THC May 2008 Newsletter

New members

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer Events for Members Only

THC’s Spring “Members-Only” Plant Exchange

May 17, 2:00 to 4:00 pm

at Heffner Park, 31 Oswego Ave. (near the TP free compost pile)
Takoma Park, MD

As you tip toe through your spring gardens, think about what you can pot-up and bring to the exchange.

Please label your plants: common name (Latin also, if possible), light and moisture needs, growth habit/height, and include your name if you want to give more information. Pot your plants at least 2 weeks before the Exchange and water them well.

If a plant spreads/grows quickly, let the gardener be forewarned. Please don’t bring plants considered invasive, such as English Ivy and orange daylilies. If you are not sure, post a question on the Listserv. You’ll get plenty of opinions!

If you are a new gardener or just don’t have extra plants, you are welcome to bring: garden books and magazines, interesting (clean) pots, garden ornaments/tools and of course FOOD or DRINKS.

We need a few volunteers who are willing to come at 1:00 to help us set up (and put away) tables, chairs, etc. These volunteers will get “first choice” when the exchange starts. Contact me to sign up. NOTE: bring a hat, sun-block and water for your comfort. We always run out of chairs, so bring one if you can.

Remember, you must be a club member to participate in the Plant Exchange. Check our site http://www.takomahort.org/ for details about how to join and renew. If you are not sure if you have paid your dues, contact me. If you are a new member, please fill out the membership form you can download from our website and bring your $12 check made out to THC to the Exchange. We promise you will get your money’s worth!!

Hope to see you there! Carole Galati ~ cagalati@rcn.com

GREAT BIG BULB SALE

Order by May 30, 2008.

Club member Jerry McNamara is again managing the Great Big Bulb Sale. Here’s a repeat of his announcement.

Great Big Bulbs sells all varieties of spring-flowering bulbs to Washington area gardeners at wholesale prices. I became associated with my supplier in Holland through my work with the former Montgomery County Mens’ Garden Club, and was always impressed with the bulb quality. I only sell locally to garden clubs, civic associations, friends, and neighbors and since I ask everyone to come by and claim their bulbs, there are no shipping fees!

Here is how it works:

You obtain a copy of the 2008 Great Big Bulbs order form, complete it with your selections, and then mail or deliver it to me along with a check made out to “Great Big Bulbs” by May 30th, 2008.

The bulbs arrive in October and I will store them in my garage until you are able to come by my home and pick them up. I will notify you via email or telephone, so it is important that you include accurate information on the form. I live in the Four Corners community of Silver Spring (Woodmoor).

The general quantities this year are 50 for Tulips, 35 for Daffodils, and 100 for many of the minor bulbs. There are some exceptions, and they are marked.

Please have all orders to me by May 30th, 2008. The order form is also available to download from my website for any of your friends, relatives, or neighbors.

Jerry McNamara 9908 Edgehill Lane Silver Spring, MD 20901
jerry.mcnamara@verizon.net

May 31, Neighborhood Garden Tour

There are 6 gardens on the tour ranging from Asian to native themes, all in the Hilltop neighborhood off Piney Branch Road and backing onto Sligo Creek Park.

There will be snacks and cold drinks at 3 gardens.

Tour-goers should walk or carpool -- all 6 gardens are easily walkable from each other and folks may start and end at any garden.

A listing with a map will be available after May 20 on request and upon verifying current club membership.

Surreybrooke Gardens and Nursery Trip

Sunday, June 15, 10 am to 2:00

This Trip Includes ~

• Tour of Surreybrooke (11:00)
  Free for Members ($6 cash for Non-Members)
• BYO brown bag picnic lunch & drink
• Carpooling for 20 Participants To Middletown, MD
• Sign up by emailing: cagalati@ rcn.com

  Include your full name and phone number.

  If you can drive, include how many can you take.

Visit Surreybrooke Gardens and Nursery online

Other Coming Events

If you can tear yourself away from your own garden, here are some tours, sales and garden events in the next few weeks.

Silver Spring Garden Club's Garden Mart
May 10, 9:00am-1:00pm
Brookside Gardens Visitor Center's Grounds, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton MD

A spring-time tradition for almost 70 years!

The Silver Spring Garden Club's annual Garden Mart plant sale is for bargain-seekers and plant-lovers. Come early for best pick of annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs, houseplants, wildflowers, and much more. This event is rain or shine.

Plant Raffle - $1 per ticket or 6 for $5.

For more information and directions:

Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery Spring Fair
May 10, 10:00am-2:00pm
9504 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD

A fun-filled day of activities which also serves as the major annual fundraiser. A plant sale is an important part of this festival, along with children’s games and activities, handmade toys and crafts, baked goods, marionette plays, and a wholesome lunch. Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery

Urban Gardening: Creating and Maintaining a Beautiful Sustainable Garden
May 17, 10:00-11:30am

This program is sponsored by the DC Historical Society.

This is a great opportunity to hear a FREE talk on sustainable urban gardening at the beautiful Carnegie Library at 801 K Street, NW, Washington, DC (near the Gallery Place and Convention Center metro stations).

Susan Harris, who is a Master Gardener, "Garden Rant" blogger, Gardening Coach, and former President of the Takoma Horticultural Club will discuss how to work WITH nature, not against it, to have a beautiful garden. Learn which plants are the best to grow in Washington soil and climate, and gather earth friendly tips on garden care. You can pre-register For more information call (202) 383-1837.

Potomac Chrysanthemum Society Annual Mum Sale

May 10 8:00am-noon, Bethesda/Potomac: Bethesda United Church of Christ,
corner of Fernwood Rd. & Democracy Blvd.

MAY 17 8:00am-noon, Three locations;

Experts available at each site.

Single plants are $1.25.

Get there early - they sell out. Bring a box to carry your mums.

Locations:

• Gaithersburg: Parking lot on Rt. 355 and Fulks corner across from Gaithersburg Police Station (enter off of Oldtown Ave/Rt.117)
• White Oak/Silver Spring: Near Bank of America parking lot at New Hampshire and White Oak shopping Center. Turn right at first traffic light on Rt. 29.
• Bowie: Bowie High School parking Lot, 15200 Annapolis Rd.

Brookland Garden Tour
June 1, 12noon – 5:00pm.

Modern Theme but still with many older Victorian and Queen Anne homes. Additional details will be provided in the next few weeks. Editor, Lois Weinberg LNW1225@msn.com www.takomahort.org

TAKOMA HORTICULTURAL CLUB www.takomahort.org

Editor: Lois N. Weinberg LNW1225@verizon.net

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