Club Minutes: Horticultural Society, 1973

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

Elizabeth Ligon and Robert Miller for Nomminating Committee gave the following report:

President: Buzzy Hussman V. Pres: Alan F. Thomas Secy: Helen N. Farquhar

There being no nominations from the floor, this slate was voted for.

The Society's By Laws were read by the Secretary, as well as the Treasurer's report of $46.95 balance.

Betty Hartge's " selected article was from "Horticulture", entitled "The Hand of Man", giving helpful ideas on continuing the work of the wood - pecker in drilling a hole for his nest. With our tools, hands, rulers and paints, we are able to cater to individual species of birds helping them with their homes. Color does not make much difference, the blue birds prefer natural wood, and a box 4' to 8' above ground level, and no birds want light coming from the bottom of the box. Purple Martins need the encouragement of man-built houses.

Elizabeth Ligon told of the small Finches on Galagos Islands that break off twigs to use as tools in digging out food (?). Mrs Mannakee rescued a nest made of black hair and red hair of two of her feathers years ago.

Sylvia Woodward's "Forethought" advised one using Prize winning seeds, i.e. "Peter Pace" red zinnia, "Happy Face" marigold. Now is the time to trim roses, clean rock gardens, plant artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, "Hot weather" lettuce and "Patio" tomato, "Aristocrat" zucchini are recommended.

Then came a dissertation on planting root vegetables in the "dark" of the moon, and top of ground seeds in the "light" of the moon, and

April 3 - page 2 Mention of planting beans "in their bogs" (Genuine) Report on Birds disclosed that the Carolina Wren's nest at Rocky Ridge already contains eggs, and that Alan and Dale and Sylvia and Dick have identified pine siskins probably passing them.

Mary Reading had carried out her Commission to plant a tree, a Red Maple chosen by Robert Mills in the Patio near the Nursing Home at Friends House. The bill from Pack's Terra Nurseries will be forth-coming to be paid with money from our Treasury.

John and Dorothy Weske's Resignation was received and accepted with much regret. The Secretary will reply to that effect. Chairman Manning appointed a Committee, Bob and Mary Reading and Betty Hartge to bring in a replacement membership

Questions. Buzzy, "Virginia Gardening" says plant garlic to discourage aphids on roses. Answer, yes, tho Sylvia says onions or marigolds (?)

Bill Canby: What is causing galls on Pin Oak and What to do? If there was an answer the Secty failed to record it. Write State Forests

Announcements: By Mary Moore Miller: An April 6^th Meeting on Land Use.

The Secretary was Commissioned to write Mrs. Beverly Pierson before the April 26th meeting before the Board of Appeals to protest PEP Co Mt. Airy & Brighton Jones Line and substation on 26 acres on the old Joseph Janney

property Case II 3-214.

The secretary will file a better weather report than the one she presented because the "climatologist" is "under the weather" in the Hospital.

After thanks to the Hussman family for the privelege of being in their delightfal home, the Horticultura adjourned to meet with Woodwards at Pine Hill.

Very respectfully submitted Helen N. Farquhar the new old secretary.

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.