Tag: gardening

Seize the Day! September 3, 2021

On By rutlandramblingsIn 4-H, Life In GeneralLeave a comment

For more information contact:   Cindy Klapperich cindy.klapperich@ndsu.edu 701-824-3355

SEIZE THE DAY!  (For publication in The Sargent County Teller,  09/03/2021 issue.)

Planning Ahead, Looking Forward and Gearing Up

During my junior and senior years in high school, I was a member of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA).  At that time, the student organization was tied to Home Economics classes.  Since then, Home Economics has become known as Family and Consumer Sciences, and FHA has become FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America).

One of the biggest lessons I learned while in FHA was the value and importance of planning.  In fact, we used a process, known as the IMPACT process, to navigate the steps in the planning process.  IMPACT was an acronym for “I Make Plans And Carry Through.”

At this time, I am in the midst of planning and preparing for fall/winter activities.  Three of them are:

  • High Tunnel Workshop.   This September 21 workshop is an undertaking of the Wild Rice Soil Conservation District.  It will include mini-sessions on FSA and NRCS programs, Pest Management, Micro-Irrigation and Rainfall Collection for High Tunnels, CSA Production, Marketing and Sales, and Using & Marketing Fresh Produce.  For more information contact Matt Olson at the Wild Rice SCD office by calling 701-724-6226 or visiting the website at www.wildricescd.com.
  • Lead Local.  This training will engage participants in activities designed to help them develop and maximize their skills for working effectively with people in groups and organizations, at work and at home.  The highly interactive training has been proven to be of great benefit for new, seasoned, and aspiring members of councils, boards and committees.  Registration is open until September 14, and the workshop is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, September 28.  For more information or to register, visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices/sargent-county, or contact NDSU Extension by calling 701-724-3355 or emailing cindy.klapperich@ndsu.edu.
  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers.   This online course is scheduled to begin December 1.  Registration is open until November 17.  The course is designed to help caregivers gain skills to help themselves thrive, not just survive.  It is based on the premise that when caregivers take good care of themselves, everyone benefits.  Participants will learn strategies to reduce stress, increase self-confidence and the ability to make difficult decisions, and create life balance.  They will also increase their ability to communicate clearly, especially when strong feelings or emotions are present.  For more information or to register, visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices/sargent-county, or contact NDSU Extension by calling 701-724-3355 or emailing cindy.klapperich@ndsu.edu.

Some of the other upcoming opportunities are listed below.  Call NDSU Extension (701-724-3355) or email cindy.klapperich@ndsu.edu for more information about any of them.

  • Building Tomorrow’s Leaders classes (starting Sept. 13)
  • High Tunnel Workshop (September 21)
  • Lead Local (September 28)
  • Sargent County 4-H Council (September 30)
  • National 4-H Week (October 3-9)
  • Sargent County 4-H Leader Meeting (October 4)
  • Multi-county 4-H Volunteer Project Training in Jamestown (November 10)
  • Sargent County 4-H Family Fun Night and Awards Event (November 21)
  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers online class (starts December 1)
  • NDSU/Sargent County Extension Advisory Council meeting (December date TBD)

Hens Do Crow! July 24, 2020

On By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster Crows1 Comment

Monday, July 20, brought another round of rain to the area with various amounts of moisture reported. Shawn Klein reported that her rain gauge measured .40 inches at her home in Havana while Kenny Hamilton boasted .97 inches. Two-miles south of Rutland the rain was measured at .23 inches and north of Rutland at the Kyle and Kathy Marquette farm about two-inches of rain had fallen and the same storm left 1.2 inches north of Cayuga on the Rick Banish farmstead. The last few rainstorms have left varying amounts in the rain gauges.

The Rutland Housing, Inc., Board met on Monday, July 20, followed by the annual Housing meeting. Some Housing tenants attended the meeting to discuss the need for repairs at the buildings and some minor safety improvements such as exterior rails on the steps to help residents enter and exit the buildings in the winter. The Housing Board has not been able to hire a handyman to make repairs and changes as quickly as desired. There is also the ongoing issue of funding and expenditures as the units are not at full capacity to provide sufficient income.

Continue reading “Hens Do Crow! July 24, 2020” →

Garden Party

On By rutlandramblingsIn Garden Club, Relay for LifeLeave a comment

It is time to think Spring!  The sun has been trying to shine on Rutland between all the rain showers that have hit the area.  The three inches of rain has soaked into the ground and the daylilies and hostas are among the many flowers showing their greenery.

May is usually when The Friendly Garden Club hosts its annual spring auction in Rutland. Unfortunately, the Club has disbanded and there will be no spring auction this year or years to come (at least at the time of this writing). However, there is hope for garden enthusiasts! This year the Little Old Ladies of Sargent County are hosting a Garden Party in nearby Milnor on Monday, May 19, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Lakeview Golf Course.

Admission to the Garden Party is a “garden item” — a plant, gardening tool(s), garden decor, yard art, potting soil or seeds.  Garden items will be accepted between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Those items will be placed on a silent auction which will end at 8:30 p.m.  There will also be a cash drawing and door prizes.  Hors d’oeuvres and sweets will be served and wine and other beverages will also be available for sale.

If you have attended any of the other events sponsored by the Little Old Ladies of Sargent County, you know everyone will have a great time!  All proceeds go to the Sargent County Relay for Life.  Come on out and have some fun and contribute to a great cause!!

Garden Auction

On By rutlandramblingsIn Garden Club, NatureLeave a comment

Thirty-three individuals attended The Friendly Garden Club auction in Rutland on Monday and it was another great event. We dined on great salads, sandwiches, fruit and desserts to garner the energy for the auction that followed our meal. The auctioneer, Ann Erickson, kept the bids lively and her silly sidekick, Delores Lysne, provided comic relief for the evening. Auctioned items included plants fresh from member gardens such as daylilies, maple tree shoots, hostas, and other outdoor plantings, new plants from nearby nurseries, and garden stakes, gloves, and garden decorations and several indoor plants. The lovely table decorations were raffled off during breaks in the competitive auction action. Most attendees went home with one or two auction items and for those who purchased outdoor plants, I hope you have a dry spot in your yard ’cause I know mine is too wet unless I use the outdoor pots — and those seem to have a lot of standing water these days. It was a great time and “hats off” to the cooks and hosts of the annual event. Next year, I’ll have to remember to split the daylilies to share at the auction. I’m running out of room to plant them!!

Auction a Success!

On By rutlandramblingsIn Garden ClubLeave a comment

The Friendly Garden Club annual plant auction was deemed a success by everyone who attended.  Nearly 50 avid and hobby gardeners attended and got deals on sedums, peonies, windchimes, tomato plants and more at bargain prizes.  At times the bidding was fast and furious and a few people were ‘upping’ their own bids!  In addition to the bargains, several attendees went home with plants that were given as door prizes.   The lunch committee put on a fabulous feast of sandwiches, salads and desserts.  A fun time was had by all!

Tomato – or chicken?

On By rutlandramblingsIn Nature1 Comment

Yesterday, I picked the latest ripe tomatoes in my garden.  Several have the samChicken Tomatoe problem as others — spots and blossom end rot and a few odd shaped ones. This time, however, I think I got one that’s a little different.  I’m wondering if the chickens got into the garden but since we don’t have any that’s not the case.  This one does not seem as much a tomato as it resembles a baby chicken – with an eye, a (broken) wing, and even a small beak!  If there was a way to preserve this as is I’d probably do it.  Is it slaughter if I chop off the head of the chick?  Do we let this one survive only to rot?  Do I let it loose? It can’t run far! I think we’ll try to keep it a bit longer but it will most likely find the same fate as the other tomatoes.  Maybe it would sell on E-Bay!