The full pdf copy of this edition is available here. PRESIDENT’S CORNER – By Jackie Kujawa I’m writing this, as we are just ending spring and a very busy time with volunteer service. We have just finished a successful Plant Sale making approximately $4000.00. I want to thank everyone involved in the effort. The Garden Tour will have been completed by the time you read this. I know it will be successful as well. Everyone gets ideas for our gardens from other Master Gardeners homes. We also will have gotten together at our June picnic at McDaniel Farm to celebrate these successes. I know the plant swap will have been exciting as we exchange plants at the picnic. July, August and September are usually slower months for us, but I would encourage you to keep working at ongoing projects, such as Bethesda Senior Center, McDaniel Farm Park, Vines Gardens, and…

Now is the time to start cleaning the koi, goldfish, and other ponds. Ponds need to be cleaned at least annually. If the pond has any debris on the bottom, the water in your pond will have trouble staying clear for your enjoyment. Algae feed on the organic decaying matter in the pond. As the weather and water warms up, the algae begin to feed on the organic  matter and a “bloom” will occur that will turn the water cloudy. Another reason to clean the ponds is to get rid of disease carrying parasites that live in the decaying matter. These parasites seek out the koi and other fish and can cause them to become sick. Several methods are available to clean your pond. If the pond isn’t too large and/or dirty, it can be cleaned using a net to muck the stuff on the bottom. I have my ponds…

The full pdf copy of this edition is available here. PRESIDENT’S CORNER – By Jackie Kujawa I’m writing this in early February and have survived the coldest snap in Georgia in 30 years. Hopefully all of your plants will have survived. I have been going through my spring gardening catalogs looking for seeds to start in the coming  months. I have decided try to start some Cherokee purple, Rainbow Yellow, and Rutgers (red) tomatoes. The 2010 Georgia Master Gardeners will have completed their classes by the time you read this. Let’s encourage the new interns to complete their volunteer hours, both in and outside the extension office. The Gwinnett County Master Gardener’s Plant Sale will be on May 7th this year. Volunteering for this and other activities is a wonderful way to meet and socialize with other Gwinnett County Master Gardeners. On May 6th we will need volunteer to assist…