By our March meeting it will almost be Spring! I am enjoying the succulent arch I bought at our February meeting. Merlyn was such a fun speaker! The February decorations and lunch were so lovely. Thank you to the February luncheon committee.

Three Master Gardeners will be presenting our program for March. Their topic will be on herbs we can grow and how to use them. Lots of fun ideas!

I visited the Garden of the Gods just outside Colorado Springs. It’s not an actual garden, but beautiful sandstone formations. So pretty with snow everywhere and views of Pikes Peak. Our next stop was Borrego Springs, CA to visit friends and view the wildflowers

there. At right is a dune sunflower that looks like spring is on the way!

Not much to do in the garden this month. However, I am busy with my Girl Scouts, selling cookies and sewing dog beds for the Animal Friends Shelter in Lodi. I am proud of my Troop and am also excited about their possible participation in the Jerry Fox project, if we are successful in obtaining a grant from the Native Plant Society.

I will bring Girl Scout cookies to the March meeting - in case you haven’t gotten yours already!

Rhinda

March Meeting Thursday, March 14

Congregational Church 9624 Melrose Ave.

Elk Grove , CA Join us at 10 a.m. for a “meet and greet”, after which our

Program starts at 10:30 a.m.

Roll Call Name your favorite herb.

www.elkgrovegardenclub.org March 2019, Vol. 11, Issue 7

March Presentation “How to use Herbs”

Presenters Maria Schiffler, Diane Schultz & Vivian Sellers

UCCE Master Gardeners

Greetings from Our President Rhinda Furtado

Inside this Issue March Program 2 February Highlights. 2 In the Garden. 5 Announcements. 8 Upcoming Events. 10

BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE Elk Grove Garden Club

Affiliated with: National Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc., California Garden Clubs, Inc., Sacramento River Valley District

Editor - Barbara Gumbs

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !2

MARCH PROGRAM: How to Use Herbs

We will have the pleasure of having 3 UCCE Master Gardeners to tell and show us how to use herbs!! Maria Schiffler, Diane Schultz and Vivian Sellers will be stationed at 3 different tables in the room with each one covering a different aspect of the topic. Groups of 3 members will rotate to each table.

Diane will give us an overview that includes the common herbs to grow and how to grow herbs in the garden. At Maria’s table, we will learn how to propagate herbs. We will have the opportunity to try our hands at propagating an herb which we can also take away. Cuttings and seeds will be available for this exercise. Using your herbs is the theme of Vivian’s table. We will see samples of things that we can do and make with our herbs. Get ready to taste some of these samples! Recipes will be available for you to take away. The objective of this “hands on” session on herbs is that everyone will go home to plant an herb garden. If you do already have one, then follow the recipes and let us know what you made.

Tips & Techniques

Nancy Baldwin shared a no-waste method for re-using your veggie peelings in multiple ways. Clean veggie peelings are collected in gallon-sized storage bags and placed in your freezer. When the bags are full, place the scraps in a large pot with enough water to cover or in a crock pot (following directions for your brand of crockpot). Add seasonings and let the contents simmer. When you decide that the broth is to your taste and flavor, turn off the heat and let the broth cool. Strain the vegetables. Store the broth, label the containers, and store in the refrigerator for a week; or freeze for later use.

For further details refer to the Source: https://sacdigsgardening.blogspot.com/2018

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

Great Garden Visits

Susan Muckey told us about her visit to Placerville where she was delighted to see “ghost apples” in an orchard during the very cold spell of weather there.

Linda Brett reported on her visit to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps located on Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Ave. in San Francisco. She was delighted to see the succulent gardens along the entire stairway. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project “has been a neighborhood collaboration to create a sea-to stars themed mosaic flowing up a 163 step stairway located in Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood.” (16thavenuetiledsteps.com)

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !3

As we entered the room for our “meet and greet”, no one needed a reminder that it was valentine’s day and that the program for our meeting was on succulents! Members responded to Julie Gaines’ request to wear red or pink for our annual valentine’s group photo and on two long tables there were lots of different strange-looking succulents - compliments of Merlyn Lenear to support his talk on Fasciations in Cacti and Succulents.

Maureen Slocum, hostess and Helpers: Linda Brett, Rosemary Fowler, Joanie Freedman, Claudia Horn, Rita Montez, Diana Moore, Kris Schoeller, Kay Scott, Karen Shelby and Donna Williams outdid themselves with a sumptuous luncheon and attractive centerpieces. On the menu: Linguisa and Kale Soup, Tortellini Soup, Turkey Sandwiches, Curry Chicken Sandwiches, Black Forest

Ham Sandwiches, Pea Salad, Green Salad, Orzo Salad, Shrimp Pasta Salad, Rolls and Butter, Veggie Tray, Mini Cheesecakes, Chocolate Kahlua Cakes and Strawberry Shortcake. Valentine-themed centerpieces crafted by Claudia Horn and Karen Shelby decorated each table in the room. The following photos capture the Valentine spirit in our meeting. Photo Credit: Karen Shelby

“Thank You” to our Luncheon Hostess and helpers!

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !4

Fasciations are anomalies or unusual growth that occur on cacti and succulents. (Not only do fasciations occur in cacti and succulents, but also in nearly all other plant species worldwide.) Fasciations can occur at any point of plant development—roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Three types of observable forms of fasciations in cacti and succulents include: (1) variegated, (2) monstrose, and (3) cristate. According to summary research findings, fasciations are caused by either internal or external phenomenon.

Variegated cacti and succulents typically display pastel-colored leaves and stems. Monstrose cacti and succulents typically show unusual growth in gnarly, vertical apical meristems. Cristate growth appears as horizontal, flattened meristems. Pioneer researcher Wolthuys opined that internal causes of fasciation include over-nourishment and under-nourishment. On the other hand, external causes include insects gnawing on meristems, breaking and bruising, animals eating on plants, and climate influences—pressure, temperature, lightening, rain, and hail.

Generally speaking, fasciated growth is not as rapid as normal growth; fasciated plants do not bear flowers and fruits as frequently as do their so-called normal counterparts; and fasciated plants tend to be heavier than non-fasciated plants of the same species. All told, fasciated plants favor the same basic cultural needs as do normal cacti and succulents; namely a rapid-draining, porous growing medium, good drainage, and an appropriate exposure.

Photo Credits: Karen Shelby, Ana Weekley and Barbara Gumbs

Fasciations in Cacti and Succulents Summary Prepared by Merlyn Lenear

our February guest speaker

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IN THE GARDEN

1. Test the watering system for leaks and plugged or broken parts. 2. Consider investing in a smart controller that adjusts watering based on the weather. 3. Water ornamental trees and shrubs if rainfall is below normal. 4. Start leek seeds indoors. 5. Plant vegetable seeds outdoors: beets mustard, lettuce, carrots, chard, radish, turnips and cilantro. 6. Plant potatoes outdoors. 7. Wait to plant tomato and eggplant seedlings until late April. 8. Fertilize blueberries, young fruit trees and green-in-winter lawns. Use a slow release fertilizer. 9. Test soil acidity (pH) for blueberries, add sulfur if needed. Consider testing vegetable garden soil

once every 3 to 5 years for pH and nutrients. 10. Divide and/or transplant summer or fall blooming perennials such as daylillies and asters. 11. Spray grapes for powdery mildew as shoots begin to grow and daytime high temperatures are 73°F or

over (see Gardening Guide and Calendar Resources. sacmg.ucanr.edu.). Continue weekly until daytime temperatures are over 95°F.

12. Look for aphids, slugs, and snails.

March Garden Checklist By Jan Fetler

Tips for Germinating Hard-To-Start Seeds By Meredith Cherry at GrowOrganic.com

(Source: Reprinted with kind permission from Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply)

A seed is made up of a seed coat that encloses the plant embryo and the endosperm. The endosperm is the food supply for the early growth of the embryo. The three basic methods for “encouraging” hard-to-start seeds to germinate are: Scarification - scar, scratch, or nick the hard seed coat Stratification - exposure to a period of cold temperatures Soaking - hydrates seeds with tougher seed coats

Scarification Seeds that are hard to germinate often have a tough seed coat. If you are not sure if the seed needs scarification, soak a seed in water overnight. If it swells, there is no need to scarify. Popular seeds with hard coats include: Nasturtiums, Morning glories, Moonflowers, Sweet peas, Lupine and Spinach. To “scar” or abrade the seed coat and allow more water inside, use a pair of nail clippers or a file. Be careful. If you make a deep cut you can hurt the plant embryo just under the seed coat.

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !6

Stratification Some perennial seeds need moist cold to germinate. You can mimic the freezing and thawing of winter by putting your seeds in the refrigerator. First mix 1 part seeds with 3 parts moist sowing medium like perlite. Place the mixture in a sealed, plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. Check once a week to be sure the mixture stays moist. The length of time in the refrigerator depends on the plant variety. When you plant the seeds, plant the moist medium along with them. This only needs to be done if you are not planting in the fall and allowing for natural stratification. Some common seeds that require stratification are: Milkweed, Primrose, Larkspur, Scabiosa and Coneflower.

Soaking Soaking helps seeds with tough coats, and also draws out harmful chemicals. For legumes like peas and beans, soak them for 2 - 24 hours in room temperature water. Beets contain a germination inhibitor, therefore germination will be enhanced by a 2-hour soak in water.

Parsley is a special case and needs to soak for 24 hours, then have its water changed, and soak for another 24 hours. Parsley is very slow to germinate and does best when seeds are in complete darkness. So cover seeds well and be patient when planting this out in the garden.

Do You Know Which Garden Plants Are Safe And Which Are Not?

If your answer is “no”, then you need to know about two important sources of information. One of these is the University of California’s database on Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants (https://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonous_safe_plants. The other is the California Poison Control System “Know your Plants” web page at: http://www.calpoison.com/public/plants.html

The University of California site provides us with “food for thought”: • Some plants may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps • Some plants have substances that are irritating to the skin, mouth, and tongue. Immediate burning

pain is common, and sometimes stomach upset, mouth and tongue swelling, or breathing problems may occur.

• Some plants may cause a skin rash. Sometimes the rash occurs only after being in sunlight, or gets worse with sunlight.

• Heating and cooking do not necessarily destroy a plant’s or mushroom’s toxic parts • Teas and home-made medicines made from plants can be poisonous. • Eating a small amount of a plant many not be a problem, but large or repeated doses may be

harmful. • Young children, and sometimes pets, will often chew or eat anything, no matter how it tastes.

Both sites mentioned above provide information on toxic and non-toxic plants by their common names and their scientific names, plants toxic to animals, and treatment for exposures.

Shared by Vivian Sellers.

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !7

In 2016, Mrs. Wilma Charles, President of the Eastern Horticultural Club and Dr. Sandra Celestine, Counsellor at the Health Services Unit (HSU) of the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI) discussed the possibility of establishing a healing garden on campus for students. Their discussions led to the preparation and submission of a plan of action to the UWI Administration and work started later that year. Members of EHC donated plants. In addition, they co-opted input from a landscape designer. Two EHC members who are themselves landscapers also assisted in the project. Anonymous donors, as well as over a dozen sponsors from the public and the private sectors contributed donations for the development of this healing garden. The garden is now a reality and will continue to be developed further since both Dr. Neil Singh, Head of the HSU, and Dr. Sandra Celestine are firmly committed to its benefits for students.

“The garden is a sensory feast. Bougainvillea erupts in crimson. Lady of the Night and Sweet Lime perfume the air. The gurgling water feature, made with barrels donated by Angostura, creates a buffer from mundane campus sounds. And with herbs like Lemongrass, Tulsi and Thyme in the mix, the garden-goers can even take a taste.” Dr. Neil Singh, Medical Officer and Head of the HSU advised that “ time spent relaxing in a healing garden can form an effective non-chemical component in overall healing and wellness.” Source: https://sta.uwi.edu/uwitoday. Contact email: uwitoday.sta.uwi.edu.

News From Our Sister Club in Trinidad & Tobago A Healing Garden Established

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !8

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SIGN UP At Our Meeting

To CAR POOL

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

At right. Linda Rivera proudly displays the check from Plant America for beautification of the Jerry Fox Pool area at the EG Regional Park. Linda has already selected artist Anthony Padilla to create a mural at the swim center garden.

Linda has also applied to the Native Plant Society for a grant of $100. The focus of which is educating children about the use of native plants. To this end, Rhinda’s Girl Scouts Troop will provide garden help along with Eagle Scouts who will build benches.

Above. Mary Adams-Wiley and Linda Rivera co-chairs of the Nicholas Dairy Project.

EGGC grant applications for community outreach activities are available from the president - Rhinda Furtado.

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !9

CHECK OUR WEBSITE elkgrovegardenclub.org

Nancy Baldwin informs us that we now have a section on the About Us page that provides information about our community outreach activities. Look for the title “Community Gardening”

LUNCHEON - ATTENDANCE

Please notify the Membership Committee immediately: Chris Duane, Leslie Haynes or Mary Hill if you will either be bringing a guest or if you will NOT be attending our Meeting on March 14th. Please check the Yearbook for their contact information. The luncheon hostess needs this information for the event.

SHARE YOUR TIPS & TECHNIQUES

We need “Tips and Techniques” for April and May. Please contact Rhinda Furtado.

BUS TOUR QUARRY HILL

BOTANICAL GARDEN MAY 1, 2019

Reservations are on a first come - first serve basis. Send your completed application with check for $60.00 made payable to Elk Grove Garden Club, P.O. Box 385, Elk Grove, CA 95759. Application forms are available at our meetings from Mary Anne Strohmaier and Ana Weekley. For further information call: Mary Anne Strohmaier - 209-747-8330 or Ana Weekley - 916-212-8742

Cathy Jow 3/8

Susan Muckey 3/8

Donna Williams 3/13

Kris Schoeller 3/14

Billie Winicov 3/28

TADPOLES

Bring glass jars to our March meeting if you would like to take home tadpoles for your garden. Julie Gaines will be making a brief presentation on how to care for them after you take them home.

Camelia japonica - quarryhillbg.org

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !10

PLANT SALES, SHOWS MEETINGS and WORKSHOPS

March 13 (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. California Native Plant Society

March 14 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sacramento Rose Society Club Meeting

March 16 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. March 17 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. SGAAC Annual Spring Sale

March 18 (Monday) 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Satsuki Aikokai - Bonzai Azalea Meeting

March 19 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sacramento Begonia Society Meeting

March 20 (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Sacramento Bromeliad & Carnivorous Plant Society Meeting

March 21 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. - 9;30 p.m. Sacramento Fuchsia Club Meeting

March 23 (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Perennial Plant Club Sale

March 25 (Monday) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sacramento Cactus & Succulent Society Meeting

March 26 (Tuesday) 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. American Bonsai Association Meeting

March 27 (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sacramento Valley Cymbidium Society Meeting

Meetings at Shepard Garden and Arts Center 330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento

March 28 (Thursday) 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Chrysantheum Society Meeting

March 30 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cymbidium Show & Sale

April 1 (Monday) 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sacramento Geranium Club Meeting

April 4 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Capital City African Violet Society

April 6 (Saturday) 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. April 7 (Sunday) 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Capital City African Violet Show & Sale

April 10 (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. California Native Plant Society Meeting

April 11 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sacramento Rose Society Club Meeting

April 13 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. April 14 (Sunday) 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. American Bonsai Association 60th Annual Bonsai Show

April 15 (Monday) 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Satsuki Aikokai - Bonzai Azalea Meeting

April 16 (Tuesday) 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Iris Society Meeting

April 16 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sacramento Begonia Society Meeting

Beyond the Garden Gate March 2019 !11

UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County Events (sacmg.ucanr.edu)

4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 Master Gardener Phone: (916) 876 - 5338

March 21 - March 24 Information Table San Francisco Flower & Garden show CAL EXPOMarch 24

March 23 Special Event: Compost Workshop UC Cooperative Extension Auditorium

April 27 Backyard Composting 101 UC Cooperative Extension Auditorium

April 27 - April 28 Information Table - Folsom Garden Tour

May 4 Backyard Composting 101 UC Cooperative Extension Auditorium

Green Acres Saturday, March 9

Elk Grove 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

“Dig Into Spring Ideas Fair”

Workshops:

• 10:00 a.m. What’s new from Sunset Western Garden Collection

• 1:00 p.m. Backyard Orchard Culture

• 11:00 a.m. Growing Vegetables from the Ground up

• 2:00 p.m. Growing Citrus for Every Season

• 12:00 p.m. Get your irrigation Questions Answered

• 3:00 p.m. Garden Pests S.O.S