PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CHRISTMAS PARTY … Regina Partee, the immediate past president of the club, and Cam Miller, our new president, enjoying the party.
PRESS RELEASE – The Pulaski Garden Club December meeting, held on December 3, 2024, began with a social time, with appetizers brought by club members followed by a delicious evening meal provided by Susie’s Catering.
The blessing was read by Connie McGrew. President, Cam Miller, opened the meeting roll call with members responding with their favorite Christmas flower. The secretary and treasurer reports were dispensed with.
The Pest of the Month, given by Kathy Keister, was on Fungus Gnats. They are fruit-fly sized and grey in color with see-through wings.
About 1/8 inch in length, the adult lives 7-8 days and during that time will lay 200 eggs. They spend their time on the soil surface and feed on plant roots and decaying matter which can stunt the growth of new plants.
To prevent these pests, be sure the soil is well drained and kept dry. Pests can be controlled by adding 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water and then spray plants.
They can also be attracted to a cider vinegar trap in a shallow container with equal parts water and vinegar. Gnats are attracted to sticky yellow card traps. The main thing is to be persistent with control.
The program for the evening was given by Becky Hill. She explained the procedure for Straw Bale Gardening, which has been done since ancient times.
The advantages are that it can be situated anywhere, there is no digging required, it is almost weed-free, and after harvest, the bale can be used as a cover mulch.
Crucial is the conditioning of the bale at least two weeks ahead of planting. Place the bale where it will get 8 hours of sun daily and close to a water source. Pour water through bale each day until the water runs through.
Every other day add fertilizer to the water. In two weeks-time, the straw will have started to decompose. And the temperature inside the bale should be 75-80 degrees in warmth.
At this time seedlings or seeds can be planted in the bale in 2 inches of potting soil which is tamped down and watered. Plenty of water is the secret to success.
Following the program, members voted on their favorite package decoration based on a Children’s Christmas.
The categories were Barbie, Story Books, Legos, and Bicycles. Gifts were cleverly designed, and the winners were congratulated amidst a round of applause and each given a small gift.
OLD BUSINESS
President Cam thanked all for the efforts at the recent Regional Meeting. It was well attended, and members were thanked for bringing items to the Country Store.
NEW BUSINESS
A note was read from June Gebhardt, most recent past president of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs, thanking us for our club’s efforts and participation in the recent state convention.
The Fair Committee meeting was set for January 7, 2025, at 3 pm at the home of Regina Partee and a date for the Centennial Committee will be set up soon.
The meeting adjourned with a rousing game of swipe and swap of Christmas gifts brought by each member.
