Luncheon08

Dear Members and Garden Friends
For garden fun and garden know-how, wherever you live, please join us in our activities in the
upcoming year.

We will have our Holiday Party at Maria's house. Please let her know what you plan to bring for our feast!

December 10, 2008, Wednesday

Meeting at 11:00 a.m., Luncheon at 12:00 p.m

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Here is a picture of Rose's Hoverfly in my garden... I would have thought this was some kind of bee so it is nice to know!

I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
'We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing

IN THE GARDEN

Reminders for Indoor Plants. Know the differing moisture needs of each plant. Over-watering is the biggest mistake indoor gardeners make, When the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water. Humidity helps plants thrive.. Set pots on gravel in trays of shallow water or mist plants.

Check out the light needs. Know if the plant should be in a south, north, east or west facing window.

Fertilize monthly with an application of a water soluble plant food. Fish emulsion is excellent.

Plants need ventilation, but not hot or cold drafts.

When plant growth slows down, indicating its seasonal rest period, reduce its water and food. If a plant is not doing well where it is, move it . To avoid lopsided growth, rotate plants regularly. In summer, plants may enjoy an outdoor vacation. Make sure, however, that the outdoor conditions are suitable for the plant. A gentle rain can clean and refresh many houseplants..

For some more really excellent gardening tips, please check out "Gail the Gardener" column on the Redbud website. Go to www.RedbudDistrict.com and click on Education, then Gail the Gardener. Also Renee Hopf has a very nice Birds and Bees page. Lots of good info on this site.

DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs
www.dekalbfederation.com
No meeting in December

Beautyberry - but with a twist! Callicarpa Dich Issai makes super amethyst 'beads' and has a lovely chartruse folliage.

Flowers seem intended for a solace of ordinary humanity.
John Ruskin

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Welcome, Welcome to more new members: Renee, Karen , Edna, Carol, Ann, Lynne and June.

We welcome all new members into our family of friends. We know our club will be more wonderful because of their participation.

Please remember to fill the gift bags full of good stuff for the Women’s and Children’s Shelter and bring them to the Holiday Luncheon on December 10.

At the January meeting, we will elect our new slate of officers for our upcoming fiscal year. The nominating committee will be selected at the December meeting. So be thinking about volunteering for an office!

Don't forget to collect seeds.

OTHER EVENTS

January 28 - February 1, 2009, Wednesday-Sunday Southeastern Flower Show. “Unearth Your Passion”
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, Georgia. For info:
404-351-1074. www.FlowerShow.org