Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.

Student learns vegetable gardening

We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.

All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.

We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.

School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.

Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)

The Henderson County Beekeepers Association (HCBA) is pleased to announce the schedule for their 2022 Beekeeping School. This is one of this region’s most extensive beekeeping courses consisting of 7 classroom sessions and up to 6, but at least 2 apiary sessions (weather dependent) with over a dozen instructors from the southeast. The course objective is to prepare you to successfully care for your bees during the first year of beekeeping. The $75 fee includes a textbook, course materials, and one-year Family membership in HCBA. Those completing the class and planning to become spring 2022 beekeepers are encouraged to take advantage of HCBA’s unique mentor program. Mentors make themselves available to ‘hands-on’ support and coach those completing this course during the critical first year of beekeeping.

The class is held every Monday evening for 7 consecutive weeks beginning January 10, 2022, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Zoom and either at Henderson County Extension Office in Jackson Park or Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Drive in Mills River, North Carolina depending on how many people would like to meet live.
To begin enrollment in HCBA’s 2022 Bee School head over to https:/hcbeekeepers.org/ or call 828-233-5623

[HENDERSONVILLE, NC, Saturday, September 4th, 2021]
On the first Saturday of each month, Continuum Art hosts an art market to showcase local artists and makers. Ranging in mediums from paintings, to textiles, to jewelry, you’re guaranteed to find something you love! Each market also hosts live music and local caterers. A free, family-friendly event and a great way to check out our space and upcoming events. Visit us from 12-5pm on September 4th!
If you’re interested in vending at one of our art markets, email [email protected] or DM on Instagram @continuumgallerync

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts books into the hands and hearts of children across the world. The Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. DPIL is now mailing a free book each month to over 4,400 registered children in Buncombe County.  Here is the online registration form.

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC) was formed in 1976, with interest in preservation sparked by observance of the U. S. Bicentennial, and in response to threats to local buildings and sites posed by neglect, insensitive alteration, and large-scale transportation projects. Disinvestment in downtown, plans for the open cut through Beaucatcher Mountain, and a proposal to turn Montford Avenue into a through street connecting to U.S.19-23 spurred formation of the volunteer group, which quickly incorporated and initiated work as a community non-profit.

Online Education Programs

When it snows, gardeners may rejoice that a blanket of the cold stuff serves as welcome insulation during frosty weather, protecting plants from wind damage and moderating soil temperature. Of course, snow—and ice—are sometimes more destructive than helpful. Plan how to take advantage of snow’s benefits and minimize potential damage.

Tie up branches of evergreens with multiple leaders to prevent this kind of damage!

Things to do before a storm
If forecasters predict several inches of snow, preventing harm to your landscaping is easier than dealing with the aftermath.

• Mark where your yard ends and the street begins. Putting up snow stakes may prevent snowplow damage to your street-side plantings. You can purchase commercial stakes or make your own from rebar or pressure-treated 1-inch by 1-inch wooden stakes painted orange. For our area, stakes 3 feet tall are tall enough—bury them 8- to 12-inches deep.
• You may want to mark the location of garden paths or sidewalks to facilitate clearing them after the storm and to avoid inadvertently treading on your plantings.
• If you have particularly vulnerable shrubs or trees, tying up branches or constructing shelters may help prevent breakage. Better yet, consider resistance to snow and ice damage when selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape (see list of more and less resistant tree species, below).
• Think twice about using deicers before or after a storm—particularly salt-based ones—to avoid poisoning plants (see additional information about the benefits and risks of specific ice melters, below).

Minimizing damage after a storm
Your landscape may come through a storm unscathed but if not, take care to avoid causing even more damage to your plants or yourself!

• Be careful about trying to remove snow or ice from trees and shrubs.
  • Often it is best to leave snow or ice to melt on its own.
  • Never stand under a snow or ice laden tree—branches may break unexpectedly!
  • Shaking a tree to remove snow can do more harm than good.
  • Don’t try to remove snow using downward brushing. Rather, try reaching underneath branches from a distance with a broom or pole to dislodge snow.
• Avoid shoveling snow onto your plantings. In addition to the weight of the snow, you may be adding soil, grit, and/or gravel to your beds.
• Consult an arborist about whether you can save severely damaged trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch 
• Use proper pruning techniques to remove damaged branches on trees and shrubs; see first link below for more resources about pruning and other management issues.

Take time to dream!
Be sure to survey your landscape during and after a storm, not only to prevent or repair winter damage, but to evaluate where you might add winter interest in future years, and what new projects you’ll undertake this spring, summer, and fall. Happy year-round gardening!

Article by Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener^SMVolunteers

January through April

Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”

NPS Photo

Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!

Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.

Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.

2022 Contest Rules

Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20^th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.

Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.

Submission Rules

• Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
• Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
• No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
• Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
• Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
• Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
• Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
• Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
  • Paperclipped to poem, no staples
  • Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
  • Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.

Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).

Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.

Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.

Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]

Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteers of Buncombe County are happy to announce that for the fifteenth year we are offering School Garden Grants to Asheville City and Buncombe County public schools, including state charter schools.

Student learns vegetable gardening

We provide a notice of the application period along with instructions to all school principals, elementary through senior high. Additional information is available on our website page, 2022 School Garden Grants, where you can learn more about the guidelines for receiving a grant and get online access to the 2022 School Garden Grants Application.

All applications must be completed online. Completed applications will be accepted beginning January 7, 2022, and must be submitted no later than 9 p.m. on February 5, 2022. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 828-255-5522.

We are proud of our partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. Since 2007, we have awarded 44 School Garden Grants totaling over $45,000. These grants have involved more than 16,500 students and hundreds of teachers, parents, and community volunteers.

School gardens grow more than plants. They grow imagination and creativity. They make math and science come alive, and they build community. We hope your school will join us in 2022.

Guidelines for 2022 School Garden Grants can be found at 2022 School Garden Grants (buncombemastergardener.org)

The Henderson County Beekeepers Association (HCBA) is pleased to announce the schedule for their 2022 Beekeeping School. This is one of this region’s most extensive beekeeping courses consisting of 7 classroom sessions and up to 6, but at least 2 apiary sessions (weather dependent) with over a dozen instructors from the southeast. The course objective is to prepare you to successfully care for your bees during the first year of beekeeping. The $75 fee includes a textbook, course materials, and one-year Family membership in HCBA. Those completing the class and planning to become spring 2022 beekeepers are encouraged to take advantage of HCBA’s unique mentor program. Mentors make themselves available to ‘hands-on’ support and coach those completing this course during the critical first year of beekeeping.

The class is held every Monday evening for 7 consecutive weeks beginning January 10, 2022, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Zoom and either at Henderson County Extension Office in Jackson Park or Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Drive in Mills River, North Carolina depending on how many people would like to meet live.
To begin enrollment in HCBA’s 2022 Bee School head over to https:/hcbeekeepers.org/ or call 828-233-5623

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts books into the hands and hearts of children across the world. The Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. DPIL is now mailing a free book each month to over 4,400 registered children in Buncombe County.  Here is the online registration form.

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC) was formed in 1976, with interest in preservation sparked by observance of the U. S. Bicentennial, and in response to threats to local buildings and sites posed by neglect, insensitive alteration, and large-scale transportation projects. Disinvestment in downtown, plans for the open cut through Beaucatcher Mountain, and a proposal to turn Montford Avenue into a through street connecting to U.S.19-23 spurred formation of the volunteer group, which quickly incorporated and initiated work as a community non-profit.

Online Education Programs

When it snows, gardeners may rejoice that a blanket of the cold stuff serves as welcome insulation during frosty weather, protecting plants from wind damage and moderating soil temperature. Of course, snow—and ice—are sometimes more destructive than helpful. Plan how to take advantage of snow’s benefits and minimize potential damage.

Tie up branches of evergreens with multiple leaders to prevent this kind of damage!

Things to do before a storm
If forecasters predict several inches of snow, preventing harm to your landscaping is easier than dealing with the aftermath.

• Mark where your yard ends and the street begins. Putting up snow stakes may prevent snowplow damage to your street-side plantings. You can purchase commercial stakes or make your own from rebar or pressure-treated 1-inch by 1-inch wooden stakes painted orange. For our area, stakes 3 feet tall are tall enough—bury them 8- to 12-inches deep.
• You may want to mark the location of garden paths or sidewalks to facilitate clearing them after the storm and to avoid inadvertently treading on your plantings.
• If you have particularly vulnerable shrubs or trees, tying up branches or constructing shelters may help prevent breakage. Better yet, consider resistance to snow and ice damage when selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape (see list of more and less resistant tree species, below).
• Think twice about using deicers before or after a storm—particularly salt-based ones—to avoid poisoning plants (see additional information about the benefits and risks of specific ice melters, below).

Minimizing damage after a storm
Your landscape may come through a storm unscathed but if not, take care to avoid causing even more damage to your plants or yourself!

• Be careful about trying to remove snow or ice from trees and shrubs.
  • Often it is best to leave snow or ice to melt on its own.
  • Never stand under a snow or ice laden tree—branches may break unexpectedly!
  • Shaking a tree to remove snow can do more harm than good.
  • Don’t try to remove snow using downward brushing. Rather, try reaching underneath branches from a distance with a broom or pole to dislodge snow.
• Avoid shoveling snow onto your plantings. In addition to the weight of the snow, you may be adding soil, grit, and/or gravel to your beds.
• Consult an arborist about whether you can save severely damaged trees: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch 
• Use proper pruning techniques to remove damaged branches on trees and shrubs; see first link below for more resources about pruning and other management issues.

Take time to dream!
Be sure to survey your landscape during and after a storm, not only to prevent or repair winter damage, but to evaluate where you might add winter interest in future years, and what new projects you’ll undertake this spring, summer, and fall. Happy year-round gardening!

Article by Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener^SMVolunteers