- Author: Alison Collin
Amsonia, a plant native to the Northeastern USA, seems to be little known in the West. They are commonly known as bluestars on account of the shape and color of their flowers. I have never found it in local nurseries, but I have always been curious to find out how it would do in the Eastern Sierra since it is said to be hardy in USDA zones 3-11.
They like well draining soil and regular water, but are somewhat drought tolerant once established. They need partial shade in the hottest areas. Rabbits and deer tend to avoid eating it unless forage is scarce.
There are several different species of Amsonia, but Amsonia hubrichtii is considered to be one of the best bluestars which has needle like but soft foliage, sky-blue flowers and a bright gold autumn foliage color.
I planted an Amsonia hybrid “Blue Ice” about three years ago in a pollinator garden with sandy soil which I amended by the addition of a little compost, and it has performed very well. It makes a neat clump of foliage about 2 feet tall, with sturdy green stems which are black near the tips. The star-shaped, sky-blue flowers erupt in mid-April. The foliage has good fall color, after which the stems die down completely for the winter. It is not at all invasive, and the single clump has gradually increased in size.
They are relatives of Nerium oleander, and they contain a milky sap which can irritate skin. They are said to be hosts to swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
One day recently, when the plant was in full flower, I was stunned to witness a frenzy of carpenter bees working the flowers! There were at least 23 bees — some massive — on the clump at the same time, together with 3 bumble bees, two other species of native bees that I could not identify, two different butterflies, and a ladybug! I have never seen a plant with so much pollinator activity at one time. Interestingly, these bees are all natives to our area, although the plant is not, and I have never seen a domestic bee on it.
I am pleased that I tried it.
Further information can be found at:
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/sites/default/files/pdf/plantinfo/fg187_amsonia.pdf
- Author: Elizabeth Moon
I love this time of year. The weather is the perfect blend of cold and warm and the gardens are abundant with flowers and possibilities. It is also a time of many celebrations.
INAUGURAL WORKPLACE INCLUSION & BELONGING AWARD
In honor of the many celebrations the Workplace Inclusion & Belonging unit is establishing an annual award to coincide with the Staff Recognition and Award Ceremony on June 20th. This award aims to honor and celebrate individuals or groups who are leading the way in creating inclusive and equitable environments throughout UC ANR. Full information on the inaugural Workplace Inclusion & Belonging Award can be found here.
The time line to submit a nomination is April 30 - May 15. Think about a colleague(s), workgroups, employee groups, or others within ANR who have shown a continuous commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and nominate them today!
PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY 2.0 SURVEY
We are nearing the final stages of our refreshed Principles of Community. To build stronger shared language throughout UC ANR, I engaged in conversations and workshops across 23 counties/units, to identify the language, actions and definitions that best connected with how many of you see us upholding our commitment to our Principles of Community.
At our EDI Summit in January/February, the participants read through all the suggestions on the introductions, principle statements and conclusions, and through a process of rankings, the top four in each area were chosen for our final survey out to the UC ANR community.
Please take 10 minutes to choose the introduction, principle, and conclusion that most deeply resonates for you in the work you do within UC ANR. The survey will be open through May 31.
PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY 2.0 Survey Link
- Author: Sheron Violini
UC Master Gardener volunteers play a crucial role in community gardening education, food donations and other activities. This important statewide program also hosts community education fairs and offers seedling sales to local residents. More often than not, the revenue generated from these activities goes right back into their program.
I know there are several UC Master Gardener Programs that successfully connect with their local and state officials. I want to highlight the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County for their efforts connecting with State Senator, Dave Cortese (15-San Jose.) Senator Cortese attended an event when he was a Supervisor, and continues participation as a state legislator.
So, how do you engage your public officials? To find your local government official you can use the Google search engine or for state legislators https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/. Once you have identified who represents your community, I encourage you to get to know them.
Community engagement and connection is important. To mobilize support for your local UC Master Gardener Program, I encourage you to invite your elected officials to an upcoming event. Most elected officials have an email address or directions on how to send an event invitation.
Katherine Uhde, Program Coordinator in Santa Clara County, offers these successful event tips:
- Shoppers are focused on buying their seedlings. Don't let your elected official get lost in the shuffle, set aside time in your class/talks schedule for them to address an engaged audience.
- Alternatively, invite elected officials to give an opening address to kickstart your event.
- Communicate early and often. Elected officials have busy schedules. Send a save the date as early as possible and regularly check in with staff leading up to the event.
- Take photos to post on social media and share them with the elected officials.
If it is a well-attended event, you might offer an opportunity to host a constituent services table. For more information on how to host your public officials, please have your county representative contact me at sviolini@ucanr.edu. Remember, to grow a healthy garden, it takes time and energy. The same concept applies to growing program awareness among your public officials; it takes time and commitment to help them get to know you!
The UC Master Gardener Program has a positive impact in California. Celebrate your commitment to healthy living, mindfulness, and improving California resident's gardening practices!