Whitehall Garden Club News: July

Summer is here! The fields are green, our gardens are growing, and flowers bloom!

Speaking of blooming, Laura Horn and Amber Colombo planted a scrumptious buffet for all to enjoy. Flower-bloom-shaped egg salad sandwiches, crazy delicious cheese spreads, bursting full of flavor garden-sized homemade sub sandwiches, teas, fresh fruit, and sponge cake cups blooming full of strawberries and cream were an edible garden gone wild! Thank you!

The meeting proceeded, led by President Kathy Ross. The Education Committee reported that Jayne Dean and Dorie Westhoven enjoyed presenting three lessons to the Whitehall Summer School program to grades 1-2 (parts of a flower, thanks to Freedom Floral for donating flowers with all their parts!); grades 3-4 (germinating seeds) and grades 5-8 (benefits of trees). In addition, Dorie showed all groups how to make a bio-degradable paper pot for planting a seed or two, taking it home to later plant in their yards. We hope they are growing!

The WWI Memorial garden looks beautiful, and we hope everyone enjoys the vibrant colors.

The Fire Barrels are blooming with colorful pansies and dedicated water fairies on the job!

Planning is underway for the new Ambulance barn; look for blooming flowers as you pass by.

State President Diane Ward reported on the National Garden Club convention. There was so much to hear! A quick thank you was given to those who helped at the "Fairy Fabulous Enchanted Faire." We hope all enjoyed their visit.

The guest presenter was Ruby Anderson of Wagner's Nursery in Butte. Ruby, a WGC member for years, brought in various plants and showed us from start to finish, including the do's and don'ts of creating hanging baskets. Ruby stressed that any basket/form could be used if proper drainage is obtained. You must start with "soil," not "dirt," as soil nutrients help foster growth. Using a lighter type of soil also helps potting plants' delicate root systems. Line your basket with moss or coconut liners, etc. Next, fill with soil, being careful not to overfill, leaving a "lip" so it can collect and slowly drain when you water. The use of Thrillers (the tall dramatic plant), Fillers (exactly like it sounds, ground level and a bit higher plants/flowers), and Spillers (the ones that "spill" over the basket edge)" were recommended for creating dramatic hanging baskets. Once again, do not overfill with the flowers you are potting, remembering the flowers will grow and need space for that happy occurrence!

Water slowly in the early morning and/or evening until the water drips out of the bottom. Ruby reminded us that since plants are living, they need not only water but also food to continue their growth. Twice a week was recommended, especially in August when the soil nutrients are depleted and the heat stress is on!

Thank you, Ruby, and thank you to Wagner's for donating the beautiful hanging baskets that Ruby completed! That was a blooming good presentation!