Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
TTHEHE PPRESIDENTRESIDENT ’’SS MMESSAGEESSAGE
President’s Message ............... 1 Meeting Information ................. 1 Club News .................................. 2 New Members / Renewals ........ 2 WGSO Fun Facts Trivia .............. 2 Board Meeting Info ................... 2 Ad Rates .................................... 2 Event Calendar .......................... 3 WGSO Board Contact List .......... 3 Last Month’s Recap ................... 3 Fall Planted Bulbs ...................... 4 2015 Newsletter Info ................. 4 Christmas Party Info .................. 4 Design & Build Your Pond ... 5 & 6 Fall Pond Care ............................ 7 Pond Pro Cook-Out ................... 8 Night Tour ................................. 8 Upcoming Events Details ........... 9 Bringing Plants Indoors............ 10 Birthdays ................................. 10 Club Contact Info ..................... 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Fall is definitely in the air and the time of year again most of you I’m sure is already working, if not done, on getting plant material out of our ponds and covering them up to keep leaves and debris out for the winter. It seems we just uncovered them getting ready for spring.
Mike at Pond Pro along with the great staff hosted a cook out October 11th for the WGSO members as we redeemed our pond dollars. Everyone had such a great time and if you didn’t come, make sure it’s on you to do list for next year.
I hope everyone has picked out their favorite chili recipe for our 3rd annual chili cook-off. We will see this year, which member has the best chili of the group. Even if you don’t make any chili for competi-tion be sure to come, as taste testers are needed. There will be refreshments as always.
Don’t forget, we only have one more month at the Will Rogers building for our monthly meetings. And starting in December we will be moving to our new home for our meetings at NW Church of Christ. Our meetings will be the first Tuesday of each month, still at 7:00pm with the exception of our Christ-mas Party..
It is nearly Thanksgiving and time for all of the holiday festivities to start. We are now working on our Christmas Party so if you have not signed up, be sure to attend our November meeting to do so. Our party will start promptly at 6:30pm at the NW Church of Christ, located at NW 23rd and Geraldine. From just east of Meridian on NW 23rd, turn at the Subway and go north one block. We have really fun entertainment scheduled for the evening, so don’t miss it. It is pot luck so bring a dish and a toy or book for a child that will be donated.
I would like to thank the members who stepped up to be on our 2015 board and the different chair positions. It brings new life into our club when we get new people on board as they have so many new and different ideas. It’s exciting when we get members who have joined just this year to volunteer to be an active part of the club. I can’t wait to see what we can do this next year. Sometimes it only takes a small change to really make a difference.
Hope to see you at the Chili Cook-off in November.
Diane Clark
WGSO President
N E XT M EE T IN G 2nd Wednesday of the Month
November 12, 2014 Bring Snacks To Share
PROGRAM:
Details On Page 9
2
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
WGSO AD RATES If you would like to place an ad in the Pond Life, the rates are as follows:
Business Card $10.00 1/4 Page $25.00 1/2 Page $75.00 Full Page $100.00
Ads are to be CAMERA READY PREPAID in advance. Send payment to the WGSO Treasurer, Jim Maida, 10612 Turnberry Ln, OKC, OK 73170.
Send ad to the newsletter editor, Paullei Mumme at [email protected].
Ad must be in editor’s possession no later than the 15th of the month preceding publication.
EX: August issue must be received by July 20th.
Tuesday, November 4 @ 6:30 pm
RSVP Required to Diane Clark
[email protected] 947-6999
Diane Clark
4900 NW 35th St Oklahoma City, OK
NEW MEMBERS:NEW MEMBERS:
Ronald Rampersad Ronald Rampersad
As of the 20th of the month:
WW ELCOMEELCOME WGSO MWGSO M EMBERSEMBERS
Open to all WGSO members - RSVP Required - Bring a Dish.
If you paid your 2014 Membership Dues last month and DON’T see your name, contact Patty Smith at
Tickets are $1 @ Meetings & Club Events.
$ 7 2 . 0 0 10/20/14
In 2012, when Melinda Parsons was our WGSO President she came up with the fun idea of having Sweets for the Sweet. That year in February started the competition of who could make the best dessert. It was so well received, that in November
the Chili Cook-off was started. It was started to get more members involved and people to socialize within the club. Her idea was such a success both the Sweets for the Sweet and the Chili Cook-off is now a WGSO tradition.
3
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
Wine Bottle Rain Chain Workshop November 1 Leaf & Boulder Finishing Workshop November 1 Board Meeting November 4
General Meeting Annual Chili Cook-off November 12 Board Meeting December TBD WGSO Christmas Party RSVP Required December 2
22 0 1 4 W G S O B O A R D 0 1 4 W G S O B O A R D
EXECUTIVE OFFICER*/ COMMITTEE CHAIRS NAME CELL OTHER E-MAIL
*President Diane Clark 802-6200 947-6999 [email protected]
*Vice-President Tonah Tharp 973-4209 340-6495 [email protected]
*Secretary Teresa Asbury 659-2595 755-8090 [email protected]
*Treasurer Jim Maida 691-7630 [email protected]
*Historian Dennis Wagner 550-8923 265-3996 [email protected]
*Past President Jim Conner 317-6016 801-2891 [email protected]
Newsletter / Activities Paullei Mumme 642-4767 [email protected]
Membership Patty Smith 694-0886 717-9995 [email protected]
Plant Sales/Tour Guide Sales Gary Guild 397-5758 390-8112 [email protected]
Programs Connie Fisher 350-3378 [email protected]
Refreshments Claribel Collier 396-8074 N/A
Refreshments Phil & Sarah Grissam 454-3571 [email protected]
Tour Guide Publication Tom Thompson 693-5098 [email protected]
Website Alex Philbrick 812-5876 [email protected]
Tour Guide Ad Sales/Members Tours Diane Clark 802-6200 947-6999 [email protected]
Entertainment (Summer Social & Christmas Party) Diane Clark 802-6200 947-6999 [email protected]
Librarian Alex Philbrick 812-5876 [email protected]
OCTOBER RECAP
Connie Fisher did something a bit different at our October meeting. She arranged for members of the pond club to tell about something they have done with their pond which made a great improvement. She spoke about how they have used a piece of metal shelving to create a screen to keep fish from going into their skimmer box of death, what many of us have experi-enced at one time or another. Michael Benson had a CD to show and tell how he has built a bog to help clean his pond. The plants in his bog were huge but yet afterwards his floating plants didn’t do so well because his bog is working so well. Mary Garrett spoke about how they were able to finish their pond and also how to make some really cute pumpkins with moss and succulents hot glued on top. She’s so creative.! Jay Jones told us how he puts a piece of filter media cut to fit in his skimmer box between the net and his pump & rinses it off every few days. By doing so he doesn’t have to clean his filter near as often. After he told me that, I do that now myself and I don’t clean my filter even half of what I used to do. And my water looks crystal clear.
2015 WGSO EXECUTIVE BOARD
We held our election for our 2015 executive board and our members voted at our October meeting. We still have a few positions open for people to help so if you are interested contact Diane Clark at 947-6999. Some are for the year while others are short term. Most at this point we are looking for help to co-chair some positions.
The new executive board is:
President Diane Clark Vice-President: Ellie Miller Secretary: Connie Kaye Treasurer: Jim Maida Historian: Martha Garrard
4
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
2015 NEWSLETTER
Due to the rising cost to print and mail our monthly newsletters to the select members who do not have email or prefer to have a hard copy mailed to them, in 2015 there will be a $24.00 fee per year for those who wish to receive the WGSO monthly newsletter by snail mail. This fee is in addition to the $25 annual membership fee.
If you want to continue to receive the newsletter this next year in the mail, both your dues and the newsletter fee must be paid in January to avoid any missed newsletters. You membership dues are for the calendar year while the newsletter goes from Feb-ruary through January. Those who are signed up to get the newsletter by email will continue to do so at no additional charge.
Christmas PartyChristmas Party Tuesday, December 2, 6:30pm
Northwest Church of Christ – Family Life Center NW 23 St. and N Geraldine
Be sure to sign up for our Christmas Party which will be held Tuesday, December 2, at 6:30pm. If you are unable to attend the November meeting, to reserve your spot please call Diane Clark at 947-6999. Let us know if you will be bringing a salad, vegetable or desert and how many are coming.
We have a lot planned for the evening so try to arrive no later than 6:15 so that we can get your food placed and you can get seated. We will have a large group and we want to start at 6:30 sharp. It will allow us only 45 minutes to go through the line, get seated and eat as the entertainment is scheduled to start at 7:15.
As in past years we are also asking for an unwrapped toy or book for a child from 2 to 12 years old that we will be donating to the abused women’s shelter. Due to Thanksgiving so close before our party the deadline is Sunday, November 23.
The evening is guaranteed to make you laugh so don’t miss the FUN!!! If you have questions please call. Please call to cancel your reservation if you cannot make it.
5
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
The popularity of backyard ponds continues to grow at a vigorous pace. With the availability of better equipment, and the advent of complete pond kits, construction has never been easier. If you have been thinking about building a pond, don't put it off until spring. For many reasons, fall is the best time to plan and build
Spring rains can delay construction for weeks. Fall weather is dryer, cooler, and usually more
predictable. On average, you lose fewer days to rain, and the ground is easier to work.
Planting marginal (bog) plants in early fall allows them time to get rooted. During fall, plants fo-
cus their energy on root development rather than foliar (leaf) growth. When spring arrives they have enough stored energy for lush, healthy growth.
Perimeter landscaping is always best accomplished in fall. Plants get better established and will be more heat resistant by summer.
Filling the pond with water in the fall enables the pond to settle and mature. You should experience less of an algae problem, if any, as the
pond reaches proper bacterial balance during cooler fall weather.
When the water temperature warms to the appropriate level in spring, your pond will be ready for the introduction of oxygenating and
floating plants.
Pond construction can be easier if done in stages.
DRAW UP A PLAN: Don't rush your project. The more time you take to plan the better. In the long run, you save more time, money, and effort by taking extra time to research and carefully plan your pond. Recognize that ponds require forethought to help simplify construction, product selection, and ultimately routine maintenance.
Read one of the many excellent books or articles on water gardening and pond construction. By understanding principles behind pond ecosys-tems, the hierarchy of plant and fish life in and around a pond, maintenance and water quality, you prepare yourself for any potential challeng-es. Fellow pond enthusiasts are easy to find. Talk to them. They will offer good advice on construction and help you avoid novice mistakes. Next, build your pond on paper. Design a pond - choose a shape, style, and size that enhances the beauty of your yard, yet can be easily managed.
Select the site. It must receive daily, a minimum of six hours of sunlight across two-thirds of its surface if you plan to have blooming pond plants. Too much sun, can overheat the water and reduce oxygen, as well as promote excessive algae growth. Many ponds need shade during the hottest part the day. Locate your pond close to your home to provide additional shade and to simplify electrical and water hook-ups. Best of all, it will provide you with the best indoor view of your pond.
Pond water depth is important because different plants and fish do best in specific water levels. Most water lilies prefer a water depth of 18 inches. Goldfish can survive in any depth, but any-thing less than 18 inches can cause pond water to become too warm and reduce water quali-ty. Koi prefer a depth of at least 3 feet. To avoid a complete freeze during winter, you may need to build deeper - four feet or more if you live in the far north. If you intend to keep koi, consult a zone chart to determine average annual freezing depth in your area.
Next, select your pond components from a knowledgeable and experienced supplier. Key items include: pond liner, pumps, filters, water fea-tures, lights, plants, perimeter landscaping, and fish. Pond kits are an excellent option because they contain matched components as well as plumbing connections. Some even include video or DVD instructions. If you are stocking your pond with fish, don't forget pest. You may need fencingor deterrents.
Create a step-by-step timeline. Divide your tasks into manageable and realistic stages. Fall Pond Build To Do List on Page 6.
6
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
Fall Pond Build To Do List
1) Purchase all components.
2) Don't order stone by phone and take blind delivery. Be sure to visit the supplier to pick out your specific stones. If you are finding and relo-
cating stone on your own, allow plenty of time. Be careful with the lifting and relocation! Always avoid stone that might have been treated
or exposed to toxins.
3) Never break ground before you contact your utility companies. This is a crucial step. Damaging a line will delay your project and may even
be deadly!
4) After the utilities are located and marked, check your plan to make sure they are still workable. Make adjustments if needed.
5) Break ground and excavate. This is a good time to enlist the support of friends. As
you remove the dirt, create strata or layers of varying depths. These layers serve
as "steps" or "shelves" that increase planting options. The first shelf should be 8
to 10 inches deep for marginal plants. The second shelf 12 to 18 inches deep for
lilies or lotus. The deepest level should be 2 to 4 feet deep to prevent your pond
from freezing solid during frigid winters and to provide a cool retreat for fish dur-
ing warm summers. Remove any materials that could puncture the liner.
6) Use a bubble level to make your edging and shelves true. Take your time. This is
an extremely important step, because once your pond is filled, mistakes will be
noticeable, unsightly, and very difficult to correct. Save extra soil for grading
around the pond and landscaping.
7) Install the electric line and filter, along with any external plumbing connections. Consult a certified professional if you have any concerns
installing electrical or plumbing equipment.
8) Install underlayment and liner. The underlayment protects your liner from rocks and roots. Installing the liner can be a big job. Enlist more
friends to help you if needed.
9) Install any submerged lights called for in your plan.
10) Arrange stones to secure the liner. Create edging and build waterfalls or other water features.
11) Test your source water. If you rely on tap water, it may contain chlorine, chloramine, and other substances toxic to aquatic life. Use water
conditioners to treat tap water.
12) Fill your pond with water and then turn on pumps and filters.
13) Grade ground and landscape pond area.
14) To ensure water quality, test your pond water each week.
15) When leaves begin to fall, cover pond with netting. This helps keep your pond free of
leaves and other debris.
16) When water temperature drops below 45°F, shut down your filter and remove filter
media and main pump to prevent damage from freezing. Drain and store pump per
manufacturer's recommendation.
SPRING TO-DO LIST
1) Open your new pond:
2) Clean any debris from the bottom of the pond.
3) Skim the surface.
4) Start up the filters.
5) Test the water.
6) Use a bacterial additive to jump start your biological filter.
7) Connect water features as soon as overnight temperatures are above 50°F.
8) Check the temperature. When the water temperature reaches 70 degrees, add oxygenators and floating plants.
9) Continue to monitor temperature and test water quality routinely.
SOURCE: http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=133
7
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
8
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
NIGHT OUT AT POND PRO
Well, Pond Pro stepped it up another notch this year. Not only did they open their business up after hours for us Saturday, October 11, they hosted a cookout for the Water Garden Society. Mike was prepared for all of us as he was given the list of all who signed up. With the list, they were ready for us as they had our pond dollars figured and ready for each of us for a faster checkout. Pond Pro opened their doors at 5:00pm so that we could browse and begin spending our pond dollars.
By 6:00pm they had grilled hamburgers and the famous Nathan Hotdogs for all. Each family brought a dish as it was potluck. Once again we had lots of scrumptious food to eat. When finished shopping all of us hoped we
would win with our lucky ticket in hand, one of the great door prizes Pond Pro had during their giveaway. Our group had several lucky winners.
We then headed to Phil and Sara Grissam’s home for even more deserts and drinks. Some of us even went out by the fire pit and made smores with giant marshmallows and had such a great time. It was a great evening with friends.
WGSO would like to thank Mike and the wonderful Pond Pro staff who hosted the cookout and having special shopping hours just for us and for putting up with our group. WGSO appreciates all of your hard work and everything you have done for our club!!!!
Also, a huge Thank You goes to Phil and Sara for inviting us to their home for additional fun afterwards.
2014 WGSO Night Tour WGSO had our 5th annual Night Pond Tour on September27th. We started at the home of Bob & Sue Jones where they hosted our dinner. They prepared the smoked meat and had everything ready for us when everyone got there. With it being potluck and so many great cooks in our club we had a fantastic meal.
Once it became dark and we had checked out Bob and Sues lighted pond and yard we went on to the homes of Russell & Joy Patton’s, Judith Hogan’s, Lynne Hardin’s and ended at the Clark’s. It wouldn’t have been the same without checking out the Patton’s new bathroom which he built or even crashing Judith Hogan’s birth-day party which was still in progress. It was a good thing Lynne’s metal sculpture in her back-yard is so big and heavy it may have been moved to mine. A sincere Thank You goes to the
five member’s homes who allowed us to visit their ponds and yards for our Night Tour. Eve-rything was so beautiful with all of the lights. We greatly appreciated it.
Next year we will be going either south or east. The first area that has 5 homes to sign-up for the night tour will determine which one will be next.
9
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
Are you r eady to ge t cr ea t i v e ? WORKSHOP HOST DATE Bowling Ball Yard Art Diane Clark 6/14 Vertical Gardens Mary Garrett 7/26 Faux Boulder Bubbler Diane Clark 8/30 Leaf Casting Diane Clark 10/4 Leaf Casting Finishing Diane Clark 11/1 Wine Bottle Rain Chain Diane Clark 11/1
RSVP is required on all workshops due to limited space. Waiting list will be started when spaces are filled. Please let us
know if you can’t make it so someone else can join the fun.
All you have to do is pay for the material costs. Some workshops will have a flat fee for all inclusive material kits, oth-er workshops will have a partial fee for bulk materials provided, and a
few workshops will have attendees bring all of the materials.
Sign Up Sheets will be at the General Meetings
Got questions? Contact, WGSO Activities Chair, Paullei Mumme [email protected] or 642-4767
WGSO Workshops Saturday November 1
Wine Bottle Rain Chain @ 10 am Leaf Casting / Faux Boulder Finishing @ 1pm
RSVP Required Contact Diane Clark 947-6999 to RSVP Supply List / Material Fee Sent Upon RSVP
LOCATION: Diane Clark’s House 4900 NW 35th Street Oklahoma City, OK
Please arrive on-time! Workshops will start promptly at scheduled time.
Wednesday November 12 Entries Due by 6:30 pm
It’s time to dig out your spe-cial recipe, gather up those
secret ingredients, and work your magic to create your prize winning entry in the
3rd Annual WGSO Chili Cook-Off.
Only current paid WGSO members are eligible to enter, but tasting and voting is open to all for the low cost of $1.
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Winners
CONTESTANTS - Do Not Put Name On Dish All Entries Must be HOMEMADE!
Entries are due at Will Rogers Garden Center by 6:30 pm
Label Entry on 3”x5” Sign as Follows: Type/Name of Chili ONLY (Give us warning if you’re chili is extra spicy or hot)
SIDES: We’ll still need people to bring the desserts, appetizers, and items like crackers, Fritos, and shredded
cheese to accompany the chili.
All entrants need to bring their own serving ladle and extension cord.
WGSO
Tasting Kit
10
WGSO POND LIFE Paullei Mumme 645 E Frolich Dr Midwest City, OK 73110
Mailing Label
The 15th of each month is the deadline for articles/advertisements for next month’s issue of Pond Life. E-mail articles and advertisements to Paullei Mumme at [email protected].
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life November 2014 Volume 28 Issue 11
www.wgso.org [email protected]
Darrin Beller David Bilodean
Murphy Bourgeois Joe Arnold
Martha Garrard Lynn Hardin Mike Hurst
Pamela Jones
Tom Lay Gary Hayden J.R. Newsom
Lisa Pembrook Sonya Roper Roy Ruedy
Becky Spradling Sandy Weber
