February Meeting Summary

LAGC Meeting – February 26, 2019

Colleen Fingal, president opened the meeting up by welcoming all members and guests.

Winter Aconite, Snowdrops and Helleborus currently blooming in member gardens.

Make special note of plant sale date – May 18, 2019 and Tour of Jennings Prairie Garden – July 30, 2019 at 10 am (5^thTuesday of month, not 4^th)

Mary Ann Kurtz review plant sale. 4” pots are smallest size that should be used, and pot up 15 – 20 pots / member for the sale.  Discussion was held re the Asian Jumping Worm.  To ensure that we don’t transfer them in our plants for the sale, remove all soil with worms and use sterile potting soil for our pots.  Asian jumping worms have a pale band at their head, and they jump when you touch them. They consume large amounts of organic matter, and don’t leave new nutrients behind, i.e. they deplete the soil of nutrients.  Currently, there is no known way of getting rid of them.  There is a good article in the Pennsylvania Gardener, February 2019 issue on this topic, for more information.

It was agreed that an informational flyer on the Spotted Lantern Fly and the Asian Jumping Worm would be given at checkout during the plant sale.

Diane Machesney presented the treasurer’s report.  Beginning balance between checking and petty cash was $3,617.08.  After expenses for speakers fee, plant sale signs, directories, check and incidentals, the ending balance is $3,337.99. 

Anita Wagner presented information from the McCandless Environmental Council.  A town hall meeting to discuss beautification projects for the Town of McCandless is being held on March 7 at 7:30 pm.  If interested, you are invited to attend, either as a representative of the Club or personally. 

Thanks to Linda Ferguson for the delicious desserts and Diana Berendowski for the beautiful arrangement.

Carrie Powell, owner of One Happy Flower Shop in Millvale presented “How to Create a Succulent Terrarium”, including a demonstration.  

Key takeaways:

·     Make sure your container has a large enough opening at the top to allow you to work within the container, check soil after planting.  This also helps prevent accumulation of excess moisture.

·     Choose succulent plants that fit the size and style of your container.

·     Place a layer of small rocks at the bottom for drainage.  If container is glass, can use decorative marbles or glass

·     Use succulent soil mix,start with a smaller amount, and then add around plant(s) as needed).

·     Add accent rocks or garden ornaments at end to dress up the container

·     Don’t overwater, and use small amount of fertilizer approximately once a month

Diana serving warm Apple Crisp

Granny Cake Linda made, recipe included on LAGC blog

Linda's arrangement, her sister-in-law makes the large leaves

Container kits available at Carrie's store

Carrie Powell