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The Flower Pot Newsletter of the Danville-Alamo Garden Club
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE April, 2014
Volume XLI, Issue 4
Inside This Issue:
Page 1…President’s Message
Page 2…Horticulture, Tours
Page 3…Outreach, Workshops &
Reminder Page 4…Calendar
Page 5…Did You Know?..
Birthdays, Programs
Nomination News
Page 6…Questionaire Form
Page 7...2014 –15 Membership
Page 8….Our Sponsors
Oh I came home so inspired after listening to our guest speaker, Hollie Lucas. She is so
knowledgeable about teas and herbs, their cooking and medicinal benefits. I am looking for-
ward to planting an herb garden. Just have to find the right location. Her suggestion about
using galvanized containers seems like a great idea. I read in a garden magazine recently
about a woman who lives in Glen Ellen and plants her herbs and tomatoes in them so the go-
phers can’t get to them. I heard many positive comments from our members saying how they
thought she was an excellent speaker with a very educational presentation. Many of you
have asked for a copy of her Power Point presentation. She will be emailing it to Rebecca
Byrom and I have asked Rebecca to send it to Nancy Norland who will put it on our web site.
Information when it will be available will be published. I was pleased to see so many of you
purchasing her products. Hope you enjoy them. She is a very creative and talented young
woman.
Thanks to our Social Committee members for all their hard work setting up chairs and ta-
bles and cleaning up after our meeting. They are so critical to our clubs success. Also
thanks to our members who brought sweets and savories for everyone to enjoy.
I know everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring weather. This is a great time to visit our local
nurseries and see all the beautiful blooming plants they have. Use your Discount cards.
As I mentioned at our meeting, plans are underway for our June Installation luncheon. Com-
mittee members are meeting, tasting food selections and working on table decorations. They
are making great plans for an enjoyable time for all of us. Please look for a notice about
luncheon signups in this newsletter.
Happy Gardening……….Sharon
2 April, 2014
For our April tour we will be doing the Gamble Gardens Spring tour of 5 private gardens in Palo Alto on April 25. After the tour we will visit Gamble Gardens for their plant sale and Marketplace and have lunch.
We will meet in Danville at 9:00 a.m. RSVP to Vicki Freeberg @ [email protected] or 280-9847. Please indicate whether you would be willing to drive. I will get back to you with the de-tails.
Installation Luncheon
Sign Ups
Our Installation Luncheon is sched-
uled for June 12th. In order to plan for the
amount of food needed, the Installation
Committee will need to have an accurate
count of the members who will be attend-
ing by JUNE 1st
.
They will be passing around sign up
sheets at our April and May General Meet-
ings. Please save the date and enjoy a
wonderful luncheon.
Usually I wait until April to plant my tomatoes. I have
seen frost on May 5th, but it is no longer deep. A general
rule is tomatoes need to be planted when the soil is warm.
This holds true for basil, and other warm weather crops.
This year is very different. Today the temperature hit 82
degrees F. I worked in the garden and actually broke a
sweat. Today is March 16th, by definition still winter. Even if
we go into a cool spell, I doubt we will frost, because the
ground is getting very warm very fast.
So I am planting my tomatoes a month early. Perhaps
unlike the last few years I will have tomatoes for the 4th of
July.
In the 1800’s the San Ramon Valley was a farming dis-
trict. The railroad took the crops from Danville Station up to
Martinez, and from there the food went to either San Fran-
cisco or up river to the Gold country. One of the crops was
Dry land Tomatoes.
Dry land tomatoes are tomatoes that were planted in the
spring when the ground was still wet from the rain. They did
not get big and juicy, but were smaller, but very intensely
flavored. It allowed for farming on the hill behind Sunset
color on San Ramon Valley Boulevard. Mind you this was a
very wet period in California history. Water rights were de-
termined during this time, and that is why we have a prob-
lem for the farms in the San Joaquin Valley.
If tomatoes could be grown dry, and they can because I
have tried to do it and harvested them, this means that they
do not need much water in our vegetable gardens. I admit
to watering my tomatoes everyday last year, but this year I
plan to water them every other day. This reduces my water-
ing of that bed by 50%. More than the 20% that I would
have to cut back to voluntarily reduce my water consump-
tion. That means more water for other things.
So my point here is that if you know how each water
station is being used, you can modify your water more in
some areas, and less in others. So an across the board
water reduction can be well managed compensating for
higher water areas and lower water areas. Just another tip
to manage the drought watering restrictions.
3 April 2014
Workshops
Brush off your camera and join us for a hike along Mt. Diablo's Summit Trail to iden-tify and photograph Spring wildflowers. We'll meet at the home of Karen Fox on Monday, April 21st (note day change - was Wednesday, April 23rd) at 10am to carpool to the north end of Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. (past the Athenian School), park and walk the short distance to the trailhead. How far we hike will depend on the group. Hiking boots a must. (This is not like the Ironhorse Trail.) No boots - no hike. Rain or muddy conditions cancel but we will re-schedule in May. You have homework! Please purchase the following book: Mt. Diablo Wildflowers by the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association (mdia.org) for $7.50. Sign-up sheet at the April 10th General Meeting or contact Karen Fox at [email protected].
Community Outreach
On April 3rd
we are off to Forest Home Farms for some ivy pruning. Yes, you are think-
ing, why don’t they get some teenagers to tackle a mundane task like this? Well, in the
areas they need help experienced gardeners are a real asset. At one point they lost a 100
year old rose due to some inexperienced helpers working up near the house and paths. To
make this task more manageable we are looking at a two hour time window 12:30pm -
2:30pm. Forest Home Farms is located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA.
Please bring a bag lunch, drink, pruners, kneeling pad (optional) and gloves. RSVP:
[email protected] or 828-1103 . Sandra Olinger
! Exciting News !
Ladies, it’s that time of year again. Membership Renewal Forms Due Now!
The DAGC Annual Membership Drive begins in April and ends in May. The deadline for receipt of the membership forms for next year is June 1, 2014. Mail your membership form and check to Susan Polk as soon as possible. (Her address is on the form you receive in the newsletter. If you will not be renewing for next year, would you please let Kayrene Braden or Win Cronin know, so we may begin contacting our waiting list. If you need to take a break from membership, but wish to return in the future, we suggest you place your name on the waiting list now, and there will be a spot for you in the future. Thank you and if you have any questions, please contact Kayrene or Win.
4 April, 2014
In your garden plant some summer veggies if the soil warms enough: beets, broccoli, corn, cucumbers, lettuces, peas, onions, radishes, and squashes. Prune spring-blooming shrubs when they finish flowering.
Dates & Times Events Details Tuesdays 9 am – noon
Plant Sale Markham Arboretum
Great prices on all containers, 4” to gallon-size.
Apr 3 12:30 – 2:30
DAGC Community Outreach Forest Home Farms 19953 SRV Blvd, San Ramon
Volunteers will meet at the Farms to prune ivy. Bring lunch, pruners, kneeling pad, & gloves. Contact: Sandra at [email protected].
Apr 5 10 am – 3 pm Apr 12 10am – 2 pm
Sale: Great Tomato Plant Sale 2014 Our Garden, in Shadelands, Walnut Creek
Master Gardeners will have more than 12,000 plants for sale, 60+ varieties of heirloom tomatoes, plus 20+ varieties of eggplants & peppers. Bring your own box. Cash or check.
Apr 5 2 pm
Class: Just Tomatoes Navlet’s Garden Center
Learn how to successfully grow the most popular of vege-tables, the tomato. We will cover soil preparation, heirloom versus hybrid, watering, and ripening tomatoes off the vine.
Apr 5 9 am
Class: Growing Cacti & Succulents Armstrong Garden Center
Add a touch of the south with cacti and succulents. We’ll show you the basic care for these low water plants.
Apr 10 9:15 Social 9:45 Meeting
DAGC General Meeting Alamo Women’s Club
Our guest speaker is Kathleen Elliot of Hillcrest Olive Ranch in Sunol.
Apr 10 6:30 pm
Class: Growing Fruits and Vegeta-bles San Ramon Library
Master Gardener Terry Lippert is an expert at growing fruits and vegetables in containers and small, challenging spaces. Come learn how.
April 13 Noon
Class: Tomatoes Sloat Garden Center
We will share with you successful secrets for the best Homegrown tomatoes. Rewards Members free; others $5. Call for reservation
April 17 9:30 am
DAGC Board Meeting Home of Rebecca Byrom
RSVP to Rebecca at [email protected].
Apr 19 9 am – 1 pm
Plant Sale Markham Arboretum
Tomatoes and other edible plants will be featured. Come early for the best selection of basics as well as more un-usual plants.
Apr 21 10am Meet at home of Karen Fox to carpool.
DAGC Workshop: Wildflowers Mt. Diablo’s Summit Trail
Participants will hike our favorite mountain to identify and photograph wildflowers. Must wear hiking boots. Bring water and snacks. See Karen’s article in this newsletter for more info. Contact Karen Fox at [email protected].
Apr 25 9 am Meeting place TBD
DAGC Tour: Gamble Gardens Spring Tour Palo Alto
We will tour 5 private gardens then visit the plant sale and Marketplace at Gamble Gardens. Lunch to follow. Tour cost: $35; lunch $15. Contact: Vicki at [email protected].
Apr 27 11 am
Class: Organic Gardening Armstrong Garden Center
Organic gardening uses natural means & products to grow a healthy garden. We’ll go in depth into organic techniques & products.
5
April, 2014
April Flower: Daisy
Birthstone: Diamond
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Penny Adams Betty Barnet Phyllis Brady
Patricia Cassell Beth Chiorini Win Cronin
Tena Gallagher Jan Hersh
Lynn Leavitt Paula McKee Linda O’Hara
Karlene Paufler Helen Pearlstein
APRIL PROGRAM Kathleen Elliot, the owner of Hillcrest Ranch in Sunol, will be our April speaker. Kathleen's great aunt, Grace Elliot, farmed this olive ranch in
the early 1900's. Located high on the Pleasanton Ridge in the East Bay Regional Park, this six acre ranch is a treasure, a piece of history which continues to produce first class organically grown olives which are then cold-pressed
to retain maximum health benefits. At various times during the year, the ranch is open to tour and offers olive oil tasting and demonstrations of soap making. Come and learn
about this unique ranch. Oh, and here's a tip from Kathleen: Drizzle Hillcrest Ranch Olive Oil on vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with sea salt
for a delectable dessert!!! See you at the April meeting--Rebecca
MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS
Our condolences to Jackie Acton on the death of her mother. As some of you know, Jackie cared for her mother for four and a half years. We are sending good thoughts to Board members Roseann Krane who is recovering from knee surgery and Myra Cummings & Joyce Michalczyk who have been under the weather. Sheila Truschke is having hip surgery on March 31st. Who was it that said we should age gracefully? Probably someone young! Caroline Bonny
Nominating Committee Report
Below is the list of nominees for the elected DAGC Board positions. The appointed board
positions will be announced after the May election.
Note that the nominating committee has yet to find a candidate for Social VP. We realize that
many of you have been put off by the number of bins that this person has been asked to
store, so we have found a way to cut the number to just 3-4 that are essential for each meet-
ing. (Other supplies that are used for the two luncheon meetings will be stored elsewhere to
be picked up when needed.) Please give serious thought to volunteering for this position,
maybe with a friend. You would be responsible for early arrival at meetings, starting the cof-
fee and hot water, and overseeing the set-up of chairs and tables. Remember that there is a
loyal committee to help with the set-up and take-down, but we need someone to be in
charge of this important job.
President Sharon Williams
Program Vice President Nancy Peterson
Membership Vice President Susan Polk
Social Vice President
Recording Secretary Jan Hamby
Corresponding Secretary Tena Gallagher
Treasurer Jenny Ofringa
Historian Linda Scotting
Horticultural Chair Kristin Yanker-Hansen
Newsletter Editor Roseann Krane
Sponsor Representatives Sharon Cohune, Janice Fassioto, Lynn Hoag-lin,
Tour Chair Vicki Freeberg
Website Administrator Nancy Norland
Workshop Chair Kathy Kaminski
6
Danville-Alamo
Participation is essential to making our garden club thrive.
Let us know how you can help us and how we can help you.
What are your gardening interests or specialties? (ornamental, vegetable, orchard, succulents, houseplants, other) ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Are you a Master Gardener? ______ Yes Tell us if you have a special workshop talent to share. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________
Would you be willing to serve on the Nominating Committee? ______ Yes Tell us about new programs, workshops and/or tours you would like offered. Give contact information if pos-sible. ______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any additional information/suggestions to share with the Club? ______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Please indicate the areas in which you would like to participate:
_____ Nominating Committee ______ Proofreading Directory _____ Social Committee ______ Bring Food for Meetings _____ Audit Committee ______ Horticulture _____ Winter Event Luncheon Committee ______ Monthly Flower Arranging _____ Installation Luncheon Committee ______ Photography _____ Community Outreach Committee ______ Other (Specify): _____________ _____ Members Helping Members Committee ______ Merrill Gardens Senior Home Christmas Deco rations (put up or take down)
Danville-Alamo Garden Club
April, 2014
7
Membership Form 2014-2015
Coming together is the beginning Working together is progress Staying together is success Please print your name the way you would like it to appear in the Directory. Contact the Membership Vice President if this infor-
mation changes during the year. *Starred items are required for membership and Directory purposes. NAME* ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to include your email address in the DAGC Directory? Yes____ No____
Would you like to be on the email list to receive Club and garden related messages? Yes____ No____
Members receive the newsletter, The Flower Pot, e-mailed monthly. Note: Effective June 2013, hard copies of the news-letter will no longer be available, except for those currently receiving a mailed copy. If you wish to continue to receive the newsletter by mail, include an additional fee of $21.00 to cover printing and mailing costs. Complete and return both forms with your (non-refundable) check made payable to DAGC.
Check #____________ Date__________________ Amount____________ Mail to: Susan Polk, 196 Blackstone Drive, Danville, CA 94506
Liability Release: I recognize that Danville-Alamo Garden Club’s activities, such as tours, workshops, and meetings at members’ homes can involve risk of injury. I agree as a condition of membership and participation in DAGC activities to release any claim I may have directly or indirectly, against DAGC, its officers, and my fellow members that arise out of such activities. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless DAGC, its officers, and members from any claim arising from my participation in Club activities.
_____________________________________________________________________ Signature
Date
Fill In ONLY if there are any changes from last year’s application. STREET ADDRESS* __________________________________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS* _________________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP* ___________________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE* ______________________________________________________________________________________ BIRTHDAY Month _______________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS (Print carefully.) _____________________________________________________________________
These are private lists produced for our members’ use only and will not be shared with other individuals or organizations. All names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses are to remain confidential and are not to be used for sales or solicitations.
Thank you
***RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 1, 2014***
Annual Club Membership Dues ($55.00) $ 55.00
Optional Hardcopy Newsletter Subscription (add $21.00) only for those who are presently receiving it
$
Total $
Danville-Alamo Garden Club
8
Sheila Truschke-Editor
Danville-Alamo Garden Club
P.O. Box 920
Danville, Ca. 94526
Our
SPONSORS
Alamo Ace Hardware
3211 Danville Blvd. Alamo
925-837-2420
Armstrong Garden Centers
7360 San Ramon Road, Dublin
925-551-0231
Diablo Valley College
Horticulture Department
321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill
Markham Arboretum
1202 La Vista Avenue, Concord
925-681-2968
Navlet’s
800 Camino Ramon, Danville
925-837-9144
Orchard Nursery & Florist
4010 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
925-284-4474
Regan Nursery
3268 Decoto Road, Fremont
510-797-3222
Sloat Garden Center
828 Diablo Road, Danville
925-743-0288
New SPONSOR Mt Diablo Nursery & Garden
3295 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
925 283-3830
M
Y
www.dagc.us
April, 2014
Remember, our commercial sponsors donate the door
prizes, and they support us with speakers for our general
meetings.
Please support them!
