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The Flower Potwww.dagc.us Newsletter of the Danville-Alamo Garden Club September 2015

DAGC SEPTEMBER'S PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

"Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it! And if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns."

G. Eliot

Since childhood, autumn has been my favorite season. As the long days of summer shortened and the heat lessened, the cooler days seemed to contain a new vigor. While September in California can be quite warm, the autumnal equinox falls on the 22nd, officially heralding the arrival of autumn. It is also a month of "beginnings". It's that time of year when schools and social clubs resume, as will DAGC on Thursday September 10 at the Alamo Women's Clubhouse, 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo at 9:15 AM. This meeting is our official kick-off, providing a preview of the programs, tours and workshops for the coming year. There are lots of fun and interesting events planned, and of course opportunities to meet kindred spirits and make new friends. As usual for this luncheon meeting, members bring salads and desserts--see the Social Chair's article for details Former president Sharon Williams will preside at the September meeting as I will be in Ireland. I am sorry I will not be present to greet everyone at our first meeting but it has been fun this summer getting to know several members at my President's Potpourri events, making lavender wands and enjoying some herbal treats. DAGC is fortunate to have 20 new members this year! Please welcome them at meetings--just look for name tags with yellow ribbons as these indicate new members. I hope your gardens survived reasonably well through the summer heat and reduced water. Thank goodness I have a lot of heat tolerant plants. I do always look forward to visible signs of fall, one of which are my mums. This perennial flower and quintessential symbol of autumn adds wonderful color to the garden and is great as a cut flower, lasting up to 2 weeks! Did you know chrysanthemums have been cultivated since 500 BC in China? They have long been prized for their beauty and food value. Yes, they are edible!

If I were able to attend the September luncheon, my contribution would be an Autumn Blessing Salad. Give it a try! Autumn Blessings--see you in October!

Rebecca Byrom, President

Volume XLII Issue 1

Autumn Blessing Salad Add 1 tsp salt to 1 qt boiling water. Quickly dip 1/2 Cup mum petals (try to use a mix of colors for best effect) into water, then plunge immediately into ice water. Drain petals and toss with 2 tsp sugar. In bowl, toss 2 Cups Romaine, 2 Cups red leaf lettuce, 3 grated carrots, 1 sliced Fuji apple, 1/2 Cup red grapes. Toss lightly with dressing: Combine 2/3 Cup olive oil, 1/3 Cup balsamic vinegar, 1 Tablespoon minced fresh tarragon, dash sea salt.

Inside This Issue: Page 1 President’s Message, Programs Page 2 Membership, Social, Tours and Photo Call Page 3 Outreach, Workshops, Bookworms, Page 4 New Members, Lunch Bunch, Sponsors, Members Helping Members Page 5 Horticulture, MG Speaker Topics Page 6 Birthdays, Special Tour information Page 7 Calendar Page 8 Who’s who Page 9 Our Sponsors

Programs For our first meeting of the DAGC year, our Program Vice President Patty Dobbin will make a presentation, giving an overview of the speaker programs scheduled for the year.

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Membership We would like to welcome all of our new members to DAGC.

Charlotte Arton, Sylvia Benzler, Laura Jeanne Berry, Kitti Rae Chapman, Anne Diggins, Melody Evans, Kathy Gilcrest, Suzy Gonsalves-Peck, Darlene Guzman, Alana Hay, Marie Hill, Kathryn Hodson, Janet Montgomery, Mary Rodde, Sharyn Rossi,

Barbara Roderman, Tomi Sams, Jane Thacker, Katie Washom, Charlotte Arton. We look forwarding to meeting everyone at our September Meeting.

The 2015-2016 Membership Directory will be distributed at the October Meeting, and don’t forget to visit our website www.DAGC.US, read the newsletter and attend our monthly meetings. There are so many fun things to participate in.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact one of us.

PLEASE NOTE: The 2015-2016 Roster has been finalized. If you have any name, address, phone or e-mail changes, please notify Susan Polk, VP Membership.

This will ensure that you receive all DAGC communication.

Thank you...Susan & Veronica, Membership Vice Presidents.

Tours

The September tour will be on Thursday, September 17, to visit Half Moon Bay Nursery

11691 San Mateo Rd. Half Moon Bay.

Meet 9 am at the Sycamore Park & Ride to form carpools. Lunch at Pasta Moon, 315 Main St. Suite C Half Moon Bay.

If you would like to take part, please contact me.

Charlotte Graham, Tour Committee

From the Social Committee

September is the month when we have one of our members’ only meetings

followed by a pot luck brunch. We know we have many talented cooks among our

members but we only need each of you to bring 1 dish to serve 6-8 people please!

All members whose last names start with A – N, please bring a

salad or cold platter and those whose last names begin O – Z

please bring a dessert or fresh fruit.

This is just the easiest way to ensure that we don’t end up with

too many yummy sweet goodies. In order to make things fair

for everyone, we will reverse the alphabet for the request for

our June Installation potluck lunch!

Please try to use a smaller size bowl/plate for your 6-8 person

serving, to conserve space on the table, bringing only dishes

that will not need to be heated up/kept warm so we can put

everything out at once. Please also remember to bring serving

utensils. We will provide beverages, plates and silverware.

For October and November’s meetings, we will contact the

volunteers who signed up (on their membership forms) to

bring goodies to go with the tea and coffee we provide.

We will contact you ahead of

time with a reminder call!

Thanks,

Ellen Frost and Linda Scotting Social Vice Presidents

******ATTENTION  PHOTOLESS******  If  you  are  a  new  member  and  want  your  picture  in  our  Members’  Directory,  please  have  your  picture  taken  before  you  go  into  our  September  meeting.      I  will  be  waiting  for  you  outside  the  front  door.  Our  directory  is  published  for  the  October  meeting,  so  this  will  be  our  only  photo  opportunity.  

If  you  are  unable  to  attend  the  September  meeting,  please  contact  me  and  we  will  arrange  to  get  together  to  take  your  picture.    It  only  takes  a  couple  minutes  (gee,  maybe  only  one  minute).    Let’s  get  it  done  several  days  before  the  meeting.  

If  you  missed  having  your  picture  in  our  directory  and  want  to  do  so  or  just  want  an  updated  photo,  please  come  by  the  table  outside  the  September  meeting  or  contact  me.  

It’s  my  goal  to  have  a  picture  by  every  name.      Please  help  by  contacting  me.              Thank  you.  

Kayrene  Braden,  Historian

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Bookworms Welcome to another year of Bookworms, DAGC's book club! This year, we will be meeting at the home of Jan Andersen. Our first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Light refreshments will be served.

Our first book, 'Gardens Private and Personal', takes readers on a virtual tour of over 90 private gardens owned and tended by members of the Garden Club of America. The photography is gorgeous and organized in 12 chapters starting with gates thru borders, containers etc.

Feel free to bring your favorite garden coffee table book and share how the ideas have inspired and informed your garden. If you would like to join us, please email Page Krause. Space is limited to 12, so please let us know as soon as possible.

Jan Andersen and Page Krause

Community Outreach Please remember to bring your Project Produce donations to the meeting.

Thank you to Helen Miller, who will be coordinating those deliveries to the Contra Costa Food bank each month.

I have planned 2 Food Sorting sessions at the CC Food Bank on October 29 and March 17 from 1-3 each afternoon. Since I will not be at the September or October meetings, I will be sending an email reminder to send me signups for each of those dates. Please RSVP me by email.

I am also trying to coordinate a holiday decorating session sometime in early December at a local senior facility. Look for more info in future newsletters.

If anyone knows of a community project that could use our help, please contact me.

Nancy Norland - Community Outreach Chair

Workshop - Miniature Fairy Garden Fun

September 24th (Thursday) 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

These little miniature gardens continue your creative passion for gardening on a diminutive scale like nothing else we’ve seen and besides, who would not want to invite a good luck fairy to habitat in their very own back yard?

You'll plant your own fairy garden in an 8" or 10" pot with dirt, moss, plants, magical stones, door mat, mailbox, fairy door and sparkles. Other furniture, animals and other elements will be available to purchase. The workshop will be held at the home of Judy Allen and refreshments will be served.

The cost is $25 and reservations must be given or mailed Judy Allen, by 9/17. Please make your non-refundable checks payable to DAGC and contact Judy if you have any questions.

Judy Allen & Sue Naas Workshop Chairs

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From the Desk of the Corresponding Secretary …

Dear Friends,

As corresponding secretary I need each member’s help.

If you know of any member who has an injury or illness, including yourself, please let me

know as soon as possible so that I can get a card mailed to them from our club.

Also we have a committee called Members Helping Members that I help organize in case any

member may need help with cooking, driving, gardening or whatever someone might need.

Let’s help our members by getting in touch with me ASAP.

Tena Gallagher,Corresponding Secretary.

Our New Sponsor Our newest DAGC sponsor, the Ruth Bancroft Garden is a 2.5 acre garden planted by Ruth Bancroft in 1972. It was opened to the public in 1992. The garden features a unique display of more than 2000 succulents, trees, and shrubs, native to Africa, Australia, California, Chile and Mexico. The mission of this exceptional garden is to preserve examples of garden design while continuing to develop its collection of water conserving plants for the education and enjoyment of the public. There are gorgeous plants for sale for all budgets on a daily basis.

A 10% discount on plants purchased is given to members of the Ruth Bancroft Garden.

Come visit to experience the beauty of this natural dry garden. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 to 4pm.

Jenny Offringa Sponsor Rep for the Ruth Bancroft Garden 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek.

Club Motto Coming together is the beginning

Working together is progress Staying together is success

Greetings to all members new and long standing!

This summer our president, Rebecca Byrom appointed me to a new position in the club, that being New Member Representative. This is a position that has proven to be beneficial in other organizations. The goal is to assist new members in becoming more active, to meet new members and become more involved in activities and functions. The club hosts a variety of activities that include, workshops, tours, a book group and President’s pot pourri. Members joining last year and this year should watch their mail for a New Member Coffee invitation and other information throughout the year. On another note for all members, do watch the October newsletter for the return the Lunch Bunch activity. It was a tradition for years, when members who wished, went to lunch after the General Meeting at a pre-determined restaurant. It is another way to meet other members. Do call me with any suggestions, questions or ideas.

Joyce Michalczyk, New Member Representative.

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Horticulture I  find  myself  both  surprised  and  disappointed  in  this  drought.    Surprised  because  of  the  plants  that  have  survived  and  even  thrived  in  my  greatly  reduced  watering  regimen.    Saddened  by  what  I  may  have  lost.  It  turns  out  my  hardy  tropicals  are  holding  their  own.    Jus<cia  brandegeana,  the  shrimp  plant  has  been  blooming  all  summer  long  and  doesn’t  seem  phased  by  the  dryness  at  all.    Clerodendrum  ugandense  also  does  not  seem  affected.    Even  the  Dahlias  are  holding  up  well,  although  they  are  not  as  robust  as  they  have  been  in  the  past.  My  sadness  is  found  in  the  peonies  that  I  have  lost,  as  well  as  the  lack  of  performance  in  my  summer  Phlox.    I  have  cut  my  watering  down  to  every  4  days  watering  about  6  minutes  per  sta<on.    Our  lawn  is  crunchy  but  alive,  which  is  what  I  would  expect  from  a  Bermuda  grass  lawn.    This  is  happening  with  watering  once  per  week  and  now  as  we  move  later  into  the  summer,  once  every  8  to  9  days.  The  days  are  shorter  now,  and  even  though  we  are  having  heat  during  the  day,  the  nights  are  consistently  dropping  into  the  high  50’s.    Trees  in  the  area  are  defolia<ng  earlier  this  year,  but  experts  say  they  are  not  dead.    This  makes  sense  because  they  had  a  long  enough  growing  season  to  feed  the  roots.    Do  not  stop  watering  anything  un<l  the  rain  starts  falling.    Be  aware  that  we  would  need  at  least  three  inches  of  rain  before  the  ground  starts  gePng  wet.  Everyone  is  excited  that  El  Nino  seems  inevitable.    However,  many  other  factors  play  a  role  in  deciding  whether  or  not  we  will  get  rain  in  Northern  California.    The  ridiculously  resistant  high  s<ll  sits  right  on  our  coast.    A  newer  phenomenon  is  that  the  waters  off  Alaska  are  more  than  3  degrees  warmer  than  in  the  past.    All  of  this  plays  a  role  in  how  the  precipita<on  falls.    Of  most  concern  is  that  with  everything  being  so  warm,  we  will  not  get  snow  in  our  mountains.    I  am  not  sure  most  Californians  realize  that  the  mountain  snow  is  our  historic  reservoir.  You  may  want  to  consider  ways  to  trap  the  water  on  your  property  -­‐  whether  you  get  rain  barrels,  or  build  swales  to  direct  the  water  into  the  ground,  or  convert  your  swimming  pool  into  a  cistern.    I  know  some  of  this  sounds  extreme,  but  right  now  everything  remains  unpredictable.  

Kris<n  Yanker-­‐Hansen,  Hor<culture  Chair.

Clerodendrum ugandense. Common Names: blue butterfly

bush, blue glorybower

Contra Costa Master Gardeners September Speaker Topics

Wednesday, September 2Our Garden / Invasive Plants

Wednesday, September 9 Our Garden / Drought Tolerant Landscapes for Mediterranean Climates

Saturday, September 12 Saturdays at Our Garden / Starting a Winter Veggie Garden

Wednesday, September 16 Our Garden / Vermiculture

Wednesday, September 23 Our Garden / Irrigation

Saturday, September 26 Dry: the New Normal - GET DRY Plant Sale & Workshop

Wednesday, September 30 Our Garden / Growing Berries

The public demonstration garden of the Contra Costa Master Gardeners, is open each Wednesday from 9 am until noon, April through October, as well as first Saturdays from May thru October (excluding holidays). A help table is available during those hours, with an expert speaker from 10 – 11 am. Bring your problems and questions. The garden is located at North Wiget Lane and Shadelands Dr. (off Ygnacio Valley Road), Walnut Creek.

Master Gardener Hotline 9 am – 12 noon M-Th

Telephone: 925-646-6586 Email: ccmg@ucanr.edu

Website:http://ccmg.ucanr.edu Facebook: www.facebook.com/

CoCoMasterGardeners

Contra Costa Master Gardeners University of California Cooperative Extension

75 Santa Barbara Rd., Second Floor Pleasant Hill, CA 94532-4215

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SPECIAL TOUR OPPORTUNITY IN OCTOBER RESERVE NOW!

A special tour opportunity awaits the members of DAGC on Thursday, October 15. Mark your calendars now and reserve your spot! We will car-pool from Danville to Albany to visit the garden of artist, garden designer and author, Keeyla Meadows. Her garden has appeared on Good Morning America and has been featured in Sunset, Metropolitan Home, Fine Gardening and Horticulture Magazine. Keeyla holds a Bachelor's degree from California Institute of the Arts, a Master's in sculpture from University of California at Berkeley and for over 30 years has run a landscaping company and design studio for her paintings, furniture, sculpture and garden planters. Keeyla has authored 2 books and written many articles about the use of art and color in the garden. Although an attempt to secure her as a speaker for one of our meetings did not work out, I am thrilled that I was able to schedule a tour of her garden! She has requested a fee which will be paid by those attending. I'm hoping for a minimum of 20 people for the tour which would make the individual cost $15.00. With a larger group, the individual amount will be reduced to possibly as little as $5.00, depending on how many attend. Therefore, I need a commitment by October 1 and then I will inform you of the amount which must be paid in advance by check made out to Keeyla Meadows and mailed to me (Rebecca Byrom) by October 8. Google her and get excited by the photos of her amazing garden — I can hardly wait to see it!

Rebecca Byrom

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!

Of course our Birthdays didn’t stop while we’ve been busy in the Garden this summer, so

belated wishes to: Our July ladies: Joann Blackburn, Caroline Bonny, Stella Cade, Ann Hampel, Raquel Hansen, Joan Hines, Janet Silverman, Peggy Stevens, Cynthia Wininger.

Belated wishes also go to our August ladies: Catherine Accardi, Carol Bonfiglio, Frances Davis, Ellen Frost, Gurpreet Gill, Barbara Odell, Barbara Perry, Susan Polk, Rhonda Raphel, Patty Rush, Judy Scardino, Bette Smith, Cynthia Todd, Audrey Van Poppel, Kristin Yanker-Hansen.

And now it’s time to celebrate for our September ladies: Marcia Davis, Vicki Freeberg, Pauline Gagnon, Janet Howes, Julie Millias, Irene Moore, Sue Naas, Sheila Truschke, Peggy Watkins, Sharon Wiskocil.

We hope you all enjoyed or will

enjoy your Birthdays.

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September CalendarDates & Times Events Details

Tuesdays 9 am – noon

Plant Sale Markham Arboretum

Great prices on all containers, 4” to gallon-size. Rain can cancel; call ahead if questionable.

Sept 5, Sat

11 am

Class: Growing Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs in Containers Annie’s Annuals

Sunset Magazine’s Johanna Silver will give a crash course on container gardening. Whether you’re short on space, have compromised soil, or just want to experiment, growing food in pots can reap big rewards.

Sept 10, Thurs 9:15 Social 9:45 Meeting

DAGC General Meeting: Potluck Luncheon Alamo Women’s Club

Come enjoy lunch, chat with old friends, and meet our new members. Check newsletter for food assignment.

Sept 12, Sat

1 pm – 4 pm

Rose Show: “Harvest of Roses” Regan Nursery

Anyone may submit entries from her own garden from 8:30 – 10:30. Judging takes place before show opens to the public from 1 – 4. Awards will be presented at 3:30pm.

Sept 15, Tues

6:30 pm – 8 pm

Master Gardener’s Talk: What Went Wrong in Your Vegetable Garden (and How to Fix It) Lafayette Library

Terry Lippert will cover common vegetable growing problems: tomatoes cracking, zucchinis shriveling/dying, and onions flowering without producing good bulbs. Q and A time at the end.

Sept 16, Wed

10 am

DAGC Bookworms

Home of Jan Anderson

The group will discuss Gardens Private and Personal by O’Dench, Martin, and Hales. Bring your favorite garden coffee table book to share. Contact Page Krause.

Sept 17, Thurs Meet Syc P & R 9 am

DAGC Tour: Half Moon Bay Nursery Half Moon Bay

After exploring the nursery, participants will lunch at Pasta Moon. Contact: Charlotte Graham.

Sept 19 9 am – 1 pm

Plant Sale Markham Arboretum

Come early for the best selection. You can’t beat the prices.

Sept 24, Thurs

10 am – 12:30 pm

DAGC Workshop: Miniature Fairy Garden Home of Judy Allen

You’ll plant your own fairy garden in a 10” pot complete with fairy furniture, plants, and other elements. Extras may be purchased. Cost: $25. Contact: Judy Allen.

Sept 26, Sat

10 am

Class: Fall & Winter Vegetables Navlet’s Garden Center

Cooler weather brings with it the fabulous fall to winter vegetable crops. Come learn how to grow your own produce.

Sept 26, Sat

10 am – 3 pm

Plant Sale and Workshop by Master Gardeners Our Garden 2405 Shadelands Dr., WC

Dozens of varieties of drought tolerant plants priced from only $1 - $7. Experts will give demos and info about incentive programs. Republic Services offers as much FREE compost as you can carry. Bring containers. Free plant if you register: Click here: Get Dry! - Drought Tolerant Plant Sale & Workshop.

Sept 26, Sat & Sept 27, Sun 10 am – 5 pm

Fall Planting Party Annie’s Annuals & Perennials

You should definitely come because it’s pure plant love and super fun! There’s even a chance to win 15 minutes of FREE SHOPPING!

2015-2016 DAGC Committees, Chairs & Reps

President Rebecca Byrom

Social Committee

Linda Scotting

& Ellen Frost

Membership Vice Presidents

Veronica Knaack

& Susan Polk

Sponsor Representatives

Janice Fassiotto, Lynn Hoaglin, & Jenny Offringa

Tour Chairs

Joann Blackburn, Charlotte Graham & Rhonda Raphel

Treasurer & Budget Committee Chair Penny Adams

Club Advisor Sharon Williams

Recording Secretary Louise Wiggins

Email Coordinator Caroline Bonny

Corresponding Secretary Tena Gallagher

Inspiration Karlene Paufler

Historian Kayrene Braden

Community Outreach Nancy Norland

Artistic Arranger Rose Towery

Web Administrator Roseann Krane

Newsletter Editor Sharon Townsend

Penny Pines Holly Sauer

Plant Exchange

Angie Anastasion

& Jan Anderson

Audit Committee Jo Jamison

Winter Event Committee Sue Naas

Installation Luncheon Rebecca Byrom

Directory Committee Lynn Leavitt

Horticulture Chair Kristin Yanker-Hansen

Lunch Bunch Joyce Michalczyk

Parliamentarian & Bylaws Committee Chairs Jan Hamby

& Sheila Truschke

Member Help Member Tena Gallagher

Workshop Chairs Judy Allen

& Sue Naas

New Member Representative Joyce Michalczyk

Food Bank Coordinator Helen Miller

Bookworms

Page Krause

& Jan Anderson

Programs Vice President

Patty Dobbin

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Our Sponsors

Alamo Ace Hardware 3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA,94507

925-837-2420

Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave., Richmond, CA 94801

510-215-3301 or 888-266-4370

Armstrong Garden Center 7360 San Ramon Road, Dublin, CA 94568

925-551-0231

Lucky Garden Dublin Hydroponics 7071 Village Pkwy, Dublin, CA 94568

925-828-4769

Orchard Nursery 4010 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549

925-284-4474

Regan Nursery 4268 Decoto Road, Fremont, CA 94555

510-797-3222

Ruth Bancroft Garden 1552 Bancroft Road,

Walnut Creek, CA 94598 925-944-9352

Sloat Garden Center 828 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526

925-743-0288

Please support our sponsors! Remember, our commercial sponsors donate the door prizes, and/or offer discounts, and they support us with speakers for our general meetings. Please support them!

Janice Fassiotto, Lynn Hoaglin, Jenny Offringa Sponsor Reps

Sharon Townsend ~ Editor Danville–Alamo Garden Club, P.O. Box 920 Danville, CA 94526

www.dagc.usNewsletter of the Danville-Alamo Garden Club

The Flower Pot