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Plant Tool Box
Click here to visit the Extension Master Gardener Tool Box.
Butterfly Puddles
Master Gardener Handbook
Peruse the ultimate in gardening knowledge for Brunswick County. The Extension Master Gardener Handbook is available here online.
Pesticide Predicaments
Help is here with these guides about what to use and how to use it.
TurfFiles
All things about your lawn click here.
Fall Plant Sale was a success
despite rescheduling due to weather
Dear Gardening Friends,
We were delighted with the turnout for our Fall plant sale on Saturday, September 28. Thanks to everyone who attended. We enjoy speaking with fellow gardeners from around the county and surrounding area. We noticed some shoppers taking photos of our plant information cards that we display to provide you with guidance on growing conditions, mature size, and other plant features. Our Master Gardener volunteers work hard on pulling this information together, and it even helps us out when answering customer questions.
Just in case you missed it, the Star News online shared lots of photos from our sale. Click to view.
Paul Soltero and Wanda Maggart did a great job of leading this event and providing carefully selected trees and shrubs that are well-suited to our coastal environment and that provide diversity in your home landscapes. We are also appreciative of the many volunteers who propagate plants from seeds and plugs, assist with potting and labeling and of course serving customers on sale days! We hope to see you again in 2025!
Barbara Dearry
President, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Brunswick County.
Plant Clinics around the County
Fall 2024
If you have a gardening question or need help identifying a problem in your landscape, Master Gardener volunteers will be available to help at the times and places listed below. Please bring clear photographs (close-up, whole plant, adjacent area) or samples (leaves, twigs) to assist in identifying the cause(s) of the problem.
Calabash, S.W. Branch Library, 9400 Ocean Highway, Thursday, 9/19, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Calabash, S.W. Branch Library, 9400 Ocean Highway, Thursday, 10/3, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Oak Island, Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive, Friday, 10/18 9am – 12pm
Southport, 113 W. Moore Street, Friday 10/25, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Become an Extension Master Gardener in 2025
Are interested in becoming an NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer? As a prerequisite, you will need to review the following website and complete the “Interest Form” located at the bottom of the page.
NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer program, Brunswick County Center.
You will then be contacted Extension Staff beginning in September.
Plant Showcase
Kathy Copley’s latest installment is here:
Yucca filamentosa (Curlyleaf Yucca)
Form in bloom
Carl Lewis CC BY 2.0
To view all of our Showcased Plants, click here.
Create a Customized Planting List using Plant Toolbox
The Brunswick County Newcomers Packet has been refreshed and provides our residents with a wealth of information about plants that we suggest for our Zone 8A. A comprehensive resource for those new to gardening — it is meant to serve as a starting point as you select plants that will grow and thrive in our coastal environment. In this packet, you will find a wide variety of selections from annuals and perennials to large trees and to native plants.
The Brunswick County Extension Horticulture Staff and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are here for you, to help make the transition to gardening in a subtropical environment a little easier. We provide unbiased, research-based information to help improve the lives (and gardens) of our residents.
Click here for the Newcomers’ Packet.
Integrated Pest Management
Traditional pest control involves the routine application of pesticides. IPM, in contrast focuses on pest prevention and using pesticides only as needed. IPM programs take advantage of all appropriate pest management strategies, including the judicious use of pesticides. Read more here.
The mission of the North Carolina Native Plant Society is to promote the enjoyment and conservation of North Carolina’s native plants and their habitats through education, protection, propagation, and advocacy. Check out the website to learn of speakers, plant ID, and native plant events. Read more about Natives using our links here.
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America. Click here to register your garden through the Pollinator Partnership and be added to the map in support of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.
Basics of Butterfly Gardening
Begin planning your garden with the Basics of Butterfly Gardening, from the North American Butterfly Association. Learn which native plants are suitable for butterfly gardens in your location, with Regional Butterfly Garden Guides.
Composting at Home: An Introduction to the Basics
If you missed the live session, which was attended by over 1400 people, you can watch the recording here: https://ilsr.org/webinar-home-composting-may-2020
Many thanks to Rhonda Sherman, NC State Extension Specialist, for sharing this webinar!
Learn more! NC State Extension Composting portal: https://composting.ces.ncsu.edu
Extension Gardener Handbook, Composting: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/extension-gardener-handbook/2-composting
Handling Flooding and Storm Damage in the Landscape
Click the link to see the NC State Extension article on this topic: https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/weather-2/handling-storm-damage-in-the-landscape/