Horticultural Society

H/4/1974-3.

Dale Thomas had a question about the bird cages inthe lawn, and A.D. Farquhar mentioned the Land-use Bill being amended and delayed at the Legislature.

Adjourned after a very fine meeting to Betty and Bill Hartges in May.

Secretary

Helen N. Farquhar

H/5/1974 -1-

"Riverside," May 7^th, 1974 Hosts: Bill and Betty Hartge & Rebecca Small.

When the "Horticultural Society" met at "Riverside", one could almost feel an aura of memories around us because a couple of generations ago the family who lived in their very same wonderful home were dedicated members. The box which the secretary uses for the minute book et al, was made and carved by Charles Iddings, grandfather of Rebecca Small, great-grandfather of Betty Hartge. On the secretarys table was a slender silver vase which had been presented to his wife, Elizabeth Staker Iddings to express the gratitude of the group for her 1870-1912 *Many years of recording the minutes.

Before going to dinner which as usual offered a wide choice from "cover dishes", Bill and Bettys garden site was admired. A border of vigorous rhubarb plants was spectacular. The plot is well mulched and slopes to the south, perfect for future vegetables.

Alan Thomas convened the meeting in the absences of Buzzy Hussman.

Guests were Mason and Tyler Hanland

H/5/1974 -3-

lawns, spray iris several times, and azaleas and rhododendrons at 14 day intervals use Bordeaux for potato bugs. Make Chrysanthemum cuttings now.

Climatologist A.D. Farquhar reported a low of 30° on April 7^th, 10^th and 11^th. Av Low was 41°, a high of 88° on Apr. 30^th An Aver. high of of 65°. Total rain 3.8" on 7 days, 6 of them in first half.

Bill Hartge read the exhibits. (Recorded separately)

Birds Bea Hutton is glad to have the old-timer red-headed woodpecker at their house. Mrs. Mannakee has a hoot-owl for Company, and Flora has seen 5 eggs in the blue-bird house which they inhabit rent-free.

Claire Hutton has just returned from a fascinating bird-watching trip in Arizona where she observed 5 kinds of hummingbirds in the desert and also saw a hooded oriole, a Western tanager which is very handsome, at "Mile High" in Wantega?

Mary Moore's Carolina Wrens have hatched as have those at "The Cedars."

H/5/1974 -4-

Questions Betty Hartge doesn't understand why her willow twigs have not rooted, as they usually grow very easily. Betty has recently attended a 2 day course in Bee-keeping, and gave us astronomical figures on the value of bees.

Bea Hutton asked if others have had bees around the bird-feeder. Yes, the lure being the cracked corn we suppose.

James Ballard is discouraged by honeysuckle waiting to crowd out his fence. 2-4-D kills honeysuckle, not grass.

Bill Canby asks where he can find sweet potato plants. Hines has them "off and on" No one knew. Names, as the yellow variety, "Nancy Hall," were mentioned. Bill also asked at what stage of leaf development do you spray? (holly?) I think the answer was to do it now

Lydia Hanland is perturbed by the quantities of bag-worms on shrubbery at the Hospital. Too many to put into a bucket and let them get away, as Grace Thomas reported.

H/5/1974-5-

Mary Seiler asks when to transplant holly. A definite answer: "NOW"

Adjournment: With Mary M. Miller, "The Cottage" on June 4^th instead of in October as on orginal schedule.

Our thanks again to Rebecca Small and to Bill and Betty for the privelege of being entertained at "Riverside"

Helen N. Farquhar, Secy