Horticultural Society

H/10/1965-1October 5-1965 - In our 102nd Year At Montresor with Rust and Elizabeth Canby

Most of us who had not been to this new home before, found a real "treasure" in the place which was hewn out of the forest primeval. Altho we know that Rust supervised the laying of every block and board, he also had time to cultivate and plant an extra special garden. The quality, size and beauty of a large variety of vegetables far surpassed those of many of us who have gardens of long standing production. Inside the home, the results of Elizabeth's decorative skill were so pleasing that our hosts had a hard time persuading us that it was time to eat.

So it wasn't until 8:00 pm, after the usual feast, that our Vice-President called the Society to order, in the absence of our President. A warm welcome was given to our three guests, Bill and Nancy Canby, the son and daughter-in-law of our hosts, and also to Martha Colley. The Secretary read the previous minutes, which were accepted.

Flora Goff, who is particularly interested in Bluebirds, read to us the very interesting article in Woman's Day about "How to Build a Bluebird Trail". In addition to their suffering by an acute housing shortage, it seems that from 1/3 to 1/2 of the Bluebireds are winter-killed in unusually cold seasons. For special feeding, they liked raisins, dried currants and peanuts. Bluebirds like cavities in trees or fence posts, and many organizations are building special houses and making them available on trails from Illinois to North Carolina.

One such group in Illinois reported 80% of the houses placed were occupied in the first year. Certain Boy Scouts have been building houses and placing them four fest above the groud, four hundred feet apart. One Scout Troup reported a first bird family's ecstasy in finding a nest; five days later a second house was occupied and two days later there were five eggs. In 75 boxes on a trial in North Carolina, over 300 new birds were counted. Such stories were typical wherever new trails were built, and of course Flora's own Bluebird box has been very successful.

Absentees were Jack Bentley, the Farquhars, Vernon Hussman, President Ulric Hutton, Claire Hutton, Bob Miller and The Wilsons. In the absense of Douglas Farquhar, the Secretary read his weather report September. The highest temperature of 86^o happend on three different days, while the lowest of 43^o was on the 28th. The average high as 77^o while the average low was 59^o, making a mean temperature for the month of 68^o. Only 2.40 inches of rain fell on five different days, making a total of 31.29 for the year.

The Forethought for the evening consisted of just three words: "Feed your lawn".

Flora Goff, in a dual role this evening, was also Asst. Secretary and read the list of exhibits as follows: the Mannings Had a cluster of tomatoes and peppers; the Weske's brought Michaelmas Daisies and a beach rose; our hosts had tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and hot peppers; Mary Moore Miller's nosegay was made of Helen Traubel Rose, Ageratum and fall asters, she brought along a Luffa Fruit as well; from the Bentley's garden cam Parsley, Pepper, Tomatoes, Marigolds, Bachelor Buttons, Snapdragon, Celosia, Calendula and Zinnieas. The Thomases brought Carrots, Chard, Kale, Parsley

(105th year) H/4/1968-1April 2nd- 1968 MONTRESOR with Rust and Elizabeth Canby

It was a lovely, cool April afternoon when we gathered in this gracious, beautiful home for the first meeting of the year. Spring flowers were coming into bloom outside- and inside the arrangements were so lavish and beautiful. Spiraea, forsythia, daffadils- and camelias- the like of which we have not often seen in this locality. Friends from Takoma Park had brought them- and the profusion and color was indeed outstanding.

The members seemed also to out do themselves with the variety and deliciousness of the so called pot-luck dinner- and after enjoying it- and the pleasure of seeing each other againwe settled down for the meeting.

Our president, Ellis Manning called us to order around eight o'clock- and welcomed us for the new year, and the guests, Louise Canby and Nancy Canby to the meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting, in October, was read and approved.

Under unfinished business the secretary read the ByLaws as is usual at the April meeting.

Ulric Hutton had the selected article- one written by the mother of Anthony Trollop and published in Krutch's book: "The Gardeners World". She was rather disappointed on the whole with her vivit here in 1830. She did like the strawberries and peaches- but they were not so good as in England. She admired the wild flowers- especially the dogwood, locust bloom, poison Elder or sumac and the red-bud and others- but unfavorable comparison crept in very often. The lightening bugs and birds she admiredalso a profusion of fall woods flowers- with most of which she was not familiar- but declared no one she met knew them either!

For her forethought Sylvia Woodward told us to get the evergreens planted. Watch out for yellow streaked leaves on the jonquils and remove leaves- the plant if necessary. Spray Iris- and plant the first glads. Prune early blooming shrubs as soon as the flowers fade. Fertilize shrubs- sew batchelors buttons and larkspur also sweetpeas. If you want to g row your own tomato plants sow the seed now. Push mothballs into the ground around your crocus to keep the mice away- and she ended with an April Fool joke on us.

Our weather man, A. D. Farquhar gave us a rather detailed report covering somewhat the months we were not meeting. The high for October was78- and he recorded a low, in Jan. of -7. Several others reported a lower reading, William Heckendorn having seen-12. We had no record of the water level, but it is most certainly up.

Mary Moore, serving as Assistant Secretary reported exhibits, mostly flowers from:- The Huttons, Mt. Pleasant, Great Ease, The Cottage, The Highlands, Rocky Ridge, Springdale, Pine Hill Oakwood The Cedars, who also had Parsnips and Salsify-dug from the garden this afternoon- and from Spring Villa beautiful lush water cress. The arbutus from Pine Hill should also be especially mentioned- so lovely and becom ng increasingly rare.

Large flocks of geese have been seen. Some reported fewer birds this winter- others thought the normal numbers were with us. Of course it was a rather open winter. Various kinds of woodpeckers have been around- waxwings- a covey of partridges reported by Clair Hutton- and the usual old friends.

Roadside trash was again discussed. We will try to investigate to see if anything is being done- any collections being

Horticultural Society April 3rd 1973

"Roslyn" - Buzzy and Caroline Hussman. After a rather mild and almost snowless winter members and guests were happy to gather together for our first 1973 meeting at the Hussmans charming home.

Much rain and mild temperatures in March, and heavy down pours as fringe benefits (?) from violent storms throughout the South and East over the week- end resulted in budding and blooming trees, emerald grass and scabs of daffodils on theExhibit Bench on the front porch. Along with daffodils and narcissi ( 12 varieties of these from Pine Hill ), magnolia, Andromeda, Japanese Cherry, and pansies, were parsley plants for each family. from Alan and Dale, wintered-ones out-door lettuce from " The Cedars " and an arrangement of curly kale from Bill and Nancy Canby's.

After piling our plates with servings from the many tempting dishes, we were called to order by Ellis Manning with absence of Harry Goff. Guests were Chicken and Curly Kricker, Fanny Walton, Arlene and Ethan Goldberg. Those absent and missed were Walter Wilson, Francis Thomases, Harry Goffs, John Weskes and Ulric Hutton and Douglas Farquhar. The two last named, a few doors apart in our great new hospital, were sent greetings which the secretary is in a position to deliver in person.

Claire Hutton read the minutes of last October's Meeting at "The Cottage". Claire's minutes have been good to listen to, complete, well - written and replete with unusual touches. These last minutes were adopted with stress about Elizabeth Ligon's Chestnut tree, which is a survivor of the old native variety, not Chinese

Horticultural Society Tuesday, May 1^st, 1973

"Pine Hill" with Dick and Sylvia Woodward (and Sylvia Arnett)

After a number of cool and/or rainy days, a beautiful evening enhanced the charmingly landscaped setting of Woodwards delightful home. In the circular planting in front of the house were violas, lady-slippers, and many other flowers under the trees. The Rose bushes flanking the rear of the house were in prime condition, and a mass of white azaleas against the woods were a lovely touch. As on of our members revealed, the Woodwards have not only planted with skill and care, but have left trees that were already growing there so that their natural beauty is a great asset.

After piling our plates with many good surprise dishes, and enjoying the meal with good friends, Alan Thomas, Vice-Pres. Convened the meeting in Buzzy Hussman's absence. The secretary read minutes of the April Meeting at Hussman's which were approved, and gave the Treasurer's Report. Forty dollars had been sent to Terra Nursery to pay for the Red Japanese Maple given to Friends House, and we had $6.95 remaining. A letter of thanks for the tree from Bob Mills was read, and we thank Mary Reading for attending to the selection of the tree.

Bob Miller was asked to collect dues which totaled $6.00 from all members present. Absentees were Bill and Nancy Canby, Frances & Grace Thomas and Buzzy and Caroline Hussman.

Betty Hartge wonders if some of the old minutes might be read for interest. Alan Thomas will see if the old records are in a vault at Lees. Co. or Bank, Alan Thomas will find out

Lucy Manning is concerned that English Ivy may kill their Gingko Tree. Ivy has not harmed those at "The Cedars" and other places.

John Weske did not receive much help in identifying a described wild flower.

Dorothy has a pot-pourri of English flowers.

The secretary will try to find a reader for the next meeting at "Bien Venue."

When October rolls around, Bill and Nancy can entertain on October 9^th instead of the 2^nd

Respectfully submitted Helen N. Farquhar Secy