pond life tthehe ppresidentresident ss mmessageessage · 2019-08-18 · it’s almost magic in the...

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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life April 2013 Volume 27 Issue 4

TTHEHE PPRESIDENTRESIDENT’’SS MMESSAGEESSAGE

NEXT M EETING 2nd Wednesday of the Month

April 10, 2013

7:00 PM Doors Open at 6:30 pm

Feel Free To Bring A Snack To Share

Will Rogers Exhibition Center

3400 N.W. 36th Street Oklahoma City, OK

PROGRAM

Pruning in Drought

Presented by

Glenn Milligan

Distinguished Master Gardener Master Gardener since 2000 Graduate of New Mexico School

of Mining and Technology

President’s Message .............. 1 Meeting Information ................ 1 New Members / Renewals ....... 2 Members Helping Members ..... 2 Board Meeting Info ................... 2 Ad Rates .................................... 2 Event Calendar ......................... 3 WGSO Board Contact List ......... 3 Fountain Cleaner ...................... 3 Got Milk? .................................. 4 Aquatic Pots & Soil ................... 5 Water Garden Design Tips ........ 6 10 Nursery Mistakes ................ 7 Landscape Show ....................... 8 Plant Sale .................................. 9 This & That .............................. 10 Upcoming Events Details ........ 11 Birthdays ................................. 12 Top Pond Point Earners .......... 12 Club Contact Info .................... 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Spring is Here!!

It’s officially springtime! My favorite time of the year, and not because my birthday is on the first day of spring, rather, it’s almost time to open up the pond and remove the ugly netting that has been covering it for the past five months. And the fish are getting more active, but we must still resist the urge to feed their sad looking faces for a little while longer. We still aren’t quite done with the cold weather.

What a great month of March we had in the WGSO! The month started with our beautiful, huge, booth in the OKC Remodel and Landscape Show at the Cox Convention Center. We had so many members volunteer to help out with it, and many more that came out to support us during the show. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. I have to thank the two main members who literally spent months working on this show-Paullei Mumme and Mike Perry. They did an incredi-ble job! And we signed up 10 new members during the show, and a bunch more that came to the membership meeting, bringing our 2013 total to 24 new members! Welcome new members!

Next came our March membership meeting. We had so many folks attend that we ran out of chairs and almost ran out of food. Wow! A great time was had by all.

The membership voted on the Public Pond Tour Magazine Photo Contest, and the winner was Pat and Murphy Bourgeois. Their beautiful pond will grace the cover of our magazine this year.

Mike Perry was the Member of the Month and showed off his pond and yard. He and Robin have a nice yard with two ponds, and a really cool train that he built.

Michael Benson showed a time lapse video of the setup of the waterfall/stream at the Landscape Show. He set up his camera to snap a photo every 30 seconds. It took about a minute to run through the entire 8 hours it took for the setup. It went by so fast he had to run it a second time. It was really cool!

We have 3 new board members. Tom Thompson is the new Members Helping Members Chair. Robin Perry is the new Community Projects Chair. And Jim Maida has taken over as Program Chair from Connie Fisher, who has resigned. Congratulations to all three, I am confident they will do a great job!

As for the 50/50 Drawing, for the 3rd consecutive month we failed to have someone win the jackpot. So the carry over for the April meeting is an amazing $416! I anticipate the April jackpot to reach about $600, with some lucky member getting a chance to split the pot with the club.

Finally, we are a few days away from the April 1st deadline to enter your pond in the Public Pond Tour. I set a goal of 40 ponds this year, and we are just a few ponds short of the goal. If you have been think-ing about putting your pond on tour but just haven’t gotten around to signing up, I need you to do it now!! Please fill out the application now. I know you guys will come through with 40.

Thanks, Joe Hogan WGSO President

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M o n t h l y B o a r d M e e t i n gM o n t h l y B o a r d M e e t i n g

WGSO AD RATES If you would like to place an ad in the

Pond Life, the rates are as follows:

Business Card $10.00 1/4 Page $25.00 1/2 Page $75.00 Full Page $100.00

Ads are to be CAMERA READY PREPAID in advance. Send payment to the WGSO Treasurer, Kathie Smathers, 9201 SW 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73128.

Send ad to the newsletter editor, Paullei Mumme at [email protected]. Ad must be in editor’s possession no later than the 20th of the month preceding publication.

Example: August issue must be received by July 20th.

All WGSO Members Are Welcomed To Attend

Monday, April 8 @ 6:30 pm RSVP Required

Modular Services Company 500 E. Britton Rd

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Russell Patton: 409-6186

The first driveway east of Channel Four. Building is ½ mile south of Britton Road down long driveway.

If you paid your 2013 Membership Dues last month and DON’T see your name, contact Elynn Wagner. WW ELCOMEELCOME WGSO MWGSO M EMBERSEMBERS

Tom Thompson is the new Members Helping Members Committee Chair and will be coordinating the projects - those asking for help and those volunteering to help.

Any WGSO member who needs help with an existing water feature AND COMMITS to being on the Public Pond Tour can contact Tom Thompson at 693-5093 or e-mail [email protected] to get your name on the list. The number of members helped depends on time con-straints and availability of volunteers.

First Come, First Served, So Don’t Delay

All volunteers are welcome! Having the experience and knowledge of seasoned pond owners to help fellow WGSO members is one of the best benefits of WGSO. No special skills are required, learn as you go. Volunteer whatever time your schedule allows — a few hours, a whole day, or the entire project - the gift of your time is greatly appreciated!

As of the 20 th of the

WGSO

Get better germination rates when you nick the hard seed coat first. This lets in moisture faster and enables the germinating shoot to emerge easily.

www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/jump-start-your-seeds.aspx

Soaking seeds before planting is a gardener’s trick that many new gardeners are not aware of. When you soak seeds before planting, you can significantly

decrease the amount of time it takes for a seed to germinate. http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/the-benefits-of-soaking-nuts-and-seeds

WESTERN OAKS PHARMACY LOCATED IN MERCY HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER

REG. PHARMACIST & OWNERS DENNIS & ELYNN WAGNER

Open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Mon - Fri

9 am – 11 am Sat.

2703 N ROCKWELL 789-6881

BETHANY, OK 73008 Res. 265-3996

Banana and orange peels add nu-trients and nitrogen to the soil as they decompose. Banana peels are particularly effective for use as a

natural fertilizer. They rot quickly if you bury them, offering rich stores for vital nutrients to the soil, including potassium, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium. You can dry and grind peels to use as mulch, or apply them directly to planting areas.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/banana-peels-orange-peels-garden-31257.html

NEW MEMBERS: NEW MEMBERS: Anna Acuna & Rita Acuna by Tonah Tharp Joe Adams Ray & Pat Broadfoot Mary Carter & Bill Reaves - by Tonah Tharp Mark & Melanie Corter Sandy & Bruce Drummond - by Vicky Baker Mary & Jeffrey Fields Mike & Lynn Finley - By Elynn Wagner

Cathy & David Foreaker By Dennis Wagner James & Degeta Huffman - by Heather Thompson Carmen Jackson - by Judith Hogan John Johnson - by Don Bishop Sheila Jordan - by Tonah Tharp Roy & Shirlee Ruedy - by Elynn Wagner Douglas Spores - by Robin Perry Karen & Joe Titterington - by Paullei Mumme Danny & Shirley Wilcox

Joyce & Danny Williams - by Mike Perry RENEWALS: Wayne & Linda Boyd William & Nancy Burns Steve & Rita Chapman Judith Hogan Orin & Barbara Kimball Carol Mobley Louis & Irene Morgan Lolli Shotts John & Ruth Turcotte Jan Woodson

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Deadline Public Pond Tour Entries April 1 Board Meeting April 8 General Meeting April 10 Meet-N-Greet April 13 Pond Build @ Pond Pro Spring Fling April 21 Board Meeting May 6 General Meeting May 8 WGSO Members Only Plant Sale

Meet-N-Greets (2 Locations) May 18 Festival in the Park @ Will Rogers Plants/Fish/Algae Class @ Pond Pro

Meet-N-Greet June 1 Pond Build @ Pond Pro

Board Meeting June 10 General Meeting June 12 Public Pond Tour June 15-16 Summer Solstice Celebration June 21 Board Meeting July 8 General Meeting July 10 Members Pond Tour July 13-14 Board Meeting August 12 General Meeting August 14

2013 WGSO BOARD2013 WGSO BOARD OFFICER/CHAIR NAME CELL OTHER E-MAIL

President Joe Hogan 206-1272 [email protected] Vice-President Tonah Tharp 973-4209 340-6495 [email protected]

Secretary Andrea Farriester 664-4293 [email protected] Treasurer Kathie Smathers 820-2996 261-0298 [email protected] Historian Dennis Wagner 550-8923 265-3996 [email protected] Past President Melinda Parsons 520-3520 286-0885 [email protected]

Activities/Newsletter Paullei Mumme 642-4767 [email protected] Entertainment Serena Surbaugh 406-7326 [email protected] Librarian Jim & Mary Garrett 204-4267 373-2906 [email protected] Membership Elynn Wagner 550-8923 265-3996 [email protected]

Plant Sales/Tour Guide Sales Gary Guild 397-5758 390-8112 [email protected] Programs Jim Maida 691-7630 [email protected]

Refreshments Claribel Collier 396-8074 N/A Refreshments Phil & Sarah Grissam 454-3571 [email protected] Tour Guide Ad Sales/Members Tours Diane Clark 802-6200 947-6999 [email protected]

Tour Guide Publication Russell Patton 409-6186 348-1560 [email protected] Website Jim Porterfield 414-4371 799-7974 [email protected] Members Helping Members Tom Thompson 693-5098 [email protected]

Community Projects Chair Robin Perry 990-6058 [email protected]

Some of the highly recommended commercial products to clean fountains have actually caused algae to bloom much faster! Chlorine keeps swimming pools clean but it destroys portable fountain pumps and is not healthy for the birds who love to splash and play in the fountains in the garden.

The final solution was right here in the medicine cabinet all along, and is very inexpensive – Hydrogen Peroxide. But, who knew Hydrogen Peroxide was an awesome fountain cleaner all this time?

It’s almost magic in the way it works. I have seen it clear a green and murky fountain to crystal clear water in 24 hours. Of course the idea is to act before your fountain is green and murky, but that just doesn’t seem to happen.

It is smart to take your fountain apart and clean all the parts periodically, but even if you constantly recycle the water like we do here in Santa Fe – because it evaporates so quickly, you are bound to get algae bloom. And let’s face it, we don’t always do our scheduled cleaning chores – of fountains or anything else, on time. Sources: http://www.wisdomwoman.com/Home-Garden/?p=243

mailto:[email protected]

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Visit These Sites For Detailed Info on Recycled Uses for Milk Jugs:

www.greenphonebooth.com/2012/07/how-empty-milk-jugs-changed-my-garden.html www.livingthecountrylife.com/gardening/garden-ideas/7-ways-use-milk-jugs-garden/

www.azplantlady.com/2012/08/recycled-milk-jug-for-drip-irrigation.html www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/tools/no-cost-or-low-cost-garden-tools/ www.albertahomegardening.com/can-milk-jugs-help-grow-tomatoes/ www.gardengatenotes.com/2012/01/03/sowing-seeds-in-milk-jugs/

http://how-to-recycle.blogspot.com/2013/01/recycled-milk-jugs.html http://preparednessmama.com/milk-jug-greenhouse/

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FIGHT DIEASE IN THE GARDEN WITH MILK!

We all know milk is a great food to eat in many forms, but did you know it's great for plants too? While you've probably heard false rumors of giant pumpkin growers feeding milk to make their pumpkins grow larger, using milk in the garden is not just folklore. There's some science be-hind it.

For example, it's known that milk has anti-fungal properties and is used around the world to control powdery mildew on squash and melons. Farmers in Brazil and New Zealand, in particular, have used a mixture of 9 parts water and 1 part milk sprayed on plants to prevent this disease from getting started. It seems there are certain amino acids and salts in milk that control this fungal disease. Farmers in these countries get up to 90% control of powdery mildew with milk sprays. While raw milk seems best, farmers in New Zealand have used skim milk with good success.

Not only can milk prevent diseases, it's a disinfectant. Researchers at Ohio State University have found that dipping pruners in milk to disinfect them works just as well as dipping in the usual bleach solution. Recently conducted trials resulted in zero transmission of tobacco mosaic virus from infected to non-infected petunia plants when pruning was done with tools disinfect-ed by either bleach (1:10 dilution) or non-fat dry milk mixed with water. Plus, there's less corro-sion on the pruners and skin irritation for the gardener when using milk. They used a non-fat dried milk solution, but skim milk will work too!

So tip a glass of milk back for your body and your garden. It's more than a natural.

Source: http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201007-charlie-says Powdery mildew can be controlled with

sprays of milk on squash and pumpkin leaves.

Recycle one gallon and half gallon plastic milk jugs for practical uses around garden.

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POTTING AQUATIC PLANTS: CHOOSING SOIL AND POTS

POTS: There are several types of pots that can be used when planting aquatic plants into a water garden. While many can work, some may be better than others. The best way to choose what is right for your plants is to know the differences.

Pots With Drainage Holes. These pots can be plastic, terracotta, etc. This is the standard pot typically used in the planting of ter-restrial plants. Terrestrial plants need the drainage holes to allow water to drain out. This is not needed with aquatics. When used in the pond, the holes can allow the soil to leech out into the pond water. This can make a mess of the pond and provide nutrient for algae growth. These are cheap but not designed for use in the water garden.

Baskets. Basket-type containers are a plastic mesh. The downside of these is the same as pots with holes, the open areas in the pots allow the soil from within the pot to leech out into the pond water. In a planting basket the plant can benefit from the nutri-ents in the water which can more easily be used by the plant in this type of pot. While the plants, can still remain very healthy it is not the best option for the pond in general.

No-Hole Pots. There are 2 main types of pots used with aquatic plants. The first of these are the no-hole pots. No-hole pots are usually plastic. These are made specifically for water garden plants. Only the top of the pot is open, so with a top layer of gravel the soil remains where it should – in the pot. No-hole pots are easy to use and easy to move around. If using no-hole pots, it is critical that the water level never drop below the top of the pot.

Fabric Pots. This is the second of the preferred water garden pot types. Fabric pots combine the best features of no-hole pots and baskets. The fabric is woven tight enough that it is not going to allow well-packed soil to leech into the pond, while still being open enough to allow the plant to pull extra nutrients directly from the water. Fabric pots are also variable in height, as if the pot is too tall, you can simply roll the edges down to the desired height. The flexible bottom will also allow the pot to sit more level even if the pond bottom is not level. The only downsides of the fabric pots are that they cost a little more and are more difficult to move around outside the pond. www.smartpots.com; www.organicsokc.com/home.html

SOIL: Like pots, there are many types of soil. Soil has two main purposes; anchoring the plant and holding nutrient. How each soil performs these 2 functions is the biggest determinant is selecting your soil, although cost and availability are certainly factors as well.

Clay Soil. Clay soil is one of the best options for aquatic plants. It holds nutrients and anchors all plants very well. However, too heavy of a clay concentration in the soil can reduce healthy root growth. If available, this garden soil could be dug up from your yard or occasionally purchased.

Sand. Sand can anchor shorter plants well, but not tall plants. It will hold some nutrient but not as well as a clay-based garden soil.

Gravel. Gravel can be used for short plants, but is very poor at nutrient retention. Gravel can work when the plants are for filtra-tion purposes, but any fertilization, will just be released into the water.

Packaged Aquatic Soil. Aquatic soil is usually made up of kiln-fired clay particles. It is a great choice for aquatic plants as it holds nutrients well and provides a strong base for anchoring plants.

Potting Soil. Bagged potting soil is not an acceptable soil for the water garden. It’s too light & usually contains too many organics.

Fiber. Fiber rolls and block such as rockwool or coconut fiber can be used for some plantings. However, they are very poor for nutrient retention and also will only anchor short plants.

Source: http://watergarden.com/pages/Potting-Aquatic-Plants.html

For sharp, rust-free tools, store in a sand-filled bucket

(or pots) with a little oil mixed in. Perfect for balcony

and small garden tool stor-

The same paste wax that maintains a car's finish does a dynamite job on painted metal furniture. Once a season, apply an even coat with a damp

terry cloth towel to furnishings; let dry, then

lightly buff with a soft cotton rag. The wax will repel water, preventing

rust, and also restore luster to dull paint.

Ladybugs eat insects that are harmful to plants. In-crease your ladybugs by

filling a round pipe (about six inches wide by one foot

long) with bamboo, cane, or scrap wood. When you're

finished, stick the habitat in your garden on a stone or ledge. The ladybugs will

make nests inside the habi-tat's hollow spaces -- and watch over your garden,

too.

http://www.watergarden.org/s.nl/sc.2/category.27/.f?partner=WG



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DIVE IN! WATER GARDENING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION TIPS

Technological advances have made constructing a water garden a relatively simple project for homeowners, including creating and maintaining good water quality. I said simple, not easy—installing your own pond, stream, waterfall, or any combination thereof is hard work—but rest assured that a good-looking and healthy water garden is achievable for do-it-yourselfers, if you keep the following tips in mind:

DON’T THINK SMALL — The biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to building their first pond, stream, or waterfall is that the finished water feature is too small. It’s a natural tendency to be timid when creating any permanent, quasi-public, artistic statement, let alone one that requires you to calculate water volume while deciphering new terms like “gph” and “lift.” Relax—but be bold at the same time. Your pond will not look as large as your initial excavation once the stone edging and plants are in place. A polite little stream ending in a small waterfall won’t result in one of your main objectives: the rumbling sound of splashing water. Brooks should babble. I’ve stood next to silent streams and sat beside waterfalls that became inaudible when the wind picked up. Go bigger than you initially think.

DO USE RUBBER LINERS — Upon initial review, it does seem easiest to purchase one of those preformed, plastic ponds available commercially, particularly if all you want is a small water garden. But there you go again—I said don’t think small. The odds that a preformed plastic pond is the perfect shape for the area in your yard in which you envision a water garden, or that it’s big enough in the first place, are one in a million. Always spread a one-inch layer of sand on all flat and moderately sloped portions of your excavation, then install protective pond fabric/underlayment, over which you install a high quality, rubber pond liner. Excavate the hole to include

various ledges (like steps) around the edge to hold plants, but gradually taper some of the shoreline so that it resembles a beach gently sloping into the water. You won’t get a natural look buying some glorified kid’s wading pool.

DON’T BUILD A “PIMPLE WATERFALL” — If your lot is flat, don’t build a giant stone pimple in the middle of it, one that somehow miraculously contains a waterfall. It will be a miracle if it looks even remotely natural. For flat lots you’re best off choosing a corner as the starting point for your upper stream/waterfall, then hauling in dirt to raise the area (constructing retaining walls on the back two sides, if need be) so that the waterfall appears natural. Use of large stone, and tree and shrub plantings, behind and around the waterfall help create a natural effect also, but only if there is some semblance of a hill in the first place.

DO EXCAVATE AT LEAST ONE FOOT BELOW GRADE FOR STREAMS — Think about streams in nature; the water doesn’t skim along the surface of the incline like a sled going down a hill. Streams have eroded the soil so that they slice down through the incline. Excavate at least 12” for even the smallest (watch it) streams, so that by the time you lay the liner and cover it with some large rocks, smaller stones and gravel, you still have a true depth of 6-8”—even deeper than that for big, boisterous streams.

DO BUY A GOOD BOOK ON THE SUBJECT, AND ASK FOR HELP AT THE WATER GARDEN SUPPLY NURSERY— The engineering of ponds, streams and waterfalls is fairly straightforward, and newest pond liners, adhesives, pumps, hoses, and filtration systems, when installed properly, all but guarantee you’ll be creating a healthy water system that will support plant life (and fish, if you so choose). You’ll be purchasing these items at nurseries and/or landscape supply yards, so ask the experts there what book(s) they recommend. They’ll probably have a good one for sale. The Internet will have loads of information and resources too, of course. Don’t forget to visit your local water garden club.

TIPS FOR HIRING A LANDSCAPER Look at pictures that each landscape firm provides to showcase their work. This will help you narrow your choice down to perhaps two or three finalists. Then, even more important, go see some actual

water gardens they’ve created. Landscapers should have some clients willing to let you view their water gardens. Photos can be shot so that the water garden looks fabulous, but how well has the pond, stream, waterfall, etc., held up after four years? Was the engineering sound?

Remember that a water garden involves plantings in addition to the mechanics of water. Some landscapers are aces at building a pond or stream that looks like a slice of the Boundary Waters, but don’t know beans about how to plant the area around the feature. Others can use sensational planting schemes to cover up what is a fairly mediocre pond. Naturally, you want a landscaper that does both well. Study the photos and water gardens you visit with this dual expertise in mind. Are the plantings a good compliment to the water feature, or, come to think of it, are they a hodge-podge, perhaps a little sparse? Are the plants placed with an eye at creating subtle (or bold) contrast with the stone? Are there evergreens for winter interest?

SOURCE: www.renegadegardener.com/content/120water_gaden.htm

With ponds, bigger is better.

The display water gardens at Hedberg Landscape Supply in Plymouth, Minne-

sota use ample stone plus tree and shrub plantings to compensate for the

flat surrounding terrain.

Dig deep, then plant shrubs and perenni-als so they loom over the water surface.

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10 MISTAKES TO AVOID AT THE NURSERY: Don't Make Any Plant Purchases Without Having These Savvy Gardening Tips Close At Hand!

It’s time to turn off the TV, throw open your doors and get outside; your garden awaits! But after you’ve raked up last fall’s leaves and taken a good hard look at your garden’s blank palette, your next step is to visit your local garden nursery. There, you’ll be treated to the sights and smells of spring. But before you

take out your wallet, take a quick read of our 10 important points to keep in mind before you shop. And enjoy!

Mistake 1 -Buying flowers in bloom: Think twice before buying open flowers. There is no rule that says you have to buy the plant with the open blooms. In fact, we suggest you buy your fall-blooming plants in the spring and the spring bloomers in the fall, giving your plants a chance to have more time to get established. The exception is for annuals, which only bloom for one year! Even still, it’s better to pick an annual with lots of buds and no open flowers—that way you’ll have more bang for your buck when the annuals are planted. (After all, where do you want your plants to flower? In the nursery or in your garden?)

Mistake 2 - Not checking a plant for spots: Is it fertilizer or is it mildew? Be careful when you’re buying and look closely at the leaves for signs of disease or mildew. But don’t be confused by fertilizer residue that often remains on leaves at nurseries—if you’re not sure, ask. Also make sure to check for unusual spots, discoloration or insects. Make sure that the plant has lots of perky leaves and signs of new growth or there could be trouble.

Mistake 3 - Mistaking size for value: Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Bigger plants often cost bigger dollars. But beware: you’re not necessarily getting a larger plant. To double-check, put your fingers about an inch or so into the pot. If you feel mostly soil (as opposed to roots), than chances are that your plant has been repotted into a bigger container. And even if the plant is actually a bigger plant, there are few benefits to spending more money on a one-gallon plant than a four-inch pot. If you have the patience to wait a few seasons for your plants to grow, you can save considerable money by purchasing smaller pots.

Mistake 4 - Being too frugal: It happens time and again. Gardeners buy insufficient amounts of a single variety of a certain plant. The result is a garden with not enough impact. Assess your garden before you shop and decide if it makes more sense to buy three or four pots of the same annual or perennial. Professional gardeners often plant a mass of one specific variety—the impact is worth the investment.

Mistake 5 - Skimping on trees: If you’re buying trees or shrubs, being frugal may REALLY not be the right decision. Unlike perennials, trees and shrubs generally take longer to develop a sturdy and attractive structure. Budget appropriately—if you want an ornamental tree in your yard, for example, be realistic about how much it will cost. Think of the purchase as an investment—all good garden design needs a focal point.

Mistake 6 - Not checking the roots: Explore your roots. Make sure your plant isn’t root bound. All you need is a quick check of the bottom of the plant to make sure that there isn’t a mass of roots coming out of the holes in the bottom of the container. A tangle of too many roots can rob the plant of nutrients. Similarly, make sure that the plant has some roots—if you’re not sure if the plant is mature enough to take home, ask your nursery specialist.

Mistake 7 - Forgetting your shopping list: Like any kind of shopping, if you don’t bring your list, you may end up with too many impulse purchases. Even if you’re not sure exactly what cultivars you want, try to go to the nursery with a realistic idea of the dimension of your garden as well as the climate and soil conditions of your garden.

Mistake 8 - Buying a plant without an identifying tag: Designer or no-name? As with many products, there are generic versions of plants as well as patented commercial varieties. Generally speaking, the designer cultivar is often more expensive. Whether the extra expense is worth it is entirely subjective, but one thing is for sure: make sure your plant DOES have an identifying tag on it (designer OR generic) before you buy it. If the plant is unlabeled, avoid buying it (even if you think you recognize it)—you may end up with something that grows four feet tall when you were only expecting it to grow to two feet!

Mistake 9 - Throwing away your receipts: Keep your receipts. A lot of nurseries offer one-year warranties for their plants. It is definitely worth it to keep all of your receipts in order to return the plant if it develops issues and doesn’t survive. But be fair to the nursery: if you don’t water or care for your plants properly, don’t expect the nursery to pay for your mistakes.

Mistake 10 - Procrastination: How many times have you gone to the garden center, bought a few flats of plants and then brought them home, planning on planting them later. And then you don’t get around to it right away. If you wait too long to put the pots in the ground, the plants may dry out and die. Try to shop early in the morning so that you can plant your purchases as soon as you get home. To figure out where they should go, you can position them around your garden while they’re still in their pots before you plant them.

By Erin McLaughlin, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Gardening magazine

http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/pests-and-diseases

http://www.canadiangardening.com/plants/trees-and-shrubs

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WGSO DISPLAY AT THE OKC SPRING REMODEL & LANDSCAPE SHOW WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

WGSO was fortunate to have the space at the Landscape Show FREE since we are a garden club AND the company does not sell all the large displays. WGSO appreciates the loan of materials from our sponsors: K & K Nursery, Buckley’s Sticks & Stones, Cupids Statuary, and Pond Pro Shop. WGSO member and owner of Perry’s Landscape & Constr. Inc, Mike Perry designed the display, presented two WGSO seminars, and was on hand to answer questions throughout the show. The WGSO Landscape Design Team had been planning the event since November and they executed it perfectly. Thank you Design Team for making it happen: Mike & Robin Perry, Paullei & Konrad Mumme, Karen Wolf, Dick & Sandi Caldwell, Michael Benson, Andrea Farriester, Phil & Sarah Grissam, Gary Guild, Joe Hogan, Serena Surbaugh, Jim & Mary Garrett, Jim Tinsley, Tonah Tharp, Diane Clark, Danny & Melinda Parsons.

Thank you to the show volunteers who worked the display and spent hours sharing the benefits of WGSO to show visitors. You made all the hard work of the Design Team pay off: Gary Guild, Jim Maida, Jim & Donna Tinsley, Mike & Tonah Tharp, Lolli Shotts, Dode Jordan, Terry Mock, Mike & Robin Perry, Joe Hogan, Serena Surbaugh, Konrad & Paullei Mumme, Judith Hogan, Vicky Baker, Doug & Connie Kaye, Phil & Sarah Grissam, Sherri & Junior Newsom, Freddy Hill, Peggy Holland, Dennis & Elynn Wagner. Thank you to the Tear Down Crew who made quick work of disassembling the display and returning all the loaned materials. Robin & Mike Perry, Elynn & Dennis Wagner, Dick & Sandi Cald-well, Jim & Mary Garrett, Konrad & Paullei Mumme, Joe Hogan, Karen Wolf, Michael Benson, Phil & Sarah Grissam, Gary Guild, Claribel Colli-er, Russell & Joy Patton.

We’d also like to acknowledge the many WGSO members who came out in support of our club. Your presence was greatly appreciated! Finally, WGSO wants to thank all of the show visitors who stopped by our display, whether you joined, signed up for the free newsletter, or just looked around, you took the time to stop and enjoy a representation of what the Water Garden Society of Oklahoma is all about. The pondless water-fall, fountains, plants, outdoor living areas, and general garden décor are some of the elements our members incorporate into their backyard retreats. We hope that you are inspired to create your own private oasis and what better resource than WGSO!

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PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT Critters such as squirrels love digging up freshly planted bulbs. Spread a layer of mulch to hide your bulb holes. If that doesn't help, weigh down a piece of mesh or chicken wire over the soil to keep critters from digging. It should be safe to remove the protective mesh or wire after the bulbs start to sprout out of the ground.

More Bulb Tips: www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/bulbs/planting-tips/#page=1

Liven up your patio table by using a vintage Jell-O mold as a planter

or even a candle holder. The umbrella fits right in the center.

Newspaper as a weed barrier. Newspaper used in full sheets is a good weed blocker. Use a thickness of two to four sheets. WET!!! Whether using it shredded or whole, newspaper usually needs to be topped off with another mulch to keep the wind from blowing it away. Adding a layer of newspaper under a layer of more expensive commercial mulch will reduce your costs.

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WGSO THANKS THE FOLLOWING VENDORS FOR EXTENDING A DISCOUNT TO OUR MEMBERS: Buckley’s Sticks & Stones - Stone & More 10%

Cupids - Statuary & Fountains 5%

E-Supply Depot - Little Giant Pumps & Lights 10%

K & K Nursery & Landscaping- Plants & More 10%

Pond Pro Shop - Pond Equipment & More 10%

The Stamp Store - Concrete Finishing n/a

If you are a vendor that would like to extend a discount to WGSO members, please contact Joe Hogan @ 206-1272

PONDPOND ERING PP OINTSOINTS

LIBRARY NEWS: The WGSO Library has books on every-thing yard related, including landscape design, herb gar-dening, pond, stream, and waterfall building. Come early and browse the extensive collection. Magazine Co-Op

now features the current season’s magazines - check them out!

MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS: Earn 2 Pond Points by volunteering to help

get some of our members’ ponds ready to be on the Public Pond Tour. If you can help out, contact Tom Thompson.

EVENT PARTICIPATION: Earn 5 Pond Points

by being on the Public Tour and 1 extra if you

signed up before March 15. Earn 3 Pond

Points by being on the Members Tour. Earn

1 Pond Points for attending WGSO events -

look for the point icon. Earn 2 Pond Points for volunteering at WGSO events. Refer to Feb Newsletter for more details.

MEMBERSHIP: Earn 3 Pond Points by sponsoring a new member.

Are your 2013 WGSO Membership dues paid? If not, do so by the 20th of the month to make sure you receive next month’s newsletter.

NEWSLETTER: Past issues of POND LIFE are available at www.wgso.org under [Downloads]

TECH NEWS: Many local mer-chants use FACEBOOK to inform their customers about upcoming sales and answer questions. Be sure and FIND your favorite shop on Facebook and

www.wgso.org

Nursery Trays turned upside down over young plants keep out birds & digging mammals

until the plants are strong enough to fend for themselves.

$ 4 1 6 As of 3/13/13

Purchase stair risers from home improvement store. Add wood

supports under window box planters for vertical interest.

Tickets are $1 @ Meetings & Club Events.

River rocks in a wooden box + garden hose = clean feet!

Placed in the sun will warm the stones. Easy to wash off feet covered with grass and dirt before coming inside.

Cut the end off a 2 liter bottle - leave cap on. Poke small holes down sides . Add to water baskets & planters.

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WWGSOGSO MeetMeet -- NN -- Greet Greet April 13 @ 10 am - Pond Build CLASS

at Pond Pro in Shawnee Pond Pro offers WGSO Members a 10% Discount - Plus earn Pond Dollars.

27th Annual

WGSOWGSO P u b l i c Po n d To u rP u b l i c Po n d To u r Saturday* June 15 - 9 am to 6 pm

Sunday June 16 - 1 pm to 6 pm

*SPECIAL HOURS - Select Homes Public Night Tour - SATURDAY ONLY 9 am to 3 pm for Day Viewing 9 pm to 11 pm for Night Viewing

All WGSO Members with WATER FEATURES are eligible to be on the Public Pond Tour. Pondless waterfalls, bubbling

rocks, fountains, container water gardens, small ponds, big ponds - We Want Them All!

April 1 E-Mail [email protected]

FLING

This year’s WGSO Spring Fling will be held at the home

of Dick and Sandi Caldwell, who have plenty of tables, chairs, shade, indoor facilities, a PA system, and is

Handicap accessible (Call to reserve handicap parking).

Potluck Lunch is from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. First demonstration starts at 2:00 pm.

We have demos lined up at 30 minute intervals.

New this year is the addition of the WGSO Garden Themed Bazaar. Any WGSO member can sign-up to bring new,

gently used, or hand crafted garden related items to sell. You will need to register with Bazaar Coordinator, Tonah Tharp.

We need volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, direct traffic and to assist our demonstrators. Volunteers earn 2 Pond Points.

Sign-up sheets will be at the April meeting for potluck dishes, volunteers, and the bazaar.

Bring cash for the 50/50 Drawing and the Bazaar!

WGSO Annual Members ONLY Plant Sale & Silent

May 8, 2013 May 8, 2013

Start thinning your PLANTS (Land & Water) , Animal (Snails, Tadpoles, etc - BUT NO FISH!) & Garden Related Items

(White Elephant gifts & Door Prizes that aren’t your style) to donate to WGSO’s BIG EVENT! Plant Sale is indoors, so have your plants packaged and labeled in plastic cups or baggies to prevent any mess. All proceeds go to the WGSO General Fund.

See Page 9 For More Details! Got Questions?

Contact GARY GUILD at 397-5758

WGSOWGSO

WGSO LIBRARY NEEDS HWGSO LIBRARY NEEDS H ELP!ELP!

WWe need e need STURDY STURDY rolling suitcases to haul the rolling suitcases to haul the books back and forth to the meetings. books back and forth to the meetings. If you have a spare one you’d like to If you have a spare one you’d like to donate, please bring it to the April donate, please bring it to the April meeting or contact meeting or contact Mary GarrettMary Garrett. .

WGSOWGSO

G A R D E N D E C O R

mailto:[email protected]

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WGSO POND LIFE Paullei Mumme 645 E Frolich Dr Midwest City, OK 73110

Mailing Label

The 20th of each month is the deadline for articles/advertisements for next month’s issue of Pond Life. E-mail articles and advertisements to Paullei Mumme at [email protected].


Choose planting areas based on exposure to sun, shade, wind and distance from water source.

Make a shopping list of plant heights & widths needs before heading out to the nursery.

Study garden for gaps that can be filled by spring flowering bulbs and annuals.

Raise water plants close to the surface to encourage growth, fertilize monthly.

Fertilize perennials when you see 2-3" of new growth.

Fertilize bulbs as they finish blooming.

[email protected] www.wgso.org

Gilbert Bley Sandy Drummond Bruce Drummond

Lynn Finley Degeta Huffman Tom Thompson

Did we miss your birthday? Email [email protected], so we can update our files.

T O P PO ND POI NTS EARNERS

1. Dennis & Elynn Wagner 2. Mike & Robin Perry 3. Diane Clark; Jim & Mary Garrett; Tonah Tharp 4. Judith Hogan 5. Dick & Sandi Caldwell; Tom & Heather Thompson; Jim & Donna Tinsley 6. TIED BY TOO MANY TO LIST

Earn Pond Points by attending WGSO Monthly Meetings, WGSO Events, having your yard on the Public Pond Tour

and/or Members Pond Tour, Sponsor New Members, and Volunteering at events. Details in February Newsletter.

pond life tthehe ppresidentresident ss mmessageessage · 2019-08-18 · it’s almost magic in the...

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