Monthly Archives: February 2011

Better build me an ark!

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I don’t know what it is about nighttime storms. I cannot sleep when it is windy and last night was horrible. Add in the heavy rains and hail hitting the side of the house and bathroom skylight… let’s just say I will be looking forward to taking a nap this afternoon. At the back of my backyard is an old fence row and it pretty much looks like a vernal pool right now. ANYTHING I do outside today will require my fancy-smancy garden boots. Or my hip-waders. Or a canoe.

 

Dayton Home and Garden Show presentations

Here is a reminder that if you haven’t done so already take a moment to check out the Garden Academy’s and How-To Stage’s course schedule for this coming weekend’s Dayton Home and Garden Show at the Dayton Convention Center. There will be 56 presentations on the two stages. All programs are free and included with your entrance fee.

 

Vote for Chadwick Arboretum’s Green Roof

There is still time to vote for the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens’ Green Roof project. Rainbird, the irrigation company, is promoting an inter-active grant award program called The Intelligent Use of Water Awards. Check it out at the link below. The project with the most votes wins $10,000. You can vote once a day until March 22, 2011 so spread the word and help a worthy project.

http://www.iuowawards.com/Projects.aspx?ProjectKey=fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4#project|fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4

Blooming in the Rain

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While the skunk cabbages might be blooming out in the wetlands of Ohio, they aren’t exactly a poster child for ‘early spring beauty’. This week I’m going to nominate the witch-hazel for the ‘early AND cute’ award.  While visiting Five Rivers MetroParks’ Wegerzyn Gardens today, I spotted a spectacular witch-hazel specimen in full regalia. Yes, today. In February. From a distance, you might think this yellow shrub was a forsythia, but no – it is too early for those. The witch-hazels (Hamamelis) all belong to the Hamamelidaceae family and are primarily understory plants. I think I NEED one.

 

Aullwood Holds Waffle House Spirit Fundraiser (Wednesday, February 23)

You can help the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm and fill your tummy at the same time. Just head to either the Englewood Waffle House (9295 N. Main, Englewood) or the Beavercreek Waffle House (across from the Greene, 4382 Indian Ripple, Beavercreek) between the hours of 2-9pm. Tell them you are are there supporting Aullwood and Waffle House will donate 25% of your order to Aullwood. Ohio’s former first lady Hope Taft will be at the Beavercreek Waffle House around 5:30pm that day. I’m dreaming of my loaded hashbrowns right now!

 

Knollwood Garden Center Announces Spring Seminar Schedule

Knollwood Garden Center in Beavercreek (OH) will hold Saturday seminars beginning March 12 and running into April. Featured programs will spotlight many different topics including herbs, fruits, fairy gardens, and even an opportunity to tour their growing range. Check it all out at their website.

 

Great Lakes Hosta College – March 12 (Piqua, OH)

The Great Lakes Region of the American Hosta Society has opened registration for the 2011 Hosta College on March 12. The event features 6-12 different programs each of the 6 periods of the day. The school is held at the Upper Valley JVS Center in Piqua and the $40 registration price includes lunch. Some classes have additional class fees. Hosta Society members can register on-line now. On-line class registration opens to the public February 26 at 12:01 am.

Is it spring yet?

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Not quite yet. Some might say, “But I’ve seen Robins! Aren’t they the harbringers (…where did that word come from?) of spring?” Well, maybe some time in the past but certainly not these days. American Robins are pretty much year-round residents in Ohio now.

“It smells like spring.”  Well, a 60 degree day should smell great, but what I’ve also caught a wiff of was the striped skunk. They are one of the earliest mating mammals in Ohio mating February-April. However, they aren’t the only creatures who have love on their mind. A pair of coyotes was seen mating in a residential backyard in Centerville last week. And the Great Horned Owls laid their eggs back in January. Love is in the air to be sure!

Not to be outdone by the animal kingdom, one of the earliest plants blooming in Ohio is the Skunk Cabbage. Looking neither like a skunk or a cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus is a member of the Arum plant family. Sending up a brownish-purple and green spathe-like blooms that smell like, well, something not very nice. Just take a look at the species name: where do you think we get the word foetid from? Stinky!

Tom Shisler, friend of OAGC and site manager of the Wahkeena Nature Preserve south of Lancaster OH, sent this photo today of the skunkies in bloom. In late spring bright green, huge, cabbage-like leaves will spring up next to these odd blooms. If you are out and about in the wetlands or marshy areas you just might spot one of these true signs of spring. Remember: OAGC members get free entrance in to Wahkeena. Be sure to contact Tom to schedule your garden club field trip to visit this valuable natural resource site.

Midwest Native Plant Conference (Bergamo Center, Beavercreek OH) July 8-10, 2011

The Dayton area is very fortunate to again host the Midwest Native Plant Society’s Conference. The society, whose interest is in fostering and educating those interested in native plants and their habitats, has scheduled learned speakers from around the county. Registration opens March 1. Sponsored in part by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Wild Ones©.

I need more hours in the day….

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If you thought March 5th couldn’t offer anything more to  the gardeners in the Miami Valley, well, guess again. Here are two more opportunities coming your way.

 

How much to do you love trees? Tree Corps. Volunteer Training – Cox Arboretum (Dayton) – March 5

MetroParks is targeting current and new volunteers who’ve expressed a deep interest in getting involved with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) reforestation efforts. This new task force of volunteers, named the Tree Corp., will be called upon to collect native hardwood seeds each fall, care for tree seedlings, help transplant seedlings in areas deforested by EAB, lead work crews of other volunteers, or speak to groups of neighbors, service clubs or garden clubs about EAB. Some of you may already be involved in the Forest Foster Family program (caring for seedlings at your home), which is a small component of the Tree Corp. mission.

To kick-off the spring season, you are invited to attend the Tree Corp. Volunteer Expo: a chance to learn more about the EAB threat and get an inside look into MetroParks strategic plan to manage the effects of EAB on our woodlands.  The second part of the morning offers you four Try-It sessions to practice hands-on skills in the areas where MetroParks volunteer needs are the greatest: seedling propagation, seed identification and collection, transplanting out, and promoting community awareness of the issue.  Some of these sessions will be held outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

Tree Corp. Volunteer Expo
Saturday March 5, 2011
9 am- 12:30 pm
Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 5/3 Conference Room

Please understand that by joining us for the March 5 volunteer expo, you are not committing to any specific volunteer group or task.  This event is just an opportunity for you to learn more about the effects of EAB within MetroParks and the volunteer needs that we’ll be trying to fill in the upcoming months.

To attend the Tree Corp. Volunteer Expo, please R.S.V.P. to Kevin Kepler no later than February 25: call 275-7275 2222 or email kkepler@metroparks.org. Space is limited, so sign up early!  With your help, we can restore our woodlands and leave a healthy forest for future generations!

 

Seed Starting Seminar – Meadow View Growers (New Carlisle) – March 5

Meadow View Growers (755 N. Lakeview Rd. aka Rt. 235, New Carlisle) is holding a seed starting seminar, “You Can Grow It”  at 2 pm, Saturday, March 5. Their experts will walk you step-by-step through the process of growing beautiful plants from seeds and cuttings at home. Fee is $5 which includes handouts. Email Abby@meadowview.com to register. Space is limited.

 

 

Hello World!

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The following is a repeat of my last group email. I’m trying to work my way into a blog so bear with me……

Hello Friends,

Remember the recipe for the Zick Bird Dough I mentioned a while back? If you click on this link Feathered Friends you should be able to see some of the photos I’ve taken of the birds that are eating my Bird Dough. I love watching the birds even more now that I purchased new binoculars! I can SEE! If you are in the market for a pair, I can recommend the style that I purchased.

Here Are Some Things to See:
Orchid Display –

Franklin Park Conservatory – Columbus

 


I recently had the opportunity to meet Ohio’s former first lady Hope Taft at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. (There is a new project underway at the Governor’s Residence which I’ll highlight at another time.) The jewel in the conservatory this trip was the current display, “Orchid Forest”, now going on through April 3. The orchids were spectacular! For hours, admission and directions, visit www.fpconservatory.org/. There is a wonderful bonus to those of you who are members of the American Horticulture Society – always free entrance to the conservatory! Here are more pictures from the exhibit.

Orchid Show – Cox Arboretum – February 19 & 20 – Dayton
Hundreds of orchids will be on display, as well as orchids and other items for purchase. Informal orchid talks and repotting classes will be held throughout the weekend. This event is sponsored by the Miami Valley Orchid Society.

Educational Opportunities
Workshops at Benham’s Grove – Centerville
Centerville’s City Beautiful Commission has two workshops planned.
1. Master gardener Kathleen Garnica, from “The Secreat Garden,” will present “A Few of My Favorite Things.” at 10 am on Saturday, February 12 at Benham’s Grove (166 N. Main St. in Centerville). The free workshop will feature garden art, container gardens and appropriate plants for container gardens. Reservations are not required.
2. Marvin Duren (Note: OAGC honored Marvin with the 2009 Daisy Sticksel Conservation Award) of “Marvin’s Organic Gardens” will discuss composting and organic care of lawns and plants at 10 am on Saturday, March 12 at the Department of Public works on South Suburban Road in Centerville. Reservations are not required for this free event.

Miami Valley Gardening Conference – Sinclair University, Dayton
Five Rivers MetroParks is presenting a special event on Saturday, March 5. (What is it with March 5??? I can’t be three places at once!) The 16th annual Miami Valley Gardening Conference offers a day of learning with over 15 speakers and several mini-classes/demonstrations. Keynote speakers include Peter Del Tredici , senior research scientist of Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum, and Jeff Lowenfels, noted soil and garden expert. Speakers are garden experts from OSU, Five Rivers MetroParks and nurseries in the Dayton area. There will also be two cooking presentations by the Culinary Department at Sinclair. During lunch and the afternoon break there will be hands-on demonstrations of valuable skills for all gardeners. Parking is also included. Read more/register at http://metroparks.org/conference

Dayton Home and Garden Show – March 4-6 – Dayton Convention Center
A follow up from the previous issue publicity on the Home and Garden Show
Question: Regarding the Friday, March 4 half-price tickets for garden clubbers – Are the tickets only good for Friday? Do separate tickets have to be purchased for each day or is there an inclusive ticket for all three days available?
Answer: There are no all-event pass tickets to purchase, However, you can purchase pre-sale tickets at half price and use them on any of the 3 days as there are no dates printed on them. Each ticket is good for one day. Tickets can be mailed out or they can be picked up at the Will-Call booth. Guests/friends or family members can also use the discounted tickets.Tickets are a bargain at $4. Partake in any of the classes on the big stage as well as to any of the ‘How To’ Garden Series on the small stage PLUS entrance to the Dayton Home and Garden Show.  A couple of speakers you don’t want to miss, on Friday at 10 am Pam Bennet from Ohio State talks about “Proven Plants for Color” and then at 4 pm don’t miss Barb Balgoyen of Walters Gardens of Michigan and her presentation  “New and Exciting Perennials for 2011.” Walters Gardens is one of the leading wholesalers in the nation. Saturday highlights include:  11am when Randy Zondag of The Ohio State University & Alan Siewart Ohio Division of Foresty  put on ‘”Tree pruning and training boot camp”: A hands-on class where you will actually use pruners to learn the proper way to trim. At 5:30pm John Scott of Knollwood Garden Center talks on “Container Gardening” and shows how to make A BIG IMPACT!

Flora-Quest – May 1 & 2 – Shawnee State Park
Many of Ohio’s foremost botanists will be leading field trips the weekend of April 29 – May 1 in the beautiful hills of Shawnee State Forest in southern Ohio. Flora-Quest is a botanical retreat geared towards learning and appreciating the most spectacular flora in all of Ohio. Check it out at  http://flora-quest.com/ (Wistful thought: I want to get to this some day…….)

This ‘n That
Commission Offers Grants – Centerville
The Centerville City Beautiful Commission is offering $250 Beautification Grants to nonprofit groups or volunteers who demonstrate a commitment to the beautification of the city of Centerville. More information can be found at http://www.ci.centerville.oh.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=801&Itemid=1658.

Great Backyard Bird Count – February 18-21
The 2011 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21. The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. Participants count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report their counts, they fill out an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count website. Go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html for more information.

Edible Art for Birds
Here is a cute way to get our young’uns interested in bird watching. It is a video from our friends at the Department of Natural Resources and shows how we can provide food for backyard birds in a fun and creative way. All you need is some bird seed and a little snow. Check out this edible art for wildlife project at:  http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Default.aspx?tabid=21318

Ohio Record Tree located in our area
Did you get a chance to go to the ODNR’s Ohio Champion Tree link from a post or two ago? I discovered that there is a local celebrity growing in our area. Listed among the Ohio Champion Non-Native Trees is a  Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) tree located at Bethany Lutheran Village in Centerville. The current record holder measures 195″ in circumference and is approximately 79′ tall!

World Flower Show Trip Update
The Ohio Association of Garden Club’s (OAGC) bus trip to Boston and the World Flower Show in June is basically sold out with two buses. If you have already paid a deposit to reserve your spot, trip coordinator Susy Spence (sspence@oagc.org) is now accepting the balance due. The optional $40 trip insurance should be paid at this time as well. A waiting list has been formed.

You Can Help Make a Difference
Dear Friends of Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens,
The Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens is a self-funded organization maintaining 60 acres of green space on The Ohio State University campus. During the past year a green roof team has been focused on designing and installing a green roof (vegetative) on Howlett Hall. Just last month, the Arboretum received a generous donation toward the Green Roof at Howlett Hall project, but we are continuing to raise funds and write grants.

The irrigation company RainBird is promoting an inter-active grant award program The Intelligent Use of Water Awards. If you are inclined, please take a minute to go to the link below and vote for the Chadwick Arboretum’s Green Roof project and help raise another $10,000. The project with the most votes wins a $10,000 reward. You can vote once a day until March 22, 2011 so spread the word!

http://www.iuowawards.com/Projects.aspx?ProjectKey=fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4#project|fcaf0ca0-de7b-441b-9bd1-a3a2a32f26d4

Thanks for your help!
Mary C. Maloney
Director, Ohio State University Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Dayton Home and Garden Show

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I have some timely information on the upcoming Dayton Home and Garden Show. I know, I know. In the past you may have called this event the “Hot Tub and Tractor Show”. However, this year I think you’ll be surprised. It’s time to get out and escape those dark, dreary days of winter and check this event out.

You will find below a communication from Steve Henger the event coordinator for the 2011 Dayton Home and Garden Show. He is making a special effort attract gardeners from all over and even offers a personal invitation to US – the gardeners in the greater Miami Valley. Half-priced (a savings of $4) advance group tickets may be ordered just contact me.  There is at least one presentation EVERY hour – 54 presentations over the span of the event! For more information and schedule of speakers, please visit: http://daytonhomeandgardenshow.com/

Vicki

The Dayton Home and Garden Show

March 4-6, 2011

Dayton Convention Center

Welcome to all members of garden clubs and other gardeners:

You are cordially invited as our guests of honor on Friday, March 4, 2011. Attend the Dayton Home and Garden Club and as our special guests; we are discounting our tickets by 50% to $4.00 to this exciting event this year. Show hours for Friday are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

We have made many changes to the show. We are adding a special presentation for you pertaining to gardening. Friday afternoon features a presentation by Barb Balgoyen of Walter’s Gardens that will cover what is new perennials, and other topics of interest. Walter’s Gardens is located in Michigan and is North America’s leading Wholesaler. We are very excited to have Barb come and speak. We added this presentation to our Garden Academy. As our special guest we will reserve prime seating for you. Just return the attached ticket form. This year we have added a 3-day Garden Academy that will feature many speakers from across the country. We invite you to participate while you are at the show at no extra charge. We just finalized the list of speakers.

Just a few more things to wet your appetite. As you enter the lobby of the convention center you will greeted by the smell of flowers , bushes and trees that have been forced into bloom reminding you that spring is about to come, thanks to the efforts of the students at Clark State University who are participating with the show this year.

As you enter the convention center’s main showroom you will be greeted by a 20’x 30’ bed of 100’s of sunflowers as part of the Dayton International Peace Museum exhibit. The Peace Museum promotes not only peace internationally but as well as peace in towns, families and individuals. There will be a campaign this spring to plant the various kinds of sunflowers to signify peace within our communities. We are honored to be a part of this promotion.

There will be 6 featured gardens in this year’s show by some of the leading landscapers in the area. Plus 2 “Peace Gardens”.. I will let you in on a secret, one of these is going to have 100’s of tulips with a 4’high cut ice vase full of flowers that you will swear that is made of glass not ice, it’s beautiful.

On Friday, Waste Management is sending in a corporate speaker to share info on “What is really going on with recycling”. What lies ahead and what can the common person do to help. This short 20 min. presentation is worth it’s time in gold.

Finally, over 200 vendors invite you to their booths to show you what is hot and new, with home show specials and to make your stay enjoyable. What a great way to get into the spring spirit! Come and enjoy the Dayton Home and Garden shows “Kickoff to Spring Show!”

For advance group tickets please see the Advance ticket order form. These tickets can be purchased the day of the show or in advanced and mailed out or paid in advance and held at the will call window.