Horticultural Society

H/7/1965-27-6-1965 Page 2.

and some of the original equipment is still in use by the second and third generation of children. The children quickly learn to respect the property and rights of others, and the rewards of harvest are measured in hundresds of pounds of fresh vegetable taken home for family consumption. There may be teasing between adjacent plot owners, but vandalism is unknown, and about 60% of the students are repeaters for three or four years. Although the instructors will work personally with youngsters who show unsual interest in Botany, the Children's Garden was not designed as a "Prep School" for botanists; but down through the years, many of the children have eventually made their professions in that or related fields.

Caroline Hussman volunteered an article on the Curtis House in Williamsburg, Virginia, built about 1717. It seems that at the bottom of an old water well were found Holly and Boxwood leaves, as well as 17 or 19 different types of plants, in good presesrvation, along with many other articles of interest.

Bea Wilson's Forethought had to do with the necessary mulching and watering of plants at this time. She mentioned a Dr. Tunis on old route #240 out of Gaithersburg experimenting with various mulches on Roses, such as: different grasses, peanut hulls, sawdust. This brought out opinions that many do and many do not mulch roses, with about equal results. Bea says to wait until August to plant perennials.

Our assistant Secretary, Bea Hutton, read the list of exhibits. Betty and Pete Ligon each brought samples of their experimental potatoes, the red ones from Pete's garden and the white ones from Betty's, which were a treat to see, with no noticeable difference in size or quality. Their flower collection included Tritoma, Rudbeckia, Phlox, Black-eyed Susan, 2 Dahlias, Blue Salvia, Snap Dragons, a Polyanthus Rose, Baby's Breath, Gallardia and Clematis. Clive and Wendy Lawrence brought som Bocconia and Day Lillies. Dale and Alan Thomas had a small collection of beets, carrots, green peppers, parsley and squash, along with several different colors of Bachelor Buttons. The Mannings brought Artichokes, Lavendar, Marjoram and Thyme, and Day Lillies.

When birds were mentioned, Mary Reading Miller said she had quite a lively game going on in her back yard between the crows and rabbits. She hadn't yet figured out all the rules and regulations, but she would try to make a better study of the game and let us know later. Bea Hutton reported on the great activity of her mocking birds. Wendy Lawrence told of seeing Batimore Orioles, Goldfinches and Humming birds, and Clive had seen some Woodcocks. Edward Iddings recalled that many years ago he had seen the small nests of Humming birds, matching in color the tree trunks to which they were attached.

To start the question period, Bea Wilson wondered if we had seen the four bamboo posts in among the maple trees where she planned to move four boxwood bushes, and wanted to know they would grow there. The answer was vague, but should be forthcoming next month after she moves them. Walter Wilson told of this inedible crooked tomatoes, due to the proximity of the vines to where he had sprayed brush killer. Edward Iddings asked about getting rid of his poisin ivy and was reminded to use the brush killer.

H/9/1965-29-7-1965 Page 2.

When President Ulric Huton asked about bird stores, Bea Wilson started to tell about a Bluebird article in the Woman's Day, until Flora Goff asked her to wait until next month because she intended to use the article as part of her own reading program. Betty Ligon commented that both sparrows and cardinals had been seen feeding their young on her feeder. Douglas Farquhar reminded us of the habit of Ospreys washing their feet in the water and that their tremendous wingspread helped them perform this "feat". Ulric had seen them up in the Adirondacks.

There were no Committee reports, no old business, no new business and no questions from the hosts. Douglas Farquhar reminding us if the recent Gaithersburg Fair, pointed out some of our local talent in the lamb judging contests, with the Meyers, the Ligons, Better grey and others winning prizes. He thought that the vegetable display was excellent this year, and remarked that this was now the largest County Fair in Maryland.

Harry Goff says that Maple trees are not necessarily blighted but that they need to be fed and trimmed.

Mary Reading has lots of seed pods on early Magnolias; should they be cut off? Not after they are formed, but some thought it would make no difference.

Betty Ligon wondered if she had chipmunks or voles in her rose bed. Not having seen either one, we couldn't answer her.

Helen Farquhar reported that her Amaryllis did come up the very next day after having questioned us about it last month.

Lucy Manning asked if English Holly has Yellow? Yes, and many colors but it would not be hardy.

Walter Wilson was too comfortable to think of any questions.

Mary Moore Miller has new grass seed coming up in various spots; should it be watered? Don't start watering unless you keep it up continually, for it should be able to start itself.

Bea Hutton found a bag of fertilizer on the road; when should she use it? Considering the many other things she has found beside the road, including beer cans and two dollars, she is lucky it was not a dead dog in the sack. She was advised to spread it after a light snowfall, if at all usable.

Dale Thomas wonders if she should trim off the lower green branches of her variagated holly bush. The discoloration is a sign of anemia, but branches should not be trimmed unless a definite improvement in shape is desired.

Having completed the question period, we settled back to enjoy a trip to Europe with Claire Hutton and her slides.

H/10/196/-2.

we followed it with our copies. The committee also recommended that we send it to the Governor ourselves, without the other clubs at this time. Copies to be sent them- with an outline of our plans- and asking for their cooperation. It was moved, seconded and duly passed, That we send the letter, as read, to the the Governor, and that the committee prepar a list of neighborhood clubs to whom the letter a nd information he sent." The president will be a member of the committee ex officio- and it was also moved and carried, "that the committee be given the power to set in the matter ever the winter months."

Pete Hutton suggested that the Keep Maryland beautiful committee is still functioning- and maybe we should investigate about their activities. As these activities do not show- we decided that no doubt we will hear from our letter if we are out of order. Ellis Manning took the letter home and will sign it and send it off.

Jean Weske asked if anyone knew the latin name of the Black Eyed Susan - one of which he had pressed and put on the communication to go to Georgia. No one knew it.

William Heckendorn wanted to know if anyone knew of a spray for oyster shell scale. He has used malathon, but wondered if anyone had had experience with something with an oil base to use this late in the season. He did not get much help, so will experiment. Rutbekia Hirte

And so we adjourned after another happy, fruitful season- to meet in April at Pine Hill with Bea Hutton as our reader.

Ellis Manning will let us know the cost of having the letter prepared.

Mary Reading Miller, Secty.

The meeting was adjourned after the announcement that the next meeting would be at "Concord" with Bea Hutton and Mary Moore Miller as readers.

Respectfully submitted, Sylvia Woodward Secretary

"Concord" - August 3. 1954

"Concord" welcomed the members of the Horticultural Society with a pleasantly cool evening which was ex tremely welcome after the scorching heat of the past four weeks.

After supper, eaten on the lawn, the meeting was called to order by the president, Jack Bentley, and the July minutes were read and approved.

Mary Moore Miller read an article on " Zoysia Lawn" - the new type of grass whch is planted in plugs, ( it does not seed itself). It is noted for its great dur ability, is insect proof, will grow in poor soil and is tolerant to hot dry weather. Its few drawbacks are that it loses color when frost occurs and grows poorly in the shade.

Ulric Hutton read an article on "Quick Composting",for Bea Hutton who was unable to attend. Quick Composting is an art practised in Europe and Asia. Organisms are added to help in decomposition