Central Alabama Master Gardener Association (CAMGA)

Today, Extension Master Gardeners Bob Sheilds, Racile Casey, Rhona Watson, Sherri Davidson, and Rebecca Ridley attended a workshop on grafting Japanese Maples. Horticulturalist and Master Grafter, Ken Rogers, provided expert instruction during this hands-on lab at his home in Auburn. Attendees learned how to harvest scions (current year growth to be grafted to rootstock), sterilize and prepare specimens, perform the grafting operation, and after care. Each person grafted three specimens to bring home. Stay tuned, because we’ll be posting updates on how successful our efforts were!

Master Gardener Rebecca Ridley shares some information about her deck irrigation system:
I work long hours and travel a good bit, which means I’m not always home when it’s time to water. For many years I’ve used an irrigation system that I put in myself for my outdoor pots, but someone had to be home to turn on the spigot. Last year, I decided to add a little technology to my set up be installing a digital timer. It was great, except every time it shut off, the pipes in my wall shuddered from the sudden change in pressure. This year, I did some research, or rather ChatGPT did some research, and I learned all about water hammers. These genius little inventions absorb the pressure change, keeping down vibration. Most people use them on their washing machine, but they can really be used anywhere a hose is attached. In the first photo, you can see the new water hammer (it’s the silver cylinder sticking up between my shutoff and the spigot). I used my setup for the first time, tonight, and we had to go outside to make sure the water had actually shut off! I’m very impressed and glad to not have my pipes jarred (that can’t be good for connections). If you’re having this issue, research to see if a water hammer might be right for you! Happy Gardening!!

Way to go!!! to all of our fellow organizations out there🌸

Their time, knowledge, and passion make a lasting difference across Alabama. In 2025, Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteers strengthened their communities through education, service, produce and plant donations, youth outreach, and countless meaningful connections.

Thank you to every Master Gardener Volunteer who generously shared their talents and remained committed to helping Alabama communities grow and thrive. Your impact reaches far beyond the garden, and we are grateful for all you do!

To learn more about the Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program's impact, click here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6639

Join us for our new workshop: Backyard Buzz: Pollinators & Habitat on September 18. Register and pay at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLKP3FRZE6W7Z/checkout/Z5XVXRB2BG7U5S6A6FNMMA4Q?src=webqr

If you haven’t been to visit our Learning Garden, stop by and enjoy a butterfly or two: 340 Queen Ann Rd, Wetumpka. Which plants and pollinators do you recognize? Comment your answers below!

Break out your To Do list!

Alabama Gardener’s Calendar: August - Alabama Cooperative Extension System Learn—month by month—the necessary gardening activities for lawns and shrubs, annuals and perennials, fruit and nut trees, and bulbs, roots, and tubers.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BctDQEKC5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fire ant bait can be an effective and economical control option, but timing and proper application matter. Before treating an area, consider where the bait is labeled for use, whether the ants are actively foraging and how the product should be stored and applied.

Learn how to select and use fire ant bait effectively in this Alabama Extension article: https://www.aces.edu/go/6593

If you love Dahlias or just want to get started with them, Calhoun County Master Gardener, Betty Clark has you covered!

https://calhounjournal.com/dahlia-dinner-plate-secrets-how-to-grow-stunning-summer-blooms/?fbclid=IwZnRzaATS20JwZG9mBWZkaWQWULRxfKrSPkBEIWPbCVxrmh79z2Bkw2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7jKmBKb0kfEfY60NUiNQsuiiVaET_gCU2PTwfAvP8cCqXHDvKZh8_l7ZJ7fw_aem_XIiyvGoIxwBAwmjSD7jL_g

Calhoun County Gardening - Dahlia Dinner Plate Secrets: How to Grow Stunning Summer Blooms - Calhoun Journal Calhoun County, AL – Dahlias are my favorite summer flowers—especially the dazzling dinner plate varieties that can produce blooms up to 10 inches across! These enormous blossoms quickly fill a vase with their vibrant charm. Dinner plate dahlias can grow up to five feet tall and require dedicate...

Article by Calhoun County Master Gardener, Betty Clark

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HchNDyjZh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Calhoun County Gardening - Build a Stronger Landscape with Shrubs and Ornamental Grasses - Calhoun Journal Calhoun County, AL – Creating a beautiful, long-lasting landscape starts with investing in permanent shrubs and ornamental grasses. As perennials, these plants provide year-round structure, texture, and lasting value, making them the foundation of a well-designed garden. While annual flowers add s...

Calhoun County Master Gardener, Betty Clark, shares information on shade gardens:

https://calhounjournal.com/shade-gardening-tips-for-creating-a-lush-and-colorful-outdoor-retreat/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASmy3lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeQXOxvV_eBYVYB2zSSOHSmmcE4r4h5Z3Lvm1qACI57B4au4wX_KUwc8e3EM4_aem_qmO8Myk3CytCY7ZAzHNSpw

Calhoun County Gardening - Shade Gardening Tips for Creating a Lush and Colorful Outdoor Retreat - Calhoun Journal Calhoun County, AL – For gardeners looking to establish or enhance a shade garden, selecting the right mix of plants can create a landscape filled with texture, color, and year-round interest. Many gardeners begin with dependable shade-loving favorites such as hostas, elephant ears, ferns, caladi....