Gardeners of the Crooked Billet Newsletter
Member of District XI of the GCFP of NGC
June 2014
Barb Rosenzweig, Editor
June Maintenance: This month brings many of the same tasks as previous months:
- Weeding – NO weed is too small to remove! I keep thinking that to myself every time I’m about to pass one by because it’s tiny. I have to remember that they will only get bigger and more difficult to remove later!
- Mulch or plant ground covers to prevent moisture loss and intrusive weeds. Both methods have their good and bad features. That said, I’m still favoring my myrtle (periwinkle, Vinca minor) as the method of choice.
- Continue to deadhead to prevent the formation of seeds that will take the energy from the plant’s growth, unless you want the fruit and seeds for winter interest.
- Remove poorly located “volunteers” to better locations or share them, if they are not invasive.
- Sit back and enjoy the results of your labors!
Carol Brunner: We planted variegated Brunnera from Barb R, astilbe from Pat W, a few foam flowers left from the plant sale, and three cherry cola heuchera from Russell's Garden. Thanks to Barb and Pat for the contributions and to the six energetic gardeners who came out to do some early morning weeding! We enjoyed each other's company and, in one hour, the garden looked beautiful again!! Thank you!!!
Margie
Szymanski:
We had a good group of people cleaning at
Photos by Margie Szymanski
Children’s Garden at the Hatboro Library, May 31
Carol Brunner: Thanks go out to Margie P and Dave for all of their work on the Library garden!! It looks great in the back. Due to the small number of helpers, we were only able to focus on the patio area.
Photo by David Hower Photo by Carol Brunner
Photos by David Hower
There
are wonderful plants to enjoy this season. The Korean Kerria (Kerria
japonica) ‘Golden Guinea,’ is a real winner with its vibrant yellow flowers.
This native shrub of
Korean Kerria
Although deciduous, the perennial groundcover Green and Gold (Chrysoganum) gives another bright golden spot to your garden. It spreads well and creates a colorful carpet in both shade and full sun. Another favorite perennial of mine is the old fashioned primrose (Primula vulgaris). This, like the Chrysoganum, is carefree and disease resistant. I’ve had both for many years and they never disappoint.
Chrysoganum Primrose
Sundrops (evening primrose - Oenothera) are another of my favorites! They give the brightest, pure yellow of any of the other plant in my garden… and, boy, are they prolific!
Even though the blossoms are short-lived, the Japanese iris is a real knockout! This lavender beauty likes moist soil and is a wonderful addition to a garden.
Japanese iris
Photos by Barb Rosenzweig
District XI Garden Tour, Saturday, June 14
Lori Pancione: We had great weather for the garden tour and the gardens were great including the Rooney Estate, the owner of the Pittsburg Steelers. I couldn't believe the landscaping and flowers there. I worked at the first house and only had a chance to see the Rooney gardens as they were near my assigned house. HOPE we made lots of money to pay for the September Luncheon speaker.
Covered Dish Meeting,
Barb Rosenzweig: Despite the rain and clouds, our members had a lovely time together enjoying each other’s company and food! Our president, Lori, thanked everyone for the delicious food they brought and gave out awards for our flower show.
Accounting and Statistics - Kathie Watkins
Show Chairmanship and Leadership - Pat Winward
Judges Luncheon and Special Behind-the–Scenes Work:
Judges Luncheon Chair,
Judges Luncheon, Flower Show Staging - Janet Ford
Judges Luncheon, Flower Show Staging - Mae Steere
Special
Recognition for Union Library Plant
Outstanding Service - Barbara Rosenzweig for Club Newsletter
Special thanks to all of these ladies for their efforts!
Photos by Barb Rosenzweig
Special Message from our President Lori Pancione
I wanted to express my sincere thanks for all that the club members have done this first year of my presidency to make my job go as smoothly as it has. I deeply appreciate both the big and small ways each of you have risen to the task and helped our club try new things and make 2013-3014 a successful club year.
Three mini-shows, a small standard flower show, a May plant sale, and maintaining all our community gardens in the Hatboro vicinity have kept us hopping. It has been a year of learning and growing and I am very proud of those members who were willing to try new ways of doing projects. The gift each of you has brought to the year’s activities is important and what makes a club work.Also, thanks to all club members who served throughout the year at the mini shows, the May SSFS, the community gardens and the Library Sale, and to the Executive Board who did a great job in their office positions for the year.
Don’t forget about the District XI Annual Luncheon and Program on Tuesday, September 16th at the Old York Road Country Club. Design program, Laurel Awards, Ways and Means Tables - jewelry, dress bags, umbrellas, scarves and other neat items will be for sale.
Looking
forward to working with you next year when we resume with our Fall Picnic at