Welcome to our e-newsletter, "The Laurel Branch."

Oyster Roast Wrap-Up
The annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser was last month and it could not have been more of a success. There was plenty of laughing and smiling no matter which way you turned. Between the delicious oysters and the flowing beer and wine, how could anyone not have a good time? This event was sold out and packed full to the brim with some of the loveliest people around. The Kalmia team loves nothing more than seeing a happy crowd enjoying the Gardens together with their friends and family. As we said in our previous letter, we could not be more thankful for everyone who made this momentous day a total hit. We could not have done it without you all. Cannot wait to have even more fun next year! You can view more pictures from the event on our Facebook page using this link. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.629649459176076&type=3

Darlington County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale
There is an abundance of wonderful things happening in the Gardens, and the Darlington County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale is definitely at the top of the list. Plant lovers of any kind will find something to fit their fancy at this plant sale. The Darlington County Master Gardener Association Plant Sale is April 13 - 15, 2023, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., and will feature a variety of plants grown by skilled master gardeners. You will be hard-pressed to find a plant sale that is as wonderful as this one. You will want to come as early as you can, because these beauties do not often last long. We all look forward to seeing you with us amongst the greenery.

Week in the Wild
Exciting summer fun will be happening at Kalmia Gardens again this summer with Week in the Wild! Week in the Wild is a great way for your child to have a safe, fun, hands-on learning experience in the natural environment. Our program is open to rising first through sixth graders. Nature study, arts and crafts, hikes, and games are just some of the activities we have planned for these not-so-lazy summer mornings. Registration opens Monday, May 1, and the half-day weeklong camp costs $125. Dates for camp are July 10-14 for rising first and second grades, July 17-21 for rising third and fourth grades, and July 24-28 for rising fifth and sixth grades. We look forward to seeing your child in camp. Email Elizabeth at efloyd@coker.edu for more information.

Symposium trip
Our Assistant Director, Elizabeth, made a journey to Alabama to attend the Nature Talks: Healing Through Partnerships with the Planet symposium to learn some valuable new tools to bring back home. She was able to go thanks to a sponsorship from BHS Insurance in connection with American Public Garden Association (APGA). The trip was a long drive but totally worth it for the connections she was able to make and the new tools and ideas that she brought back to the Gardens. Making good connections with other public gardens is always a great way to keep fresh ideas flowing and to share some of our own brilliant programs and events. Overall, it was as productive as it was fun, according to Elizabeth. The rest of the Kalmia team could not be happier to hear it.

Chris’s Tip
I briefly mentioned this topic last month, but it is such an essential part of gardening that I feel the need to dig a little deeper into this topic. What I am referring to, of course, are soil tests. These tests are like an x-ray view into what is in the soil we provide for our plants and if it is able to meet our plants' needs. Soil tests are designed to measure the nutrients that are available to plants and advise the right action for any deficiencies. This means that before you alter your soil composition in any way with fertilizer or additives, you should take a soil sample to your nearest extension office. I prefer to use the Clemson Extension service because they check for soil pH. The reason pH is so important is that if it is not correct, your plants cannot absorb the fertilizer, no matter how much you use. In addition to pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, and a few other macronutrients are also measured in the test. All of these factors being in the correct balance is absolutely essential to building a healthy garden from the start. Now… on to the actual sampling. When you decide to take your sample, make sure the soil is not wet from rain or recent heavy watering. As I said before, it is best to take a sample before you have fertilized so you get the most accurate results. Get a clean and dry bucket to collect your sample without contaminating it. Next, dig a small hole 3 to 6 inches deep with a clean shovel. Once the hole is dug, from top to bottom take a 1-inch slice from the side of the hole. Put the 1-inch slice in your bucket—it will be your sample for the soil test. Now you will need to repeat these steps in different areas of the yard and add them to your sample bucket. Take at least six samples, in a zigzag pattern for the average-sized yard. Do not forget to take some samples from all sides of your house, including the backyard. When you are all done collecting, you may have about a quart or more of dirt depending on the size of your yard. Next, mix all of the soil you have collected in the bucket together well. Mixing all the samples from your yard together will provide an “average,” so a uniform amount of fertilizer or corrections will be done over the yard. Lastly, put the specified amount into the sample bag. These soil sample bags are available at extension offices. Pro tip: fill out the information on the bag before placing soil into the bag for less mess! Once you drop the bag off at the extension office along with a small fee, you will be on your way to a better lawn or garden in no time. Happy sampling and remember, “Don’t guess, soil test.”