From Pat Madigan at Putnam Cornell:

“Sustainable Putnam 2009
Energy – Landscape – Food – Water
Four-Part Series Begins Saturday, February 7

“A four-part  workshop series that explores the ideas and techniques of sustainability—the concept that we can meet our needs while being good stewards of natural resources, energy, our finances, health,  families and the environment will be sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County. Read more of this entry »

Ask the master gardeners

Q: Most of my Christmas cactus flower buds dropped before blooming. What happened and what should I do to ensure blooming next year?

A: Common causes of bud dropping of Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), also known as Thanksgiving cactus, are overwatering, cold drafts or closeness to a heat source.

Since this is a succulent plant, the frequency of watering depends on the air temperature, light intensity, rate of growth and relative humidity. In general, watering should ease off as soon as the flower buds appear, until growth resumes in the spring. Read more of this entry »

Every winter, the All-America Selections committee picks the best new plants for home gardeners.

For 2009, the committee has chosen four winners: Viola ‘Rain Blue and Purple,’ Eggplant ‘Gretel,’ Melon ‘Lambkin’ and Squash ‘Honey Bear.’ Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at each of the winners; today, the early-blooming new eggplant. (To see last week’s article on the viola, visit www.lohud.com/gardening.)

Perennials: The more planning and preparation done now means less work in the spring. Get tools in condition, oiled and sharpened, in anticipation of going outside to work as soon as the weather moderates.

Flowers: Start seeds of lobelia, petunia and verbena. For other seeds, pay attention to germination times on the seed packets. Starting too early will produce weak and gangly plants. Read more of this entry »

From Pam Freeman at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook:

“The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State

“Please mark your calendar and join us this Friday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. for a lively discussion about how New York State’s bird populations have changed over the past 20 years.

“This event will feature Kimberley Corwin, one of the co-editors of the recently published Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State.

Feb. 3
Tuckahoe: “Gardens of Italy.” Speaker: Vicky Sturner. Presented by Boulder Ledge Garden Club of Bronxville. $25, $20 seniors, free students with ID. 7 p.m. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, Depot Square. 914-771-8700.

Feb. 4
Bronxville: Bronx River-Sound Shore Audubon Society. Speaker: Al Krauter owner of Sprainbrook Nurseries. Topic: learn why and how to practice organic gardening. Free. 7:30 p.m. Bronxville Public Library, 201 Pondfield Road. 914-834-5203.

Greenwich: The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State. Speaker: Kim Corwin. Topic: the results of the second breeding bird survey of New York atate. Free. 7 p.m. Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road. 203-869-5272. Read more of this entry »

Brooke Beebe knows how much I like monarchs and forwarded this note about a NOVA program on TV tomorrow night.

As Brooke says, “The Kansas Monarch Watch folks are great, and they’re happy to put butterfly nuts like me on their email list.”

Looks like a winner. Here’s the listing:

“On TV: The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies

“From time to time the monarch migration and associated conservation issues are covered in the national media, via articles in newspapers, magazines, and short clips on TV news programs. Overall, the coverage of the monarch story has been spotty bits and pieces, and Americans have not been exposed to an in-depth treatment of the amazing monarch migration, nor the people and cultures that encounter monarchs on their yearly north and south passage across the continent. This is about to change. NOVA’s “The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies” will be aired on PBS at 8PM (check local listings) Tuesday, 27 January 2009.

Read Chip’s complete blog posting online at http://monarchwatch.org/blog/

Jim—Jim Lovett
jlovett@ku.edu
Program Assistant
http://www.MonarchWatch.org

News from tthe BRONX RIVER-SOUNDSHORE AUDUBON CHAPTER:
Bronxville,Eastchester Edgemont Hartsdale Larchmont
Mamaroneck Mt Vernon NewRochelle Pelham Scarsdale
Tuckahoe

“Sun Feb 1 – Owl Prowl-Pelham Bay Park – Look for 4 species
owls and wintering waterfowl ..meet 8am at Orchard Beach parking lot
(far left corner).Co-sponsored with Central Westchester &Hudson River
chapters. Read more of this entry »

News from Bedford Audubon Society about their February programs:

Bedford Audubon Society Sponsors “The Great Hudson River Excursion” under the leadership of
BAS Director John Askildsen,
Saturday, February 7, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Carpool from Bylane Farm, 35 Todd Road, Katonah, or meet at the Croton River Landing, past the Croton Train Station at 9:00 a.m.
The Hudson River in winter attracts thousands of ducks and geese and a variety of birds of prey including Bald Eagles, both Black and Turkey Vultures, hawks, and even ravens. BAS board member John Askildsen will guide us to several locations along the river for a leisurely and entertaining day of wildlife watching. This field trip coincides with Teatown Reservation’s EagleFest. Bring lunch or purchase it at a local deli. After the trip, make sure to stop by the DEP and Bedford Audubon’s warming tent at the Croton Dam. Further details will be provided on our website www.bedfordaudubon.org. Degree of difficulty: Easy. Please register with Joan E. Becker at jebecker@bedfordaudubon.org   or by telephone at (914) 232-4806. Read more of this entry »

Press release from the Bronx River-Sound Shore Audubon Society about one of their upcoming programs:
“Organic Gardening – Learn Why and How to Do It

“Wednesday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.
Bronxville Public Library
201 Pondfield Rd., Bronxville, NY
The New Year’s resolution of Al Krautter is to broaden gardeners’ knowledge of organic gardening. His program will explain why it is important to switch to organic gardening practices and how to do it. Read more of this entry »