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Uwharrie Point Garden Club by Ann Piehl
The UPGC will meet regularly on the 3rd Monday of each month at 2:00 P.M. in the Uwharrie Room. Exceptions will include an occasional excursion which may need to be scheduled on another day of the week----to be announced.
If you wish to let us know ahead of time of your interest, or if you have questions or suggestions, please contact Ann Piehl at 461-1355, e-mail AnnPiehl at aol dot com; or Maryanne Bott at 461-5388, e-mail johnpbott at rtmc dot net.
July
July is right in the middle of summer vacation, and that include
our Uwharrie Point Garden Club. But a number of able, willing, and enthusiastic
women have already stepped up to the plate to begin planning our 2009-2010
season. Judy Norton has graciously agreed to our Chair, and Anna Williams will
be her co-chair. Marilyn Hahne is our heading up our program committee. She came
to our planning meeting loaded with ideas! Janet Sanford will chair the
hospitality committee, and you all know how much we love this part of our
monthly gatherings. Sue Tyler will continue as treasurer, and Ann Piehl writes
the newsletter. Past President Mary Summer is graciously continuing to assist
with programs and in any capacity where needed.
Under Judy’s able direction and encouragement, we have achieved a record
accomplishment. Almost all of our programs for the upcoming year are planned.
There may be a few changes, but for the most part we are set. You can look
forward to a program on gourd art, a visit to a special garden shop in
Albemarle, our now most popular and traditional wreath making workshop at Tom’s
Creek, and our always joyful Christmas party in December. Winter months include
a repeat of our bird feeder workshop---back by request from many, and a “movie
day,” when we’ll get to view a special showing of the documentary about Pearl
Fryer’s amazing and now world-famous topiary garden in Bishopsville, SC. We hope
to have a dish garden workshop and an excursion to a butterfly farm. And of course we can’t go without our wonderful garden tea party to
close out our year. Stay tuned for details.
Garden Tips for the Month of July
Soil Tests----We all know we’re supposed to have our soil tested to be sure we
have the right balance of lime, acidity, etc. for our various plantings. We’re
all guilty of being aware of this and then ignoring the advice. Just call our
Agricultural Extension Office in Montgomery County. They will send you a number
of little boxes in which to gather soil samples from various parts of your yard.
The information that you’ll get back will tell you where you need more (or less)
of what. More lime? More Ironite? More Holly Tone for acidic loving plants ?
ETC.
Feeding ----One thing that simply never changes and is easy to do is a monthly
scattering of Milorganite around your annuals and perennials. You might also
like to use Bayer’s or Miracle Grow special flower fertilizers and Miracle
Grow’s tomato fertilizer. If you have roses, Bayer rose food is an excellent
systemic for disease and food.
Aphids and white flies---- can be controlled with insecticidal soap, “early
blight” fungus (black spots on older leaves) by sanitation---keeping affected
leaves cleaned up around plants.
Deadheading-----keeps perennials, as well as annuals, blooming longer and fuller
by regularly pinching back dead blooms and leggy growth.
"The Summer looks out from her brazen tower through the flashing bars of
July."----- Francis Thompson, A Corymbus for Autumn
June
Welcome to Summer at Uwharrie Point! Our garden club goes on
vacation for the summer, following our joyful Garden Tea Party in May. Thanks to
Sue and Gary Tyler for hosting our event this year. Their home is such a picture
of tranquility and lovely lake views, surrounded by spectacular landscaping. We
are so appreciative of their hospitality and willingness to share.
Garden Club “work” has already started for our 2009-2010 season, and YOU are
needed! This organization has become a favorite among our residents and even
some devoted non-residents here at Uwharrie Point. We do wish and expect for it
to continue. But. do remember that it takes just a small bit of effort from many
of you for this to come about. Please PLEASE volunteer to serve on the
Hospitality and Program committees. Give Mary Summers and Anna Williams a call
offering your help and to suggest possible programs. We need hostess homes for
our Christmas gathering and Garden Tea Party. As of this writing we have one
winter program in place. That means six more programs are needed. Ideas?????
Wishes????
Garden Tips for the Month of June
Brown Patch on lawns-----Mow when grass is dry and avoid fertilizer with
high nitrogen. It’s best also to set mower blades high during hot weather---to
conserver moisture and prevent burnout.
Tomato Problems----many of us try our hands at tomatoes. Every wonder why they
sometimes get blossom end rot, those black patches on the underside of the
fruit? This is caused by a calcium deficiency due to low calcium uptake in the
soil and / or extreme fluctuations in water. Tomatoes need one inch of water per
week and regular feeding with Scotts Miracle Grow formulated especially for
tomatoes. An area farmer said he sprinkles dry milk powder on the soil around
his tomatoes. Worth a try! Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap,
“early blight” fungus (black spots on older leaves) by sanitation---keeping
affected leaves cleaned up around plants
Deadheading-----keeps perennials, as well as annuals, blooming longer and
fuller.
Pests and Honeybees-----spraying for white flies and aphids should be
done in the evening after bees have gone to sleep. We need to protect those
honeybees!
"No price is set on the lavish summer; June may be had by the poorest comer."---
James Russell Lowell, The Vision of Sir Launfal
May
In case you’ve never been to Big Bloomers, or----if you didn’t make it in
April, please go----early this month. It is such a fun place to visit, and the
plant varieties far surpass the common selections at Lowes, Wal-Mart, and almost
any other garden center. The staff is so friendly and willing with help,
and---prices are excellent. Google or call Ann Piehl for directions.
Plant drought tolerant annuals this summer. Here is a partial list, and the
folks at Big Bloomers can direct you to all of them: Ageratum, Ageratum
houstonianum, Blanket flower, Gaillardia pulchella. Calendula, California poppy,
Eschscholzia californica, cleome, cosmos, four o’clock, geranium, lantana,
marigold, nasturtium, periwinkle, and zinnia.
Strawberry Bonus-----there’s a wonderful strawberry farm on your way, as you
near Sanford. Berries should still be available in early May.
Keep watching the birds in your garden. Janet and Rich Schaefer had read in the
Charlotte Observer bird watch column about sightings of the horned lark. Alert
to the idea, they observed at close range a flock of these most unusual birds in
their own yard.
Prune flowering shrubs like azaleas and rhododendron as soon as they have
finished blooming.
Don’t forget Milorganite!
Keep a close lookout for aphids, especially on gardenias. Insecticidal soap, in
a spray bottle, is easy to use.
"If it's drama that you sigh for, plant a garden and you'll get it. You will
know the thrill of battle, fighting foes that will beset it. If you long for
entertainment and for pageantry most glowing, plant a garden and this summer
spend your time with green things growing." Edward A. Guest, Plant a Garden.
April
Isn’t April simply THE BEST? Perfect temperatures, flowers everywhere, few weeds or bugs, and the chance to be outside every day to enjoy it all.
Remember our April meetings the last two years, when we went on “crack of dawn” bird walks with Ken Reininger? This month, on Monday, April 20th we’re heading outdoors again, but at the most reasonable hour of 2:00 P.M. This should suit everybody to a tee! We will have a “Walk in the Woods with Roger Galloway,” our agricultural extension agent in Troy. We’ll be walking a vacant estate lot in Southpoint, where Roger will help us learn to recognize the many different varieties of trees growing at Uwharrie. Our plan at this time is to enjoy our refreshments on site---“treats in the woods,” we might say.
If you have never, or seldom, attended a Garden Club program, please consider
joining us for this special spring event. All you need to do is bring your $5
annual contribution. And please call Candice at the Club to let her know of your
intention to join in. We will be gathering in the parking lot at 1:45 in order
to car pool to our walk site. We don’t want to leave anyone behind, and we want
to be prepared with refreshments for everyone.
Gardening Tips for April
Temperatures this month are ideal for planting geraniums, cannas, azaleas,
camellias, lantanas, and hibiscus. Plant as early as possible to allow the
plants to establish before summer heat arrives, and keep them well watered.
Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs as soon as flowers begin to fade. Mulch
newly planted “everything,” beginning with a thick layer of newspapers or
landscape fabric to discourage summer weeds. Inspect for pests.
Azaleas in particular are prone to lace bugs, leaf miners, white flies, and
southern red mites. Check with Lowe's for their pest control recommendations.
Bayer is a good brand for most pesky, pest ailments. Move indoor plants to a
shady spot outdoors. Sink the pots in the ground or put them in a second, larger
pot with damp sand or vermiculite in between to help retain moisture. Begin a
monthly application of Milorganite on everything. Carry a bucket of the stuff,
and toss it around your plants as you stroll through your garden. .
“Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment.” Ellis Peters
March, 2009
In March we begin to think SPRING. But be careful. Warm sunny days can turn
cold and frosty. Don’t be tempted to plant tender plants and veggies just yet.
This is a perfect time for an indoor garden club hands-on workshop with spring
flowers in mind. We are going to PAINT FLOWER POTS! Bobbye Jo Smith, showcased
last year at Carolina Lily, will guide us in this project, teaching us how to
let our creative juices flow onto pots with paints and brushes. Bobbye Jo is a
multi-talented artist, wood worker, gardener, baker, and designer who finds
great joy in sharing her expertise with students. She will supply all the
paints, brushes, sealer, and know-how. We’ll supply the pots and a Uwharrie Room
full of enthusiastic students.
There will be a small fee charged for our supplies, and we must have an accurate
count of all who would like to join in on this project. Our meeting date this
month is our regular third Monday, March 16th, at 2:00 P.M. Please call Candice
at the Club to get your name on the list.
Garden Tips for March
Finish Spring Pruning if you didn’t get to it in February. Plants that need
shaping and cutting back are ready to burst forth with new growth now. Be sure
to wait until after flowers fade for spring blooming plants like azaleas.
Fertilize Evergreen Trees and Shrubs, also Roses. Holly Tone is the best
fertilizer for all needle and broad-leafed evergreens. Fertilize roses with
Bayer Systemic Rose Food with fungus and disease control. It is best to wait
until mid-April for most other ornamentals.
Plant hardy perennials.
Weed Control. If weeds have been a problem in your landscape beds, consider
using a pre‑emergence herbicide. The timing is critical for good results....it
needs to be in place before the weeds appear! One rule to remember: if you had
weeds last year, expect a volunteer bumper crop this year.
Add a new garden sculpture this year. A new and interesting bird bath is a great
place to begin. They are lovely to look at and so appreciated by the birds.
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:
when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."- Charles Dickens
February 2009
Following last month’s “For the Birds” meeting, this month we will be
“BIRDING WITH KEN REININGER AT THE NC ZOO” in Asheboro. Ken has taken us on
early morning bird walks here at Uwharrie Point our past two springs. Now we’re
going to visit him on his own turf.
Present plans are to tour the Seabird exhibit and Sonora Desert exhibit bird
collections as well as the Aviary exhibit. If we have time we may also be able
to see one of his off-exhibit bird holding and breeding areas. Now THAT would be
frosting on the cake!
When asked what fee we would be charged for this tour, Ken wrote: “There will be
no charge for your visit. Many of you are such good and long term supporters of
the zoo I wouldn't think of it. If you do wish to make a donation I would direct
it to the tropical bird conservation work I'm hoping to do in Suriname on my
trip that leaves Feb 15th. I'd love to tell the group more about that project
during your visit.” Of course we will make a donation, as we have done each time
Ken has come to take us on a bird walk. We are so blessed to have this wonderful
zoo and people of Ken’s caliber so close at hand.
Please make note of a meeting date and time change this month. Ken will be out
of the country on our regular 3rd Monday meeting schedule. We will meet at
8:50A.M. on Wednesday, February 11th, at the clubhouse for our drive to the zoo.
And of course we simply MUST go to lunch afterwards. Because we’re meeting on
Wednesday, we’ll be able to go to Timothy’s at his new downtown location. If you
haven’t been there yet, you are in for a treat. Food and atmosphere are both
terrific. Another option is “Something Different” on Zoo Parkway. Votes are
welcome. Please call the clubhouse to sign up for this trip NO LATER THAN
MONDAY, FEB 9th. Ken must have an accurate count for planning our transportation
around the zoo, and we will want to make reservations for lunch.
Gardening Tips for February
· Roses----Thin bush roses to 3-5 good strong canes and shorten canes to 15”.
Prune climbers after they flower in early summer. Feed and mulch.
· General Pruning---Early February is the ideal time for major pruning and
shaping of most trees and ornamental shrubs. Remove diseased and dead wood from
any plant. Take into account the fact that the plant is going to grow during the
spring and summer, and cut so that the bush needs no more than light shaping
until this time next year. Cut limbs at differing heights and lengths.
Overgrown, established plants like Burford Holly, Cleyera, Japanese Holly,
Pittosporum, Ligustrum and similar broad leaf evergreens can be cut back to
15--24” from the ground.
· Ornamental Grasses----Cut back before new growth starts. Mow Liriope (Monkeygrass)
to remove last year’s unsightly foliage. They may be divided now.
Your own Vegetable garden????----Why not try a few things in a small space. Some
good choices are cabbage, carrots, head lettuce, spinach, onions, peas,
potatoes, radishes, and turnips. Have you discovered any sprouting potatoes in
your pantry?
Cut chunks and cover them in the “straw” of your ornamental grass trimmings. Go
away. In mid to late fall you may discover some spouts coming up from the straw.
Take a peek. You’ll find some tender little potatoes just ready to be eaten.
Spray shrubs with horticultural oil to smother insects and cut down on pests and
disease during growing season. Fertilize just about everything!
“Every gardener knows under the cloak of winter lies a miracle: a seed
waiting to sprout….and the anticipation nurtures our dreams.” Barbara Winkler
January, 2009
Happy New Year to all who enjoy gardens, whether your own or those planted
and cared for by others. Our program this month is For The Birds, quite
literally. We will be learning about and creating food and special feeders for
the birds wintering in our yards and neighborhood. Birds can benefit from our
help this time of year, and as we enhance their diet, we can also have more fun
watching them come for our tempting treats. We’ll learn which treats attract
specific species, which birds we may hope to see, and tips on caring for our
conventional feeders as well.
We meet in the Uwharrie Room on Monday, January 19th, at 2:00 P.M. Come prepared
to enjoy this special "For the Birds" Workshop. Bring materials to share. Save
bacon drippings in a can or jar and bring your collection with you. We will also
need lard or Crisco, peanut butter, coarse corn meal, raw oatmeal, a variety of
bird seed, crushed or chopped unsalted peanuts, stale bagel halves,
crushed crumb remains from boxes of cereal, half shells of grapefruits and
oranges (some pulp remaining is great), small mesh bags such as those sold with
shallots and pearl onions, fruits such as raisins, grapes, orange slices, apple
chunks, sturdy pine cones, empty toilet paper rolls, thin wooden shish kabob
skewers, and yarn. We’ll put out this smorgasbord of food and materials and have
a great time creating our bird feasts.
Thank you for your contributions to this workshop, and remember that our
wonderful refreshments will be served. We will munch while we make the birds’
lunch!
Gardening Tips for January
· White Flies. They were terrible this past spring and summer. By early spring
the leaves of gardenia bushes were black with their dirt. Pick up a bottle of
dormant oil at Lowe's and spray gardenias, azaleas, and roses in particular.
This is a great way to staunch the tide of these destructive pests and protect
from cold damage.
· Mulch and save your leaves. As leaves continue to collect in corners and
around shrubs, pull out your mower and mulch them into a bag. Pile them all in
one or two spots in your yard for later use, or scatter them in flower beds,
around new plantings, etc. They are a perfect and FREE weed controller, soil
amender, and plant protector.
· New Shrubs and Perennials. January is a fine time to set out new plantings.
Just be sure you don’t dig a little hole and stick something in without first
amending the soil. Our clay soil is fine for established plants, but new ones
require growing room in soil that has been conditioned with a good mix of soil
conditioner, Black Cow, and a generous addition of black soil packaged for new
shrubs, trees, and perennials. Keep a bag on hand to dip into for this purpose.
Also, keep new plantings well watered.
· Water Evergreens. If we have too much wind and cold without rain.
· House Plants. We need a period of dormancy. So continue to water sparingly,
but don’t feed until spring.
"Winter is a time of promise because there is so little to do - or because you
can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so."