February 2011 - Naples Garden Club

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Kathleen Hawryluk Flower Show Chairman ‘Garden Party’ Remember our Flower Show, “Garden Party” will be held on Friday, March 25 and Saturday March 26 from 9 to 5 on both days. Judging is on Thursday, March 24. Be sure to pick up your schedule at the March meeting if you have not done so. Flower Show week is a busy one for us all. Everyone helps! If you haven’t volunteered yet please contact the person who is in charge of the area of your interest. I am sure that your assistance will be graciously appreciated. Set-up begins on Monday, March 21. If you don’t have a specific job you will be welcome to assist anytime on Monday and probably Tuesday. Show up and join the fun. Prepare your horticulture now, attend the workshops that are scheduled to assist you, contact the consultant (listed in the schedule) and enter the design section of your choice. Some classes are closed already so get your name in quickly. Need help – ask for it. You may always call me for advice and most any other member listed in the back of the schedule as well. We are having a raffle and need items. Please contact me if you have something that you can donate or if you know of a business or personal contact who would like to donate. Be sure to get your reservation to Peggy Coniglio for the Preview Party to be held on Thursday evening. Tickets are $25 and you may send the check, made out to NGC, to Peggy. See you at our Garden Party, Flower Show Preview Party Thursday, March 24, 2011 5:30-7:30 Husbands and significant others Are invited Tickets $25 each RSVP to Peggy Coniglio 121 Bristol Lane Naples, FL 34112 Make checks to NGC Questions 330-323-7703 Items of interest Gulf Coast Garden Club is having a Standard Placement Show on Wednesday, March 11, 2011, Noon to 6pm at the Robb & Stucky Patio Store, 26501 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, 34135. Ikebana International-Naples Chapter is having their annual Japanese Floral Arts Exhibit Friday March 18th and 19 th from 10AM to 4 PM at the Moorings Presbyterian Church. Demonstrations and shopping
The following article was submitted after our program by Thomas Hecker and I think that all members would 5 love to read and keep this for reference. “Gardening in Small Spaces with Big Ideas” with Thomas Hecker February 7, 2011 Thomas Hecker, president of EcoBotanic Design, spoke at the February 7 meeting of the Naples Garden Club. His program ”Gardening in Small Spaces with Big Ideas” began with an overview of the challenges and rewards when gardening within small spaces such as courtyards, patios, terraces and lanais. He defined and showed examples of small spaces common in southwest Florida. He followed with best plant selections, soil recommendation, fertilizers, mulches and containers. Finally, he addressed common pest issues and possible non-toxic solutions. Hecker stated the importance of an entryway with curb appeal, a desired feature for homeowners that may present challenges of poor soil and narrow planting space. “Low Maintenance and High Impact” is his motto for this area. He encouraged us to “select plants that are attractive, can persist in our climate and require minimal care.” Before and after examples were shown of different small entryways. Some plants used were small palms, bromeliads, succulents, ti plants, crotons and orchids. For lanais, Hecker recommended the use of colorful or unusual containers in limited planting areas. Plants that grow too tall for the area may be replaced easily. A large variety of possible plants were shown. Challenges of air circulation due to screening and pests that may have come in on the plants may be addressed by taking the containers outside occasionally, if you can lift them. A breath of fresh moving air and the possible addition of beneficial insects may solve some problems. Hecker maintained that if you choose the right plant for the right space you will not need to use toxic pesticides. Beneficial insects and/or the use of Insecticidal Soap will take care of most cases of scales, aphids and thrips. Regular hand picking is one safe way to rid your plants of snails. After the presentation, Hecker demonstrated his talents by planting two containers using a variety of edible and nonedible bromeliads and blooming succulents. He stressed the importance of good drainage when planting any container or planter. He recommended adding a slow release fertilizer to the soil and used Spanish moss as mulch. Hecker’s inimitable sense of humor delighted the group of 150. He made them realize the joy and rewards of gardening in small spaces despite any inherent challenges. More information about Hecker may be found at www.ecobotanicdesign.com or www.facebook.com/ ecogardener. Submitted by Carol McMenamy Thomas Hecker is challenged by the remote control
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February 2011 - Naples Garden Club

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