NW Arkansas

I have seen a lot of sunrises this week–every day but Monday, when it was a holiday.  This morning the sun was glorious as it rose in Fayetteville, and the temperatures were actually pretty mild.  They have been having a balmy winter as well.  That all changed on the drive home.  Halfway down the mountain it got foggy and overcast and was a bit cooler.  It is gloomy here at home, but fairly mild. 

Yesterday I met with MG Bob Santos in Rogers to discuss a new online record keeping program for MG’s.  I am really excited about getting this going, and with Bob’s expertise, it shouldn’t take too long to get up and running.  Keep your fingers crossed!  Then it was on to Benton County’s MG training. A great, enthusiastic group of 30 new trainees.  There were so many questions, and we got so engrossed, that we went a little long!  Then it was on to a meeting with the leadership team for the MG 2013 Convention in Rogers.  They are already making plans and getting organized, so expect great things.  I finally got to my room last night and tweaked some of my powerpoints for today’s talks in Fayetteville.  Another wonderful new group of 30 trainees, and loads of questions.  Afterwards I walked to their demonstration vegetable, herb, butterfly, compost garden. They still have some vegetables growing, the compost is hard at work breaking down, and the garden is taking a winter break.  If the weather continues to stay so mild, it won’t be long before more plants are beginning to break dormancy.

Speaking of composting, the Washington County MG’s are hosting an in-depth Master Gardener class for any Master Gardener in the state or school teacher at the Washington County office.  The class will be taught by Master Composters and will include classroom time as well as hands on work at the Compost Demonstration Site.   Topics include: The Science in Composting, Composting Techniques, Worm Composting, Compost Teas, and Use of Compost  When: February 4, 8:00am – 5:00pm and February 18, 8:00am – 12: noon.  The cost is $25.  Pre-registration is duby February 1.  Mail check to the Washington County Extension office, 2536 N. McConnell Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Provide email address to confirm receipt of registration fee.   For more Information: Contact Berni Kurz bkurz@uaex.edu  479-444-1755 or George Loucks  gloucks1942 @yahoo.com  479-879-3099

Remember that advanced training for MG’s is being offered Feb. 21 on Rain Gardens at the state extension office in Little Rock.  Registration opened Friday of last week, and we already have 46 folks registered.  Space is limited, and you must be a three year active MG to attend.