the newsletter of the garden club federation of
TRANSCRIPT
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE GARDEN
CLUB FEDERATION OF PENNSYLVANIA, DISTRICT X.
Member, National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Volume 126 Issue 4 December, 2020
Editor, Marie Mueller [email protected]
THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER Submitted by Kay Bair, Director, District X
Thanks to everyone who sent me photos of your flowers and vegetables grown from Burpee Seeds. They were all sent on to Marge Sears and Pat Wolanski who chaired the “PA/Burpee Seed Challenge”. In turn they shared the photos with National Garden Club and the Burpee Seed Company. Congratulations to MaryAnn Barnhart and Susan Swala of District X whose photos for the Burpee seed challenge appeared in the National Gardener Magazine. Susan Swala’s photo of her mother, Marion Walker’s photo appeared on the Burpee website and in the National Gardener Magazine. Marion was also the recipient of the Perennial Bloom award at the Annual Meeting held in September. Since the pandemic will not be going away anytime soon, we are all going to need to learn something new- whether we want to or not. With the winter months beginning, Zoom meetings will be the “new norm” until spring, when we can meet outdoors in parks. The 2021 GCFP Convention, “Zooming into Spring” will be held by District IV, on Zoom. This will be a good chance for any members who have never attended a convention to do so. Joyce Milberg, GCFP President, sent us a challenge in her message in the KG Online newsletter. “Learn how to use your phone, or computer, to zoom between now and April!” She would like to see all of us on Zoom, in the spring, as we gather to celebrate 91 years of gardening and continue Growing our Legacy.”
DISTRICT X BOARD Officers
Director
KAY BAIR Town & Country GC
124 Tin Can Hollow Road Rices Landing, PA 15357-2175
724-966-5856 c. 724-710-7022
Assistant Director
MARDELL PAGE Valley GC
1103 William Drive Belle Vernon, PA 15012
724-929-9824 [email protected]
Recording Secretary
LINDA COLEMAN Martha Washington G C
850 Main Street Washington, PA 15301-6280
724-225-8011 [email protected]
Treasurer
SANDRA GRILLI Martha Washington GC 418 Independence Blvd. Washington, PA. 15301
H. 724-228-4522 C. 724-554-1363
DISTRICT X GARDEN CLUB PRESIDENTS
GARDEN CLUB OF MUNHALL Meet 4th Tuesday, at 7 PM
Michael Sarraino 135 Crawford Avenue
Munhall, PA 15120 412-461-0665
[email protected] http://www.facebook.com/GardenClubofMunhall
GIANT OAKS GARDEN CLUB Meet 1st Thursday at 11:30 AM
Mary Meta ALL NEW INFO 32 Vista Gardens Trail #104
Vetro Beach, FL 32962 c. 412-628-6712
[email protected] Facebook: Giant Oaks Garden Club
GREAT MEADOWS GARDEN CLUB Meet 4th Wednesday at 10:30 AM
Wanda Sherry 104 Burke Rd.
Farmington, PA 15437 724-329-4736
[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/gmgc1957
GREEN GARDENERS OF UNIONTOWN Meet 1st Friday (for lunch)
Paula Flaherty NEW [email protected]
(No further information available at this time)
MARTHA WASHINGTON GARDEN CLUB Meet 3rd Tuesday at 12:30 PM
Deborah Davis NEW 1428 North Main Street
Washington, PA 15301-1241 [email protected]
724-228-5318 https://www.facebook.com/mwgcwashpa
MON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB Meet 1st Monday at 6:30 PM
Alice Harris 558 South Ridge Road
Coal Center, PA 15423-1023 724-466-0979
PLEASANT HILLS GARDEN CLUB Meet 2nd Monday at 12:30 PM
Helen Galluppi 504 Parkview Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15236 724-496-8701
[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/Pleasant-Hills-Garden-Club-
111595013758659/ Web site: https://pleasanthillsgc.org/
TOWN & COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB Meet 2nd Thursday at 6 PM
Dianne Nicholson 5237 Gardenville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-3373 412-726-6603-cell
[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/tcgcrlpa
UNIONTOWN FLOWER CLUB Meet 2nd Friday at 1 PM
Monica Sweet 10 Ridgeview Drive
Uniontown, PA 15401 724-437-2894
VALLEY GARDEN CLUB Meet 2nd Thursday at 10 AM
Roxanne Huss 309 Crest Avenue
Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-3391
2021 – 2022 IMPORTANT DATES Apr 18-21 GCFP Convention, “Zooming into
Spring,” via ZOOM Jun 7-8 GCFP Board Meeting – Wyndham
Garden State College, Boalsburg, PA
Sept 8 District X Annual Meeting Oct 11-12 GCFP Board Meeting – Wyndham
Garden State College, Boalsburg, PA
Nov 3-5 CAR-SGC Conference
2022 Apr 3-5 GCFP Convention, “Celebrating
Natures Masterpieces” Apr 28-May 1 Flower Show School Course l,
DoubleTree, Plymouth Meeting, PA
2021 DISTRICT X BOARD MEETINGS All Board meetings begin at 10:00 a.m.
The following are the TENTATIVE dates for 2021. February -- Monday Feb. 22
May - Wednesday, May 19
August - Monday, Aug. 23
October - Monday, Oct. 25
It will be announced closer to the date of the meeting if it will be an actual meeting, or a ZOOM meeting.
DISTRICT X CLUB NEWS
GREEN GARDENERS On October 13, 2020---Green Gardeners of Uniontown had a great article in the Herald Standard. It featured their 2020 Renovation project (which is also in the Online Keystone Gardener) This photo was one of four featured in their full page article. Left to right, Toni Lozar, Suzanne McMonagle, - Mayor Gerke, the installer, - Carol Kerr and M.J. Jacaruso..
***** GIANT OAKS
Submitted by Barbara Jo Nerone As our garden clubs struggle to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, our group looks forward to putting 2020 in our rear view mirror. We are happy that we have a good percentage of our membership signing up to attend a Christmas Party this month. It will be our first meeting together since early March. A new slate of candidates for office in 2021 were presented by the Nominations Committee and voted on by the membership. They will be installed at the December meeting. They include: Co-Presidents: Betty Amato & Barbara Jo Nerone First Vice President: Carolyn Svitek Second Vice President: Michele Campbell
Corresponding Secretary: Joan Merz Recording Secretaries (Revolving): Judy Quashnock; Mary Dunbar; Margaret Davin, Virginia Riegner Treasurer: Cecelia Satler The Club is thrilled with the 2020 awards from district and state even with our limited activities. LouAnn Kinol has been awarded the 2019-2020 Butterfly Award and Donna McKnight has received the 2020 GCFP Horticulture Excellence Award. Many other Tulip, Daffodil and Laurels were awarded to our membership. Mary Meta, our outgoing president, did an outstanding job with the Youth Contests and many winners were from our Club. We have set up meeting dates for 2021 and plan to begin in-person monthly meetings, following CDC and local rules. A complete slate of programs is being lined up. We hope that in 2021, we can once again begin normal activities. Our Plant Sale is slated for Saturday, May 15, at Peters Township Library and our Tinsel luncheon for Friday, November 5 at the Southpoint Hilton Garden Inn.
Good bye and good riddance to 2020!
***** MARTHA WASHINGTON
Submitted by Deborah Davis Due to COVID, activities for the Martha Washington Garden Club have been limited. MWGC members participated in planting cement flowerpots on Main Street in Washington, Pennsylvania and some weeding was done on sidewalk garden in the Main Street areas. This activity was organized by Susan Luisi and Grace Mitchell. Ten members of the Martha Washington Garden Club attended the District X, 20th annual meeting on September 21, 2020, at the Lions Club Community Park, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Grace Mitchell was presented with the 2019 Forget-
Me-Not award and Vina McLeod Rudolph was presented with the 2019 Gold Seal Award. MWGC received several other GCFP awards at this event. The 2020 Lovely Landscape Award was awarded, in October, to Bobbie Clark of Washington, Pennsylvania. Her garden consisted of thirteen plants mixing both annuals and perennials. A highlight of this garden were the two large mums that come up each year. In addition, there was an array of festive pumpkins. This was the 19th award since 1999. The Martha Washington Garden Club Lovely Landscape Award Winner sign will be displayed in her yard for the next year.
***** PLEASANT HILLS
Submitted by Marie Mueller
Other than a couple of Board meetings outside at the local arboretum, we have not had a meeting since Covid started. However, in early October about half
of us we were able to gather at the ruins of The
Cascades waterfall, in South park, to hear a presentation by the Park Rangers. The
presentation was to inform us of the new restoration project to restore the Cascades, and to provide us with a walking tour of the wildflower field next to the Cascades. This area is becoming an outdoor educational space for the Ranger’s presentations, and we were delighted with their presentations.
***** UNIONTOWN
Submitted by Sharlene Lehman
The UFC has been meeting in a variety of locations because Mt. St. Macrina, our home base, has been closed due to the virus. We met at the Uniontown Country Club in September and October, with October having a festive Halloween theme complete with decorations provided by the Country Club! Members dressed up and we had a fun afternoon to take away from all the stress of, well, everything!
Members received a handout outlining important information from the District Board Meeting as well as discussion of the upcoming masked, socially distant Christmas party. Members voted not to meet in November since the Christmas party will be held Dec. 3rd. There will not be a meeting in January as is our normal practice. Member Sharlene Lehman participated in a Webinar through Penn State Extension on growing dahlias and one on winter gardening. She will share that information at one of our upcoming meetings. Gardening tips and ideas: Desperate to grow something in the winter? Many farm stores, flower shops, etc. are already selling Paperwhite Narcissus Bulb Kits. These are fun and easy and produce beautiful white flowers to cheer up that dreary winter window. Leave the last blossoms of summer on your rose bushes to encourage rose hips and dormancy. It’s not too late to thin that English boxwood. Thin inner branches by 15” to stimulate interior growth and prevent fungus. And please, leave some “weedy” patches in which our beneficial insects can winter. Particularly hollow stems from lilies and autumn leaf piles. “Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there riotous.” …Rumi
***** VALLEY
by Roxanne Huss, President Recently the Valley Garden Club honored the memory of Evelyn Parent, a club member who passed away last November, by installing wind chimes at the Mon Valley YMCA. The club held outdoor meetings in September and October. Inside meetings are presently planned for November and December. Future meeting plans are contingent on developments of the Corona virus in our lives. In the meantime, club members receive relevant communications via email and mail.
ANNUAL MEETING / AWARDS
The Jaycee Pavilion at Waynesburg Lions Park was the site for the annual meeting for District X of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania (GCFP). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this meeting was a
combination of our Spring Tea, June Fundraiser and Annual Meeting. We also celebrated the 90th birthday of GCFP- 1930 to 2020 “Celebrating Our Legacy”. District Director, Kay Bair, recognized the State Board Members, District X Board Members and eight presidents of the 10 clubs that compose District X. There were 47 members and guests in attendance.
A short program was presented by Emily Capule, owner of a local cut flower farm, Blomster Field Farms, located in Greene County. Emily specializes in
fresh cut, locally grown, chemical-free flowers in bouquets, or by the stem.
District X awards were presented by Awards Chair Roxanne Huss, President of Valley GC. Haddie Weber of The Garden Club of Munhall gave red tulip bulbs to new members and their sponsors. Director Bair presented the Perennial Bloom Award to Marion Walker of Town & Country Garden Club. Legacy awards went to Town & Country Garden Club and Susan Luisi of Martha Washington Garden Club. The Exceptional Horticulturist Award went to Donna McKnight of Giant Oaks Garden Club. The Butterfly Award was given to Lou Ann Kinol of Giant Oaks Garden Club. (See the complete list of awards following below). Marilyn Backus, GCFP Awards Chair then presented numerous GCFP Awards that would have been presented at the GCFP Convention last April, had it not been cancelled due to Covid 19. The three outstanding awards were: 2019 GCFP Gold Seal Award – Vina McLeod Rudolph of Martha Washington GC; 2019 GCFP Forget-Me-Not District Award – Grace Mitchell of Martha Washington GC.; and the 2019-2020 Presidential Citation – Marie Mueller, GCFP Keystone Gardener Online Newsletter Editor of Pleasant Hills GC.
Marilyn Bacus reinstalled the following District X
officers for the 2020-2022 term: (l-R, Kay Bair, District Director; Mardell Page, Assistant Director, Linda Coleman, Secretary; and Sandra Grilli, Treasurer. Kay also received a gift of a garden angel from the District, as a “thank you” for her dedication and hard work for 2019-2020.
It was a beautiful warm day and everyone enjoyed being outside for the meeting. Covid 19 has given us some new challenges, such as meeting and maintaining social distancing. This was one of the better answers to meeting and enjoying each other's company.
The following are the District X Club Awards. GIANT OAKS GARDEN CLUB Daffodils:
Amy Nguyen Laurels: 1. Betty Amato 2. Kay Brennan 3. Michele Campbell 4. Mary Werling 5. Lynn Leming Butterfly Award: Lou Ann Kinol GREAT MEADOWS GARDEN CLUB Laurels: 1. Scarlet Baxter 2. Helen Smith 3. Elaine Swaney 4. Diane Hughes 5. Martha Alexander
GREEN GARDENERS Laurels 1. Suzanne McMonagle 2. Carole Kerr
MARTHA WASHINGTON GARDEN CLUB Daffodils: 1. Carole Harris 2. Debbie Knestrick 3. Mary Ann Manion
Laurels: 1. Mary Dobich
2. Sue Luisi 3. Theresa Powell 4. Nancy Zipko 5. Jean Davis 6. Linda Coleman 7. Phyllis Kaufman 8. Marilyn Stackowicz 9. Ruth Hrutkay Butterfly Award: Sue Luisi MUNHALL GARDEN CLUB Daffodils: 1. Cheryl Kocsis 2. Kathy Petruska PLEASANT HILLS GARDEN CLUB Daffodils: 1. Barbara Latterman 2. Louise Humphreys 3. Marie Mueller Laurels: Pamela Kavelman Butterfly Award: Helen Galluppi TOWN AND COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB Daffodils: 1. Dianne Nicholson 2. Sue Swala 3. Emily Capule Laurels: 1. Marion Walker 2. Terri Laird 3. Sue Swala 4. Emily Capule 5. Ralph Nicholson UNIONTOWN FLOWER CLUB Laurels 1. Sharlene Lehman 2. Charlene Smochinsky Daffodils: 1. Nancy Peyton 2. Annette Frasconi 3. Kristina Michniak VALLEY GARDEN CLUB Daffodils: 1. Margaret Ziolkowski 2. Angie Raitano 3. Roxanne Huss
Laurels: 1. Mardell Page 2. Elaine Harmon 3. Roxanne Huss
POLLINATOR RESTORATION PROJECT Martha Alexander,
Chair Pollinator Restoration Project
NGC has been invited to be an inaugural Network Partner of the National Pollinator Garden Network to help establish one million gardens to assist in restoring critical pollinator population recovery in the U.S. The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America. This project mobilizes America’s extensive gardening community and supports them in making more native and non-invasive pollen and nectar producing plants available in their gardens. The Challenge increases their understanding of the critical role that such actions can play in reversing declining pollinator populations. The aim is to move millions of individuals, kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and the healthy food people eat. BEE One in a Million. We depend on insects and other wildlife to pollinate 80% of the world’s crops. Habitats for butterflies, birds, and many other kinds of wildlife are being wiped out by development, pesticide use, and increased lawn growth. Pollinator populations are declining in abundance and diversity especially the bees, butterflies, bats and hummingbirds. Here is how you can help Support pollinator friendly businesses. Buy seeds from nurseries that pollinator friendly plants and seeds. Plant sustainably. Reduce or eliminate harmful pesticides, conserve water, and promote a healthy pollinator habitat. Plant a garden of any size. Even a window box garden can help. Pollinators need food, water, and shelter to thrive in an area. You may just want to add these to an existing garden. Select a sunny spot for your garden
because most plants that pollinators like require full sun (at least 6 hours). Pollinators like a variety of plants that bloom from early spring into late fall. Use native plants as they
are four times more attractive to
pollinators. Native plants with lots of nectar are the ones they have adapted to
feed on over many years. Cultivars are often not as good at providing nectar, and double flowers contain almost no nectar. Plant your flowers in masses or drifts. This makes it easier for the pollinators to see them and find lots of nectar in one place. Some butterflies need a native host plant. For example, Monarchs eat only milkweeds. Provide water in shallow pools or baths with rocks. Add ¼ inch sand to a saucer add water until just
covered. Save large clean-up until spring. Many beneficial insects overwinter in hollow stems, or leaf litter. As you plan your garden for next spring,
choose native plants that provide fruit, nectar, and seeds. The birds, bees, and butterflies will find your garden simply irresistible. Some annuals that attract butterflies and bees are Zinnias, Marigolds, Cosmos, and Sunflowers. Some good perennials are Milkweed and Butterfly Weed, Cardinal Flowers. When you have a garden with these characteristics you can register your garden at Pollinator Partnership.org to BEE counted. https://www.pollinator.org/mpgcmap/
BIRDS/BUTTERFLIES/CONSERVATION Wanda Sherry, Great Meadows Garden Club
At first glance the spotted lantern fly is a beautiful insect whose colors mimic the loved ladybug with its polka-dotted outer wings and red hind wings with black spots. These beautiful colors can be deceiving. It’s not the family friendly insect that people love to see crawling on their wrist, or captured in a framed print.
The spotted lantern fly is an invasive plant hopper native to Asia. It was first discovered in Pennsylvania, in 2014, in Berks County and has spread to other counties across the Commonwealth. The spotted lantern fly feeds on sap from different plants with a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut, Birch and Willow. Feeding damage sufficiently stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and in some cases, death. The spotted lantern fly has the potential to greatly impact grapevines, fruit trees, plant nurseries and timber industries, which contribute billions of dollars each year to Pennsylvania’s economy. A recent economic impact study estimates that, uncontrolled this insect could cost the state $324 million dollars annually and more than 2800 jobs. The spotted lantern fly is not just a concern to agricultural, or horticultural professionals. It poses a significant quality-of-life frustrations for all residents. The impact of its large populations and feeding habits can force even the most ardent nature lovers to stay inside. When feeding it secretes honeydew sugary waste which attracts bees, wasps and other insects. The honeydew builds up on anything below the insect: plants, decks, patio furniture and vehicles. This build up leads to the growth of sooty mold which is a black colored fungi visible on those items. To protect the state’s economy and residential quality of life the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued an order of quarantine, and treatment to limit the movement of the spotted lantern fly by human assisted travel. Treatment by both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is occurring across the state, anywhere known populations exist. This insect is easily moved if no one is looking. If you are in the quarantine area, please look before you leave.
The Pennsylvania department of agriculture has an extensive spotted lantern fly image database. Stay informed and share the latest news on the spotted lantern fly with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
A LABOR OF LOVE Submitted by Toni Lazar
The Green Gardeners of Uniontown recently completed their 2020 renovation project with the installation of a bench at historic George C. Marshall Plaza. The bench, which was the final phase of the project, was installed on September 1, 2020. Green Gardeners annually plant flowers in several locations in downtown Uniontown, but this year, the
club decided to enhance the gardens with new plantings and the addition of a bench at Marshall Plaza. The project
began in the spring of 2020. The renovation was partially funded by the $1000 National Garden Club Plant America Grant, which the club applied for and received in January of 2020. Proceeds from the grant were used in conjunction with existing Green Gardener funds, and volunteer donations, to add to the beauty of Marshall Plaza and other locations throughout the City of Uniontown. All 21 members of the club, with volunteers from the community and the City of Uniontown, took part in the project.
GCFP SCHOLARSHIPS
Vina McLeod Rudolph Chair, District X Scholarships
There are twelve GCFP scholarships available, plus an Audubon Grant. Each GCFP scholarship award is a minimum of $1,000, and are awarded to students who plan to further their education in Agriculture Education, Agronomy, Floriculture, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Botany, Biology (excluding Medical), Conservation, Environmental Concerns (Management: Environmental Engineering, Conservation, etc.) Forestry, Plant Pathology, City (Rural/Urban) Planning, Wildlife Science, Land Management, and/or allied subjects. Applicants for all scholarships/grants must be residents of Pennsylvania and sponsored by a
Federated Garden Club. The college, university, or Audubon Camp is of the recipient’s choice. An additional five (5) points will be added for all children, grandchildren, or legal dependents of Federated Garden Club Members. Winners will be announced at the Annual April Meeting. As long as high academic standing is maintained and need is apparent, a student is eligible to apply or reapply for a scholarship. Students need to submit only one (1) application to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships/Grants are to be disbursed to the Financial Aid Office of the college/university that the student is attending. The Student and Financial Aid Officer will determine how the money is to be spent: tuition, food, housing, books, etc.
There are scholarships available to High School Seniors, College Students, and Post Graduate College Students, each year. They are the:
Louise W. Dimmick Scholarship Marjorie E. Hamblin Scholarship
Catherine H. Kenworthy Scholarship Lois Dupre Shuster Scholarship Mary Alice Wheeler Scholarship Marilyn L. Whitmore Scholarship
The State Chairperson must receive all applications for these six scholarships above, by February 1st:
The following scholarships have these specific requirements:
Jane Layman Scholarship – A minimum of $1,000 annually for 4 years - Scholarship is available to a High School Senior, every four years and a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained to keep this scholarship enforced. By February 1st, the recipient must send his/her scholastic record to the State Scholarship Chairperson. Failure to comply will result in loss of the remaining money. Should the recipient forfeit by dropping out of school, or not maintaining a 3.0 GPA, a new winner will be selected the following year.
Katherine L. Rieger Scholarship is available to a College Student or Post Graduate College Student with a GPA of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants may apply in their sophomore year. The state winner will compete for one of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. scholarships of $4,000.
Constance H. Smith Scholarship is available to a College Student, or a Post Graduate College
Student each year. Applicants may apply in their freshman year.
Miriam A. Steel Scholarship is available to a High School Senior. Preference will be given to a High School Gardener, FFA, 4-H, or Scout group by the addition of two (2) points to the final evaluation of that individuals score.
Edith Clemmer Steinbright Scholarship is available to High School Seniors, College Students and Post Graduate College Students each year. Preference will be given to a student from the southeastern part of the state.
Dorothy A. Hermani Scholarship is a $1,000 grant is given annually for ten years, 2017-2026, to a deserving student in a horticulture-related field. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, college students and post-graduate students each year.
In addition, an Audubon Grant of $500 is also available to a Federated Garden Club Member, a Teacher, or a College Student for the Audubon Camp of his/her choice. A Garden Club Member may receive this grant. The winner is responsible for his/her transportation and any increase in fees. The sponsoring Garden Club may pay additional fees, if they desire. The State Chairperson must receive all applications by Feb.1st.
Applications for all scholarships are obtained from the State, or District Scholarship Chairperson, or the GCFP Website www.pagardenclubs.org. CURRENT FORMS MUST BE USED (Check the revision date). Applications must be signed by the sponsoring Federated Garden Club President.
All applications for state scholarships/grants must be sent to the state scholarship chairperson by February 1st. Current State Chairperson: Sandra Hendricks, 411 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777-1619. [email protected]. Phone: 570-538-1339, (c) 570-847-0050.
HORT IN TEN Submitted by Grace Mitchell
I have stopped ranting (mostly) about this terrible year, and am trying to remember some good things. After a dry, miserable few months, it finally rained, and my Zinnias bloomed beautifully. My cannas also gave me lots of pleasure. Of course, everything is
frosted now. When my cannas have been dug, I’ll look forward to next year. Here is some Tulip trivia for you:
Tulips originated in Turkey and the mountainous regions of central Asia, where they still grow wild. In the 1500’s they made their way to the Netherlands, where the climate and soil were perfect for their cultivation. A lovely yellow tulip with white edges at its tips is called Budlight. Evidentially they don’t have this brand of beer in the Netherlands! Also, in this “Colorblends” catalog is the Schubertii allium. It’s the one that looks like a satellite, and is used a lot in “Vision of Beauty” calendar arrangements. Try one. I have to close with a mini daffodil that is so cute. It’s called Rapture because they think it looks like a falcon diving after prey. I think it looks like a dog with its head out the car window! Happy Horting!
NEW MEMBERS AND SPONSORS FOR 2019-2020
Garden Club of Munhall
Margie Mc Donald, sponsor: Michael Sarraino Heather Bastian, sponsor: Carly Dibas
Jeanie Little Hencharik, sponsors: Randy and Diane Marburger
Giant Oaks Pat Miller, sponsor: GCFP
Amy Nguyen, sponsor: Judie Ball Diana Meridian, sponsor: Carol May
Pleasant Hills
Denise Crivaro, sponsor: Linda Shaffer Christine Didiano, sponsor: Linda Shaffer Cheryl Goodman, sponsor: Linda Shaffer
Cathleen Livingston, sponsor: Linda Shaffer Carolyn Burtt, sponsor: Helen Galluppi
Town and Country
Dottie Doman, sponsor: Linda Shefcheck
Martha Washington Sharon Angeloni, sponsor: Deb Davis Caren Bachman, sponsor: Deb Davis
Lynda Catherine, sponsor: Penny Stezzles Susan DeLost, sponsor: Peggy Stezzles Carol Fritch-Anglini, sponsor: Barb Funk
Wendy Rossiter, sponsor: Deb Davis Penny Stezzles, sponsor: Carole Malmgren
Nancy Wrobel, sponsor: Barb Funk Mary Ann Yusko, sponsor: Barb Funk
YOU BE THE JUDGE Submitted by Angie Raitano
THIS is your CHANCE! YOU can be the JUDGE! This is an invitation to express your criticism/comments about this floral design. Taking a critical look at a design and putting your thoughts about it on paper, can be a valuable learning experience. So send your comments: [email protected].
WILDFLOWER QUIZ Submitted by Diane Hughes,
Wildflower Chair
What flower has a name which is the same, or sounds the same, as the following descriptions?
1. A container for holding foliage. 2. A preacher in an old-fashioned church. 3. A Hollander’s trousers. 4. A place where money is made. 5. Groups of ducks and geese.
(See page 12 for answers.)
STORING SEEDS Submitted by Kay Bair
The following information was taken from District Vl’s newsletter. If you have Burpee seeds that you were unable to plant this year, you can save them for next year by putting them in a cool, dry place to over winter. An unheated garage works well. You can also store seeds in a jar in the refrigerator. Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/ho
me/gardening/a20706339/how-to-store-seeds/ Seeds are happiest when they are stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. A dark closet in a cooler part of the house or a dry, cool basement are both good spaces to store seeds for a year or two. Once properly dried, seeds can also be sealed in airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for several years. The seeds of some crops are naturally longer lived. Tomato seeds and beans can be left for many years in adequate storage conditions, while onion and carrot seeds are notoriously short lived. Don’t forget to label your seeds with the crop type, variety name, and any useful notes about your seed source, when you harvested the seeds, and how many plants you harvested from.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT INFECTIONS FROM TICK BITES?
Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid a tick-borne illness. Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants when walking in the woods or grassy areas where ticks are common. Walk in the center of trails, and use tick repellent that’s at least 20 percent DEET. Treat clothing and gear with 0.5 percent permethrin. You should take a shower, or bath, within two hours of being outdoors. Finally, check skin closely after being in tick-prone areas, especially under arms, behind ears, between legs, behind knees, and in hair.
It typically takes over 24 hours of feeding for a tick carrying disease to infect a person. So, the sooner a tick can be identified and removed, the better. It’s important to see your doctor soon after a tick bite so you can talk about your risks, what complications to look for, and when to follow up.
Antibiotics are necessary if you experience a skin infection at the bite site or if you continually scratch and lacerate the skin. If you’re bitten by a tick in a high-risk area for certain tick-borne diseases (for example, Lyme disease), or if the tick was attached
to you for an extended period of time, it’s better to be safe than sorry and see your doctor to start antibiotic treatment.
The most important thing to do when you find a tick on you is to remove it. You can remove the tick yourself with a tick removal tool or with a set of tweezers. Follow these steps:
1. Grasp the tick as close as you can to your skin’s surface. 2. Pull straight up and away from the skin, applying steady pressure. Try not to bend, or twist, the tick. 3. Check the bite site to see if you left any of the tick’s head or mouth parts in the bite. If so, remove those. 4. Clean the bite site with soap and water. 5. Once you’ve removed the tick, submerge it in rubbing alcohol to make sure it’s dead. Place it in a sealed container. You can send the tick in to see if it has Lyme disease at this website https://www.ticklab.org/
See your doctor as soon as possible to find out if any treatment is necessary based on the type of tick that bit you. Different parts of the country have different risks when it comes to diseases from tick bites.
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch you actions; they become habits.
Watch you habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Frank Outlaw
DID YOU KNOW…….
….Delphinium petals make good confetti at weddings and other events? To preserve the petals, spread them in a single layer over a tea towel, scrap paper, or cardboard to absorb the moisture from the petals. Place in a warm, dry room for 3 - 5 days until they are dry to the touch.
….Gardening can help you live longer?
It gets you into nature.
It’s good exercise.
You’ll eat what you grow.
It exercises your mind, while also relieving stress.
We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly.
Exposure to forests strengthens our immune system, reduces blood pressure, increases energy, boosts our mood and helps us regain and maintain our focus in ways that treeless environments just don't. The benefits of walking in nature are it:
helps control depression.
improves athletic performance.
improves immunity and memory.
reduces anxiety.
helps battle colds and flu.
makes you happy.
speeds recovery time after sickness.
reduces cancer.
.…The difference between these four garden club news publications? The National Gardener is a booklet mailed out by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC), with a national focus. The Editor is Patricia Binder, [email protected]. The Keystone Gardener is a booklet mailed out by the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania (GCFP), with a state focus. The Editor is Lou Ann Lauger, [email protected]. The KG ONLINE is an online newsletter by the Garden Club of Pennsylvania (GCFP), with a state focus. The Editor is Marie Mueller, [email protected]. The TENdril is an online newsletter by District X, with a District X focus. Marie Mueller, has been the Editor for the last ten years. However beginning with the next issue, please send your submissions to Helen Galluppi, of the Pleasant Hills Garden Club, who will be taking over as Editor. Helen’s e-mail address is [email protected].
BIRTH OF DISTRICT X AND THE TENDRIL
District X was born from the splitting of District Vll into two additional garden clubs – District lX, and District X – in the year of 2000. The first District X Director was Grace Mitchell, who held the first meeting on November 1, 2000. At that time the District’s membership included these eleven clubs: Charleroi, Giant Oaks, Great Meadows, Hopwood, Martha Washington, Mountain Laurel, Garden Club of Munhall, Pleasant Hills, Town & Country, Uniontown Flower Club and Valley Garden Club. The District’s newsletter was named the TENdril as a play on the Roman numeral X. There have been four Editors to date:
Kathy Tomamichel 2001 – 2004 Susan Brimo Cox Nov 2004 – 2006 Judyth Fetsko 2007 - June 2010 Marie Mueller Sept. 2010 - present The following was written by Grace Mitchell to launch the first TENdril in 2001:
Greetings from Grace:
Welcome to District X! This is our first newsletter and we wanted everyone in our district to receive it. Future newsletters will be mailed to Presidents, Secretaries, and Publicity chairs. Our theme for the next two years will be “Why on earth if not to grow” Think about that for a second. It doesn’t just mean growing plants. It’s about growing in knowledge, friendship and enjoyment…and that’s what we want to do. We’re already growing because we have become a new district, and we’ll grow further with improved communications between clubs and the ability to share in each other’s activities. We were put here on earth for a reason - Let’s grow every way we can!
WILDFLOWER QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. Pitcher Plant 2. Jack-in-the pulpit 3. Dutchman’s Breeches 4. Mint 5. Phlox
REST IN PEACE Submitted by Angela Raitano
EVELYN PARENT (Sept. 4, 1931-Nov. 14, 2019) was born in Youngstown, Ohio. She was one of eight children, was raised in a
farmhouse and attended a one-room schoolhouse, and later attended Allegheny College, Meadville, PA where she met Fernand Noel “Pete” Parent. They were married in 1954, moved to Philadelphia, where “Pete” attended medical school. Eventually they moved to Charleroi, PA, where “Pete” practiced medicine and together they raised five children, and became grandparents to 16 grandchildren. Evelyn was a long-time member of Valley Garden Club. She loved flowers and plants and loved working in her garden. She belonged to several horticulture societies, including PHS and loved attending the Philadelphia Flower Show. She attended several state, regional and national garden club conventions and served two terms on the GCFP Board of Directors’ Mentoring Committee. Valley Garden Club recently installed a wind chime in the garden which it planted and maintains at the Mon Valley YMCA. The wind chime was dedicated in memory of Evelyn on Thursday, October 29.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM
MARIE MUELLER, TENDRIL EDITOR For the past ten years it was my pleasure to be the TENdril Editor. However, given added responsibilities with family, I will be passing the torch to Helen Galluppi, who will take over the duties as the TENdril Editor, beginning in 2021. Before retirement, Helen was a computer consultant and is now the outgoing president of the Pleasant Hills Garden Club. She is very capable and will likely bring a new vision to the TENdril. So for the next, and future newsletters, please send your articles and notices to her at, [email protected]. Please note the deadlines for the TENdril are located at the end of this newsletter. You may want to mark your calendar.
The deadline for submissions for the March 1 issue of the TENdril is February 15. Please e-mail your submission to [email protected], and put “TENdril submission” in the subject line. We welcome submissions from any District X garden club member.
The TENdril is published four times a year on the GCFP website, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1. Mark your calendar to access it them by typing “gcfp” in your browser, which will bring up information on GCFP, click on that to get to the web site, then click on “Districts” (on the left side), and choose “District X”.
