ODG Winter 2011-12

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GardenerWINTER 2011-12 | www.virginiagardenclubs.org

Old Dominion

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OLD DOMINION GARDENER

DEADLINES

Spring – February 1Summer – May 1

Fall – August 1

Winter – November 1

Send articles, events and photos

for publication to:

Gayle Class, Copy Editor

[email protected]

Send Name/Address Changes to:

Barbara Ohmsen

[email protected]

VFGC MISSION STATEMENT

Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.,

provides youth and adult education

resources and opportunities for its mem-

bers to promote the love of gardening,

oral design, civic and environmental

responsibility.

DISTRICT EDITORS

Blue Ridge

Frankie Puckett

[email protected]

Piedmont

Kay Gray

Shenandoah

Lois Northam

[email protected]

South Central

Valerie Virkler

[email protected]

Southwest

Anne Newton Dumper

[email protected]

Tidewater

Joan Wedgewood

[email protected]

Layout Editor

Judy B. Binns

[email protected]

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Winter 2011-12 Volume 42, No. 4

CONTENTS

FEATURES

VFGC Member Meeting 4

6VFGC Convention Credentials

THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE 3

VFGC NEWS

a Plant Together 9

Blue Star Markers 10

LDCC Grants 10

New Flower Show Judges 11

Yearbook Corrections 28

EDUCATION

Edible Gardening 12

Growing and Showing 14Conditioning Tips 15

Save our Pollinators 19

Conservation and the Bay 21

Book Revient Sales 30

DISTRICT AND CLUB NEWS

Club & District News 22

In Memoriam 23

NGC AND SAR NEWS

NGC Convention 17

The National Gardener 17

Natural Disasters USA 18

Educational Grants 18

NGC President’s Project 20

UPCOMING EVENTS 29

Gardener

VFGC, INCLewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside AveRichmond, VA 23228-4700

804-553-0445www.virginiagardenclubs.org

VFGC PRESIDENTJudy B. Binns“Grow Now

Planting Seeds for Tomorrow” [email protected]

NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC4401 Magnolia Ave

St. Louis, MO 62110-3492Member Services [email protected]

www.gardenclub.org

NGC PRESIDENTShirley Nicolai

“NGC: Proudly ServingOur Members and Communities”

[email protected]

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION DIRECTOR Mary H. Dixon

“Members are the Link to the Future” [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Members - Included in Dues Non-Members $3.50

Published quarterly Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Non-Prot Organization postage paid at Richmond, VA USPS 407-420

Old Dominion

Quarterly Publication of Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs Inc

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12


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Winter 2011-12 Old Dominion Gardener 3

President’s PAGE

Winter will soon be over, and I am looking forward to some warm days to get

back out into my garden. For me, there is nothing quite like “digging” to put afresh perspective on a busy day.

Spring is coming--with garden club and district sponsored meetings, schools,

special programs, and ower shows to keep all of us busy. If you have not had

an opportunity to participate in some of the schools that VFGC offers, now is a

good time to start. You meet other garden club members across the state that

share your same enthusiasm for gardening and oral design. Bring a friend to

one of the schools or special programs. Joining a local garden club is one of the

best ways to meet new friends who share a common interest.

I hope to see each of you at the VFGC Member Meeting in Charlottesville on

April 30. This meeting is for YOU--the garden club member. Every club president

should plan to attend--it is a chance for club presidents to exchange ideas and

hear about what other clubs and districts are doing across the state. The program

features Melinda Myers, a nationally known garden expert, speaking on container

gardening with some fresh ideas, design and growing tips, as well as new garden

products. VFGC will also recognize garden clubs for their work throughout the year.

A new program focusing on Community Gardens is “Plant Together.” This

new program encourages garden clubs, civic groups, youth groups, etc. to schedule

a work day during National Garden Week (rst full week in June) to plant or spruce

up gardens in their community. Read the article in this issue on how your club

can participate. VFGC wants to spread the word that garden clubs benet their

communities with beautication projects. The more clubs that are involved, the

better the possiblity of some positive publicity for the work of VFGC.

Thank you for supporting the Blue Gloves for Blue Stars program! Three

of the markers have already been refurbished and look like new. Your donations

are making the Blue Stars in Virginia shine brightly again!

I look forward to seeing you as I travel across the state for schools, meetings

and special events. My best wishes to each of you as VFGC continues to “Grow

Now . . . Planting Seeds for Tomorrow.” Judy

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VFGC MEMBER MEETING

VFGC MEMBER MEETING

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012

Doubletree by Hilton

990 Hilton Heights Road

Charlottesville, VA

This meeting is for YOU--the Virginia garden club member.

Make plans to come to the rst VFGC Member Meeting--a day of education

designed specically for the garden club member.

This meeting will feature:

• Program plus question/answer period and book signing with nationally

known garden expert, Melinda Myers, author of over 20 gardening books

including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening

• “Dig In” Workshops highlighting Youth and VFGC Projects

• Shortened Business Session

• Awards Presentation with NEW Club Special Achievement Awards

• Recognition of Club Presidents

• Shopper’s Marketplace with everything that you need or want as a de-

signer or gardening enthusiast

• Educational exhibits with information on current VFGC Projects

For those members arriving on Sunday evening, join us for dinner and a de-

sign demonstration, “Basic Floral Design, Step by Step,” a preview of the

Basic Floral Design Classes to be offered by VFGC.

GROW NOW with VFGC, meet garden club members from across the state

and take home information that you can use!

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VFGC MEMBER MEETING

FEATURED SPEAKER

MELINDA MYERS

Nationally known gardening expert,

TV/radio host, author and columnist

Melinda Myers has more than 30

years of horticulture experience and

has written over 20 gardening books,

including Can’t Miss Small Space

Gardening.

She hosts the nationally syndicated

Melinda’s Garden Moment seg-

ments which air on 89 TV and radio

stations throughout the U.S. and

Canada. She is a columnist and con-

tributing editor for Birds & Blooms

magazine and writes a twice monthly

“Gardeners’ Questions” newspaper

column.

Melinda hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for over 20 years as well as

Great Lakes Gardener on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and

Gardens and Fine Gardening and was a columnist and contributing editor for Back-

yard Living magazine. Some of her highlighted speaking engagements includes

The Philadelphia Flower Show, The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival,

Macy’s Flower Show, The Northwest Flower Show, The New Jersey Flower Show,

the Chicago Flower Show, and the Cincinnati Flower Show. Melinda has a master’s

degree in horticulture, is a certied arborist and was a horticulture instructor with

tenure. Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.

PROGRAM

“YEAR ROUND GARDEN-TAINMENT”

Put your containers to work for you year round. Pack them full of owers and edibles

in summer for you and your guests to enjoy. Just imagine garnishing your drinks

and dishes with fresh from the container garden herbs. Follow with a fall harvest

and cool tolerant owers, winter greenery and of course that long awaited burst

of spring color. Melinda will explore ways to add beauty to your entryway, balcony

or deck throughout the year and share tips on containers and plants that work to

provide year round interest even in winter.

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VFGC MEMBER MEETING

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sunday, april 29, 2012

3 pm Registration until 6:30 pm

3 pm Finance Committee Meeting

3 - 6 pm Vendor and VFGC Exhibit Set-up

5 pm Executive Committee Meeting

5:30 pm Board of Directors Meeting

7 pm Dinner & Design Demonstration

“Basic Floral Design, Step by Step”

Preview of Basic Floral Design Class offered by VFGC

Monday, april 30, 2012 - VFGC MeMber MeetinG

8:30 am Registration opens

8:30 am Vendors and Exhibits Open

9-9:45 pm “Dig In” Workshops

Highlighting Youth Projects, Community Gardens

10 am Opening of Business Meeting

Awards Presentation

Recognition of Club Presidents

12 noon Luncheon

1:15 pm Featured Speaker - Melinda Myers

“Year-round Garden-tainment”

3 pm Adjournment

HOTEL INFORMATION DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

990 Hilton Heights Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901 434-973-2121

VFGC Special Room Rate: $109 (plus tax) Deadline: April 1, 2012

To make a reservation:

• Go to the VFGC website for a direct link to a customized web page for this event

• Call Doubletree Reservations at 1-800-494-9467 and give name of event as

VFGC 2012 Annual Meeting

DIRECTIONS

• Hotel is located on Route 29, just north of Charlottesville.• From I-64: Take exit 118-B to Route 29 North Bypass. You will stay on the

bypass approximately 4.5 miles until you see a sign for Washington, DC

and 29 North. This exit will be on your right hand side. Take it and you will

be directely on Route 29 North. Continue 3.5 miles, the Doubletree Hotel is

located on the left (Hilton Heights Road) beside Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.

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VFGC MEMBER MEETING

VFGC MEMBER MEETING REGISTRATION FORMReturn form by April 15, 2012

Registration form may be downloaded from www.virginiagardenclubs.org

MAIL TO: Phillipa Smith, Registrar, 12601 Winfree St, Chester, VA 23831

[email protected] 804.748.6216CHECK PAYABLE TO: VFGC Inc

Registration Form must be completed by everyone attending

Last Name _______________________ First_______________ Middle Initial _____

Address ____________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________State_______Zip _____________

Phone ______________________Email address ____________________________

District _____________________ Club ___________________________________

Check ALL that apply:

( ) NGC Ofcer/Chairman ( ) District President ( ) NGC Life Member

( ) SAR Ofcer/Chairman ( ) District Director ( ) SAR Life Member

( ) Former VFGC President ( ) Club President ( ) VFGC Life Member

( ) VFGC Ofcer ( ) Club Member ( ) Visitor/Guest

( ) VFGC Chairman

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 - For those arriving early

Dinner and Program $30 ____________

MONDAY, APRIL 30

VFGC One-Day Member Meeting $30 ____________

($5 Registration Fee and $25 for Luncheon/Program)

TOTAL ____________

Special dietary restrictions for medical reasons ONLY ________________________

CREDENTIALS FORM

To be completed by all delegates, alternates, and VFGC Board Members

Number of delegates is determined by club size. See VFGC Bylaws.

Name ______________________________________________________________

District _____________________ Club ___________________________________

( ) VFGC Ofcer/Board of Directors ( ) Club Delegate

( ) Club President ( ) Alternate

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“PLANT TOGETHER”

COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT

WE NEED YOU!

Submitted by Elizabeth Lester, VFGC Community Gardens Chairman and

Susan Patrick, VFGC National Garden Week Chairman

National Garden Week is quickly approaching, and VFGC is counting on you and

your club to get involved with your community.

HOW? Let’s Plant Together! VFGC is encouraging all gardens clubs to partici-

pate by scheduling a work day to plant, weed or spruce up their community as well as

reach out to other clubs and organizations to celebrate National Garden Week. Clubs

are asked to do what they do best--PLANT! Partner with other civic organizations to

plant a container, start a new gardening project with plants or vegetables, or revitalize

an existing project through maintenance.

Who can help? Reach out to groups like your local Rotary, Scouts, Junior League,

DAR, Lion’s Club and Master Gardeners. Also, why not reach out and plant with your

local daycare groups, senior citizen groups, and church groups. If you don’t have a

“green thumb,” you can still participate during this important celebration. Do your part

through contacting community organizations, gathering gardening supplies, selecting

a project site, or contacting your local media. Let your community know what your

club is planning for this special week.

If your club’s gardening skills are limited, it can still participate! Contact a localyouth organization, such as the Boys and Girls Club, or a local church youth group.

Your members can share their planting skills through conducting a workshop with

these young people. Members can assist them with planting individual containers with

a ower or vegetable, such as tomato plant. At the conclusion of the workshop, the

container can then be shared with family members or a local nursing home.

VFGC wants to hear from you! Register your “Plant Together” work day on the

VFGC website at www.virginiagardenclubs.org. Each garden club who registers theirproject will receive recognition through VFGC and a publicity packet to help spread the

word that garden clubs benet the community with beautication projects.

Let’s get everyone involved during National Garden Week, June 3-9, 2012! To-

gether, VFGC can spread the word that garden clubs and their members make a dif-

ference in their communities all across Virginia.

Plant TOGETHER

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VFGC NEWS

BLUE GLOVES

FOR BLUE STARSSubmitted by Gloria Crump,

VFGC Blue Star Memorial Chairman

The Virginia Department of Transportation has been working with VFGC and three of

the oldest Blue Star Memorial Markers have been refurbished. Support “Blue Glove for

Blue Stars” at your Spring District meeting. If all goes as planned three more markers

will be sent for refurbishing and this project will be complete by spring.

Thank you to our members who helped to make this possible by donating $10.00

and receiving a pair of blue gloves to help refurbish the Blue Star markers.

BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER

PRICE INCREASESubmitted by Mary Warshauer,

NGC Blue Star Memorial Chairman

EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2012

Prices for Blue Star Memorial markers will increase effective May 1, 2012 as follows:

• Blue Star Memorial and Highway Markers (includes post) $1,350

• Blue Star Memorial Byway Markers $450

• New Post Only - $325

• Large Blue Star Memorial/Highway Marker without Post - $1120

• Refurbishing $800 per marker

Order forms may be downloaded at www.gardenclub.org

LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSULTANTS COUNCIL

GRANTS FOR PROJECTS

Remember to apply for VFGC Landscape Design Consultants Council grantsfor VFGC member garden club sponsored projects. Grants of $150.00 each will

be given to the 3 best entries. Details are available on the VFGC website.

Deadline for applications is April 16, 2012.

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VFGC NEWS

The Gardener’s WorkshopOnline Garden Shop

Flower Arranging and Gardening Supplies

Ask About Our Fundraiser Club Programs

TGW is Available as a Retail Vendor at your Event

757-877-7159 Newport News, Va.

Toll Free 1-888-977-7159 [email protected]

www.shoptgw.com Request Catalogsfor your Club!

Lisa Ziegler

Cut-Flower Farmer and Speaker Visit our Group Program page to see what

others are saying about Lisa’s programs:

“ . . . the best program our club has ever had.”

NEW FLOWER SHOW JUDGESSubmitted by Cindy Rustin, VFGC Flower Show Schools Chairman

VFGC has four new Flower Show Judges! Congratulations to the following

who passed the Flower Show School Handbook Exam in October 2011:

Glenda Knowles Diane Blackwell

Kim Blatz Pat Shrader

Remember when you contact Flower Show Judges for your standard ower

shows to be sure to include our newest judges and student judges.

The Flower Show School, Course IV, is scheduled for August 26-29, 2012 in

Richmond at the Holiday Inn Koger Center. Instructors will be Julia Clevett for

Design and Dot Yard for Horticulture.

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Edible GARDENING

LET’S START THOSE GARDENS

Submitted by Renee Johnson

Southwest District Edible Gardening Chairman

Spring will be here shortly and all gardeners

will be thinking about planting. Be it vegetables,

perennials, or annuals, they all start from seeds.

So why not start your own seedlings this year?

The cost of everything is going up, and therefore

the most economical way to plant a garden is to

start your own plants. Here are some pointers for

successful seed starting:

Sowing seeds indoors: Timing is critical when you start seeds indoors. It is

important that you know your average last spring frost date, how quickly your seed

will germinate and grow, and if the plant prefers cool or warm growing conditions.

VFGC members garden in several different time zones and you must be aware of your

local temperatures. Seedlings that are ready for transplanting into the garden at the

proper time is the goal, and that will vary greatly across our state.

Your average last frost date can be determined from entering your zip code on

this site davesgarden.com/guides/freeze-frost-dates or by calling your local exten-

sion agent. This information is needed because seed packets suggest a planting time

based on your average last frost date.

What soil is needed to start seeds: Because garden soil can harbor diseases

you should always use soil-less mixes that are lightweight and designed for seed

starting. Seeds require a soil-less mix that drains freely, is fungi free, and yet can

retain the right amount of moisture to get your seedlings off to a great start. Many

commercial mixes are available today as well as complete seed starting set-ups that

include the soil-less mix, a styrofoam container with individual cells, and covers toretain moisture which is critical during germination.

How to plant seeds: Most seed packets provide specic depths for planting and

be sure that you don’t plant seeds too deep. Seeds are self-contained storage units

and are designed to provide the proper amount of nourishment, but only if planted

correctly. Planting too deep can mean the seedling will run out of food before it reaches

the light. If your packet says light is required to germinate, place these seeds on the

surface of the soil-less mix.

How to watering and fertilize: For most seeds bottom watering works best,and seems to help prevent disease problems (just ask your African Violet). Not to

mention that it is tricky to water very small seeds without washing them away, except

by watering from the bottom. Self-watering seed starting systems are a wonderful

choice and work by using a wicking fabric to supply water from the bottom. This

provides a steady water suppy, and if set up with a reservoir system, it means less

watering for the gardener.

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After sprouting, the rst set of leaves that you will see are called cotyledons. Be-

cause all the food that is needed to sustain these rst leaves is contained right insidethe seed, you do not need to fertilize yet. When the second set of leaves appears, you

can begin feeding your seedlings. Young seedlings can’t tolerate full-strength fertilizer,

so be gentle and provide only a half-strength dose until they are three or four weeks old.

Greenhouse covers on seed starters: If you use a seed starting kit that has

a cover, be sure to remove the cover when you see the seed has sprouted. Although

the cover is designed to retain moisture, air circulation around your seedlings is critical

to minimize disease problems.

Using grow lights: Lights should sit just a few inches from the tops of the

seedlings. This will encourage strong stocky growth. I have also read that applying

a slight breeze from a fan encourages strong stems as well as improving circulation.

Lights should be on for about 15 hours a day.

Transplanting seedlings: Some plants grow quickly and may need to be trans-

planted into bigger pots before time to plant them into the garden. To test this, when

seedlings are about 4” tall, gently remove one of the seedlings and if the roots are

beginning to ll the space, it is time to transplant into a larger pot. You may want

to transplant some plants, such as tomatoes, to create a bigger plant to go into the

garden which will hopefully mean earlier tomatoes.

Hardening off: This has always been the hardest part for me because by the

time my plants have attained their “outdoor size” I am ready to kick them out of the

house and get them in the garden. But after several years of watching the sun scorch

the tender green leaves (which slows down the growing process) I have learned that

for me, hardening off is the most important part of this entire process. Hardening off

means acclimating plants to outdoor conditions. Seedlings grown indoors have been

pampered and outdoor conditions are more challenging. At least one and a half weeksbefore you plan to set the seedlings into the garden, start hardening them off. Place

them in a sheltered spot outdoors (ltered sun or partly sunny and out of the wind)

for a few hours but bringing them in at night. Gradually, over this time expose them

to more and more sunshine and wind. After about 10 days, you are ready to put your

new plants in the garden.

References

1. www.gardeners.com is Gardeners’ Supply Company – garden supplies, nu-merous articles and How-To guides.

2. organicgardening.com is the website for Organic Gardening magazine, the

quintessential organic gardeners guide.

Edible GARDENING

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Flower SHOWS

GROWING AND SHOWING

Has your club held a fower show lately?

Is your club planning a fower show?

A ower show can be a fun and exciting project for any size garden club. It

showcases the talents of your members--whether they are growers or designers.

Plus, when you open the show to the public, you may just inspire someone to join

your garden club to learn the latest in gardening and oral design.

The Old Dominion Gardener as well as the VFGC website wants to showcase

the ower shows that clubs sponsor across the state of Virginia. Send photos and

descriptions of your ower shows that feature:

• Award winning designs and horticulture

• Special Exhibits both Educational and Artistic Crafts

• Innovative staging

• Theme staging

• and more . . .

Send articles on “How to” build innovative staging, conditioning and transporting

horticulture specimens, etc. Plus send dates of when your ower show is held so that

other club members can come and see your show. Send to Gayle Class, Copy Editor,

[email protected].

TIPS ON SUBMITTING PHOTOS Send name of exhibitor, name or title of exhibit, garden club and any awards won

Digital submission by e-mail

• Send the ORIGINAL SIZE photo--these will be large les and you may need

to send one at a time

• E-mail to [email protected]

Printed photo

• Send by regular US Mail to 14400 Newgate Rd, Midlothian, VA 23113 to bescanned.

• Do NOT write on the back of the photo

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Flower SHOWS

Small and miniature designs

staged on a giant wedding

cake at the Salisbury Garden

Club F lower Show, “A

Salisbury Wedding.”

Class of troughs in the Horticulture Division staged on garden

benches at Middleburg GC standard ower show.

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TROPICAL FLOWERS

CONDITIONING AND DESIGN TIPS

Anthuriums

• Submerge entire bloom end face-down for 15-20 minutes.

• Use room temperature water

• Keep at temperatures above 60 degrees

Ginger Family

• Submerge entire bloom

• Use room temperature water

• Arrange directly in water for best

results

• Keep at temperatures above 45

degrees

Protea Family

• Trim at least 1 inch from the bottom

of stem

• Place into a bucket of fresh, luke-

warm water immediately

• For best results, arrange directly in

water

• Keep at temperatures above 55

degrees

• Proteas are thirsty--maintain water

level in design

General Tips for ALL Tropical

Flowers

• Mist often with fresh, room tempera-

ture water

• Replace the water in your design

daily

• Keep owers away from heat sources

and drafts

• Do not refrigerate

• Do not place design in direct sunlight

Creative design by Julia Clevett at

Flower Show Judges’ Symposium in

Williamsburg

Floral DESIGN

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NGC NEWS

THE NATIONAL GARDENER

THE NATIONAL GARDENER IS A CONTINUOUS CIRCLE that connects Na-

tional Garden Clubs, Inc. to the Region, to the State Garden Club, to the District, to

the Member Garden Club and, nally, to the individual Garden Club member.

THE NATIONAL GARDENER IS THE VOICE of NGC, communicating with allgarden club members.

THE NATIONAL GARDENER IS A STOREHOUSE of ideas for horticulture,

oral and landscape design, ower shows, conservation, and environmental projects.

THE NATIONAL GARDENER IS A MANUAL that presents the latest concern-

ing NGC Awards, and Basic Flower Arranging, as well as information on our NGC

Schools--Flower Show Schools, Horticulture Study, Environmental Study, Gardening

Study, and Landscape Design.

The National Gardener is published quarterly by:National Garden Clubs, Inc.

4401 Magnolia Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63110-3492

Subscribe today! Subscription cost is $6.50 per year. To subscribe, call 800-

550-6007 or download a subscription form at www.gardenclub.org.

NGC CONVENTION

“EXPLORE THE WONDERS”

Come to Buffalo, New York for the 83rd Annual

Convention on May 18-19, 2012. Any garden club

member may attend.

The convention features:

• Designer Ricardo Costa from Brazil

• Mike Shadrack with Behind the Scenes at

the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

• Tours of Buffalo and Niagra

• Seminars

National Garden Clubs is also having a NATIONAL ower show, titled “An Empire

of Wonders,” in conjunction with the 2012 Convention. The show schedule may be

downloaded from the NGC website and includes 58 classes of horticulture, 29 classes

of design, plus educational exhibits and artistic crafts.

Deadline for registration is April 16, 2012. Complete information and registra-

tion forms may be found in The National Gardener or downloaded from the NGCwebsite www.gardenclub.org.

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NGC NEWS

NATURAL DISASTERS USA

A garden club or clubs may apply for funds to help replant, restore and beautify

a public area that has been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, such as hur-

ricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, oods, res, etc.

The restoration project is to be sponsored by State Garden Club or Member Club/s.

A member club may receive up to $5000 per disaster project and may receive no more

that $5000 per disaster within the NGC Fiscial Year.

Information needed to apply:

• Application form

• Nature and severity of disaster• Location of area to be restored

• Proposed restoration plan by garden club/s

• Estimated itemized costs of your project

• Other funds received toward restoration project

All applications are reviewed by the Natural Disaster, USA Chairman and Committee.

To apply, download the application form from the NGC website www.gardenclub.org.For more information or questions concerning the application process, contact

Adrienne Langan, Natural Disasters USA Chairman, at [email protected].

OPERATION WILDFLOWER/NATIVE PLANT

EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OR WORKSHOP GRANTS

A grant of up to $500 is available to be used towards direct expenses for an

educational program on this subject. Districts, councils and individual garden clubs

may co-sponsor a symposium with state agencies, arboreta, native plant societ-

ies, or similar organizations. Gardeners are eager for information on native plants;

state highway or transportation departments need publicity and support for their

planting programs.

More information and application form can be found on the NGC website.

Subjects to be covered:

• One or more topics on native ora: endangered species, plants for butteries,

plants for special habitats, identication using keys, invasive species manage-ment, etc.

• Public planting: state highways, rest areas, preservation of community natural

areas.

• Propagation of wildowers.

• Designing native plant gardens or developing nature trails

• Operation Wildower Awards information

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NGC NEWS

SAVE OUR POLLINATORS

Michelle Mensinger

NGC Endangered Species Chairman

The US has lost over 50% of our man-

aged honeybee colonies over the last 10

years due to chemical misuse, introduced

and invasive plant and animal species,

diseases and parasites. We, as an envi-

ronmentally concerned organization, being

aware of this disturbing problem, hope to

promote ways that we, as NGC members,

can help protect our threatened pollinators.

WHAT CAN WE DO to promote and protect pollinators?

WATCH FOR POLLINATORS: Get connected with nature. Take a walk, experi-

ence the landscape and look for pollinators, midday in sunny, planted areas. Install

houses for bats and native bees, encouraging them to thrive.

CREATE a pollinator-friendly garden habitat

DESIGN your garden so that there is a continuous succession of plants owering

from spring through fall. Check for the species and cultivars best suited to your area

and gradually replace lawns with ower beds.

PLANT NATIVE SPECIES that will thrive in your region, using plants that pro-

vide nectar for insects and hummingbirds and also food for larvae, such as milkweed

for monarchs.

SUPPLY water for all wildlife.

REDUCE YOUR IMPACT: Reduce or eliminate your pesticide use, increase green

spaces and minimize urbanization. Pollution and climate change affect pollinators, just

as they affect people.

SPREAD THE WORD: Pollinators have enabled our diverse variety of plants to

prosper and grow, creating an abundance of food for our hungry world, for thousands

of years. Now, THEY need OUR help. Please help them by creating a pollinator- friendly

environment, through conservation and education, ultimately establishing a global

awareness of our fragile planet. Teach our children the importance of pollinators with

fun facts, such as a tiny y (“a midge”) no bigger than a pinhead is responsible for

the world’s supply of chocolate!

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12



NGC President’s PROJECT

MONETARY AWARDS FOR

NGC PRESIDENT’S PROJECT 2011-2013

PLANTINGS FOR PUBLIC AND SPECIAL PLACESSubmitted by Betsy Steele, NGC Coordinator, Plantings for Public and Special Places

Representing three areas of interest; Gardens with Edibles, Container Gardens,

Trees and Shrubs, this project recognizes ALL garden club service to communities

when members provide Plantings for Public and Special Places. These plantings can

beautify, have environmental value or provide sustenance. Possibilities exist for ev-

ery garden club, regardless of its size, resources, and energy levels. Clubs, districts

and regions will be awarded Certicates of Appreciation and Participation by the NGC

President and can also apply for monetary awards. Details regarding categories andmonetary awards will be printed on the NGC website. To receive this recognition,

participants are asked to submit an online form, available on the NGC website, along

with a before and after digital photo.

Garden clubs may submit online forms for any or all of the three (3) areas of in-

terest listed below. Application forms are sent to directly to the NGC Chairman listed

below. Submission deadlines are April 1, 2012 and April 1, 2013.

Gardens with Edibles - NGC Chairman: Patricia Rupiper, [email protected] 1st Place $300

2nd Place $150

3rd Place $100

Container Gardens - NGC Chairman: Susan Robinson, [email protected]

1st Place $300

2nd Place $150

3rd Place $100

Trees and Shrubs - NGC Chairman: Lissa Williamson, [email protected]

1st Place $300

2nd Place $150

3rd Place $100

Participate in the NGC President’s Project - Plantings for Public and Special Places.

Your club can WIN in each category. Visit the NGC website www.gardenclub.org for

more details. If you have questions, contact your individual State President or anyone

listed in this article for more details.

Our State could be recognized for outstanding participation. It all starts with you

and your garden club!

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Conservation INFORMATION

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY?

Lynn Pappas, Piedmont District Conservation ChairmanReprinted from Footprints, Winter 2011-12

Did you know that more than 16 million people live on land that drains into the

Chesapeake Bay, and what we do on our property has a big impact on the Bay? It’s

not just industrial and agribusinesses that pollute the Bay--new homeowners contrib-

ute substantially to Bay pollution runoff. Grassy turf--not farm runoff--is the most

dominant crop in the Bay Watershed. Reducing the amount of fertilizer you apply to

your lawn will help reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels in the Bay. Try tobuy low phosphorus fertilizers. Also, consider replacing part of your lawn with native

plants. Natives require less fertilizer, water, and pesticides, thus adding fewer chemicals

to the watershed. To nd a list of these natives, google “Virginia Native Plants List.”

Another suggestion would be to plant a rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow

depression planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses located next to a runoff

source, such as a downspout or driveway. This will keep clean water out of the sewer

system and deter pollutants from running off of our yards.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay has partnered with the District of Columbia’s

District Department of the Environment to help create RiverSmart Homes. RiverSmart

Homes provides grants to DC residents to help them install shade trees, rain barrels,

rain gardens, BayScaping, and removal of impervious driveway surfaces.

Rain Gardens

Other sources of information on Rain Gardens from Kay Fisher, NGC Rain

Gardens Chairman:

• Your local Cooperative Extension Service

• Rain Garden Network www.raingardennetwork.com

• Wikipedia - artilcle on Rain Gardens

• Books such as Rain Gardens--Managing Water Sustainably in

the Garden and Designed Landscape by Nigel Dunnett & AndyClayden; The Rain Garden Planner by Terry Wallace; and Rain

Gardening in the South by Helen Kraus & Anne Spafford

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12



PIEDMONT DISTRICT

Club and District NEWS

Pamunkey River GC Celebrates

50th Anniversary Submitted by Marilyn Baker-O’Connor

The Pamunkey River GC celebrated

its 50th anniversary on October 15, 2011

at Shady Grove Methodist Church in Me-

chanicsville. Current and past members

and guests gathered to share memories

and enjoy a reception prepared by First

Vice President, Jean Ray, and her daughter

Charlotte Gooch. Scrapbooks and memo-

rabilia displayed 50 years of community

involvement, education and fellowship.

Ann Benjamin, VFGC Honorary President

and member of Pamunkey River GC, Nancy

Hargroves, NGC Third Vice President, and

Linda Simon, Piedmont District President,

were among the guests recognized by

President Susan Blankinship.

Members created the oral arrange-

ments for the tables including Nancy Lee

Martin who designed the centerpiece and

Jean Ray who created a special design in

memory of former member, Anne Blake.

Virginia Wright and Ann Benjamin spoke

about the club’s long history. A program

by Jane VanDenburgh featured several

oral designs including a special ladybug

and a rescued and repaired container

which told the Pamunkey River GC story.

The club is celebrating its 50th year

by creating a children’s garden within the

courtyard area of Pole Green Elementary

School. Trees, bulbs, roses and pansies

have been planted. A friendly alligator,

the school’s mascot, was placed in a

owerbed. Apple trees, g trees, berry

bushes and perennials will be planted in

the spring.

Pamunkey River GC Members at 50th Anniversary Celebration

Top Row: Delores Jaggi, Thelma Bailey, Susan Blankinship, Nancy Lee Martin, Debbie

Hollowell, Marilyn Baker-O’Connor. Bottom Row: Nita Dunkum, Ann Benjamin, Jean

Ray, Virginia Wright, Charlotte Torseth. Floral design is by Jane VanDenburgh.

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12




Spring Plant Sale

Submitted by Mary Wilbin

Clay Spring GC will hold its annual

plant sale on May 12, 2012 from 9 am

to 3 pm in front of Peebles Department

store in Ashland.

Holiday Gala

Submitted by Mona Harrison

Rosecrest GC of Colonial Heights will

present a Holiday Gala, on October 10,

2012 at the Country Club of Petersburg.

This popular event, which sold out last

year before fall, will feature Al Brockwell,

from Richmond, as guest speaker. Many

door prizes and silent auction items will be

available. A delicious luncheon, prepared

by the club chef ,will be served Doors will

open at nine o’clock.

Reservations/tickets for $30 will be

available on June 1,2012. For more infor-

mation, contact Mona Harrison, chairper-

son, at 804-564-1884 or Barbara Smith,

ticket chairperson, at 804-526-2609.

BLUE RIDGE DISTRICT

Mildred Beecher

VFGC President 1983-1985

Town & Country GC - Blacksburg

PIEDMONT DISTRICT

Linda SimonHanover Towne GC

Piedmont District President

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Pauline Thomas

Marion GC

Twin Rivers GC

Submitted by Val Virkler

The Twin Rivers GC will be celebrating

the annual May honors luncheon at the

home of Mary Fran Lewis in Clarksville.

Mary Fran has opened her home to the

garden club for many years, exemplifying

the caring and supportive qualities that

describe this accomplished woman.

Raised in Berkeley, California in the

Roaring 20’s, she moved to Hawaii, where

she met and married her aviator husband,

Meriwether. After World War II, they and

their young children moved to his family

home, Merield, in Clarksville, Virginia.

Mary Fran has a lifetime of com-

munity service and leadership and has

achieved renown as an accomplished

artist. Her artistic abilities and her loveof owers “go hand in hand”, resulting

in tranquil, harmonious gardens. The

members always anticipate an enjoyable

garden luncheon experience at her home

and we thank her for her generosity.

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT

TIDEWATER DISTRICT

Eleanor Dudley

Berkeley GC

Emily Evanow

Green Spring GC

Dorothy Samuelson

Dogwood GC

Jo Smith

Toano GC

In Memoriam

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12




SHENANDOAH DISTRICT

Natural Bridge GC

Celebrates 80th Anniversary Submitted by Lucy Gritzmacher

and Lois Northam

The Natural Bridge GC celebrated

its 80th Anniversary at a luncheon at

the Southern Inn II in Lexington, VA on

January 11, 2012. Attendees included

Judy Binns, VFGC President, Mary Burke,

Shenandoah District President, LucyGritzmacher, Natural Bridge GC Presi-

dent, associate, honorary, and active club

First Row: Lucille McCown, Jeanne Day, Adelaide Simpson, Betty Haskins, Virginia

Leach, Bobbie Woolfenden

Second Row: Michelle Treger, Carolyn Kuper, Sarah Lanford, Boots Jones, Mary Burke

(President, Shenandoah District of VFGC), Lucy Gritzmacher (President, Natural Bridge

Garden Club)

Standing: Doris Fredricksen, Martha Lou Derrick, Saundra Martis, Debbie Levonick,

Linda Baron, Maureen Becker, Marta Kastner, Doris Greywall, Ellin Mattie, Suzy Jones,

Ann Nay, Anne Weede, Judith Wycoff, Irene Condie.

Photo by Judy Binns, VFGC President

members. After lunch, the club members

reminisced and shared birthday cupcakes

with candles. Club member, Marta Kast-

ner, wrote and published Natural Bridge

Garden Club, History 1932-2012 using

80 years of minutes, treasurer reports,and interviews with club members.

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8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12




SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Submitted by Anne Dumper

Clubs are busy and things are movingalong in the Southwest District.

The Seasons IV GC of Tazewell has

assisted the Methodist Church with a me-

morial Garden Project. The club planted

a Pink Kwanza Cherry Tree in celebration

of “Plant It Pink”. The club members also

helped the Methodist Youth plant some

100 tulip bulbs to welcome spring.

The Abingdon GC is working with the

town of Abingdon to revitalize the town’s

bird sanctuary. Special bird houses have

been purchased and the town will put

them in appropriate locations. New bird

sanctuary signs are being constructed,

and will be placed at all the entrances to

Abingdon.

The Lee County GC decorates a

Christmas tree at the County Courthouse

in Jonesville each year. This year the tree

was especially unique as the members

grew gourds, dried them and decorated

them to adorn the tree in an environmen-

tally, green and friendly manner. One of

their very talented members instructed

them in the decorating of gourds.

Christmas is an important and busy

time in Galax for the Galax GC. Each

year the club decorates a Christmas tree

for the School of Arts Lobby. Opened sev-

eral years ago, the Chestnut Creek School

of Arts is located in an historic old bank

building that was remodeled by the com-

munity for the school. Studios were built

for painters, sculptors, and musicians. The

town of Galax has become a ‘real’ artist’s

colony with many talented musicians andsculptors moving in to be part of the new

school. The diversity of new individuals

has become a joy to the community.

A second tree is decorated in the

library for the children. This tree uses

only special decorations that would entice

children to visit the library and to enjoy a

book to read.Several years ago an old unsightly

building was torn down and a gaping hole

was left in the downtown area. The gar-

den club stepped in and asked to have a

green space developed. With a lot of hard

work, dedication and love the garden club

brought forth a lovely green space with a

gazebo and small gardens. Many com-

munity programs are held in this green

space, and often children’s programs are

featured. Christmas time is not forgotten

in the decorating the community for the

holiday. The green space is decorated

with a theme appropriate for the holiday.

Galax GC Members Kathy James, Carol

Morris, Nancy Luague, Janet Nucholls, Joy

Murray and Margaret Ballard.

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Tidewater District sponsored a Stan-

dard Flower Show as part of the VirginiaFlower & Garden Expo. Darlene (Sam)

Halvorsen was this year’s Flower Show

chairman; and the show title was “Tomor-

row’s Designs Today”.

The top winners in the Horticulture

Division were Ann Brown (Lake Smith Ter-

race GC), Arboreal Award in Conifers and

Award of Horticulture Excellence for rare

Vietnamese evergreen; Frances Thrash

(Little Neck GC), Arboreal Award in Broad-

leaf Evergreens for Aucuba; Lisabetty Lut-

ton (Cedar Point GC), Growers Choice in

Container Grown Flowering Plants for cy-

clamen; and Bill Smoot (Green Pine GC),

Growers Choice Award in Container Grown

Foliage Plants for Hedera helix (ivy).

In the Design Division, Betty Ann

Galway (Thoroughgood GC) received the

Designer’s Choice Award; Frances Thrash

received the Table Artisrty Award and

Award of Design Excellence; and Susan

Atkins (Thoroughgood GC) received the

Petite Award.

TIDEWATER DISTRICT

Betty Ann Galway, Thoroughgood GC, was

awarded the Designer’s Choice Award.

Petite designs staged in

innovative “box” with

lighted staging. See VFGC

website for more Tidewater

District FS photos. Susan

Atkins, Thoroughgood GC,

received the Petite Award.

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12



Contact INFORMATION

VFGC YEARBOOK

CORRECTIONS

Send ALL Directory additions/changes

to: Betsy Klein,

[email protected]

p 7 Calendar of Events

Add :

Aug 26-29 Flower Show School IV

RichmondSept 9-11 FS Judges Symposium

Staunton

Change:

Sept 12 VFGC Board of Directors

Staunton

P 133 HUNT, GenevaEmail [email protected]

P 137 SMITH, Phillipa

Email [email protected]

P 138 STEELE, Phyllis

Email [email protected]

Virginia Federationof Garden Club

Ofcers

PresidentJudy B. Binns

[email protected]

1st Vice PresidentLiaison to Club Presidents

Marilyn J. Mason

[email protected]

2nd Vice PresidentFinance Chairman

501(c)(3) Group ExemptionJanice M. Clem

[email protected]

3rd Vice PresidentMembership Chairman

Mary E. [email protected]

Recording SecretaryMary Sue Floyd

[email protected]

TreasurerClaudia H. Cosby

501(c)(3) Group [email protected]

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12



UPCOMING VFGC EVENTS

Mar 19 Piedmont District Meeting Richmond

Mar 20-23 Flower Show School III Staunton

Mar 25-27 South Atlantic Convention White Sulphur

Springs, WV

Mar 28 LD Consultants Council Gloucester

Mar 29-30 Landscape Design School III Gloucester

Apr 5 Tidewater District Meeting Portsmouth

Apr 12 Shenandoah District Meeting Front Royal

Apr 14 Southwest District Meeting Abingdon

Apr 17 South Central District Meeting Pittsylvania

Apr 19 Blue Ridge District Meeting Roanoke

Apr 26 NGC Flower Show Judges HB Exam

Apr 29 VFGC Board of Directors Charlottesville

Apr 30 VFGC Member Meeting Charlottesville

May 17-19 NGC National Flower Show Buffalo, NY

May 18-19 NGC Convention Buffalo, NY

June 3-9 National Garden Week

“Plant Together” Community Garden Project

Aug 26-29 Flower Show School IV Richmond

Sept 9-11 Flower Show Judges Symposium Staunton

Sept 12 VFGC Board of Directors Staunton

Upcoming EVENTS

Order bulbs from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs and 25% of the sale will be donated to

Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs.

It’s simple:

• Go to www.bloominbucks.com

• Select Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs from the organization drop

down list• Purchase any item on their website

• Brent and Becky’s Bulbs will send a percentage of your sale to VFGC.

Thank youfor your support.

8/3/2019 ODG Winter 2011-12


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Documents

ODG Winter 2011-12