Tag Archives: gardening

I have the Carolinas on my mind

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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

I just got back from a trip to the Carolinas. Both of them actually. First stop was to the Asheville, NC area where the 15s volleyball team that the hubby coaches played in a tournament. (They placed 3rd out of 28 teams! You can read more HERE.) Then we wandered down to Rock Hill, SC and visited with my kid sister for a smidge. That gave us the excuse to  check out the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, a wonderful place I learned about a few years back. If you are ever in the Charlotte, NC area – you’ll want to plan a stop. And if you are a member of the American Horticulture Society, you’ll enjoy free admission!

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron sp.)

I have yet another story of how dangerous gardening can be. At least for me …. THIS time it involves a trip to an Urgent Care in South Carolina! Last Wednesday night I had been clearing an area of ivy (Hedra helix), knowing full well that poison ivy had been sighted there last year. I was covered with long sleeves and gloves and only saw one vine that remotely looked like PI. However, itching on the bottom of my forearm started in a 2 inch patch on Thursday morning. Friday evening it advanced to about 4″ long with raised blisters. Saturday, the blisters started leaking and my bottom of my forearm was swollen. Sunday, the redness started moving to the top of the arm from wrist to elbow. Monday: Urgent Care and steroids. Sigh… I think I’ll have a scar for a while but at least I am on the healing side of the equation now.

Ladies’ Night Out

Knollwood Garden Center is holding a Ladies’ Night Out, Tuesday, April 26 from 6-8 pm. Bruning’s Wine Cellar and Christopher’s Catering will be on site. I stopped in at Knollwood today and found it bursting in a riot of color so Tuesday night should be fun!

Hosta Auction

The Miami Valley Hosta Society is holding its annual plant auction on Tuesday, May 10, at  at Polen Farm (5099 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH). The preview starts at 6 pm and the auction begins at 6:30 pm. About 150 items for your gardens will be auctioned off. They include many hostas, other plants and garden art donated by members and garden centers.  The night is free and open to the public so bring a friend. Call (937) 833-3278 with questions.

Sales alerts

Grandma’s Gardens: Thursday-Saturday, April 21-23: Impatiens and begonias are $11.99/flat.

Meadowview Growers: Thursday-Saturday, April 21-23: Petunia flats: buy one, get one half price.

Let’s get the party started

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Robin Williams is quoted as saying, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!'” Well, here in Ohio – we’re starting to get down! At least in the southern part. I was up in Cleveland last weekend and, sadly, winter still has a grip there.

OAGC’s Hike for Health

Wahkeena Nature Preserve's Nature Center

I recently visited Wahkeena Nature Preserve in Fairfield County south of Lancaster OH in preparation for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs Foundation’s Hike for Health day on May 14. OAGC’s members are accepting pledges to raise money for the OAGC Foundation’s charitable endeavors on this day of awareness. (Email me if you would like to support me with a pledge. I’d be grateful for your support.) A side benefit is the bettering of the health of the walkers as they walk the trails at Wahkeena or other areas closer to their home.

Spring’s party has already started at Wahkeena

Long-tailed salamander

It was a great day for a short hike with Wahkeena’s staff, site manager Tom Shisler and Robyn Wright Strauss. We spotted the newly arrived Louisiana Waterthrush and even some Pine Siskins who had yet to depart for their summer grounds up north. We also heard the Yellow Throated Warbler. Always with an ear for new birdsong, they both bolted to attention when a new sound split the air. The funny part? It was only my cell phone going off – which has the ringer of an Ovenbird singing. It was a hoot.

Though the days of salamander hanky-panky are behind us, evidence of their antics were abundant. Tom knew right where to look for salamanders and when he overturned a rock by the spring, sure enough, there was a long-tailed salamander.

Salamander egg mass

Down at one of the man-made vernal pools funded by OAGC, Tom and Robin gently lifted up some of the egg masses for viewing. Frog and toad masses were present as well and is a sign that spring is well underway.

The Canada goose couple were already on the nest. Tom has had to unclog the pond’s overflow as the beaver have been busy trying to plug up that leak in THEIR pond! Sadly, I must note that the center’s hawk recently passed away. It was estimated that she was over 23 years old. Plans are already underway to have another rehabilitated and unreleasable hawk move in to Wahkeena.

Baby salamanders

If you’ve never been to Wahkeena, I encourage you to take the trip to this wonderful preserve. Willed to the Ohio Historical Society by Carmen Warner, an OAGC member, Wahkeena has long been a destination for the organization’s members. Entrance fee to OAGC members is FREE. All others are $5/car.

We have babies!

Decorah, Iowa bald eagle nest cam

Surely the bald eagle nest cam in Decorah, Iowa has captured everyone’s attention. With three mouths to feed the parents are kept very busy. The nest cam show nature’s basic instinct: survival. The babies are being fed anything from rabbit, crow, muskrat, fish and who knows what else. Yumm! The baby down will be replaced with darker, medium-grey second down when they reach about 9-11 days of age. Juvenile feathers will start to appear when they eagles are around 24 days of age.

Well, I must be off. I’m taking my worms on the road for a Master Gardener program on vermicomposting tomorrow in Newark, OH. Later!

Waiting, waiting, waiting….

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It won’t be long now before the Decorah, Iowa bald eagles’ eggs hatch. The anticipated first hatch date is April 1.  I’ve noticed a big change in the parent’s behavior – they are much more alert and on-guard while sitting on the nest. AND there is a dead body in the nest. Probably a rabbit, I would guess. Yum, just like mom used to make.

Regal Cindy: Roger Garber is a friend of a friend who happens to be a great photographer here in the Dayton, OH area. This photo of  “Cindy” is one of his. She is one of the Dayton area nesting eagles and was photographed near the Mad River well field/Eastwood Lake. His photos are often seen on TV channel 7.

Baby Hummers: You REALLY need to add one more nest cam to your day. This one is an Anna’s Hummingbird nest in CA. The nest was built in a rose bush and is no larger than a golf ball. The 2 babies are about 2 weeks old and are already trying to stretch their wings. The parents patiently feed them a mixture of nectar and insects about every 15-30 minutes. At this rate, I’ll never get anything done around the house!

Great sales opps around the state

Here are a couple more places to visit to get your plant fix:  Saturday, May 6-7: Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Center (OSU, Columbus, OH) will hold their annual plant sale, auction and Garden Fair featuring over 10,000 plants. Saturday, May 21: Dawes Arboretum (Newark OH) hold its annual spring plant sale and Garden Fair.

Governor's Residence, Columbus OH

Governor’s Residence looking for volunteers

Did you know you can help maintain the Heritage Garden at the Governor’s Residence? You and your friends can provide hands-on help and have fun in the Heritage Garden through planting, thinning, transplanting, weeding.

When? The 2nd Wednesdays of the month – 9 am to 12 noon – May through October (May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14 and October 12) and the  4th Wednesdays of the month – 9 am to 1 pm (speaker at noon) – May through October (May 25, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28 and October 26. (There will be a special celebration lunch on September 28.) An Orientation (Must be registered by April 1) will be held on April 27th from 1-3 pm. If you attend you will receive a t-shirt, see the new volunteer meeting space and get a special tour of the property.

Where? Ohio Governor’s Residence: 358 N. Parkview Ave, Columbus OH 43209, (614) 644-7644)

Wear: Outdoor work clothes and dress for the weather

Bring: Tools for weeding and transplanting, kneeling pad, gloves, plastic bags for weeds, shovel, trowel, etc. brown bag lunch, and hear a speaker on the 4th  Wednesdays of the month. It’s great to bring a friend or two – the more, the merrier. There are plenty of things to do and each week is different.

Interested? Contact Hope Taft at Ohiohoper@yahoo.com. A security check is required.

Busy as a bee

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Bee on a pussy willow blossom (Salix sp.)

The warm weather is bringing more out than the bees! Note the pollen sacs on this hard worker in the photo…. Everyone seems to want to clean up their beds. Including me. While in the garden, I managed to embed a big sliver of a plant stem so deep in my knuckle that it required visit to the doctor. One tetanus shot, a scalpel and a suture to close the incision and I was good to go. That’s when I wish my imaginary gardener, Thor, wasn’t so imaginary!

Baker’s Acres Greenhouse opens!

Saturday, March 26 is Opening Day at Baker’s Acres. Crazy people like me can and will drive 2 hours to visit this greenhouse in search for unusual annuals and perennials. Located east of Columbus, yet west of Granville, you will not be disappointed. Consider this: Over 100 varieties of coleus, give or take. See what I mean?

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark prepares for Patrick Dougherty Exhibit

Willow saplings for the Patrick Dougherty installation

This spring, internationally renowned artist Patrick Dougherty will create and install one of his unique outdoor sculptures at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. The massive structures are made entirely of woven saplings and resemble nests, lairs, and mythic shelters. While visiting the Englewood MetroPark I came across one of the semi-trailers that is already being loaded with young willow trees to be used in the exhibit. He will be in Dayton from April 4-22 and with the help of many volunteers, create an original woven-branch sculpture that will remain in place for about two years. Sponsored, in part, by the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation.

Bald Eagle Cams

I can’t believe how easily I got hooked on watching, or at least checking in on, the Decorah (Iowa) Bald Eagle nest cam. I feel like I’m right in the nest with them. The best part, other than the view, is that the cam streams audio as well so that you can hear what is going on. There are three eggs in the nest and the estimated first hatch date is around April 1.

This isn’t the only bald eagle nest cam around. Here is a link to one at the Norfolk (VA) Botanical Garden. It does not have audio but the three chicks have already hatched and you can watch the parents feeding them. You can also participate in a moderated discussion board on the eagles.

Locally, we have eagles named Jim and Cindy on a nest at Eastwood Lake. Here is that link.  On Tuesday I saw another local nest in the Englewood MetroParks area. If you want to check it out, you have to park in a tiny improvised specially-marked parking spot off of River Road in Englewood and then walk about 1/2 mile to an observation point. Once there, you are still about a 1/4 mile from the nest. Even from that distance, it is a neat thing to see.

Calendar updates

Be sure to check the Calendar Events tab often as I update items there that may not be featured in the regular posts. What’s new? Aullwood Audubon Center’s Native Plant Sale and more.

Peeent!

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Spring is here!

American Woodcock

Some may think that spring arrives with the sighting of the first robin, crocus, witch hazel, skunk cabbage….the list goes on. For others, however, it is hearing the quirky mating song of the American Woodcock (take a listen here). Seldom seen, this odd bird is a member of the sandpiper family that has evolved to live in moist woodlands and eat earthworms. It arrives in Ohio from its wintering grounds as early as February. During courtship at dusk, it makes a buzzing bzzzzzeeeeep sound (some say it sounds like: peeeent) that is not unlike a nighthawk’s call. The males put on a spectacular arial display climbing high in the sky, only to plummet down to earth twittering all the way. Though I did not see them on my outing, I did hear both the buzzing calls and the twittering descent here in Centerville OH. I suppose spring is officially here!

Sales alerts

Knollwood Garden Center – If you missed their pansy sale last week, do not fret. There is still a great selection of pansy bowls on sale for $9.99 through Sunday.

Grandma’s Gardens – The Spring Preview is underway with 20% off everything through Sunday.

Siebenthaler’s – The Beavercreek location only is offering a sale on ceramic pottery at 40-75% off through Sunday.

Educational Opportunities

Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” will speak Sunday, March 27 – 7:00 p.m. at the James and Caroline Duff Banquet Center in the Cintas Center – Xavier University, Cincinnati OH.

His book stimulated an international conversation about the future relationship between children and nature. He serves as chair of the Children and Nature Network, which encourages and supports people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, e-mail frickman@xavier.edu or visit www.xavier.edu/ers/lecture

Gardening Symposium

The Ohio State University Extension Gardening Symposium Series will be held Thursday, March 31 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm at Polen Farm, 5099 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH. The day will offer informative speakers & choice of hands-on workshop with one-on-one instruction, materials provided. Beverage and box lunch provided included in the $40 registration fee. Register before March 22, 2011.  Space is limited.  Visit http://montgomery.osu.edu/topics/horticulture/hort-downloads/2011%20Spri… for more details and to register.


Get a jump on spring

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Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.”  Well, I’m starting to think that March showers weren’t all for naught – because they’re bringingout the SALES. Yippee and yahoo! If you aren’t on any of these garden centers’ email lists, you should be. You would be getting advance notice of their sales and perhaps special offers.

Knollwood Garden Center – Beavercreek OH

Knollwood Garden Center’s Spring Pansy Sale starts today and runs through Sunday, March 13. Choose from nearly 30 different varieties! Pansy flats are $14.99 and all other pansies are 20% off.

Grandma’s Gardens – Waynesville (south of Centerville) OH

Grandma’s Gardens’ Spring Preview runs March 11-20. Everything is 20% off, throughout the garden center, greenhouses and gift parlor.  On the 3 Preview Open House dates of March 11-13, they will offer food samples from 11 am to 3 pm, have a video preview of hot new plants in slide show format, offer a free gift with purchase and even give out some door prizes.

Meadowview Growers – New Carlisle OH

Meadowview Growers’ Perennial Madness Collections will be available starting Saturday, March 12. Fourteen different pre-sorted and pre-assembled perennial collections (25 starter-size plant – 5 each of 5 different varieties) are offered at a considerable savings. Their annual hanging basket extravaganza will be Saturday, April 9.

Native Plant Conference

The Midwest Native Plant Society is looking for volunteers to help with the July 8-9, 2011 conference. Email Chris at iluvdirt@fuse (dot) net or visit http://www.midwestnativeplants.org for more information.

There is still time

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If you are getting a little stir crazy with all of this rain, why not head downtown to the Dayton Convention Center and take in some of the sights at the Dayton Home and Garden Show running through Sunday afternoon. One of the highlights to see is the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) competition. The displays are reminiscent of what one might see at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Landscape vendors have some beautiful displays. One of my favorites was designed by our friends at Knollwood Garden Center in Beavercreek. This cute Fairy Garden is located out in the convention center lobby.

The thing you don’t want to miss out on – and really makes the event a fantastic value – is the wonderful selection of speakers; 56 programs over the 3-day event. Exhibitors span the gamut of interests from home improvement to personal improvement. It was great way to spend a day out of the rain. Look for discount admission coupons HERE.

Better build me an ark!

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I don’t know what it is about nighttime storms. I cannot sleep when it is windy and last night was horrible. Add in the heavy rains and hail hitting the side of the house and bathroom skylight… let’s just say I will be looking forward to taking a nap this afternoon. At the back of my backyard is an old fence row and it pretty much looks like a vernal pool right now. ANYTHING I do outside today will require my fancy-smancy garden boots. Or my hip-waders. Or a canoe.

 

Dayton Home and Garden Show presentations

Here is a reminder that if you haven’t done so already take a moment to check out the Garden Academy’s and How-To Stage’s course schedule for this coming weekend’s Dayton Home and Garden Show at the Dayton Convention Center. There will be 56 presentations on the two stages. All programs are free and included with your entrance fee.

 

Vote for Chadwick Arboretum’s Green Roof

There is still time to vote for the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens’ Green Roof project. Rainbird, the irrigation company, is promoting an inter-active grant award program called The Intelligent Use of Water Awards. Check it out at the link below. The project with the most votes wins $10,000. You can vote once a day until March 22, 2011 so spread the word and help a worthy project.

http://www.iuowawards.com/Projects.aspx?ProjectKey=fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4#project|fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4

Blooming in the Rain

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While the skunk cabbages might be blooming out in the wetlands of Ohio, they aren’t exactly a poster child for ‘early spring beauty’. This week I’m going to nominate the witch-hazel for the ‘early AND cute’ award.  While visiting Five Rivers MetroParks’ Wegerzyn Gardens today, I spotted a spectacular witch-hazel specimen in full regalia. Yes, today. In February. From a distance, you might think this yellow shrub was a forsythia, but no – it is too early for those. The witch-hazels (Hamamelis) all belong to the Hamamelidaceae family and are primarily understory plants. I think I NEED one.

 

Aullwood Holds Waffle House Spirit Fundraiser (Wednesday, February 23)

You can help the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm and fill your tummy at the same time. Just head to either the Englewood Waffle House (9295 N. Main, Englewood) or the Beavercreek Waffle House (across from the Greene, 4382 Indian Ripple, Beavercreek) between the hours of 2-9pm. Tell them you are are there supporting Aullwood and Waffle House will donate 25% of your order to Aullwood. Ohio’s former first lady Hope Taft will be at the Beavercreek Waffle House around 5:30pm that day. I’m dreaming of my loaded hashbrowns right now!

 

Knollwood Garden Center Announces Spring Seminar Schedule

Knollwood Garden Center in Beavercreek (OH) will hold Saturday seminars beginning March 12 and running into April. Featured programs will spotlight many different topics including herbs, fruits, fairy gardens, and even an opportunity to tour their growing range. Check it all out at their website.

 

Great Lakes Hosta College – March 12 (Piqua, OH)

The Great Lakes Region of the American Hosta Society has opened registration for the 2011 Hosta College on March 12. The event features 6-12 different programs each of the 6 periods of the day. The school is held at the Upper Valley JVS Center in Piqua and the $40 registration price includes lunch. Some classes have additional class fees. Hosta Society members can register on-line now. On-line class registration opens to the public February 26 at 12:01 am.

Hello World!

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The following is a repeat of my last group email. I’m trying to work my way into a blog so bear with me……

Hello Friends,

Remember the recipe for the Zick Bird Dough I mentioned a while back? If you click on this link Feathered Friends you should be able to see some of the photos I’ve taken of the birds that are eating my Bird Dough. I love watching the birds even more now that I purchased new binoculars! I can SEE! If you are in the market for a pair, I can recommend the style that I purchased.

Here Are Some Things to See:
Orchid Display –

Franklin Park Conservatory – Columbus

 


I recently had the opportunity to meet Ohio’s former first lady Hope Taft at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. (There is a new project underway at the Governor’s Residence which I’ll highlight at another time.) The jewel in the conservatory this trip was the current display, “Orchid Forest”, now going on through April 3. The orchids were spectacular! For hours, admission and directions, visit www.fpconservatory.org/. There is a wonderful bonus to those of you who are members of the American Horticulture Society – always free entrance to the conservatory! Here are more pictures from the exhibit.

Orchid Show – Cox Arboretum – February 19 & 20 – Dayton
Hundreds of orchids will be on display, as well as orchids and other items for purchase. Informal orchid talks and repotting classes will be held throughout the weekend. This event is sponsored by the Miami Valley Orchid Society.

Educational Opportunities
Workshops at Benham’s Grove – Centerville
Centerville’s City Beautiful Commission has two workshops planned.
1. Master gardener Kathleen Garnica, from “The Secreat Garden,” will present “A Few of My Favorite Things.” at 10 am on Saturday, February 12 at Benham’s Grove (166 N. Main St. in Centerville). The free workshop will feature garden art, container gardens and appropriate plants for container gardens. Reservations are not required.
2. Marvin Duren (Note: OAGC honored Marvin with the 2009 Daisy Sticksel Conservation Award) of “Marvin’s Organic Gardens” will discuss composting and organic care of lawns and plants at 10 am on Saturday, March 12 at the Department of Public works on South Suburban Road in Centerville. Reservations are not required for this free event.

Miami Valley Gardening Conference – Sinclair University, Dayton
Five Rivers MetroParks is presenting a special event on Saturday, March 5. (What is it with March 5??? I can’t be three places at once!) The 16th annual Miami Valley Gardening Conference offers a day of learning with over 15 speakers and several mini-classes/demonstrations. Keynote speakers include Peter Del Tredici , senior research scientist of Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum, and Jeff Lowenfels, noted soil and garden expert. Speakers are garden experts from OSU, Five Rivers MetroParks and nurseries in the Dayton area. There will also be two cooking presentations by the Culinary Department at Sinclair. During lunch and the afternoon break there will be hands-on demonstrations of valuable skills for all gardeners. Parking is also included. Read more/register at http://metroparks.org/conference

Dayton Home and Garden Show – March 4-6 – Dayton Convention Center
A follow up from the previous issue publicity on the Home and Garden Show
Question: Regarding the Friday, March 4 half-price tickets for garden clubbers – Are the tickets only good for Friday? Do separate tickets have to be purchased for each day or is there an inclusive ticket for all three days available?
Answer: There are no all-event pass tickets to purchase, However, you can purchase pre-sale tickets at half price and use them on any of the 3 days as there are no dates printed on them. Each ticket is good for one day. Tickets can be mailed out or they can be picked up at the Will-Call booth. Guests/friends or family members can also use the discounted tickets.Tickets are a bargain at $4. Partake in any of the classes on the big stage as well as to any of the ‘How To’ Garden Series on the small stage PLUS entrance to the Dayton Home and Garden Show.  A couple of speakers you don’t want to miss, on Friday at 10 am Pam Bennet from Ohio State talks about “Proven Plants for Color” and then at 4 pm don’t miss Barb Balgoyen of Walters Gardens of Michigan and her presentation  “New and Exciting Perennials for 2011.” Walters Gardens is one of the leading wholesalers in the nation. Saturday highlights include:  11am when Randy Zondag of The Ohio State University & Alan Siewart Ohio Division of Foresty  put on ‘”Tree pruning and training boot camp”: A hands-on class where you will actually use pruners to learn the proper way to trim. At 5:30pm John Scott of Knollwood Garden Center talks on “Container Gardening” and shows how to make A BIG IMPACT!

Flora-Quest – May 1 & 2 – Shawnee State Park
Many of Ohio’s foremost botanists will be leading field trips the weekend of April 29 – May 1 in the beautiful hills of Shawnee State Forest in southern Ohio. Flora-Quest is a botanical retreat geared towards learning and appreciating the most spectacular flora in all of Ohio. Check it out at  http://flora-quest.com/ (Wistful thought: I want to get to this some day…….)

This ‘n That
Commission Offers Grants – Centerville
The Centerville City Beautiful Commission is offering $250 Beautification Grants to nonprofit groups or volunteers who demonstrate a commitment to the beautification of the city of Centerville. More information can be found at http://www.ci.centerville.oh.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=801&Itemid=1658.

Great Backyard Bird Count – February 18-21
The 2011 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21. The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. Participants count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report their counts, they fill out an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count website. Go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html for more information.

Edible Art for Birds
Here is a cute way to get our young’uns interested in bird watching. It is a video from our friends at the Department of Natural Resources and shows how we can provide food for backyard birds in a fun and creative way. All you need is some bird seed and a little snow. Check out this edible art for wildlife project at:  http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Default.aspx?tabid=21318

Ohio Record Tree located in our area
Did you get a chance to go to the ODNR’s Ohio Champion Tree link from a post or two ago? I discovered that there is a local celebrity growing in our area. Listed among the Ohio Champion Non-Native Trees is a  Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) tree located at Bethany Lutheran Village in Centerville. The current record holder measures 195″ in circumference and is approximately 79′ tall!

World Flower Show Trip Update
The Ohio Association of Garden Club’s (OAGC) bus trip to Boston and the World Flower Show in June is basically sold out with two buses. If you have already paid a deposit to reserve your spot, trip coordinator Susy Spence (sspence@oagc.org) is now accepting the balance due. The optional $40 trip insurance should be paid at this time as well. A waiting list has been formed.

You Can Help Make a Difference
Dear Friends of Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens,
The Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens is a self-funded organization maintaining 60 acres of green space on The Ohio State University campus. During the past year a green roof team has been focused on designing and installing a green roof (vegetative) on Howlett Hall. Just last month, the Arboretum received a generous donation toward the Green Roof at Howlett Hall project, but we are continuing to raise funds and write grants.

The irrigation company RainBird is promoting an inter-active grant award program The Intelligent Use of Water Awards. If you are inclined, please take a minute to go to the link below and vote for the Chadwick Arboretum’s Green Roof project and help raise another $10,000. The project with the most votes wins a $10,000 reward. You can vote once a day until March 22, 2011 so spread the word!

http://www.iuowawards.com/Projects.aspx?ProjectKey=fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4#project|fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4

Thanks for your help!
Mary C. Maloney
Director, Ohio State University Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens