We kicked off our 2019 membership year with a presentation from member Renee Marsh on xeriscaping:  landscaping and gardening that reduces the need for supplemental water.  It’s an important topic to start the gardening season, as changes made now can have a big impact as we head into the drier, hotter months of summer.

Renee treated us to a slide presentation covering the definition and origins of xeriscaping, how gardeners can most effectively utilize its basic principles, what plants are appropriate for our climate, and what plants can be added to existing perennial gardens.  We learned about water usage and waste, the importance of maintaining organic matter in the soil, and examples of perennials, grasses, and shrubs that do well in low water sites.

Horticulture Chair Joyce Fedorko listed important tasks to perform in early spring to ensure garden beds and emerging perennials are properly prepared for the growing season.  She presented the horticulture specimens provided by members, including Christmas Roses, pussy willows, forced Amarylis, and miniature Narcissus.

Of note, this was our first meeting in the newly-remodeled meeting room of the Shelton Plumb Memorial Library, and members enjoyed a hearty lunch provided by ORGC Board members.