Garden Club of Palo Alto Founded in 1921

Volume 88 Issue No.9 November 2009

November Membership Meeting Tuesday, November 3rd Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto9:00am Coffee and Conversation 9:30 Business Meeting and Program 11:30 am Adjournment InIn ThisThis IssueIssue The President's Letter Floral Exhibits Membership Corner In Sympathy Conservation News Report form Hort... Holiday Luncheon Lunch after the Meeting Fun facts from Fergus Upcoming Dates The Compost Heap

Our November Speaker: Deborah Whigham

THE OFF-SEASON GARDEN

Spending time in nature sparked Deborah Whigham's passion for . Earning a degree in from North Carolina State University, Deborah lives in Mendocino with her husband, landscape designer Gary Ratway and their 15 year old daughter Zoe. Named for a beloved Family dog who would just not stop digging for voles, Digging Dog Nursery is an amazing oasis located in the midst of a redwood forest near the Northern coast. Visitors are invited to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the one and one half acre nursery . The Nursery is recognized both Nationally and Internationally for it's outstanding collection of easy to grow, reliable and often rare plants, Deborah will be speaking about the Off Season Garden. She will share ways to plan and that spark interest during the quiet winter months.

Digging Dog Nursery www.diggingdog.com (707) 937-1235

Chairwoman of the Day: Betsy Okarma

Class of 2003 Hospitality for November 3 meeting Organizer: Shirley Finfrock Centerpiece: Barbara Bowers Baked Goods: Theresa Anderson, Garner Kelly, Jennifer Fitzmorris, Patricia Smith, Patricia Spector Fruit Platter: Bonnie Street Napkins: Mary Sinnott Clean-up: Anne Draeger, Dianne Haydock

Floral Arrangement: Susan Woodman

The President's Letter

The October meeting was a smashing success. We felt so fortunate to be able to return to the Art Center. The size of the room is a good fit for over 100 ladies. Toni Wisman and Pat Sanders have such a lovely way of making each member feel special. A job well done ladies! Our eyes and senses were greeted by gorgeous flower arrangements on the stage and hospitality table. Pat Smith,flower chair, introduced arrangers: Nicole Akerman, Elaine Tanner, Mary and Tay Gallagher, Katherine Glazier, Barbara Bowers and Sharleen Fiddaman. Each arrangement was worthy of a "Blue Ribbon". Pat discussed how to offer arrangements without the concern of the apple moth. Bev Aarts and Carol Kuiper, hospitality chairs, introduced their plan of having a different entering class providing refreshments at each meeting. The Class of 2008 served tasty treats for our first event. Leslie McLaren updated members of the planning for the Garden Club website.Leslie Huey and Bonnie Flanagan have offered to help Leslie implement this undertaking. Thank you both. The three of you will make a great team. The initial emailed newsletter was met with enthusiasm. Members who don't have computers will continue to receive their mailings by post. Mimi and Gwen were true to their word. Their first horticulture display were well received. Lucy Tolmach spoke on Filoli's Perennial Border: History and design. She had everyone's rapt attention . Lucy discussed not only the plan and care but, when to prune, how to water, fertilize , divide and choose your plants. No one wanted the discussion to end. She and the program were a hit! Mary Jo and I feel so blessed to have such a talented Executive Board and Board of Directions. They make our job " a piece of cake".

Karen Fry, co- president

Dear Garden Club Members,

This second e-mail newsletter has some useful features. At the bottom of the email is an area where you may click on Update profile/email address to edit your preference for receiving future email in either this HTML format or Text. The newsletter will default to HTML (all the colors and pictures) but if you request text then the newsletter will appear as a simple text document on your next newsletter....it is very easy to print! I have added another 'old' section...The Compost Heap, aptly titled for all those item that you don't want to lose but haven't a regular place.....how perfect!..... A special thanks so very much to Leslie Huey, Bonnie Flanagan, Shirley Finfrock and Nancy Wong for their assistance with the newsletter! Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Leslie McLaren

November Floral Exhibits

Refreshment Table: Barbara Bowers; class of 2003

Front Table: Karen Sickle (1995), Susan Woodman & Susan McDonnell (2003)

Membership Corner We have received 4 applications for membership so far this year. Please note that the deadline for completed applications is November 30. Prospective members are required to attend three general meetings in the twelve month period before becoming a member; but please encourage her to attend as many as possible!

*Please update your directories: Diana Plummer's email is: [email protected] Carol Schwartz's email is: [email protected] Gerry Gilchrist... new address and phone is: 575 Rengstorff, Apt.#87, Mountain View 94040, 650-254-4055 Leslie Huey's email has been changed to [email protected] Here's the beginning of Hamatreya by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bulkeley, Hunt, Willard, Hosmer, Meriam, Flint, PossessedPossessed thethe landland whichwhich renderedrendered toto theirtheir toiltoil Hay,Hay, corn,corn, roots,roots, hemp,hemp, flax,flax, apples,apples, woolwool andand wood.wood. EachEach ofof thesethese landlordslandlords walkedwalked amidstamidst hishis farm,farm, Saying,Saying, "Tis"Tis mine,mine, mymy children'schildren's andand mymy names's.names's. HowHow sweetsweet thethe westwest windwind soundssounds inin mymy ownown tress!tress! HowHow gracefulgraceful climbclimb thosethose shadowsshadows onon mymy hill!hill! II fancyfancy thesethese purepure waterswaters andand thethe flagsflags KnowKnow me,me, asas doesdoes mymy dog:dog: wewe sympathize;sympathize; And,And, II affirm,affirm, mymy actionsactions smacksmack ofof thethe soil."soil."

WhereWhere areare thesethese men?men? AsleepAsleep beneathbeneath theirtheir grounds:grounds: AndAnd strangers,strangers, fondfond asas they,they, theirtheir furrowsfurrows plough.plough. EarthEarth laughslaughs inin flowers,flowers, toto seesee herher boastfulboastful boysboys Earth-proud,Earth-proud, proudproud ofof thethe earthearth whichwhich isis notnot theirs:theirs: WhoWho steersteer thethe plough,plough, butbut cannotcannot steersteer theirtheir feetfeet ClearClear ofof thethe gravegrave

Patricia Sanders & Toni Wisman Membership Co-Chairs

The Garden Club expresses its sympathy to Sabra Driscoll on the recent deaths of her husband, John, and of her son-in-law, Allen Larsen. Who can forget seeing Al's whimsically delightful garden on last Spring's Member Garden Tour.

Conservation News: ...Continuing with the theme of water conservation that we heard about in Lucy Tolmach's presentation on drought tolerant plantings at Filoli during our October Garden Club meeting, I would like to encourage members to learn more about their own water use in the home and garden. The best way to do this is to obtain a copy of your water bill and educate yourself on how much water you are using and how much you are paying for it. There are 13 different water retail companies in the Bay Area. Palo Alto residents receive their water through The City of Palo Alto Utilities. Currently, Palo Altans are being asked to reduce their water use by at least 10%. That means if each person in your household conserves 20 gallons of water per day, the goal will have been met. But how do you know if your efforts to conserve are actually adding up to 20 gallons? Your water bill should be telling you how much water you are using and from there you can start to determine if you are using less than before. The California Water Service Co., which serves parts of Palo Alto and several other cities, states on their bill how many gallons a residence is using as measured in cubic feet (1 CCF is 100 cubic feet, or 748 gallons). Water is priced according to how many CCF were used per month. The bill also states what each customers water budget is (water budget = 2004 usage for the month less 15%) and how much they are over or under budget. Knowing that your efforts at water conservation are on track for making a difference is key to your success. The Conservation Committee will be providing tips at each meeting to help you on your way.

Kim Chansler

News from HORTICULTURE **Members: Save this reference information for your Gardening File** At our Garden Club General Meetings this year, we will feature plants that required limited water. Although our cottage gardens are charming, these are gardens filled with plants that require 'regular water'. The 'Hort Committee' will concentrate on... DTOE's = Drought Tolerant Once Established. It is Time to learn to love these plants-REALLY.

At the October meeting, the 'Hort table' featured some Succulents.

SUCCULENTS, including the cactus family, are able to survive for long periods of time without water. Cacti differ from other succulents by their padlike buds from which spines, shoots and flowers grow. All succulents are able to STORE moisture in their stems, roots or leaves. They can become dormant (in our summers) as a way to survive in dry, severe conditions. , as well as sedums and 'hens and chicks' (Sempervivum), aeonium and echeveria, are all members of the family, which is known by its simple, fleshy leaves.

Featured plant: Dudleyas One of the common names for is 'live forever'. These perennials grow low to the ground with rosettes of gray-green leaves that appear to be covered with chalky powder and produce small yellow flowers in spring and summer. They require low water, good drainage and full sun, though many prefer only morning sun, and afternoon shade...not hot sun. It is essential that dudleyas receive no water in the summer (except in containers). The fall and winter rains will bring to an end their drought-induced dormancy. They are susceptible to rot above ground if moisture accumulates in the rosette. It is helpful to plant them on a slight angle to drain water away more quickly. When planting or transplanting dudleyas, use a 'succulent & cacti soil mixture'. Examples: Dudleya brittonii: One of the easiest dudleyas to grow. Native to Baja, Ca. It has rosettes of tapered leaves covered in white, waxy powder and yellow flowers on reddish stalks in summer. It is prized for its strikingly beautiful 6-12" wide solitary rosette. Dudleya caespitosa: common name-'sand lettuce Dudleya farinose: powdery dudleya with gray green, red-tipped leaves

Dudleya pulverulenta: called the 'chalk dudleya; tightly packed rosette Dudleya virens ssp hassei: Native to Catalina Island, CA. This dudleya has a spikey rosette and branches freely to form large, coral-like clumps. Its open habit makes it less prone to rot than other species. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Information prepared by Gwen Whittier; bibliography available upon request

Save the Date! Holiday Luncheon, December 15th at Fremont Hills Country Club

During our social time at the holiday luncheon on December 15, we would like to feature six table settings done by our members. The table setting could revolve around a special collection such as nutcrackers, angels or trees or a cherished set of china, a piece of silver or a container that sets the theme for everything else you put on your table. A table could revolve around a holiday tradition such as a chili supper or a cookie exchange. A table with a New Year's Eve theme would be great fun.

We also want to capture interesting and clever ways to wrap gifts with simple, available and inexpensive materials.

This is a fun activity to do with a friend! Please let

Jane Stocklin [email protected] , 650 494-7757

Barbara Bowers [email protected] or 650 327-0937

Garner Kelly [email protected] 650 969-7121 know if you are interested to participate. We will gather names and your ideas at the November meeting. Call with any questions!

"Lunch with the Gardening Gang"

Please join the Garden Club Gang for a lunch after the November Garden Club meeting. We have made reservations at Babbo's Mediterranean Bistro at the Stanford Mall. Everyone is welcome - come alone or come with friends. Drive alone or carpool. It doesn't matter. But come . . . and you will find Babbo's a cozy place to catch up with old friends and meet some of our new members. I hope you can join us.

Time: Immediately after our November Garden Club meeting Place: Babbo's Mediterranean Bistro - Stanford Mall Do you need to make personal reservations? No, just come.

Gardening Gang Lunch Chair Carol Shealy

Fun Facts from Fergus..... Worms, Slugs and Cinch Bugs !!!

Earth worms have the power to move stones that weigh 50 times their own weight

They love coffee grounds.

They ingest soil and organic matter equal to the amount of their body weight each day.

They also help with your compost pile; when you turn your compost pile and find a lot of earth worms, you know that your compost pile is working and that you will have great top soil for your plants!

Slugs are hermaphrodites. Each slug has male and female reproductive systems and can mate with themselves!!!

They stretch up to 20 times their normal length, allowing them to squeeze through very small openings to get to available food.

Cinch bugs survive the winter by producing a chemical that acts like an antifreeze to protect them from freezing.

Upcoming Dates:

Board Meetings: November 19th, January 4, 2010

Submission Deadline for January Bulletin December 10th Holiday Luncheon Tuesday December 15th

January 5th Speaker: Katsy Swan, Landscape Designer " A Garden for All Seasons"

The Compost Heap

( Out of the archives I came across this section of the Garden Club bulletin that members used to announce most any sort of information. It seems to be the perfect place to include the following, here 'tis......

Hi Leslie, I'm wondering if I can publicize the availability (dig and haul away yourself) of a mature holly tree from our front yard? It is approximately 40 years old, 20' high, and very healthy.

Heide Schwenk (650) 326-6358 or [email protected] and from our co-pres....

A NEW FLORAL PRESERVATIVE I am a real fan and regular reader of the Wegman's Nursery weekly e-mail newsletter. That's where I recently caught up with an article about a new product, Vine-Agra, a "floral stimulator for fresh cut flowers and greens." Here's the scoop, reprinted here, with permission from the July 23, 2009 letter! "Wouldn't be nice if there was a product that would revive your limp and wilting cut flowers? A warm ride home in the car can also contribute to a reduction in the life span of your floral purchase. If we could just give our flowers a little boost! With this new breakthrough product Vine-Agra, your flowers can look healthier and last longer than ever before! When used properly, Vine-Agra will revive limp and wilting flowers, fresh-purchased or picked from your garden. By using special ingredients, Vine-Agra helps promote longer lasting blossoms, firmer stems and a healthier appearance. Vine-Agra also helps eliminate fungal growth associated with cut flowers. Vase water remains crystal clear for days! Vine-Agra also feeds your flowers so no need to add additional food packets or water clarifiers. Try it on flowers that seem to never last and you'll find amazingly long lasting results. Gerbera Daisies (no need to use straws), Irises, Bougainvillea, Hydrangea (can last up to a month), Lambs Ear, Cabbage & Kale, Ranunculus, Clematis, Mums, Ivy, Roses, Tulips and Lilacs." So, I tried Vine-Agra (wink, wink) and it's as good as it sounds. If you want to pick some up yourself-since Wegman's an exclusive dealer-stop by the nursery at 492 Woodside Road in Redwood City. One last unsolicited plug: this local nursery has an outstanding website, with lots of local planting information including seasonal tips, a list of community events, the schedule of Sunday information gardening presentations by Mr. Ed (whom I met through a couple of exceptional classes he taught at Gamble Garden), up-to-date care guides and more. Go to http://www.wegmansnursery.com and, sign up for Wegman's weekly newsletter-it comes straight to your email box and sometimes has coupons for plant or fertilizer bargains! Mary Jo Levy

Garden Club of Palo Alto is dedicated to: encouraging gardening and horticulture artistic use of plants conservation of natural resources educating the community beautification of public places P.O.Box 898, Palo Alto, California 94302 Email Marketing by