My Monet Garden Club

Master Gardener Programs for 2011

2011-06-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

*All Programs start at 7:00PM in the Library Board Room in the Children's Library.*
Find out more about the Master Gardener's Program by Penn State Cooperative Extension.

July 11th: Making a Living Wreath

Make a living perennial wreath for use at home.

August 8th: Language of Flowers

Learn the language of flowers. Program includes a demonstration of flower arrangement and making a tussie mussie.

September 12th: To Be Announced

October 10th: Plant Propagation

Grow new plants from seed, cuttings, layering and air layering.

"Herb and Garden Faire" at Landis Valley Museum

2011-04-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

An Abundant Array of Herbs and Garden Vendors and Artisans.

More than 70 vendor offering a wide selection of plants.

Friday and Saturday, May 6 & 7, 9AM-5PM
Admission $8.00, children under 5 free

Also featuring: Garden Art and Decorative Items*Tools*Books*Fresh Flowers Arrangements*Homemade Delectables* Tour of Historic Village and Farms

Landis Valley Museum and Farm

First Meeting of the 2011 Season

2011-03-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

My Monet Garden Club Meeting

Monday, April 11 at 7:00PM

Meeting to be held in the Library's Board Room in the children's library on the bottom floor.

Bring your calendars. We will be looking at gardens to visit this year.

All are welcome! See you then.

It is That Time of the Year Again: Area Garden Shows

2011-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

New Jersey Flower and Garden Show - Feb. 17 to 20, 2011

PA Garden Expo - Feb. 25, 26 & 27, 2011, Farm Show Complex; Harrisburg

Lancaster County Garden Show, April 14-16, 2011, Country Gardeners, New Holland Rec. Center

Southeast Pennsylvania Home and Garden Show, March 11 - 13, 2011; HBA of Berks County - Reading

Mid-Atlantic Garden Show - March 4-6, 2011, York

Philadelphia International Flower Show : Springtime in Paris - March 6-17, 2011

Greater Rochester Flower and Garden Show: Garden Scape 2011 - March 17 to 20, 2011

Boston Flower and Garden Show - March 16 to 20, 2011

Washington Home and Garden Show, 51th Year - March 11 to 13, 2011

National Cherry Blossom Fesival - March 26 to April 10, 2011

American Horticultural Society - Nationwide Flower and Garden Shows

Our First Meeting of the Season is Right Around the Corner!

2011-01-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

It may seem like winter will never end but spring will be around the corner soon enough.

Mark your calendars for our first meeting April 11th at 7:00PM in the Board Room of the ELANCO Library.

Be prepared to pick a date to visit the Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve. The flowers bloom from mid-March to the end of May.

See you in April!

My Monet Gardening Programs for 2010

2010-05-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

May 24: "Pollinators" by Jen Mohler, Master Gardener

Designing and planting a garden to attract bees and other pollinators to our gardens. Includes the importance of attracting our native pollinators.

June 28: "Planting Container Gardens" by Val Albright, Master Gardener

Pots are planted during the discussion of container gardening principals.

July 12: "Flower Pressing" by Kathy Bootie, Master Gardener

Learn to preserve beauty by pressing flowers for pictures, book marks, trays, etc.

August 9: "Herb Gardening" by Susan Smith, Master Gardener

Selecting, growing, making beverages, oils, salad dressing and decorative use.

September 13: "Gardening Thru the Seasons" by Bonnie Griffith, Master Gardener.

Learn what to plant and how to care for your garden in all four seasons.

October 11: "Designing with Native Plants" by Louise Brewer, Master Gardener

A diverse mix of native plants restores crucial habitat for wildlife including insects, birds, butterflies and a year long food supply for them.

2010 Spring Flower Shows

2010-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

PA Garden Expo - Feb. 26, 27 & 28, 2010, Farm Show Complex; Harrisburg

Lancaster County Garden Show, April 15-18, 2010, Country Gardeners, New Holland Rec. Center

7th annual Southeast Pennsylvania Home and Garden Show, Presented by HBA of Berks County - March 12 to 14, 2010; Reading

Mid-Atlantic Garden Show - March 4 to 7, 2010; York

Longwood Gardens: Behind the scenes at the Philadelphia Flower Show - Tues, March 2, 2010, fee; Kennett Square

Philadelphia International Flower Show - Feb. 28 to March 7, 2010

New Jersey Flower and Garden Show - Feb. 18 to 22, 2010

Greater Rochester Flower and Garden Show: Garden Scape 2010 - March 11 to 14, 2010

Blooms 2010 at the Boston Flower and Garden Show - March 24 to 28, 2010

Washington Home and Garden Show 50th Anniversary - March 12 to 14, 2010

National Cherry Blossom Fesival - March 27 to April 11, 2010

American Horticultural Society - Nationwide Flower and Garden Shows

Get Your Garden Ready For Spring

2010-02-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

by LandSteward.org

Spring at last… almost! The official first day of spring is March 21, but in many parts of the country, it is beginning to feel like spring is already in the air.

For some reason, outdoor jobs that must be done in the spring become enjoyable activities while they’re simply chores at other times of the year. Perhaps it is the anticipation of a new season about to begin and visions of colorful, fragrant blooms that are soon to appear.

So let’s get outside and see what we can do.

Click here for the rest of the article.

2009-10-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

GROWING A FALL GARDEN

So you want to grow garden fresh vegetables this fall. Where do you start? Simply looking at seed packets in catalogs or local nurseries will not get the job done. One must garden smartly if economical production and utilization are expected.

Once the decision to have a fall garden has been reached, a gardener must take action--drastic action. One must pull out some of those plants that have been nurtured from "babies" in the spring to monsters now. This takes courage and faith! It is recommend that all plants, weeds included, be removed except okra, cherry tomatoes and pole beans if the foliage is healthy. Large-fruited tomatoes may have some small ones still hanging on, but unless you have at least 20-25 good-sized fruit, pull them out--make green tomato relish or chow-chow. If you recall, the largest, best tomatoes you had this spring were the first ones produced. The tomato plant has gotten old, diseased, and damaged by insects; it will never produce an abundance again. Besides, it is too large to be manageable as far as insect and disease populations are concerned. Pull the old plants up and discard them. Give them to the garbage man. Don't try to compost insect and disease-ridden plants--spider mites don't compost!

To read the rest of this article, please click here. © Texas AgriLife Extension Service

October Progams

2009-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Basic Pruning

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009
7:00-8:00PM

Plant growth, basic pruning and toll selection, pruning needled and broad-leaf evergreens, annuals and perennials, deciduous shrubs, and selecting an arborist.

Meet in the lower level Board room.

September Events

2009-09-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Monday, Sept. 14: "Shade Gardening"
7:00-8:00PM
Workshop by Master Gardener, Diane Tannehill

Sunday, Sept. 20: Garden Visit: Twin Pine Bed and Breakfast

Meet there at 12:00PM
1934 W. Main St, Ephrata, PA

Monday, Sept. 28: “Wildflowers”
7:00-8:00PM
Workshop by Master Gardener, Diane Tannehill

August Club Events

2009-07-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

My Monet Garden Club: Basics of Gardening
Monday, Aug. 10, 2009
7:00-8:00PM

Learn sound, basic gardening practices. Some areas that may be covered are garden soil, composting, landscaping, native plants, selecting plants, invasive plants, pesticides, and soil testing.

My Monet Garden Club Meeting
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009
7:00-8:00PM

Meet in the Board Room in the lower level library.

Making a Garden

2009-06-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

From Gardeningissues.com

The first thing in garden making is the selection of a spot. Without a choice, it means simply doing the best one can with conditions. With space limited it resolves itself into no garden, or a box garden. Surely a box garden is better than nothing at all.

But we will now suppose that it is possible to really choose just the right site for the garden. What shall be chosen? The greatest determining factor is the sun. No one would have a north corner, unless it were absolutely forced upon him; because, while north corners do for ferns, certain wild flowers, and begonias, they are of little use as spots for a general garden.

If possible, choose the ideal spot a southern exposure. Here the sun lies warm all day long. When the garden is thus located the rows of vegetables and flowers should run north and south. Thus placed, the plants receive the sun's rays all the morning on the eastern side, and all the afternoon on the western side. One ought not to have any lopsided plants with such an arrangement.

Suppose the garden faces southeast. In this case the western sun is out of the problem. In order to get the best distribution of sunlight run the rows northwest and southeast.

The idea is to get the most sunlight as evenly distributed as possible for the longest period of time. From the lopsided growth of window plants it is easy enough to see the effect on plants of poorly distributed light. So if you use a little diagram remembering that you wish the sun to shine part of the day on one side of the plants and part on the other, you can juggle out any situation. The southern exposure gives the ideal case because the sun gives half time nearly to each side. A northern exposure may mean an almost entire cut-off from sunlight; while northeastern and southwestern places always get uneven distribution of sun's rays, no matter how carefully this is planned.

Click here to continue reading this article.

July Club Events

2009-06-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 13: "Gardening for Butterflies" Workshop by Master Gardener, Glen Shirk, 7:00-8:00PM

A pictorial review of the plants and environmental features that attract butterflies. Plant culture is featured.

CANCELED: "Getting the Most From Your Daylilies" Workshop

Postponed until August. Date to be announced: Garden Visit: Morris Arboretum

Meet at the Library at 11:00AM, we will be sharing rides, call Donna at 717-354-0525 for more information. Information about Morris Arboretum.

Monday, July 27: Garden Club Meeting, 7:00PM

Meet in the Board Room in the lower level library.

June Club Events

2009-06-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 8th: Garden Tour of Local Resident Mary Lowry’s Garden.

The Lowry Garden is owned and cared for by Mary Lowry and her husband. It is a private family garden which she occasionally opens to the public for tours. In the past, her garden was part of the New Holland Area Garden Club Tour She recently participated in the Wheaton Garden Tour in early May. The garden is 5 acres and she has lived on this property for 40 years. Meet at the library at 5:45PM.

Sunday, June 14th: Garden Visit: Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in Delaware

Meet at the Library at 11:00AM. We will be sharing rides. Call for more information, 354-0525.

Monday, June 22: "Right Plant, Right Place" Workshop by Master Gardener, Diane Tannehill, 7:00 to 8:00PM.

Learn how to analyze your sun, site and soil before buying and planting. Meet in the Board Room in the lower level Children’s Library.

Are You Getting Spring Fever Yet?

2009-03-05T11:33:00.001-08:00

Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens - January until the end of March

The Philadelphia Flower Show - March 1-8

Rochester Flower Show - March 12-15

Boston's Blooms! - March 13-15 & 12-22

Washington Home & Garden Show - March 19-22

National Cherry Blossom Festival - Wash. DC, March 28 to April 12

Norfolk's International Azalea Festival - Apr. 27-May 3

What to Do While You're Waiting for Spring to Come

2008-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

"Plans for a Winter Garden" by Linda Knox, Adams County Master Gardener

"How to Create a Winter Garden" by Charlie Dimmock, CBS, video

"Create Some Interest in Winter Gardening" by Laura Stokes, Master Gardener

"Planning Ahead for Next Year's Garden" by Trent

"It's Time to Start Planning Next Year's Garden" by Farmgirl Susan (inmykitchengarden.blogspot.com)

Seed Catalogs

Burpee Seeds

Johnny Selected Seeds

Park Seed

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Seed Savers Exchange

Rocky Mountain Rare Plants

Thompson & Morgan Seeds

Bountiful Gardens

Nichols Garden Nursery

Trip to Longwood Gardens

2008-11-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 12th is a trip to Longwood Gardens to experience the Christmas lights. Meet at the Elanco Library at 2:00PM. We will share rides down and back or on your own. There is an option to have dinner at the garden before it gets dark.

Christmas at Longwood — November 27–January 11

Dazzling floral displays, stunning trees, holiday music, 500,000 outdoor lights, dancing fountains and ice skating under the stars create a Christmas fantasy at Longwood. Holiday concerts in the ornate Ballroom include organ sing-alongs, and evening choral and bell choir performances by area groups. Enjoy ice skating performances under the stars and feast on sumptuous buffets, including the Thanksgiving Buffet, Breakfast with Santa and the Yuletide Buffet. Celebrate New Year's Eve at Longwood with fun for the whole family.

Club Events

2008-06-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

June

5th: Master Gardener, Fred Spracher, will provide a slideshow how to create a Container Garden, 7:00PM.

18th: Visit to Conestoga House in Lancaster, PA, 4:00PM. Bring a bag dinner.

19th: If we are rained out on the Conestoga visit, we will hold our meeting at 7:00PM.

July

3rd: No meeting.

17th: Phyllis's garden visit. Meet at the Ephrata Public Library parking lot at 6:00PM.

August

7th: Master Gardener, Fred Spracher, will give a presentation about Roses, 7:00PM.

21st: Garden Club meeting, 7:00PM.

September

4th: Master Gardener, Fred Spracher, will present a slide show of "Longwood Through the Years and Seasons," 7:00PM.

18th: Garden Club meeting, 7:00PM.

First Meeting of 2008

2008-03-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

WELCOME!

Spring is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about gardening. What a wonderful season it is. A time of renewal and rejuvenation.

The My Monet Garden Club has moved to a new location. We are now meeting at the Eastern Lancaster County Library in New Holland. Our first meeting will be held on March 24th at 7:00PM. This will be a time to brainstorm about what we would like to accomplish this coming growing season. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions feel free to call and ask for Donna at 717-354-0525.

See you then!

Starting Plants from Seeds

2008-03-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

Erv Evans, Extension Associate

Frank A. Blazich, Professor

Department of Horticultural Science, NC State Univ.

Growing your own transplants from seeds indoors can give you a head start on the growing season. In some cases, it may be the only way to obtain plants of a new or special cultivar (variety) that is not widely available through garden centers.

To obtain vigorous plants, start with high-quality seed from a reliable source. Select cultivars which provide the plant size, color (flower, foliage, or fruit), and growth habit you want. Choose cultivars adapted to your area. Many vegetable and flower cultivars are hybrids. They may cost more than open pollinated types, but they usually have more vigor, more uniformity, and better growth than non-hybrids.
Purchase only enough seed for one year's use, because germination decreases with age. The seed packet label usually indicates essential information about the cultivar, the year in which the seeds were packaged, the germination percentage, and whether the seeds have received any chemical treatment.

If seeds are obtained well ahead of the actual sowing date (or are surplus seeds), store them in a cool, dry place. Laminated foil packages help ensure dry storage. Paper packets are best kept in tightly sealed containers and maintained around 40oF in low humidity. A good storage location would be an air-tight jar or a sealed, Zip-Lock-type bag in the refrigerator. Some gardeners save seed from their own gardens, but these may not produce plants similar to the parents; this is especially true of hybrids.

To continue reading this article click here.

2007-10-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

End of the Season Celebration

Join us on November 12th at 6:00PM to celebrate a great growing season by getting together with our gardening friends. Feel free to bring along a goodie to share with others. The library will provide cider and coffee for all. See you there!

October Meeting of the Garden Club

2007-09-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

October's meeting date has been changed from October 8th to October 22nd at 6:00PM in the conference room at the Ephrata Public Library. We will discuss the details of our upcoming trip to Longwood Gardens on Friday, October 26th. All are welcome to drop in to get information about what the club is all about. Feel free to call Donna at 717-738-9291, x104.

Trip to Longwood Gardens

2007-09-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Come join us on a visit to Longwood Gardens on October 26, 2007.

Everything Autumn

Celebrate the harvest season with giant pumpkins, unusual gourds, a delightful garden railway, tractor display and tasty autumnal treats. Special gardening demonstrations and tours and sparkling fountain shows delight visitors daily.

The group will meet at Longwood Gardens at 9:30 AM. Our Guided/Behind-the-Scene tour starts at 10:00AM. The total cost for the day is $17.00 for Adults and $16.00 for Seniors (62+). If you need assistance with mobility, there are wheelchairs and motorized scooters to borrow free of charge at the information desk. For more information, please join us at the next garden club meeting to be held on October 22 at 6:00PM at the Ephrata Public Library at 550 South Reading Rd., Ephrata PA 17522, or call 717-738-9291, x104 and ask for Donna.

Visit to the Conestoga House - Sept. 12th at 5:00PM from the EPL

2007-08-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Join us on September 12 on a visit to the Conestoga House in Lancaster, PA. We will go on a self-guided tour of the gardens. Please meet at the the Ephrata Public Library at 5:00PM and we will drive over together or meet us at the Conestoga House on 1608 Marietta Avenue by 6:00PM. For more information about the gardens please click here.

2007-08-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Longwood is accepting applications for its Professional Gardener Training Program

Application Deadline: August 31

This unique program is a two-year, tuition-free opportunity for eight men and women who are strongly committed to a career in horticulture. For more information click here.

Field Trip to Sensenig's Garden

2007-08-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

The August 13th meeting will be a visit to Sensenig's garden in Ephrata. Please meet at the library at 6:00PM and the group will drive over together. For more information call Donna at 717-738-9291, x104.

Container Gardening

2007-08-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Even the smallest patio or porch can boast a crop of vegetables or a garden of flowers in containers. Planter boxes, wooden barrels, hanging baskets and large flowerpots are just some of the containers that can be used. The container gardener is limited only by his imagination. Consider the following guidelines when choosing your container.

Avoid containers with narrow openings.

* Cheap plastic pots may deteriorate in UV sunlight and terracotta pots dry out rapidly. Glazed ceramic pots are excellent choices but require several drainage holes.

* Wooden containers are susceptible to rot. Redwood and cedar are relatively rot resistant and can be used without staining or painting. Avoid wood treated with creosote, penta or other toxic compounds since the vapors can damage the plants. One advantage of wooden containers is that they can be built to sizes and shapes that suit the location.

* Use containers between 15 and 120 quarts capacity. Small pots restrict the root area and dry out very quickly. The size and number of plants to be grown will determine the size of the container used. Deep rooted vegetables require deep pots.

* Make sure your pot has adequate drainage. Holes should be 1/2 inch across. Line the base of the pot with newspaper to prevent soil loss.

* In hot climates use light-colored containers to lessen heat absorption and discourage uneven root growth.

* Set containers on bricks or blocks to allow free drainage.

* Line hanging baskets with sphagnum moss for water retention. Keep baskets away from afternoon sun.

* If you choose clay pots, remember that clay is porous and water is lost from the sides of the container. Plants in clay pots should be monitored closely for loss of moisture.

For the rest of this article, check out GardenGuides.com

http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/containerindoor/container.asp