Garden Club Members Only! Special Preview Sale- Baubles Bling & Blooms

Ardith's Jottings

Garden Club Members Only!

Special Preview Sale- Baubles Bling & Blooms

Feb. 10, 2012              2-4pm

19 East Camden

Fearrington Village, Pittsboro, NC

Remember that great estate sale I told you about that had an outstanding amount of quality floral books, containers, supplies, all new, unopened and unused at Super Prices plus lots of other fabulous stuff?  Well, Phase Two of the Estate Sale will be held Feb. 11, 2012 from 8-4 and Feb. 12, 2012 from 12-4.  A Special Preview Sale for garden club members and their guests only will be on Friday, February 10th from 2-4 pm.  The contents of the second home has been combined with newly discovered treasures at 19 East Camden.  The owner had inherited her late sister's jewelry collection.  The sister was as fixated on jewelry as was our lady about flowers, flower arranging, Ikebana and gardening.  The jewelry will be included in this Sale.  This is why I told you to save your Christmas and/or mad money.
 

It is necessary that 40 garden club members (or their guests) attend the Friday Preview to make it worthwhile to hire the workers and security.  RSVP to cmlhampton@nc.rr.com 
if you plan to attend the preview and how many, if any, guests you are  bringing. 

If you are unable to attend the Special Preview Sale, do attend the Sale Feb. 11 and 12.  This is an eagerly anticipated Event so get there early. Excellent quality items throughout.

Daylily donates to Watts St. Baptist Church

Daylily GC donated $250 to the Watts Street Baptist Church Stanley Mission Center for the purpose of placing two evergreen planters at the entrance to the house.  The house is used by the Host Homes Program to provide a home-like housing situation for patients and their families who are receiving long-term treatments at Duke University Medical Center.  The house has recently undergone extensive renovations and Daylily GC was glad to give the home an extra welcoming touch!

HOME GARDENING WORKSHOP SERIES

News from the North Carolina Botanical Garden

From the beginning, the North Carolina Botanical Garden has offered learning opportunities to gardeners. In 2012 NCBG staff and other local experts will be instructing in a super line-up of offerings for our “Home Gardening Series.” Generally 2 hours long on a Saturday or Sunday, these workshops provide participants with new tools and ideas. Starting with Weeds 101 on February 11, “Queen Weeder” Sally Heiney shows you how to identify weeds and suggests strategies for managing them. On February 18 gardener Bob Peoples offers Get Ready for Spring: A Vegetable Gardening Workshop. These are followed by Native Plant Seed Propagation, The Dos and some Don’ts of Pruning, Identifying & Controlling Invasive Plants, and Native Plant Propagation (cuttings). Don’t miss these, and more (Photography … All About Grains … Medicinal Herbs). Visit our recently updated website for details and how to register: http://ncbg.unc.edu/classes-workshops/

From the EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER DURHAM COUNTY NEWSLETTER

Rick Fisher’s Photography was able to donate $24,000 to charity this past year. His goal is to make $30,000 to donate to charity. Rick is also teaching a course in digital photography at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and will be leading a 3-day trip to view wildflowers and waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway for the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in May.

Leanna Murphy Dono and Marsha Booker-Hibbs are serving on the steering committee of South Durham Green Neighbors. Leanna is one of the co-founders and is currently serving as chair. South Durham Green Neighbors (SDGN) is an all-volunteer community group to inspire individuals in south Durham County to take responsibility for the Earth via small group dialogue and discussion
groups. For more information please contact either Leanna or Marsha or go to www.sdgn.net.

Extension Gardener Seminars at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
These seminars are free but pre-registration is necessary.
Please call Sara Smith at (919) 668-5309 to register.

Sunday, February 26, 2:00-4:00 PM: “Native Plants in Our Gardens,” Michelle Wallace, Durham County Extension Horticultural Agent.

Sunday, March 18, 2:00-4:00 PM: “Container Gardening.”
Extension Gardener Seminars at South Regional Library, 4505 South Alston Ave, Durham, free to register call (919) 560-7409

Sunday, February 19, 2012: 2:30-3:30 PM. “Durham Gardening 101- Getting Ready to Grow!” Sustainable Garden Workshop at Durham Center for NC Cooperative Extension, 721 Foster St.,
($25 fee, includes lunch and materials) to register call (919) 560-0525 or e-mail prjones@durhamcountync.gov

Monday, February 27, 2012: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Soil management, smart watering, rain garden, vegetable gardening, critter management.
Plants, Pests and Pathogens
These sessions are eligible for Continuing Education Credit. See:
www.ces.ncsu.edu?depts/hort/garden/PlantsPestsPathogen/1012.html for more information.
• Tuesday, February 28, 2012
• Tuesday, April 24, 2012
• Tuesday, June 26, 2012
• Tuesday, August 28, 2012
• Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Ardith's Jottings

336-622-4566

336-622-4566

Garrett's Flower Shop's  new owners are celebrating their  expanded and remodeled premises.  They will not only be offering great floral designs for all occasions but works by local potters, locally made soy candles, Debbie Roos' greeting cards and lots of other items to tickle your fancy.  Refreshments, door prizes, discounts will be offered.  It is rumored each lady attending will receive a free rose!

Jim and Robert, the new owners, also operate Carol's Good Earth Farm.  They have a great array of interesting and unusual blooms during the season.  The vase life of their flowers is far beyond expected. Lilies would frequently last 2-3 weeks.   I met them when I purchased their flowers at the Chatham Mill Farmer's Market in Pittsboro,NC.  Jim has a good eye for color and design.  He will help you select what is right for the occasion and the exact spot you want to place your flowers.  Robert is usually in the fields working with the flowers.  Together they will meet your floral needs.  
( I admit I am biased.  They spoiled me with their flowers at Chatham Mill Farmer's Market. )

If you want to do something different, see something new, attend the OPEN HOUSE, Saturday, January 28, 2012.

 

Winterfest, Blowing Rock, NC

Looking for an out of town getaway?  Blowing Rock is holding its annual Winterfest.  Something for everyone is available--Chili Challenge,Great Shopping, Wine Auction and Tasting, Ice Carving Competition, Winter Paws dog show, etc.  Check the website.  As gardeners we value each season for what it gives us, Celebrate Winter at the Blowing Rock, NC Winterfest!

CHOCOLATE

The Carolina Chocolate Festival is being held February 4-5, 2012 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.   Chocolate specialists from NC and outside the state will be there to seduce our tastebuds, to lure us into temptation.  Chocolate in all its shapes and forms will be available.  Cakes, tortes, ice cream and chocolate bars will be there for our delectation. A Chocolate Challenge open to profession and amateur bakers.

This event benefits Cateret County non-profit groups.  So come out, experience the anti-oxidants benefits of this tasty tree and have fun while benefitting some deserving charities.  Remember medical science now approves of the daily intake of chocolate.

We garden clubbers are a creative group.  Our creativity is not just limited to our gardens or flower arranging.  Many of us are also interested in the Needle Arts So I thought I would tell you that a Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza is being held  this weekend, January 27th and 28th in Statesville, NC at the Statesville Civic Center.  So if you are looking for fabric, new ideas, a new art form or just something to get you looking at those incomplete projects scattered about your home with new eyes, check out this event.

http://quiltersgallery.net/quilting-and-needle-art-extravaganza-in-statesville-nc/

Reynolda House Exhibit Feb 18-Aug 2

"A Genius For Place - American Landscapes of the County Place Era"
Reynolda House Museum will unveil a new exhibition this spring showcasing some of the finest examples of American landscape design in the early twentieth century. The exhibition reflects numerous influences, including Beau Arts, Arts and Crafts, and even Asian principles.
There will be brochures at the Feb meeting if you and a few friends wish to take a great day trip.
Reynolda House is in Winston-Salem  Call 336-758-5150 for details or e-mail reynolda@reynoldahouse.org.  Their website is reynoldahouse.org.

EK Powe Elementary School received a grant thanks to Town and Country GC

First grade teacher Lynette Damon applied for, and received, a  $1,000.00 Windows of Opportunity grant from North Carolina Beautiful made possible by a donation from Town & Country Garden Club.

EK Powe Elementary School formed a Garden Planning Team in 2008 (teachers and parents) focusing on enhancing school-wide outdoor learning opportunities.  The North Carolina Beautiful grant they just won is intended to revitalize a space at the school known as the Peace Garden and make it a permanent part of the grounds.  It's a 1,000 foot area, and includes a 200 square food ground level garden plot (the site of that great picture), as well as a composting station and a rainwater cistern.  The monies will support construction of the infrastructure for The Peace Garden and create a permanent outdoor classroom for children, teachers and families for many years to come.  I'll also forward a picture of the front of the school, with raised beds they already have in play.
  

Upcoming workshops and tours at the JCC Arboretum

The JCC Arboretum has numerous events planned for February and March. Reservations are necessary. Please call Lin Frye (919) 209-2052 or Minda Daughtry (919) 209-2184 to reserve a space.

Gardening for the New to NC
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
This workshop is especially designed for those new to North Carolina or new to gardening and will cover the important plant information needed for you to have a garden of your dreams.

Vegetable Gardening in Square Foot and Container Gardens
Monday, Feb. 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
This hands-on class covers the various ways to grow vegetables in small spaces.  The class will cover the best varieties to grow locally, when to plant, thin, and harvest. Participants will go home with several vegetables varieties to begin their own food gardens.

Birds and Feeders for Children 5-12 years
Wednesday, Feb. 29, 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the Arboretum Brick Building. Registration is $15.
This hands-on workshop for children focuses on attracting birds to your backyard.  Participants will create handmade bird feeders and a birdhouse to take home.  They will also learn about some of the plants that can attract these feathered friends.

Sustainable Gardening and the Bees
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
Learn good management strategies and practices that will enhance your plants while sustaining the environment. This class will focus on honeybees and ways to attract and keep them healthy. Participants will also have an opportunity to sample local honey.

Pruning Crape Myrtles and Azaleas
Wednesday, March 7, 10 a.m. - noon at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $10.
This hands-on workshop teaches how to correctly prune crape myrtles and azaleas so that they look their best while remaining healthy. This class is held in the classroom and outdoors so dress appropriately.

Fruit and Berry Pruning and Maintenance Workshop
Tuesday, March 13, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
This class will demonstrate the proper way of pruning various fruit trees and berries and also include information on proper maintenance of these important plants.

Sustainable Food Systems with Tony Kleese
Tuesday, March 20, 6 - 9 p.m. at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $15.
Tony will use his two decades of work experience to create a sustainable food system in North Carolina to help explain a sustainable food system and how to create one for your family and community.

Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Tour in Goldsboro
Tuesday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Meet at the Arboretum Mobile Unit. Registration is $20. Lunch is on your own.
This tour concentrates on the farm unit as it relates to sustainable agricultural activities, local farms, and produce and sustainability.  Learn how to help reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment as these relate to food.

Winter Pruning of Trees, A Timely Task

Most folks are putting away their gardening tools in late fall but don’t be so quick to retire inside for the winter. Did you know that winter is the perfect time to prune most deciduous trees?

Why winter?
There are several good reasons to prune trees in winter:
    •    The foliage is gone and the structure of the branches is clearly visible.
    •    The tree is dormant, this will eliminate the bleeding of sap from the fresh cuts.

    •    In the case of oak trees they should only be pruned during the winter. This is due to the fact that freshly cut oaks emit an odor which attracts the beetle that causes oak wilt. This is a serious disease that often times will kill the tree. The beetles are hibernating during the winter.
    •    There are several other varieties of tress that are less likely to contract diseases when pruned during the winter months. Prune locust to prevent stem canker. Prune apple, crab apple, mountain ash, and hawthorn to avoid fire blight.
Exceptions to winter pruning
As with any rule there are exceptions to winter pruning.
Trees and shrubs that prune in early spring should be pruned immediately after their blooms fade. Some examples of these are chokeberry (Aronia), flowering plum or cherry (Prunus), juneberry (Amelanchier), lilac (Syringa) and deciduous flowering magnolias.

Pruning Guidelines
 
There is a pruning guideline called the “5 D’s” that describes situations where pruning may be done at any time: these 5 D's are dead, dying, diseased, damaged, or deformed branches.


The rest of the article can be found at Dave's Garden
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/317/

REMINDERS of Deadlines this week

CLIPPINGS…..NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

The holidays are over and I finally took the antlers and red nose off of my car.  Now I can’t find it in the parking lot!!  I hope all of you had a pleasant Christmas and New Year.  Now to put away ALL the decorations!  It’s time to gear up for 2012 .

            I will be sending out my Call Letter for the April 27-May 1 GCNC Annual Meeting in early February, so put it on your calendar now.  Asheville is planning a wonderful event.  More information will follow in the letter and in the March Newsletter.

Website

            Lynne needs more information for our new website.  When you have a flower show, Blue Star dedication, special Christmas decorating event (Emma Harris GC take note), poinsettias at the VA hospital (Heritage GC take note) I SENT IN ON DEC 8th  also events from Hope Valley, Homestead Heights and Garden Makers) etc., please send in a picture or pictures for the site.  You do not have to put club members names if you do not wish to.  But you need to include club name, district, town, date of activity and what kind of activity it was.

            For the calendar----When your club has an event, like a flower show, please send in the information to Lynn so she can put it on the calendar.  We want to make our website as helpful and full of information as we can.  I sent this to Lynn too

The First Garden Club of North Carolina Ornament

            I am pleased to announce that GCNC now has a special ornament for sale that was made expressly for us.  It is beautiful.   I have a sample copy and I am thrilled with how good it looks.

            The 2012 issue will be the first of a series.  It is a Baldwin brass round ornament with dogwoods around the side and a red cardinal that is in relief.  On the reverse side it says “Made especially for GCNC” with the date of 2012.  

 

The cost will be $20 and they will be available at the Annual Meeting in April in Asheville.

Darene Honeycutt, our Ways and Means Chairman, is in charge of this project and will be taking preorders for delivery at the Annual Meeting.  Shipping prices have not been fully determined at this time for those who would like it mailed to them.   There will be a limited number of these ornaments produced and no reorders will be made.

Mail your preorders to Darene Honeycutt, Hudsontown Rd., Dunn, 28334. For information: Phone-910-567-6283. Email-darenehoneycutt@yahoo.com for information

Engagement Calendar Photos

            Photos for the 2013 GCNC Engagement Calendar are due by January 31 to Ann Payne, 150 Southwood Park Rd., Mooresville, 28117.  I know 2012 has just started but we have to go to press in a timely manner in order to have the calendars for April. 

                                                                                   

Important Dates for 2012

            January 25 Club Annual reports due to District Directors.

            January 31  Calendar photos due to Ann Payne.

            March 1  Youth Awards, dues and rating sheets due to State Youth Chairman, Ginny Parker.

            March 6 Davidson Horticultural Symposium

            March 16 Arbor Day

March 25-27  SAR Annual Meeting, The Greenbrier in West Virginia.  Registration forms are on the SAR and GCNC Websites.

March 31 Dues due to GCNC office in Raleigh.

            April 29-May 1  GCNC Annual Meeting, Asheville.  Registration form will be in the Call Letter mailed in February and on the GCNC Website.  Form is not available at this time.

            May 17-20 National Garden Clubs Annual Convention in Buffalo, NY.  Registration form available on the NGC Website.

            Sept. 23  GCNC Annual Fall Board Meeting inDurham.  Registration form not available at this time.

            There is further information and dates on the GCNC website about some of the above.  The Davidson Horticultural Symposium has a link on the website.

2012 District Meetings  Listed by date not district 

            Oct. 3 District 2, Morganton                                   

            Oct. 4 District 1, Tryon

            Oct. 5 District 3, Charlotte

            Oct. 9 District 10, Raleigh

            Oct. 10 District 12, Wilson

            Oct. 11 District 11, Jacksonville

            Oct. 12 District 8, Lumberton

            Oct. 16 District 9, Henderson

            Oct. 17 District 5, Greensboro

            Oct. 18 District 4, Winston-Salem

If any locations are incorrect the District Director should contact me immediately.

New Treasurer

            Some of you may be unaware that Dorothy Chin of Charlotte was elected as the Treasurer of GCNC at the Fall Board Meeting.  Welcome Dorothy.

Philadelphia Flower Show

Dear North Carolina Garden Club Members,

You are invited to take part in a trip to see the Philadelphia Flower Show.  See attachment for details about the trip.  Cost is very reasonable.  The Fred Heutte Center is in Norfolk, VA. is where the trip originates and returns.  The dates are Sunday, March 4 & Monday, March 5. North Carolina residents would probably need to plan to spend the night in a Norfolk hotel on Saturday, March 3, and Monday, March 5, because of the times the bus leaves and returns.  My understanding is that there will only be one bus taken this year so make your reservations early!

Bill Smoot is the President of Landscape Design Consultants in VA and organizes the LDC schools there.  He has organized this trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show for years.  He is a great guy!


The only conflict for GCNC members is the Davidson Horticultural Symposium is on Tuesday, March 6.  It is always an educational and enjoyable day!

I hope you will consider attending one or the other of these events!

Lynne Mabry
Website Chairman, GCNC

The 2012

        Philadelphia

                     Flower Show!

Join Us on An Overnight Bus Tour visiting Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA, and

The Philadelphia Flower Show!

4 –5 March, 2012

 

     The Fred Heutte Center is sponsoring a bus tour to The Philadelphia Flower Show. This is the largest flower show in the USA!  We have a great tour package that can’t be beat!  In addition to the Philadelphia Flower Show, we will also be visiting Longwood Gardens www.longwoodgardens.org/ and shopping in historic Kennett Square, PA.

Join other gardeners at the The Philadelphia Flower Show!  www.philaflowershow.com/home/index.html This year’s theme is “Hawaii:  Islands of Aloha!”.  The 2012 Flower Show pays tribute to the talents of the Hawaiian people in the Hawaiian Village, which will offer demonstrations, crafts and merchandise in the Grand Hall. You will be completely immersed in this authentically Hawaiian, once-in-a-lifetime presentation. And feel like you are walking across the beaches, jungles and mountains of the Hawaiian Islands.”  Enter beneath dynamic projections of crashing waves and one of the largest and most exciting displays of white orchids ever assembled. Towering palms, bamboo, green walls, and a tropical plant canopy will immerse visitors in the Hawaiian rainforest. A 25-foot-high waterfall will splash down into Pele’s Garden, an island of exotic flowers and plants where performers will conjure volcanic flames and the Fire Goddess. The islands will be celebrated in showcase gardens that highlight their culture through flowers and landscapes, performances and art. Other major exhibits will include floral volcanoes, cut-bamboo designs, surf shacks, Hawaiian vistas, and a tribute to the memorial garden at Pearl Harbor. Shop in the over 300 vendor market for any and everything pertaining to gardening – plants, books, tools, decorative items, etc.  Attend lectures and demonstrations from internationally known horticulture experts.

Tour includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, Continental Breakfast on trip up, overnight lodging with luggage handling at the Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square, PA, Welcome Reception, and full hot breakfast: Dinner at Brandywine Prime; tickets to Longwood Gardens, and The Philadelphia Flower Show!

Cost is $325.00 per person- based on double room occupancy!  Single room supplement is $55.00 extra!  Mail reservations to Fred Heutte Center, 1000 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk, VA  Include Full payment along with your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address! Call 441-2513 for additional info.  Only one bus will be going – when it’s filled that’s it!  Send in your reservation/payment promptly so you won’t miss out on this fantastic tour!

ITENIARY: All times approximate! Updated and further information posted at www.fredheutte.org

Sunday- 4 March, 2012

 6:00am             Bus leaves Fred Heutte Center –

Brief driver rest stop enroute.  Continental Breakfast (included)

11:30am            Arrive Longwood Gardens  –  lunch on your own.

3:00pm                        Optional shopping at Kennett Square, PA

5:30pm                        Arrive  at the Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square, PA – Welcome Reception & Check-In                          

7:00 pm             Bus leaves for Dinner at Brandywine Prime

Monday- 5 March, 2012

7:30 – 8:30am            Full Hot Breakfast Buffet (included) at hotel

9:00am                        Bus leaves for Philadelphia Flower Show

10:00am            Arrive Opening time of The Philadelphia Flower Show – Shop Till You Drop!

                        Lunch on your own. 

5:00pm                        Depart Philadelphia Flower Show for Home

                        Brief Bus Driver rest stop    Dinner/snack  (on your own)

11:30pm            Arrive at The Fred Heutte Center

Ardith's Jottings

Awards

Remember the time is nearing  to get your club award applications in for a well-deserved award.  I know your club has been busy.  So send in your award forms soon and your club may be be the happy recipient of the new and improved $50 award!


Changes, Changes,.....Something  old is new!

During December, it seemed  that I needed to do so many arrangements for so different organizations.  I soon became frustrated by the variety and quality of floral material available at my usual places.  I visited a place I had not visited in a long time, A Southern Season.   The floral department has changed!   The variety has expanded.  The quality has improved and they now carry some distinctive containers and accessories.

Below are some photos to show the "new" floral department .

The pearlescent  pierced ginkgo leaf vase is 19" tall and looks stunning alone.  Imagine how this would look in your entryway or on your hearth.  Bare branches would gain a whole new look.

This long piece of driftwood shown here dotted with airplants, would certainly add distinction to your arrangement-East or West.  It could be used horizontally as shown, vertically or angled.  It is a stimulus for the creative designer.  Smaller pieces of weathered driftwood are also available.

Visit  A Southern Season's floral department soon.  In fact stop by a shop which used to be an old favorite but you haven't visited in a while, they may have experienced some changes.


Trash and Treasure-Grove Park Garden Club first to contribute!

Remember our Council is responsible for the State Board Meeting, September 23,24,2012.   One of the features we will be offering is a Trash  and  Treasure table.   Contributions are needed.  Grove Park Garden Club's president, Jennifer Corser, made the first donation to the cause.  She generously contributed 2 distinctive Christmas ornaments.  Thank  you, Jennifer.

Remember the event as you are clearing out your closets.  Contact me at apugh21419@gmail.com if you have any contributions.
Items with resale value at or above $25 will be offered at  a Silent Auction.  We are looking for not only items but for gift certificates for a Spa Day, Mani-Pedi, Landscape Consultation, Interior Design Consultation,etc.  A good  rule of thumb is , if you would happily buy the item, so would someone else.

We want to make this a memorable event.   We want the ladies to go home from the meeting talking about the great job we did.  So step up to plate and contribute.

Late Bulbs

Do you have some bulbs languishing in your refrigerator?  Get them out and into the ground.  The longer you keep them in your refrigerator, the later they will bloom and the less likely they are to have a full size bloom.  So give the bul;bs a chance.  Get them into your garden so they can grow, grow, grow.

News from Duke Gardens - Docents needed

the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden will become a reality this year. Construction is well underway. This new garden will expand program opportunities for all ages. In addition to trained program guides, this garden will also utilize volunteers as greeters (Ambassadors) to assist daily visitors. We are excited to discover interested volunteers who are currently in the program as well as expand the volunteer corps to meet these needs. Dates are set for the 2012 Docent Training.  Veteran docents will note a format change in the training schedule this year. The dates are as follows:

February 21; 9-12 (History of Duke Gardens. This session is required for all docents)

February 23; 9-12 (Children’s docents only)

February 28; 9-12 (Adult docent session, Children’s docents are encouraged to attend)

March 1; 9-12 (Children’s docents only)

Following this experiential formal training, there will be additional dates scheduled with each curator to tour/train in their specific area of Duke Gardens

Contact Chuck

Director of Volunteer Services
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Phone 919-668-1705
www.gardens.duke.edu

Free Garden Programs at the Library

These three programs are free to the public and are at the East Durham Library. This new library is very easy to find. From even the farthest part of Durham, the southwest, you can be there in about 10-15 minutes by taking 15-501 North to 85 nNorth to 70 East to 98 East (also called Holloway St. or Wake Forest Highway). The library is on 98, just a few minutes on your right--you'll see a brick building with lit up windows in which you can see rows of bookcases--no sign necessary. Pull in just past the library and the building entrance is on your right, behind the building. The cozy auditorium is on the right as you enter. There will be refreshments provided by the library, I'll be giving away free copies of some of the magazines I write for (first come, first served) and for most of the programs there will be door prizes from local garden centers (thanks for Stone Bros. and Byrd Garden Center for last months free bags of organic fertilizer.

Thursday, January 12-- Attracting Birds and BUTTERFLIES to Your Garden
What could be better than a garden where some of the flowers can actually take flight and liven things up? Discover which earthbound flowers attract the flying flowers--birds and butterflies--to your garden. And learn why some of the flashy "New!New!New!" flowers touted in catalogs and magazines may not be the best choice.

Thursday, January 26 Gardening Tips that Save Time, Save Money, Save Your Back and Save the Earth Too

Would it be easier to enjoy your garden if you didn't feel enslaved by it? You can learn how to have great gardens while spending less time working in them. And more time relaxing in them. Save some money and the planet while you're at it.

Thursday, February 9th Growing Herbs in the Kitchen Garden

Fresh herbs thrown into the dinner pot are reason enough to have them growing in your garden. But they're also evergreen, fragrant, drought hardy and the deer don't like them. Herbs are good for the garden even if you eat out every night. Learn how best to grow them, both in the ground and in pots.

Heritage GC Pizza Party

Heritage Gaarden Club gave a special surprise and became Santa's Elves with some of the founding members of our Jr. Garden Club "Walking Roots"

ENTER YOUR PHOTOS for the State Calendar

DEADLINE  JAN 31.2012

DECORATING HINT and FEED THE BIRDS TOO

This is an outdoor hint which many of you already know but many have forgotten.  You can do this with your grandchildren.  They will enjoy it and it will remind them that our feathered friends need our care, especially in winter.

Take day old bagels, split.  Place on cookie sheets, dry in 350 degree oven for approximately 2-3 minutes.  Spread with ordinary smooth peanut butter, then dip in wild bird seed.  Loop red yarn, or raffia or twine around them to tie on the branches of a tree or evergreen in your yard.  It will bring color to your yard not only by the colorful red yarn but by the birds flocking to your yard.

This is the seeds and peanut butter with suet in muffin cups.

History of Holly

From a symbol of carnal passion to a mystical source of protection, holly has served many different purposes for cultures throughout the world. Early Christians stole holly as a decoration from the ancient Romans, who used the plant in their winter festival of Saturnalia. However, while holly was an expression of the lascivious side of the Roman festival, it played a much more restrained role in the Christian Yuletide: its sharp leaves, red berries and white flowers were a representation of the crown of thorns, blood and innocence of Jesus Christ. This versatile plant was also a staple in many pagan protection rituals. Holly, a masculine plant, gave good luck to any man who carried it.
For the same effect, women had to carry holly’s more feminine equivalent, ivy. This flexible plant winds itself around holly bushes, demonstrating the double meaning behind the Christmas song, “The Holly and the Ivy.” Families would hang holly on the wall to prevent lightning from striking their homes, or they would keep a sprig of the plant by their beds for pleasant dreams. Holly was even thought to ward off malevolent spirits when planted around the home. This unique plant gives color to a muted winter landscape, and will continue to be a part of our winter stories for generations to come.

Read more: http://www.herbcompanion.com/herb-profiles/history-of-holly-zm0z11djzsie.aspx#ixzz1h5AH11It