NC State’s Department of Horticultural Science extends our heartfelt gratitude to Frederick S. Baggett from Kingsport, Tennessee, for his generous contribution of a macro photo lens to the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. This thoughtful gift is dedicated to his father, Allie Parker Baggett, and his brother, Curtis F. Baggett, both alumni of NC State. The addition of the macro lens will significantly enhance our ability to capture detailed images of plant features, particularly those crucial for identifying various flower characteristics. These close-up photos will be an invaluable resource for the Plant Toolbox community.
Macro Photo Lens Amplifies Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
(Updated: Jan. 12, 2026, 11:06 a.m.)
The NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox is a cutting-edge resource designed to increase gardeners' success in growing healthy plants that meet their needs. We empower individuals to choose plants that will thrive on their site based on available climate, sunlight, and space, and not only bring joy but also fulfill essential roles in their landscapes, creating vibrant and sustainable environments with year-round interest. Guided by the principle of "right plant, right place," gardeners can select plants based on beauty (bloom color, bloom season, evergreen, etc.), function (shade, food production, pollinator attraction, etc.), and resilience (resistants to insect, disease, deer, etc.).
This toolbox is built upon extensive evaluations of plant databases from around the globe and valuable insights gathered from Extension agents, Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers, plant database users, and focus groups. Through this initiative, we promote environmental stewardship and enhance the beauty and functionality of gardens, lawns, and landscapes.
We deeply appreciate Mr. Baggett's kindness and look forward to using this lens to add close-up images of plant parts, which will increase the value of the toolbox for plant identification.
Supporting the Extension Gardener Program
Extension Gardener is the brand name for the NC State Consumer and Community Horticulture program. Providing information and training to support gardeners in choosing plants that will thrive in their location, minimizing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance while maximizing the beauty, food production, and environmental benefits of their gardens, lawns, and landscapes.
While NC State University provides the salary for one Consumer Horticulture specialist and a coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program, there is no budget for the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox staff, programs, equipment, supplies, or travel to provide training throughout the state. Give now to support the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox and other Consumer and Community Horticulture outreach efforts.
