Since 1940
Fellowship, Community Ser vice, Beautification http://www.mensgardenclubasheville.0rg September 1, 2008 Donald Dossey, Editor Men’s Garden Club of Asheville
FALL PLANT SALE HEADLINES SEPTEMBER CALENDAR President’s Corner
Helpers for Sale Still Needed!
It was quite exciting to see the size crowd we had this past Tuesday for our General Meeting in the midst of August. Not only was the room full, the attendance was almost totally members and spouses. Sometimes this year visitors have outnumbered members—which has its good points as well. It bodes well for the Picnic in early September. Our thanks to Tom Mills for organizing both of those. September will also see the Fall Sale at the Botanical Gardens and the awarding of our scholarship at Blue Ridge Community College. Nelson Sobel has done an outstanding job of organizing our sales this year and it shows with the huge increase in sales revenue. (The expanded Greenhouse stock had more than a little to do with that as well.) Dennis Murphy has spearheaded the effort to add a second $1000 scholarship to our annual educational project and we are happy to see it come to fruition. Part of the reason we can do that is the increased number of Corporate Members that we have. There is plenty going on even in the depths of summer. Sponsors of new members, please make sure those whom you present are not only aware of all the opportunities but that they are invited to participate where they wish to be active. The picnic will be a good place for them to meet more folk. Bring them with you rather than just telling them of it.
Ross Jones
KUDOS TO THE SEED POD GANG I wish to thank the boys of the Seed Pod Gang, Don Neblett and Mike Stevenson, for doing a stellar job publishing the Seed Pod while I was in Spokane, WA. I am extremely proud of you guys. Thanks again. Donald Dossey, Publication Director.
Time is quickly approaching for our Club’s Fall Plant Sale. Thanks to the efforts of many Club members we had an exceedingly successful Spring Sale and we are looking forward to continued success in the upcoming sale. This year in addition to our the shrubs and trees that Club members have grown, we have a number of perennials such as Artemisia, Cannas, Iris, as well as plants for fall colors: Mums, Daisies, and Asters. To make our sale a success at the Botanical Gardens YOUR HELP is needed to sell plants. The sale will take place Saturday, Sept 6 from 8:30am to 3:00pm rain or shine. Any time that you can help at the sale would be welcome. Please contact me if you are able to help. A CLUB MEMBER SALE will take place on Friday August 29 from 9:00am to 10:30am at the Horticultural Center. At that time shrubs, trees, and perennials will be available to members at 15% discount prices. Nelson Sobel
Picnic Set for September 3rd Check your Calendar Now!! The MGC-A callers, a determined band, have probably spoken to you by now . . . our annual picnic happens right away! Setpember 3rd at the Governor's Western Residence on Town Mountain. The August issue of the Seed Pod carried all the information and you can get the latest word on the final page of this issue of the newsletter where Tom Mills tells all. Don't miss it!!
Seed Pod 1
Men’s Garden Club of Asheville
Seed Pod
September 1, 2008
Club News and Committee Reports SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE: The dry weather has certainly slowed our Club's efforts to recognize a wide range of gardening efforts in our community with the Neighborhood Gardening Award this summer. Look further in this issue of the Seed Pod however, and you will find photos of the good works of gardeners who refuse to surrender! Thanks to Lewis Lamb, Jack Ingersoll, Nelson Sobel, and Carl Debnam for spotting those oases that inspire admiration in all of us.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED AT BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dave Farnsworth, of the Educational Support committee, reports that Blue Ridge Community College has awarded a Club scholarship to Shannon King. Shannon is a horticulture major in the Horticulture Department at Blue Ridge Community College. The scholarship, in the amount of $1000.00, is for the 2008-2009 academic year. Carl Peterson reports that Haywood Community College has a number of horticulture majors that have applied for the Gerald H. Hardesty scholarship. When the College announces the winner, it will be reported in the Seed Pod. The committee has begun to investigate opportunities to support horticultural education at the local schools in 2008-2009. Our support could be in the form of direct financial aid, supplying plant material, horticultural supplies, mentoring students and assisting with school horticultural projects. If you have ideas on how the Club could support local school programs or if you know of a local school horticultural program that could use Club support, please contact Gerry Hardesty. Dennis Murphy
MEMBERSHIP RELATIONS COMMITTEE
CORPORATE MEMBERS B.B. BARNS LANDSCAPE CO. 3653 Sweeten Creek Rd. Arden,NC 28704 Landscape - Hunter Stubbs 828-384-9190 stubbsbb886@bellsouth.net www.bbbarns.com
BILTMORE FARMS, INC Development – George Cecil 1 Town Square, Asheville, NC 28803 828-274-2000
PROGRESS ENERGY Electric Company – Benny Haynes 828-258-4316 Cb.haynes@pgnmail.com
GOASHEVILLE.COM Asheville, NC Website Design - Andrew Stevenson 828-230-3751
72 WALL ST. INVESTMENTS 72 Wall Street Asheville, NC 28806 Richard Stiles-Branch Manger 828-255-5227 www.rstiles.wbsec.com richard.stiles@wachoviafinet.com
Cogito Landscape, LLC
Do you know who in he Men’s Garden Club today has the longest membership? Look on page 25 and you will find Charles Speers who joined in 1951.---- 57 years. WOW! Gerry Hardesty
HISTORY PROJECT--When was the first Seed Pod published? The History Project Committee continues to dig through Club records to gather information to update the Club’s history. We have almost a complete set of Seed Pods since the first issue (*see below for date). Club members (current and former) are encouraged to provide photos and historical information to the project. These items will be scanned and returned. As the project summarizes the history it will be reported in the Seed Pod. If you have historical items or know of someone who has this information please contact a project member: Gerry Hardesty, Tom Mills, Dennis Murphy, Ted Faber, Milford Shaver. * December 1943 Dennis Murphy
Seed Pod 2
93 Church Street Suite 4, Asheville, NC 28801 Charlie Hopper 828-252-9233 www.cogitolandscape.com chopper@cogitolandscape.com
Whitegate Inn & Cottage 173 East Chestnut Street Asheville,NC 28801 Dr. Ralph Coffey - 828-253-2553 www.whitegate.net innkeeper@whitegate.net
Finance Committe Report The Finance Committee met under the trees at the Botanical Gardens on July 1 to review the budget for the Men’s Garden Club. As a result, several mid-year adjustments to the 2008 budget were recommended and approved by the Board at its regular meeting on July 8. Members of the Finance committee are Bob Sharp, Carl Debnam, Ted Faber, and Bob McAfoos.
Men’s Garden Club of Asheville
Seed Pod
September 1, 2008
Neighborhood Gardening Award Continues to Recognize Intrepid Gardeners What a challenging summer for gardening! We see articles and advice more and more about drought-tolerant plants. Drought-tolerant?? In a region just a short drive from what was described just a few years ago as the "rain forest" of the eastern United States? How can this be? Nevertheless, here we are in a summer that won't be forgotten soon. It is nothing new for gardeners to face the unexpected - to battle the elements. And although we don't win all of the battles, it is encouraging to see some small victories - - - as in the photos below. Mike Stevenson
Peter & Tracey Stebbings have been in their new home on Finalee Avenue in Kenilworth for less than two years. They tackled their landscaping plan in spite of the daunting conditions - and their corner of the world is responding beautifully!
Kathleen & Robert Griffin on Midland Drive in North Asheville designed their English Cottage Garden a few years ago, but explain they are transitioning into a "low maintenance retirement garden"! This photo was taken in the front yard, but Lewis Lamb says the back yard is alive with color and full of graceful images.
The Propest home in Bent Creek offers an inviting deck to enjoy their woodland garden.
Tanner Adamson is shown above in the garden of his parents' home, Kenet and Nancy Adamson, on North Griffing Blvd. Summer perennials doggedly persist inspite of the heat with the good care offered them. A seasonal flag helps to bring color to that spot on a ot August day.
Have you spotted an "oasis" in your neighborhood? Whose green thumb and "determination in the dirt" has impressed you? Contact Mike Stevenson, Carl Debnam, Gerry Hardesty, Bob Thatcher, Jack Ingersoll, Nelson Sobel, Ross Jones, or Brian Greenwood and let them know. We want to feature a host of local gardeners and the fruits of their labors.
Seed Pod 3
Men’s Garden Club of Asheville
Seed Pod
September 1, 2008
MGC-A Programming Always Stellar! The president-elect of the Men's Garden Club has the unenviable job of making up the program schedule for a year. And the bar has been set very high indeed. Tom Mills did it once again in August when Hunter Stubbs visited with us and provided the "Sumptuous Summer" program with delightful humor, often self-deprecating, and chock-full of advice and information for his audience. Hunter is the landcaping side of the BB Barns business that we all know well. He is also a Corporate Member of the club (Thanks Hunter!) and he informed us that it was CD Spangler who Hunter Stubbs (l) shown with his club sponsor brought him into the club a few years ago. Following his presentation, Hunter remains to chat Good work, CD!! CD Spangler at the August meeting. with visitors and offer advice to them.
Welcome to our Club, Tom! Thomas Peterson has joined our club! Tom attended the August meeting with Ray Carter and met many of the members. Give Tom a call or an email and make sure he knows we are happy to have him join us! Name: Thomas Peterson Significant Other: Roy Sebbas Address: 399 Whitfield Lane City: Weaverville State: NC Zip: 28787 (H) Phone: 828-689-2393 (Cell) Phone: 828-335-0515 Email: thomaspetersen@charter.net Profession: IT Manager Retired? Yes Fax: 888-692-3097 Gardening Interests: Growing orchids, roses, home gardening Sponsor: Ray Carter
MGC-A Board and Spouses Enjoy An Outing With the Mills An other wise hot, dry July Sunday evening was made a memorable, enjoyable one for the garden club board members and their spouses this summer. Sandy and Tom Mills invited the whole crowd out to their corner of Carolina for a covered dish cookout and a very pleasant time . The shady glen where the picnic was held (see photos) was a refreshingly cool location and the hospitality the Mills provided could not have been more gracious. One guest was heard to comment: "It almost makes all those long, boring board meetings worth it, doesn't it?" Many thanks to Sandy and Tom for a wonderful time.
Above, Sheila Murphy & Bob Sharp dish up the goodies. Right, the wonderful surroundings at Sandy and Tom's house made for a relaxing time.
Above, Teri Wright visits with president-elect Tom Mills; right, a tree displays a series of interesting marks on the trunk - - - any guesses about what caused them?
Seed Pod 4
Men’s Garden Club of Asheville
Seed Pod
September 1, 2008
SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIPS Several people have remarked that Japanese beetles were not as numerous this year. In order to survive, Japanese beetle grubs require a moist environment. The severe drought has deprived them of this necessary environment. The result has been fewer beetles. The arrival of autumn means plants are preparing for winter. Well-watered plants are better able to withstand cold weather. In addition, since winter is coming, we should not encourage new growth on shrubs and trees because it will not survive cold weather. A prudent move, particularly for shrubs and trees in pots, is to withhold nitrogen containing fertilizers. The nitrogen content of a fertilizer is indicated by the first number on the fertilizer container. For instance, a box of 27-5-3 contains 27% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 3% potassium. It is better to use fertilizers containing very low or no nitrogen when fertilizing potted plants in the fall. Nitrogen, the first number, promotes plant growth. Phosphorus, the middle number, promotes root growth and fruit or flower production. Potassium, the third number, promotes root growth and disease resistance. Application of fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium will help the plant survive the winter and grow well next spring. However, before fertilizing your potted plants, be sure they are well watered. Fertilizer application to a dry, potted plant may result in severe damage John Fletcher often referred to as fertilizer burn. This will be the topic of a future article.
A PHOTO STORY OF A BUSY CLUB HAVING A BIT OF SPACE TO FILL ON A PAGE OF THE SEED POD IS ACTUALLY A CHANCE TO SHOW SOME PICTURES OF AN ACTIVE, ENJOYABLE CLUB. CAN YOU RECOGNIZE SOME OF WHAT YOU SEE BELOW?
Seed Pod 5
Men’s Garden Club of Asheville
Seed Pod
September 1, 2008
Annual Club Picnic Coming Up!! Our September meeting will be the Club’s annual picnic for members and spouses or guests. It will be held at the Governor’s Western Residence, as in previous years, on Wednesday, September 3. We will eat at the picnic pavilion, and the Residence will be available for touring before or after the meal. The meal will be catered by The Fireplace Restaurant of Weaverville. We will enjoy a menu of barbequed pork, ribs, and smoked chicken, and sides of potato salad, baked beans, and cole slaw, plus drinks and dessert. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. We have reserved the grounds from 4 to 8 pm, so come early to socialize with other members, to tour the residence, or simply to enjoy the grounds and vistas. A cost of $15 per person Visiting just comes naturally at a Club Picnic! will cover the meal and renting the Governor’s Residence. Bring nothing but your smile and appetite (and checkbook/cash)! Reservations will be required. Members of the calling committee will call the week Mary Farnsworth enjoying dessert at of August 25 to ask for reservation commitments so we can inform the caterer of how last year's picnic. many meals to prepare. So, mark September 3 on the calendar, get your spouse or guest on board to come, and be ready to enjoy the annual picnic. To get to the Governor’s Residence, go on Town Mountain Road (NC Hwy 694) from College St, just east of downtown Asheville and before reaching the tunnel. Drive up Town Mountain Road about 2.3 miles and turn left onto Patton Mountain Road (a sign indicates the Residence). Go on Patton Mountain Road 0.2 mile and turn right into the Residence. Drive past the Residence to the picnic parking area. Tom Mills
MGC-A Officers and Directors Directors Officers President: Ross Jones 274-7821 Past President: Dennis Murphy 645-3921 President Elect: Tom Mills 350-1897 Secretary: Carl Peterson 650-3005 Treasurer: Bob Sharp 299-9192
BOARD MEETING The next board meeting will be held at the Botanical Gardens Tuesday, Sept 9th, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. All members are welcome.
Membership Recruitment: Carl Debnam 645-3822 Member Relationships: Gerry Hardesty 299-3315 Horticultural Center: Ted Faber 236-9865 Beautification Sites: Art Hulse 645-5658 Plant Sales: Nelson Sobel 225-0473 Public Relations & Publicity: Open Special Projects: Mike Stevenson 254-5227 At Large: Tom Wright 505-1174 Publications Director: Donald Dossey 258-1311
Men's Garden Club P.O. Box 633 Asheville, NC 28802 www.mensgardenclubasheville.org Since 1940
INSIDE: Gardening Awards, Committee reports Seed Pod 6
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