Greg Smith was the Rotarian of the day for May 2nd and he invited Master Gardener Shirley Ellis as his speaker. Shirley has been an avid gardener since her youth, growing up with a truck gardening grandfather and always having her heart focused on the nature of growing beautiful plants.
Her topics focused on the importance of utilizing the Oklahoma extension service as much as possible. Getting your yard soil tested is the first step in a successful lawn. Oklahoma lawns are notorious for being low in acidity and nitrogen, especially if watered by sprinkler systems and city water. Soil analysis can verify and can eliminate wasting unnecessary nutrients on the yards that may result in dangerous runoff.
"Oklahoma Proven" Look For It!! These plants are the ones that will survive our extremes of hot and dry to soaking and cold conditions and produce the most prolific blooms and harvest. Also, plant for the benefit of our migratory guests, Monarch Butterflies (milkweed), etc. Beware of insecticides that may do harm to bees and other pollinators. Above all, plant for your taste but have a plan. START NOW. TAX DAY, APRIL 15th is her magic date for all things blooming to be planted so soil prep and analysis should already be done by then.
Shirley handed out several OSU extension bulletins that are also available on their website http://osufacts.okstate.edu
That leads to Edmond Summit Rotary Fundraiser TLC Garden Center Gift Cards, available from Gary Jones. TLC Garden Center has Oklahoma Proven plants available and all your gardening needs ready for you. $20 cards are good year round and never expire.