Cherokee County Master Gardeners

09/01/2026

Here is a native annual that you might be seeing in flower now. This is small-flowered partridge pea (Chamaecrista nictitans). The flowers are pretty small (1/4 inch), for sure, but they still support plenty of small bees and the plant also has “extrafloral nectaries” that reward bees and ants. It is the larval host plant for several Sulphur butterflies, including cloudless Sulphur.

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Propagating hydrangeas is surprisingly straightforward through a technique called layering. All you need is a low growing branch , brick, knife and a small tool to dig a shallow trench. To see just how simple this process is, watch Mariana DiVita—the "Hydrangea Queen"—demonstrate the method.
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08/29/2026

Big shout out to our new rising fan

Paul Ruder

08/28/2026

Our annual Fall Plant sale is coming up soon . We hope to see you next Saturday !!
Our plant offerings will include native , ornamental , trees , shrubs and bogplants . The Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer any garden related questions you may have . Get there early for the rare plants , they sell out fast !!

08/27/2026

Debbie Lisabeth , Cherokee County Master Gardener recently sent us pics of this fascinating plant in her garden .The Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalamum) is a fascinating species of cactus known for its spectacular, fragrant white flowers that bloom only at night. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, this plant is an epiphyte, meaning it typically grows on other trees rather than in the ground.

Its most notable characteristic is its fleeting blooming cycle: the large, delicate flowers open after dark and wither by sunrise. Because of this dramatic nocturnal display and its sweet, intoxicating scent, it is often referred to as the "Night-blooming Cereus" or "Lady of the Night." While its long, flat, leaf-like stems can appear unremarkable during the day, the rare and ethereal beauty of its one-night-only blossoms makes it a highly prized specimen for plant enthusiasts.

08/26/2026

Carol Smith describes the beautyberry in her garden as a low-maintenance, fast-growing plant that thrives without constant fuss. She especially loves the gorgeous purple berries that are on show in the fall. 🍇

08/25/2026

Debbie Meadows , Cherokee County Master Gardener , shows off her weird and wonderful Nepenthes pitcher plant . We will have other pitcher plants for sale at our fall sale on September 05 , 2026 . 1100 Univeter Rd , Canton , GA 9-12pm . 🌱

08/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on Saturday . The Great Southeast Pollinator Census brought together community members and students across Cherokee County for a successful weekend of citizen science, education, and pollinator awareness.

At the Veterans Park Backyard Agriculture Education Station, 50 participants took part in the census, observing pollinators and learning how their observations contribute to a better understanding of pollinator populations.

The Demo Garden at the Cherokee County Senior Center welcomed 37 participants, giving community members an opportunity to explore the garden while identifying and counting the bees, butterflies, flies, wasps, and other insects visiting its plants.

In Ball Ground, pollinator education began on Friday with 50 students at Ball Ground Elementary School, introducing young people to pollinators and the importance of protecting their habitat. The following day, 67 participants joined the census at the Ball Ground Botanical Garden.

Altogether, the activities reached 204 students and community participants. The strong turnout at all three census locations demonstrates the community’s enthusiasm for pollinator conservation and the value of hands-on citizen science in connecting people of all ages with the natural world.

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