Club Minutes: Horticultural Society, 1907-1917

282 H/9/1917 -1Edgewood Sept 7^th 1917 This meeting was called to order promptly. Minutes were approved

1^st Reader, Roberta Allen, read an interesting article from Literary Digest of Aug 25^th 1917, "Modernity in New Testament days" by Dr. Cobern showing that many of the customs are identical with those of the present day 2^nd Reader Mrs. Davis read "Winding up of Garden work" All work done now will be a great help in the spring and by the use of cold framed planting of many vegetables can be done two or three weeks earlier than without Waste is not to be allowed, if you cannot sell the surplus give it away Volunteer, Corrie Brooke told of a place in Washington where a room has been provided for poor young people, where they can get wholesome food. Some people from here have contributed food.

Forethought There was no report

Exhibits Very good all the summer and fall vegetables and then some Friuts. apples, pears, grapes, plums

H/9/1917 -2- 283 crab - apples, quinces, raspberries and canteloupe. Flowers in great variety Our President thanks the members for their generous contributions to these to tables

New business The Secretary read a letter from Mr Lymonds of College Park, saying they would hold the annual meeting in Baltimore, but "Maryland WeeK" would be put off a year owing to War condition, which they regretted - a committee was appointed to answer the letter i e Mary M. Stabler and Anna Nesbit.

Questions 1 Should a rose bush, started under a glass jar this Summer be left under it this winter? Yes

2 Should grape vines be trimmed now? It is well to thin the foliage in the summer to let in the sunshine but the regular pruning should be done in February or March before the sap begin to flow. Some people say trim any time after the leaves fall

3 Why do cucumbers get soft in brine Few have trouble if they are kept under the brine. Some put them in weak vinegar.

4 Why do ferns turn yellow and break off? Too much water; "they do not like wet feet"

5 How keep seeding primulas and

84 H/9/1917 -3. cinerarias over winter? Perhaps a pit would be suited to their needs

At Brooke Grove, lifting cabbage slightly, to keep it from bursting was tried and was successful

6 Will beets keep over winter? Yes in a root cellar.

7 Why do peaches, which grow and seem all right, suddenly fall off Some think they needed spraying

8 How large should onion sets be? Small ones are best. If large they go to seed early.

9 What put on cabbage for worms Paris Green, ashes, lime, salt

10 How make pop - corn grow larger? Thin and cultivate

12 Is it a good plan to bend broom corn down before it ripens? Frederic Stabler says "Yes". Roger Farquhar stopped doing it years ago.

We found the garden in good strawberry bed in fine condition Flower beds good. Rose bushes, large and healthy some were 8 to 10 feet high and had been a mass of bloom

Next meeting to be at Knowltoon Readers Frances Stabler and Catherine Janney. At the close of this meeting our President and Secretary both resigned. New officers to be elected at next meeting.

H/10/1917 -1- 285 Knowlton Oct 9_^th 1917 The Secretary being absent Anna Farquhar was asked to act in her place The first reader, Frances Stabler being absent the second reader Catherine Janney read "The month's reminder" from the Garden Magazine. As a volunteer reader A. G. Thomas gave us "The Colonial Potato" telling of planting potatoes in log-houses.

Questions 1 Is it wise to cut back roses grape vines and berries now? Do not trim much in this climate, try grafting wax over cut ends, and trim grapes in fall, also berries

2 Has any one tried putting earth about roses? Some have done so with success.

3 Does the Hart like the everbearing strawberry? Mary Stabler has them but does not think a great deal of them as a crop.

4 When a garden has grown up in hogweed. What shall be done? Try to keep mowed and burn the weeds in the fall.

5 How keep winter apples? Let them lay under the trees till just before they would freeze and then put them in barrels, and bury in earth. Apple crop this year an average one.

286 H/10/1917 -2-

Young trees not so full as old ones.

6 Is it worth while, now to put any thing on cabbage for worms? May help a little

7 Does any one keep beets? Bury as one does winter vegetables.

8 How take care of Delphineums (Larkspur thro winter? Coarse straw or litter lightly around them.

9 What manure for winter plants? Liquid manure.

10 What manure for young asparagus? Fine manure.

11 Large rose bushes grown out of ground pile earth around and mulch

12 What do with good crop of tomatoes now Pick and put in cold frame or cover with straw

13 Will crocus bloom in Water? Yes, very well.

14 Roses grow and don't bloom? Cut back and fertilize; soap suds are good

15 How raise Microphyllis bloom? Fertilize fresh manure; separate bulbs.

17 How make an Amaryllis bloom? Fertilize and keep from freezing

18 What is the matter with grape vines, great leafage but no grapes? Spray

19 Can a grape vine be to rich? No,

20 Has any one ever had success wrapping green tomatoes? Not a great success. L. Jones is trying dripping tomatoes in parafine, will report at Christmas

21 Do people fry cumblings, for egg-plant? Some do. Not a very good substitute