Download - Companion Planting - Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota

TRITRITRITRI----CITY FLOWER SHOW CITY FLOWER SHOW CITY FLOWER SHOW CITY FLOWER SHOW –––– JULY 17 & 18 JULY 17 & 18 JULY 17 & 18 JULY 17 & 18

It’s close to summer and time to plan for the Tri-City Flower Show.

Each year the Bloomington, Edina and Richfield clubs produce a most

spectacular flower show at the Southtown Mall in Bloomington. The

purpose of the show is to allow floral designers and horticultural specialists

(gardeners) to show off their talent; educate the public; and raise awareness

and interest in garden clubs.

Last year over 263 horticulture specimens were displayed; which included

cut specimens, miniature gardens, indoor plants, and outdoor hanging

baskets. You can see that you don’t need a yard to enter horticulture.

The floral design division is always something to see because of the ingé-

nueity of the planning committee and the response of the designers. You

will see miniature/petite designs, table settings (very intriguing), and a

myriad of designs.

Of course, let’s not forget, the artistic crafts and educational exhibits. Prov-

ing once again, you do not need a yard to enter a flower show. In the past

we have seen creative offerings such as; decorated packages, decorated hats,

painted stones, cement leaf casts, pressed flower designs, etc. The education-

al exhibits cover a number subjects including, the importance of birds,

butterflies and bees; how garden clubs serve the community, Emerald Ash

Borer, etc.

The most important thing to remember is –

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A GARDEN CLUB MEMBER

TO ENTER THE TRI-CITY FLOWER SHOW.

If you or someone you know is interested in entering the Tri-City Flower

Show but would like more information, contact Phyllis Larsen, Tri-City

Flower Show Chair, [email protected] or 952.888.3723. Or, attend

the “Tri-City Flower Show Symposium” which is held at the Wood Lake

Nature Center, Richfield MN, on July 8th at 6:30 pm and covers all of the

above topics, in addition to “Rules”, “Registration” and “Helpful Hints”.

I sincerely hope that this will be the year that YOU enter the Tri-City

Flower Show! Who knows, there may be a blue ribbon in your future!

Kat Hanson

STATE FAIR SHOWS AND DISPLAYSSTATE FAIR SHOWS AND DISPLAYSSTATE FAIR SHOWS AND DISPLAYSSTATE FAIR SHOWS AND DISPLAYS

Every fall the Minnesota State Fair has an excellent place to see what

grows well in our area and in our homes. Come to the fair as a

visitor or as a participant, especially in our Federated Show. The

fair may seem overwhelming, but I will be glad to walk you through

how to enter. The State Fair Show entries need to be pre registered

by mid August, the rest have entry dates closer to the shows or the

day of the show. If you pre register for the Monday show, you get a

2 CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.mngardenclubs.com

free on site parking sticker for the lot behind the Haunted House-just

about half a block from the Agriculture/Horticulture Building where

these shows are staged.

Most of the shows are open to the public, so if anyone wants to enter,

please give me a call for how to get involved. Phyllis Andrews, 651-

455-5077. Hope to see many of the Federated members entering both

the Wednesday Federated Show and the Monday State Fair Show.

Planting for Flower Shows – (Worth rep(Worth rep(Worth rep(Worth repeatingeatingeatingeating!)!)!)!) Question–What are you planning to exhibit? Floral designs or Horticulture Specimens.

If horticulture-go for top quality proven winners in every class you will enter. Look at last years schedule; it’s usually similar every year. Or try something

new.

If floral design-think of the elements of design: space, line, form, pattern, texture & color.

• If your style is big, bold & abstract-don’t plant petunias, impatiens, or dwarf marigolds.

• If you like mass arrangements you may need filler material like babies breath, feverfew, etc.

• Think color–find round, spike or textured plants in the same color or complimentary colors.

• Don’t plant all round daisy type forms or mixed colors of seeds or plants. One of every color will not help you in arranging or if you need 3 of a kind in horticulture.

Annuals (they may be interspersed with your perennials)

Spike forms Round forms Blue salvia Celosia, crested, Red Velvet Celosia, Flamingo Feather Pink Coleus Celosia, plumed red or yellow Datura, Angel’s trumpet Purple fountain grass Marigolds, large Purple majesty millet Tithonia, Mexican sunflower Snapdragons Zinnias, large & small

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Bulbs etc. Perennials Shrubs Caladium Astilbe Superba Baptisia, black seed pods Calla Lilies Bergenia Cottoneaster, red berries

Keep the Plants. We'll take the pots.Keep the Plants. We'll take the pots.Keep the Plants. We'll take the pots.Keep the Plants. We'll take the pots. Don’t forget to rDon’t forget to rDon’t forget to rDon’t forget to recycle your PLASTIC GARDEN POTS, ecycle your PLASTIC GARDEN POTS, ecycle your PLASTIC GARDEN POTS, ecycle your PLASTIC GARDEN POTS,

POLYSTYRENE TRAYS &HANGING BASKETS this year. POLYSTYRENE TRAYS &HANGING BASKETS this year. POLYSTYRENE TRAYS &HANGING BASKETS this year. POLYSTYRENE TRAYS &HANGING BASKETS this year. FollowFollowFollowFollow the link the link the link the link

below for more information.below for more information.below for more information.below for more information.

http://www.gardenminnesota.com/help-for-homeowners/plastics-recycling/


Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota, Inc Sue Neuhart, President 6309 Colony Way #1B, Edina, MN 55435-2239 952.924.0669 Email: [email protected]

National Garden Clubs, Inc. Renee Blaschke, President 307 Garwood, Smithville, TX 78957-1504 512.360.2738 Email: [email protected] National Garden Clubs Central Region Joan Hood, Director Email: [email protected]

WEBMASTER:

Deena Helminiak Email: [email protected]

CHANGE OF NAME, ADDRESS/EMAIL:

Email: [email protected] OR Kathy Stattine, 7016 Kerry Rd, Edina MN 55439 952.941.9815

NEWSLETTER Editor: Kathleen “Kat” Hanson 612.866.9289 Design Information: Dorothy Brindle 952.926.6865 Horticulture Section:

SEND NEWSLETTER MATERIAL TO: Email: [email protected] OR Kathleen Hanson, 6710 Stevens Av S, Richfield, MN 55423 612.866.9289 DEADLINES: January/February December1 March/April February1 May/June March 32 July/August June 1 September/October August 1 November/December October 1

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

1/8 Page ¼ Page ½ Page Full Page Maximum size: 1 ¾” & 2 ¼” 3 ¾” x 2 ¼” 3 ¾” x 4 ½” 7 ½” x 4 ½” One Issue: $12.50 $20.00 $37.50 $75.00 Two Issues: $23.50 $37.50 $72.00 $146.00 Four Issues: $45.50 $70.00 $137.00 Six Issues: $65.50 $100.00 $198.00

The distribution for the Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota newsletter is approximately 1,000 per issue. There are six issues per year. We encourage our members to support and use the services of our advertisers. You may email your advertisement to [email protected] or send your 'print ready' copy with your check.

Make checks payable to: Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota. Mail checks to: Kathleen Hanson, 6710 Stevens Av S, Richfield, MN 55423.


Dahlias Echinacea, Coneflower Evergreens Gladiolus Heuchera, Palace Purple Roses Lilies Hosta Smoke bush, Royal Purple Lycoris or Monarda Snowberry, white berries Resurrection lily Liatris Spirea, Anthony Waterer Ornathologum Sedum Stephandra, cascading Solomon’s Seal Weigela Yarrow, Coronation gold

Useful House Plants - Aspidistra, Croton, Papyrus, Sansevieria,

Don’t forget Vegetables: Broom Corn; Ruby Red or Bright Lights Chard; Hot peppers; Red Burgundy Okra; Garlic Chives; etc.

These are just a few to think about. Most of all have fun.

Written by Dolores Schwartz - March 2007

COMPANION PLANTING

Janet Kilburn Phillips said, “There are no gardening mistakes, only

experiments.” That sums up the scientific aspect to gardening. There is no end to combinations and procedures. Some work, some don’t and often we

do not know what contributed to the success or less than successful result. Companion Planting is one aspect to the experiments. Gardeners make good companions and plants have their preferences for who they cozy up to in the garden. What will help you is to know “who likes whom” and “who helps and protects whom” and “who hurts whom.” Over the years, gardeners have observed that some plants have a beneficial effect on each other and other plant combinations are detrimental. Crop

plants, herbs and flowers are companions for a variety of reasons: shelter

from wind and sun, root and leaf secretions for benefit or not, soil improve-ment by incorporating minerals into the soil, the nitrogen fix that peas give and sunflowers utilize, repel harmful pests or attract beneficial insects or

act as decoys and they can taste and smell better. Marigolds with everything!! They are the universal plant companion. Nasturtium is a close second. Nasturtium is another good addition to a diverse garden. It performs as a “trap crop,” attracting aphids that would otherwise prey on innocent garden crops. It also provides brightly colored blossoms, especially in nutrient-poor soil, that attract beneficial insects. Sweet peas and sunflowers are great companions with the peas contributing nitrogen and the corn providing shelter and support. Many garden crops like to grow with beans and peas because of the industrious bacteria air and colonies living on their roots. These colonies pull nitrogen right out of the

air and share it with the plants, to the benefit of both. Dill is a good cucumber companion from seedling to pickle jar because it


directly repels aphids and spider mites, and attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and lacewings that control cucumber beetles and other pests. The herb also appears to stimulate a better flavor in cucumbers as the two plants mature. There are also bad companions that create and problems with pests, stunted growth, mineral shortages: Garlic, shallots, onions inhibit beans and peas; and tomatoes and potatoes multiply their disease potential. You can study the pairings on the internet and there are many books available. There are many lists available and, for the most part, they provide the same information. Then you can design your gardens to work optimally for the crops that you are looking forward to eating and sharing. It is best to do this from the beginning.

Companion planting is ancient and our Native Americans utilized this with the “Three Sisters” of corn, squash and beans. Work with nature, not against it. Nature is diverse and the gardener must practice diversity.

Submitted by Kathy Stattine

The Bloomington Garden Clubs will have a Plant Sale Thursday, May 6 & Friday, May 7 at 8300 Sheridan Av. S, Bloomington. Patio pots, Hanging Baskets, and Bedding Plants will be offered for sale. Hours are 8:00 AM-6:00 PM. Come early for best selection.

Edina Garden Council Plant Sale, May 7 and May 8 This popular plant sale sponsored by the Edina Garden Council will be held May 7 for 10 am-8 pm and May 8 from 10 am-4 pm at Arneson Acres Park, 4700 West 70th St, Edina, 55435.

Friends School Plant Sale at the Minnesota State Fairground

May 7, 11 am – 8 pm May 8, 10 am – 6 pm May 9, noon – 4 pm See website for more details: http://www.friendsschoolplantsale.com/ Over 300,000 individual plants for sale including shrubs, trees, roses and native plants. The money raised from the plant sale is used for scholarships at Friends School of Minnesota.

PLANT SALEPLANT SALEPLANT SALEPLANT SALE by Mendota Heights Garden Clubby Mendota Heights Garden Clubby Mendota Heights Garden Clubby Mendota Heights Garden Club Saturday May 8-8:00AM-1:00PM 1422 Delaware Ave. West St. Paul, MN. Perennials, Herbs, Annuals

PlantPlantPlantPlant

SaleSaleSaleSalessss

Shop for youShop for youShop for youShop for your r r r Mother’s Day Mother’s Day Mother’s Day Mother’s Day present here!present here!present here!present here!


U of Wisconsin-Green Bay Says New Email Font Will Save Money

As part of the school's five-year plan to go green, the University of

Wisconsin-Green Bay has switched the default font on its email

system from Arial to Century Gothic. While the change sounds minor,

it will save money on ink when students print email in the new font.

Diane Blohowiak is the school's director of computing. She says the

new font uses about 30 percent less ink than the previous one.

That could add up to real savings, since the cost of printer ink works

out to about $10,000 per gallon.

Blohowiak says the decision is part of the school's five-year plan to

go green. She tells Wisconsin Public Radio it's great that a change

that's eco-friendly also saves money.

SPRING GARDENING TIPS

• When spring flowering shrubs are done blooming, it is time to do a pruning.

• Remove spent blooms on tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. Do not remove the foliage until later in the summer when it turns yellow completely. Fertilize bulb foliage with a well balanced fertilizer.

• Clean up garden beds by cutting back dead tops of perennials, raking out the leaves, remove any winter mulch you applied last fall, and mixing in compost or slow release fertilizer into the soil. Finish cleaning up your perennial beds by removing last year's spent foliage.

• Get your cages and plant supports up on taller plants, such as peonies, Baptisia and clematis, before they get too big.

• Clean out your birdhouses and get the hummingbird feeders filled and out into the garden.

• Cool season vegetables, such as radishes, leaf lettuce, spinach, peas, potatoes, beets and onion sets may be planted in the ground once the soil is dry enough to work. Cool season flowers, such as pansies, snapdragons, bachelor buttons and sweet peas may also be planted.

• Divide perennials such as hosta, daylilies, monarda and many others. Use a spading fork to lift the whole clump and divide it up with a heavy knife or sharp spade, making sure each division has some good roots and several shoots that will grow quickly once replanted in the garden at the same depth it was when you dug it out. Water your new transplants well.

• Check your garden hoses, nozzles and sprinklers for leaks. Sharpen your pruners and check the condition of your other gardening tools. Don’t forget your lawn mower! It needs attention, too!

• Repot any patio plants that may have become root bound.

• Don’t’ be surprised if it snows, after all, it is Minne-snow-ta!


SunChip bag after 12 weeks in an active compost pile. Photo courtesy of Frito-Lay North America.

Two Thumbs Up for Frito Lay –

Another Company Saving the Earth

The mission at Frito-Lay is to preserve the earth because without the earth

they would have no product. One would never know how deeply com-

mitted Frito-Lay is to conservation until you visit their website. If it weren’t

for the ‘new’ packaging for SunChips I would have never known, either.

This is not just a “redesign” the entire package has

been recreated! These innovative bags are designed

to fully decompose in about 14 weeks when placed

in a hot, active compost bin or pile.

Most “chips” are packed in bags which are

constructed of multiple layers of polyolefin

materials, mainly polyethylene (PE) and

polypropylene (PP), which are derived from petroleum by-products.

While these materials are extremely efficient (in both cost and

performance) it did not meet with Frito-Lay’s standards.

After 4 years of research and field trials a material known as PLA met their

performance expectations.

PLA stands for polylactic acid, or Polylactide, a versatile polymer produced

by NatureWorks LLC. PLA is made from lactic acid. Lactic acid is made

from dextrose by fermentation. Dextrose is made from starch and starch

is made from carbon dioxide and water. Because it’s made with plants

that grow annually instead of petroleum (which takes millions of years to

form) the impact on greenhouse gases is much lower. Soon all Frito-Lay

products will be found in 100% compostable packaging.

Frito-Lay’s commitment to the earth doesn’t involve just packaging; they

have been recognized by the EPA for their commitment to reducing

greenhouse gas emissions. They have converted one of their plants in

Modesto, CA to solar energy. At the Casa Grande plant they are working

on refitting it to operate almost entirely on renewable energy and run-

ning water. They hope to reduce electric and water usage by 90% by 2011.

I hope you will visit their website and learn more about a company who

began conserving in 1939 by recycling and reusing shipping cartons to

becoming a leading business which is truly devoted to saving the earth.

http://www.sunchips.com/index.shtml

Kat Hanson 5 CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.mngardenclubs.com

Lake Owasso Garden Club Plant Sale will be held on Friday May 14th

from 8 am-6 pm & Sat May 15th from 8 am-noon. Join us at 868 Cannon Av, Shoreview for a wide selection of perennials to

choose from. Any? Call Deb 651-765-2461. See you there!

City of Ramsey Garden Club Plant Sale. Saturday, May 15, 8:00 am –

noon. NEW LOCATION: City of Ramsey Municipal Center parking ramp/lot, 75501 Sunwood, Ramsey. Located off Highway 10 West between Ramsey Blvd & Armstrong Blvd.Look for signs

Parkway Garden Club Annual Perennial Plant Sale. Saturday, May 15,

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1407 Arundel St., St. Paul, MN. Proven plants from members’ gardens. For more information call Nanette at 651-353-4284 or email [email protected]

Buy beautiful plants for sun or shade at great prices. Plants are grown

by Master Gardeners with tender loving care to ensure they are healthy. Master Gardeners will answer your gardening questions and provide helpful information on the plants you purchase.

We will accept cash or checks only, please. Bring a wagon or cart. You’ll want to buy lots of plants!

For more information on this sale and the Master Gardeners Program,

visit our website at, www.mg.umn.edu, or call our office at 612-596-2130.

The Diggers Garden Club of Robbinsdale will be hosting a plant sale on June 5, 2010, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, on the grounds of the Robbinsdale Historical Society, 4915 42nd Av N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422. This will be a fun filled mini-fair event. There will be representatives from The Historical Society, Robbin Gallery and the Diggers Club. The Historical

Begonia rex

‘Constellation Libra’

Richfield Garden Club Plant Sale, May 15 at

the historic Bartholomew House, 6901

Lyndale Av S, Richfield. Sale begins at 9 am

-3 pm. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets and more! Check out our incredible Begonia rex selection!

Proceeds from this sale benefit University of Minnesota

Extension Master Gardeners Program in Hennepin County

community programs.

Saturday, May 22, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Hopkins Pavilion, 11000 Excelsior Blvd,

Hopkins, 55343

U of M Extension Master Gardeners in Hennepin County

2nd Annual Plant Sale


Society and Robbin gallery spaces will be open, and strolling musicians will entertain. Art, crafts and plants will be available for sale. This is a great event. Free admission and free parking. For further information please contact Irene at 763-535-3074.

Renaissance Festival 2010Renaissance Festival 2010Renaissance Festival 2010Renaissance Festival 2010

I need your help! Remember, this is the year that Evil Ann is deserting me for a trip to Australia and I need extra help. If you would be willing to volunteer for one day, all will be well! If you are willing to work at the booth:

1. Your club can take a day. If you have 4-7 people from your club who agree to work, you have the day.

2. If only a couple of people from your club want to work, I’ll add a few from another club to fill out the day.

3. If you are the only one who is interested in working, I’ll fill in the day with others. But be sure to ask your daughter (or granddaughter), a neighbor or even a husband! It can be a really fun day with your family.

4. And you can always work more than one day! ;-)

We have to be at the Festival at 8:00am since the doors open at 9:00am. The Festival closes at 7:00pm and after we put everything away, we can leave. Because some ladies have expressed a desire to work at the booth but fear they could not last all day, I am allowing some volunteers to work shortened days. Some of the workers may make arrangements to work from 8:00am until 3-4pm. This must be arranged ahead of time because I still need some people to work

until closing.

The Festival opens Saturday, Aug. 21st through Sunday, Oct. 3

rd. I try to

make sure everyone has a fun day with lots of opportunities to see shows and go shopping. And it is always fun helping little girls become little princesses! Here are contact numbers for you:

• Kathy Compo 763-535-1817 (for volunteering at the booth)

• Taffy Mills 612-866-8055 (for dried flowers, wires, floral tape, etc.)

• Ann Albrecht 651-699-8832 (ribbons and cord for fairy garlands) If you have any questions or are interested in having Evil Ann or I attend one

of your club meetings, please contact me at [email protected] or 763-535-1817.

Thanks—Kathy Gamble Compo

Green Up Tonic 1 can beer 1 cup ammonia 1/2 c lawn food 1/2 c molasses or corn syrup

Fill 20 gal hose end sprayer with above and fill balance with warm water. Spray on plants or lawn until saturated.


‘Stars of the North’ 2010 American Hosta Society Convention

hosted by the Minnesota Hosta Society

June 23-26, 2010

at the Sheraton Hotel, Bloomington

convention attendees there will be a very special tour of Klehm's Song Sparrow peony fields. An exciting event is in store! For more information visit www.wipeonysociety.org and www.mnpeony.org.

The Bloomington Affiliated Garden Clubs and the Nine Mile Creek Girl Scout Service Unit are planning a special event for Saturday, June 5th from 9 until noon. Approximately 150 Girl Scouts will attend an outdoor seminar sponsored by the Bloomington Affiliated Garden

Clubs, Inc. on native plants in order to achieve requirements and receive the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Girl Scout patch for Native Plants. Plans are to work with several organizations to provide several concurrent activities to promote native plants in Minnesota.

Picture Perfect Gardens: Photographing Your Garden

Learn how to photograph your garden from the pros

11 a.m. June 7 in the Terrace Room at Arneson

Acres Park, 4700 West 70th St, Edina, 55435.

Fabulous Garden Tours, Vendors, Hostatality, AHS Auction,

*Hosta Show, Raffles, Silent Auctions, Speakers, Classes and

Demonstrations. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the

largest leaf show in the nation, shop a large collection of

vendors, and see special exhibits and an auction.

*The Hosta Show is accredited by The American Hosta Society and

is open to the public. Hosta show rules can be found at http://

www.starsofthenorth.net/documents/Hosta%20Show%20Schedule.pdf Visit www.starsofthenorth.net or contact Mary Schwartzbauer

[email protected] 651-437-8899 or Connie Linder [email protected]

The North Star Lily Society-Annual Lily Show July 2-4, 2010

Bachman's Heritage Room, 6010 Lyndale Av S, Minneapolis, MN

Set-up and Entries July 2 - 1:00 pm – Closing

Horticulture Entries Accepted July 3 - 7:00 am - 9:00 am

Artistic Design entries open until 10:00 am

Sunday, July 4 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

SHOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


Sumner Library at 611 Van White Memorial Blvd in Minneapolis continues to host Master Gardener talks: Saturday, May 1, 2 p.m. Container Gardening

Container gardening allows you to add color to your garden, deck or front steps with limited time commitment. Learn to select containers, a good potting mix, ideal plants and how to care for these beautiful mini gardens. Saturday, June 5, 2 p.m. Small Space Vegetable Gardening

You can create highly productive flower and vegetable gardens in small spaces. Learn to plan your space, use trellises, containers, wide-row or square-row, rounded beds and raised beds. Saturday, July 10, 2 p.m. Perennial Flower Gardening

Grow plants that beautify your landscape year after year. Learn about their care, ideal sites (shade, sun, moisture), soil conditions, pest control and varieties ideal for Minnesota. Sumner Library is located near Hwy 94 at the intersection of Van White Memorial Blvd and Olson Memorial Highway. For more information call (952) 847-2875.

Daffodil Society of Minnesota's 2010 spring show. It will be held on the weekend of May 15-16, at the Bachman's store on Lyndale Ave

South in Minneapolis.

We welcome non-members, and provide

FREE daffodils for artistic designers. The theme for artistic designs is Daffodils Go 'Green', with classes involving recycling, clean water, 'paper or plastic', composting, litter, and tree-hugging! We hope designers will have some fun with the classes. Full details are in our show schedule, which is posted on our website: www.daffodilmn.org, or designers can call me for information. Margaret Macneale, President & Show Chair, Daffodil Society of Minnesota 763-377-1458 (home - evenings and weekends) 952-542-4816 (weekdays) 612-581-3426 (cell)

MMMMinnesota PPPPeony SSSSociety is celebrating peony season with a motorcoach trip to Janesville, Wisconsin to attend the American Peony Society Show and Convention to be held at the Rotary Gardens June 4-6. A colorful show of hundreds of the nation's best grown peony blossoms will be open to the public and for paid


THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY Spring greetings from Duluth, MN. I am honored to serve as your butterfly garden writer and grateful for the opportunity to write this column about butterflies and butterfly gardening. As you read this, Monarch butterflies are starting their migration north. Their population is at an all time low this year which compelled me to share ways that gardeners can help Monarchs.

PLANT MILKWEED. Monarch females can only lay their eggs on milkweed. Without this plant monarchs will not survive. Milkweed is also

an excellent nectar source and the following species grow well in full sun in our area: Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) has pink-red flowers and likes moist soil. It can be planted in average soil, but water it well until established.

Butterfly weed (A. tuberosa) has orange flowers and does well in dry to average soils.

Sullivant’s milkweed (A. sullivantii) is pink and can be grown in clay or average soil. This plant is an alternative to the more aggressive Common milkweed.

Common milkweed (A. syriaca) spreads vigorously in sandy to average soil. It is best suited for fields or meadows rather than the average garden. However this is an excellent host plant for the caterpillars due to its large leaves.

PLANT GOOD NECTAR SOURCES. Monarchs use flower nectar as fuel for their migration. Native plants such as New England Aster, Smooth Aster (A. laevis), Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylus) and Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) are excellent fall choices. Summer nectar sources include Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Pale Cone-flower (E. pallida), many liatris species, Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) and Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum). To find these native plants visit or check the websites of Prairie Restorations, Inc (several MN locations including Scandia and Randolph) & Prairie Nursery in Westfield, WI.

PROTECT MILKWEED. Without this native plant Monarchs are unable to reproduce. Unfortunately, in some areas Common milkweed is considered a secondary noxious weed. If necessary, this plant can be cut down, but should remain standing until early to mid September when the butterflies are finished with their reproductive cycle. If you know of a Common milkweed stand, try to protect it from chemical spraying.


PRESERVE HABITAT. The Monarch unites Canada, the United States and Mexico. Their breeding grounds, migratory corridors and overwintering sites must all be protected if their migration is to continue. The World Wildlife Fund and The Monarch Butterfly Fund are crucial in protecting the overwintering sites in Mexico. Visit their websites for detailed information. Perhaps your garden club could fundraise for the Monarch Butterfly Fund.

CERTIFY YOUR GARDEN AS A MONARCH WAYSTATION. Visit www.monarchwatch.org for more information and follow their amazing migration on the website Journey North. I wish these butterflies well in their migration this spring and hope you are blessed with many Monarchs in your garden this summer.

Pat Thomas, Duluth, MN

I hope you have adopted at least one of the energy saving suggestions from the last issue. Here are a few more ideas:

1. Walk, ride your bike, take the bus, light rail or car pool. 2. Do Errands in Bulk - Make a list of the things you have to do, and

see if you can fit a couple of those things together in one ride. 3. Buy in bulk. Shop with a friend or family member and split the bulk

items with them. When less packaging is used then less ends up in the landfill.

4. Buy Local Produce - Consider how much energy it takes for produce from any other country to be shipped here.

5. Re-use plastic and paper shopping bags. Use eco-friendly shopping bags –it’s all the rage!

6. Get regular tune-ups. 7. Inflate your Tires - If your tires are inflated at all times your car will

run more miles on less gas. Check them often. The change in seasons will affect the air pressure in your tires!!

8. Go to a car wash - Going to a car wash is a lot more water efficient then washing your car at home.

9. IT’S ARBOR MONTH - Plant a Tree - It's good for the air, can keep you cool and can increase your property value.

10. MAKE RECYCLING YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY EVERYDAY!MAKE RECYCLING YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY EVERYDAY!MAKE RECYCLING YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY EVERYDAY!MAKE RECYCLING YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY EVERYDAY!

I would love to hear from you or your club if you have other “eco-friendly” suggestions that you would like to share or if you have adopted an “earth saving” idea. Please forward them to [email protected].

Kat Hanson

THINGS I CAN DO TO SAVE THE EARTH


Each year, Memorial Day provides a special and dedicated opportunity

for communities to come together to remember those who have

sacrificed for the freedom we all realize today. The South Metro Blue

Star Mothers participate in the annual Memorial Day event with the City

of Burnsville and the Sweet Sioux Garden Club in the dedication to our

troops.

We have had a Memorial Day

event annually since we

dedicated our marker. There

are flag poles; the Civil Air

Patrol Cadets present the

colors. (They meet in City

Hall) We put a wreath at the

base of the marker during the

ceremony. The Mayor comes

and speaks. We give

carnations to the veterans

and if we have enough to everyone. The Blue Star Mothers of the South

Metro come; their president speaks as well. We have refreshments in the

lobby of City Hall following the ceremony for everyone.

Last year we put a sign in the

park with the history of the

markers and the purpose and

history of the park, which is

meant to be a place for

memorials rather than a place

to play.

Our club maintains the

perennials and annuals around

the fountain area; we also have

a Hosta garden in the back by

the pond. The fountain area

especially is a place that many group pictures, weddings, graduations, etc.

are taken.

Submitted by Carol Oeltjenbruns

**********FOCUS ON CLUBSFOCUS ON CLUBSFOCUS ON CLUBSFOCUS ON CLUBS**********

Sweet Sioux Garden ClubSweet Sioux Garden ClubSweet Sioux Garden ClubSweet Sioux Garden Club

The wreath was made by Phyllis Andrews.

Teresa Daly, Carol Oeltjenbruns, Leonard Zachman, Jimmie Meinhardt Phyllis Andrews, Mayor Kautz