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ENGC Newsletter

May, 2020

Don't wear perfume in the garden — unless you want to be pollinated by bees.

~Anne Raver

For those of you who are impatiently waiting for “sheltering in” to end, please remember:

“It is better to be 6 feet apart, than to be 6 feet under”.

BOARD MEETING: The May Board Meeting is CANCELLED for safety reasons because of the Coronavirus emergency.

G e n e r a l M e e t i n g - M a r y D r u m m / M a u r e e n Michal

Our May 14th trip to the ATI/Secrest Arboretum has been CANCELLED. At this point, with the COVID-19 restrictions, we are unsure of our June meeting plans. We hope to have a plan by the end of May and we will keep you informed.

We miss our monthly gatherings and connecting with our ENGC friends. In the meantime enjoy the outdoors and your gardens and be well.

Mary and Maureen

2020 Calendar of Events May 14: Field Trip - ATI/Secrest Arboretum,

Wooster CANCELLED June 11 “Cuyahoga Valley National Park”

potluck picnic July/August ~ NO MEETINGS

September 10 “ENGC Funded BBHHS Class Projects” - Dan Reynolds October 8 Field Trip - Mapleside Farms - 1:00 PM - Fall Fun November 12 “Creative Creations” - Sandy Apidone, Owner, Countryside Florist December 10 Holiday Luncheon, 11:30 A M, Creekside Restaurant, Brecksville

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Joan Castelucci Mary Ellen Isaac

YEARBOOK CHANGES:

If you have any changes, the following members need to know ASAP: Denise Bowler, Donna Hessel.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: Donna Hessel Dear Members:

An artist drew chalk art of Repunzel in her tower saying, "So YOU'RE tired of social distancing?" My thoughts exactly, and probably yours as well! Keeping a sense of humor is important in these trying times.

Are there still a few days left in April to celebrate Native Plant Month? Take this opportunity to meet the ecologist who wants you to "Unleash the Wild" in your backyard. The website to enter in your browser is: smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/meet-ecologist-who-wants-unleash-wild-backyard. If you aren’t familiar with Doug Tallamy’s books or lectures on the importance of planting natives, this is interesting reading. Don't miss the list of “8 Steps to Rewild America” in our own yards. Be "On Trend" with the Perennial Plant of the Year

Aralia ‘Sun King’- Bold, gold, AND deer resistant! Beautiful in a shady area or in a (very) large container. What’s not to like? The Perennial Plant Association has chosen Aralia 'Sun King' as its Perennial Plant of the Year®. Discovered by plantsman Barry Yinger in a Japanese garden center, this perennial has become a beloved shade garden staple across the country. Bright yellow shoots emerge in spring, then grow up, up, up. It can reach 6' tall and nearly as wide. The small, cream-colored umbels of flowers are attractive to bees and are followed by tiny dark (inedible) drupes (a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed). Despite the Sun King’s stature, it's very well behaved – little to no reseeding or suckering. It’s hardy in zones 3-9; not picky as to soil; terrific in combination with hosta, ferns, brunnera or other maroon-leaf woody plants. Since it’s the perennial of the year, it should be available in local garden centers. Give it a try if you have a spot to fill in a shady area.

If you’re looking for answers to a gardening question, suggestions for what to plant where and when, or even how to build a raised garden or cold frame, this website has the answers. I found it just by chance and am sharing it so you can add to your gardening knowledge and expertise. The website is bonnieplants.com. Vegetable gardening is trending! More people are becoming interested in growing their own food. It you’re one of them, pick up a copy of North East Ohio Boomer magazine out mid-May – free at Marc’s in the lobby. The editor has included a feature article on starting a vegetable garden. Time to Plan a Container for CBG Hershey’s Children’s Garden

Since we haven’t been able to collaborate on our luncheon projects, I hope we can take advantage of this opportunity. Planter selection takes place between April 25 and May 6. Planting dates will be scheduled for June 2 through 6. We’ll leave it to Jane to select a planter(s) and the planting date. If you wish to participate by helping with planning or donating purchased plants selected, please let Jane know. We will not spend club money on this project this year.

The theme for this year’s planters is Under the Sea. We’re invited to create an “oceantastic” display using sound horticulture principles, and including an item that might be found under the water; e.g., a shipwreck, sandcastle, treasure chest, shell, etc. According to CBG Hershey Children’s Garden Coordinator Kristina Arthur, our landscape need not be complicated; any well-designed ornamental planter will provide a strong foundation for the project. The goal of the planters is two-fold: 1) Provide a backdrop for nature-based play. For example, a child might explore our display with an

acorn mermaid or a tropical leaf fish. 2) Contribute to the garden’s whimsical nature and beauty. As an added attraction this year, CBG has added a contest to this project. If we choose to participate, we can compete to win a small prize. Stay Well! Donna Hessel

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Eleven GCO Awards to ENGC for 2019-20 Our club was awarded $235.00 for 2019-20 Awards submitted to Garden Club of Ohio. The list of

winning awards follows. There was no information on the place each entry won, but the full list will be in the June Garden Greetings, which is expected to be mailed early in June. Thanks to Maureen and Mary Ellen for preparing the application paperwork and getting the entries to the correct GCO Awards Chairperson on time! And congratulations to everyone who participated in these projects and activities!

2019-20 Emerald Necklace Garden Club Awards 105 Horticulture or Environmental Education

106 Beautification or Improvement of a Public Building 107 Community Enrichment Project or Program 114.1 Holiday Project – Trees

180 Publicity Press Book 181.3 Publication – Membership Brochure 182 Club Newsletter 183 Club Website 200 Yearbook 400 Outstanding Garden Club

SUNSHINE NEWS ~ Shirley Grispino I sent a get well card to Pat Keltner . We are

praying for ENGC Club Members.during the COVID-19.

Also in addition to my activities at home I’m doing the scavenger hunt from Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

Hope you are finding something to help along while we shelter in.

Take Care. Shirley Grispino

Prayer During Difficult Times God of love and mercy, assist me in this time of

Trouble and anxiety. Ease my burdens,. Strengthen my faith. Increase my trust and Confidence in your compassionate care.

Give me the courage I need, dear Lord, to Face the difficulties before me, knowing

That with your help, miracles happen and Lives are restored.

If you are aware of any sunshine news, please contact our Corresponding Secretary, Shirley Grispino

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HORTICULTURE: Pat Cotsman

If you have never grown veggies, this may be the time to give it a try. It would be nice to have a source of food you didn't have to wear a mask or gloves to obtain! If deer are a problem, remember they will not jump fence into narrow area. Also tomato cages or bamboo teepees with beans or cukes are obstacles that will deter them from jumping into fenced area.

Some annuals that deer dislike are ageratum. alyssam, cleome. calendula, snapdragons and zinnias. If they are not really stressed from hunger they leave cosmos and marigolds alone.

Think about planting something for the pollinators. The umbelliferae family such as dill, fennel, Daura carrot (purple flowered queen ann's lace like flower) are loved by bees and butterflies and disliked by deer. Bees love most herbs and allliums. Think about something like verbena bonariensis that blooms later in summer and into fall. Monarchs love it as a nectar source. Plant milkweed for the caterpillars of that butterfly. Deer don't like milkweed. Pink flowered Swamp milkweed doesn't spread agressively like that native and is shorter. I have had Monarch caterpillars on mine. Bees love blossoms of any mint and deer don't. Do not plant it in your beds as it spreads agressively. Put in a pot or sink a black nursery pot into ground leaving it 1" above soil line. Fill with soil and your mint variety.

Jane Petrie Regarding CBG.....I will let you know when the

doors open to the public. So sorry the Plant Sale at Holden was cancelled.

I did place a catalog order with Mulberry Creek who always has a booth there.

Their catalog was available at both our Lecture Series. Wonderful herbs. I do have several copies of catalogs if you are interested.

I signed us up this year for an 8' tree for Glow. There are several new categories this year, including wreaths, table settings, mantels, to name a few. We will soon have to decide on a theme for a living room tree. If interested, contact me.

Our Hershey Garden containers, location and other details are soon to be announced.

Affiliate Day, of course, was cancelled until September?

I think today is Fri. Do your days get confusing or are you telling me I have gotten much older?? Do not answer that.

I wonder who decided what was essential. Do they not know the importance of Hair Salons!!!!

I have done much plant ordering via catalogs. Two of my new ones were SOLD OUT very early.

My beds are cleaned out, pots ready, much coming up and tulips waiting to show off. Pansies and daffs. are so tough with all the weather changes. Can not help but to love them.

I am fortunate to be in good health, enjoy reading and gardening [with help],friends and Annie[cat] and Toby[dog].

Barbara Harviatt Attached photo of daffodils.

I've been enjoying my beautiful daffodils. Planted 2 containers of bulbs from last Falls ENGC Education Program.

Thank you ladies. Bulbs survived long winter in garage and then deck time of sunshine, rain, cold and snow. They are hearty.

Thoughts and prayers to everyone.

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To All Luncheon Co-Chairs

Sue and I would like to Thank you all for putting in some time to plan and organize your areas for our ENGC Luncheon for 2020. Little did anyone know we would have to cancel this year due to the Coronavirus. I’m sure we won’t forget. Kudos to all of you!

Pauline - Raffle = baskets, items, material etc. plus keeping and storage until next year.

Nathalie/Pat - Planterie = for starting new garden plants and collecting bags, boxes, pots etc. plus storage of all your items.

Mary/Maureen - Patio = Planning and collecting all the baskets necessary to plant. Set up schedule for shopping etc.

Judy- Tickets. Special Thank you for all the time you have spent on tickets! All checks have been shredded and if there was cash paid we will see to a reimbursement to that person. This was a time consuming project and we all appreciate your time spent on this.

𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀 𑐀

Thank you. Stay healthy Stay safe and Stay home Sue & Kathie

What some of our members are doing while sheltering in………..

Pauline Dey I've been keeping busy; my community garden has lettuce, radishes and peas coming up. Just planted

onions in my Dahlia garden at home. I will pick the onions before I put the dahlias in. My grandson and I put an oak leaf Hydrangea in this morning. . It's a nice plant I got it from a friend who didn't want it . Been busy in the house also. Learned to play Pinocle, and worked on a new doll house. Trying not to eat but busy baking soooo.

Sue Mack Hi ladies! Here are some of the things I’ve been doing to keep busy & sane during quarantine: Take my dog for daily walks at a local park; read A LOT of mysteries; had a virtual game night with son (in Copley, Oh) and daughter (New Haven, CT); went on a virtual date night with friends—we usually meet on a Friday night for drinks & catching up so we continued this from our own homes; attended a virtual birthday party and a virtual “Sprinkle” (baby shower). What would we do without technology? I hope you are all well and not too whacked out by this situation.

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Shirley Grispino I taught my 8 year old granddaughter how to crochet. I crocheted pot holder, bows, and flowers. I might try a blanket. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of time.

My husband and I Painted three Rooms. We planted tomato, pepper, dahlia, sunflower, Bachelor button and gaillardia seeds. They all came up, Looking good. I’m also baking muffins, banana breads and Kolacky. Praying is helping a lot, also walking and watching Netflix.

On the sad side, my cousins daughter-in-law got the virus and her son also. She was in the hospital for a week with double pneumonia. Both are at home, she is using an oxygen tank at home. Prayers for them.

We have a 7 foot fence to keep out the deer. Raised garden Fertilizer-Cow manure, egg shells and coffee grinds.

We like big boy tomatoes, also early girl because you can get tomatoes in July. I’ve bought plants at Marc’s and they are good. Garlic we plant in the end October. I like Burpee seed tape lettuce, it grows in Straight row

Sherry Orlecki I am busy on our small horse farm with two big Percheron crossbreds and a new Jack Russell puppy

named Piper. Did yard cleanup and planted snow peas early April which are not up yet with the cold weather. Rhubarb is early as usual and garlic looks good from fall planting. Bought 4 blueberry bushes (Patriot, Chandler, Blue Crop and Sweetheart) to plant where old blackberries were after amending the soil with peat moss. Divided two yellow perennials - early poppy and a small foxglove from Monticello (Thomas Jefferson) trip that grew a fast as a weed. Been weeding that bad news ‘Hairy Bittercress' with the rounded mound and a tall spike with white flower. If you don’t pick those out of soil when it is wet to get the entire root system, you will have a mess on your hands. The redbuds and dogwoods have swollen buds. I counted 50 native dogwoods on our 5 acres a few years ago. They love it here. We are at the western edge of the hardwood forests of the Appalachian foothills and the beginning of the Great Plains as told to us by a geologist. Been wearing a homemade cotton muslin mask from Donna’s email when going to stores. Been hiking with new puppy, Piper, to get some exercise. Hope everyone isn’t too bored.

Pat Cotsman

This time of year it is not a trial for me to stay home as I have a million things to do in my garden. I must say I am not missing stress of getting everything ready for the fund raiser. I wish I could say I am cleaning my house so it is spotless but that would be a really big lie! Stay well everyone, miss you, Pat C.

From Kathie Brusk: I’m trying this garden project out! my granddaughter told me about this. Cut bottom of Romaine lettuce off and put in small jar, add water to cover bottom of lettuce then watch the new leafs grow. This is three days old. You should change to water daily. Fun idea for all ages. Enjoy!

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Lake County Master Gardeners Offers Online “Meet Me In The Garden” Workshops The following 1 to 1-1/2 hour workshops online take the place of public classes, which have been

canceled. Check their website at lake.osu.edu to register for these online workshops and receive information on how to log on. If you would like to join their email list with more information on how to attend a virtual workshop and a link to log on, send an email to MGVLakeCounty@gmail.com. For questions, leave a message on their Hotline at 440-350-2254. You can also, visit their FaceBook page at Ohio State University Extension-Lake County Master Gardeners. Continuous Color Using Perennials - Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am

Your garden can be interesting and colorful all year long, and one garden can have many looks. Learn about how to combine many elements into a coherent whole and what you need to have available to succeed. Square Foot Gardening – Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 am

All you need to know to decide if square foot gardening is for you. We will discuss and show the methods used in setting up the garden, creating the soil needed, sectioning off the garden, and the types of plants used to make the most of the space available in your yard.

"Bee" Friendly with Natives - Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 am Native plants have evolved with our native bees. These plants are not only beautiful, but provide

multiple ecosystem services. Learn how planting with natives provides benefits to you and our bees. Go Natives! Gardening as We Age-- Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 am

Gardening gets more difficult as we age. However, by using the right tools and techniques, gardening remains in reach at any age. Also, from Sunday, PD - April 26th: Petitti’s Brings Back Idea of Victory Gardens

More and more people are currently interested in becoming more self-sufficient. If you’re one of them, you can log on to Petitti’s website (petittigardencenter.com) for garden ideas, guides and how-to videos. You can order plants online and choose curbside or home delivery (or shop inside stores with prevailing cautions). Availability lists are updated weekly on the website. In addition, Petitti’s has a special web page featuring victory gardens.

Wouldn’t it be great to step just outside your door and pick fresh lettuces to add to a salad? Of special interest right now might be their ‘salad bowl’ garden – everything needed such as seeds, herbs and varieties of lettuce that can be grown in round bowls and harvested daily for dinner. How to select and “feed” a salad bowl is featured on the website’s resources tab. Check it out.

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The Newsletter deadline is always the 25th of the month.

Please email articles to ccschuh@gmail.com Gardening tips, websites to browse, and recipes are

always welcome.