Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers

Since 1979, North Carolina Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGVs) have been leaders in this internationally acclaimed program, guiding homeowners in making environmentally sound decisions in their landscapes. Trained by North Carolina State University faculty and staff, EMGVs provide research-based information about gardening and environmental stewardship to individuals and communities across the state. EMGVs engage the community through education and outreach on a wide variety of subjects and through a broad spectrum of projects, all designed to maximize their impact.

This picture shows S. truncata on the right and S. russelliana on the left, both in flower. Photo by Gene Fox.

Christmas Cactus in July

I was working outside this past weekend, cleaning up the yard and had been helping my son with a …

— 7 months ago

Fire ant mound with bait places around the mound. Photo by Gene Fox

Fire Ants?

I was working in the yard this past weekend, finally getting to a few of those clean-up projects I …

— 7 months ago

The Rain Dance Worked but My Tomatoes Are Rotten

We got some rain this week! Those of you who follow my column saw my article on drought last …

— 8 months ago

The 30 - day Table was from the NC State Climate Office, Warren Field Data (https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/cardinal/scout/?station=319100)

It’s Dry, Are We in a Drought?

The past three weekends, I have had the pleasure of coaching for Leverage Lacrosse NC, a travel team out …

— 8 months ago

Leaves of three and leaves of five, side by side in an overgrown flower bed. Picture by Gene Fox

Is This Poison Ivy?

When spring weather comes around like we had over the past week, I want to be outside. I have …

— 8 months ago

A Washington County homeowner's prized blue mop-head hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) on the North-facing wall of the home. Photo by Gene Fox.

Where Can I Plant Hydrangeas, They Died at My Last House

A great question came in this week that led back to my personal and professional modus operandi, “Right Plant, …

— 9 months ago

Camellia sasanqua showing Camellia Leaf Gall (Exobasidium camellia). Remove the infected leaves and put them in the trash. PIcture taken by Gene Fox

What Is Wrong With My Camellia?

There have been lots of calls this week, ranging from recommendations for landscapers to what is wrong with my …

— 9 months ago

Take notice that the grass was greening near the tree but then there was a ring of grass, in a circular pattern, that is not. This is from direct competition for resources between the tree and the centipedegrass. Photo By: Stephanie Williams

What Is Wrong With My Centipedegrass?

I have received all kinds of calls this week but there was one that really stood out. The caller …

— 10 months ago

Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) Taken by Gene Fox

What Is This Stuff?

I receive several calls a season about green moss or fungus growing on trees. What is this stuff? Moss …

— 10 months ago

Carpenter Bees for Pickleball Practice?

One of the joys of my life has been playing sports, in particular lacrosse. While I haven’t had the …

— 10 months ago

The picture was taken by Certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Rena Edwards, the azaleas are in front of her home.

What Happened to My Azaleas?

I get these calls from time to time and there are several answers to the question, “What happened to …

— 10 months ago

What Happened to My Dogwood Tree?

Their graceful lying branches with creamy white flowers mark the beginning of Spring so beautifully. As I see them …

— 11 months ago