NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Gaston County

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Want to attract fireflies to your garden? A recent post from UF/IFAS Extension has information about what fireflies need:
🌒 Darkness. Turn off lights that are not needed.
💦 Water source. A garden pond is perfect.
🪵 Decaying wood and vegetation: Consider adding a “dead hedge” or brush pile to your garden. Thick, organic mulch is valuable, too.
☠ NO pesticides.
🌱 Let the grass grow. Don’t keep the space tidy and manicured.
🌸 Native plants, especially common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). You can learn more about common milkweed on the Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asclepias-syriaca/

UF/IFAS Extension post:
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/06/12/how-to-create-a-firefly-oasis/

06/10/2026

🌿🔬 Fasciation in Action

These black-eyed Susans are showing fasciation—a growth abnormality where the apical meristem becomes elongated instead of forming a round flower center. The result is this flattened, fused “crested” look.

🧬 Common causes:
• Genetic mutation
• Damage to the growing tip
• Insect activity or environmental stress
• Occasionally bacterial infection (Rhodococcus fascians)

🌼 In most cases, it’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t harm the plant—just a fascinating example of how plant development can go off-script.

06/09/2026

Come Learn With Us!

06/04/2026

Now that the hummingbirds are back from their vacation in the tropics, let’s be sure they have a variety of nectar plants. A perennial favorite (and favorite perennial) is the Carolina Pink (Spigelia marilandica). It’s a perfect plant for shady, moist situations in your garden. Learn more about the Carolina Pink on the Plant Toolbox:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/spigelia-marilandica/

06/03/2026

🌿 MGGGC On the Move! 🌿

Our MGGGC volunteers recently had the pleasure of touring several beautiful private gardens in the Charlotte, NC area—each one offering its own unique character, creativity, and inspiration.

🌸 We wandered through thoughtfully designed garden spaces showcasing seasonal color, layered plantings, ponds, labyrinth designs and inspiring combinations that can be adapted to a wide variety of home landscapes. From shaded woodland nooks to sunny perennial borders, each garden reflected the personality and passion of its owner.

🌳 Along the way, volunteers discovered a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and native plants well-suited to the region, along with creative approaches to structure, texture, and year-round interest.

🌿 A special highlight of the day was the opportunity to hear directly from garden hosts, who generously shared stories about their plant selections, design choices, community herb gardens, and the evolution of their landscapes over time. These personal touches made each stop especially meaningful and memorable.

🌱 Visits like these continue to deepen our appreciation for the art of gardening and provide fresh ideas we can bring back to our own spaces and community projects. We always return inspired, energized, and grateful for the opportunity to learn from such talented and welcoming gardeners.

05/20/2026

Join us tomorrow!

05/20/2026

🌿 New MGGGC Project Alert! 🌿🦋

The Master Gardener Group of Gaston County have launched a Monarch Waystation project—growing 900 milkweed plants with the help of our dedicated volunteers!

The milkweed seedlings were started at the houses of 10 volunteers, recording their progress along the way. About 50% of the seeds successfully sprouted (a great rate for milkweed!).

Thanks to our amazing partners—Rotary Community Garden, Keep Gastonia Beautiful, and Gastonia Parks & Recreation—we’ve already planted 3 beds, with more on the way!
Stay tuned as we continue creating habitat for monarchs butterflies in our community 💛🖤

05/09/2026

🌿 MGGGC On the Move! 🌿
Our MGGGC volunteers recently enjoyed a wonderful visit to the beautiful Sandhills Horticultural Gardens in Pinehurst, NC.

🌸 We strolled through inspiring display gardens filled with seasonal color, creative plant combinations, and ideas for every type of landscape.
🌳 Volunteers learned about many unique trees, shrubs, and native plants thriving in the Sandhills region.
🌲 One especially meaningful moment came when Beverly, one of our MGGGC volunteers shared that she attended the college and planted a Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (see pic 2) in 1978. Seeing how that tiny planting has grown into the magnificent tree it is today made the visit even more special!

Trips like these help our volunteers grow their gardening knowledge. We always come home inspired, energized, and excited to share new ideas, memories, and inspiration with our community!