Horticultural Society

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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.

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Mary Moore Miller recommended visiting the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, Penn., where she had recently seen more than 70 sections of interesting displays. There was also a delightful herb garden at Pennsburg Manor, recreated from the authentic papers of William Penn. She also had a package of Ginkgo Tree nuts for any one who cared to try them.

Lucy Manning wanted to know who had been to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and where they were located? They are in Prospect Park and Dale and Alan had visited them when they lived in Brooklyn years ago.

When visitng Clinton, New York, sometime ago, Dale Thomas had seen some pink anemone, and wanted to know if they could be grown in this area. Yes, because Bea Wilson has some right here.

Helen Bentley asked what was eating her Zinnia petals? It might be rabbits. When do you plant Fall peas? About the first of Auguts.

Clive Lawrence has a viburnum bush that is splitting and dying. Why should this be? There seem to be insects getting into the splits, caused by last winter's freezing and thawing, so a thorough spraying with DDT should improve the situation. He also wanted to know what happened to the expected stump burning? Bea Wilson explained that so far she couldn't get the necessary material from Bolgiano.

Buzz Hussman told us that the systemis for the Dutch Elm disease which feeds in the vascular system of the trees, is not yet ready for public distribution and consumption.

Wendy Lawrence wanted to know how Mary Moore Miller's Luffa plants were growing? Several are growing and doing well.

Francis Thomas reminded us again of the beauty and size, and the effort put forth into the Ligons' red and white potatoes. He also remarked on the Wilsons' 2-panel chestnut rail fence and the beautiful curved rails. Then he adjoruned the Society at 9:40 pm to meet again in August with the Goffs at Mt. Pleasant. Alan F. Thomas Alan F. Thomas, Secretary

H/8/1965-1August 3-1965 - In our 102nd Year At Mount Pleasant with Harry and Flora Goff

Many years ago in the days of horses, carriages, bicycles and even "Shank's Mare", your Secretary used to visit and go to school with the Wilson boys who lived on this beautiful site. Even then the long lane graciously invited guests up to the spacious house, but it was a rough, stony ride compared with the beautiful smooth grass-enclosed driveway now stretching out beside a very attractive white fence. As one nears the home, and other buildings, at any time of the year, one is amazed at the absolute lack of weeds and other farm clutter, so that one realizes that the picturesque landscape was so well named, the Pleasant Mountain

As we gathered on the immaculate grounds among the vegetables, flowers, fruit, foxes, squirrels, birds, cats, horses, and cattle, Flora and Harry met each of us with a basket intended to be filled with luscious plums from their abundantly laden trees. Most of us proceeded to stuff our persons and baskets with "Abundance" until Flora called the Society together with the chiens of her dinner bell.

After everyone enjoyed a tremendous and varied repast, your host retreated to the barn yard, where under the watchful eye of your Secretary, he proceeded to hypnotize 3 beautiful horses into cantering a quarter of a mile in from the meadow to be fed in their own individual stalls. The friendly bonds between horses and the master were very apparent.

Our President, Ulruc Hutton, was able to call the Society to order at 7:50 pm. The absentees were Jack Bentley, Rust and Liz Canby, Buzz and Caroline Hussman, Rose Hutton, Bob and Mary Reading Miller, Dale Thomas, John and Dorothy Weske, Walter and Bea Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting wre then accepted as read.

Ellis Manning gave us an excellent reading of the "West Virginia's Big Cleanup" in the June issue of the Reader's Digest. It seems that one of the most litter-ridden states became one of the cleanest, under the direction of a 34-year-old Charleston businessman, Raymond George, just since 1961. From the Governor right down thru many organizations more than 50,000 persons were involved, setting a fine example for Maryland and other states to follow. Between all the litter bugs and litter bags mentioned in tharticle, Ellis could be excused for mixing some of them up, as he was also interrupted by a beautifully toned Grandfather clock chiming in the hall.

Wendy Lawrence commented that the Mid County Jaycees were helping to beautify our area, and Claire Hutton suggested that the school children might be trained to help out also. The President suggested that the Secretary might write to the Jaycees, calling attention to West Virginia's tremendous efforts and offering possible help from this Society to the Jaycees.

In the absence of Bea Wilson, no one else had any "forethought" so we settled on the Douglas Farquhar's weather report, which turned out to be "dry reading" for July. Measurable rain fell on only 8 days.

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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/6/1968-1The Horticultural Society Meeting "The Highlands" with Bob and Mary Reading Miller June 4-1968

What is so rare as another delightful gathering in June at "The Highlands"? It was such excellent weather that we were reluctant to come inside for the usual sumptious repast. Some of us did enjoy our meal out on the porch, and almost everyone enjoyed another inspection of the gardens before we were called to order at 8:05pm.

President Ellis Manning welcomed our guests, Mrs Brewster and Mr Cannon, and then suggested that the Treasurer collect back dues. The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved after a slight correction. She persuaded your former Secretary to take the minutes of this meeting at her home. Unfinished business produced no further report from William Heckendorn on the clearance of roadside trash and rubbish.

Betty Ligon, our reader for the evening, gave us many thought provoking hints to improve our gardening, from an article in the Reader's Digest on "Six Steps to a Green Thumb". We should learn to relax in our gardening; don't work too hard or spend too much money, it is not an occult science, so learn to be a general practitioner, instead of a specialist and you will have that much more fun. Do the work before you see the need for it; in other words, hit first in the Battle of the Bugs. Stick to a regular spray schedule and keep cultivating to control weeds. Learn the correct fertilization for each type of plant and also how to take care of the root system. After all gardening is just learning a few "tricks of the trade" and a "green thumb" is just a dirty thumb, plus a little common sense.

Betty also read us an excellent garden poem, which she wrote herself back in 1931, about her own home and garden experiences.

As an extra volunteer article, Alan Thomas read Life's account of Boston's TV Gardener, Thalassa Cruso, who conducts a gardening TV show in the same manner as Julia Child does her French cooking. The article gave many humorous hints on down-to-earth gardening.

Sylvia Woodward's forethought tells us to: spray iris with a sticky spreader liquid; prune the camelias; divide primroses; clean the blackspot from roses; help control weeds by applying a liquid poison to the leaves and not the ground; use open and airy mulches where needed; and start succession plantings and thinning of your vegetables.

Many people have wondered how wet and cold May was this year in comparison with last year. Douglas Farquhar's weather report showed that while the lowest temperature this year was 35 degrees compared with 38 degrees in 1967, the rest of the figures were higher this year. 84 degrees was the highest this year, against 82 degrees in 1967, and last year's mean temperature of 56 degrees increased to 62 degrees this year. Total rainfall on 15 different days this year measured 5.8" vs. 4.7" last year, but it still leaves us about 12" below normal for the year, which seems to be not so cold and wet after all.

Our Assistant Secretary for tonight, Mary Moore Miller, read a tremendous list of exhibits, including flowers, fruits and vegetables. Very fine specimens were received from both Hutton families, both Miller families, the Goff's, the Farquhar's, the Ligon's, the Heckendorn's and the Thomas's. We will not attempt to list everything, but will mention a few of specific interest. The Ligons had 39 varieties of flowers in one bouquet; Dale Thomas brought a tall spiked flower from her mother, Mrs Mannakee, which could not be named by anyone here; there was a robin's egg in the "Cedars" basket, and the Heckendorns