April May 2013 PHGC Newsletter - ONLINE Edition
Content
Palos Heights Garden Club Newsletter April and May 2013 Edition
http://phgc.blogspot.com
Always check our website for updated information.
The Palos Heights Garden Club promotes gardening through sharing knowledge, talent, and resources while developing community pride, environmental concern, and a sense of fulfillment.
PALOS HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB MEMBERSHIP At the April and May meetings dues for 2013 will be collected. Dues have remained the same for several years because of our club’s efforts in printing a bi-monthly newsletter, members opting for an emailed newsletter, and by increasing our guest fee. $20 – Single $35 – Couples Guest Fee is $5.00 This year’s membership form is attached to this newsletter and posted on our website along with pertinent club information. http://phgc.blogspot.com All members are asked to complete a membership form with their dues. Paying by check is your receipt. Each member is also asked to contribute a food item during the year for our hospitality table and in October at our Harvest Night. You will need to indicate your month of choice on your form.
Earth Day Celebration April 27, 2013 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Admission: Free for All plus
U of I Master Gardener Shrub Giveaway Native Plant Sale - $3 plant/plug Children’s Crafts Hayrides Food Vendors … and our club will have a table focusing on the history of the PHGC in Palos Heights and at Lake Katherine regarding our fostering an appreciation of nature in the home garden and at Lake Katherine. We will highlight our new initiative with Lake Katherine which is part of its 10 year Master Plan. The initiative involves creating a butterfly garden along the path leading to the top of the waterfall comprised of only native species supplying nectar providing flowers and host plants. (Butterfly Plan – Click here.) We will also provide info to visitors on the 4 other gardens at Lake Katherine which the PHGC supports and maintains: Hosta ~ Rock Garden Rhododendron/Azaleas ~ Dahlias Read more about events at LK, by visiting www.lakekatherine.org What’s Happening ~ Special Events
Want to volunteer to sit at our table? Call our president, Ken Kasza @ 708.448.1426
APRIL MEETING April 22, 2013
TOPIC: Drought
Tolerant Plants
Marcy says… Drought is always a concern when gardening. These two perennials did great last year with very little water. For sun, try calamint (Clinopodium nepeta Montrose White). Thousands of tiny white flowers appear on a 2- by 2-foot plant all summer. Use with roses or repeat through the border individually or in groups of three. “Prairie Dropseed—Sporobolus heterolepis. It’s a great clumpforming, sun-loving mature grass for the front or middle of the border, with narrow, fine-textured leaves. It’s long-lived, drought tolerant, and non-aggressive.” For shade try goatsbeard (Aruncus Misty Lace). The fernlike foliage looks good all summer and white flowers appear on a 2- by 2-foot plant in June. Good with hostas. Since several of our members also belong to the Palos Heights Woman’s Club, we have attached their flower sale flyer to this newsletter. Ron Karlic and Dale Barz just returned from 16 days in Tanzania, Africa. If anyone is interested in seeing their pictures and videos of the trip can go to http://rkarlic.com/Welcome.html and press the "Latest Trip" button.
It’s been 2 years since we had Dennis Kovar “wow” our group with his fantastic floral arrangements. The club purchased vases to hold the arrangements which will be for sale after Dennis’ presentation. What a wonderful way to support the club and beautify your own home at the same time!
May 20, 2013
Speaker: Dennis Kovar Topic: Flower Arranging 2008 2011
Click years for online photos. Photos are on our Smugmug website http://phgc.smugmug.com
Ask Donna…
Q. I'd like to put some vines in my yard, but have heard horror stories. What can I use to soften a bare wall? A. If you're auditioning vines for your garden, why not try some annual vines? These are inexpensive, and they are started easily from seed. They all require full sun for maximum blooms. Annual vines also bloom mid-season through fall and are vigorous growers. Mina lobata, aka Spanish Flag or Firecracker Vine, can grow 10 -12 feet Cardinal Vine tall. Tubular flowers 1Mina lobata Black-Eyed Susan Vine Hyacinth Bean 2" long open deep reddishorange and fade to orange, yellow and finally white. They don't need a lot of support - just a long section of chicken wire or a lattice frame to attach to. Hyacinth Bean loves to grow on a structure like a pergola or a trellis. It's a sturdy green vine with purple veining, but it's most desired for the shiny purple seed pods it produces in the late summer. This vine can top out at 15'. Cardinal Vine is a more delicate vine. The leaves are delicate and feathery looking, and the scarlet flowers close in the early evening, only to reopen in the morning. It should be started from seed indoors, as it can take up to 4 months to begin to bloom. Give it a trellis for support and it can grow to 15'. Different varieties bloom in red, pink or white. The Black-Eyed Susan Vine comes in orange, bright yellow, apricot or white. It's often available from a larger nursery in a 3 or 4" pot. It is a relatively short growing vine - only 6' tall - but it looks beautiful in a hanging basket. So try something new this year. Pick a vine that coordinates with your annuals and extend the bloom in your garden, literally and figuratively!
HOSPITALITY FOR APRIL AND MAY… Please indicate if your dish has nuts in it.
APRIL REFRESHMENTS: Helen Wann, Fred & Karen Kunz, Donna Hirsch, Phil and Doris Tortorici, Gail Hossin, and Kathy Lewis MAY REFRESHMENTS: Yvonne Freeman, Judy Markik, Bonnie McCarthy, Janet Engstrom, Rose Bennett, and Ken Kasza
THANK YOU TO OUR TWO SETUP TEAMS
SET UP begins at 5:30 p.m. RED Set Up Team Dates 2013 - 4/22, 7/22, 9/23, 10/28 2014 - 2/24, 4/28 Bonnie McCarthy ~ Regina Childs Louise Gasior ~ Fred Kunz ~ Pat Johnson BLUE Set Up Team 2013 - 5/20, 8/26, 10/28, 11/25 2014 - 3/24, 5/19 Donna Oliver ~ Eileen A. Lange Hank Polson ~ Yvonne Freeman
Have Tea with Nancy Kuhajda
Remember dress up days? Big floppy hats, your mom’s high heels, bright lipstick? Well, we are all grown up now, so put on your loveliest summer frock, a becoming chapeau, a dab of lipstick, and join us at this charming tea party!
SALT’s
Spring Tea and Tulip Luncheon May 22nd Noon-2:30 Grand Lobby of the Ozinga Chapel
Trinity Christian College – 6601 W. College Dr. Palos Heights IL
~
Guest speaker, Nancy Kuhajda, master gardener, and known throughout the U.S. for her humorous presentations will fill the afternoon with gardening tips and laughter.
~
There will be games, party favors, and MANY adorable tea pots to be given away!
~
The elegant lunch will be prepared and served by Trinity’s Creative Dining staff:
1st course
Spring mix garden salad with craisins, mandarin oranges, walnuts, and poppy seed dressing
2nd course
Cloverleaf of salads: chicken, ham, and egg served on a bed of leaf lettuce Spring vegetables in a lightly sweetened marinate Sliced fresh fruit Assorted sweet breads: zucchini, apple cinnamon, blueberry & cherry
Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Torte with fresh strawberries and whip cream and, of course, a delicious assortment of hot and cold brewed TEAS
Men and Women Welcome! $35 per person Suggested attire: gardening garb – flowery hats, ties, scarfs, smocks, etc.
To reserve your seat(s) or table of 8 contact [email protected] or 708.239.4827
http://phgc.blogspot.com
Always check our website for updated information.
The Palos Heights Garden Club promotes gardening through sharing knowledge, talent, and resources while developing community pride, environmental concern, and a sense of fulfillment.
PALOS HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB MEMBERSHIP At the April and May meetings dues for 2013 will be collected. Dues have remained the same for several years because of our club’s efforts in printing a bi-monthly newsletter, members opting for an emailed newsletter, and by increasing our guest fee. $20 – Single $35 – Couples Guest Fee is $5.00 This year’s membership form is attached to this newsletter and posted on our website along with pertinent club information. http://phgc.blogspot.com All members are asked to complete a membership form with their dues. Paying by check is your receipt. Each member is also asked to contribute a food item during the year for our hospitality table and in October at our Harvest Night. You will need to indicate your month of choice on your form.
Earth Day Celebration April 27, 2013 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Admission: Free for All plus
U of I Master Gardener Shrub Giveaway Native Plant Sale - $3 plant/plug Children’s Crafts Hayrides Food Vendors … and our club will have a table focusing on the history of the PHGC in Palos Heights and at Lake Katherine regarding our fostering an appreciation of nature in the home garden and at Lake Katherine. We will highlight our new initiative with Lake Katherine which is part of its 10 year Master Plan. The initiative involves creating a butterfly garden along the path leading to the top of the waterfall comprised of only native species supplying nectar providing flowers and host plants. (Butterfly Plan – Click here.) We will also provide info to visitors on the 4 other gardens at Lake Katherine which the PHGC supports and maintains: Hosta ~ Rock Garden Rhododendron/Azaleas ~ Dahlias Read more about events at LK, by visiting www.lakekatherine.org What’s Happening ~ Special Events
Want to volunteer to sit at our table? Call our president, Ken Kasza @ 708.448.1426
APRIL MEETING April 22, 2013
TOPIC: Drought
Tolerant Plants
Marcy says… Drought is always a concern when gardening. These two perennials did great last year with very little water. For sun, try calamint (Clinopodium nepeta Montrose White). Thousands of tiny white flowers appear on a 2- by 2-foot plant all summer. Use with roses or repeat through the border individually or in groups of three. “Prairie Dropseed—Sporobolus heterolepis. It’s a great clumpforming, sun-loving mature grass for the front or middle of the border, with narrow, fine-textured leaves. It’s long-lived, drought tolerant, and non-aggressive.” For shade try goatsbeard (Aruncus Misty Lace). The fernlike foliage looks good all summer and white flowers appear on a 2- by 2-foot plant in June. Good with hostas. Since several of our members also belong to the Palos Heights Woman’s Club, we have attached their flower sale flyer to this newsletter. Ron Karlic and Dale Barz just returned from 16 days in Tanzania, Africa. If anyone is interested in seeing their pictures and videos of the trip can go to http://rkarlic.com/Welcome.html and press the "Latest Trip" button.
It’s been 2 years since we had Dennis Kovar “wow” our group with his fantastic floral arrangements. The club purchased vases to hold the arrangements which will be for sale after Dennis’ presentation. What a wonderful way to support the club and beautify your own home at the same time!
May 20, 2013
Speaker: Dennis Kovar Topic: Flower Arranging 2008 2011
Click years for online photos. Photos are on our Smugmug website http://phgc.smugmug.com
Ask Donna…
Q. I'd like to put some vines in my yard, but have heard horror stories. What can I use to soften a bare wall? A. If you're auditioning vines for your garden, why not try some annual vines? These are inexpensive, and they are started easily from seed. They all require full sun for maximum blooms. Annual vines also bloom mid-season through fall and are vigorous growers. Mina lobata, aka Spanish Flag or Firecracker Vine, can grow 10 -12 feet Cardinal Vine tall. Tubular flowers 1Mina lobata Black-Eyed Susan Vine Hyacinth Bean 2" long open deep reddishorange and fade to orange, yellow and finally white. They don't need a lot of support - just a long section of chicken wire or a lattice frame to attach to. Hyacinth Bean loves to grow on a structure like a pergola or a trellis. It's a sturdy green vine with purple veining, but it's most desired for the shiny purple seed pods it produces in the late summer. This vine can top out at 15'. Cardinal Vine is a more delicate vine. The leaves are delicate and feathery looking, and the scarlet flowers close in the early evening, only to reopen in the morning. It should be started from seed indoors, as it can take up to 4 months to begin to bloom. Give it a trellis for support and it can grow to 15'. Different varieties bloom in red, pink or white. The Black-Eyed Susan Vine comes in orange, bright yellow, apricot or white. It's often available from a larger nursery in a 3 or 4" pot. It is a relatively short growing vine - only 6' tall - but it looks beautiful in a hanging basket. So try something new this year. Pick a vine that coordinates with your annuals and extend the bloom in your garden, literally and figuratively!
HOSPITALITY FOR APRIL AND MAY… Please indicate if your dish has nuts in it.
APRIL REFRESHMENTS: Helen Wann, Fred & Karen Kunz, Donna Hirsch, Phil and Doris Tortorici, Gail Hossin, and Kathy Lewis MAY REFRESHMENTS: Yvonne Freeman, Judy Markik, Bonnie McCarthy, Janet Engstrom, Rose Bennett, and Ken Kasza
THANK YOU TO OUR TWO SETUP TEAMS
SET UP begins at 5:30 p.m. RED Set Up Team Dates 2013 - 4/22, 7/22, 9/23, 10/28 2014 - 2/24, 4/28 Bonnie McCarthy ~ Regina Childs Louise Gasior ~ Fred Kunz ~ Pat Johnson BLUE Set Up Team 2013 - 5/20, 8/26, 10/28, 11/25 2014 - 3/24, 5/19 Donna Oliver ~ Eileen A. Lange Hank Polson ~ Yvonne Freeman
Have Tea with Nancy Kuhajda
Remember dress up days? Big floppy hats, your mom’s high heels, bright lipstick? Well, we are all grown up now, so put on your loveliest summer frock, a becoming chapeau, a dab of lipstick, and join us at this charming tea party!
SALT’s
Spring Tea and Tulip Luncheon May 22nd Noon-2:30 Grand Lobby of the Ozinga Chapel
Trinity Christian College – 6601 W. College Dr. Palos Heights IL
~
Guest speaker, Nancy Kuhajda, master gardener, and known throughout the U.S. for her humorous presentations will fill the afternoon with gardening tips and laughter.
~
There will be games, party favors, and MANY adorable tea pots to be given away!
~
The elegant lunch will be prepared and served by Trinity’s Creative Dining staff:
1st course
Spring mix garden salad with craisins, mandarin oranges, walnuts, and poppy seed dressing
2nd course
Cloverleaf of salads: chicken, ham, and egg served on a bed of leaf lettuce Spring vegetables in a lightly sweetened marinate Sliced fresh fruit Assorted sweet breads: zucchini, apple cinnamon, blueberry & cherry
Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Torte with fresh strawberries and whip cream and, of course, a delicious assortment of hot and cold brewed TEAS
Men and Women Welcome! $35 per person Suggested attire: gardening garb – flowery hats, ties, scarfs, smocks, etc.
To reserve your seat(s) or table of 8 contact [email protected] or 708.239.4827
