Campers learn science of gardening at arboretum

By Ashley Boyd Staff Writer

Agroup of middle-school girls is getting their hands dirty this week while learning about gardening. Speakers at the DIRT campMaster gardener Betty Hardee spoke about composting.Libby Uzzell and Jean Henderson spoke about bluebirds and gave the girls tips for making birdhouses. Amanda Espy-Brown, an adjunct geography professor at UA, recently traveled to Africa and will speak today about the role African women play in agriculture in their countries.

Working in conjunction with Bama Dining and New College, the University of Alabama Arboretum is hosting a free, weeklong community service gardening workshop.
Environmentalism and sustainability are the focal points of the camp, which is called Alabama DIRT: Directed Investigations and Research for Teens.

“It’s teaching them about sustainability in terms of using our resources in a way that leaves resources for the next generation. They’re getting hands-on experience at a young age and will hopefully continue to grow plants on their own,” said Mary Jo Modica, horticulturalist for the arboretum. Read more>

Bamboo Festival coming to Arboretum

www.citizen-times.com
Dale Neal • June 30, 2009 12:15 AM

BENT CREEK — The American Bamboo Society’s Southeastern Chapter hosts the third annual Bamboo Festival at The North Carolina Arboretum on July 11 and July 12.

The fastest-growing plant in the world, bamboo, has gained popularity for its use in the sustainable design movement and as a renewable source material. Of the more than 1,000 recorded bamboo species, some specimens have been recorded to grow up to 121 centimeters a day.

Visitors will learn about the artistic value and functionality of this remarkable grass during the third annual Bamboo Festival, which features lectures, demonstrations, crafts, plant sales and a raffle.

The festival is free with the parking fee of $6 per personal motor vehicle; parking is always free for North Carolina Arboretum Society members.

The American Bamboo Society’s Southeast Chapter promotes knowledge of and interest in Bamboo through educational programs, meetings, classes and publications. The chapter encourages the growth and propagation of bamboo by botanical gardens, assists in the importation and quarantine of bamboo according to USDA guidelines, provides access to pertinent information about bamboo, and engages in and encourages projects and research that meets its mission and advances interest in the knowledge of bamboo. For more information, visit www.sec-bamboo.org.

For information about the Bamboo Festival or The North Carolina Arboretum, call 828.665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.

Keeper of the garden

Sunday, June 21, 2009
By Ann Fish Staff Writer

Photo Caption: A unique interpretation of traditional quilt block patterns are shown with plants, representing the close ties between heritage crafts and gardening and the contemporary art and craft of quilting. Courtesy of the North Carolina Arboretum

ASHEVILLE — In 1987, when Reidsville native George Briggs first arrived in the area of Pisgah National Forest set aside for the North Carolina Arboretum, the only thing on the 424 acre site was a mobile home.

Now the arboretum, located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains just south of Asheville, features 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and bike trails as well as indoor and outdoor exhibits .

Briggs has overseen it all, from his first day on the job when he and his five-member staff worked out of a trailer. This temporary office housed Briggs, an assistant director, secretary and three grounds workers, he said.

“Early on, we had a master plan that was underway,” Briggs said. Since the arboretum is on federal land, he said, it is a complicated site both administratively and economically.

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