As August rolls around, the fine cultivars in our gardens are reaching and finishing the peak of their bloom. For native wildflowers, however, late summer is still an active time, as meadows and roadsides are ablaze with their colors. At our August 7, 2017 meeting, we welcomed Jude Hsiang, Master Gardener and member of the Bethany Garden Club. She shared with us her slide presentation of Summer Wildflowers of Connecticut.
Jude’s discussion focused on Connecticut natives, both endangered and common. A topic frequently visited by ORGC, native cultivars are an important link for pollinators and birds.
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- Jude pages through Wildflowers, a recommended reference book for native species
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- Jude highlighted pollinator favorites, such as the New England aster
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- Rare and endangered natives were also key topics, including plants like the Pink lady’s slipper — a protected species
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- ORGC members took away handouts on summer wildflowers that can be incorporated in their gardens and yards
Horticulture chair Joyce Fedorko discussed weed control in the garden, including how to identify weeds and what they indicate about garden conditions. In addition, she provided tips on how to use non-herbicidal home remedies for eliminating these unwanted guests.
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- Members of ORGC listen to Jude Hsiang
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- Jude brought a wide selection of recommended wildflower reference books
August’s Horticulture theme was “Summer’s Bounty,” with Butterfly Bush, Black-eyed Susan, and Perennial Hibiscus as the key flowers. As part of the display, Linda Hooper delighted us with a “Dragon Fly Pond:” a small statuary arrangement of a concrete garden angel surrounded by handmade dragonflies with maple seed wings and iridescent beaded eyes. These sweet little ornaments make fanciful decorations not only in the garden but also on wreaths, in arrangements, and around house plants.
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- Linda Hooper’s “Dragon Fly Pond”
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- A handmade dragonfly, constructed from a small wooden stick, iridescent beads, and maple seeds
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- Raw maple seeds, as used in the handmade dragonflies
At each meeting, we showcase a different ORGC scrapbook or picture album. These collections tell the story of the club’s meetings, evolving membership, community work, and programs over the years.
Here, Ruth Pesavento and Janet Spann look through the 2008-2009 scrapbook.
Selections from our August 2017 Horticulture Table:
