Autauga County Master Gardeners

Autauga County Master Gardener Association

Monthly Newsletters

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Master Gardener Intern Project

Montgomery/Autauga County class of 2009

          Colorful Knockout Roses, Gerber Daisies, Hibiscus, Mandevilla, Lantanas, Azaleas, and more perennial and annual plants now beautify the grounds of the Resurrection Life Center, a skilled nursing and assisted living facility located on County Line Road in Autauga County. 

          From a casual conversation between Jane Martin, one of five Master Gardener interns from the Montgomery/Autauga County Class of 2009, and Ms. Wynn Wallace, Assisted Living Director of the residence, grew a project of deep satisfaction for the interns and a delight for residents and staff of the facility. 

          Three courtyard areas, which can be viewed by residents of the assisted living portion of the facility and patients in the nursing home area, were in need of cheerful blooms.  The plan was that plants were to be purchased by the staff of the facility and installed by the interns.  In addition, a parent of one of the residents donated seven Encore Azaleas to be planted in one of the courtyards.  Plants were chosen based on intern recommendations and the effect desired by staff members.

            By the morning of May 11, the plants had arrived.  Interns Jane Martin, Anthony Yarbrough, Millie Ledford, Mark Carmichael and Nancy Waggoner began work.  Weeds were removed, holes were dug, compacted soil was amended with organic material, plants were set in place, timed release fertilizer was broadcast, and landscape cloth was installed over the major planted areas.   Some plants were placed in containers and hanging baskets.  Ten hours later, things were looking very different!

          On May 16th, the azaleas were planted.  Residents and staff members enjoyed watching the work in progress. On June 15th, a layer of pine straw mulch was laid over all the major planted areas.  Recommendations for plant care were provided to the staff so that the plants may be maintained and remain beautiful throughout the season.

2007 Accomplishments of the Autaug County Master Gardeners

• Donated approximately 900 lbs of food from the Prattville - Autauga Community Demonstration Garden to the Autauga County Interfaith Care Center.  Produce donated included, but not limited to, green beans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, collards, cabbage and broccoli.

• Maintained the Pratt Village Demonstration Garden.

• Hosted the 2007 Master Gardener Plant Sale and Community Education Project.

• Utilized the Prattville - Autauga Community Demonstration Garden as a learning site to teach youth participating in the 2007 Prattville Library Summer Reading Program and the local homeschoolers about gardening.

• Volunteered numerous hours April through September for the Central Alabama Master Gardener Helpline at the Autauga County Extension Office.

Growing Backyard Blueberries Workshop

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Photos, Handouts, etc...

Autauga County Master Gardener CLASS Photo Gallery

Master Gardener Photo Gallery

More about the Alabama Master Gardener Program

More about the Alabama Junior Master Garderner Program