dbmcgiff@ncsu.edu

Annual Director Report

My mother always told me to not wish my life away by wishing time in the present would come to an end. I tried to remember this piece of wisdom and advice as 2020 trudged along. The COVID-19 pandemic defined 2020 which severely upended all of our lives and may livelihoods. The year brought about unforeseen challenges that resulted in discovering new avenues of communication through technology and acquiring new technical skills. While these virtual skills seemed novel at first as the year proceeded, we quickly could see limitations and gaps to broadband access and infrastructure. Once more after months of working remotely technical fatigue appeared to set in among consumers of internet content. Yet, in spite of these obstacles, the Moore County Extension discovered the relevance of the Extension Mission to Moore County and continued to serve its residents as the times demanded. Linked below is a synopsis of some the issues, opportunities, and concerns the Moore County Extension staff addressed in 2020:

Moore County Extension Highlights

Camellia Japonica

Blooming in the winter, usually from October to April is Camellia japonica, sometimes called the winter rose. Its blooms of white to shades of pink and red add color to an otherwise dreary landscape. Blossoms are two to five inches depending on the variety. Shrubs are evergreen with leaves that are dark green, shiny and leathery. Height and spread varies greatly between cultivars but are normally within the range of 15 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.

Most camellias prefer shade to part-shade and protection from drying winter winds. They grow best in well-drained soils that are high in organic matter and slightly acidic, pH 5.5 to 6.5. They are long-living plants but are slow growing.

Limit pruning to removal of dead, diseased or damaged wood. Prune immediately after flowering or in early summer to stimulate branching. Pruning later in the year can remove flower buds.

Camellias can do well in North Carolina, but in some winters, cold injury may occur to flowers that open from December to April. Despite this, camellias are worth the risk.

For more information, contact the Extension Master Gardener Helpline at 910-947-3188, Monday-Friday.

By: Dolores Muller, EMGV, Moore County
Photo by Dolores Muller "Nuccio's Gem" camellia Japonica

Pasture and Grazing Management webinar
Although we are only a month into the year, it's a great time to start thinking about your spring pastures. Click the link below to watch the most recent session of Forage for Horse owners, which covers Pasture and Grazing Management. The webinar is geared toward horse pastures but the information can be used for forages for any species!

Click Here>>

For more information on grazing or pasture management contact Kelly McCaskill at (910) 947-3188 or kelly_mccaskill@ncsu.edu

Art in the Garden

Recently the Moore County Extension Center was approached by the Horticultural Society of Sandhills Community College. The society has commissioned the renowned international botanical artist, Patrick Dougherty, to install a custom sapling sculpture in the Sandhills Horticultural Garden in early June. His commission has special significance for the Horticultural Society, because Mr. Dougherty was raised in Southern Pines where he played in its woods as a child. Extension has been asked to reach out to landowners and farmers who can allow the harvesting of usable pliable saplings consisting of willow, maple gum or elm on land that is in need of clearing or thinning for the project. The society of course would appreciate donations of available saplings, but is also prepared to offer a small stipend to landowners if necessary. Please contact me at deborah_mcgiffin@ncsu.edu or 910-947-3188 if you are interested in taking part and contributing to this environmentally artistic horticultural venture.

To view some of Mr. Dougherty’s creations, visit www.stickwork.net.