Common Pollinators

GARDEN CLUB SPEAKER STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF POLLINATORS

Betty Robison, member of the Town and Country Garden Club, sits at her laptop as she presents a program on the importance of pollinators in the food chain as one of three foods eaten requires pollination.

She named and discussed the more common pollinators -- bees, birds, bats, butterflies, beetles -- stressing the importance of establishing a pollinator -  friendly habitat in one's landscape whether it be containers, patios, yards, or gardens.

Pollinators are four times more attracted to native plants than non-native plants.  These plants should be of different sizes, shapes, heights, and colors.

Butterflies are attracted to orange, red, and yellow colors while bees prefer blue and yellow.

Since researchers have isolated 121 different pesticides in bee pollen, it is important to use non-toxic pesticide on plants.  A common one is using one teaspoon of Dawn dish washing liquid in one quart of water in a spray bottle and spraying outdoor and indoor plants.  This is a more natural option for spraying pests; such as flea beetles, Japanese beetles, sawflies, tent worms, slugs and aphids.

Robison is the owner of Robison Acres Plant Sanctuary in Scenery Hill and has been a  member of the Washington County Master Gardeners for 16 years.

February 9th Meeting

Our hostess in February was Gert Sagosky and Norma Kline. Norma shared her beautiful collection of tea cups. We shared our knowledge of plants and the warmth of friendship. Inspiration was given by Linda Shefcheck.

TEA FOR TWO -- OR MORE ?

TEA FOR TWO -- OR MORE ?

Rachel Miller at left and Norma Kline, members of the Town and Country Garden Club,

stand beside the array of English bone china tea cups from Norma's tea cup collection. The tea cups were used by the club members to make their own cup of tea.

Miller presented the program, " Herbal Teas," at the club's February meeting.  She displayed and discussed a variety of herbal teas.  She presented the history of tea and its modern uses--for enjoyment and  for medicinal purposes.   For centuries Asian and Oriental cultures have used herbal teas for their healing properties.  She cited current scientific studies that substantiate the medicinal value of tea, such as chamomile for calming and peppermint as a digestive aid.

Members chose from an array of loose tea, such as chai, chamomile, cinnamon, dandelion, elderberry, ginger, lemon grass, peppermint, rose-hips, and rosemary.  Fruit teas were also available - apple, blueberry, cherry, lemon, orange, peach, pomegranate, raspberry and strawberry.

Miller encouraged members to grow herbs not only for their beauty but harvesting for making tea and for medicinal purposes, such as echinacea,  which is the beautiful coneflower,  E. purpurea,  highly acclaimed for its healthful properties.

Miller has been an herbalist for 17 years and grows organic plants at her home and business, Autumn's Boutique, in Mather.  Among her other plants are herbs for skin care - lavender, aloe, calendula, and yarrow-- using their benefical properties for soap, lotions, balms, and salves.

Herbs and Tea

Blood Root

I uploaded a picture of blood root which is in my garden. The Indians used it as a dye but it also has been used carefully on warts and skin cancer with mixed results. I find it to be a simple flower with many uses. The roots which take years to mature very much look like blood and when snapped in half you can find the red liquid which is used as the dye and also medicinally.
Rachel Miller

Happy First of Spring

Though spring is officially here, we are still feeling the wrath of winter. Many of you will find your Pussy Willow awakens us to the first days of spring. I have already witnessed the dafodills and crocus as they pushed through the ice to reveal the beauty of  life and the renewal that only spring can grant us.