John Roberts: Garden Pest Management

This month we are happy to re-introduce John W. Roberts, Ph.D., Extension Agent I of the Palm Beach County Agricultural Extension of UF/IFAS. His specialties are Environmental Horticulture, Commercial Horticulture - Nursery Production and IPM. The mission of the Environmental Horticulture Department is to improve the human environment and protect the natural landscape through the use of plants.
John received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of the South in 2009. He received his Master of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation at UF in 2013, and completed his Ph.D studies in Environmental Horticulture at UF in 2018. John has worked at our

Greetings, all ,
There was lots of talk at the Board meeting this month about getting ready for this year‘s Spring Plant Sale at the Mounts Botanical Garden. Thanks in advance to those of you who volunteered to help with our herb booth. Remember, members of the Mounts and those of you who are volunteering will get into the sale free. But even for those who have to pay the cover charge, it can be worth it. After all, there are many vendors who come from out of the area, places like Dade County, Naples, Stuart and Orlando. Seeing them at this local sale can save you the gas money you would have to spend to get to their nurseries. Always a good deal.
Don‘t forget to bring some cash or a check to pay for whatever you want from

2024 Annual Kitchen & Garden Auction

We all have treats, goodies and special somethings that we make for ourselves, for our friends, or for gifts. Maybe it‘s home-baked bread, or maybe it‘s a special cake, or even half a dozen cupcakes. Or maybe it‘s not something baked, maybe it‘s a jar of soup, or jelly, or chutney, or salsa. Maybe it‘s not even edible, but a lovely skin cream, or home-made soap, or a bath bomb, or a sugar or salt scrub. Or maybe it is something else entirely but equally lovely.

You also might have a lovely plant, garden statue (or gnome) or maybe an extra hand tool or two that you think may like a new home.

Whatever you put together at home, we would like you to bring one (or more than one) to donate to our fund-raising Auction this March. If your item comes in a container, please make sure you do not need the container returned. You can set a minimum price or say something special about your item by taping a note on the item. If there is a story behind the item, please attach it. That makes it even more special. This helps the auctioneers drum up interest

TIME TABLE:

• 5:00pm Doors open (come to help set up)
• 6:00 p.m. Donations are set out on tables. Feel free to look around
• 7:00 p.m. Tasting Table opens (Spring favorites and tea by Ingrid)
• 7:30 p.m. Auction starts & continues until about 8:45 p.m.

At end Pay Treasurer (Mary) for what you’ve won. Help tidy up the auditorium. Go home with your booty — delighted with a really fun evening!

The Kitchen and Garden Auction brings in funds to purchase plants for the Mounts’ Garden of Well Being, to sponsor Mounts Events, to pay for the Herbin’ Thymes newsletter, to support other gardening non-profits and to buy items needed for the Monthly Herb Tasting Table & Holiday Potluck.

Greetings, all ,
There was lots of talk at the Board meeting this month about getting ready for this year‘s Kitchen and Garden Auction. Those of you on email list should have already received a heads up announcement to prepare for this event by figuring out what you will contribute.
Don‘t forget to bring some cash or a check to pay for whatever you bid on. Kitchen and Garden may be something edible or it may be something growing (or grown), or it may be something sweet-scented, or something lovely for the skin, or some kind of still-useful tool. Whatever kind of thing it is that you make or have at home, bring it. Please make certain that any liquids or powders are tightly sealed to prevent spills. Please don‘t use a container that you need to have returned.
One or more of you may have attended the Florida Herbal Conference February 28 - March 2. If you attended, we would love to have a write-up of your experience there. In fact, if more than one of you would like to contribute thoughts on this event, I‘m sure we can find space in the newsletter.
In April we are planning to take part in the Mounts Spring Plant-a-Palooza, to raise funds for our groups continued well being. Please think about volunteering on Saturday or Sunday of the last weekend in April. A signup sheet will be going around at this month‘s meeting. Just think of it: a lovely morning or afternoon outside in the shade enjoying the breeze, surrounded by sweet-smelling plants, and a free lunch!
We were all delighted with Jeannie Fernsworth at the February meeting for presenting her knowledge about George Washington Carver and his many accomplishments with the peanut. 
Next month Bernard has invited John Roberts, Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent, to teach us what we need to know about insects and plant diseases. This is our first time to host such a program,   so bring your pencils and your notebooks and be prepared to be informed.
Ingrid is taking the month off from writing an article on the Garden of Well-being due to recent cataract surgery. She should be at the March meeting though, so you can wish her well then. 
See you there!
Mary