GARDEN GAZETTE Spring 2021 The Garden Club

CALENDAR

March Tuesday, March 2* SFGC Zoom Meeting/Program Steven Brown 1:00 pm - Email invitation SFGC Tuesday, March 16* SFGC Zoom Meeting/Program Author Gabriel Frank Spring 1:00 pm - Email Invitation Programs April Tuesday, April 6 * March 2 April 20 SFGC Zoom Meeting/Program Rania Ragers Peter Brastow Steven Brown 1:00 pm - Email invitation Chair, CCSF Environmental, Senior Project Manager, The Presidio Trust Tuesday, April 20* Horticulture/Floristry Department SFGC Zoom Meeting/Program DIY Healing Basket and Wreath Richard Turner Rania Ragers • Richard Turner Lead Project Designer 1:00 pm - Email invitation a Look at “Tunnel Tops” and more March 16 May Author Gabriel Frank May 4 Tuesday, May 4 * Striking Succulent Gardens SFGC Zoom Meeting/Program Matthew Stephens Matthew Stephens Director, Gardens of Park 1:00 pm - Email invitation April 6 “Updating” Tuesday, May 18* Peter Brastow SFGC Zoom Meeting/Program Senior Biodiversity Coordinator, May 18 Erika Tanchy SF Department of Environment Erika Tanchez 1:00 pm - Email invitation Envy Floral Design A Plan for Plant June Designing with Wildflowers Diversity In the City Monday, June 7 Bouquets to Art •Opening Night June 8 - 13 Public viewing All presentations are on Zoom at 1:00 pm Look for the Zoom invitation in you email mailbox a few days prior to the meeting. Click on the link and you will be taken to the Zoom meeting. You will be notified of SFGC event and activity changes as Covid-19 rules and regulations evolve Member. Event *

T 1 President’s Letter Message from Betty

I must say that being your president is a fascinating experience. I have (almost) learned Zoom, dealt with decisions via email during a pandemic, and enjoyed working with a most enthusiastic and passionate board who is eager to keep the club strong and involved through these months of sheltering. The only thing I would definitely change is being able to chat with you personally, face-to-face, instead of through the Zoom lens I am pleased with our efforts to date. In December we began a fundraising campaign to assist witha new nursery for the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Although we have until May 31st to raise our committed $10,000, I am excited to report that in a little over two months we have raised almost $6000 and there are still a lot of you who have yet to respond. This illustrates that we have a magnif- icent group of members who are truly dedicated to our mission of philanthropy. If you haven’t yet participated, I encourage you to send a check to the club’s office with SFBG written in the memo line Our new website is finally online. While we are still finding glitches that need to be refined, it is working.In your web browser, go to San Francisco Garden Club and let me know what you think. It is not only pretty, it is informative. Spend some time going through it; you might find some information about the club that you never knew! When I first began attending meetings in the late 80s, one of the treats I discovered was getting tomeet guest members from the League of San Francisco Consular Corps. I am thrilled that we have reinstituted that invitation and each month we have welcomed more wives to our Zoom meetings. When you check in on the first and third Tuesdays, look for new faces and welcome them. Another program we have initiated is to offer $50 guest memberships to those we normally would invite to our luncheons. This allows them to receive our newsletter and participate in our bi-monthly Zoom meetings. The membership is good through May 31, 2021. If you know someone who you might bring to the meeting, ask them if they would enjoy being a guest member. It’s a great way to introduce someone to what this club is all about. Speaking of Zoom meetings, we are enjoying between 30 – 40 participants at every session. We have decided that it will be impossible to hold luncheon meetings this club year. Zoom is our only way of keeping in touch. Tish Brown has programmed some wonderful pres- entations and has a new and different program twice a month through May 18th. Don’t miss even one! They run the gamut from workshops to authors. Want to know what is happening botanically in San Francisco? Then make sure you watch every Zoom session. I must admit that being president has made me more aware than normal as to what is happening in nature. This past week I read about how spinach plants talk to each other, learned how consortiums will prevent the extinction of certain species and that we need more snow in the mountains! What new data have you discovered lately? I want to thank my Board of Directors: Tish Brown, Barbara Johnson, Joanne Lindeke, Eva Monroe, Gail McCollom, Jean Ellingsen, Beverley Hayes, Jean Lee, Theresia Treadway and Martha Woollomes for working tirelessly and making things happen! They are amazing and deserve many virtual hugs!!! As this pandemic winds down, I leave you with the wise words of Anne Frank: “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does it feel it all is as it should be.“ Looking forward to seeing you on Zoom, Betty

Angel Donors SFBG Nursery

Tish Brown Janet Cushing Beverley Hayes Anne Holly Sally Ketchum Joanne Lindeke Gail McCollom Susan Milliron Lynn Norris Merilyn Presten, Sandra J. Swanson Elizabeth (Betsy) Vobach Betty Packard Voris Martha Woollomes

2 SFBG & SFGC Website SFGC Project Updates

Club Pledges $10,000 towards building Botanical Garden Nursery By Sandra Swanson The San Francisco Garden Club has a long legacy with the San Francisco Botanical Garden. We dress up and go to Garden Feast and we roll up our sleeves to work in the garden. We raised funds for the Celebration Garden and cut the ribbon at the opening 18 months ago. Now, Garden Club signage identifies our garden and the garden is shaping up! About a year ago, our Board sent a letter to Stephanie Linder, Executive Director of the Botanical Garden, endorsing the Garden’s plan to build a new, world-class Plant Nursery complex to replace the garden’s dilapidated 50 year-old facility. Once our club was offered the opportunity to participate in the realization of the Plant Nursery, to fulfil the garden’s role as a world class Botanical Garden, the club stepped up. With 80% of the total funding complete, the first 70 persons or organizations who contributed $10,000 or more to the new nursery will be honored by having their names engraved on the Nursery entry, where the names will remain for 50 years. On December 1, 2020 the Garden Club accepted the challenge by immediately pledging $10,000. Its name will burnish the Botanical Garden nursery once built. In just two months, members have already raised nearly $6000. If you have not donated to the Botanical Garden Nursery Fund, please do so in the coming days and weeks. No amount is too small and no amount is too large. It would be great for every member to contribute something towards this project. Make your check out to SF Garden Club and mail to the office at 640M Sutter St, San Francisco Let’s meet this target before 94102. In the memo line, put Botanical Garden. If you are so inclined, you may make a donation on the final due date of May 31, 2021 our website: www.sanfranciscogardenclub.org

Now on the web: San Francisco Garden Club By Betty Voris For the last 18 months, an Emerge Design team from City College City has been working with Betty Voris to develop a completely new website. In spite of Shelter-in-Place and the team and instructor having to individually work from home, a new website was born. The old website, containing old and incorrect information, was totally eliminated from the web. Actually, the old website was harder to take down than the new one was to create. We also have hired a webmaster.. Google “San Francisco Garden Club.” Take some time to look through it. There is a lot of historical data and pictures from over the years that you should find very interesting. You can make donations and pay dues directly from the website. You will have the latest in what’s happening and a calendar with future events There is a totally private Member Only section that is closed to the public. It contains the roster, the by-laws and the policy manual. To get into the private Member Only section, you must complete a registration form. The user name for everyone to initially use is sfgc. Type “sfgc” into the user box. The password box is blank. In order to have your own private password and be able to get into that section, you must hit “Forgot Password.” You then create a password and place it in the password box. The password is absorbed into the system. No one has access to it nor is it available anywhere. If you lose your password, you will have to create another one. If you encounter any registration problems, our webmaster is available to help and has created a short tutor. In order to make certain the Members Only section is available only to members, a registration period will begin upon release of this newsletter. The registration period will close on March .6 In order to ensure privacy, the webmaster will verify all registrants through the club’s official records. On March 8th the Members Only, section will be available to all members with the username of sfgc and your chosen password. Members who have not registered by March 6 may register at a later date but also must wait for verification before being allowed access. While the Members Only section is private, the rest of the website is public and designed to tell the story of the San Francisco Club. It’s colorful: we now have a spring banner that will change to summer in June. It’s informative; it tells our 95 years in detail. Reminisce in the pictures and text of years past. Recall what the club accomplished in the last full year of no Covid - with pictures and board reports. Designed to project exactly who we are as well as our mission, it is a website that should instil more than a little pride. Note from Betty Voris: I wish it were perfect, but we are still repairing glitches. It is an ongoing project. If you find an error, please contact me and I will see it is corrected.

3 Member News SFGC members keep busy with diverse activities • Our first grandchild was born Dec 26, ending this year on a very happy note. We were able to go to Atlanta, quarantine, and be there for her birth! Callie Ann is beautiful! Hard to be back, but it is also a very hard time for hospitals, so best to come home! Kat Zagoria

Our daughter has been working 24/7 throughout the pandemic wearing many different hats as a health officer of Alameda County, acting CA State Health Officer and CA State Epidemiologist. She is actively involved in getting through this pandemic. This is an article from June. Rose Pan

I had an old book shelf that wasn’t to interesting so I had a light installed and created a “memory shelf.” It has some photos of cherished family, and two loving pets, that have passed away, I love remembering them in their lovely photos! Have played on and off since 4th grade, but as a result of playing a lot during We had to replace some posts on the back fence, looked cold to me, so we purchased COVID, I can finally play by ear! Iceberg tree roses to fit in front of each pole. Stephanie Angeli Tish Brown

4 Member News SFGC members keep busy with diverse activities

This one white rose has been standing watch over the Walnut Creek garden of John and Carol Maerzke all winter and is now overseeing the blooming of the perennial yellow Narcissus. Carol Maerzke

John and Carol Celebrating their birthday week

The Glass House by Beatrice Colin Published September 2020 264 pages

A relaxing novel set in 1912 Scot- land centered on an inheritance. It is a pleasure to read the occasional references to renowned plant hunt- ers. Enjoy! Marty Clarke

Elaine Larkin enjoying a holiday trip to FILOLI “The Glass House” is a historical novel with an emphasis on botany and plants. It features family relationships and dynamics, especially between the two women protagonists. Readers will enjoy the beautiful descriptions of Scotland and India. Marty Clarke graciously sent the book to me. If there is a SFGC member who Natasha Hopkinson appreciates would like to read it, I will happily send gardening during the Pandemic. it on. Martha Woollomes

5 Photos Winter Flowers � Photos by Eva Monroe

Photos by Jean Lee

Magnolias Photos taken at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

6 Book Review Review by Dr. Judith Taylor Maren Meinhardt ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT Katonah, New York – Blue Ridge 2019

Last month I reviewed a book about Darwin’s plant studies so it is only fitting that this month I should consider the man without whose work Darwin might not have engaged on his career. I refer to Alexander von Humboldt. This is the second biography of Humboldt, 1769 to 1859, in the past few years. The first one was by that excellent writer Andrea Wulff. Why is there a resurgence of interest in this man? In our era no one has said or seems to have thought very much about him. That is quite unlike the nineteenth century. Humboldt’s work and exploits dominated scientific thinking. His popularity and influence were so profound that Napoleon was quite jealous of him, be- lieving he was being pushed into the background by a mere scientist. An explanation may lie in the fact that Humboldt did his work so well that we no longer attribute the basic underpinnings of modern science to any one man but consider them to be part of our background thought. We take it for granted that the higher you go on a mountain the colder it gets. It took Humboldt’s climbing a tall mountain in South America with a thermometer to establish that relationship. Part of the explanation may also be because he did not leave one immediately recognizable legacy like Darwin or Einstein but isolated the truth of a multitude of topics. Although he had a profound influence on many sciences his work is considered to be the foundation for biogeography and geophysical monitoring and meteorology. Humboldt’s father died when he was very young. His mother, a stern, cold and domineering woman, was independent- ly wealthy. She made sure her sons were well educated. When she died he took his inheritance and spent it all on his scientific endeavors. He ended up quite poor as a result. In 1799 he and a French botanist, Aimee Bonpland, traveled through Central and South America and did not return to Germany until 1804. Along the way President Jefferson invited him for a nice visit at the White House. These were kindred spirits and communicated in French. Unlike Wulff, Meinhardt focuses almost entirely on his intellectual aspect rather that the nuts and bolts of his travels. He penetrated very far up the Orinoco River in Venezuela, braving every miserable physical discomfort but none of that ever seems to have got him down. He continued to collect his samples and make his measurements no matter what. When the En- glish botanist Richard Spruce traveled from the Amazon into Venezuela he reached a remote village where Humboldt was still remembered from fifty years before. “A little man with grey eyes” came through here, the old people told Spruce. Humboldt was close to Goethe and they both felt that there was more to science than simply data. Humboldt was a “proto ecologist” before the word was coined, understanding the inter connectedness of living things such as the importance of a plant’s setting for example. I can end by saying definitively: No Humboldt, no Darwin or John Muir.

COPYRIGHT © NOVEMBER 2020 JUDITH M. TAYLOR

7 Program Presenters SFGC Zoom Program Presenters In spite of Shelter-in-Place and a pandemic, The San Francisco Garden Club has been able to host excellent Zoom presentations, using both our members and those in the community. Because Zoom meetings are shorter than luncheon meetings, there has not been enough time to allow members and guests to realize how talented our speakers are. Below is the biography of program speakers through the month of February. Enjoy reading about these exceptional people. Jane Scurich November 17, 2020 Growing with Bulbs Jane Scurich grew up in Memphis TN where her father owned a feed and seed store, long before garden centers and big box stores existed. She looked forward to November when the Dutchmen arrived with their vast collections of tulip and daffodil bulbs. She grew up loving bulbs of all kinds and continues to embrace bulbs and encourage others to experiment with lesser known varieties. Her presentation included where to purchase bulbs and what bulbs worked well for the seasons. A Master Gardener, she is always looking forward to sharing her love of bulbs.

Mercedes Pilgrim December 1, 2020 Thinking Big with Mercedes Pilgrim When you walk into an event, you are immediately struck by its spectacular presentation. Whether setting for 400 or 4000, everything is color-coordinated, tables perfectly set and magnificent floral centerpieces all complete the total image demanded by the event. -Im agine being in charge of such a luncheon! On Dec 1 club members took a behind-the-scene look with Mercedes Pilgrim, who for 8 years was Floral Department Manager and lead designer for McCalls Catering & Events. Through pictures and talk, Mercedes explained the process behind the design – its concept, theme, venue, etc. She thenshowed a completed floral arrangement which she replicated from that event and discussed why that particular design and flower selections were chosen. Mercedes revealed the installation process, logistics and - how she rose to the challenge when what can go wrong, did go wrong. Mercedes is no stranger to the San Francisco Garden Club. She was an Alice Eastwood winner in 2011. Our talented speaker discov- ered her passion for flowers after taking a floral design class for fun and was hooked. She immediately left a 20-year banking career to complete the CCSF Retail Floristry Program. Mercedes then honed her skill by working for floral designers such as Michael Daigian, Passifloral and Seasonal Celebrations, as well as floral designer for Taste Catering . She assisted at workshops for the European Master Certification program and an AFID National Symposium.

Mercedes has a BS in Economics from the University of San Francisco, is a European Master Certified Floral Designer and is an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers. A life-long student, Mercedes enjoys attending floral design workshops and educational programs to keep up with new and emerging trends, materials and techniques.

Eva Monroe December 15, 2020 Wrapping up Christmas with Eva Monroe It’s mid-December – were you ready for the Holidays? Whether completely organized or were working on getting Thanksgiving décor out the door, December 15th was the date members picked up some quick ideas for creating a fresh look for the holidays in your home or to share with friends or family. Most of the audience is familiar with fellow SF Garden Club member, Eva Monroe and the fun she has with flowers and gardens. For those who met her for the first time – a little background. Born and raised in Watsonville, California, her mom was her first floral inspiration. Plants and flowers grew in profusion around the homestead and were ready material for her mother’s Altar Society bouquets for the weekly services at the local Catholic Churches, civic and social gatherings and of course, the family home. 8 Program Presenters SFGC Zoom Program Presenters

Observation and hands on work with other floral trained designers were the only lessons Eva needed to hone the gifts already planted in her mind by her mother’s example. College at the University of San Francisco and marriage for close to 50 years now to her college sweetheart has firmly converted a country girl into a bonafide City lover. Living a full life in San Francisco, Eva is involved in many civic and no-nprofit organizations, including the SF Botanical Garden, The SF Conservatory of Flowers, The SF Fine Arts Auxiliary and Bouquets to Art and the SF Fine Arts Museums Floral Committee. Each of these organizations has enriched her love of creating beauty with flowers for any occasion. Over the years she has worked with local and nationally known floral designers with Bouquets to Art, plant and garden curators at our local botanical gardens, and the creative band of merry floral designers she has worked with at the de Young and the Legion for over 25 years. Eva’s love of color, texture, form, art and composition, plus the joy of sharing creatively brings her here today. Realizing that Covid restricted access to local florists, the Flower Market and places like Costco, Trader Joes and other large shopping venues, Eva showed how we can safely source floral material and stretch our imaginations to create a uniquely warm holiday setting at home, with limited resources.

Natasha Hopkinson January 5, 2021 English Gardens: Paradise Found Natasha Hopkinson is a nationally recognized garden expert known for her accomplishments in the field of design, arthistory, acting, public speaking and gardening. Her garden design work has been published as widely as Japan. For seventeen years she traveled to London to collaborate on the production of The Chelsea Flower Show souvenir DVD for England’s Royal Horticulture Society with the British film company, Two/Four Productions. Before her recent move to California, Natasha was on the board of the Madoo Garden Conservancy, Sagaponack, NY. She has been a member of the Executive Committee of the British Memorial Garden built in Lower Manhattan in honor of British citizens killed on 9/11. She has also been on the Board of the American Horticulture Society. Natasha was the Urban and Specialty Garden Host for The Cultivated Gardener, Public Radio’s nationwide program aired on six- ty-six stations. Every week, The Cultivated Gardener reviewed aspects of horticulture from the practical to the poetic. As Segment Host for “ Breaking Ground”, Natasha helped launch the flagship series of The Home and Garden Television Network (HGTV). Filmed in municipal and private gardens across the country, the program reached some twenty million American viewers. Natasha’s expertise has garnered her a number of speaking engagements around the country. She has been a guest lecturer at Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum in Boston on Chinese Gardens. Natasha received her Master’s Certificate in Landscape Design from Radcliffe College. Her thesis: “The Art of Landscape Design for Television Audiences.” Her career began at the internationally renowned architectural and urban planning firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill which has completed hundreds of award-winning buildings and environmentally conscious urban plans, including such landmark mega projects as Baltimore’s progressive express-way system. The system set the stage for the development of environmental impact procedures that establish the foundation for the National En- vironmental Policy Act of 1969 which now assures that every major construction project in the United States address environmental issues in detail. This early experience helped fire her passion for environmentally sound action. Before establishing her own elite landscape and garden design firm, Natasha apprenticed for three years under landscape designer Allen Haskell, a recipient of the Garden Club of America’s Gold Medal for Horticulture and the largest producer of topiary in the United States. Among her commissions are several of the “jewel box gardens” of Boston’s Louisberg Square, an enclaven Beacon Hill built before the Civil War and one of the nations most beautiful urban neighborhoods. Her work also includes similar often larger gardens in Boston’s Back Bay and the North Shore. New York terraces are also her forte. Her work has been showcased on “Rebecca’s Garden ”and other television programs. Natasha ’s heartfelt interest in conveying the real pleasure of gardening, and how landscape design successes are informed by our society, underlies all her media presentations. Her aim is to create an opportunity to open the world of landscape design for the audience, to inspire them to take action to benefit their own lives and their communities, and to restore, improve and protect the quality of their piece of the planet! Often profound and even extraordinary benefits to physical and mental health and moments of pure joy can be experienced through the simple act of gardening and garden making.

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Stephanie Linder, Executive Director San Francisco Botanical Garden, San Francisco January 19, 2021 2018 to the present: Stephanie has been Executive Director of The San Francisco Botanical Garden, San Francisco CA. TheSFBG connects people to plants, the planet, and each other. Opened in 1940, this 55- acre botanical garden located in the heart of Golden Gate Park displays more than 8,000 kinds of plants from around the world for public education and enjoyment. Annually, the Garden welcomes 400,000 visitors, educates 13,000 children, engages 1, 900 volunteers, and is supported by 4,000 member households. Stephanie Linder became the Executive Director of the San Francisco Botanical Garden in 2018, bringing a commitment to successful public-private partnerships. She has been both a national and local Area park advocate for much of her career, with more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector including leadership and advancement roles at conservation and park organizations. She came back to San Francisco from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden which is dedicated to research, education, and conservation of California native plants, where she was Director of Development and Communications overseeing philanthropic relationships, mem- bership, marketing, communications, and events. Prior to her work there, Linder was Director of Philanthropy at San Francisco Parks Alliance where she raised funds for park advocacy, volunteerism, and stewardship and partnered with local grassroots organizations on neighbourhood park improvements throughout San Francisco. She has also served as Advancement Director at the national office of the Sierra Club, Director of Board Affairs at The Trustfor Public Land, and has worked with organizations dedicated to women’s health. She is an alumna and former Board Chair of Emerge California, a candidate training program for women seeking elected office. Stephanie was instrumental in helping the organization develop a state- wide presence. She holds a Mastr of Arts in American History from Binghamton University in New York. For many years, Stephanie has called San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District home and enjoys the short walk to work at the Garden.

John Alexander Owner of Alexander Nurseries February 2, 2021 “Take your garden from what it is to what it should be.” This is the mission behind Alexander Nurseries of San Francisco and Sonoma. Because early February is the time to ready yourgarden for spring bloom, John first gave a list of what you are to do to clean out the old in order to make way for the new. Once you have your to-do list, John and partner Jai helped you create your garden. Don’t know how to plant roses or prune them? Because roses are their personal passion, these experts gave you private tips ranging from planting to pruning. Alexander Nurseries specializes in antique and root roses. John’s first comy involved landscape design, installation and maintenance only. Eventually growing plants for clients with antiqueroses a specialty resulted in the development of their first San Francisco nursery. Today Alexander Nurseries supply a huge variety of plants and roses specifically for the Bay Area from their two nurseries, one located in the chilly coastal San Francisco and one in the warm Sonoma County sun. John Alexander is a North Carolina native who from age five has had a sincere interest in gardening. He fondly remembers asking his mother for a garden, not just a row in hers, but “his very own.” From that early garden came years of expanding his knowledge: first through trial and error, then studying design at SF City College and ultimately working for San Francisco as one of two gardeners overseeing 62 acres at Laguna Honda Hospital. Finally, his own company. In the spring of 2016, Alexander Nurseries secured its second location in Sonoma County where it could grow plants with full sun, which at times can be rare in San Francisco. Now, John says, “we can grow a wide assortment of plants for our clients.”

10 Program Presenters SFGC Zoom Program Presenters

Their work has been featured at the ARC center in SOMA and, through the years, at many San From the conventional to the Haute Couture we can make any event truly special with fashionable custom tabletop arrangements, wall hangings, bouquets and more! San Franciscon Garden Club events. In addition, John is a proud member of the Conservatory of Flowers Gala Committee. They continually reach out to other local businesses for networking opportunities. Alexander Nurseries looks forward to growing and providing many more plants for projects and are available for any plant needs! They also have the experience and knowledge to identify plant problems, manage pests, prune trees, vines and bushes, and take care of seasonal needs for every space. John emphasized that Alexan- der Nurseries welcomes small projects that can be executed quickly and efficiently as well as major garden overhauls.

Nikii Davidson February 16, 2021 “Healthy Living in San Francisco” Two years ago Nikii Davidson sat before the Alice Eastwood Awards Committee hoping to win an award which would help her with the research for her book. Committee members sat mesmerized as she explained her research into plants that benefit a healthy lifestyle, particularly for Bay Area residents. It was particularly fascinating as to where and why she wanted to go to do her research: Italy. Not only did the committee give her an award, they gave her three. The first was the regular Alice Eastwood Award. Second was a special award, the Alice Eastwood @70. And the third was the Nancy McNear Award, given annually by the family of the longtime club member. Dur- ing Alice Eastwood month, Nikii Davidson was the perfect representative of what our annual awards accomplish. Nikii presented not only her research but a glimpse into the Italian countryside where she did her research. Both her book and her career focus on greenhouse/nursery management, plant propagation and research/identification of edible and medicinal plants specifically related to the Bay Area. Nikii’s research involved two month-long internships, the first at the Villa Boccanegra in Ventimiglia, Italy, and the second at Cascina Borgofrancone in Colico, Italy. Since her return in 2019, she has assisted in the management of two greenhouse nurseries, specializing in propagation and pest control. In addition, the development of her book continues and you got a look into this intriguing subject. Nikii received a BA in English from Florida State University, continuing to the College of Marin focusing on the Sciences, obtaining a Permaculture Design Certification from Occidental College, Arts and Ecology and finally a Dual Associates Degree from City College SF. Before the research bug hit, she managed a Day Spa and subsequently owned a Skincare Salon.

Steven Brown Chair CCSF Department of Environmental Horticulture and FloristryChair Floristry AIFD, MFA, CCF, CFD, CSFA, March 2, 2021 If you are a member of the San Francisco Garden Club, you are more than aware of the huge talents of Steven Brown, Environmental Horticulture/Floristry Department Chair at City College San Francisco (CCSF) for the past 30 years. He has graced our club with his floral demonstrations and energy for decades. This luncheon also includes our tradition of honoring Past Presidents of the San Francisco Garden Club. While this usually takes place during a February luncheon, this year with no luncheons it was decided to highlight Alice Eastwood Award winners, both former students of Steven Following on the heels of Nikii Davidson who provided us with a list of both edible and medicinal plants for healthy living, Steven will demonstrate a do-it-yourself Healing Easter Basket and Wreath. The workshop demonstrates those florals which provide both healthful and healing components. This spring Steven became the longest-serving Chair of Horticulture in the history of the department. His goal is to facilitate thebest learning environment possible in Horticulture and Floral Design. He also was elected by the faculty as Co-Chair of Facilities Steven represents City College in many related groups and organizations including: the American Institute of Floral Designers, California State Florists Association (Board Member), Master Florists Association (Board Member), Ikebana International (Lifetime member), the

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San Francisco Conservatory Advisory Board, Specialty Cut Flowers Growers Association, Teleflora’s Northern California/Nevada Unit (Board Member), and is an Honorary member of the San Francisco Garden Club and San Francisco Gardener Apprenticeship Advi- sory. He is a founding co-president of the Organization of Floral Art Designers and a Board Member of Master Florists Association. Steven is a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and a California Certified Florist. Steven also represents the Department with the California Horticultural Society (Lifetime Member) and the San Francisco Professional Gardeners Association, San Francisco Orchid Society and many others. At City College Steven participates in the Academic Senate, the DCC, DCC Advisory, Foundation Faculty Rep. and on the Facilities, Scholarship Committee and others. He is involved with San Francisco’s Department of Public Works, Public Utilities Commission, SF Rec and Parks and other Neighbourhood Organizations/City and State agencies. He has been published in the Florist Review: “Care and Handling of Cut Flowers” and Super Floral Retail: “Cut Flower of the Month” and “Blooming Plant of the Month.” Steven is co-author of Teleflora’s “Green and Blooming Plants.” His extracurricular activities include Tennis, Bonsai, Gardening, Knitting, Genealogy and Floral and Horticultural Events. He is a Past President and Unique-Lifetime member of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Federation and Founding past-president of the San Francisco Tennis Coalition. Member Emeritus-American Institute of Floral Designers AIFD California Certified Florist - CCF Certified Floral Designer - CFD Master Florists Association - MFA Founding Co-President OFAD - Organization of Floral Art Designers

Steven will demonstrate a Healing Basket and wreath Elements Myrtle - Myrtus communis • Yarrow, Milfoil, Old Man’s Pepper, Nosebleed -Achillea filipendulina Rosemary- Rosmarinus officinalis • Lavender -Lavandula spp, Syn. Lavandula angustifolia, L. officinalis Cinerariamaritima • Silver ragwort • Dusty Miller

During the March 2nd workshop, Steven Brown will demonstrate how to create a Healing Easter Basket and Wreath. Each plant includes elements of healing. For your information, Steven spells out in detail their name and subsequent use.

Myrtle The leaves of the myrtle are very aromatic and the plant has a number of medicinal uses. In traditional herbal medicine myrtle has been taken internally for urinary infections, digestive problems, bronchial congestion, and dry coughs. In Ayurveda it is seen as a treatment for cerebral infections, most notably epilepsy. Myrtle has also been used at various times as an astringent, an antiseptic and a decongestant and as an aphrodisiac.

Yarrow Yarrow was once known as “nosebleed”, its feathery leaves making an ideal astringent swab to encourage clotting. Yarrow skin washes and leaf poultices can staunch bleeding and help to disinfect cuts and scrapes; taken as a tea it can help slow heavy menstrual bleeding as well. Yarrow is a tonic bitter with additional anti-inflammatory, carminative and antispasmodic properties that make it useful as a secondary herb in digestive teas.

12 Program Presenters Healing Basket Herbs Rosemary Medicinal Uses: Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and circulation making it beneficial for low blood pressure and slug- gishness. Rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil are used to alleviate the pain of sprains, arthritis, sciatica and neuralgia. Rosemary has also been used traditionally to ease asthma. “The essential oils in rosemary leaf can block histamine, the chemical culprit of both asthma and allergies. ” Add rosemary essential oil to your bath or in steam inhalation. Rosemary, along with other culinary herbs may offer a way to help manage diabetes. These herbs contain several flavonoids that inhibit DPP-IV and should be investigated further regarding their potential in diabetes management. Rosemary for memory, concentration and focus. Rosemary has a long herbal tradition as a herb that improves concentration and memory, Greek students would braid Rosemary into their hair to help them with their exams. Modern science attributes much of rosemary’s action on the central nervous system to it’s potent antioxidant, rosmarinic acid. The uplifting aroma of a fresh sprig of rosemary in the summer air will confirm both the science and history with your own senses. Rosemary for beautiful skin and hair: Rosemary is one of best hair tonics available, whether you are worried about hair loss, or just want healthy, happy hair, rosemary extracts used in shampoos and herbal hair rinses will work wonders. A few drops of the essential oil can be applied directly to the scalp or hair brush to restore dry, flyaway hair and make it shine. Rosemary essential oil stimulates hair follicles and circulation in the scalp, which may help prevent premature baldness. Use rosemary on a continuing basis for a healthy scalp that encourages healthy hair growth and slows hair loss. Rosemary extract (rosmarinic acid) is a natural way to stabilize and extend the shelf life of hand made cosmetics, creams, lotions, and other herbal compounds. Use rosemary in skin care to tone and soften skin.

Lavender In the evening lavender comes into its own, the relaxing and sedative aroma of lavender has an almost immediate effect as soon as it hits the sensitive membranes inside your nose. Soaking in a lavender scented bath relaxes away mild depression and anxiety and may even lower high blood pressure and improve circulation. Lavender is approved for use by the German Commission E for use internally for insomnia, restlessness and nervous stomach irritations and for external use in baths for the treatment of functional circulatory disorders. Commission of lavender is sometimes effective in bringing back circulation to feet that have lost feeling. Regular lavender baths are can be enjoyed throughout a woman’s pregnancy. Lavender is a wonderful sleep aid. Combine with valerian, or chamomile for a relaxing tea, diffuse in an aroma lamp for restful sleep, use it in your evening bath, sprinkle a few drops of lavender on sheets and pillowcases, and add dried lavender flowers to sleep pillow mixtures. Lavender for Pain: Quite a number of clinical trials confirm the conventional wisdom that lavender relaxes the body in the presence of pain, most likely by reducing anxiety levels. A calm mental state makes pain more bearable, lessening it’s impact by reducing the perception of pain. pubmedHowever you don’t need to depend on lab studies to gauge the effects; Lavender is so easy and safe to use, it is quite easy to judge the effects yourself as they are immediate and quite apparent. For headaches apply a few drops of lavender oil neat to the temples. Massage with lavender oil at tender trigger points reduces the pain and tension of fibromyalgia in long term sufferers. Lavender combines well with the analgesic power of rosemary to relieve all types of pain: arthritis, sore muscles, and nerve pain. Lavender can also be used in a massage oil to relieve the pain and arthritic stiffness older dogs. Lavender for Skin Care: Lavender is well regarded for it’s skin healing properties as well. It’s effectiveness in treating burns was first discovered by French biochemist René Gattefossé when he cooled his hand in a handy vat of lavender after burning it in a lab accident. This storied burn healed so quickly, and without scarring, that it is often cited as a seminal event in the birth a modern aromatherapy. To make a all purpose remedy for scalds, burns, and sunburns: apply a cloth wet with witch hazel, then apply a few drops of lavender essential oil directly to the burn. To treat skin abrasions first clean the affected area with warm water with 5 drops of lavender diluted in a bowl. Apply one neat drop of lavender and leave to heal. Acne responds to gentle herbal oil treatments that are much lighter and less harsh than over-the-counter chemicals. Lavender skin care products are ideal for oily and combination skin. Dot essential oils of lavender, tea tree and lemon on blemishes to kill bacteria. You can also blend these essential oils with light, astringent facial oils like almond and grapeseed, or make a facial wash with lavender herbal tea. Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic. A lavender massage on the chest and lymph nodes is relaxing and helps kill germs. Lavender flower water, or a few drops of lavender essential oil make a good balancing and sweet smelling perfume. Other florals being used in his basket/wreathare Cinerariamaritima, Silver ragwort, Dusty Miller.

13 Program Presenters Presenters & This & That Gabriel Frank’s The World of Succulents Highlights March 16th Meeting Gabriel Frank’s colorful preview of his latest book, Striking Succulent Gardens, will both charm and educate members and guests during the March 16th Zoom meeting of the Garden Club. Striking Succulent Gardens, just released for publication on January 26th, reveals plants and plans for designing your own low-maintenance Landscape. With landscaper Gabriel as your guide, dive into the bountiful world of succulent plants. Take a virtual walk through garden imagery, high- lighting essential succulent families and how to showcase them in your own garden – from sensually soft echeveria aeonium rosettes to structurally stalwart aloes and agaves. Gabriel will elaborate on design principles, materials, and techniques which will help gardeners with plots of any size to succeed in working with these water-wise allies. Gabriel Frank is the founder of Gardens By Gabriel, Inc, a landscape design + build firm based in Morro Bay known for its distinctive water-wise landscapes. A graduate of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, he has been honored by America in Bloom, Better Homes and Gardens, and the Obispo Beautiful organization.

Sogetsu SF Recognizes Jane Naito as Featured Artist of the Month Jane Suiei Naito collected another artistic honor in January when Sogetsu SF named her Featured Artist of the Month. A noted teacher and artist, Jane posted a demonstration video on their website featuring the Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo and Plum. In the video, she deftly explained the treasured Japanese concept of Sho Chiku Bai. Jane will represent the San Francisco Garden Club in the 2021 Bouquets to Art exhibition. When asked, she responded that she “would be honored to represent the San Francisco Garden Club.” To which President Betty Voris replied, “The club is honored to have you represent us. As a member of our club, your talent is well-known and recognized. We look forward to your choice of art and its depiction.”

The Gardener’s Prayer . All things bright and beautiful The greenfly on the roses The midges and mosquitoes But still we gardeners labor All creatures great and small The maggots on the peas The nettles and the weeds Midst vegetables and flowers All things wise and wonderful Manure that fills our noses The pigeons in the green stuff And pray what hits our neighbors The Lord God made them all! He also gave us these. The sparrows on the seeds. Will somehow bypass ours. But what we never mention The fungus on the ‘goose-gogs” The fly that gets the carrots All things bright and beautiful Though gardeners know it’s true The club-root on the greens The wasp that eats the plum All creatures great and small Is when he made the goodies The slugs that eat the lettuce How black the gardener’s outlook All things wise and wonderful He made the baddies too. And chew the aubergines. Though green may be his thumbs. The Lord God made them all! All things spray and waterable The drought that kills the fuchsias Disasters great and small The frost that nips the buds Just before long-time member Pat Duggan died All things paraquatable The rain that drowns the seedlings last year, she sent the following “ The Lord God made them all. The blight that hits the spuds. because she thought we might enjoy

Mark Your Calendars Nominating Committee Last Zoom Meeting of the Year 2021 Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Carol Maerzke,chair Program Speaker Jean Ellingsen Eva Monroe Erika Tanchez Jane Scurich Designing with Wildflowers Sandra Swanson

14 SFGC Activities SFGC Information

Garden Club Archives The Club’s Archives are stored in bins in the storeroom adjacent to the Office in the Metropolitan Club. Unfortunately, the contents of three bins were damaged beyond repair in 2015 because of a storeroom ceiling leak. If any members have Garden Gazettes dated before 2015, articles of information about past trips, tours, activities or anything pertinent to the Archives, please contact me at [email protected]. Fortunately, we have lovely fundraising programs, from 2000 to the present, many photos thanks to our 30 year photographer Jean Lee. An entire bin dedicated to the collaboration of the Club and the Conservatory of Flowers was given to Matthew Stevens in 2020 by Betty. Thank you in advance, Gail McCollom

Member News Sadly, because of the Pandemic, SFGC members have been unable to visit with each other at the monthly Meeting/ Program/Luncheons. One way members can connect is through the Garden Gazette. As GG Editor, I would very much like to include member news. It would be greatly appreciated if you would email to me text describing your activities during the lock-down. Please include photos! Are you enjoying an old hobby, or did you start a new one, have you read interesting books, accomplished something that made you proud/happy, initiated a new garden project, created fun flower arrangements, explored photography/painting, taken up a musical instrument or is there something else you would like to share? Please email to: [email protected]

San Francisco Botanical Garden Volunteer Opportunities The Garden Club’s quarterly volunteer days have been suspended until 2021, however the Botanical Garden needs volunteers to work in various parts of the Garden. Due to Covid, the Volunteer Coordinator is asking people to commit to helping on a weekly basis (minimum four dates) with the same group in order to reduce contact between too many people.

To register: https://sites.google.com/view/sfbgvolunteercentral/horticulture/schedule or email me at [email protected] and I will forward you the link or contact Chloe @ [email protected].

The website is extremely user-friendly and offers shifts 4-6 times per day Tuesday - Friday (3 hour morning shifts.) Gail McCollom, [email protected] or 415-550-1670

15 SFGC History

Submitted by Gail McCollom

Alice Eastwood Recalls Terrible Times in 1906

16 SFGC History Submitted by Gail McCollom

San Francisco Garden Club Flower Shows

When perusing the Club’s archives recently, I discovered several “Annual Flower Show” booklets and brochures dating back to April 1954. One example Flower Show; Salute to Spring St. Francis Yacht Club 2:00 pm - 10:30 Adults $1.25 Children $.50 Tea Included The achives included a detailed report advising that the profit was $413. Regulations for Flower Shows were strict. Competitors must be a member of the SFGC. There were 14 classifications of arrangements including containers, fruits, vegetables, metal and miniatures. The Children’s categories were as follows: 1. Pre-school children My Own Arrangement 1. Ages 6 - 8 Animal Container, Nursery Rhyme, Flowers for Teacher 3. Ages 9 - 11 Story Book Character, Dish Garden, Arrangement in Kitchen Utensil 4. Ages 12 -14 Arrangement for a Special Occasion, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day 5. Ages 15 - 18 No restrictions “The prizes in all classes will be the SFGC Ribbon and a trophy will be awarded the most popular exhibit as decided by vote of the visitors.” The shows were held at the Legion of Honor in 1956 - 1957 and the De Young in 1959 - 1961, and at the Hall of Flowers (now the County Fair Building) in 1962 - 1970.

17 SAN FRANCISCO GARDEN CLUB 640 Sutter Street 4M San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 771-0282 [email protected] Garden Gazette Spring 2021 Editor & Layout: Martha Woollomes Contributors & Photos: Stephanie Angeli, Marty Clarke Elaine Larkin, Natasha Hopkinson, Gail McCollom, Carol Maerzke, Eva Monroe, Rose Pan, Sandra Swanson, Dr. Judith Taylor, Betty Packard Voris, Kat Zagoria, Martha Woollomes Proofreaders: Gail McCollom, Eva Monroe, Jane Scurich, Betty Packard Voris OFFICERS President: Betty Packard Voris Vice President: Tish Brown Treasurer: Joanne Lindeke Recording Secretary: Barbara Johnson Corresponding Secretary: Eva Monroe

UPCOMING EVENTS AND DONATION OPPORTUNITIES Zoom Meetings/Programs begin at 1:00 pm Name: ______Phone #______Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Check Enclosed _____Credit Card: (MC) ______(Visa) ______1:00 pm Zoom Meeting Credit Card Number: ______Steven Brown • Healing Basket & Wreath Exp:_____/_____ Security Code:______Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Billing Address: ______1:00 pm Zoom Meeting Billing City, State, Zip:______Author Gabriel Frank Signature: ______Tuesday, April 6, 2021 1:00 pm Zoom Meeting DONATIONS Peter Brastow ______San Francisco Garden Club SF Plan for Diversity ______Alice Eastwood Fund • ______SF Botanical Garden Nursery ______In Memory/Honor of:______Tuesday, April 20, 2021 SFGC OFFICE 1:00 pm Zoom Meeting 640 Sutter Street 4M, San Francisco, 94102 Rania Ragers • Richard Turner A Look at “Tunnel Tops” and More 415-771-0282 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.sanfranciscogardenclub.org PLEASE INFORM THE Tuesday, May 4, 2021 CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 1:00 pm Zoom Meeting of membership news regarding births, illness, or death, Matthew Stevens, so that the appropriate card may be sent. Director Gardens of GGP Members will be notified of SFGC event “ Updating” and activity changes as Covid-19 rules and Tuesday, May 18, 2021 regulations evolve. 1:00 pm Zoom Meeting Donations to the Alice Eastwood Scholarship Fund are most appreciated Erika Tanchez “Designing with Wildflowers” The San Francisco Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) organization.

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