NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Carteret County

06/16/2026

Volunteers weeding, watering and planting in the Native Plant Education Garden.

06/13/2026

🌱 National W**d Your Garden Day 🌱

Today we celebrate the gardener's never-ending battle against weeds—a battle we seem to lose every time we take a weekend off.

You pull them. They come back.
You mulch. They laugh.
You turn your back for three days, and suddenly they're applying for property rights.

As much as we grumble about weeding, removing those garden squatters helps your plants get the water, nutrients, and sunlight they deserve. Plus, a little time spent pulling weeds can be surprisingly relaxing... right up until you discover the ones you missed.

Happy National W**d Your Garden Day! May your weeds be few, your roots be shallow, and your favorite plant not turn out to be the one you just pulled. 🌿😂

06/12/2026

🌸 CONEFLOWER SPOTLIGHT 🌸

Meet Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) — the garden superstar that keeps the pollinator party going all summer long! 🎉🐝🦋

Native to the eastern and central United States, this cheerful perennial grows 3–4 feet tall and blooms from early summer right into fall with its signature pinkish-purple flowers.

Why gardeners love it:
🌿 Long-lasting blooms
🦋 Butterfly magnet
🐝 Pollinator favorite
🌼 Perfect for borders, native gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas

Bonus: Once the flowers fade, birds often stop by to snack on the seeds, extending the garden show even longer!

Do you have coneflowers growing in your garden? Share your photos below! 📸👇

Learn more about this native beauty:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/echinacea-purpurea/

06/08/2026

🪴Plants, plants plants! 'Tis the season to get your hands dirty!

06/06/2026

EVER NOTICE…

The plants we fuss over, water, fertilize, and encourage sometimes seem determined to disappoint us. Meanwhile, the ones we barely notice just keep growing, blooming, and thriving.

Maybe it's because nature has its own timetable. Maybe some plants are simply tougher than we give them credit for. Or maybe they're reminding us that growth doesn't always come from constant attention.

This prickly pear cactus at the Goodness Garden gets very little pampering, yet here it is—offering a brilliant yellow bloom against a bright blue wall, right on schedule.

A good reminder for gardeners (and people): sometimes resilience grows quietly, and thriving happens when conditions are right—not necessarily when we're trying hardest.

🌵💛

06/06/2026

It’s World Environment Day 🌿

Healthy gardens and yards help create a healthier planet. Master Gardeners encourage simple actions that make a lasting environmental impact:

🌱 Plant native species
🐝 Support pollinators and wildlife
💧 Conserve water with smart gardening practices
🍂 Compost yard and kitchen waste
🌳 Plant and protect trees
🌼 Reduce pesticide use and build healthy soil

Every yard, container, balcony, school garden, and community space can help support a more sustainable future. Small actions add up. 💚

06/05/2026

Dedicated volunteers tend this and other demonstration gardens to showcase plants that not only survive, but thrive in our area.

06/03/2026

🌿 Help Advance Composting Education in North Carolina 🌿

Researchers with NC Cooperative Extension Urban Agriculture & Community Gardens are conducting a study to better understand composting knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

If you are 18 years of age or older, please consider completing this online survey. Your participation will help inform future composting education and outreach efforts.

📝 Take the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/4nt9sexh

Urban agriculture and community gardens across North Carolina are supported by NC Cooperative Extension, which provides research-based education, workshops, resources, and volunteer opportunities to help residents:

• Grow fresh, local food
• Improve biodiversity and pollinator habitat
• Practice sustainable gardening techniques
• Build stronger, healthier communities
• Manage gardens successfully and responsibly

Thank you for supporting research that promotes sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship! ♻️🌱

https://ncat.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDoV0YgfnlBGSto

06/02/2026

Ooooh, La La.

Here's a fun way to help spread sustainable knowledge and resources into every corner of North Carolina! 🌱

Any North Carolinian can purchase the NC Extension Master Gardener℠ (EMG) specialty license plate. Half of every purchase and renewal goes directly to our EMG Endowment.

Endowment funds provide critical growth experiences for Extension Master Gardener volunteers, such as learning scholarships, statewide volunteer training, and research-based education - all of which are converted by our volunteers into gardening education, outreach and resources for all North Carolinians!

👉 Details on how to order this specialty license plate ➡ go.ncsu.edu/nc-emg-license-plate

(or https://emgv.ces.ncsu.edu/support-extension-master-gardener-volunteers/nc-emg-license-plate/

05/27/2026

Want to turn your curiosity into real scientific discovery? 🔍🦋

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is citizen science at its best. It gives everyone a chance to participate in meaningful research, helping us better understand our local ecosystems, connect our communities, and promote sustainability.

Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a student, or just love nature, your observations matter! You don't need a science degree—just a little curiosity and a few minutes of your time. This year's count days are Aug. 21 & 22.

Ready to make an impact? Learn how you can get involved here: https://gsepc.org/faq/ 🌻🐝