| District IV Newsletter |
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District IV | Director: Ellen Dutka |
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From your District Director |
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| an interactive presentation by Karen Rexrode (Westmoreland Hills G.C.), history of the C&O canal by Jim Heins (Montgomery Village G.C.), and garden accents and special touches by Shirley Nicolai (Springfield G.C. of Mont. Co.). Trip excursions included: the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard (G.C. of Chevy Chase), Peg Coleman’s “Pleasant Spring Farm” (Aspen Hill G.C., Potomac Village G.C.), Dumbarton Oaks (Sumner G.C.), Gail Gee’s garden in Fulton (Bethesda Community G.C.), Surreybrook Nursery in Frederick MD, Winchester, Va. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and Glen Burnie Manor House and Gardens of Long Branch (Town’n Country G.C.), Rener Hill in Clarksburg (Cherrywood G.C.), and a guided tour of the gardens of Mount Vernon( G.C. of Chevy Chase). Our club members continue to be involved in multiple civic improvement projects including: the renovation of a small park to mark their 60th anniversary ( Kenwood G.C.), the rehabilitation of a community entrance in Rockville (G.C. of College Gardens), Betty English Garden spruce-up ( G.C. of Chevy Chase), community planting ( New Mark Commons G.C.), development of a children’s courtyard at the Olney library and contributions to the gardens at Casey House, which is a Rockville hospice (Seedling G.C.), and Little Falls Creek clean-up and maintenance of their intersection (Westmoreland Hills). Several area nursing home/assisted living facilities receive “garden/floral therapy” from various District IV clubs (G.C. of College Gardens, Potomac Village G.C., Woodley Gardens G.C., Cherrywood G.C., Women’s Community G.C., Kenwood G.C., Hoe’n Hope G.C.). Additionally, Bethesda Community helped provide Valentine day arrangements to the Ivymount School and Hoe’n Hope helped at the National Center for Families/Children. District IV garden clubs continue to show their ingenuity in fundraising: conducting plant and/or bake sales, holding a flea market, and sponsoring a bus trip are a few examples. Some clubs plan to have fall plant sales (pansies/ bulbs). Further details follow in this newsletter or will be updated on our web site as they become available. What would a year be if we didn’t enjoy celebrating special events? Seedling G.C. had a Hawaiian Luau theme for their last meeting and installation of new officers. Westmoreland Hills G.C. celebrated their 50th anniversary. I would like you all to remember that the above listed activities are by no means a complete list of everything that our clubs have accomplished during the past year but are only a few highlights. I was very inspired by all of you and consider myself very fortunate to be a member of such a dynamic and caring group. The Fall Directory issue of The Capital Gardener will contain much useful information on area events as well as contact people for NCAGC, local councils, plant societies, and ikebana affiliate organizations. I urge you all to keep this issue as it will prove invaluable in assisting you as you plan future agendas. This directory issue only comes out every two years. |
Finally, I’d like to remind you that our next NCAGC general meeting will be on September 25th at the US National Arboretum. This meeting will begin at 10:30 AM. I would also like to encourage some of you to consider attending the next CAR conference which will be held in Wilmington, Delaware on October 26th-28th.Additional information on both the NCAGC and CAR meetings follow.
Ellen Dutka
Full calendar of upcoming events
Calendar of Events for District IV Members 2007 August: 27 NCAGC Board of Trustees Meeting, USNA, 10:30AM (Mon.) September: 7 District IV General Meeting, Strathmore Hall Mansion, 10:00 AM (Fri.) 8 Ice Cream Social – to support Growing Green Dreams School 12 noon – 3 PM (Sat.) 12 Landscape Design Council , Wayne Goldstein's Garden, Kensington, Md. 10:30 AM (Wed.) 17 Floralia Meeting (Mon.) 19 Judges Council Meeting, USNA, 10:30 AM (Wed.) 25 NCAGC General Meeting, USNA, 10:30AM (Tues.) October: 1 NCAGC Board of Trustees Meeting, USNA, 10:30 AM (Mon.) 3-5 Flower Show School Course IV (Wed.-Fri.) 9-10 Garden Consultants School Course 1, USNA (Tues.-Wed.) 10 Deadline for submitting articles for "The Capital Gardener" (December mailing) 15 Deadline for Yearbook, Newsletter, and Book of Evidence Award Submission 15 Floralia Meeting (Mon.) 24 Garden Consultants Council meeting, No. Va. Comm. Col., Leesburg, 10:30 AM (Wed.) 26-28 CAR Conference, Wilmington, Delaware (Fri.-Sun.) November: 1-2 Environmental Studies School Course 3 (Thurs.-Fri.) 2 Deadline for District IV newsletter articles (Fri.) 2 District IV Board Meeting, Sylvia Tetrault’s house, 10:30 AM (Fri.) 4 Dig in Your Heels 5k Run/ Walk – to support Growing Green Dreams School (Sun.) 5 NCAGC Board of Trustees Meeting, , USNA 10:30AM (Mon.) 13 Little Farms G. C. Blue Star Memorial Dedication, Potomac Comm. Ctr, 1:00 PM (Tues.) 14 Landscape Design Council Meeting 15 Morning of Design, Springfield, Virginia 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon (Thurs.) 19 Floralia Meeting 26 Strathmore Hall Holiday Decorating, 9:30 AM (Mon.) 30 Award of Honor Information Due December: 15 NCG Wildflower Grant/Award applications due (Sat.)
| January: | 2008 | |
| 2 | Take down Strathmore Hall decorations 9:30 AM (Wed.) | |
| 23 | Garden Consultants Council meeting, USNA, 10:30 AM (Wed.) | |
| 25 | Citations due for Garden Club Achievement-Award 18 (Fri.) | |
| February: | ||
| 1 | Deadline for District IV newsletter articles (Fri.) | |
| 4 | NCAGC Board of Trustees Meeting, USNA, 10:30AM (Mon.) | |
| 13 | Landscape Design Council meeting (Wed.) | |
| March: | ||
| 3 | NCAGC Board of Trustees Meeting, USNA, 10:30AM (Mon.) | |
| 28 | District IV General Meeting, Strathmore Hall Mansion, 10:00AM (Fri.) | |
| April: | ||
| 9 | Landscape Design Council meeting 10:30 AM (Wed.) | |
| 23 | Garden Consultants Council meeting, USNA 10:30 AM (Wed.) | |
| 26-28 | NGC Convention, Memphis, TN, (Sat.-Mon.) | |
| May: | ||
| 2 | Deadline for District IV newsletter articles (Fri.) | |
| TBA | NCAGC Gardens Tour (working on date) | |
| June: | ||
| 5 | District IV Presidents' Luncheon, Strathmore Hall Mansion, 10:00AM (Thur.) | |
| 11 | Landscape Design Council meeting, 10:30 AM (Wed.) |
Speaker for September and March Meeting
You won’t want to miss District IV’s September 7th meeting. Our speaker will be sharing his ideas with us about how to enjoy our gardens more, while spending less time with weeding, cultivating, fertilizing and maintenance. John Peter Thompson, Chairman of the Behnke Nurseries Company, and native plant specialist will be our speaker. Those of you who have heard John Peter speak before know that he is knowledgeable, as well as very entertaining. You will not walk away from this program without a host of information or a wealth of ideas about how to cut your workload in the garden.
Many of us have worked to create landscapes that catch the eye after dark. Both silver and white plants stand out in the evening landscape, but nothing shows them off like illumination. Our March program will feature a senior designer from Outdoor Illuminations, a locally based company specializing in landscape and architectural lighting. They will offer us a look at the myriad possibilities of garden lighting, from basic candlepower to color, and how to make the most of any lighting opportunity.
Bette Lewis, Assistant Director
September Meeting - Hospitality
Hospitality wishes to thank the following clubs for so generously offering to bring refreshments for the September meeting: Seedling, Farmland, Garden Club of Chevy Chase, Springfield, Woman’s Community Club of Kensington, St. Johns, Sumner, Woodley Gardens, Potomac Home and Garden, and Gaywood. For those bringing the refreshments, please bring them to the kitchen before 9:30 if possible.
Helen Morton, Hospitality
NCAGC meeting September 25
"SIMPLE GENIUS"
All garden club members are cordially invited to attend the NCAGC general meeting and program on September 25, 2007 at The National Arboretum at 10:30 A.M. You will want to learn about all the upcoming events to begin in our clubs this fall, plus the program will feature the exciting and unusual landscape designed by Renny Martin for renowned, best selling author, David Baldacci. His 13th novel
is titled "Simple Genius."
Strathmore Hall Volunteers Needed
There will be a sign-up sheet at the District IV meeting September 7 for Holiday Decorations at Strathmore Hall, which takes place the first Monday after Thanksgiving – November 26, at 9:30 am. I will bring 18” wire wreath frames for the 12 windows. They need to be finished on both sides, since they can be seen from indoors as well as outdoors. Call me if you want to sign up for an indoor area before September 7. The theme, as usual, is Williamsburg to match the style of the house. To comply with this theme, decorations must be artificial greens, fruit, vegetables, holly, and similar. Glittery ribbons, beads, lace, etc. are not acceptable, and are not to be used. Call if you have questions. Decorations are to be taken down Jan 2.
Helen Morton, Hospitality
301-871-7124
Tip Books Still Available Did You Know…? |  |
2007 CAR Conference The CAR Conference is Coming What: Central Atlantic Region (CAR) Conference For the program and other information, check the CAR websitehttp://gardencentral.org/car/ 
When: October 26-28
Why: Tours, Workshops, Fun
Where: Doubletree Hotel, Wilmington, DE 
Blue Star Memorials
 | Right now, we have only two Blue Star Memorials in District IV. I’m sure there are many communities where we can place a Memorial Marker. Garden clubs can even join together to accomplish this. This is such a wonderful way to show those members of the armed forces who, over the years and at the present time, assure our freedom. I hope you will seriously consider this project for your club. Call and let me help you accomplish this worthwhile project. |
301-977-6093
NCA Recycling Program! bring them to the NCAGC general meeting on September 26th. Talk to friends, small businesses, and your own workplace, to extend our donation possibilities. The refunds given to us by the recycling companies will be used for environmental and educational projects. 
National Garden Clubs, Inc. is establishing an exciting recycling program that will keep tons of recyclable materials and dangerous chemicals out of our country’s landfills! Each state has been asked to join the initiative. We will be collecting empty ink jet cartridges, laser cartridges, and used cell phones.
Please bring “virgin” cartridges (not remanufactured ones) and cell phones to the September District IV meeting. Collect contributions at your garden club meeting, and
Thank you for supporting this initiative and helping to protect our resources and our environment!
To obtain a list of acceptable cartridges and cell phones, or for further information, please contact the NCA Recycling Chairman, Carol Carter, at carol@tcarter.com or 301-762-5682.
Carol Carter, NCA Recycling Chairman
Upcoming Schools
Garden Consultants School: Course 1, Series 7 of Gardening Studies will be held October 9 - 10, 2007 in the Classroom at the National Arboretum. Classes for this session will include Basic Botany for Gardeners, Soils, Houseplant Basics and Plant Propagation with a hands-on training session.
The course is scheduled for 2 days under the revised schedule from National Garden Clubs. We welcome all new students, returning students, and those who are refreshing. Contact Susan Lewis (301-934-6188) or e-mail questions to gardeningstudiescourse@ncagardenclubs.org for further information. A registration form will be in the upcoming Capital Gardener.
Environmental Studies School: Preserving our planet is something we should all be learning how to do. Come to Environmental Studies School on November 1 & 2 (Thursday and Friday) to learn all about it. We haven't finalized the classroom location yet but it will probably be at Northern Virginia Community College, Loudon Campus. We are going to tour the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency) facility at Dulles. It should be quite an exciting experience. This will be Course III and will focus on AIR. It isn't necessary to take these courses in any particular order so if you're interested, please call Karen O'Meara at 703-281-4334 or email at raykaren4334@cox.net
Flower Show School: The purpose of Flower Show schools is to train and accredit prospective Judges and to keep Accredited Judges in good standing. The goal of the schools is to increase knowledge of horticulture and flower arranging and to encourage educational flower shows of high caliber. The next Flower Show School, Course IV, will be October 3-5 in Fairfax, VA. To register, contact: Poss Tarpley, 1705 Belle Haven Rd., Alexandria, VA 22307-1223; 703-660-8661. For more information about the school and the upcoming course, please call Olivia Ford at 703-250-7533.
NGC Operation Wildflower Grants and Awards
As the 2007-2009 Wildflower Grants and Awards Chairman, I want you to be aware of the grants and awards that are available to clubs, states, and districts. Grants of up to $500.00 may be given for educational programs, symposia, and workshops on native plants/wildflowers. These events must be more than a two hour program.
There are three NGC Wildflower Awards available each year. Each is divided into several size categories, giving applicants a fair chance to win. Awards of up to $1,000.00 may be given. These awards are definitely worth an application, but we need to get the word out about them. Full award information will be in the fall issue of National Gardener Magazine in the odd years. Please make sure that you have the information to pass on to your award chairman and your clubs.
There is a new NGC Wildflower Chairman and she will deal with specific question re wildflowers/native plants. She is Joan Ochs at jnbochs@aol.com. I will just be in charge of the wildflower grants and awards.
I look forward to working with you during the next two years. PLEASE let me know how I can help.
Sue Redden, NGC Wildflower Grant and Awards Chairman.
sueredden@verizon.net 401-245-8215
16 Appian Way
Barrington, RI 02806.
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Folks, these grants look like a good deal and I'm sure that some of us out there can make it happen.
Applications for these awards are due December 15. The form and further information is available on the NCAGC web site under awards.
Vickie Godwin, NCAGC Awards Chairman
Awards
Three dates to remember:
October 15 - newsletters, yearbooks and books of evidence are due.
November 30 - Award of Honor is due. This is a new date, and is earlier than in previous years. We would like to have an application from each club. Look in the fall issue of the Capital Gardener for application instructions. There surely is a hard worker in your club who deserves this recognition.
January 25 - Citation for Garden Club Achievement (Award 18) is due.
All forms can be taken from the website: NCAgardenclubs.org. Click on Awards. The forms were not in the Presidents' packages this year because they were being updated. The forms on the website are the only versions that will be accepted so please download them or call Beverly or me to have one mailed to you if you do not have access to a computer.
Please mail the applications by these dates to avoid our nagging you in the days thereafter. Thank you.
| Virginia Render 1614 Auburn Avenue Rockville, MD 20850-1144 301-762-0970 | Beverly Miller 794 College Parkway Rockville, MD 20850-1929 301-424-7575 | Sylvia Tetrault 11701 Eaglesham Place Olney, Md. 20832-1649 301- 774-0951 |
Fern Valley
| Thanks to Marjorie Marra’s efforts as the previous Fern Valley Chairman, we should all now understand that this unique garden was conceived and built by NCAGC members. It is a natural wooded area planted with ferns, wildflowers and native trees and shrubs. It was begun in 1959 as a joint project of the U.S. National Arboretum and the NCAGC. Therefore, it seems particularly appropriate that Rilla Crane’s President’s Project will focus on Fern |  |
Contributions in support of this endeavor should be sent to Carol Butler, 1508 Auburn Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Checks should be made payable to NCAGC. Please be certain to note “President’s Project for Fern Valley” on the check. If yours is a memorial donation, please note “President’s Project for Fern Valley” in memory of ___________________.
Thanks to those groups and individuals who have contributed recently. In May: Centennial Garden Club, District I, Garden Club of Montclair, Holly Hill Garden Club, Marjorie Marra in memory of John Loughlin, Tanta-Cove Garden Club, Trowel Garden Club, Woodley Gardens Garden Club; in June: Bethesda Community Garden Club, Rock Spring Garden Club in memory of Marjorie Cassell, Sumner Garden Club
Terrill Meyer, Fern Valley Chairman
Growing Green Dreams – A Magical Project for Youth and Families
When there is magic, life it so very good. When dreams are realized, it is even better. Last Saturday it was pure magic at the Washington Youth Garden’s Growing Green Dreams site as the Harvest Day Celebration was the big happening at the USNA. Families, staff, and volunteers gathered for a dream-filled four hours where smiles repeatedly expressed the pleasures of the day. Chefs of all ages prepared special dishes using fresh vegetables picked from the garden as families worked together to prepare recipes to share on a scrumptious buffet table filled with healthy food. Many also pulled weeds from their 5’x 5’ plots and gathered produce to take home. Visitors were busy touring the garden, while photographers were recording memories too good to miss. Certificates of recognition for program participation were given to the program participants along with whimsical rock creatures. Laughter could be heard in the squeals of
adding beauty to the feast of well- prepared food. Jo Sellers, B.J. Sullivan and Betty Mosher of the NCAGC gave wings to the young designers who proudly placed their work on the tables. The FONA Youth Garden staff deserves congratulations for planning this beautiful day for all.children as they watched a juggler draw them into a joyful presentation. The rhythm of song as young voices joined in to sing a snappy tune about gardening kept many clapping and swaying to the beat of the music as the guitar strummed in accompaniment.
Many first time floral designers became enchanted with the idea of creating their own arrangements to brighten the buffet and picnic tables, 
The National Capital Area Garden Clubs has been generously supporting the Growing Green Dreams project since 2003. The program needs many volunteers and is always ready to receive financial help from believers who value youth gardening.
You are invited to:
An Ice Cream Social – September 8, 2007, 12 noon – 3 PM
Participate in the Dig in Your Heels 5k Run/ Walk – November 4, 2007
Contact: Betty Mosher, NCAGC Growing Green Dream Chairman 703-569-4382, bettymosher@verizon.net and/or send contributions (checks to NCA/WYG) to Carole Butler, Executive Secretary, 1508 Auburn Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850-1120
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| Youth Gardening--Yes! Boxtops for Education? Yes! We continue to ask you to cut out these small pink coupons. Our garden is registered as "Growing Green Dreams School" with General Mills. Some of the other companies now in the program are Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Viva, and Zip-Lock products. Each coupon has a value of $.10 which adds up quickly. The goal now is to purchase books for all students. |  |
“If you plant daffodil bulbs all at once, and want some to bloom at different times, just plant some of the bulbs upside down. It will take them longer to come up and blossom”
“Did You Know…”
Planning a Year-Round Garden
Every gardener welcomes springtime for the burst of new growth and colorful blossoms that are put out by the plants around us. We also enjoy the brilliant colors of fall and watch the progression of colors with pleasure. But sometimes it seems during high summer and perhaps more especially in midwinter, that like many of us, our gardens are hunkering down into survival mode to wait out the current season. However, with a bit of planning and the right plant selection, everyone can enjoy a colorful and interesting garden year around.
It’s important first to be aware of the growing conditions that are present in your garden space so that your plant selection can be made with confidence that any new additions will grow comfortably and happily. The primary considerations are;
1. Sun or shade
2. Wet or dry or in-between, or perhaps seasonally varied
3. Exposed to wind or sheltered
4. Soil type; clay, sandy, rocky, etc., (though this can be amended)
Most gardeners already own one or several (or “many”!) gardening books which include an encyclopedic section of plants. If you don’t already own some kind of garden plant encyclopedia which includes information on the conditions necessary for each plant, I would suggest that this is one of the most important planning tools you can own, for both information and inspiration. A visit to a local nursery can be equally inspiring, but that also offers a huge and problematic temptation to purchase plants on the spur of the moment, plants which may languish in your home conditions (haven’t we all done that at some point?!).
What should you look for to ensure year around interest for your garden? Variegated or unusually colored leaves, such as gray or yellow or even purple can add a whole new dimension in the heat of summer when your blooming perennials are languishing. It’s easy to go overboard with these oddly colored plants, and a little goes a long way. Keep in mind that a large number of purple leaved plants will look dark and heavy, and that too much yellow will just look “sick”, but in combination with the natural variety of greens they can add terrific touches of interest.
Think “xeriscaping” (water saving gardening) for your high summer additions, and use plants that will survive the kind of drought conditions we’ve been experiencing this summer and still shine. Russian sage
(remember that you will need a nearby male to pollinate every three to five female hollies). You should use evergreens, of course, but also look for interesting bark, such as the ‘Heritage’ birch, or highlight the lovely exposed structure of a Japanese maple. Choose a winter blooming plum or witch hazel and you can have flowers in January! With just a little planning and pleasurable research, your garden can be interesting and delight you all year long. is still going strong in my garden, though it hasn’t received any extra water. For shady yards, explore the truly vast world of Hostas, which come in hundreds of varieties in all shades of green and variegation, which can literally light up a dark spot. For the winter garden, think about structure, seedpods and berries. Check out the hollies, not just the evergreen ones that can’t tolerate harsh winds, but also the deciduous ones, which come in reds that will almost literally knock your eyes out 
Kathy Noble, Landscape Designer
Champion Trees
Trees are wonderful – they absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen, they provide cooling shade in the summer, windbreaks, mulch, places for children to play, and many other wonderful things. In general, we have too few of them because we keep cutting them down, often for no really good reason (a view of the Potomac without trees is not a better view). In fact, Maryland has gone from being nearly 95 percent forested to about 42 percent now, and down to less than 30 percent in central Maryland where we
| are. But many trees have been around for a very long time in spite of human activity. And in the early 1900s people began to be interested in preserving and celebrating our trees, especially the large, magnificent ones. Maryland was one of the first states to be interested in recording and maintaining these large trees, and in fact has done so for over 100 years, well before the Federal Government even got interested. Fred Besley, Maryland’s first state forester, worked with the Maryland Forestry Association, in 1925 to co-sponsor a Big Tree Champion contest. He devised a measuring system that was later adopted as the standard for national competition by the American Forestry Association in 1940. |
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| The circumference in inches at 4.5 feet above the ground is added to the height and 25% of the average spread in feet to get total points. Each species is judged separately. This first contest recorded 155 species out of the 225 known to exist in the state at that time. Among the winners of this early contest/registry was the Wye Oak, the largest white oak tree ever recorded (it was 380 inches in circumference, 96 feet tall and had an average crown spread of 119 feet at death). At the same time, a ‘Noted Tree List’ was started for Maryland. |
This list continues today and is updated annually by the Forestry Conservancy Board in each county. The largest trees of each species in each jurisdiction are recorded as they are identified, and compared across counties to determine state champions, and across states to determine national champions. Needless to say, some counties are more active than others. |
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| activity). And three of them are owned and cared for by our own District IV garden club members (Missy Lankler – Linden Silver Pendant , Linda Pepe – White Oak, and Peg Coleman - Serviceberry). Missy’s tree is the State Champion Linden, and Linda’s tree is the state Co-Champion white oak. Just think – another potential Wye Oak right here in Montgomery County. I suspect others of you may also have such a champion tree. If you know whom I should contact for information from other areas within District IV, or if any other champion trees are owned by our Garden Club members. I would love to put together a list of club members and their trees. And if you have a picture of your wonderful tree, please send it along. |
Paula Knepper, Environment
News from the clubs
Kenwood Garden Club President Anita Bavitz officiated as we formally dedicated our donation of a new teak bench and beautiful landscaping in Pocket Park on Brookside Drive in Kenwood on May 30, 2007. The event was attended by 30 people and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches by Mrs. Bavitz and Kenwood Citizens Association president Renee Waldron.
| The Kenwood Garden Club is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this year, and club members were eager to commemorate this anniversary with a lasting gift to Kenwood. Kate Jahnig, Barbara Ann Libbey, Martha McGarry, and Lillian Bateman volunteered to serve on the gift committee, and sought a gift that would be both enduring and beautiful. The lovely Pocket Park is in a prominent location in Kenwood just south of Christmas Tree Circle and is a favorite of guests picnicking and strolling when Kenwood’s Yoshino cherry trees bloom in April. |
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The gift committee worked closely with the board of the Kenwood Citizens Association, including current president Renee Waldron, rising president Bob Shaffer, and board member and landscaping expert Dennis Potts. The board enthusiastically supported the project and generously contributed to its realization. The committee also met with Montgomery County officials Joseph Cheung and Sarah Navid regarding required permits. With permission to proceed, the gift committee sought input from Nancy Everett of Boxwood Designs and Timothy Wessel of Timothy’s Garden, as well as Kenwood Garden Club expertise, to develop a landscape design and shrub selection that provides a peaceful backdrop to the circular teak bench, which carries a commemorative plaque. Together the landscaping and the bench will ensure enjoyment of Pocket Park by Kenwood residents and guests alike, hopefully for another sixty years.
Seedling Garden Club President Diane Reba has selected as her theme for the year “Nurture Our Heritage.” To initiate this theme, Seedling Garden Club will kick off a new beautification project. In partnership with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, we will help to restore the grounds around Oakley Cabin, a museum in Montgomery County, furnished to depict the various periods 
of the structure’s history and development. Oakley Cabin is a 19th century African American historic site. Built as one of three slave dwellings in the 1820s, the cabin was the center of an African American roadside community from emancipation well into the 20th century. The dwelling, inhabited until 1976, is located in Brookeville. Seedlings will replace a native persimmon tree, known to have been on the site. An herb garden, with varieties of the period will be planted and cared for, as well as a flower garden, featuring early black-eyed susans.
For information and newsletters from Woodley Gardens Garden Club, go to their web site via the District IV web page (club links are at the bottom of the district page). There are interesting horticultural and environmental articles as well as other interesting information.
Other Related Information and Events
District IV’s own Potomac Village Garden Club is sponsoring a "road trip" from the U.S. Arboretum to Potomac Village for the Arbor House Gift Shop. The Potomac Country House Tour sponsored by St. Francis Episcopal Church invited Lorraine Leonard, manager of the Arbor House to be one of the vendors for House Tour Weekend, Saturday, September 29 and Sunday September, 30. Members of the Potomac Village Garden Club will be assisting Lorraine with sales from 11 to 5 PM both days. Carol Jarvis, President of Potomac Village GC is also chairing the Potomac Country House Tour and invited Arbor House. This is a first, as Arbor House has never ventured from the arboretum. No tickets are required to shop at the church.
St. Francis Church is located on 10033 River Road, Potomac Village (across from Safeway). For 52 years our church has sponsored this house tour of 4 decorated houses giving all profits to area charities for women and children. Events at the church include a luncheon (ala carte), a dessert bar, 9 vendors (including Arbor House), and an artisan shop of 18 parishioners selling their handicrafts including photos of wild flowers of the C and O Canal. Our theme this year, with a solar house on tour, is "recycle, reuse" and we have recycled items in our gift shop. Tickets go on sale August 24 in area shops or you can purchase the tickets at St. Francis the week preceding house tour weekend. Before the weekend tickets cost $20. On the day of tour, they will be $25.
A synopsis of the four homes: Marwood Estate is a second generation Blair family home (Alice Blair had her house on tour in 1988 creating the biggest house tour ever). This home is decorated for masculine tastes. Potomac Bend, A Federal Colonial, presents striking trompe l'oeil artistry throughout the home, as well as a recycled stone staircase from the National Zoo. Potomac Falls, Arts and Crafts, demonstrates great use of architectural wood elements. A highlight is the backyard, which is framed by the C and O Canal. Glen Road, A Solar Ranch, is owned by garden club member, Dana Semmes. It will also feature 16 parishioners’ quilts (some made by Pennsylvania Dutch, most 60 to 150 years old).
District II is hosting a Morning of Design.
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Enjoy Refreshments and Hospitality by the Springfield Acres Garden Club
Questions: contact Barbara Shea 703 591-1996 or barbara.shea@mail.va.gov
Bring your friends.
Directions to “Morning of Design”
 | From the Beltway: Exit I-95 south from the Capitol Beltway. Take the first exit #169, 644 West (Old Keene Mill Road). At the third light, take a right on Hanover Avenue. Proceed to the fourth 4-way stop, take a left on Floyd Avenue. At Bath Street, take a right and go one half block. From Franconia and Kingstowne: West on Franconia Road. At the third light after you cross over I95. Take a right on Hanover Avenue. Proceed to the fourth 4-way stop; take a left on Floyd Ave. At Bath Street, take a right and go one half block. |
From Newington: North on Backlick Road. Left on Floyd Avenue. Proceed through stop sign at Hanover Avenue. At Bath Street, take a right and go one half block.
District II of National Capital Area Garden Clubs, Inc.
and American Horticultural Society
jointly present
Sunday, September 23, 2007
12 noon - 5:00 pm
Professional appraisers will evaluate antiques in these categories: China, Silver, Books/Maps/Paper Documents, Furniture, Paintings/Art, Textiles, Toys, Clocks, Glass, Coins/Money and Jewelry.
An opportunity of a lifetime to have your antiques professionally appraised, plus buy glorious Fall plants: the best of both worlds!
River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308
(Headquarters of American Horticultural Society)
There will also be antique items for purchase in a separate area.
NCAGC $15/person (for appraisal of two items) OR
Tickets: $5/person for general antiques admission
~
Entrance to the AHS Plant Sale is FREE.
ANTIQUES RiverShow fundraiser will benefit NCAGC’s District II for many community outreach projects.
More information: Nancy A. Burns, 703-329-1899 or n.burns@cox.net
www.ncagardenclubs.org
American Horticulture Society Membership
The American Horticulture Society (AHS) invites all garden club members to join at a discounted price of $20 (a $15 savings) for a short period of time - until January 1, 2008. Sign up materials will be made available at NCAGC’s September meeting. With your membership you will receive The American Gardener magazine, free or discounted admission to nearly 200 public gardens and flower shows throughout the country, early admission to all plant sales, an invitation to participate in the Society’s annual seed exchange, discounts on AHS educational programs and publications, and access to the members only section of the AHS website and exclusive online learning opportunities.
The AHS administers many educational programs to promote American horticulture, and works to preserve and improve River Farm, a historic garden space in the DC Metro area. It has also been a long-time supporter of District II of the NCAGC, providing a complimentary space for their meetings and programs at River Farm.
For more information about these and other AHS member benefits, you can visit their website at www.ahs.org.
Interesting Web Pages
For those of you who are interested in Crape myrtles, go to the National Arboretum site which gives you information on all of the 29 released crape myrtles they have developed - including descriptions of flower color, plant size, bark color and growth habit, with links to individual varieties. The site is http://www.usna.usda.gov/PhotoGallery/CrapemyrtleGallery/CrapeTable.html.
Reminders:
Any dates of important events should also be sent to both Poss Tarpley (at posst@aol.com )and Rilla Crane ( at DCrane3454@aol.com )so they can include them in their calendars (plant sales, outings, etc.) and put the information on the NCAGC web site.
Susan Foulke needs to know about the death of a garden club member (yardmom@juno.com).
From the Newsletter Editor
A Reminder: If you have information about upcoming events and fund raisers, articles related to your club, pictures, interesting web links, and other garden-related activities, fund raisers, etc. that you would like to share, send it to me. I prefer things electronic, but can handle non-electronic information. We are not limited by space, but I may put it on the web page, particularly if there are lots of pictures, so everything is welcome any time. And for those of you with community garden projects, please send me pictures for the web page. I want to show others how much District IV Garden Clubs are doing.
Information for the Fall newsletter should be to me before November 7. I am planning to have that newsletter out by mid-November.
Note: My e-mail has changed. It is pknepper@verizon.net. Please update your contact information.
For future newsletters, I need to receive information by: February 1 for the February Newsletter, and May 2 for the May newsletter (note – these dates are all the first Friday of the month, every 3 months). Send information as early as possible, but don’t hesitate to send me things that come up at the last minute – it happens, and I will try to get it in. Send information for the District IV web page any time.
And finally, your privacy is important, so we don’t want to share information in a way that could invite additional junk e-mail. At the same time, we do want to share as much as possible within our district and others in the NCAGC family, so please share this newsletter and attached information with your club members (just forward this e-mail - it’s easier to forward an e-mail than make copies of a paper version for additional distribution) and other NCAGC members who might be interested. Use the information freely to communicate between NCAGC members, but please do not add any of these e-mail addresses to any chain mail, or distribute them outside the NCAGC family.
Paula Knepper, Newsletter Editor (pknepper@verizon.net)
