Also in This Issue

Winter 2016 NEWS from the

“Building community through gardening education and environmental stewardship.”

DOWN-TIME VOLUNTEERING by Jan Simms As 2016 gets started, volunteer opportunities do, too! Find a As a CGC staff member, a common this “indoor time” to overhaul the floor spot to make a difference. p 13 question we field from the public is what plan and the Youth Ed Office. Behind we do with our “downtime” in the winter. the conference table, the freshly painted Spending time at the front desk, I enjoy persimonn-y walls invites enthusiastic COMMUNITY GARDENS eavesdropping on these conversations conversations of strategies for bringing to learn how others of us deliver the the garden to kids. Mary has con- Give your garden endeavors an news that, with the exception of the week ceived the ideal workspace for the new- optimistic beginning this year between Christmas and the New Year, est of our employees –Nick Reynolds, with positive tips. p 16 this is not a concept with which we are the School Gardens Assistant. familiar. YOUTH EDUCATION For now, one of the busiest corners of Typically, the winter months represent the CGC is the tool space. Kylie and Discover some of the best reads a sort of “homecoming” for the staff; volunteer, Robert Cox, have gravitat- for getting the youngest of gar- it’s the only time of the year that we ed there frequently in the past week to deners through the are all together in the same building at choose implements for installing the new “indoor” months. p 15 the same time! It’s now that amazing instrumentation readout at the GLS and schemes, ideas and projects are hatched I am a visitor, too, searching for the odd as we use the time to enjoy and share roll of string for help displaying all the HORTICULTURE lots and lots of ideas with one another. mountain of new spring merchandise that has arrived for the Gift Shop. Everything you need to know Already in full swing for THE Plant Sale, about Edible Gardening. Find Bennett has met with Plant Chairs to put Upstairs a volunteer puts final touches out how to apply it to your the final touches on inventory for each of the second mailout of the year and garden. p 7 booth and the plants are ordered. In his Terry’s battlecry is “company’s coming!” Hort office, next to mine, I overhear a as she wooshes by to prepare for an discussion about some of the “stand-out” evening facility rental. GREEN LEARNING offerings, plant signage and merchan- Loose ends are tied up on the dising strategies that will greet visitors to From here on, I think I will look on these EPA grant with lots to show off at the grounds during that key weekend of hugely productive two or so months not the upcoming GLS open house. May 6, 7, and 8. as “down-time” but more accurately p 17 “done-time”-- now doesn’t that sound Down the hall, Mary has taken some of better?

Also in this issue... Don’t Wait Too Long! THE Plant Sale Save THE date p 3 There is still time left to stop by and Donors and Supporters pp 4-6 purchase tickets for the 3 gorgeous Classes pp 8-12 quilts to be raffled off in late February. Orchid Growing Tips p 18 Tickets, $2 each (3 for $5) may also be purchased by telephone using any Bonsai Society p 19 major credit card. Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati 2715 Reading Road Cincinnati, OH 45206 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S Lobby hours: 9-5 M-F, 9-4 Saturday MESSAGE Closed Sunday

Admission to the facility and Hoffman Library is free. tran·si·tion the process or a period of CGC Staff changing from one state or condition to another. • Vickie Ciotti x12 Vickie Ciotti Executive Director [email protected] Transition is important. I used to work with kids and first realized how important it is by viewing the world through their eyes. It was ● Terry Houston x18 impossible to shift gears from play to sitting at a desk without the Executive Assistant time to convert their energy. That transition might be a trip to the [email protected] drinking fountain, walk in from the playground, or a story to calm them down. Most adults subconsciously use their commute to transition from work to home, a book to calm their activity level • 3 0 Jared Queen x before sleep, or a cup of coffee and the newspaper to slide into Director of Development and Marketing their day. [email protected] I was thinking through the holiday break about how this time usual- ● Jan Kivora-Simms x14 ly provided the seasonal transition from harvest to planting. During Volunteer Coordinator winter, the earthworms are busy beneath the surface, but the quiet and cold gives the soil a rest, gives the perennials a chance to [email protected] reboot, and gives gardeners an opportunity to rest and plan for the spring. Of course, my thoughts this season have turned to the ● Mary Dudley x35 question in most of our minds – will we be afforded a transition this Youth Education Coordinator year? Some trees are budding, bulbs are sprouting months ahead of schedule and some plants have yet to “go to bed” for the winter. [email protected] There’s a poem, Transitions, written by Lawrence S. Pertillar, with ● Bennett Dowling x26 the refrain, Horticulturist [email protected] Transitions exist to get people ready. Transitions exist to give benefit. Transitions exist to get people ready. ● Kylie Johnson x16 To grow and leave behind, Green Learning Station Coordinator With a blooming done of it.” [email protected] What will happen this year if we have no transition? ● Greg Potter x11 Experiencing the opposite brings us greater appreciation and joy. Community Gardens Coordinator The cold of winter helps us enjoy the warmth of spring. The early [email protected] nightfall brings appreciation of longer days. Snow replaced with greenery brings hope and happiness. We may have to be more conscious of what the spring brings, if we don’t experience a long, • Tom Paquette x19 cold winter. The landscape may look a little different. Finance Manager [email protected] When confronted with a challenge, my son, the Marine, is fond of reminding me he is trained to improvise, adapt and overcome. • Nick Reynolds Sounds like a good motto for gardeners, as well. School Gardens Assistant nreynolds!civicgardencenter.org

● Mary Lou Schueler x17 Bookkeeper [email protected]

NEWS from the Civic Garden Center Published by Jan Simms

2 CGC Board of Directors Greetings from the President of Thanks to these folks for overseeing the CGC the Board of Directors operations and for the direction they provide.

Hello, everyone! James Allen Kevin O’Dell I’m so honored and excited to be Chris Doan Amber Shidler able to support the Civic Garden Center as the incoming President Patrick Edmunds Nancy Strassel of the Board. Over the past 14 Mary Nippert Susan Sturgeon years since retiring from P&G and becoming a Master Gardener, I’ve met many of you as we worked for THE Plant Sale, on strategic plans, development, and other events. I know I can count on your ideas, energy, time, and contributions to support and expand the CGC mission to build community through gardening, education and environmental stewardship. With Sadie Hawkins Day fast approaching, can Spring be far Save The Date behind? Of course the crazy El Nino weather we’re having may bring us spring tomorrow, just like November! In any event, the time to plan gardens is certainly now. The same goes for the Civic Garden Center Board. We’ve reviewed results from strategic plans from 2009 to 2015, and are in the T HE Plant Sale 2016 midst of formulating the strategic plan for 2016 and beyond. Much has been accomplished: our Green Learning Station May 6, 7, 8 draws in students of all ages eager to learn how to be better stewards of our environment, our own hive of bees buzz Honorary Chair: Debbie Oliver around the demonstration vegetable garden, a spruced up Co- Chairs: Chris Lippert and Halle Quinn headquarters building with a new roof, new paint inside and out, and a new floor in the kitchen; unique, expanded offer- Friday, May 6 ings in the CGC Shop, and strengthened mentoring and support for affiliated community gardens. An investment (finally!) PREVIEW PARTY in development and marketing is beginning to pay off in new 6 to 9 PM friends and returning supporters for CGC. All of those advances occurred during Mary Bishop’s ser- Saturday, May 7 vice as a member and President of the CGC Board. Mary’s Sale open to public commitment to the Civic Garden Center extends beyond the 9AM to 5PM Board to chair of the Sun Perennials booth for THE Plant Sale and being an active gardener at the Julie Hanser Children’s Mother’s Day Eve Luncheon (community) Garden. We are more than grateful for Mary’s 12 noon – 2 PM contributions over the past 7+ years of active service, and happy to have her guidance for the next year as Past Presi- Sunday, May 8 dent and member of the Executive Committee of the Board. Sale open to public Please join me in a big ‘THANK YOU’ hug for Mary whenever 11AM to 3PM you see her this year! I hope to meet and get to know many more CGC supporters, Sponsors include: The Oliver Family Foundation new and ‘old’. In fact, you can find me almost every Monday Dianne & J. David Rosenberg afternoon working the front desk, and ready for a chat. So Brad & Marsha Lindner come on down and let me know what makes CGC great and how it could be greater! Now I have to get back to my plant catalogs and garden books, spring is coming!! All the best,

3 oused in an office building in downtown Cincinnati from 1942-1951, the Civic Garden Center moved to its current home in Avondale in 1951 when Cornelius J. Hauck generously donated land from his beautiful “Sooty Acres” property. In keeping with the spirit of Mr. Hauck’s generosity, the Hauck Society recognizes the major financial contributions of $1,000+ to the Civic Garden Center with year-long membership in the Hauck Society. Beginning in 2015, all Hauck Society members receive an invitation for two to the annual Hauck Society celebration in late fall.

Interested in becoming a Hauck Society member? Contact Director of Development and Marketing, Jared Queen, to pledge your support or renew your gift today at [email protected] or 513-221-0981.

75TH ANNIVERSARY MAGNOLIA LEVEL $10,000+ BEECH LEVEL $5,000 - $9,999 PREMIER LEVEL $20,000+ Charles H. Dater Foundation Alison Herschede Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./ Crosset Family Fund Arthur & Maria Motch U.S. Bank Foundation John & Betsy LaMacchia Dianne & J. David Rosenberg Oliver Family Foundation Lucile & Richard Durrell Special Fund II Judy Mitchell & Fran Kellington Sutphin Family Foundation Meshewa Farm Foundation PNC Bank Smale Civic Garden Center Fund Sue Sturgeon Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation William S. Rowe Foundation

POPLAR LEVEL $2,500 - $4,999 ELM LEVEL $1,500 - $2,499 OAK LEVEL $1,000 - $1,499 Anthony Woodward & Sally Applegate Arleene Keller Bill & Phyllis Augspurger Brad & Marsha Lindner Cortney & Amy Scheeser Carol & Carl Huether Bruce S. & Caroline C. Taylor Fund Daisy Kattan Cindy Johnson Graham Edwin & Sharon Janosik Mitchell Dick & Sandy Manteuffel Diana Dwight Ladislas & Vilma Segoe Family Foundation Ellen & Clark Sole James & Cindy Briggs Marjorie Rauh Garden Intern Endowment Heather Byer Lewis & Marjorie Daniel Foundation Terry Lemmerman Judi Graves Margaret & Michael Valentine The Fairview Agency Karen Sills & Paul Duplace Richard V. & Carol A. Wilson Ward & Sarah Bahlman Marjorie & Lou Rauh Rick Noland William P. Anderson Foundation Mary Bishop & Jerry Wild Ron & Jane Koppenhoefer Phillip & Whitney Long Ronald & Barbara DeNamur Priscilla Haffner

Adopt-a-Garden sponsors positively impact community and school gardens by providing funding for a garden of their choice. Adoptions last one year and include 4-tickets to the 2016 Plant Sale Preview Party, membership in the Hauck Society & recognition in your adopted garden, on the CGC website and at THE Plant Sale.

ADOPT-A-GARDEN LEVEL $1,000+ Alva & Leon Reid Helen & Stephen Rindsberg Ohio Against The World Betsy & Charles Townsend Jane Garvey & John Lanier PhyIlis Crawford Brad & Marsha Lindner Judy Mitchell & Fran Kellington Rob & Dulany Anning Brett Stover Karen Sills & Paul Duplace Stan Elliott & Jay Shatz Chris & Dawn Hock Kathy & David Doel Sue Sturgeon Chris & Wayne Lippert Kevin & Sarah O'Dell Suki Skidmore & Tim Kane Ellen & Clark Sole Lilli & Liam Allen Susan & Hap Castleberry Friends Of CGC (3) Mark & Kym Kuenning Western Nursing Services Gene Wilson & Anne Warrington Wilson Mary Bishop & Jerry Wild William D. Stenger Halle & T. Quinn Matt McFee & Jared Queen Adopted In Memory Of Frank & Margaret Linhardt Mary & Victor Hackman Milton & Dorothy Allen Richard Crawford

4 DONATIONS RECEIVED OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2015

ADDITIONAL GIFTS Alli Miller Colleen Madewell Joe Wilmers Mary Newman Amy Bernard Dolores Bruggeman John Kelly Peg Stedtefeld Analda & Edward Simmons Eric & Margaret Yeiser Judi Schofield Peter & Mary Bauer Ann Bailey GE Foundation Judy and Kevan Langner Stephen & Judith Gerstner Avima Ruder Gerry Googins Katherine Berger Steve & Sue McCord Barbara Feldmann Heather Curless Kathy Arnold Sue & Michael Thacker Barbara Harper Jane Burke Kroger Community Rewards Sylvia Roth Bill Lonneman Jean Donaldson Marjorie Isaacs Terence Cody Bob & Christine Scheadler Jerome & Jean Eichert Mark & Sue Cohen Teresa Carrelli Brian Brimelow Jessica & Brian Hurst Mark More Terrie Cunningham Claire & Albert Dierckes Jo-Ann Coder Mary J. Wittrock Valerie & Cat Macarie

GARDEN CLUBS

ENTHUSIASTS $500+ FRIENDS $150-$499 Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati Floras Amo Garden Club Greater Cincinnati Orchid Society

MEMBERS $35-$149 Dirt Plotters Garden Club Greater Cincinnati Sogetsu Ikebana Cincinnati Branch Les Jardinieres Garden Club Forest Park Gardeners Daylily and Hosta Society Southwestern Ohio Daffodil Society Monfort Heights Garden Club Four Seasons Happy Gardeners Garden Club Symmes Late Bloomers Garden Club Mt. Healthy Garden Club Garden Club of Fairfield Hosta Society of Greater Cincinnati Trowel And Error Garden Club Old Fashioned Garden Club Garden Club of Ft. Thomas Junior League Gardeners Villa Hills Garden Club Pan City Garden Club

HONORARIUMS

Sue Sturgeon Judi Graves In Honor Of The Dirt Crew In Honor Of Vickie Ciotti

MEMORIALS

In Memory Of Betty Rauen Barbara Huheey Francis Niehaus Nona Hais Rita Brandewiede Carol Bakos Joyce Hascher Patricia and William Whitton Virginia Zagaja CMT Imports Mari Mauro

In Memory Of In Memory Of Marie Blersch In Memory Of In Memory Of Dorothy Darden Bobbie & Frank Shields Melissa K. Haynes, CK & Bugs Sarah Kattan Connie & Robert Booth Connie & Robert Booth Robert & Betty Haynes Daisy Kattan Gregory Filter

IN-KIND

Betsey & James Cornwell Joseph & Lanie Grever Rob & Dulany Anning Collett Clemens Melvyn & Lois Nizny Sue & Gerald Rolfes John Ellmore Mike Paul Tom & Cecilia Kloecker

5 THANK YOU FOR HELPING US ERADICATE Cincinnati’s Food Deserts

The Civic Garden Center is grateful for all the donors who gave so generously to this year’s annual appeal. The focus of this year’s appeal, Help Us Eradicate Cincinnati’s Food Deserts, was to raise awareness of food deserts in the region and inform the public of CGC’s role in solving this problem: community gardens. We work to give neighborhood residents the desire, knowledge and tools they need to build and sustain community gardens in their neighborhoods. People living in food deserts lack access to fresh, nutritious foods. What better way is there to provide access to fruits and vegetables than to encourage, train and support community gardeners?

DONATIONS RECEIVED OCTOBER 1 DECEMBER 31, 2015

IMPROVE-A-GARDEN $600-$999

John & Betsy Betagole Patrick & Krissy Polley Richard & Eva Komoroski

HELP-A-GARDEN $300-$599

Chuck Schramm & Eunice Murphy John Mitchell Michael & Carolyn Hoyt Dan Newman Gary & Nancy Strassel Kassy Corken Robert & Pat Henley Connie & Robert Booth James & Alison Zimmerman Lauren & Tim Lancaster Scherr Charitable Foundation Diana Porter & Len Webb John & Marian Leibold Martha Wasserman

TRAIN-A-GARDENER $150-$299

Beau Tuke Grace Sferra Marie & Sam Kocoshis Sophia & Daniel Cifuentes Christina Zorn Irwin & Melinda Simon Mark Boire & Peter Quinnan The Seven Hills School Elizabeth Jackson John Panyko Mary Jo Vesper Timothy Sheldon & Joan Bryan Fran Christensen Larry & Kathleen Kissel Patrick & Pam Dollard Walter & Barbara Kautz Gerald & Sarah Skidmore Lois Benjamin Rita LaPresto

SEED-A-GARDEN $75-$149

Alex & Lura Teass Elsie & Jaun Lackey John & Barbara Bloomstrom Pearl Jordan Amira Beer & Mark McKillip Erin Houlihan John Mangan Randall Olson Amy Koshoffer Fara Javaheri Joyce DeVoge Rebecca Seeman & David Wood Andy & Lori Bregger Gary & Jacklyn Bryson Joyce Kaufman Richard L. Betagole Ann Schuur & Richard Overturf Gerri Simmons Karen Larsen Robert Johnston Arleen & Alan Hoeweler Graydon & Laurie Gorby Lisa Pannos Roger & Barbara Schanzle Barbara & Philip Lichtenstein James Gibbs Lynne Reckman Ron Wilson Benjamin & Sue Blaney Jan Dhonau Margaret Possert Sara Storjohann Brewster Rhoads Janet Heiden Marjorie Davis SFS Ministries, Franciscan Friars Carol King Jason Neumann Mark Mitchell Stephen Smith Cathy & Robert Caldemeyer Jean Sepate & Peter Djuric Mary Pat Lienhart Susan Allen Cindy Schrader Jeanette McCarthy Mary Quinn Sylvia Shor David & Vicky Motch Jennifer Geiger & Jack Barrett Murray & Robin Sinclaire Thomas & Dawn Larson David Collins Jerry & Maryan Hahn Norma Lewis Timothy & Patricia Doyle David Gruber Jerry Mellman & Alice Horn Paul Rouse Tom & Ellie Elkinton Donald & Betty Ann Horak Jodi Merritt Paul Woodford Yvonne Dishon

6 HORTICULTURE CORNER

What’s all the Hype about Edible Landscaping? by Jan Simms

Let’s be clear, this is not a new trend, if anything, the practice of edible landscaping is a renaissance. The modern concept of landscaping with fruits and vegetables was made popular 25 years ago mostly by Rosalind Creasy in her first edition of Edible Landscaping (Sierra Club Books, 1982). Over time the book has paved the way for many others on the topic and solidified a community of gardeners who grow organically, “encourage recycling, and provide alternatives to resource-wasting gardening techniques”. It is no wonder then, that this message resonates with today’s new gardeners who enjoy a more eclectic and personal design in their front yards and urban balconies, terraces and rooftops. Borders of peppers, containers of chard and masses of basil lend excitement to the eye—and table. Rosalind inevitably “blazed” a new pallet (pun intended) of color, shape and texture from which to design from.

Beyond the nutrient-rich esthetic edible landscaping imparts, when properly applied, it is the panacea for economic and environmental sustainability. By focusing on the harvest rather than maintenance of the lawn, “edible” gardeners soak up the savings of lower water-use and freedom from pesticides and fertilizers. One of the most interesting aspects of this renaissance is the new imprint it has sustained by being included in discussions of even newer concepts like permaculture, no-mow, vertical gardening and xeriscape—that’s a good reason for a lot of hype, don’t you think?

We hope that you will embrace some level of Edible Landscaping in your 2016 garden, if not for your benefit, for that of the birds and pollinators who share your space.. To that end, the CGC has scheduled college-level classes on this topic, taught by Sue Trusty and John Hemmerle.

Please look for descriptions of the following classes in our catalog of classes (pp.8-12 ) and on our website.

Defining the New Edible Landscape Introduction to Edible + Ecological Landscape Design Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers for the New Edible Landscape Fruits for the Sustainable Edible Landscape

Fabulous Containers: Edible and Ornamental Save the date! Does your garden need “bones”? If you are seeking plants to complete your garden’s infrastructure, why not choose edible trees and shrubs at Civic Garden Center’s one and only Plant Sale on May 6, 7, and 8. Look for signage indicating plant attributes such as edible, native, pollina- tor friendly, etc.. At some point, you will need to consider repotting your orchids. Why? Whatever medium your orchid I hear the passing echoes of winter and feel the warming spring on my face. ~Terri Guillemets

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?

Contact Julie Crook at [email protected] or at 513-946-8998 for information.

7 CLASSES CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Civic Garden Center Calendar of Classes and Tours February through April, 2016

All classes take place at the Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd 45206, unless otherwise noted. MGV – Classes marked with MGV are approved for Master Gardener Volunteer education hours. Junior Gardeners – Programs with this designation encourage participation of parents and children who are age 15 and under. Please contact the Civic Garden Center to register for all classes and workshops at: 513.221.0981. Class Series Offerings

Community Garden Development Training - This series of classes (CGDT) begins in October and runs through the winter to get you ready for next spring. Participants in CGDT classes must complete and submit an application. Visit our website for more information. Classes listed below are open to the public.

Living Green Series *after title indicates a class in this series - Want to learn to be a “greener” you by making your home, garden and products more organic and natural? Delve into this series and see what you can easily accomplish to “green up” your life.

Professional Development Series ** after title indicates a class in this series - Whether you’re a green industry professional seeking CEUs or an individual interested in learning more about sustainable architecture and reducing human impact on the environment, this series is for you! This set of classes will focus on The Living Building Challenge (LBC) – one of the newest green building rating systems. The LBC is a building certification program, advocacy tool, and philosophy that defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today. A variety of experienced live instructors will provide engaging presentations related to the seven performance categories of the LBC known as Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity and Beauty.

Baby Greens Series - We are offering the Baby Greens classes to families with children from birth to age 4. The classes will provide young children with opportunities to grow as they explore the world of plants! Monthly classes will each have a different focus based on seasonal changes. Cost is $5 per child and advanced registration is appreciated.

Community Garden Development Training Class Series

CGDT Series – Thriving Garden Practices MGV Tuesday, February 9, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructors: Kylie Johnson, Green Learning Station Coordinator & Greg Potter, Community Gardens Coordinator Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Part 1: The class will discuss composting practices for your garden space Part 2: Crop rotation, beneficial insects, and mulching

CGDT Series – Healthy Traditions: Perspectives on Nutrition & Food Preparation MGV Tuesday, February 16, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructors: Lauren Niemes Lancaster M.Ed., R.D., L.D. Nutrition Council, Children’s Home of Cincinnati & Greg Potter, Community Gardens Coordinator Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) The class will provide an overview about the nutritional benefits of eating a healthy diet including fresh whole foods, fruits and vegetables. Greg Potter will discuss in-garden and in-kitchen techniques to preserve your garden harvest including a vegetable fermentation demonstration.

8 CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

CGDT Series - Construction Techniques for the Gardener MGV Saturday, April 9, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Instructor: Greg Potter, Community Gardens Coordinator Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Garden construction fundamentals - learn to build raised beds, paths, compost bins, cold frames and simple trellis forms. Alternative building materials for these features will also be addressed.

Introduction to Edible + Ecological Landscape Design MGV Thursday, February 11, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: John Hemmerle, Owner + Designer of Our Land Organics, LLC Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Interested in moving beyond Taxus and Boxwoods around your home? Winter is a great time to plan your landscape. Join us for an introduction to designing your yard with edible and useful plants. Not only can plants perform aesthetically; they can provide ecological services like cleaner air, pollination and erosion control. We will cover basic design principles and case studies for the home landscape. Come learn how to begin making your yard beautiful and abundant.

Baby Greens Family Class: Tree Hugs (ages birth-4) Tuesday, February 16, 10:00-11:00 am Class size is limited. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. Instructor: Mary Dudley, CGC Youth Education Coordinator Cost: $5 per child Help us hug a few trees as they wake up from their long winter sleep.

Solar Energy: Harness the Sun to Power Your Garden MGV Wednesday, February 17, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Jacob Lucia, SonLight Power, Inc. Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Solar energy is one of the most talked-about alternative energy sources in the world today, and it has a wide range of cost-effective applications for everyday living. Solar-powered devices can serve many basic functions for the backyard gardener or small-scale grower. This class provides an overview of solar technology, how solar modules work, and will demonstrate a spectrum of products available on the market for gardeners including solar powered lighting, rainwater harvesting, fencing, food preservation, and more.

Garden Basics: Get your garden growing MGV Thursday, February 18, 11:30- 1:00 pm Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling, Horticulturist Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Lunch: You’re invited to bring your lunch to eat while you learn! As spring approaches, important work must be done in the garden to ensure its health and beauty throughout the growing season. Late winter and spring are also great times to plan and plant gardens. This class covers seasonally appropriate work such as pruning and working soil, as well as planting and seed sowing.

Junior Gardeners Family Class: Gardening for Birds (ages 5-15) Saturday, February 20, 10:30 am-noon Class size is limited. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. Instructor: Mary Dudley, CGC Youth Education Coordinator Cost: $5 per child Not all birds are enjoying warm weather after migrating. Learn how we can help Ohio birds in our gardens and make a feeder to take home.

Plan a Vegetable Garden MGV Thursday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Jerry Luebbe, seasoned vegetable gardener Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) (continued)

9 CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Are you interested in starting a vegetable garden this year? This course will introduce the basics of planning a successful garden. Topics to be covered include site selection, soil preparation, choosing what you want to grow, what to plant where, when to plant and harvest different crops and strategies for keeping your plants healthy throughout the season (watering, crop rotation, companion plants).

Introduction to Organic Land Care for the Home MGV Saturday, February 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Instructor: John Hemmerle, Owner + Designer of Our Land Organics, LLC Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Did you know the average homeowner uses 10 times more chemical fertilizer and pesticides per acre than conventional farmers use on farmland? Not only is this financially and environmentally costly, it is also completely unnecessary. Join John Hemmerle, owner and designer of Our Land Organics, as he explores the principles of organic land care and how to apply them to your own yard and garden. You will learn how to reduce your yard-care costs and your work-load by utilizing natural systems that are already at work in your yard. You will walk away with actionable tips to begin this season.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Yard MGV Saturday, February 27, 1:00 - 2:30pm Instructor: Jill Russell, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology Cost: Free, reservations required Few things are more comforting than the happy chirping of birds in an attractively landscaped yard. Learn how the dietary needs of birds change throughout the year and how this diet directly relates to the nutrients available in native plants and water features. Keeping track of which birds visit your yard will tell you if you have the right food available for them. Join Jill Russell in an exploration of common Cincinnati yard birds, how to attract them, and how to keep them happily singing. To register email [email protected] or call 513-244-4411

Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers for the New Edible Landscape MGV Tuesday, March 8, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Sue Trusty, University of Cincinnati, Horticulturist Cost: $15 (UC course open to the public, free for CGC volunteers) Blended gardens that incorporate ornamentals and edibles look amazing, create community and are trendy. A diverse garden with many different species of plants is resistant to pests, supports wildlife, attracts pollinators, and can improve the soil. Learn the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers to incorporate into the landscape, including unusual varieties you must grow at home, native plants, perennial vegetables and shade tolerant edibles.

Homegrown Tomatoes MGV Thursday, March 10, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Jerry Luebbe, President - Cincinnati Heirloom Open Pollinated Tomato Associate Growers (CHOPTAG) Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Do you want something better than grocery store tomatoes? This class is a great guide for both the experienced tomato gardener in quest of the perfect tomato and for the beginning tomato grower just getting started. We’ll talk about Hybrid, Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, and Self-Pollinated tomato types. Other topics will include origin & history, soil fertility, seed and plant variety selection, starting plants from seeds, growing & harvesting, pests, saving seeds, seed and plant suppli- ers.

Baby Greens Family Class: Spring Fling (ages birth-4) Tuesday, March 15, 10:00-11:00 am Class size is limited. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. Instructor: Mary Dudley, CGC Youth Education Coordinator Cost: $5 per child It’s almost spring and the plants are waiting for sunshine. We will walk the garden and say hello to the flowers.

Fruits for the Sustainable Edible Landscape MGV Tuesday, March 15, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Sue Trusty, University of Cincinnati, Horticulturist Cost: $15 (UC course open to the public, free for CGC volunteers) (continued) 10 CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Would you grow strawberries, currants, gooseberries, serviceberries, elderberries, pawpaw, persimmon, and other fruit and nut trees if you knew they were easy to care for, tastier than store bought, and looked terrific in the landscape? Sue Trusty will discuss which fruits to grow for minimal negative impact on our environment, how to choose and prepare the best site for your fruits, which fruits and cultivars perform well here, and where to buy good-quality plants. After a short break, Sue will continue with maintenance information for fruit growers, including pruning and training, conventional and organic pest control, fertilizing, watering and harvesting. Attend one or both sessions!

The Water Petal: Rationale and Strategies for Creating a Net-Positive Water Building and Landscape** Friday, March 18, 2016, 11:30 am-1:00 pm Instructor: David Whittaker, LEED AP, Living Future Accredited, Human Nature, Inc. Cost: $20 (includes lunch) Credits: Approved for 1 AIA LU and 1 GBCI CE Credit Join us for an in-depth overview of the Water Petal, one of the seven regenerative categories (or Petals) that define the Living Building Challenge (LBC). This course will discuss the intent and rationale behind the Water Petal and illustrate how the LBC can help us generate places that effectively manage and use all rainwater that falls on a site and/or building. The informative and inspirational presentation will include an in-depth look at real-life examples and case studies.

Junior Gardeners Family Class: Super Seeds (ages 5-15) Saturday, March 19, 10:30 am-noon Class size is limited. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. Instructor: Mary Dudley, CGC Youth Education Coordinator Cost: $5 per child It’s time to plant our spring garden. Join us to learn how to grow delicious foods from seed and take home your own starter kit!

Fabulous Containers: Edible and Ornamental MGV Tuesday, March 29, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling, CGC Horticulturist & Ali Burns, Horticulturist Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Are you interested in gardening but lack a yard? There are plenty of plants you can grow in containers… on a roof, balco- ny, stoop or even indoors. Learn the basics of keeping container plantings healthy and fresh throughout the seasons. We will dive into how to design both ornamental and edible containers for visual, olfactory and taste appeal.

Green your Spring Cleaning* Thursday, March 31, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Carisa Hund-Bunten, Owner of 7th Street Gifts, Newport, KY Cost: $20 per participant, registration is required Learn how to take the chemicals out of your cleaning routine this spring by replacing them with natural products that work. In this hands-on workshop, each participant will make and take a green cleaning supply “kit” to kick off spring cleaning naturally. You’ll leave with the knowledge and practice to make refills at home using hand-crafted grated soaps, waxes and essential oils.

How to Build and Use a Rain Barrel - Spring MGV Saturday, April 2, 1:30-3:00 pm Instructor: Jerome Wigner, CGC Volunteer Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) FREE WATER for your plants! A rain barrel is a great way to help reduce storm water runoff and save a little money spent on summer watering. Take home tips to help you install and maintain a barrel at your home. Get started right away by purchasing a complete rain barrel kit from our gift shop.

Spring Backyard Composting MGV Tuesday, April 12, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Jerry Luebbe, Master Composter & Kylie Johnson, Green Learning Station Coordinator Cost: $15 (free for CGC volunteers) Do you want to start a compost pile but have no idea how to even begin? Come learn the basics about composting to get you started. This class is an excellent introduction to why we compost, different styles of composting, and how to compost. 11 CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Managing Rain on your Property: Tour and Talk MGV Thursday, April 14, 5:30-7:00pm Instructor: Kylie Johnson, Green Learning Station Coordinator Cost: Free Did you know that 11 billion gallons of raw sewage and stormwater flow into our region’s streams each year during rain events? Explore the ways the Green Learning Station is reducing the amount of stormwater that goes into our sewer system and develop your own list of actions to take at home. This class will cover the key things to consider when select- ing green stormwater controls and will provide you with ideas and resources for getting started on your project. All ages welcome.

Create a Mother’s Day Gift Bag* Thursday, April 28, 6:00-8:00 pm Instructor: Carisa Hund-Bunten and her children, 7th Street Gifts Cost: $25 per participant, all ages welcome, registration is required Just in time for Mother’s Day: make a natural gift that mom is sure to love. In this hands-on workshop, participants will use food grade soy wax, mineral micas, essential oils, and hand crafted soap to make a mother’s day gift bag that includes a naturally scented candle, fragrant soap bar, and exfoliating bath salt. Come prepared with the knowledge of your mom’s favorite scent combinations so you can customize your gift just for her. This class will be taught by Carisa and her skilled children. Families encouraged to attend. Call 513-221-0981 to ask about family rates.

Additional information and online registration for each of the above events and programs is available at www. CivicGardenCenter.org. Registrations can also be made over the phone at 513.221.0981.

2016 WILD ONES PROGRAMS

February 27, 10:30 AM: Tour of UC Herbarium by Eric J. Tepe, Assistant Professor and Associate Curator of the Herbarium. The herbarium at the University of Cincinnati was founded by Margaret Fulford in the 1920’s and has grown over the years through the work of prolific collectors and through acquisition of several large and important collections. Today, the herbarium houses around 125,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and algae, making it the third largest herbarium in Ohio. Particular strengths of the herbarium are North American Sphagnum, South American and Caribbean Hepatics, North American Cladonia, and Trilliaceae. Crosley Tower is located on Martin Luther King Drive.

March 12, 10 AM – Noon “Getting Started: A Beginners Guide to Natural Landscaping in Your Own Backyard” - A presentation by Chris McCullough, President of Greater Cincinnati Chapter Wild Ones, with a panel discussion to follow. Do you want to start a native landscape but don’t know where to start? Here is a chance to learn from Wild Ones members and friends who have already done it and have been successful. Location: Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati.

April 23, 10 AM – Noon Hike in Avon Woods Nature Center, guided by Denis Conover, PhD, Professor, Biological Sci- ences at University of Cincinnati. Avon Woods Nature Center is a Cincinnati Park that has been invaded by the non-native shrub, Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). Denis’ research focuses on various aspects of ecological restoration and the study of ways to control invasive alien species in natural areas. We will observe firsthand the effects honeysuckle has had on Avon Woods, at 4235 Paddock Road, 45229.

May 6 - 8: THE Plant Sale at Civic Garden Center. Wild Ones members will set up and staff the Milkweed Booth and “Necessary Natives” Booth.

For additional information and to register for WildOnes programs contact Chris McCullough at [email protected]. 12 VOLUNTEERING

The Youth Education Compost Kids Program is looking for individuals who are excited about teaching children ages 5-12 about the importance of composting, recycling, gardening and caring for our world.

Weekly programs are on Thursday and Friday morning (8:30 to noon) on the following dates:

March 17/18 and 24/25

March 31/April 1

April 7/ 8, 14/15, 21/22 and 28/29

May 12/13

All volunteer candidates must attend one of the following trainings:

Thursday, February 25 - 10am-noon

Friday, March 11 - 10am-noon

To reserve the program and training dates of your choice, contact Jan Simms at 513-221-0981

Plant the Seeds of Community

Are you looking to get involved with a Community Garden this growing season? Does helping with planting and harvesting, moving compost or building garden beds all while interacting with some wonderful people appeal to you? The Civic Garden Center Community Gardens can use your help!

Also… For employers interested in Community Outreach we would love to connect! We have many opportunities available that provide sunshine, exercise and team building which can be tailored to your group’s size, expectations and desired level of involvement. Why not bring the team to the garden? You may be surprised what grows from it!

Please contact Jan at [email protected] or 513-221-0981—You’ll want to be prepared to tell us your availabili- ty and how often and/or specific dates you would like to engage.

C’mon, let’s get our hands dirty together!

SPRING FEVER? WE CAN HELP!

Make your volunteer reservation for THE Plant Sale... It’s never too soon to sign up for your “spot” at one of the city’s most remarkable volunteer-powered events. We are seeking individuals, groups, clubs and students to fill hundreds of positions (many needing no experience) to make this annual fundraiser a success. Dates are May 6 through 8, but volunteers are needed beginning in April. THE Plant Sale is a volunteers “rain or shine” event. For additional information contact Jan at 513-221-0981.

WISH LIST

Thanks to our friends and supporters who donate items from our Wish List. We are grateful to our supporters no matter the size and scope of your gift!

Hanger for multiple brooms/mops Toilet paper dispenser for GLS bathroom Hooks for hanging coats in GLS Large bathroom sink mirror 10% Discounts for 2015 Safety cones for field trips (8) Dissolving bath tablets The following businesses provide a 10% discount to Civic Garden Center donors. A donation now will Kitchen sponge mop get you a discount card for next season. Angle-type broom (3)

Thank you to these businesses for their Unused gardening and work gloves participation in this program.! Seed starter- Park Seed BioDome 60 cell (2)

Adopt-A-Plant Greenhouses Seed tray heating pad (2) Allison Landscape & Water Gardens Seed starting soil Ammon Wholesale Nursery Aquatic & Garden Décor Round-point shovels B.C. Nursery/Chris Daeger Garden rakes Burger Farm & Garden Center Bzak Landscaping, Inc. New or gently used garden tools Cincinnati Pine, Inc Wheelbarrows - new or gently used NEW! Civic Garden Center Gift Shop. Delhi Flower & Garden Center Flower Framers of Cincinnati Florence Nursery & Landscaping Gears Florist & Garden Centers Greenfield Plant Farm H.J. Benken Floral Home & Garden Lakeview Garden Center Holscher Hackman Garden Center Farm Your Yard/Kreidler Design Marvin’s Organic Gardens Meyer Aquascapes Minges Greenhouse & Garden Center Natures Corner Greenhouses Northside Grange &Urban Farm Supply Park + Vine Raymond Landscape Nursery Renck’s Landscape & Garden Center Peters Nursery—Garden Store Narcissus so himself himself forsook, and Renaissance Garden Ornament died to kiss his shadow in the brook. TLC Landscaping & Garden Center Martha Wassermann Landscape Design LLC -William Shakespeare White Oak Garden Center Worm’s Way

14 YOUTH EDUCATION

Winter Reading By Mary Dudley

As I enjoy the restful season between harvest and planting, I have started to tackle the stack of reading material that has accumulated over the past few months. I find time to read flagged articles and peruse newsletters. My little girl just celebrated her first birthday and she has always enjoyed looking through books. My library consists of horticulture magazines, curriculum guides, craft books and children’s stories. I enjoy the academic rigor of scientific reading and am inspired by the creativity in an art lesson. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite winter reading, along with a few of my daughter’s! May you find a warm spot to cozy up and appreciate the restorative season of winter. Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots by Sharon Lovejoy

Ms. Lovejoy helps my imagination fly as I read her whimsical ideas of garden games and fun activities. She has several wonderful books in print, I’ve found her Trowel & Error along with Sunflower Houses to be delightful.

Square Foot Gardening with Kids by Mel Bartholomew

This is a twist on an old classic. For those of you who have read Mr. Bartholomew’s seminole work on Square Foot Gardening, this version is packed with easy ways to incorporate the younger generation into the garden. From soil mixing to bed building and everything in between!

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

This children’s story is alive with color and beautiful artwork. Ms. Ehlert is a wonderful children’s author and many of her stories focus on the natural world. Her other fantastic books include Leaf Man and Waiting for Wings.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Who could forget this timeless story! I will have to remind my daughter how much she loved to flip through the pages and see what the hungry caterpillar was going to eat next. Mr. Carle also wrote The Tiny Seed which is a story I read to school children before we embark on our seed exploration activities.

I hope you enjoy some of these good reads! A warm cup of tea and a young person on your lap makes the winter months so wonderful. It will be time to start seeds before long.

Bee Update While we haven’t checked our hive since fall we are hopeful that the bees have enough food and warm buzzing buddies to survive our coldest temperatures. With materials from a grant awarded from Bee Cause we will soon be installing an observation hive in the Green Learning Station. We are working with the Southwest- ern Ohio Beekeepers Association to learn how to properly care for this type of hive. “Bee” sure to visit our new hive this summer!

15 COMMUNITY GARDENS

Optimism in 2016 By Greg Potter

To be a gardener you have to be an optimist to a degree. You are making an effort that will pay off in future enjoyment. You are placing orders for seeds or plants, planting seeds, transplanting starts and tending to things over time for a later visual or edible result. The weather could hinder your efforts. Disease or pests could work against you. Yet, you do it any- way. You are at least to a degree an optimist. You have to be. So I began to wonder; would being more optimistic make you a better gardener? Will it make you more inclined to spend those extra minutes in the garden or try that variety that announces itself as challenging? Well, for my own benefit, I aim to find out.

I got inspiration from something I read on how to be more optimistic. (I apologize, dear author, I don’t remember your book) The idea? Make a list of the single best thing that happens to you every day. Sure you’re overwhelmed with a project, or the weeds are really starting to take over, or the political news is making you crazy, but something that happened today was the best thing. Write it down! The act of making the list will get you focusing positively upon your day. I am putting my list on a chalkboard where I can see it when I walk into my office space so that it is an instant reminder before I roll up my sleeves for the day, to stay optimistic. Here is the list that I kept at work right before I left for the holidays.

Monday - Finally met someone I had been trying to connect with for a year.

Tuesday - Got an immediate smile from Mary’s little girl as she saw me.

Wednesday - Chance encounter with a former co-worker (and one of my favorite people).

Thursday - Jokes and laughter at the staff meeting.

Friday - Heard Kylie play the violin at the office Christmas Party.

An added benefit of the list is rereading it later. It gives you a nice reflection of your week. I came back from taking some time off at the holidays to find a sixth item had been added to my list. “Vacation”. Someone had added that while I was gone! So not only was I influencing myself but someone else in the office noticed and decided to help me out. I have to think if they added to the list it also made them feel good. So I am now optimistic about spreading optimism!

So with the New Year, I encourage you to give this a try. I challenge you along with myself to become more optimistic this year. Let’s see if it makes us better gardeners. Will we try that one more thing or that extra challenge because we feel better about things? I will if you will.

My optimistic garden anecdote from 2015: I harvested my first cantaloupe from my garden ever!This was a true reflection of optimism because I have never planted cantaloupe, it just chose to arrive! A seed that got mixed in? Maybe. A viable seed from the compost piIe? Possibly. Do I plan to plant it this year? Absolutely!

Be Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. --Abraham Lincoln

16 GREEN LEARNING STATION

Embracing the Seasons by Kylie Johnson

How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?

-Dr. Seuss

Do you feel that the older you get, the faster time flies? I know I sure do! For many people, the beginning of a new year is a time for reflection and resolutions. Much like one of my favorite Dr. Seuss poems, my new year reflections have remind- ed me how quickly time can move, and working at the Civic Garden Center has really brought to mind how important it is to soak in each moment and embrace each season of life in the midst of our fast-paced lives.

While I am personally not a big fan of January’s cold weather (thank you Mother Nature for the warm December!), I do enjoy this month to celebrate last year’s accomplishments and start with with a “clean slate” for a new year ahead. It feels like it was just yesterday I was sharing the good news of the Ohio EPA grant funding we received to update our stormwater education for the Green Learning Station, but it was actually a year ago this January! As we wrap up the EPA grant, I’m pleased with what we have accomplished with the funding in 2015:

• We now have a one-of-a-kind, museum grade, urban water cycle model that can be transported to schools.

• Our sensor system is back online to track water flow in our pervious parking lot, allowing us to continue collecting valuable data about pervious pavements, of which little research has been conducted.

• We just purchased a new interactive digital display that will allow students to engage in data analysis and STEM activities during field trips. Save the date! To celebrate these enhancements to our educational offerings, we are hosting a Green Learning Station Open House in conjunction with the Green Umbrella Watershed Action Team Green Drinks event on Thursday, April 7 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Civic Garden Center. The public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be provided and drinks will be available for purchase.

In addition to enjoying a networking happy hour, the April 7th event will have a short program to introduce the new Green Learning Station features mentioned above and will give visitors a first look at our newly installed observation beehive and plans for a greywater harvesting system.

Stay Tuned: We will be hosting a STEM all-girls summer camp from June 13-17 for young women grades 9-12. The camp is part of a larger “Girls in STEM ecosystem” through collaboration with the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative. Applications and more details will be available soon. Check our website at greenlearningstation.org for ongoing updates or contact Kylie at [email protected].

Join me in my New Year’s resolution to slow down and embrace each moment in 2016. Help us celebrate the seasons this year through our class and event offerings. We hope to see you April 7th!

Orchid Growing Tips

Repotting Your Orchids by Alice Palmer

At some point, you will need to consider repotting your orchids. Why? Whatever medium your orchid is growing in, over time it will breakdown. As it breaks down, it becomes smaller and holds on to water longer so that roots are at risk for rot. The second problem is that the old medium compacts and does not allow enough air to circulate around the roots. And you guessed it…more chance of root rot.

So when is it time to repot? Here are some general guidelines:

. The plant is no longer blooming…why risk damaging those beautiful blooms?? . The roots are actively growing. You should be able to see green tips on roots. For most orchids, that means repotting in the spring . It has been 1 -2 years since you repotted your plant . If you rub the medium between your fingers, it is smaller and easily crumbles . The plant is not growing or doing well

The Pot - Medium can be replaced and the plant returned to the same pot if the roots are not too crowded. Most orchids prefer to be a bit crowded rather than sitting all alone in a too-large pot. For Phalaenopsis, select a pot 1/3 to ½ the total leaf span. The next decision is whether to use a plastic pot or clay. The advantage of a clear plastic pot is that roots can actually create sugar if exposed to light (Phalaenopsis orchids). Many growers use these pots. Others prefer clay pots that help keep medium a bit drier as the water evaporates through the clay. Evaporation also keeps the roots a bit cooler, which some orchids like. Whatever the pot is made of, be sure there are plenty of holes to allow water drainage. And be sure the pot is not only clean, but really clean. Use a 30% bleach solution to make sure, after you scrub the pot. Then rinse well so that all the chlorine is gone. If your pot will be going outside later this spring, you might want to place a rock in the bottom of a plastic pot, to help keep the plant from tipping in the wind.

The Medium - Ask three expert orchid growers and you may get three different answers to this one. In part it depends upon what orchid you own and how often you want to water it. The two main types of media are bark/bark mix and sphagnum moss. Bark will generally be used for larger rooted orchids (like Phals) and moss will be used for roots that like to stay moist most of the time. However, there are not hard and fast rules; some folks grow all their phals in moss! If you have a few orchids, buy a bag of medium that is for your type of orchid. The big box stores have these, as well as web- sites and local stores. Whatever you buy, to get rid of the dust and wet the medium, soak it in a bucket of water overnight before you repot.

Doing it! -Gather your courage, gently remove the orchid from the pot and remove every bit of medium you can without damaging the roots. Trim off any soft, rotted roots and spread the remaining roots over a handful of medium in the pot. Fill the rest of the pot with medium, working it among the roots so the junction of the roots and the stem is at the top of the medium.

Still nervous about repotting an orchid? The Greater Cincinnati Orchid Society will help you repot a plant during their repotting event. This spring’s will be held at Krohn Conservatory on March 20 from 1-4 PM. Or come to a society meeting on the first Tuesday of most months (the beginners’ group meets at 6:30 in the library of the Civic Garden Center). All are welcome. All meetings are open to the public. Want to read more about it? https://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=425 is the American Orchid Society’s repotting reference.

Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati

Know your Bonsai

By Dave Radlinski

So many times bonsai are given as gifts and the recipient does not know what kind of tree they have, therefore do not know the proper care for it. Bonsai are tropical, semi-hardy or hardy.

Tropical bonsai must be kept in a warm environment and not exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees. These make ideal gifts as they can be kept indoors all year. Proper watering and light are the keys to keeping them healthy. Leaves on a tropical tree tend to turn yellow when it is constantly too wet. Care must be taken to allow the tree to use the available moisture as required. Most bonsai are lost due to overwatering. Monitor the soil using a moisture meter, a bamboo skewer or your finger to probe the lower part of the pot. The meter will give you an instant dry, damp or wet reading. The skewer, when left in the pot, will be darker than the top dry portion, indicating the amount of water available to the roots. The finger test is always reliable. The tree can be fertilized with any plant food, half strength, about once or twice a month, if it is healthy and growing.

Trees, such as pines, junipers and most deciduous trees are hardy and need to go dormant during the winter months. A semi-hardy, deciduous tree should not be exposed to below freezing conditions. If you have a hardy tree of this type it can stay outside when protected from the sun and the wind. Both the hardy and semi-hardy trees could also be stored in an un- heated garage or shed; they do not need light, but still must be checked for moisture at least once a week.

Examples of tropical Bonsai: Ficus Arboricola Gardenia Jade Bougainvillea

Hardy varieties: Juniper Yew Elms False cypress Japanese Maple and some Azaleas

Semi-hardy varieties: Kumquat Bay Laurel Chinese Elm Trident Maple

If you have questions on your bonsai come and meet with the Bonsai Guys at the Krohn Conservatory. We are there almost every Wednesday from 11 AM until 2 PM. Call the Krohn at 513-421-5707 to assure we are there. Monthly meetings and workshops are held at the Civic Garden Center; please contact the Bonsai Society’s Dave Radlinski at 513-831-6931 for dates and times.

19 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 5604

Lobby hours: 9-5 M-F, 9-4 Sat., Closed Sunday www.civicgardencenter.org

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

SAVE THE DATE!

THE Plant Sale 2016 takes place @civicgarden

May 6, 7, and 8th! ~Rain or Shine~ facebook.com/civicgarden For Details Visit www.CivicGardenCenter.org youtube.com/gardenerterry