Winter Color; Be A Master Gardener
Posted on February 2, 2014 by bob in Yard 'N Garden
Daphne odora or winter Daphne is a winter-flowering shrub that can withstand our fickle weather that may be balmy one day and downright cold the next. With its irresistible fragrance and sweet nosegay-type flower clusters, this plant brightens the winter landscape. But be warned: the plant’s foliage is poisonous.
Winter Daphne is an attractive, sparsely branched evergreen shrub, reaching about three feet in height and spread. It’s grown for its wonderful fragrant tubular flowers and glossy foliage. The most common cultivar, ‘Aureomarginata’, has leaves with a narrow, irregular yellow margin. The plant produces terminal clusters of small flowers in February to early March that are crystalline white inside and deep purplish-pink outside.
The flower of winter Daphne is highly regarded for its strong scent, possibly the most delightful scent of any flower. The flower clusters keep well in water, allowing one to appreciate the scent indoors. In the landscape, winter Daphne is best located near a well-traveled path or an outdoor courtyard where its fragrance can be best appreciated.
Winter Daphne can be challenging to grow. It does not tolerate soils with poor drainage. Root rot diseases associated with poorly drained soils are likely the major cause of failure in the landscape. Ideally, a deep, well-drained woodland soil with plenty of humus is best for this shrub. Plant in slightly raised beds or amended soil to ensure adequate drainage.
Winter Daphne can tolerate full sun, but does best in a protected area providing moderate shade. The plant needs to be irrigated during periods of drought, but is considerably tolerant of drought episodes. It does not heal well from cuts into mature wood so it is best to avoid pruning. However, “pinching” or taking cuttings from the tips of long shoots on the current year’s growth makes the plant fuller and more floriferous.
(Courtesy, North Carolina Extension Service)
Become a Master Gardener
The Montgomery County Extension Office is offering the Master Gardener Volunteer Program beginning in February. Each of the classes is held at the county extension office off the Atlanta Highway, with applications accepted through January 24th. Master Gardener classes begin Thursday, February 13 and runs through May 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Master Gardener Program is a nationwide Extension Education Program designed for non-professionals with interest in increasing their gardening skills and helping others with the knowledge they gain. The program consists of 13 weeks of class and hands-on training. After completing the courses, Master Gardener interns are expected to give 10 hours of service to the Master Gardener Helpline and 40 hours of volunteer service to the Extension and/or their communities.
The courses on gardening will be taught by specialists, county agents, and veteran Master Gardeners on subjects such as: Soils and Plant Nutrition, Plant Physiology, Plant Propagation, Care of Landscape Plants, Landscape Design, Lawn Care, Weed Identification, Vegetable Gardening, Water Gardening, Herbs, Composting, and many more.
There is a class fee of $125 and lunch is provided. Contact the Montgomery County Extension Office at (334) 270-4133 for an application.
Christine Shoup is a member of the Capital City Master Gardener Association. For information on becoming a master gardener , visit the website, www.capcitymga.org or e-mail capcitymga@gmail.com.
