Annual Holiday Potluck

Coconino Master Gardener Association

Cordially invites you and a guest to our Annual Holiday Potluck

Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:30 PM

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

1601 N. San Francisco Street

Bring a wrapped, garden related item—new or lightly used–

for a fun gift exchange

You may bring whatever potluck dish you want to serve 10 or you may bring an item based on this list:

Oct.-Dec. birthday - Appetizer Jan.-Mar. - Entrée

Apr.-Jun. - Salad July-Sept.– Dessert

RSVP to Liz at lizgeorge928@gmail.com

Or call/text 928-308-9697

Daily Sun Article From Frank Branham

ENJOYING WINTER SQUASH

By Frank Branham

I love the beauty of autumn in Flagstaff, but I am always sad to see the end of fresh summer vegetables from my garden. Now that fall is here it is time to start enjoying this year’s winter squash. Pumpkins have become a symbol of fall, but acorn, spaghetti, and butternut squash offer a great variety of flavors.

Most winter squash grow very well in our climate. It's best to start them indoors in late May and move them outside in the middle of June so they have the maximum growing season. Each plant needs a bed of well-amended soil about the size of a bushel basket, which gives them enough room for their roots. These massive plants flourish with huge leaves, long vines, and copious yellow flowers. For a special treat male blossoms can be stuffed and fried. Be sure to leave enough male blossoms to pollinate the female flowers that appear on the tiny new squash. The winter squash will grow and mature just in time for the first light frost to give them a hint of sweetness. Once harvested the squash should be cured in a sunny window for two weeks then moved to a cool dry place for up to nine months.

Most winter squash recipes start with splitting them in half, scooping out the seeds and roasting until tender. Spaghetti squash has a mild savory flavor and the cooked flesh easily shreds into pasta like strands. To maintain the texture of those strands it is best to bake spaghetti squash with the cut side down on a cookie sheet with a little water. Cook for about thirty minutes or until soft.  Scoop out the bright yellow flesh and shred it with your hands or a fork. To make Spaghetti Squash Pomodoro sauté these al dente strands with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and fresh chopped basil. Toss with fresh Parmesan Cheese before serving. For a quick side dish sauté the strands with butter, salt, pepper and a hint of nutmeg. 

Acorn squash, which have a sweet, nutty flavor, are relatively small so you can serve a roasted half squash. Filling acorn squash with a Thanksgiving style bread stuffing makes an interesting entrée. Each bite combines a little squash with the stuffing.  As an alternative a smaller wedge can be roasted with brown sugar and butter as a side dish.

Link to: Pumpkin cheesecake recipe
Link to: Winter squash soup recipe

CMGA Monthly Meeting Agenda

Coconino Master Gardener Meeting Agenda

Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 6:30pm

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church—Benson Hall

1601 N. San Francisco, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

6:30-6:35pm    Welcome-Sherline Alexander   

6:35-6:40pm    Introduction of Speakers—Hattie Braun

6:40-7:45pm    Education:  Nigel Sparks, Landscaping        

(15 minute break with refreshments)

7:45-8:00pm      Raffle Prize Drawing – $1 each or 6 for $5 - Must be present to win

8:00-8:25pm    Business Meeting—Sherline Alexander   

MG Coordinator Happenings—Hattie Braun

• Fall into Gardening Conference report
• Plant Sale in June 2019
• MGA class coming up in January 2019

    Financial Report—Molly Larsen       

Mary Lou Parliman Tree Planting Memorial

Below is the synopsis of the the Memorial for long time Master Gardener Mary Lou Parliman (class of 1998). She worked in many gardens besides her home and greenhouse (Arboretum & Loyalton being the longest). She helped many friends become better gardeners and will be missed. Thanks to all who came and to those who contributed to the Mary Lou Parliman Memorial. On Saturday (11/3) it was sunny, but a bit windy at the Michael Moore Native Medicinal Garden at MNA. We all gathered at about 9am and spent some time getting acquainted. There were people from the International Cooking Group, old friends from the Arboretum and Loyalton, volunteers from MNA, and someone who helped her at her home and garden. The tree had been planted  prior to the gathering due to large size of its root ball. John Taylor dug the hole, Jan Busco helped with logistics and supplies, and with help from Matt  Schminechtig and his crew from Morning Dew, Laura Davis got it planted. Those who attended on Saturday each added an extra handful of soil. I presented the tree stake for all to see, and read a poem by Maya Angelou called "When Big Trees Fall" as a resident tarantula watched the ceremony. Because deer have been spotted recently in the garden fencing was added by Carol & Wayne Daily, and Linda Guarino. Linda donated the fencing from the garden at  Olivia White Home. BigtoothMaple