by Shane Harris, Regional Extension Agent
-
Published  in The Outlook and The Dadeville Record

A New Year Means More Opportunities

The year 2006 roared in so suddenly that there was little time to think much about or make new year resolutions.  I have noticed that most new year resolutions always tend to deal with improving negative habits – eating better and losing weight, spend less money, stop smoking, etc.  That’s okay and good, but unfortunately, most resolutions are broken within a few months and the negative trend continues.  But instead of concentrating on the negative things in life, why not focus your time and effort on some positive opportunities this year.  If you don’t, you might just miss something.

For me personally, I have decided to take advantage of as many opportunities as I can in 2006. For instance, I cannot wait for another spring.  (We only get so many springs in our lifetime you know.)  Being the horticulturist and nature nut that I am, I am looking forward to seeing the flowers, especially the native azaleas, in bloom again.  I have added many of them around my home and cannot wait to see them “in action”.  I also hope to take several trips to Callaway Gardens and the Tennessee/North Carolina Mountains just to see the native azaleas in their natural habitat.  If I can find a boat, I may even check out the ones along the shores of Lake Martin.

I also hope to explore the great outdoors more. There is just something about being outside – feeling the warmth of the sunshine, hearing the gobble of a spring turkey, listening to the songbirds sing, seeing a spectacular waterfall, walking a trail in the woods, or viewing the stars at night.  My two year old son, Blake, loves the outdoors as well so I plan for the two of us to have many father and son adventures this year.  He is willing to learn and I am willing to show him all the bugs, birds, flowers, and wonders found in this world.    

Speaking of family, spending time with loved ones is also a great opportunity that I feel many times we take for granted.  Grandparents fade away to just wonderful memories.  We are not guaranteed that Mom and Dad will always be there. Kids grow up so fast and aren’t little forever.  Work can wait, time with husbands and wives are much more dear and important. There is nothing more special than family; cherish the moments given to you in 2006.  I plan to and I hope you will too.

Fruits Workshop
Thought about planting some fruit trees around your home but just don’t know which variety to plant? Got some old fruit trees that need to be pruned and rejuvenated but unsure what to do?  Or just need to see how and when to prune your peach, apple, blueberries, figs, or muscadine grapes correctly?  Then I have the perfect solution.  Come to our Selecting Fruits and Pruning Workshop.  

On Saturday, February 18, 2006, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will conduct a Selecting Fruits and Pruning Workshop at the Farm of John Neighbors near Alexander City.  This workshop is designed for homeowners, Master Gardeners, commercial growers, and anyyone interested in growing fruits.  Topics for the three hour workshop include Fruit Selection & Varieties, Planting and Training Fruits, Pruning Small Fruits, and Pruning Tree Fruits.

The workshop will be held outside (weather permitting) on the Farm of John Neighbors in Eastern Coosa County, southwest of Alexander City.  The farm is located on Hwy. 259 in Coosa County, near the 8 mile marker.  It is approximately 7.5 miles southwest of Alexander City and 7.5 miles northeast of Equality.

The workshop is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and end about 12 noon. There is a no charge for participants.  People interested in attending, however, are asked to register their attendance by contacting the Coosa County Extension Office at 256-377-4713 or the Tallapoosa County Extension office at 256-825-1050. 

Home Tree Care Workshop
On Thursday, February 23, 2006, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in partnership with the Alabama Forestry Commission and the City of Montgomery, will host a Home Tree Care Workshop in Montgomery.  This workshop is designed for homeowners, Master Gardeners, landscape professionals, etc., across the Montgomery area.  Topics for the full day workshop include urban landscape tree selection, planting procedures and care, common tree problems, maintaining tree longevity, and assessing tree health.  We will also discuss homeowner tree liability concerns and issues when is comes to insurance policies and Alabama law.  

The workshop will be held in the Loeb Center Auditorium on 301 Columbus Street in the Old Alabama Town portion of Montgomery.  The workshop is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. There is a $10 charge for all participants.  Lunch will be provided as part of that charge.  All participants are asked to regisiter by Friday, February 17, 2006, by calling the Montgomery County Extension office at 334-265-0233, and submit payment to the Montgomery County Extension office, 125 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.  Seating is limited to no more than 100 people.

For more information, contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-825-1050.