Visiting Master Gardeners

Witchita, Kansas Master Gardeners could not have chosen a better time to come visit Arkansas.  There is not a cloud in the sky today and the weather is cool–I told them this what Arkansas weather is like on a regular basis!! A group of MG’s arrived in Little Rock yesterday and have been touring a variety of spots with Pulaski County MG’s Marcella  Grimmett and Jet Cuffman.  Today they went to the Old Mill, the Governor’s Mansion, the Witt Stephens Nature Center and then met me for lunch at 42 at the Clinton Museum.   We ate outside on the deck, and it was actually even a little cool in the shade.  The restaurant has raised gardens around the deck where they are growing their own vegetables and herbs.  I shared with them about our Arkansas MG program and also about our plans for the 2013 IMGC Alaskan Adventure. After lunch the group had time to tour the museum before meeting to the scholar’s garden (another MG project) and then heading to Heifer Project to see the natural landscaping, wetlands, and green building.  Tonight they are having dinner at Chris Olsen’s.  Tomorrow they head to Hot Springs and Garvan Gardens, and the following day Crystal Bridges in Benton County.  It is always great to mingle MG groups from various states or even counties.  I think  you learn from each other, and as I told them, we always love to showcase Arkansas! 

There were many wildlfowers in bloom including gaura in the scholar’s garden, and coreopsis, indian paintbrush and showy evening primroses, along with loads of itea at Heifer.  I have seen a lot of the primrose around the state, but be cautious, it can spread.