It's not August any more. This is a phrase my family is familiar with when we sit down to dinner and discuss our days. August in the garden is always a trial of endurance. By September there is a subtle but perceptible change in the air that is most welcome. The begonias are looking good and all but the canes are getting ready for the big blooming season that starts in December. Many canes have been in bloom for most of the summer but will soon shut down. With a good mix of canes and rhizomatous begonias, you can have begonias in bloom all year.
I have ignored my nursery area for months while focusing on garden chores. An astonishing number of weeds have taken over, growing out of pots, through ground cloth, and all over everything. I am getting it cleaned up a little every day. Despite neglect, little plants have grown into big plants, so I have to do a lot of trimming and repotting. I should have a a good supply of plants for talking to garden clubs.
In my effort to minimize the highest maintenance plants, I am gradually removing almost all the bamboo on the property. There was a lot of bamboo here! The biggest clumps were on the property when we bought it, and then I added black, yellow/green striped, blue, timber, and Angel Mist bamboos. After six years of gardening I realized that the bamboo was getting way too vigorous, gradually developing huge, dense clumps, and reaching enormous heights. It has been a daunting job, but I cut a few stems every week and have been doing that for almost a year. I can't get a stump grinder to most of the clumps, so I am vigilantly removing new growth until it stops sprouting. I have planted quite a few new trees which will be easier to maintain.
Doris HappelThe meeting began at 7:30.
Doris Happel led the meeting for President Price. Doris chose the Begonias for the raffle table from Boynton Botanicals.
Sue Ellen reported on balance in the account and also discussed her exciting field trip to the annual convention in San Francisco.
Doris reported on the passing of one of our charter members, Rosemond Meriwether.
Next month (October) will be held the first Monday due to holiday.
Gene Joyner reported on new radio show on 880 AM WZAB. He also noted the mounts Tropical garden Course in October.
Members were reminded of the Mounts plant show on November 6.
Speaker Alan Stopek presented the fundamental of succulents including a succulent book listing many of the unusual species. Alan’s slide show was informative and included a variety of succulents, aloe, agave and sedums.
The meeting concluded at 8:45.
Tara Ford