Garden Clippings February 2006

McMinnville Garden Club Vol. 5 No. 6

February 20, 2006

Start Plants from Seeds

By Gail Price

Covenant Church: 2155 W. 2^nd St.

Social time: 10:30 am-Business & Lunch meeting: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Optional Brown bag lunch – dessert, coffee & tea will be provided by hostesses:

Arlene Kempf- Ruth Everingham- Barbara Pehrson-Mary Whinery

Program: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Gail Price is the owner of Nut Farm located in McMinnville as well as an OSU Master Gardener.  She will be sharing her knowledge of starting plants from seeds.  Gail will teach us techniques on how to start garden plants early this year. 

As a child Gail learned the joy of gardening from her parents who were avid gardeners, married her husband, a US Forest Service employee and moved with his job when needed. Gail has experience growing plants in a variety of climates and soil conditions from moving to different locations within Oregon.  Today she is very active in the community by designing and maintaining the Yamhill County Fairgrounds demonstration garden and volunteers at the OSU Extension Office.   

            The members of the garden club are welcome to come and see what the Master Gardeners do in the greenhouse on general work day each Tuesday in April from 9:00-12:00am.  The greenhouse is closed the rest of the week.

For more information about Gail and her business Nut Farm please contact the OSU extension office at 2050 Lafayette Avenue, 503-434-8910

February 27, 2006

1:00 PM Field Trip

Roses – Interactive Discussion

With Beverly Mulkey

Please join Beverly at 1:00 pm in her home 2140 St. Andrews Dr. Phone number is in the directory.

Beverly Mulkey, a member of the McMinnville Garden club, will be hosting an interactive talk about roses to be proud of.   We will be sharing and discussing the experiences; success as well as failures with growing roses in a variety of conditions. 

      Please feel free to bring with you articles, books, and/or photographs to share with other members.  What are your favorite roses?   What has worked well for you growing roses?  Do you have a favorite color of rose that you would like to share with us? 

President’s Message

Hello!

Well, what can I say; the rain is still with us making our landscape looking very soggy. There is a silver lining though, can you imagine what is going on in our flower beds just waiting for some sun to warm the soil and then with nature’s wonder we have beautiful spring flowers? That is the reward of a wet winter season. Just think the weeds will be so simple to pull out and turning the soil will be easy, digging a hole for new plants will be a snap.

I hope that you all enjoyed Phil Thorburg’s presentation I thought it was very good. I learned new things and enjoyed the slide show. The fieldtrip to Evelyn Mundinger’s was a neat way for those who attended to share gardening experiences with your fellow club mates. Evelyn was well prepared with hand outs that followed her interactive discussion on companion plants. Great job Evelyn, thank you very much!

I look forward to coming to this month’s program on February 20^th. It is “Start plants from seeds” with Gail Price. This should be a fun program so don’t miss it. Also, remember our fieldtrip to Beverly Mulkey’s for an interactive discussion about roses on February 27^th. These fieldtrips are a wonderful way to share our gardening tips and have a social time with our friends.

Hope all is well with everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing you this month.

Fondly, Kim Jongedyk

We are still looking for volunteers to chair the Yard of the Month and Post Office project. Please consider helping our club support community gardening activities!

Mark this date! The Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.‘s 2006 State Convention, “Roses, Roses, Roses” will be June 12-14 at the Red Lion at

the Convention Center in Portland.

Backyard Habitat

A great resource book is available from WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by Russell Link*

You can purchase this most interesting and informative book directly through WDFW for $28.00 by mail (this includes tax + s & h).

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Attn: Book Sales

16018 Mill Creek Blvd.

Mill Creek, WA 98012

-Make checks payable to: WDFW -

*Bio: Russell Link is a Wildlife biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, he has extensive experience in the field of Landscape Architecture. He is also the author of Living with Wildlife.

Now on to winter and the expectation of more wonderful things to come! Please continue to provide food, water & shelter for your wildlife. Yup, that includes  creating habitats for those little critters we just as soon not remember exist for the most part (mice, spiders, snakes, etc.) but don’t forget, these “critters” are the most necessary for sustaining new life this coming spring. It may seem in all this rain that there could not possibly be anything out in our yards, but you'd be surprised at just how much life is going on under those compost and brush piles you left alone this last fall for your backyard habitat.

Looking for a rainy day project? This is a great time of the year to either clean up those vacant bird houses or try something new and build some houses yourself. They don’t have to be spendy or fancy, just enough to provide the necessary housing for the birds you want to attract to your backyard habitat is the key. Keep in mind that the old standby, wood, is still the best material to use in making these homes.

REMEMBER, PLEASE DON’T USE : Wood treated with preservatives, paint, stain or creosote. Do not use tin cans, milk cartons or metal (metals quickly heat up to lethal temperatures on warm spring and summer days, resulting in overheating the eggs and killing the birds). Julie Maahs

“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.” Barbara Winkler

Hort. Beat

It is pruning time, but no one wants to be working outdoors in the current downpours. I chose to stay dry and brush up on proper pruning techniques. A book which I found very useful and highly recommend is GUIDE TO PRUNING-What, When, Where and How to Prune for a More Beautiful Garden. The author is Cass Turnbul and the publisher is Sasquatch, a Seattle company. Turnbul is founder of an organization called Plant Amnesty, which is dedicated to the elimination of bad pruning, which she terms 'mal-pruning'. Through programs consisting of videos, class instruction, pruning sessions etc. she has pursued educating people about 'good trimming'. Her book presents how-tos for smaller mounding plants and everything in between up to trees. Information is well organized and the illustrations show proper techniques. You may not agree with some of her philosophy, but she writes with humor in an easy to read style. You will find this a good reference for your library. May all your pruning be good! Evelyn Mundinger

Editor’s Note: Both books mentioned above are available at the McMinnville Public Library.

Club History

April 15, 1929

An outstanding meeting of the McMinnville Garden Club was held at Miss Hattie Gowdy’s. Fifteen members and thirteen guests were present. A letter was read from Mr. A.E..Rockey of Portland, chairman of the Wayside Planting Committee of the Portland Garden Club, and chairman of the Highway Committee of the State Federation of Garden Clubs, outlining an extensive plan for the beautification of our highways.

Motion carried that we cooperate in this movement, and the President appoint a committee.

Letter was read from Mrs. Valliant, President of State Federation, urging us to have an exhibit at the Rose Festival June 9^th-12^th. A motion prevailed that we do so, exhibiting cut flowers in Class A. The secretary requested to reserve space. A request was also made for a list of our members and their addresses.

A request was read that the Garden Club endorse a movement now on foot, to have the picnic grounds at the park restored to their original size. The endorsement was given.

Recess from business was taken, and Mrs. Sly introduced Mr. Fred Cuthbert, instructor in Landscape Architecture at OSAC (Oregon State Agriculture College). (DM) who talked on the subject of “Design of Small Gardens”. He was very entertaining and his suggestions helpful. He also discussed “pools and water gardens”.

The business meeting was resumed after Mrs. Sly expressed our appreciation to Mr. Cuthbert.

Several ladies had visited the Daffodil Show at Forest Grove on April 13 and carried an invitation to our club to visit the daffodil gardens of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Terry between Lafayette and Chehalem.

Weather permitting, the club decided to visit Forest Grove on Saturday, April 20, several ladies present offered cars. Arrangements were left with Mrs. Miller of the “committee on visiting gardens”.

A motion prevailed that we have a Spring Flower Show during May when the tulips are at their best. In as much as the members of the standing Flower Show Committee were not available for this, a special committee was appointed, none of whom were willing to serve as chairman.

Mrs. Sly announced that the State Federation would hold their meeting in Corvallis, May 24 and 25. Election of delegates was left until the May meeting.

There being no further business, the Club adjourned after a most profitable afternoon.

Five new members were added to our roll. Balance on hand $8.05. Mrs. Frank Wortman, secretary

Dorothy Mathiesen

Websites to Check Out and Upcoming Events for Gardeners !

Beginning Bonsai Workshop, February 18. This class is for those who have little or no experience with bonsai, covers basic styles, maintenance, potting, soils and care, will create a bonsai in class to take home, 10:00am – 3:00 p.m., Old Tree Bonsai Studio, 1556 church St., NE, Salem. Cost: $40, supplies provided; register by Feb. 15. Contact Richard Johnson, 503.585.8305 or info@oldtreebonsai.com.

Northwest Flower and Garden Show, Seattle, February 8-12. Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9:00am – 9:00 p.m.; Sunday 9:00am – 6:00pm.To Purchase Tickets Click Here. Washington State Convention Center, 7^th & Pike, Seattle, WA. For Directions Click Here.

Yamhill Master Gardeners 15th Annual Native Plant Sale, February 9, 10 and 11, 9:00-5:00. This year’s event will include 26 species of hardwood trees and shrubs, 7 conifers, and 10 additional species. There will be groundcover and bedding plants such as Big Leaf Lupine, Early Blue Violet, White Fawn Lily, Red Columbine, and Tiger Lily. Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 2200 SW Second St., McMinnville.

Rose Pruning Class, February 11, 1:00 p.m. Learn how to prune all types of roses in this interactive class, 1:00 p.m., Ferguson’s Fragrant Nursery, 21763 French Prairie Road NE, St. Paul. Contact 503.633.4585 or go to www.fragrantnursery.com

Hardy Plant Society of Oregon invites you to attend “Great Plant Picks for Northwest Gardens” with speaker Richie Steffen on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Tualatin High School. Ticket price $10 for HPSO members, $15 for non-members. Doors open at 11:00 am for social hour, book and seed sales, and viewing botanical samples. Program begins at 12:00 noon and ends before 4:00 p.m. Richie Steffen is the Coordinator of Horticulture for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle. Richie’s presentation is followed by a panel discussion with Lucy Hardiman, Maurice Horn, and Dan Moeller. For more info and to register, call HPSO office, 503.224.5718, before Feb. 1.

Garden Photography, February 21. Award-winning photographer Ron Cooper will offer simple techniques to make garden photography more fun and rewarding. Cooper photographed everything from presidential campaigns to local gardens during his 4year career with the Oregon Statesman and the Statesman Journal. Event sponsored by the Native Plant Society, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A St., NE, Salem. Free and open to the public. Contact 503.399.8615

Jukebox Saturday Night - Standard Flower Show, February 22- 26, Portland Expo Center, Portland, OR. This show has been named the #1 State Flower Show in the nation three years in a row. This Standard Flower Show is the forum for enthusiasts to novices to veterans—to show off their horticulture, design ideas, and flower arranging talents. The Standard Flower Show’s theme, Jukebox Saturday Night, will showcase both serious horticultural enthusiasts and flower loving novices in a variety of divisions, categories and classes. Hours: Wed., Feb. 22, 11 am - 9 pm; Thur., Feb. 23 11 am - 9 pm; Fri., Feb. 24, 10am – 9 pm; Sat., Feb. 24 10 am - 9 pm; Sun., Feb. 26 10 am - 6 pm .Admission $10.00; FREE to AHS members. For Further Information Contact: Linda Nelson, Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs, 543 Lakefair Place N., Keizer, OR 97303, flwrcellar@msn.com, 503-393-4439

Native Plant and Tree Sale, February 24-25. Find bareroot native plants and trees including Douglas spirea, nootka rose, trillium, red and white alder, vine maple and red-flowering currant. Fri., Feb. 24 10:00-6:00, Sat., Feb. 25 9:00-3:00. Salem First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 market St. NE, Salem. Free. Contact 503.391.9927, or go to www.open.org/mariswcd.

2006 Yard, Garden, and Patio Show, Feb. 24-26, Oregon Convention Center, Portland. Show features: Proven Winner Display Gardens that showcase exciting new plants, landscaping ideas and the latest in outdoor living accessories; horticulture container contest; unique vendors - more than 275 different exhibitors will be on hand; free seminars (with paid show admission) -- more than 50 hours of educational seminars; hard-to-find unusual plants at the Remarkable Green Market; wine pavilion; AND MUCH MORE! For more info www.ygpshow.com.

4^th Annual KXL Plant Nerd Night, Friday, March 10. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2000 Country Club Road, (across from Lake Oswego High School) Lake Oswego. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., presentations begin at 7:00 p.m. Free event. (This is a good one, Folks!)

‘Hands On’ Fruit & Nut Tree Grafting Workshop Tuesday, March 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Individuals interested in grafting fruit & nut trees are invited to participate in a ‘hands on’ grafting workshop at the OSU Extension-Linn County office. Cost is $25 per person. Pre-registration by March 10 is required. Master grafters Clyde Beat, owner of Eugene Wholesale Fruit Tree Nursery, Harry Lagerstedt, retired OSU professor and USDA research horticulturist, and Ross Penhallegon, OSU/Extension Agent/Commercial Fruit & Nut Tree Specialist will be instructing. Trained OSU Master Gardeners™ from Benton, Linn, Marion, and Polk counties will be assisting.

A big thanks to Marian Kuch from the St. Paul Garden Club for these listings.

Remember to save the date of April 20 as we host the Pioneer District Spring Luncheon and Meeting at the Covenant Church.

Sunshine

Our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn Coats as she faces her new health challenge.

A special birthday greeting to Virginia Klein who moves into her ninth decade on February 5^th. Joan Friese

McMinnville Garden Club Organized in 1926 PO Box 386 McMinnville OR 97128 http://mcminnvillegardenclub.org Information: 503 434 4344 Meeting Information Meeting Day: Third Monday September through June 10:30-11 AM Social Time 11 AM – 1 PM Optional Brown Bag Lunch Covenant Church, Fireside Room, 2155 West 2^nd, McMinnville, OR Meetings are open to the public. Executive Board President Kim Jongedyk Vice President Sandy Ford Secretary Judy Eggers Treasurer Marilyn Coats Conservation Pledge I pledge to protect and conserve the natural resources of the planet Earth, and promise to promote education, so we may be caretakers to our air, water, forests, land, and wildlife. Ongoing Projects Summer Garden Tour The Oregon Garden Support Scholarships for Horticulture National Garden Week Garden of the Month Blue Star Memorial Marker City Beautification “Garden Clippings” is a monthly publication of the McMinnville Garden Club. Contact Kim Jongedyk, (503-434-9130), or 503-434-4344 for info.

Committee Chairs Backyard Habitat Julie Maahs Garden Tour 2006 Judy Eggers Patty Sorensen Garden Faire 2006 Gaye Stewart Historian Dorothy Mathiesen Horticulture Eveyln Mundinger Hospitality Rosemary Vertregt Membership Sandy Bolmer Newsletter Patty Sorensen Anne Silverthorne Parliamentarian Gaye Stewart Publicity/PR Sandy Ford Scholarship Cindi Miller Sunshine Joan Friese Telephone Mary Whinery Yard of Month 2006 Yearbook Kim Jongedyk Sandy Ford The newsletter deadline for submission of articles for our monthly newsletter is the last day of the previous month. Please send them to Patty Sorensen. Do you know of any prospective Garden Club members? Be sure to let Sandy Bolmer know names and addresses. We would love to send them our newsletter for three months.