Delaware County Master Gardener Association

A constant flow of interested attendees of all ages passed through to learn at MGVs' two tables full of informational posters, materials, and plant examples focusing on the importance of native species.  The Expo participants were excellent partners for referrals and providing supporting resources.   A number of attendees were interested in learning more about the Master Gardener program and were appreciative of followup contact information.  Each MGV table visitor was provided an educational overview of the importance and co-reliance of native species throughout the spectrum of plants, insects and bugs, birds, and mammals.  Supplementary Ohio Department of Natural Resource field guides and College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)  handouts were made available for further study.   Master Gardeners were well prepared and equipped to provide answers to questions and direction for tracking down further information through OSU Extension.

We used a few different methods including air drying by hanging upside down, drying flat on a well-ventilated surface, as well as dehydrating fruit using an oven or dehydrator. The residents were able to chose which potpourri they wanted to make…. dried marigold, lemon balm, dried oranges/ lemons and lemon essential oil or dried lavender, sage, mint, lambs' ear, and lavender essential oil. 

Our friends thoroughly enjoyed this hands-on activity...smelling the herbs, flowers and lavender and creating their own individual jars of potpourri. The display looked like a kaleidoscope of colors! Each jar had a label attached reminding them to shake daily, keep the lid on for 3 weeks, open and enjoy! We were thrilled it was such a success and a terrific way to repurpose oui yogurt jars!

Some of our WillowBrook team attended an appreciation volunteer open house earlier in the month and had a wonderful time. We finished the month with a TH appreciation gathering and brainstorming meeting and welcomed 2 new interns to our team… Pat Hollingsworth and Deb D’Aurora!

Potpourri recipe #1.

Measurement per our jar:

2 1/2 tablespoons of lavender. 

4 teaspoons of rosemary

4 teaspoons of sage

4 teaspoons of mint or jasmine or phlox or false sunflower

4 teaspoons of lambs ear

1 tsp Orris Root

1-2 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Potpourri Recipe #2

Measurement per out jar:

4 teaspoons sliced lemons

4 teaspoons sliced oranges

4 teaspoons lemon balm/ lemon verbena

4 teaspoons marigold

1 tsp Orris Root

1-2 drops Lemon Essential oil