Garden Dirt
MEMBER OF NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INCORPORATED
Vol. 58, No. 4
September, October, November 2015
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Aug. 22-Oct. 4
Sept. 2-3
Sept. 15-19
Sept. 21
Oct. 3-5
Oct. 17
Oct. 31
Nov. 1
Nov. 11
Nov. 26
Renaissance Festival
FGCM Flower Show – Fairgrounds
NGC Board Mtg. – St. Louis
FGCM Judges Council & FGCM Board Mtg. – Ridgedale Library
Central Region Annual Convention – Cedar Rapids, IA
FGCM Fall Quarterly Meeting – Maplewood Library
Halloween
Daylight Saving Time ends; turn your clocks back one hour
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
HIGHLIGHTS
State/C.R./NGC contacts – page 3
Plant Sales/Flower Shows/Meetings/Events – pages 5-6
Renaissance Festival – page 7
FGCM Summer Meeting recap – page 9
Central Region Meeting Info & Registration – page 18-21
FGCM Fall Meeting registration – page 23
In Memoriam
Fran Shea of Late Bloomers Garden Club in Edina, passed away May 6, 2015. Fran was
passionate about Native Plants and helped establish a Monarch waystation at Arneson
Acres Park in Edina
Beverly Harris passed away unexpectedly on June 22nd. Bev was an active member of
the Woodhill Garden Club who will dearly miss her. She served as past president of the
Edina Council (1986-1987), and was for many years a committee head (hostesses and
refreshments) for the plant sale.
Roland Ford, husband of past Central Region Director, Gerry Ford, passed away on
August 8th.
Our sympathies to their families.
www.mngardenclubs.com
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Federated Garden Clubs Of Minnesota, Inc. provides education, fosters communication and supports our membership in their endeavors to
promote love of gardening, floral design, and civic and environmental
responsibility.
OUR VISION STATEMENT
The Federated Garden Clubs Of Minnesota, Inc. will be recognized as an
expert resource in horticulture and floral design. Through relevant and
effective communication and active cooperation of our membership and
the cultivation of partnerships with other organizations and agencies, we
will increase our involvement in civic and environmental efforts .
FGCM Newsletter Change of Address,
Name or to Add a New Member
In order to ensure continued receipt of the FGCM Newsletter please notify us
promptly any changes to your Name, Mailing address, or Email address. If your
newsletter is returned and we do not receive your correct mailing information before the next issue is mailed, your name will be dropped from the mailing list until
the correction is received.
Please advise us of new members promptly to ensure receipt of the Newsletter.
If you would like to receive your newsletter via email or would rather view the
newsletter on the FGCM website contact Rene’ Lynch, Asst. Treasurer, 112109
Haering Circle, Chaska, MN 55318. Home phone 952-361-6392 or email her at:
reneclynch@aol.com
Pertinent information would be:
• New Name/New Member’s Name
• New Address &Phone Number/New Member’s Address & Phone number
• New Email Address/New Member’s Email Address
• Club Name must be included with the pertinent information.
Please help us keep you up-to-date with any
new and exciting events.
2
Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota, Inc.
President, Betty Beck, 17400 29th Ave. N., Plymouth, MN 55447
Home Phone: (763) 473-7183
Email: beflower@comcast.net
National Garden Clubs, Inc.
President, Sandra H. Robinson, 960 Maple Grove Rd, London, KY 40744-8955
Home Phone: (606) 878-7281
Cell Phone: (606) 231-1122
Email: sandyr5342@gmail.com
National Garden Clubs Central Region
Director, Judy Newman, N49 W18935 Joetta Dr., Menomonie Falls, WI 53051-6433
Home Phone: (262) 781-3318
Cell Phone: (414) 861-7134 preferred
Email: newman9641@aol.com
WEBMASTER:
Carolyn Beach 4046 Zenith Ave N, Minneapolis MN 55422-1595
Home Phone: (763) 208-2077
Email: cbeach3598@aol.com
CHANGE OF NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL:
Rene’ Lynch, Asst. Treasurer, 112109 Haering Circle, Chaska, MN 55318
Home Phone: (952) 361-6392
Email: reneclynch@aol.com
NEWSLETTER (SEND NEWSLETTER MATERIAL TO):
Pat Almsted, 2908 Sunnyside Circle, Burnsville, MN 55306-6951
Home Phone: (952) 892-3457
Email: palmsted@gmail.com
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Barbara Mikkelson, 11528 River Hills Dr., Burnsville, MN 55337
Make checks payable to: Federated Garden Clubs of Minnesota
Mail checks to: Barbara Mikkelson, 11528 River Hills Dr., Burnsville, MN 55337
3
President’s Message
By Betty Beck
“Together We Can”
It was an exciting National Garden Club Convention
held in Louisville, Kentucky in May 2015. Minnesota
was represented by René Lynch, Steve and Rosie
Guhanick, and I (left).
The theme of the new NGC President, Sandy Robinson, is Leap into Action. Her projects are Pollinators-Bees and Butterflies, Amphibian-“The Frightened Frog” book, Youth Project, and Leadership.
The business meeting result was an increase of the NGC dues to $1 per member annually, effective June 2016. (Individual annual dues, however, will not increase.) Reasons
for the NGC dues increase include:

Income is down and expenditures are up.

Income from dues has declined as membership has declined.

Income from Member Services has also declined.

NGC’s public support percentage is going down.

Although NGC has reduced expenses, it has used savings to balance the
budget.
Please note the last time the NGC dues were raised was in 1995.
Butterfly pins and charm bracelets are now being sold – see the NGC website.
Blue Star memorial marker program has been expanded to allow Gold Star Families
(families who have lost a loved one in war) to sponsor and place a Gold Star Marker
similar to the Blue Star marker.
The National Garden Magazine is available on the NGC website (members only) to view
and download.
Making connections with members all across the USA was an invaluable part of the
convention.
Happy Gardening,
Betty Beck, President, FGCM Inc.
“A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.”
May Sarton
4
WHAT’S HAPPENING –
PLANT SALES
September 12
September 26-27
September 26
October 10
October 22-24
Orchid Society of Minnesota – Annual Sale
10:00 – 2:00 – Bachman’s on Lyndale
Daffodil Society of Minnesota – Fall Bulb Sale
Sat. 9-4; Sun. 10-3 or until sold out
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN
Hard to find named varieties, as well as bags of mixed Minnesota-hardy
daffodil varieties for $5 per bag or 5 bags for $20. Whites, oranges and
pinks, in addition to yellow for your spring garden. Email a few days in advance to verify the sale is still on – they have been known to sell out early.
Contact: daffodilmn1@gmail.com; www.daffodilmn.org
Minnesota Peony Society – Root Auction
1:00 – 3:00 pm - Bachman’s on Lyndale
(Come at 11:45 for a demo on How to Divide Peony Roots (see page 6)
North Star Lily Society – Fall Bulb Sale
9 – 10 am – members only pre-sale; 10 am – open to public until sold out
Bachman’s on Lyndale
African Violet Society & Twin Cities Gesneriad Society – Fall Display & Sale
Thurs. 4 pm set up; Fri. 10 am – 7 pm; Sat. 10 am – 4 pm
Northtown Mall, 398 Northtown Dr., NE, Blaine (adjacent to Best Buy)
Violets, other gesneriads, orchids and carnivorous plants on display and for
sale. Learn how to care for them. Contact: Connie
(violetsrusmn@gmail.com; http://sites.google.com/site/avsminnesota
FLOWER SHOWS
September 2-3
September 19-20
October 3-4
SAVE THE DATE
Sept. 9-10, 2016
FGCM Flower Show – State Fairgrounds
Minnesota Dahlia Society – Fall Show
Judging Sat. 9 am – noon; Bachman’s on Lyndale
North Star African Violet Judged Show/Sale
Set up Oct. 2; Bachman’s on Lyndale
Flower Show Symposium – Twin Cities
MEETINGS/EVENTS
September 14
September 21
September 21
September 21
5
Lake Owasso Garden Club
Gardening Under Trees – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Mary Meyer, presenter
Presbyterian Church of the Way, 3382 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview
Contact: Rebecca Patient, 651-647-9034
FGCM Judges Council – Ridgedale Library – 9:30-11:45 am
FGCM Board Mtg. – Ridgedale Library – 1-3 pm (Room 172)
Washington County Horticulture Society
Beekeeping – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
A. J. Moses, Master Gardener, Naturalist & Beekeeper, presenter
Hope Church, 7910 15th St. N., Oakdale
Contact: Barbara J Ronningen, 651-436-5881 (bjroningen@yahoo.com)
September 26
October 12
October 13
October 19
October 19
November 1
November 16
Minnesota Peony Society
11:45 am – 12:45 pm – Bachman’s on Lyndale
Demonstration on “How to Divide Peony Roots”
MPS Business Meeting follows from 12:30 pm – 1:00pm
Lake Owasso Garden Club
Gardening for all Seasons – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presbyterian Church of the Way, 3382 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview
Contact: Rebecca Patient, 651-647-9034
Men’s and Women’s Garden Club of Minneapolis
Roses Return: New Hardy Shrub Roses for the North – 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
David Zlesak, rose breeder, presenter
Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum and Reception Center,
3600 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
Contact: www.mwgcm.org
Washington County Horticulture Society
Living with Weeds – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Heidi Doering, Master Gardener, presenter
Hope Church, 7910 15th St. N., Oakdale
Contact: Barbara J Ronningen, 651-436-5881 (bjroningen@yahoo.com)
Garden Club of Ramsey County
Aesthetics of a Japanese Garden – 7:25 pm – 8:25 pm
Mary Witkus, presenter
Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul
Contact: www.ramseygardeners.org
Daylily Society of Minnesota
Patterned Eyes from Hybridizers in the USA and Canada
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Bachman’s on Lyndale
Rich Howard, Ctdaylily, Wallingford, CT, presenter
Brief business meeting precedes program. Join us at 12:30 pm for social
time with refreshments.
Contact: Kathleen Nordstrom, kndl144@gmail.com, or Kathleen Lamb, 763422-0015, kmlamp@earthlink.net; www.daylilysocietyofminnesota.org
Washington County Horticulture Society
Designing Water Features – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Glenn Koppen and Brenda Neuenfeldt, Hedberg Landscaping, presenters
Hope Church, 7910 15th St. N., Oakdale
Contact: Barbara J Ronningen, 651-436-5881 (bjroningen@yahoo.com)
“The first supermarket supposedly appeared on the
American landscape in 1946. That is not very long
ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks,
the food was in homes, gardens, local fields, and
forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard.”
Joel Salatin – Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s
Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a
Better World
6
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 2015
By Kathy Gamble Compo
Wow—where did the summer go? As I write this, the Renaissance Festival has not yet started, but we will be in full
swing when you read this. And for me, when the RenFest
is over, we will be in October—and then I’ll be asking,
“Where has the year gone?”
Despite a flurry of rumors (most contrary to fact), the
Renaissance Festival will be at its current site for two
more seasons, 2015 and 2016. We have some big decisions to make soon—will FGCM continue at the RenFest
and rebuild the booth?
With the public in a panic by rumors that the RenFest might not continue, many people
are trying to get to the Festival before it closes at the current location. That’s good for
everyone as attendance was greatly increased last year. But, that has caused a problem for us: for the last two years, we have run out of garlands!
Thanks to a few dedicated garland-makers who came to our rescue when the pleas for
help went out, we had garlands to the end of the Fest, although we were completely
out of floral garlands. So, even if you are reading this in September, we will still need
more garlands, especially the dried floral garlands.
If you need supplies for floral garlands (or have floral garlands to drop off), Darcy
Smith is still in charge of all things floral. Please call Darcy to arrange for dropping off
floral garlands or getting floral supplies. Her number is: 612-803-3176. Ann is on vacation again, so I have her ribbon supplies and can collect finished ribbon garlands. My
phone number is 763-535-1817.
I still need workers for the booth. Remember that I always allow you time to see
shows, buy food or go shopping, so you are not working the booth the whole day. This
year, we need to find a group to beat Bev Munson’s group from Richfield—they have
won the Highest Sales Day for two consecutive years!
Here are contact numbers for you:


Kathy Compo 763-535-1817 for volunteering at the booth, getting fairy garland
packs and turning in completed fairy garlands. Also any general questions
Darcy Smith 612-803-3176 for dried flowers, wires, floral tape, etc., and turning
in completed floral garlands
The Festival opens Saturday, Aug. 22nd and runs weekends through Sunday, Oct. 4th.
The next time you hear from me, I’ll have the rundown on how the whole season went.
Wish us luck!
Thanks—Kathy Gamble Compo
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THE SCHOLARSHIP CORNER
By Roberta Turgeon
Our Minnesota applicant, Jinhee Ha, has won a $4,000 scholarship from the National Garden Clubs. She is a resident of
Edina. Jinhee has a 4.0 grade point average in Landscape Architecture at Cornell University in New York where she is a
grad student. She will graduate in May of 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Landscape
Architecture. The department faculty selected her work and drawings for exhibition at
the 2014 International Biennial of Landscape Architecture in Barcelona, Spain.
She was also the 2014 winner of the Golden Pinecone for the highest score in plant
identification courses. She wrote “I believe this scholarship can help me scale up my
passion and potential to pursue career goals in making positive changes for people and
landscapes." One of her professors wrote “Jinhee is a driven, hardworking and independent thinker who has shown great leadership in her classes and with her classmates. She has my highest recommendation”.
It is very rewarding to see how our scholarships give great aid to our State’s students.
Hopefully, all the garden clubs are thinking of the FGCM Scholarship Fund for 2016.
Together we can make a difference in these students’ education goals. Please remember the deadline for contributions is Thursday, December 31, 2015. Thank you.
GREEN TIP –
By Pat Almsted
Keep children in touch with nature. After-school time used to involve catching fireflies, exploring the neighborhood woods, making mud pies, and just having a good
time running around outside. This has changed dramatically in the digital age and children are less connected to nature, which can cause them to care less about its condition. Instead of plopping down in front of the T.V. or computer after school, encourage
your kids to get outside for an hour or two each day. Not much daylight left after the
homework’s done? Take a family walk after dinner, devote your weekends to outdooronly activities like biking and hiking, or start a nature club for your family. Studies have
shown children who spend more time outside are less likely to suffer from obesity,
Attention Deficit Disorder, and depression.
“The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.”
Hanna Rion
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FGCM SUMMER MEETING –
By Roberta Turgeon
Our summer quarterly meeting was
held at Bailey’s Nursery in Cottage
Grove. Thirty-three members and five
guests were in attendance. We enjoyed a sandwich buffet picnic supper.
Awards from National were presented
to the winners. Pat Almsted was recognized for her great work publishing
our Garden Dirt. Lake Owasso Garden
Club received a first place award for their yearbook (30-44 members) while Diggers
received third place for their yearbook (30-44 members). Certificates of Appreciation
were awarded to Carolyn Beach for her work on Diggers’ Website, and to Normandale
Garden Club for Horticulture Garden Therapy – Kathy Stattine
It goes without saying that these awards would not have been possible if we didn’t
apply for them. We encourage each club to choose a project from the many available
and apply for recognition. It may earn your club a cash award or at least bragging
rights.
The Renaissance Festival will need many garlands again this year. We learned that the
2016 Renaissance will be the last at this location. There is no word yet where it may be
in 2017. These garlands are our biggest moneymaker.
Only a few 2015 Vision of Beauty Calendars are still available. Check with Rene’ Lynch
if you wish to purchase one. They are also available on the NGC website.
The winner of the $4000 National Scholarship is Jinhee Ha from Edina. See the Scholarship Corner for additional information.
The revisions to our Bylaws and Standing Rules were approved.
An interest in a Design 101 class was expressed; Carolyn Harstad volunteered to look
into it.
The Central Region Convention will be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 3-5, 2015.
Saturday, October 17, is the date for our Fall FGCM quarterly meeting. The Minnesota
Flower Show Symposium is September 910, 2016.
Following our meeting, Gail from Baileys’
directed us to the Design and Collection
Garden where we toured their flower gardens and the trial rose beds.
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HORTICULTURE –
Submitted by Betty Beck
Winterizing your Roses/other Tender Perennials
Potassium: A Special Ration Feast for Your Roses
Rewritten with permission from Jack F alker, long-standing
member of the Twin Cities Rose Club
In the six weeks before the first hard freeze (i.e., down to about 25 F. at night), give
your roses a weekly “potassium feast” in each of those six weeks. Potassium blocks the
growth-promoting effects of nitrogen and phosphorous, thereby hardening the canes
in time for winter. He has been doing this for more than 20 years and he honestly can’t
remember the last time he lost a rose to winter weather here in Minnesota.
Here is a quote from Burpee’s American Gardening Series book “Roses” by Suzanne
Frutig Bales: “Potassium is an important mineral for sturdy stems and foliage. Weekly
feeds of a gallon of liquid potassium (1 tablespoon of muriate of potash (0-0-62), dissolved in 3 gallons of water) per bush, or a granulated feeding of potash magnesium
(0-0-22), during the six weeks before the bushes go dormant, will give the bushes an
additional boost for winter, extending their hardiness into another hardiness zone,
perhaps two. Excess potassium, when available in greater amounts than nitrogen and
phosphorous, is known as the ‘potassium feast’. It will block the growth-promoting
effects of nitrogen and phosphorus, hardening the canes in time for winter.”
To clarify: The proportions are: one tablespoon Muriate of Potash per three gallons
of water (or one teaspoon per gallon). Apply one gallon of this mixture on each rose
every week. That’s not very much, but remember you are repeating it six times.
He begins his roses’ potassium feast in the second or third week of September. That
takes him through the end of October or beginning of November. His advice is don’t
wait too long, because it’s better to be too early than too late with this.
Muriate of Potash (0-0-62) is available in 50-pound bags at farm supply stores. He got
his from Waconia. Muriate of Potash is a reddish, crystalline substance that doesn’t
dissolve as easy as most liquid fertilizers. Use as much water pressure as you can muster, through a nozzle turned on all the way, to get it dissolved. It also makes your
clothes red if you get it on you, but it washes out eventually.
After about the third week’s application, you will begin to notice that the canes of your
roses are turning a pretty shade of deep red, so you can actually see them hardeningoff for the winter, which is fun to watch.
After the last application, tie up the roses and cut back to about 15 inches. Cover the
whole bush with a plastic garbage bag full of leaves (put the bush in the opening of the
bag).
He believes that this method of winter protection is particularly interesting for northern gardeners, as we see the continuing effects of climate change in the rose garden.
10
CREATIVE FLORAL DESIGN –
Illuminary Design
by Martha Allen
Illuminary designs incorporate some kind of light in the design. It must not dominate
the design, but must be an integral part of the design. Lights may be incorporated into
the overall design by placing it over, underneath, behind or within containers. It cannot
just be a spot light shining on the front of the design.
In one design I got an old commercial letter design that has
interior blubs lighting it from inside. The photo doesn’t show
exactly how the design looked because it simply looked like a
glowing red “U. The photos show spots of brighter light where
the bulbs were placed. I took some of them out so the big U
wouldn’t dominate the total design. Using birds of paradise, which are by their nature large and bright, seemed to
balance with the light feature.
In the second design, I used a string of Christmas white lights
and twisted them into a large piece of drift wood. I could make
the lights blink or not, or pulsate, or just shine. Each effect
seemed to work, but the wood was heavy and large and so the
lights didn’t overpower the piece.
In the third piece I used a small light inside
a clear box and let the light shine up
through the design that was placed on the
box. This design works best with a background or in a niche, I think.
There are literally dozens of different lighting options now, what
with new bulbs, battery powered lights and decorations. Lights
come in all sizes. I have used some in a miniature design using a
small frame. The handbook also points out that electrical codes
must be honored wherever the design is placed and cool lights
are less harmful to plant material. The lighting cannot overwhelm
the design but must enhance it. And, remember at all times that because these are
lighted designs, shadows play an important part in the overall look. I would highly recommend that you try working with light and enter a design class at a show. It’s a lot of
fun and adds a new element to floral work.
“It is a golden maxim to cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes
will take care of themselves.” Robert Louis Stevenson
11
SAVING the MONARCH BUTTERFLY!
by Catherine Williams
Are you ready to be a Citizen Scientist? The Monarch Migration has started. You can be a part of the
observation of monarchs in our area. The "Journey
North" website has a way to report sightings, view
the list others have seen, and follow a map of all
sightings posted. You can add to and keep track of the migration at:
https://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/monarch.html and you can login your report at:
https://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/Gallery.html
The fall map starts at August 30, 2015 and will go to after October 24, 2015 or until
they get to their Mexican wintering area.
Other Citizen Scientist projects can be found at the website
https://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarch/conservation_news.html
Make Way for Monarchs website has maps of the migration and posters that you can
download at http://makewayformonarchs.org
We are gardeners! What can we do to help the Monarch? You can create and modify
your garden to meet certification standards. North American Butterfly Association
(http://nababutterfly.com/butterfly-garden-certification-program/) has a certification
program that requires:
1. At least 3 different native caterpillar food plants grown,
2. At least 3 different native butterfly nectar sources grown,
3. The use of pesticides is discouraged.
You are asked to grow more than one plant of selected species. Realize pesticides kill
butterflies (especially the caterpillars) and other pollinators. You are also asked to join
the North American Butterfly Association organization ($35). There is a fee of $15 for
certification. For another $25 you can purchase an identification sign.
Wild Ones is a group promoting native plantings in our gardens. They have over 4,000
members and are aiming toward members in each state of the United States. They are
young but they are strong. They voted to partner with Monarch Joint Venture in 2012.
They also have a rigorous butterfly garden certification program that you can sign-up
for. On their website http://www.wildones.org under the heading, "Healing the Earth
one yard at a time," you can find lists of suggested plants for certified gardens and a
form to fill out to become certified. Their lists include shrubs, forbs, sedges, grasses
and trees. You do have to be a member of their organization ($37) to be certified by
them. There is a $25 fee to cover the cost of the program, the sign, and shipping and
handling. There are other stipulations as well.
12
You can visit their website for free to be connected to many other sites that are helping the monarch butterflies. They have information you can download concerning
monarchs and their needs.
The University of Minnesota Monarch Lab (www.monarchlab.org) in partnership with
the Monarch Joint Venture (www.monarchjointventure.org) has developed a booklet
titled: "Monarch Breeding Habitat Assessment Tool." The authors are Wendy Caldwell
and Karen Oberhauser. You can download it for free. It too has a habitat assessment
in it that can be registered at the University of Minnesota. This is much more comprehensive than the other certifications. The areas are bigger than just a small butterfly
garden.
Karen Oberhauser, University of Minnesota, has been working with the Whitehouse
representatives for the "national pollinator plan." They passed a version in May but
there is not much funding for it at this point. Their vision is seeding the I-35 corridor
from Minnesota to Texas with milkweed. Other roadsides and clear cut areas will be
seeded as well. They want to increase the monarch population from 57 million now to
225 million. In the wild it is thought that 1 out of 100 seeds germinate. As gardeners,
we can increase that percentage. We do not have enough seeds to do the whole midwest prairie area but we can get started.
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/monarch/report_sightings_embed_
160.gif
NATIONAL NEWS –
The web address is www.gardenclub.org, user name and password can be obtained from your local officers – please take a
moment and check it out. There is a lot of information on the
site that is valuable to your club. When you log in as a member, you have access to
additional information, including The National Gardener newsletters. Keeping In Touch
newsletter is also available online. This newsletter also has pertinent information regarding projects, schools, and Regional updates.
CENTRAL REGION NEWS –
Head on over to ngccentralregion.org for information on activities
happening within the Central Region. Director Judy Newman’s projects are listed as well as awards that are available to your club. We
encourage you to choose a project to work on and then apply for an
award. When you win, we will expect to see a write-up and photos in
a future “Garden Dirt”.
13
FGCM NEWS –
Go to our own website, mngardenclubs.org and click for information about projects to do as individuals or as clubs:

Monarch Waystations

Butterfly Garden Certification Application

Million Garden Challenge
Volunteer Opportunities: Things we need help with, or if you need help with a project,
you can send information to our Webmaster, Carolyn Beach, 763-208-2077
(email cbeach3598@aol.com).
FGCM Chairpersons needed – contact Betty Beck, 763-473-7183
(email beflower@ comcast.net)

Awards Chairman

Youth Activities

Environment Awareness

Historian

Penny Pines
Garland making – Ann Albrecht, 651-699-8832 (ann@zuhause.org)
Working at the Renaissance Fair – Kathy Compo, 763-535-1817
(kathycompo@yahoo.org)
Renaissance Fair – Committee for Fundraiser – Betty Beck, 763-473-7183
(beflower@comcast.net)
The Renaissance Festival at its present location will close after 2016. The new location
has not been determined as of now. The question for our club is –

Will we continue to have a booth?

Will we commit to work at the Fair, and to make garlands?

We are responsible for demolishing the current booth.
If we move forward:

We need a chairman to start major fundraising soon.

The new booth has to be built up to codes.

We will need temporary storage of our supplies. Does a member have a part
of a garage/storage area that they will be willing to let us use for about a
year?
If we do not move forward:
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What fundraiser will support the activities of the club?
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Do we decrease activities, raise dues?
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Many local clubs use the money they earn from making garlands to support
their club’s activities.
This needs to be voted on by the membership.
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SPOTLIGHT ON –
Diggers Garden Club, Robbinsdale
Diggers received third place award for their yearbook and a Certificate of Appreciation for their
website. Betty Beck and Barbara Anderson with Delys Nast (left) and Carolyn Beach (right).
Diggers Flower Show
“Golden Oldies”
July 10-11, 2015
Copperfield Senior
Living Campus
Martagon Lily
Ione Strandberg
FGCM President Betty Beck and Diggers President
Barbara Anderson
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Horticulture Award of Excellence – Japanese Painted
Fern – Pat Kennedy
Members of Diggers Garden Club at Flower
Show Reception
GARDENING SAFELY –
putting safety first.
By Pat Almsted
Fall safety tips:
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Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors
Watch for children heading to school, especially
when it is dark outside. Refresh your knowledge of driving near school buses.
Be alert at Halloween when the excitement of trick or treating can throw
caution to the winds.
Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.
Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and keep a supply of water
stored in clean containers.
Be prepared for winter driving; outfit your vehicle with jumper cables, blankets, candles, snack bars, first aid kit, etc. Avoid travel when the weather service has issued advisories. If you must travel, inform a friend of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
Wear appropriate clothing when working, traveling or playing outdoors.
Consider getting a flu shot. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and if
you are ill yourself, limit contact with others as much as possible. Wash your
hands often.
Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections. The common cold and the flu are viral infections, so avoid using antibiotics if you
have one of these. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem and the main
cause is misuse of antibiotics. See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral.
When doing your fall garden clean up, know your limits. Listen to your body,
monitoring heart rate, level of fatigue and physical discomfort. Take frequent
breaks. If you are taking medications that may make you drowsy or impair
your judgement or reaction time, don’t operate machinery, climb ladders, or
do activities that may increase your risk of injury. Take it easy; remember,
tomorrow is another day.
Gardening is an excellent way to get physical activity. Active people are less likely than
inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death. Staying active helps keep you strong, limber, and able to continue doing the activities you love.
Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity – if you haven’t
been exercising, start slowly and work up to your goal.
Have you heard of Giant Hogweed? It looks similar to Queen Anne’s Lace and Common
Cow Parsnip, but can grow to 18 feet tall. It is very invasive and hard to eradicate. The
sap can cause severe rash and blisters, even blindness. It can take up to ten years for
symptoms to disappear if scars are exposed to sunlight. For more information, do an
internet search of Giant Hogweed. If spotted, contact the Minn. Dept. of Agriculture.
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FLOWER SHOW JUDGES’ COUNCIL
By Bonnie Schwichtenberg
Your Judges’ Council met on June 24, 2015 at the Ridgedale Public Library for a practice
session on connecting the Elements of Design to a specific Principle. We all agreed
that we could use more opportunities to practice this. We decided to continue this
type of exercise using horticulture at the next meeting, September 21, 2015, at the
same location. We also want to have a similar meeting using fruits and vegetables in
the future. A short business meeting followed. Excerpts from that meeting follow:
Members are reminded to send $10 annual dues by mail to Council Treasurer,
Monna Cochran, at 11115 Carver Ct., Bloomington, MN 553337
The meeting was called to order by Elayne Gilhousen. There were no minutes of
the last meeting. Judges reviewed what Judy Newman, NGC flower show instructor,
had told them at the last meeting about the new way of judging designs and new flower show procedures. Treasurer Monna Cochran said there is $976.64 in the account.
Bonnie moved and Letti seconded that the report be filed for audit. Bonnie then
moved that the group leave a minimum of $400 in its account and discuss where the
group wants to donate the remainder. Sue seconded. It passed.
Betty reported that all ribbons and rosettes from NGC have gone up, and national
dues have been raised to $1 for 2016. She handed out cards with the new passwords
for the NGC site. She also had Vision of Beauty calendars for sale.
Letti said she is working on holding a flower show symposium in 2016, possibly in
mid- September.
Bonnie suggested that the group’s next meeting be held this fall, as soon after the
state fair as possible. That way the experiences of the summer flower shows will be
fresh in judges’ minds. She also suggested there be two meetings next year. Members
said they need more work on judging vegetables, horticulture, artistic crafts and photographs. It was suggested that they meet September 21 at the Ridgedale Library at 9
a.m. Bonnie said she would check availability.
Submitted by temporary secretary, Martha Allen
FGCM Judges' Council will meet on September 21, 2015 from 9:30-11:45 at the
Ridgedale Community Library, 12601 Ridgdale Dr., Minnetonka, 55305. All club presidents, show chairpersons, and horticulture chairpersons are welcome. The Topic
will be judging Horticulture and relating the principles to the elements.
Contact: Bonnie Schwichtenberg (320-224-5517 or bswitz@cloudnet.com ) or
Letti Delk (lmdelk@charter.net or 320-217-2251)
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83rd Central Region Meeting
Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Inc.
The Hotel Kirkwood, Cedar Rapids, IA
October 3-5, 2015
Arrive a day early at the Kirkwood Hotel and enjoy some of the area
attractions including Amana Colonies and Noelridge park, or just relax in the atrium or
on the patio. There are some rooms blocked for Oct. 2nd.
Saturday noon-4:00 p.m. there will be a tour by bus to Czech Museum and library, New
Bo City Market and shopping in the village, antique shops, gift shops, bakery, glassware
and jewelry from Czech Republic.
Saturday evening dinner will be served followed by a power point presentation given
by Mary Hammer, owner of Loess Hills Lavender Farm. Mary was born and raised in
the Loess Hills of Iowa. After marrying her high school sweetheart, they lived in Norfolk
and Wayne, Nebraska for 27 years, then southern Iowa for another 12 years, and then
home to the hills in 2009. In 2005 they visited the lavender fields of Sequim, WA and it
was love at first sight. Cutting bundles of fresh lavender and inhaling the aroma, they
knew they had to do this in Iowa. It took 4 years to find the perfect spot in Loess Hills
where they grew up. In 2009 they broke ground
with 960 lavender plants, adding new ones each
year. They now have over 2000 plants boasting
14 different varietals on 2 acres of their farm,
integrating native grasses and flowers to enhance the property for the different seasons.
The title of her program is “Lavender, the Amazing Herb; How to Cook, Clean and Heal With It.”
There are over 39 lavender varieties and within those varieties over 200 different types
of lavender. She will discuss how to grow lavender. Then she will cover all the benefits
of lavender for cooking and how to cook with it, as well as healing and the fact that it is
antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic as well as anesthetic. It is an amazing herb!
Sunday morning there will be an optional non-denominational Church Service at 7:00
a.m. Following breakfast Karen Phelps, Naturalist, will give a program entitled “The
Majestic Monarch Butterfly.” The fascinating world of Monarchs has grasped people's
interest from youth to the elderly. The Monarch is the most recognized and beloved
insect of all time. During the presentation, we'll gain an understanding of its life cycle
and get a glimpse of the over-wintering grounds in Mexico, as well as learn about the
inherent threat to our beloved insect.
Karen was born and raised in the Amana Colonies, surrounded by nature her entire
life. Often the subject of her artwork or writings, nature has been her inspiration for
creativity. In 2006 Karen had the opportunity to travel to Mexico to witness the overwintering grounds of the Monarch butterfly. She returned again in 2009 and 2010 and
witnessed the ever-increasing decline of North America's most recognized butterfly.
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Karen shares her passion for nature and all things connected to the outdoors with
people of all ages. The business meeting will follow.
Lunch will be followed by a program entitled, “Wanted: Shady Characters” (Hostas
and their companions) by speaker Joshua Spece. A shade garden can be filled with a
multitude of colorful and architectural perennials that thrive in the cool shade. We will
explore the exciting world of hostas and shade perennials that thrived in the Midwest,
with an emphasis on unique and the more uncommon varieties that will inspire you to
look at your shady areas with newfound excitement!
Joshua Spece's obsession with hostas began as a child when his grandmother began
buying hostas for her shady yard. His hosta collection soon out-numbered hers and
eventually resulted in him and his mom, Sue, opening a nursery, In the Country Garden
& Gifts, in 1998. They specialize in innovative hostas, choice shade perennials, water
plants, rock garden plants, dwarf conifers, and succulents, and ship plants to gardeners
across the country. Joshua graduated in 2000 with an AAS degree in Horticulture. Being in a wheelchair creates obvious obstacles in the garden for Josh, but with a little
creativity, a lot of determination, and much help and support from family and friends,
physical limitations don't get in the way. He was awarded the AHS Best New Author
award in 2008 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Hosta
Society and is a past board member of the American Hosta Grower's Association.
Two workshops will follow, “Air Plant Bubble-Scape” with
Josh Spece. Air plant bubble-scapes are fascinating miniature
worlds filled with intriguing air plants and other tiny green
treasures! He will provide the 5” bubble, a “bubble creature”,
miscellaneous tiny bits of bark, pebbles, twigs, moss, and a
variety of Tillandsias (Air Plants) to create your very own
bubble-scape. You will also learn about caring for these
strange, but easy-to-grow plants. The other workshop will be a craft made out of items
found in nature. The cost is $25, which includes both workshops; they will be offered
twice.
A reception prior to the Sunday Banquet will honor NGC President Sandy Robinson and
Central Region Director Judy Newman. Following dinner the designing duo of Roberta
Bowie and Roger Buhr will “Czech Out Iowa” and take you on a delightful journey depicting special aspects of Iowa.
Roberta, a retired Registered Nurse, is a long-time member of the Tipton Federated
Garden Club. Floral designing has been her favorite hobby and challenge, as well as
encouraging others to do the same. She is an Iowa, Regional, and National Life Member of FGC, a past state president, and a Master Judge. Roberta and her late husband
farmed in Cedar County. She has 3 children – a son and 2 daughters, two wonderful
sons-in law and 5 beautiful grandchildren.
Roger is a native Iowan, a member of the Decorah Town & Country Garden Club, a
master NGC Flower Show Judge, and a retired Lutheran pastor. He is married and has 2
children and 6 grandchildren. Working with flowers has been one of his hobbies for
over 50 years.
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Monday morning following breakfast, we will have a program on “Gardening with Conifers” by speaker, Gary Whittenbaugh of Oelwein, IA, an invitation to a whole New
World of gardening. The Conifer story is fascinating and unique. See how the color,
texture and form of conifers add year-round beauty and contrast to gardens and landscapes. Fast growers screen your space, tiny buns add unusual shapes and textures,
and distinctive forms make living sculptures. Come and explore the world of conifers
with us.
Gary has been gardening for over 40 years with emphasis on dwarf, slow growing and
unusual conifers, plus trough and rock gardening. He received a Lifetime Master Gardener award in 2005. He was featured on the Bickelhaupt Arboretum segment of
Iowa’s Favorite Gardens with Lucinda Mays on Iowa Public Television. Their small gardens in Oelwein (his brother Tom helps) of conifers, companion plants and many
trough gardens host many visitors every year. The garden received the 1st place award
for the best landscape given by the Oelwein area Chamber of Commerce. Articles and
photos of the garden have appeared in Garden Gate Magazine and the Iowa Gardening
Magazine cover story in 2006.
During our Sunday luncheon there will be an opportunity for State Chairmen to meet
and share ideas/concerns with other state chairmen and the CR Chairman. Central
Region Chairmen and State Committee Chairmen are most welcome and encouraged
to attend the Central Region Convention in Cedar Rapids.
Please join us for fun and surprises on Monday. You have to be present to win! Make
new friends and reconnect with old ones, October 3-5 in Cedar Rapids, IA at the 83rd
Annual Central Region Meeting and “Czech Out Iowa” at The Hotel Kirkwood in Cedar
Rapids.
Make room reservations as soon as possible so you
won't miss out staying where the meetings and
activities are.
See you all in Iowa Oct 3-5, 2015.
Central Region Meeting Chairman, Fran Stueck
Photos:
Google
Images
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83rd Central Region Meeting
FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF IOWA, INC.
Cordially invites you to attend
‘Czech Out Iowa’-- October 3-5, 2015
The Hotel Kirkwood, 7725 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
REGISTRATION FORM 83rd CENTRAL REGION MEETING, OCT. 3-5
Please print all information
NAME__________________________________________________________________
NAME PREFERRED ON BADGE ______________________________________________
ADDRESS___________________________
CITY_______________________ STATE____ ZIP_______ PHONE _______________
E-MAIL__________________________ for reservation confirmation
EMERGENCY CONTACT _____________________________(PHONE)_______________
C.R. LIFE MEMBER______ C.R. EXEC. COMMITTEE______ C.R. CHAIRMAN______
PAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR______ CLUB MEMBER______ SPOUSE/GUEST______
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS___________________________________________________
FULL TIME REGISTRATION (deadline September 11) .................... $ 15.00 $________
PACKAGE PLAN includes 5 meals and 5 programs ....................... $140.00 $________
After Sept. 11th.............................................................................. $165.00 $________
Non-denominational Church Service Sun. 7:00 am in atrium (check if attending) _____
Oct. 3 -Sat. Bus Tour noon- 4:00 p.m. ………………………………………… $ 40.00 $________
Czech Museum, New Bo Market, shopping in the village
WORKSHOPS-BUBBLE SCAPE & NATURE ORN.) both for ………….....$ 25.00 $________
(Sun. Oct 4. Limited to the first 70 registrations, priority given to full time participants)
PART TIME REGISTRATION (deadline September 11 - after $30) .. $ 20.00 $________
SATURDAY: Dinner and Program .................................................... $ 35.00 $_______
SUNDAY: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 3 Programs ……………………. $ 89.00 $_______
MONDAY: Breakfast and Program ……………………………………………... $ 21.00 $_______
Non-denominational Church Service Sun. 7:00 am in atrium (check if attending) _____
Oct. 3 -Sat. Bus Tour noon-4:00 p.m. ……………………………………….… $40.00 $_______
Czech Museum, New Bo Market, shopping in the village
WORKSHOPS-BUBBLE SCAPE & NATURE ORN.) both for …………….. $25.00 $_______
(Sun. Oct 4. Limited to the first 70 registrations, priority given to full time participants,
part time welcome as space allows)
Deadline for reservations is Sept. 11, 2015. ……………………….TOTAL DUE $__________
Make checks payable to: NGC Central Region Conventions
Mail to Terri Ewers, Registrar, 10712 Jonquil Ave, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Questions: Call 641-357-4139 or Email: pearl@cltel.net
No cancellations after Sept. 11, 2015
Make room reservation directly with The Kirkwood Hotel 1-877-751-5111
www.thehotelkirkwood.com for more information on the Hotel Rate: All rooms will be
$99.00 plus tax per night; Hotel reservation deadline Sept. 11, 2015.
Rooms blocked for Oct. 2, 3 & 4. Reservation code “Central Region Convention.”
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The Buzzzz…
By Rene’ Lynch
Things were literally “buzzing” when 28 Girl Scouts
met at Lion’s Park in Cologne, MN. Two wooden
bee houses were placed and 250 leaf cutter bees
were released in the park.
Girl Scout leaders Michelle Egertson, Charlotte
Sandeen and FGCM Bee Chairman, Rene’ Lynch
presented information on the plight of bees and
how the girls could make a difference by assisting
native pollinators.
Three sessions of workshop were hosted by Troop 17558 and FGCM for three levels of
Girl Scouts, Brownies, Daisies, and Juniors.
They were presented a short skit on pollination and why bees are important. They
learned specifically about native Blue Orchard Mason Bees and Leaf Cutter Bees. Each
girl made paper tubes and were given a handmade PVC bee house to place in their
yards at home.
The girls declared the event a success and enjoyed
their learning experience about bees.
Leaf Cutter Bees do not eat the smooth, semi-circular cut pieces
of leaves they remove. Instead, they carry them back to the nest
and use them to fashion nest cells within previously constructed
tunnels. Then they provision each leaf-lined cell with a mixture
of nectar and pollen. The female lays an egg and seals the cell. A
series of closely packed cells are produced in sequence. A finished nest tunnel may contain a dozen or more cells forming a
tube 4-8” long. Young bees develop and remain within the cells,
emerging the next season.
Leaf cutter bees are solitary bees; they are not aggressive, and sting only when handled. Their
sting is very mild, much less painful than honeybees or yellowjacket wasps.
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FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF MINNESOTA
Fall Meeting
‘Trends in Gardening’
October 17, 2015 – 1-4pm.
Maplewood Public Library
3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109
REGISTRATION:
Name________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
Cell Phone ___________________ Home Phone_____________________
Email________________________________________________________
Club ___________________________________________________________________________
Registration $16 – postmarked by October 9, 2015
Late Registration $20
Send To: Bonnie Schwichtenberg, 3659 12th Ave. S. E., St. Cloud, MN,
56304. Questions bswitz@cloudnet.com or 320-224-5517
There will be water, coffee, fruit, and small cookies available. Your registration fee
pays for the speaker, treats, and information packet.
PROGRAM
Trends in Gardening 2015 with Terry Engels, Stearns County Master
Gardener. Terry will lead us through gardening trends as they have changed,
highlighting a colorful look at the gardening world while asking: where have
we been, where are we going, who is going there, and what will we find - - with some surprising responses to the question of what’s new under the sun?
More than just a list of new plants, Terry has researched gardens through her
personal travels, observations, and her frequent contact with plant producers
and users throughout the Upper Midwest.
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Printed on recycled paper.
Address Service Requested
Federated Garden Clubs of MN, Inc.
112109 Haering Circle
Chaska, MN 55318
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