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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: [email protected]
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
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