Category: Common questions

Gary’s Garrulous Gardening Guide: December 2024

On By durhammastergardenersIn Accidental Cottage Garden, Common questions, Gardening calendar

By Gary Crispell, North Carolina Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

Oh, my! It’s December.
How can that be?
I still have pumpkins.
May I put them on the tree?

The weather’s been balmy
Compared to the norm.
But that’s okay by me
I much prefer the warm.

The lawn needs a rest,
So just let it sleep
And hope winter’s rains
Will water it deep.

Put away the fert.
Lock up the shed.
Plants and their roots
Are asleep in their beds.

Plant things in the ground
Only if you must.
Mulch them really well
So the root cells don’t bust.

Prune the magnolia
And red-berried plants.
Leave them outside
Until you shake off the ants.

The sprayer belongs
With the fert in the shed.
The bugs you might spray
Are asleep or quite dead.

There are a great many things
Still to be done.
Some service-minded
Others just plain fun.

Volunteer at the Food Bank
Or start a clothing drive.
There are folks out there
Who need both to survive.

Now plop down in your chair
In front of the fire.
Enjoy cocoa or eggnog
To your heart’s desire.

Then lie down in the bed
For a well-deserved rest
Knowing in the garden
We all do our best.

(Image credit: Pixabay)


May whatever holiday you celebrate this month be filled with love, kindness, and grace.
Happy Holidays, Y’all, and a delightful December!!

Gary Crispell has a degree in horticulture from NC State University and had a long career as a landscape designer. He works with nonprofits to address homelessness and hunger in the community. Every month in 2024 he provided outstanding seasonal advice for gardeners and always made us smile! We are so appreciative of his contributions to the Durham County Master GardenerSM Blog. Thanks so much, Gary! You have earned a rest!

Resources and Additional Information

Here are some suggestions for your time spent in reading and reflection about gardening:

The Washington County Cooperative Library recommends 14 books with gardening themes. https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1350633061/2294103529

The Princeton Library has recommendations for books that might inspire you to think about making changes to your garden.

https://princetonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/104627853/380978577

Read whatever brings you joy!

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Upcoming Garden Events for September 2024

On By durhammastergardenersIn birds, Briggs Avenue Community Garden, Briggs Avenue Community Garden Teaching Orchard, Common questions, Durham NC, Garden events, gardening, Gardening information, native plants, Natives, Uncategorized, Upcoming gardening events

Learn with Us

(Image credit: Allie Mullin)

Ask A Master Gardener

The Ask a Master Gardener Program is an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about gardening and learn more about the NC State Extension Master GardenerSM program. Durham County Master Gardener volunteers are available to provide answers using research-based information about plants and plant problems. They come prepared with a variety of gardening handouts, seeds for planting, and even some games for children!

You’ll find Master Gardener volunteers at the following community events ready for your questions: 

September 7: Briggs Avenue Community Garden Fall Festival and Plant Sale, 9 am-3 pm (see below)

September 14: Duke Gardens Fall Plant Sale, 8-11am (see below)

September 21: Durham Farmer’s Market at Central Park, 8 am-12 Noon 

September 21: North Durham Farmer’s Market, 12 Noon-4 pm

September 28: South Durham Farmer’s Market, 8 am-12 Noon (now located at Hub RTP, 500 Park Offices Dr., Durham)

Briggs Avenue Community Garden

Learn with our Community Friends

Durham County Public Library

(Image credit: Melinda Heigel)

Butterflies & Moths: Discover your love of Leps! Saturday, September 21, 10-11 am. Durham County Main Library. Admission is free. Please check website. Registration required; spaces limited. https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/calendar?cid=14288&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=14288&inc=0

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Tips for Fall Planting (virtual program). Tuesday, September 3, Noon-1 pm.
An online program with Bobby Mottern, director of horticulture at Duke Gardens.
Free; registration required. More details via this link.

Duke Gardens Fall Public Plant Sale. Saturday, September 14, 8-11 am.* Find an array of plants ideal for the Central NC region, including Duke Gardens plants, trees, shrubs, vines, bulbs and air plants, as well as expert gardening advice from Duke Gardens’ staff and Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteers. (*Garden member preview Friday, September 13, 4-6 pm)

Beginning Birding for Adults, Friday, September 27, 8-9 am.
With Liani Yirka, education program coordinator for Duke Gardens and experienced birder. 
Free; registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

North Carolina Botanical Garden

Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Native Ferns: Diversity, Identification, and Use in the Garden. Thursday, September 12, 12 Noon-1pm. NC Cooperative Extension agent Matt Jones helps you learn about native ferns and the best species for the home garden. Virtual and in-person attendance options. Free, registration required. Register Here.

(Image credit: FrondJaknousePublic Domain Mark 1.0)

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