Becoming a Master Gardener

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

N.C. State Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center agent, Bryan Hartman, performed a non-formal educational and horticultural demonstration for just one person. He traveled to my home to assess the health of three poorly developing fruit trees. After several hours of discussing nectarines and apples, pears, and a large field of blueberry bushes, I couldn’t help but ask, “What is your title?” Getting excited over the arrival of seed catalogs and being thrilled to talk with another individual who is a plant-lover, I found meeting a master gardener to be indeed an extraordinary pleasure. With wide eyes, I learned many counties throughout the state schedule yearly classes for anyone seeking consumer horticulture knowledge and the opportunity to become a certified volunteer. Feeling elated, I asked, “How do I register?”

REGISTRATION

Immediately, a gardener questions, “Do I know enough? Would I be eligible to sign-up?” The Extension Master Gardener Program is open to anyone who has a passion for all plant life. Topics include introductory botany, soils, plant nutrition, growing vegetables year-round, small fruits, trees, shrubs, the purpose of fertilizers, plant diseases, classes of insects, and defining a weed.

Anyone can register to attend classes whether they live inside or outside the county. Consider the opportunity at N.C. State Cooperative Extension office in Danbury. In-person classes will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting October 19th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., ending on November 18th.

Participants can expect two hours of classroom instruction followed by a three- hour hands-on demonstration and application, or a group field trip.

A fee of $150 covers a handbook, supplies, and course excursions.

JOIN THE GROUP

Of course, it’s not just the title we covet. Upon completion of the course, men and women are given the opportunity to become an “Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.” In addition to forming new friendships, attending monthly meetings, and receiving educational hours, master gardeners assist in planning public workshops, events, and beautify gardens, benefiting the community.

WORDS FROM MASTER GARDENING VOLUNTEERS “As a retiree and new to Stokes, I saw the Master Gardener program as a way to learn about the area and meet people in the county,” writes Joan Barnes. “Being a member gives me opportunities to learn about gardening from new experiences, Extension programs, and conversations with others who are more knowledgeable than I am. After four years, I most enjoy visiting gardens, farms, and businesses and trying new gardening ideas with the other members on a shared goal!”

“Gardening was always a favorite activity, but it wasn’t as easy as I thought,” expresses Alice Kiger. “I needed to learn more, and the class was ideal for me. There were times in class the proverbial light bulb turned on, and I learned proper techniques. Each year, I build on the previous year’s education, which brings more success. I have a grand feeling of accomplishment and enjoy sharing with like-minded friends. As my flower beds fill in with more plants year after year, it is hard to remember the days when they didn’t exist!”

“I joined the group because my cousin was involved, and I loved her enthusiasm for gardening,” writes Martha Hauser. “I fell in love with landscaping, preferring natural habitats to draw in pollinators. I have learned a great deal about the purpose of planting specific bulbs and annuals. One added plus to the annual membership is great friendships among the members, even in other counties. We have common goals and enjoy working together. So, come and join us!”

Each individual joins for different reasons; so, whether you are new to gardening or want to increase your knowledge, consider registering for the upcoming Extension Master Gardening course! It’s an opportunity well worth the investment of time!

Contact your local N.C. State Cooperative Extension office, https:// www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-countycenter/, to learn more about classes, groups, or ask questions.

THE Fancy Fork

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Welcome to The Fancy Fork! Your hub for seasonal produce insight and farm-style recipes that are made to satisfy.

Cilantro is the leafy part of the spice, coriander, and is most often mistaken for parsley. Unlike the clean, peppery flavor that parsley gives to a variety of dishes, cilantro is a bit stronger in flavor. Its tangy citrus notes make it an excellent addition to basmati rice, chili, coleslaw, stir-fry, pasta salads, and of course, our Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos (see below). However, this cilantro-lime marinade can carry the fiesta beyond these simple tacos. Try the marinated chicken in homemade enchiladas, burrito bowls, and on top of your favorite savory salad!

Fun fact: Despite Julia Child’s exquisite palate, the famous gourmet chef and author, carried a gene, OR6A2, that made her perceive the aromas of cilantro to be like the smell and taste of soap. In an interview with Larry King in 2002, she stated, “I would pick it [cilantro] out if I saw it and throw it on the floor.”

Now, you may be wondering, are there even any health benefits behind those tiny green leaves? The answer is yes! Cilantro has a high concentration of antioxidants, which may offer protection against a variety of degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. It has also been known to naturally raise energy levels, as well as promote healthy hair and skin.

Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos

INGREDIENTS For the Cilantro Lime Marinade 1 lb. Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless 2 Limes, juice and zest 2 Tbsp. Fresh Cilantro, chopped 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tsp. Chili Powder 1 tsp. Garlic Powder 1 tsp. Ground Cumin 1 tsp. Salt ½ tsp. Black Pepper To Assemble the Tacos: Tortillas Pico de Gallo, or Salsa Shredded Cheese Fresh Cilantro, for garnishing Avocado, thinly sliced

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the grill. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients, adding in the chicken, once well-combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or sealable bag, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. 3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, then place directly on the grill to cook until internal temperatures reach 165°F, turning as necessary. For added flavor, brush the chicken with the leftover marinade occasionally. 4. Once completely cooked, set aside for 3-4 minutes to rest, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces. 5. Warm the tortillas while the chicken is resting, then assemble the tacos with pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy! Now that you’ve mastered the art of fresh cilantro, it’s time to grab your fork and enjoy the blossoming summer season delights!

future business model. Gayle shares, “Food is the foundation of our relationships and memories. I wanted to be a producer of qualified meats. What initially began as an endeavor for just us turned into an opportunity to attend, care for, and offer the healthiest, most delicious, flavorful profile of meats to our customers.” In 2018, the devastating impact of Hurricane Florence in Atkinson, N.C., changed the property address of Alchemy Ranch. In 2019, David and Gayle Straight found the perfect property with ample land and trees to start anew, mere miles from US-52 in Mount Airy.

Presents

Alchemy Ranch

Rotational Silvopasture Grazing

Cows roaming through grassy pastures, shaded by areas of dappled light from native, mature trees, provide ideal vistas. Unfortunately, it’s not the usual pretty picture. Most farmers contain their cows in small, fenced boundaries, and they walk in paddies of manure. The method matters! David and Gayle Straights’ practice of rotational grazing creates an opportunity for their animals to be clean, healthy, and happy. “Silvopasture” is a sciencebased grazing technique to complement workload, reforestation, fertilization, and tree pruning. During the hottest summer months, the cows will transition to a well-shaded pasture, offering high nutrition.

The open forum of a marketplace provides a refreshing getaway from shopping aisles. Each venue offers a unique setting that may include activities for children, live entertainment, and an array of foods. The curious shopper discovers she has direct access to fresh and locally grown fruits, herbs, flowers, and vegetables, dairybased products, proteins, homemade goodies, and artisan-based, handmade crafts. In addition, the welcoming man or woman behind the table provides a small sampling of popular items. Whether you are a first-timer or repeat customer, take the time to introduce yourself, ask questions, and inquire if owners receive visitors or have a farm store. Most likely, the answer is “Yes” or “It’s coming soon!”

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Market

The parking lot off 27th Street leads drivers to one of the oldest year-round farmer’s markets in WinstonSalem. Visitors will discover an indoor market with three long rows, running north to south, and a midway; the market extends an aisle east to west. In addition to food trucks and live music, shoppers will encounter dedicated craftsmen, growers, horticulturalists, farmers, and ranchers in 10-foot booths. Stop by and meet the owner of Alchemy Ranch! You’ll find Gayle Straight in her usual location each Saturday from 6 a.m.to 1 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a cooler!

Forming a Business

Gayle’s story begins with the words, “Yes!” Living in Wilmington, North Carolina, she agreed to join her parents’ new endeavor in opening a restaurant. The years spent learning how to handle foods, define quality and practice customer service would then be applied years later to a Ensuring that cows can meander in safety, Gayle drives the perimeter fence daily, keenly assessing for gaps and potential holes in the ground, while inspecting the trees for dangerous limbs. Tall fescue and clover serve as one part of the animals’ forage base. In addition, each animal receives a special customized soy-free, non-GMO diet. At the same time, cows receive an exceptional blend of Brewer’s wet grains, and the pigs, lambs, and rabbits consume fruits, vegetables, and sweet potatoes, when available.

Two and Four-Legged Friends

Growers and ranchers share a commonality. Whether plants germinate from seeds to thrive into mature plants or animals grow from birth to become adults, Gayle’s pride of ownership is apparent. She delights in openly telling stories of her lambs, pigs, rabbits, and cows. Nearing the pasture, she yells out in rapid succession, “Here cow, cow, cow!” For 26 months, the LimousinAngus breed, termed Lim-Flex, will change direction and walk toward a friendly voice. She holds a treat in her hand, a semi-large square of compressed Timothy hay; then, Gayle says quickly, “I cry when they have to go for processing!”

Join the Fan Club

The exceptional taste of the steaks, pork, ribs, BBQ, and sausage—a few items from their extensive inventory—explains why the methods of Alchemy Ranch set them apart from 90 percent of other farmers and ranchers. Join Gayle at a “Let’s Meat” event at a participating farmer’s market—or schedule a delivery! Whether it’s a protein product, farmfresh eggs, or handmade soaps, you, too, will be impressed!

Reach out to Alchemy Ranch at 910-231-3830 or through alchemyranchllc.com/.

When Your Child Has a Dream That Doesn’t Come True BY KAREN COOPER

We all have dreams for our children, and they have dreams for themselves. Their dreams may be unrealistic at times… like my son’s alternating dreams of being a pro basketball player or the winner of Wimbledon… but that doesn’t make them any less real and important. Childhood dreams are self-esteem builders. They fuel the passion inside us to make ourselves better. They are dreams worth supporting…up to a point.

We live in a world where it can be easy to get too wrapped up in sports culture, fame, fortune, movie stars and the like. For most of us, these are not the goals we want our children to aspire to, but the appeal is strong, and a child dreams of fame, fortune and of being a star! As a parent, you are their reality check. It’s important to let your child know he or she can do many things, and dreaming big is always a great thing to do. It’s also important to keep them grounded in the real world and remind them that they are special no matter what.

Here are some no-nonsense ways to help support your child’s dreams:

Let them know you love to participate—whether it be watching a game, coming to an orchestra performance or watching them dominate at chess…you are THERE

FOR IT!! Whether they win or lose, you will always be there for it.

Stay realistic—help your child keep his or her goals realistic. People love to say, “You can do anything if you put your mind to it”…but that’s not really true! Not every person can do everything. Home in on your child’s skills and talents and encourage what they’re best at. It doesn’t mean the professional sports dreams have to be shelved, it just means encourage them to have more than one dream. It’s okay to fantasize about that one-in-a-million dream, if you acknowledge it as a one-in-a-million chance. A realistic dream is something you have more control over, such as getting a degree or visiting another state. Help your child know the difference.

It’s okay to change your mind—just because you have one dream one day, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a different dream the next. We grow and change and our desires for ourselves change with us. Support that growth and change in your child.

Most dreams require effort—many people have big dreams, but some are not organized or motivated enough to do what’s necessary to make them actually happen. If your child wants to be a star athlete, it takes good genetics, skill, determination and years of sacrifice and practice. If your child has his or her heart set on attending an Ivy League university, he or she will most likely have to forgo a lot of socializing to spend time hitting the books to be at the top of the class. Even then, natural abilities and proficiencies will be required to get them there…not to mention financial resources. They may need to get a job to help finance any big dream they have. If things aren’t falling into place, and if your child’s dreams are not coming true, be sure they are taking the appropriate actions to help get them there.

Normalize this message—even if you work hard and do everything right, your dream still might not come true…sometimes it’s just not meant to be, and it it’s no one’s fault. Instead of fighting so hard for something that’s not paying off, it might be better to step back and let life choose the course for you. Try being patient and you will eventually be shown a new path. When something is meant to be, you may not have to fight very hard at all to make it come to pass.

Having something to strive for gives our lives purpose. Dreams allow children to develop their imagination, their passion, and their work ethic. As their parent, we should always celebrate their accomplishments and teach them to put things into perspective by giving thanks for all the dreams that come true in their lives…the big ones and the small ones…and teach them to enjoy all the steps along the way.