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Silhouette of group happy business team making high hands over head in beautiful sunset sky evening time for business success and teamwork concept in

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

In his landmark book "Bowling Alone," sociologist Robert Putnam painted a troubling picture of American civic life. While more people were bowling than ever before, participation in bowling leagues had collapsed. The metaphor captured something...
  • Natural Resources

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

What are galls? Galls are underappreciated aspects of the ecosystem. Galls are the ultimate specialized relationship. They need their host plant, aid in biodiversity and do little harm to the plants they need. They are abnormal growths in a...

  • Natural Resources
garden tools neatly organized against a shed

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Clean up, clean up! Children hear the song in their toy room, but this refrain applies as well to garden tool care. After having invested effort and funds in finding tools that serve your needs, you want to maintain them. Spending a short amount...
  • Gardening & Horticulture
written to do list surrounded by garden tools next to a cup of coffee.

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Prepare for Frost, but Keep Growing Keep some overnight frost protection handy for vegetables, annuals and tropical plants that can’t easily be moved inside. You can use blankets, sheets, towels, or frost fabric to cover these tender plants when...
  • Gardening & Horticulture
Seed pouches opening up into dirt

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Reclaiming Our Inheritance Somewhere along the way, we shifted away from saving our own seeds and became dependent on the commercial garden industry instead. We rely on hybrid and patented seeds and plants, which we have to purchase year after...
  • Gardening & Horticulture
A pumpkin growing in a pumpkin patch.

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

I was interested in learning more about Pumpkins recently because our Master Gardener group is preparing for a Pumpkin Palooza event, October 12, at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension during the annual Lions Club Scarecrow Fest.
  • Gardening & Horticulture