Garden Club of Dearborn ~~ Founded in 1915 ~~ February, 2018

Garden Club of Dearborn ~~ Founded in 1915 ~~ February, 2018 Garden Club Journal Editor: Mindy Delano mindyanddaisy@comcast.net More info: www.gardenclubdearborn.org / president@gardenclubdearborn.org / Member of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc & National Garden Clubs, Inc Key Meeting Dates ** Board Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 7 @ 10 am @ McFadden Ross President s Message **General Meeting on Monday, Feb 12 @ noon @ First Presbyterian Church: Valentine Tea and Valentine Project led by Mindy Delano. **Horticulture Therapy is Feb 14th at 9:45 am with Gloria Rusin as designer of the project, at Oakwood Commons Black Swallowtail Butterfly: MGC encourages everyone to write to their state senator to support Senate Bill 298 to make this butterfly the Michigan State Butterfly. State Senator (name) P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536 Get Well cards were sent to: Karen Marzonie & Mindy Delano. Well, finally, a couple warm days cleared the snow and we can see that green grass is still there. Additionally, have you noticed the many varieties of small birds chirping in trees? I think the unsettling weather in other parts of the country have caused them to migrate here early. At our January meeting, George Papadelis, from Telly's Nursery, peaked our interest in exposing us to newer varieties of flowers and to look forward to planting in a few months. I really hope to purchase the trailing Bluebird Angelonia which he indicated was part of the snapdragon family. Begonias always do well in our weather zone, and the pictures he showed of the Mocco Joy variety is interesting with white flowers and chocolate bronze leaves. Our February meetings are always refreshing with a Valentine Tea to brighten the day. And, of course, we appreciate the effort of the committee to arrange it. Mindy is preparing a surprise project for us to 'make and take' home. Be sure to bring a few dollars to cover the cost of the materials for this novel keepsake. The Taylor Garden Club is again sponsoring the 10th annual workshop called "Growing Great Gardens. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 17 from 8 am to 4 pm at Wayne County Community College, 21000 Northline Road in Taylor. Registration for 4 classes prior to February 23 is $45, otherwise, after the 23 rd, it s $60. Register online at www.taylorconservatory.org/events/ ggg.. While you are posting dates of events on your calendar you may consider attending the National Garden Club convention in Philadelphia, May 20 to 24. Full time registration, including 4 meals, is $280 prior to April 20. Room rate for the Loews Philadelphia hotel is $219 (double) or $239 after January 31. The Schedule is filled with noted speaker/ presentations along with official meetings. Many guided tours are available at additional cost: Longwood Gardens, Historic Philadelphia, Chanticleer Garden, Waking tour, Boat Trip to Bartram's Garden, Horticulture Community Gardens, Museum of American Revolution, Philadelphia Mint, Prison, Green Roof tour, Happy Hour Brewery, Grounds for Sculpture, Brandywine River Museum. Our Finance Committee met on January 19 to review the proceeds of the Holly Berry Brunch. After all the expenses were covered, it appears that our efforts netted $14,811. With that, we will be able to cover all the items in our 2017-18 budget. In addition, we will be recommending approval of a donation to the restoration of gardens around the fountain at Belle Isle. Looking forward to seeing you at the Valentine Tea...Mary

P a g e 2 The Potting Shed By Mindy Delano 2 0 1 8 : Y e a r o f t h e C a l i b r a c h o a February Birthdays Julia Casey Feb 4 Marie Chapman Feb 12 Patti Mack Feb 17 Christel Sanecki Feb 18 Betty King Feb 22 Elaine Trocino Feb 23 Mary Lou Herrst Feb 26 Don Mack Feb 28 Plant America Grow & Share Small Grant Program MGC districts have grants available. Any MGC Club can apply for a grant to help fund a project. First come, first served. Application form is online. Submit mail, email, or phone info to Mindy by 20th of month! (313 565-1266) mindyanddaisy@comcast.net The National Garden Bureau announced the annual flower voted for Year of the and that is Calibrachoa. This flower gained popular following because of the ease in growing, its adaptability, its unique genetically diverse nature, and its function is quite versatile. Calibrachoa has skyrocketed to its glorious form since its introduction into the U.S. market during late 1980 s. In the 1990 s, the first of Japanese breeding evolved into a sweet, darling annual called Million Bells. Million Bells, although a beauty, were a challenge to grow, back then. Its favorite growing medium proved to be in hanging baskets and pots, and not so frequently in the soil in the garden. Container gardening, in this day and age, is still the Calibrachoa s choice of home. Its roots come from Brazil to Japan, to Europe and America, and finally, into our home gardens. Considering most flowers have been around since the late 1700 s or early 1800 s, Cali (the popular nickname) is still the new kid in town. Cali is similar to its twin, the Petunia. Although once classified in the genus Petunia, it became validated as a separate entity, or genus. There are close to 28 different kinds of wild Cali, similar to wild Petunia which has about 21 kinds. But Cali possesses an alarming ability to become bred in a broader range of colors, as well as capable of generating a complex mix of colors, outpacing the Petunia s hue, tints, and color range. Many people call Cali the mini-petunia, despite genus differences. Cali s native territory is cliff edges and rocky scree; from this, they bring some drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils, according to NGB. Thank goodness, hybridizers and breeders of Cali made her less finicky in home gardens. They ve become tolerant of wider variety of soils and environments, though it is still partial and suited for containers. Even with improvements, high ph or alkaline soils can be a problem. Despite that fact, the Cali has become much easier to grow and have arrived in markets, with gardeners clamoring for their sparkling personalities. Why does Cali stand out? It s incredible colors that make it a showstopper. All rainbow colors are replicated in small jewel-like flowers. Also, there s a dark eye in every flower, or a bright yellow eye, striped blooms, in single or double flowers! The hues and tints are incredible, and some colors change based on temperature, deepening as it s cooler, and fading when warm. Cali is really like an orchid of bedding plants, the closer you examine the flower, the more intricate the colors become. Can Can Calibrachoa flower, known for the yellow star in the middle!

P a g e 3 Year of the Calibrachoa (continued from page 2) What does a snowman eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes What's the best part about Valentines Day? The day after when all the chocolate goes on sale. Did you know that Marie Chapman will turn 90 on our next Garden Club meeting day, on Feb 12th? Drop her a line or a card. She d love that. We are blessed to have her chipper spirit and smiling face in our midst. Can t wait to see her at the Valentine Tea! Seeds: Growing from seed can be fairly easy. One seed series comes in several colors, called Kabloom. (Other Calis are grown from cuttings) sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Don t cover with soil, just press seed lightly into potting soil. Needs light for germination, so keep in full day s sunlight. Keep soil temperature 70-75 degrees. Seedlings sprout in 10-14 days. It takes 8-10 weeks to raise full-grown plants, so plan accordingly. Cali needs full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. A welldrained soil is necessary. A balanced acidic plant fertilizer is suggested so the plant energy can produce thousands of flowers all season long. Avoid severe dry down and wilting. When the plant wilts, it shuts down all growth and repeated wilting produces a woody and less vigorous plant. Restarting growth and flowering can take weeks and depending on the stress of the plant, may never fully recover. Keep soil lightly moist and well fertilized. There are many different brands, including Superbells, MiniFamous, Cabaret, Callie, Million Bells, Cruze, Aloha Kona, Can-Can, Noa, and Calipetite. If you are searching for Cali for your pots in spring, google Calibrachoa flowers, find your favorites, and call the garden center with the name. So, this spring, check out the Calibrachoa and be amazed by their bright vivid colors, with fascinating streaks, stripes, stars, and patterns that resemble the stroke of a brush. A beautiful floral work of art will delight you, your neighbors, or even a passerby. February 17 is the Day! Calibrachoa flowers are in a multitude of colors, fooling many who think they are petunias...but NOT!

P a g e 4 Here is the book, recently released from Amazon, if you wish to pursue that topic. Ellen Zachos, the speaker, will no doubt have her book at the seminar, for signings. She is covering these drinks and mixes in her Lunch and Learn time slot. Gene Bush s book. Deborah Trickett, speaker at the upcoming seminar, discussed containers awhile back and this cute wine box was one of her creative ideas. She said, it s already capable of draining water, so no need to drill holes. These are perfect for lettuce gardens, even on balconies. It s that time again, when cabin fever confines Michiganders, and suddenly, we emerge, ready to explore, learn, and become inspired! The 10th Annual Growing Great Gardens seminar has published their speakers and topics, along with registration details. Registration is open for the seminar scheduled on Saturday, March 17th, 8-4 pm at Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus, 21000 Northline Road, in Taylor. This spectacular seminar includes: three speakers, with exciting topics (one speaker handles 2 topics so it s actually 4 presentations, however) Optional 5th class, additional $10 (lunch & learn) Shopping in Garden Marketplace Yummy box lunch with choices of: a. Ham & cheese or b. smoked turkey and Colby cheese or c. large veggie salad with berries and feta cheese Door prize chances 5-6 hours credit for Master Gardeners Early bird rate is $45 before February 23rd; optional Lunch and Learn for additional $10. After February 23rd, it is $60. Schedule: 8-9 am: Registration, shopping, breakfast f/ Tim Horton s 9-10:30 am: Speaker, Ellen Zachos Backyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn t Know You Could Eat. Learn how to recognize, harvest, and prepare tasty treats, like wintergreen sorbet, rose hip soup, and dahlia tuber bread. Ellen is a Harvard graduate, author of 7 books, instructor at New York Botanical Garden, and nationwide lecturer. Novel containers for your plants! 10:30-10:45 am: Break and Shopping 10:45-11:45 am: Speaker, Deborah Trickett Get Your Neighbors Talking Containers. Switch up your container gardening from blah to aah by introducing new and unusual plant material and uncommon even green container choices. Deborah is a Massachusetts Certified Landscaper Professional and frequent lecturer in the Northeast. She teaches at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Mass. 11:45-1 pm: Lunch and shopping 11:45-12:45 pm: Lunch and Learn ($10) The Wildcrafted Cocktail with Ellen Zachos. Combine foraged, local, and seasonal flavors with your favorite spirits to concoct wildcrafted cocktails, e.g. dirty daylily martini. 1:00-2:00 pm: Speaker, Gene Bush, 10 Months of Blooms in the Shade Garden. Incorporating shade plants for continual bloom in the shade. Owner of Shade Garden Expert, Gene is a nationally known expert on shade gardening with 30 + years of experience, concentrating on known, not-sowell-known, rare and unusual plants for shade. 2:00-2:15 pm: Break and shopping 2:15-3:45 pm: Speaker, Deborah Trickett, Beauty and the Bees: A Different Way of Looking at Garden Design. How to be mindful to our environment, in creating garden space with beauty and function for bees and other pollinators. 3:45-4:00 pm: Shopping, Door Prizes, Wrap Up. Directions: Southbound Telegraph to Northline, turn left (east), turn left into main drive, go right towards EAST parking lot, then turn left into East parking lot.

P a g e 5 Do you remember the Whirling Teacup Ride? This one is at Disneyland. Photo taken in 1955. Honey Or sugar? What do you prefer? 1 loin of pork (6-8 lbs) 1 clove minced garlic 2 Tbsp butter 1 tsp crushed rosemary 1 tsp each salt & pepper 1 tsp chopped basil 1 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp nutmeg 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp ginger 2 cups beef broth 1 cup heavy cream (for gravy) 1 cup cider or 1 cup apple juice The Valentine s project will be Decoupage with Napkin to create a whimsical bud vase, upcycled from a vinegar bottle! The napkins are a choice of beautiful floral & butterfly from Winterthur Museum or a recent shipment from England which are whimsical. Postage is pricey, but the uniqueness outweighed the cost after viewing 1000 s of napkins on ebay. You ve got the cream of the crop. Rub meat with butter, salt and pepper, sugar, and sprinkle with flour. Put in moderate 350 degree oven and cook 30 minutes. Then baste with mixture made by cooking broth, cider, herbs, and spices together for 5 minutes. Cook 3 to 3 1/2 hours longer. If you desire gravy: Add heavy cream to pan gravy and serve hot, but do not boil as this would curdle cream. Serve with applesauce. Note: the Shaker recipe comes from The Best of Shaker Cooking, my mother s worn out cookbook, but everyone so loved this roast recipe. Although Shakers prided themselves with having fresh herbs, I used dried herbs in the same amounts above and it comes out perfect. It s delicious fragrance will waft through your house. I ve used 4 lb roasts! Serves 6-8 people. ~Editor s recipe Dearborn Symphony Concert, A Musical Journey is February 25th @ 3 pm @ Ford Performing Arts w/kypros Markou, Conductor and special guest, Ben Beilman, violin. Includes: musical pieces by: Leonard Bernstein, Adolphus Hailstark, Edouard Labo, and Emmanual Chabrier. Cost includes 1 vinegar bottle, 1 mini Mod Podge, and 1 napkin. Domestic: $3 vs Imported $4. The bottles will be preprepped to save time. Decoupage involves glue and top coat which is called Mod Podge. Product is applied to vase, then design on napkin is smoothed & treated. It could be messy. Bring scissors & small piece of Saran Wrap. Mentor will be at each table for guidance. The vessel is just as important as flowers! Let your creative juices flow! Ben Beilman, on Violin, will be at the Feb 25th concert.

Page 6 Blue Moon Punch Superbells Double Orchid Superbells Double Ruby Superbells Over Easy Superbells Rising Star Proven Winners is always a plant which you can purchase with peace of mind that it s been tested in trials and reliable. These 5 new Calis are beautiful, especially Rising Star and Over Easy. These could be together in a pot because the colors are complimentary. Take a chance on a Double for a change! Those are just as pretty...double Ruby! Events! March 3-11, Philadelphia Flower Show Wonders of Water Bianco Tours: $655 April 9-10-Holland, NGC Environmental School April 23-24-Kalamazoo, NGC Landscape Design School May 8-9-Monroe, NGC Gardening School June 5-6-Kalamazoo, MGC 87th Convention, BZZZZ Michigan June 25-26-Ann Arbor, NGC Flower Show Symposium July 10-Kalamazoo, NGC Tri-Refresher-MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station O u r L o g o a n d a f f i l i a t i o n s