, Georgia Aster and Black-Eyed Susans. Two types of milkweed – the only plant family on which Monarch butterflies lay eggs – also have been planted. Plants that bloom at different times ensure there will be color and nectar in the garden in all but our cold winter months.
Extension staff from Rabun and Habersham counties assisted with the garden creation by clearing the landscape bed, tilling and amending the soil, and hauling mulch donated by Turf Pro, a local company. Master Gardeners installed plants, laid weed mat, spread mulch, and created a pea gravel pathway through the small garden. Edging of the pathways is almost complete. Additional plantings are in the works, along with plant labels, garden art and a butterfly puddling feature.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds began using the garden as soon as blooms appeared. Next time you’re in downtown Clayton, stop by and take a look at our newest garden project!
Black-eyed Susans
Pollinator Garden late July 2022
Master Gardeners spreading pea gravel in the pathways
Master Gardeners installing weed mat
Pollinator Garden Group
Garden site right after planting
Garden Site
Counting Down to Georgia Pollinator Count
You can help protect our insect pollinators by participating in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census on August 19 and 20, 2022.
Scientists need all our help to count Georgia's pollinators. That includes bees, butterflies, wasps and flies. Anyone in Georgia (and now South Carolina!) can count pollinators anywhere there are nectar-producing plants -- including your own garden.
Participating is simple and fun! Just choose a favorite pollinator plant for counting, maybe one where you regularly see lots of insects visiting. You count and identify the insects that land on the flowers of that plant for 15 minutes, and then submit your data to the Pollinator Census website at https://ggapc.org/. You don't need to be a Pollinator PhD to take part -- this website has all the details and resources you need to contribute to this important citizen-science effort. There is even a simple, handy-dandy insect ID guide to help you accurately record the insects you see.
HEAdwaters master gardeners/boy scouts of america eagle project
Some weeks ago Headwaters Master Gardeners member Mary Clement, an employee of Full Bloom Nursery in Clermont, was chatting with a customer who mentioned that her son, Elijah Nix, was an Eagle Scout candidate and was planning to landscape an area at the White County Senior Center as his Eagle project. (Completing the Eagle project is a major—and for many boys, the final—step in attaining the rank of Eagle, the highest honor in Boy Scouts.) Mary thought this looked like an opportunity for our club to do what Master Gardeners love: gardening projects to benefit the community. Her fellow members agreed and voted to put $400 of our treasury into the effort; a member added $100.
Since the area to be rehabbed is a long, narrow strip along the south wall of the Senior Center building with full sun and no irrigation system, Elijah had decided a rock garden with drought-tolerant plants was appropriate. With Mary's advice on plant materials and some sedum donated by member Holly Sparrow. Elijah and his troop designed and installed the rock garden. The boys finished installing the garden on June 14, 2022, and there is only one phase of the project yet to complete. Elijah knew the seniors would like to be involved but few would be able to haul rock or dig holes, so the seniors will be invited to paint colorful designs on some rocks to add to the garden. Next time you're in Cleveland, stop by the Senior Center at 1239 Helen Highway and see what the members helped create.
Prep For Spring Plant Sale
Our annual plant sale, our biggest fundraiser, is fast approaching--May 5-7. We will need help from all our Master Gardeners on those dates, but right now we need your plant donations by April 15th so we have time to ready them for the sale. Best days to drop off at the Victory Home Green House are days when our group is there, so Mondays, April 4th or April 11th from 1:30-4:30 pm. Or just open the door and set your plants on the table or the rack to the left. Be sure to label them with the name of the plant(s), botanical name if you know it, Sun/Shade etc. and your name. Thanks in advance for your generosity! 157 Victory Home Lane, Clarkesville, GA 30523 (near Tallulah Falls MS off 441).
Come help us dig and plant on Friday, April 8th at the home of Holly Sparrow in Clarkesville. Digging 10-11:30, followed by planting at the greenhouse. Join us for one or both! If you can help that day, text Kathy Booker at 770-841-8072 and she will send you directions.
Take a look…all the plants are thriving, getting ready for the Headwaters Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale. Thursday, May 5 - Saturday, May 7,
9 am - 4 pm at the Victory Home Greenhouse, 157 Victory Home Lane, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Natives, perennials, herbs, shrubs, specialty plants and so much more! Sale proceeds benefit the many community projects of our gardening group in Habersham, Rabun and White counties. Plant list available soon…watch this spot or find it on our website, www.headwatersmastergardeners.org.
March 14th is National “Learn About Butterflies Day”. Take time to acquaint yourself with these fascinating and colorful pollinators. Did you know…
There are over 20,000 types of butterflies worldwide.
Their wingspan can range from 1/2 inch to 11 inches.
Butterflies in their adult stages can live from a week to over a year, depending on the species.
Learn more here and enjoy!
We are all waiting. Signs are everywhere, from the sprouting daffodils to the bursting blossoms of fruit trees…Spring! You won’t want to miss Headwaters Master Gardeners Spring Plant sale, one of the largest and most extensive plant sales of the season! Thurs May 5-Sat May 7,
9 am - 4 pm at the Victory Home Greenhouse in Tallulah Falls GA! Get your plants from the folks in the know - a wide array of perennials, natives, shrubs, specialty plants, and even shiitake mushroom logs! The best part, your purchases support the work of our non-profit group in Rabun, White, and Habersham counties - multiple community gardens, Habitat for Humanity home landscapes, and student scholarships.
Hint - the sale is just a few days before Mother’s Day! Watch this FB spot and our website for details and a plant list. www.headwatersmastergardeners.org.
Pay your membership dues now
Dues are $25 (including a $5 late fee, as dues were to be paid by February 28, 2022)
Click on the Plant Image below to pay your dues
You may also send a check for dues to HWMG, P.O. Box 662, Lakemont, GA 30552
Shiitake mushrooms were the topic of the day at the recent Headwaters Master Gardeners sponsored workshop at Victory Home Greenhouse in Tallulah Falls. Participants “adopted” a white oak log, drilled holes, inoculated each hole with Shitake mycelium and sealed them with parafin. Aftercare instructions and the logs then went to their new homes with their happy owners. For more information on our group visit www.headwatersmastergardeners.org.
In addition to gardening projects, the Headwaters Master Gardener group also sponsors student scholarships in area communities. The group awarded three $500 scholarships in May 2021 to high school graduates in Habersham, White and Rabun Counties. The scholarships are awarded to a student interested in studying in an area connected to horticulture. A scholarship was also awarded to a high school graduate who participated in 4-H in the tri-county area. Continue reading here…
Well that darn little virus has put a crimp in many community activities and it’s no different for our Headwater Master Gardener Group.
Although we haven’t as a group in a while, know that our members remain active!
• The Board has been meeting regularly via Zoom
• The entire group has resumed monthly meetings via Zoom (3rd Thursday of every month at 9:45 am)
•. Members are still involved in community projects - see the Projects tab on this site for stories and pics
• Members remain active by contributing updates to the website and our Facebook page with book reviews, projects, and articles of interest to gardeners.
• Big plans are being made for all our tri-county (Habersham, Rabun and White) projects including greenhouses, plant sales, special gardens, Habitat Home Gardens and so much more.
At the January 2021 Zoom meeting of the Headwaters Master Gardeners volunteers for Rabun, Habersham and White Counties, new officers were installed. Featured is President Janet Martin, left. Top row: Cissy Belson, VP; Helen Neinast, Treasurer. Bottom row, Holly Sparrow, Secretary; Mary Clement, Past President. Thanks to our new officers for their service.
For more info on MG Quilting Workshop on August 23rd visit https://site.extension.uga.edu/mgevp/2019/04/summer-workshop-for-our-commemorative-quilt/.
Monthly TIPS
Snips and Tips from the September Garden
Fall is just around the corner. The first day of autumn or the autumnal equinox arrives on Saturday, September 23, marking the first official day of fall. The change of seasons doesn’t mean that gardening chores stop; it just means time to change the focus:
· Start clean-up in the flower beds
· Stop pruning and fertilizing
· Deadhead Shasta daisies and roses; remove spent annuals and other plants that have finished blooming or showing disease
· Divide and move perennials
· Take cuttings to overwinter indoors
· Begin collecting seeds for next year’s plantings
· Start planting of spring bulbs; wait until soil temperature is 60◦ or below
· Plant trees and shrubs toward end of month; be sure to keep them well-watered
· Pick herbs for drying or freezing
· Gather remaining vegetables from the garden
· Plant cool weather vegetables - broccoli, collards and cabbage plants
· Time for the first application of fertilizer on fescue grass; this cool season turf needs fertilizer in September, November, February and April
· Replenish or add mulch to control weeds and protect plants as the weather cools
· Begin adding leaves and other materials to the compost pile
· Be sure to check those patio plants for insects before bringing those plants indoors
· Enjoy the cooler weather and the beginnings of autumn!
Kathy Booker, GMGEV, Rabun County
Snips and tips from the august garden
It’s a hot month! Here are some garden tips and tasks for those sizzling summer days of August:
· Gather herbs and flowers for drying and preserving in the midmorning after the dew has dried – herbs are often at their peak for drying when they begin to flower.
· Collect cuttings for new plants – focus on stem cuttings from herbaceous, hardwood, and semi-hardwood shrubs and climbers.
· Prepare garden beds for fall plantings by cleaning out weeds and cutting back overgrown plants.
· Work early morning shifts before it becomes too hot. Be sure to stay well hydrated.
· Remove dead limbs and branches from trees and shrubs. Prune trunk suckers.
· Keep deadheading spent blooms unless planning to collect seeds.
· Refresh mulch as needed – keep soil covered to help discourage new weed growth.
· Remove any diseased foliage now. Dispose of diseased plants in the garbage or burn them. Don't put them in the compost pile.
· Continue to provide moisture locally to the base of plants - avoid surface watering which encourages plant roots to come to the surface. Vegetable gardens, most flowering plants, and the lawn all need about one inch of water every week to keep them looking healthy and productive.
· Still time to plant quick growing plants such as herbs, cilantro, Swiss chard, lettuce , spinach, and endive.
· Enjoy the variety of vegetable harvest from the home or community garden.
· Order spring bulbs now for the best selection – most companies deliver them at the appropriate time for fall planting.
· Visit your local library – get a good book to read while the temperatures and humidity are high.
· Share the garden production!
Kathy Booker, GMGEV – Rabun County
Snips and tips from the JULY garden
Summertime is definitely here! Plantings are pretty much done, and the main objective now is to keep everything healthy. The weather is hot, so July is all about the garden (flower and vegetable) maintenance – irrigation, weed suppression, staking, pest control, dead-heading, and enjoying the finished product!
· Water, or the lack thereof, is the most challenging task in keeping plants nourished and looking good during the hot days of summer. Rain may be scarce, but the need for water is plentiful. The best time to water plants is in the early morning unless you’re using a drip method.
· Keep weeds under control: they utilize water and take up nutrients. Establish a weed removal routine. Weed, weed, weed!
· Stake and tie - keep an eye out for plants that become leggy and droop. Provide supports to keep flowers and fruit off the ground.
· Pest surveillance – note that aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, whiteflies, black spot, Botrytis Blight, and beetles may appear. Check with the UGA Extension Service for the best control method to use for each.
· Deadheading is a task that must be done regularly throughout the growing season. It is nothing more than removing dead or spent flowers from the plant. It will make the plant neater, encourage more flower buds, help plants conserve energy, and prevent seed formation.
· Begin planning for the fall garden.
· Take a bite of a juicy tomato or blackberry or pick a lovely rose. You’ll remember why you are into gardening!
· Get a cold drink and head for the hammock. Enjoy those “hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer – you’ll wish that summer could always be here”.
Kathy Booker
Garden tour
Members of the Headwaters Master Gardener group enjoyed a real treat on June 20th holding their monthly meeting at the home of member Laura W. The tour of the historic home and expansive gardens was educational and enjoyable. Thanks Laura for hosting us!
White County Farmer’s Market
Fresh produce plus handmade crafts and other treats available every Saturday morning at White County Farmer’s Market, Freedom Park in Cleveland, GA. 7:30 am till Noon (or until sell out). Headwaters Master Gardeners (projects and gardeners in Habersham, Rabun and White counties) support this effort as a community service project and are on hand to answer your gardening questions and provide info sheets on gardening projects.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
The Children’s Garden at the Clarkesville Library has been readied for winter with stones neatly arranged around the flagpole and leveled with the ground. Pavers have been added lining the gravel path near the annual flowers.
Also, the garden has been mulched and trimmed back. Thank you to all the Master Gardeners and spouses who worked hard to get the garden ready for its winter rest. Now we gardeners can rest too.