2016 Organic Gardening Academy Symposium

Springfield Botanical Gardens

Me in front of main building

Another year, another continuing education requirement for Missouri Master Gardeners needed to be met.  The requirement is six hours every year in addition to the 20 hours of volunteering.  This is my 4th year.  The program is through the University of Missouri Extension and my membership includes all that it has to offer throughout the state and it does not limit me to my home area in Hickory County.  My husband became a Master Gardener a couple years after I did.  Gardening is the best thing that as a couple we have always done well together so we share a service project for our community and do our continuing education together each year.  This year the most interesting continuing education was put on by the Greene County Master Gardeners in Springfield which is a large group and has much to offer.

The 2016 Organic Gardening Academy Symposium took place at the Springfield Botanical Gardens located next to the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners on West Sunshine.  620 acres was given to the United States government to build the prison in the 1930's and the unused land was farmed by the inmates until the 1960's.  By 1977 the farmed land was given back to the city and the Botanical Gardens and an Agricultural Center were created.

The Symposium Schedule included three interesting topics:

1.  Organic Care of Roses by Bill Aldrich, Master Gardener of Greene County and Head Caretaker of Rose Gardens at the Springfield Botanical Gardens.  It included a walking tour of the rose gardens.

2.  Butterflies Go Native by Lenora Larson who is a Marais des Cygnes Extension Master Gardener and member of local chapters of both the Idalia Butterfly Society and Kansas Native Plant Society.

3.  Growing Organic Vegetables at Home by Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator with the University of Missouri Extension.

At the end of the 6-hour symposium, a Solar Tram Tour of all the gardens was provided.  This day was the opening day for the new Butterfly House also.  Then on your own, the Japanese Stroll Garden was always a special treat to experience.

My husband and I are planning a large rose garden next year in our landscape after the newly refurbished terraced flower boxes are completed in decorative block.  The original 1980's boxes were used for roses for 7 years and made of treated lumber which collapsed last year.  I finally stopped caring for the roses because I didn't like the chemicals I had to use especially the fungicide.  Now were are rebuilding and have the opportunity to re-do the soil.  There were many new sources provided for roses, fertilizers, disease and pest recipes and products available that are organic.  It will be a good reference and something to study over winter as we make plans for the spring of 2017.  One of our top sources for roses has been and will continue to be David Austin Roses.

 

A handy chart was provided by Ms Larson which lists about two dozen native plants and if they are a food or nectar plant for different butterflies.  It also provided growing hints.  There were also references, organizations, and native plant resources provided....everything one needs to integrate a butterfly garden into existing yard and all the key ingredients for success.  It expanded information to also include native plant values to humans, insects, birds, and others.  One of my favorite links is to the Missouri Prairie Foundation which I have been a member for years.  The newly opened Butterfly House was visited after the class.

Here you can see butterflies lay eggs, caterpillars feeding, chrysalises in camouflage, and butterflies emerging.

Swallowtail on lantana bloom

The organic vegetable power point presentation had little new information that we didn't already know but it was refreshing to hear it coming from a government agency historically promoting farming in a different direction.  The scientific approach the extension service is well known for came through in a most useful way and will definitely add to our 40+ years of experience and knowledge in growing our own food.  The biggest question is weighing the benefits of high producing, disease resistant seed or plant varieties with that of a heritage or heirloom varieties.  Where does one draw the line at genetically modified organisms (GMO's)?  Right now it is a personal choice and the extension service is good to provide plenty to choose from on their website for your specific area.

Solar Tram Tour took us to the Greene County Master Gardeners Project site which was very impressive!  Also the guide was quite a character and kept the ride very informative and entertaining.  This garden includes an ornamental shrub and perennial border, themed herb beds, Missouri native plants, turf plots, and a kitchen garden.  This Master gardener group also maintains a hotline for home gardener's questions!

One of dozens of themed and collection gardens on the Solar Tram Tour.  Included are hostas, day lilies, Asiatic lilies,, irises, peonies, roses, dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, native plants and more grown and maintained by volunteer plant enthusiast organizations and under the Friends of the Garden.

The Japanese Stroll Garden  was serene and walking the 7.5 acres was much needed after sitting most of the day!  The traditional Japanese garden was established in 1986.  It includes mature landscaping, winding paths, three small lakes, koi, ceremonial tea house, moon bridge, and a meditation garden.

...and 'friendly' turtles!

 After a long day in the classroom and a educational and entertaining ride on the Solar Tram with walks in the Japanese Stroll Garden and Butterfly House, Keith and I were ready to continue enjoying the most beautiful day so far this spring.  We had a most wonderful complete dinner at Houllihans and called it good for celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary which would be in a couple days in the middle of his work week.

It was a good day....Happy 42nd Wedding Anniversary!