Horticultural Society

H/6/1988-1-

June 7th, Roslyn page 1

A warm day preceded our meeting at Roslyn, home of the Hussmans. The trees, garden and grounds were well into the principle of flourishing growth and the house radiated a welcoming spirit of comfort and familiarity. Unfortunate to be missing were the Bullards, the Chances, the Allens, and Elizabeth Thornton. There were not guests per se but we enjoyed the presence of Nell Johnsen, Helen Farquhar, and Hannah Conlon.

After an abundant and delicious meal, Peter Conlon began the meeting with an article about spiders from the Journal of New York State's Department of Enviomental Conservation. It was entitled "Spiders - Assasins with Silky Snares". The article written by James H. Moerschel, told of his fascination with spiders and his appreciation of their webspinning capabilities.

The article said that there are about 30,000 species of spiders in the world and about 650 species in the New England area alone. Mr. Moerschel was more interested in types of spiders that spin webs and make the most of their silk. An interesting point is that the spider makes a new web each day and it takes an average of 20 minutes. He failed to mention that spiders like bats are diminutive and efficient allies in the gardener's war to control insect populations. A Dr. Bristowe of early 20th Century Britian estimated that British spiders consume enough insects a year to outweigh the entire British human population.

There was no volunteer article.

Due to Elizabeth Thornton's inexusable absence , John Hartge read the minutes from 100 years ago. Appropriately enough that meeting was at Riverside. The exhibits at that meeting included a dizzying array of vegetables and withering number of poultry and ducks. The enduring question emerged whether or not the English Sparrow has any friends. Apparently the president of the Society at that time had turned against the species and such negative influence had left the poor bird in widespread low regard. A contingent of Society members arrived late due to their earlier attendance at a neighboring wedding - it was not noted who was wed.

The forethought was simpler than usual because everything should be growing, harvested, and replanted. A few specific reminders included removing flowers from plants after full bloom. Pinch and feed mums. Prune and feed primroses. Pansies should be cut back in mid or late June for Fall bloom. Berries should be mulched and plan to rotate strawberries after 3 years.