Page 3

H/4/1990-3-

April 3, 1990, Lydia Haviland's, page 3

QUESTION

Mary Seiler is contemplating letting a portion of her field
go unmowed. The notion was encouraged with the caution that
some bird-hating, superficial, restrictively non-
environmental and heavy-handed local ordinances require
mowed expanses.

Mrs. Mader offered her method of planning her lilly
plantings. She puts markers in plastic bags and stakes them
in her yard where she will want specific items to be planted
the following spring.

Ted Fletcher wanted to know if peaches will survive the
capricious weather we're having. His answer came in shrugs
and he was asked to report back.

Harold Earp wanted to know where water chestnuts come from.
Cans was the predominant answer and otherwise he was asked
to find out and reporrt back.

Susan Canby asked Tom Canby how he got rid of their moles.
He replied in a spontaneous fashion that ground chili powder
peppered across the lawn apparently repels them to less
savory digs.

Tom Canby followed with a question on what eats tulip bulbs.
Recent rumor has it that robins have been reported as
culprits. More commonly known villians are voles and
squirrels. Both can be foiled by planting in open ended
quart cans buried to ground level.

Buzz Hussman said if anyone needs wood chips, he still has
some to offer.

On that note of cooperation and generosity we thanked Lydia
for her hospitality and agreed to meet next at the Chances'
when John Hartge would be reader.

BUT before we dissassembled such a pleasant and long awaited
gathering Lydia mentioned that although in favor of
tradition and continuity she believes that monthly hosts
should not feel it absolutely de rigeur to seat at the
dinner table all who attend the meeting. It is too much to
ask. This gathering should be fun for all and not laced
with anziety for the host family over tables, chairs,
plates, and other trumped up formalities.

The comment was greeted with genuine approval. Nobody would
dare argue with Lydia anyway but it was a very good point to
bring up and agree on.