THE NATIONAL gardenerWINTER 2021 - GROWING FOOD AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT THE RAINKEEP - AN INSPIRED INNOVATION - National Garden Clubs, Inc.
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gardener
THE NATIONAL
WINTER 2021
GROWING
FOOD AND
COMMUNITY
SPIRIT
-
THE RAINKEEP –
AN INSPIRED
INNOVATION
-
LET’S GET
GROWING!
Winter 2021| 1
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2 | The National Gardener
The National Gardener
Winter 2021 | Vol. 92, No. 1
National Garden Clubs, Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS
5,000 Garden Clubs President’s Message 4
165,000 Garden Club Members
Winter Wanderland 6
50 States and the National Capital Area
60 National Affiliate Member Organizations Let’s Get Growing! 11
330 International Affiliate Member Organizations Native Gardening 12
Gay L. Austin, President Nature: The Primal Healer 17
401 Marion Ave., McComb, MS 39648-2709 Container Gardening 21
23
The National Gardener Shifting Strategies
Growing Food and Community Spirit 26
Patricia Binder, Editor
patricia.b.binder@gmail.com The RainKeep 32
636-775-2378 The Happy Gardener’s Guide 36
Direct all advertising inquiries to the editor
NGC Schools News 40
TNG Website Inquiries:
National Garden Clubs Inc. NGC Flower Show Schools News 40
4401 Magnolia Avenue NGC Proposed Bylaw Amendments 42
St. Louis, MO 63110-3492 Penny Pines 44
314-776-7574 Ext. 215
Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl 46
headquarters@gardenclub.org
Poster Contest
NGC Headquarters
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CST
4401 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 THE COVER
Tel: 314-776-7574 Fax: 314-776-5108
A light blanket of snow rests on
E-mail: headquarters@gardenclub.org
the scarlet fruit, or “drupes” of a
Web: www.gardenclub.org
highbush cranberry (Viburnum
Michelle Smith, Ext: 214; Executive Director opulus var. americanum L. Ait – also
Emily Kiske, Ext: 218; Member Services known as Viburnum trilobum).
1-800-550-6007 - Orders Only, Please Native to North America, the hardy,
Bill Trapp, Ext: 212; Accountant deciduous shrub is a member of the
Chris Schmidt, Ext: 211; Accounting Assistant honeysuckle family, even though its
Katie Roth, Ext: 215; Administrative Assistant fruit resembles cranberries in both
Rebecka Flowers, Ext: 210; Schools Secretary appearance and taste. Photo by
Arabella Dane.
The National Gardener (ISSN: 0027 9331) (USPS: 595-500) is published quarterly by National Garden Clubs Inc., 4401
Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110-3492
Winter 2021| 3
Gay L. Austin
2019-2021 NGC President
President’s Message
T he year 2020 presented us with
remarkable changes. With the
arrival of 2021, I encourage garden club
as organizing safe environments for
outdoor meetings. Staying connected,
which is vital to our organization,
members to reflect is achieved also
on the adversity of through weekly digital
the past year, but newsletters, virtual
more importantly,
on outstanding
“ ...garden club
volunteers have
presentations and
business meetings using
achievements. And video conferencing
while we experienced
leapt into the digital platforms. Many
so many life-changing and virtual world by states and regions
events in 2020 – many
creating new ways to have provided virtual
of which caused severe awards recognitions
interruptions in our meet, educate as well. The online
and grow.
”
everyday lives – this digital newsletters
time of volatility and from all different levels
change required us to of garden clubs show
rethink and restructure that active members
how we can effectively continue our continue to achieve great things in their
volunteer efforts. communities. NGC educational schools
Throughout our nation and are now available through online courses
internationally, garden club volunteers that have involved many members
have leapt into the digital and virtual across our nation. Please make an effort
world by creating new ways to meet, to look at the NGC website at gardenclub.
educate and grow. NGC members org to see the many happenings.
have invented new ways to meet, such Our NGC International Affiliates
4 | The National Gardener
also are enjoying frequent virtual of National Garden Clubs Inc. are
experiences. After the development of committed to providing beneficial
a Regional Communication Committee programs for our clubs. Although our
for Mexico, Central and South America, NGC 2021 annual meeting in May has
many venues were developed to allow been canceled, we are committed to
their garden club interests to continue. provide a virtual program on the NGC
The COMAII website continues to website, which will be available in spring.
broaden its ability to offer worthy events It is vital that we recognize the many
for IA members. Expectations have accomplishments of our members, and
been exceeded as innovative ways to also handle the necessary NGC business
share talents continue to be offered. IA to prepare for our future.
Garden Club programs, activities and The winter season is upon us. Fewer
NGC Schools have developed in many daylight hours and colder temperatures
countries. Five different virtual flower grant us time to focus on future activities.
shows have been presented, along with As we move forward, our steppingstones
one virtual convention. of progress strengthen our resolve and
Let us use this dormant season of ability to be optimistic about our roles
winter to grow, as do our landscapes. as volunteers. Let us embrace our
Above the ground we may appear future with the understanding that our
leafless, with unique shapes and forms rewards aren’t the seeds we plant today,
of trunks and branches. Yet, below the but the trees that branch out to form a
ground, our roots are strengthening, canopy – teeming with opportunities and
allowing us to prepare for future growth. possibilities – for tomorrow.
The stillness of winter encourages a time I remain confident that our dedicated
of quiet reflection and shapes a vision for garden club members will continue to
our personal growth in the coming year. exceed their expectations as we look
To spark a few ideas, I encourage you forward to a stronger, even more viable
to visit the special feature in this issue National Garden Clubs Inc. in 2021.
of The National Gardener that offers
industry insights and perspectives on a
variety of timely gardening topics.
The officers and board members
NGC Calendar
Annual Conventions Fall Board Meetings
2022 Orlando, FL, 2021 St. Louis, MO,
May 17-20 Sept. 22-24
2023 White Sulphur Springs, WV, 2022 TBD,
May 2-5 (installation) September
Winter 2021| 5
NEW YEAR,
NEW STORIES Winter
A s many gardeners will attest,
there is beauty in the garden in
all seasons. A stroll through a garden in
and one of the world’s largest collections
of rare and endangered orchids. The
garden is open to the public year-round,
the dormancy of winter offers a stark with the exception of Christmas Day.
symmetry that can provide a much- I’d like to ring in a new year to thank
needed respite. And, although winter the many readers of The National
may be a time that gives gardeners a Gardener and garden club members
break, they know plants stay busy in across the nation that reach out to
surprising ways. share their inspiring community projects
A winter trek through the award-
winning Missouri Botanical Garden
A blanket of snow surrounds the award-winning
in St. Louis offers solitude and quiet Climatron®, an architectural marvel designed by
inspiration. Founded in 1859, the garden noted American architect R. Buckminster Fuller,
inventor of the geodesic system. Opening to the public
has the distinction of being the oldest on October 1, 1960, the Climatron – the name was
coined to emphasize the climate-control technology
botanical garden in continuous operation of the greenhouse dome – is the first geodesic dome
in the United States. Situated on 79 acres to be used as a conservatory. The theme of the lush,
green interior highlights the diversity and ecology
in the heart of the city, the Missouri of a tropical rainforest and the temperate space
houses endangered plants from across the globe. The
Botanical Garden is a designated Climatron features more than 2,800 plants, with 1,400
National Historic Landmark and different tropical species including banana, cacao,
coffee, many wild-collected plants, orchids, as well as
center for botanical research, science, exotic, rare plants such as the double coconut, which
produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The
conservation and horticultural display. environment is maintained by a computerized climate
Popular attractions include a Japanese control system. Water for plantings is purified and
tempered using a reverse osmosis system. Some of
strolling garden, the original 1850s Italian the most distinctive examples of sculpture in the
United States also are on display at the Climatron
Renaissance home and estate of garden and throughout the grounds of the Missouri Botanical
founder Henry Shaw, a Victorian district Garden.
6 | The National Gardener
Wanderland
The main feature of the Japanese Garden is a four-acre lake, a principal design element in any chisen kaiyushiki, or
“wet-stroll” garden. The garden design incorporates the use of traditional Japanese bridges that include four small
islands, two of which are accessible to the public.
and personal stories in NGC’s flagship
magazine. One of the most rewarding
“ Your determination to
pursue gardening projects
takeaways from being editor of TNG is
that I’ve come to learn so much from
the many resilient, intrepid gardeners,
in your communities is a whose personal garden paths reflect
hallmark of NGC...
” their deep sense of purpose. Your
determination to pursue gardening
Winter 2021| 7
The Kaeser Memorial Maze recreates a garden labyrinth from the 1800s that first was commissioned by Missouri
Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw. In winter, freshly fallen snow on the sunken hedges of yew and the central
vine-covered gazebo creates a stark, architectural ambiance. In more seasonal weather, the maze offers a fun
activity for families visiting the garden, inviting exploration and building problem-solving skills. The maze is located
in the Doris Waters Harris Lichtenstein Victorian District, an area that features collections of traditional Victorian
plantings in conjunction with the garden’s oldest and most historically relevant structures.
A winter
snowfall projects in your communities
in the is a hallmark of NGC members
Missouri
Botanical nationwide. Please continue to share
Garden
sharply your projects with our TNG readers as
defines part of this ongoing conversation.
landscape
features. As we reflect on the many challenges
of the past year and look to
opportunities offered by the fresh
start a new year brings, please enjoy
this series of seasonal photographs at
the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy
new year.
Patricia Binder
Editor, The National Gardener
National Garden Clubs Inc.
Snow accentuates the “dragon
ripples” a unique feature
on the walls that surround
the Margaret Grigg Nanjing
Friendship Garden. The
garden, designed by Chinese-
born architect Yong Pan, is
a showcase for traditional
plantings originating from
China, which include pines,
bamboos, willows, plum trees,
forsythia, hibiscus, wisteria,
peonies, lotuses, rhododendrons
and azaleas, with gardenias,
citrus and pen-jing in
containers.
8 | The National Gardener
Small waterfalls suggest mountain cascades.
Snow falls lightly on tree branches in
the Japanese Garden, evoking the image
The Japanese Garden of snow flowers, which are popular in
Japanese culture.
“Seiwa-en,” the 14-acre Japanese Garden,
features a four-acre lake surrounded by
carefully crafted plantings, waterfalls,
beaches and islands that invite discovery
and personal interpretation in a serene
landscape. Dedicated in 1977, the garden
was designed by Koichi Kawana, a native
of Japan and professor and lecturer on
environmental design and landscape
architecture at the University of California,
Los Angeles. The garden represents an
evolution of centuries of tradition and a VISIT
multiplicity of distinctly Japanese cultural
missouribotanical
influences. Seiwa-en is considered one of
the largest Japanese gardens of its kind in garden.org
North America.
“Yatsuhashi,” is a unique zigzag bridge that invites exploration. The bridge features eight turns and its name
means “eight bridges,” which was inspired by the eight channels that branched off of a single river in Mikiwa
Province, Japan, in the 10th century.
Winter 2021| 9
The headquarters of National Garden Clubs Inc. is located on six acres adjacent to
the grounds of the award-winning Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Founded in
1929 and with nearly 165,000 members, NGC is one of the nation’s most-recognized
nonprofits and largest volunteer gardening organization in the world.
Visit gardenclub.org
“Taikobashi,”
also known
as the “Drum
Bridge,” is
named for
its round
shape, which
completes a
circle from
its own
reflection in
the water. It
is constructed
of unpainted
redwood
to preserve
a natural
appearance.
Photos by Ed Downs Photography
About the Photographer
Ed Downs is a freelance, adventure travel
photographer and multimedia artist based in St.
Louis, Missouri.
His extensive portfolio showcases skills in
landscape, cityscape, floral, animal and people/
portrait photography, the centerpiece of which
includes a collection of iconic photos taken at all 62
U.S. national parks across the United States.
10 | The National GardenerLET'S GET
Growing!
Insights and
inspiration from
NGC Gardening
Schools
“To plant a garden
is to believe in
tomorrow.”
AUDREY HEPBURN
Photo by
Ed Downs
Photography Winter 2021| 11native gardening -
THE POWERFUL CONSERVATION
TOOL OF MANY
By George Gann
Native plant gardening and ecological restoration may be more closely linked than you think. A coastal garden
at a dune in Ocean Ridge, Florida, uses local native plants to restore a coastal shrub land. It is both beautiful
and restorative. Photo by George Gann.
L ooking at the many woes of the
world, from COVID-19 to climate
change, it is understandable to feel
emphasis of National Garden Clubs Inc.
At the international level, there is
tremendous work being done to address
overwhelmed. Yet, we know from not one, but three global environmental
ample evidence that the sum of challenges: countering climate change,
individual actions is as important as preventing the extinction crisis and
those of government, providing adequate
large businesses ecosystem services
or big conservation to meet the needs
organizations. This is of a sustainable
especially true in urban world. Meeting these
and suburban areas, challenges requires
where our collective transformational
individual actions may change; business
make the difference as usual just won’t
between conservation work. We know
success – or the lack that traditional
thereof. This need conservation alone,
for individual action what we think of
has never been more as “protection” or
urgent, no matter “preservation,” is
where you live, and insufficient to meet
is embraced by Plant these challenges.
America with Trees, an Photo by Kimberlee Duke Pompeo Instead, we need
12 | The National Gardener Fall 2020 | 12net improvement in environmental
health, integrity and resilience, which
is captured in the ideas of ecological
restoration, nature-based solutions and
allied concepts. This net improvement
must occur not just in parks and other
protected areas, but throughout all the
landscapes and seascapes of the world,
whether set aside for conservation,
intended for production or where we
live and work. No matter where you
are, you too can participate in this
transformational change.
The NGC 2021 Vision of
Beauty Calendar
is a showcase for the
distinctive floral designs of
members of National Garden
George Gann Clubs Inc., and also serves
The Decade on Ecosystem as a teaching tool offering
Restoration inspiration to designers.
Using restoration to rise to these
huge environmental challenges is so The calendar makes a
important that the United Nations has thoughtful personal,
proclaimed the years 2021 to 2030 as professional or holiday gift!
the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
This designation is the culmination of a $5.00 each
proposal for action presented by more
than 70 countries from all latitudes, Please contact NGC Member
and will explore the restoration of Services for special pricing on
ecosystems as a major nature-based ordering multiple copies.
solution toward meeting a wide range of
global development goals and national
VISIT
priorities. The Decade on Ecosystem
Restoration will be led by U.N. agencies www.gardenclub.org
and core partners, including the Society -
for Ecological Restoration (SER), which
recently released revised principles and
CALL
standards for the practice of ecological 1-800-550-6007 or
restoration. For more information, visit 314-776-7574, ext. 218
decadeonrestoration.org (Gann et al.
2019).
Winter 2021|| 13
Winter2021 13The Restorative Continuum it be a wetland, grassland, pine
How do we take these global needs savanna, or forest?
and bring them down to a scale we • Contact your local native plant
can understand and act on? A key society, historical society, or
component of the SER standards is university extension service to help
the Restorative Continuum. The idea provide this information.
is that any action that moves us in the • Plant a few, or even one, of the
direction of positive ecological change native plants that belong to that
is restorative, and is thus part of the local habitat.
continuum. One key message is that all • Plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers
restorative actions, no matter how small that are known to associate with
or localized, are important and valued. In each other in nature.
fact, if our actions meet local ecological • These actions represent positive
needs, they will almost always contribute ecological change and can easily be
to the global good. accomplished in both urban and
suburban areas.
Plant America with Trees: Each One, • These and other topics are typically
Plant One covered in native tree and shrub
Plant America with Trees: Each One, presentations in courses offered by
Plant One is an emphasis on planting NGC’s Gardening Schools.
native trees across the country, which
has the potential to make a significant The Power of Planting Native
impact. Yet to maximize this impact, it is As gardeners, the more we can restore
vital to plant as local and appropriately the health of locally native species
as possible. For example, planting a and ecosystems, the more we can
native tree in your local hardiness zone contribute to the Decade on Ecosystem
is a beginning. Yet to really contribute to Restoration, including fighting climate
restorative change, it is important to take change and keeping species from going
this a step further. extinct. Ecological restoration can begin
• What type of native habitat existed with just one plant. However, the more
where your garden is now, or would components of local native ecosystems
be appropriate given changed that can be brought together into your
conditions (like drainage) – would garden, the more you can contribute to
14 | The National Gardenerlocal, regional and global conservation Each month, thousands of users visit
progress. Furthermore, the power the Natives for Your Neighborhood
of many gardeners planting local tool to build restorative gardens at
native plants across the landscape is homes, schools and in public spaces.
tremendous, including building habitats Planning is in place for the tool to be
for birds, butterflies and other native expanded statewide.
wildlife, as well as providing essential • We collaborate with many NGC
connectivity between remaining native affiliates in Florida, as well as
ecosystem patches. Some species can national affiliates that include the
literally be saved from local extinction. Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida
This connectivity also will Native Plant Society,
be the key to adapting to the Florida Wildflower
climate change, allowing
native species to survive,
migrate and evolve. Finally,
“ restore the link Foundation and the Center
for Plant Conservation to
between people deliver sound, evidence-
while the full recovery of
native ecosystems should
be the goal whenever
and nature,
” based information that
is connected to the
most updated thinking
possible, partial recovery about conservation and
of native ecosystems is also critical, restoration. We also collaborate
especially in urban and suburban with members of local garden clubs,
settings beset by many challenges. including Ocean Ridge Garden Club,
There are many tools available to help to tailor resources for specific needs,
gardeners bring native plants and wildlife such as native coastal gardens.
into gardens in a meaningful way. From Collaborative networks like these
books and pamphlets to websites and can be sought out wherever you live.
courses, information abounds. The more
local the information is, and the more A Call to Action: Restoring the Link
ecologically connected, the better. For between People and Nature
example: We have an opportunity to use our
• I assisted members of NGC’s gardens to “restore the link between
Florida Federation of Garden Clubs people and nature,” the motto of IRC and
Inc., as well as The Institute for “sustain biodiversity, improve resilience
Regional Conservation (IRC), in the in a changing climate and reestablish an
development of “Natives for Your ecologically healthy relationship between
Neighborhood,” an internet resource nature and culture,” which is the mission
that focuses on using gardens to of SER. It is so important that members
restore native plants, animals and of National Garden Clubs Inc. realize
ecosystems, as well as delivers just how important their individual
information at the ZIP code level in efforts are, and that each restorative
southern Florida. Based in Delray action taken at the local level makes a
Beach, Florida, IRC is a nonprofit difference, both in terms of ecological
organization dedicated to the health and in building a new positive
protection, restoration and long- relationship between people and nature.
term management of biodiversity Our future depends on it.
on a regional basis and to the
Reprinted with permission from Gann et al. 2020
prevention of regional extinctions of and the Society for Ecological Restoration.
rare plants, animals and ecosystems.
Winter 2021| 15About the Society for Ecological
George Gann is executive
director and chief
Restoration (SER)
conservation The Society for Ecological Restoration
strategist at is an international nonprofit organization
The Institute with members in 70 countries. The
for Regional organization is dedicated to promoting
Conservation an awareness of unsustainable activities
and serves as
that have damaged aquatic, marine
international
policy lead for the and terrestrial environments, which
Society for Ecological it believes underpin economies and
Restoration. societies globally, and is dedicated to
In a professional career spanning nearly 40 reversing the degradation and restoring
years, he has directed and managed nonprofit the Earth for the benefit of both humans
conservation organizations and worked
and nature.
professionally in the United States, West Indies,
SER’s mission advances the science,
Latin America, Europe and Asia. A popular
presenter, Gann has spearheaded hundreds of practice and policy of ecological
projects and published more than 100 industry restoration to sustain biodiversity,
articles. The author of the book “Rare Plants of improve resilience in a changing climate,
South Florida: Their History, Conservation and and re-establish an ecologically healthy
Restoration,” he is a staunch advocate for the relationship between nature and culture.
conservation of native and rare plants in Florida
The organization’s dynamic network
and the Caribbean.
A descendant of South Florida pioneers, Gann
links researchers, practitioners, land
began his career in the family’s native plant managers, community leaders and
and tropical foliage nursery, as well as the decision-makers to restore ecosystems
family’s restoration of a subtropical forest in an and the human communities that depend
abandoned citrus grove. Between semesters as a on them.
student at the University of Colorado in Boulder The field of ecological restoration has
– at which he earned a bachelor’s degree with
experienced tremendous advancement
distinction in environmental conservation and
international affairs in 1984 – Gann worked as a over the past 30 years and is now
resource management technician at Everglades widely recognized as an essential
National Park of the U.S. National Park Service, component of the fields of conservation
the largest subtropical wilderness in the United and sustainability. The Restorative
States. In addition, he traveled to the wilderness Continuum includes a range of activities
of Alaska and also spent a semester abroad at the
and interventions that can improve
University of Costa Rica.
environmental conditions and reverse
In 1984, Gann co-founded The Institute for
Regional Conservation and in conjunction with his ecosystem degradation and landscape
role at the Society for Ecological Restoration has fragmentation. The continuum highlights
conducted and led organizational, international interconnections among these different
and conservation policy and field work globally. activities, and recognizes that the specific
Gann believes in using traditional conservation characteristics of the locality slated for
tools, such as the establishment and management
restorative actions dictate the activities
of protected areas, as well as more modern
approaches including ecological restoration,
best suited for different landscape units.
rare species reintroduction and augmentation As one moves from left to right on the
and utilizing regional matrices of protected and continuum, both ecological health and
restored areas to conserve native plants and biodiversity outcomes, and quality and
animals. His use of floristic plant data to drive quantity of ecosystem services increase.
conservation strategies is considered ground- Note that ecological restoration can
breaking in the industry.
occur in urban, suburban, agricultural
Visit gann@regionalconservation.org and industrial landscapes.
Visit www.ser.org
16 | The National Gardenernature:
THE PRIMAL HEALER
A visit to forested areas, such as the awe-inspiring beauty of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve,
Sonoma County, California, can have myriad health benefits.
“ Come to the woods. Here is
rest.” The words of John Muir,
noted 19th century naturalist, author,
Key Findings on the Health Benefits
of Nature
In January 2020, Mathew White, Ph.D.,
conservationist and staunch advocate an environmental psychologist at The
for the preservation of wilderness areas European Centre for Environment and
in the United States, are just as salient Human Health at University of Exeter
today – perhaps more so – during these Medical School in the United Kingdom,
unprecedented times. led a study exploring the correlation
According to experts at the Centers between nature and human health.
for Disease Control and Prevention in An article in Yale Environment 360, an
Atlanta, Georgia, a vast number of people online magazine published at Yale School
across the nation are battling a mental of the Environment, Yale University, New
health crisis due to COVID-19. According Haven, Connecticut, reported on White’s
to the CDC, 40 percent of adults and 75 study, which found that when people
percent of young people report pervasive immersed themselves in nature for 120
anxiety, stress, depression and feelings minutes per week, they experienced
of isolation.
According to medical
Relief might well be studies, exploring
under our noses – or nature engages all
five senses. Visitors
rather our feet. Over the to the town of
Wilderness at South
last three decades, there Africa’s Western
has been much scientific Cape Province enjoy
expansive views of
evidence that quantifies the Indian Ocean and
have the opportunity
the health benefits of to explore wide
spending time in nature. beaches and nature
trails. Photo by Trent
Snyder.
Winter 2021| 17being – the immersion
experience appears to
foster a positive impact on
negative behaviors.
In July 2018, an article
in Harvard Men’s Health
Watch at Harvard
Medical School in Boston,
Massachusetts, reported
that a 90-minute walk in
nature lowered activity
in the prefrontal cortex
of the brain that is active
during rumination, or
the repetition of negative
Public botanical gardens may The study also found thoughts. “When people
offer respite and reflection that the 120 minutes
like this spot at the Missouri are depressed or under
Botanical Garden in St. Louis. could be divided up over high levels of stress,
the week, or performed this part of the brain
a number of positive all at once. In essence, malfunctions, and people
results. The results spending time in nature experience a continuous
included a reduction in for a little over 17 minutes loop of negative
blood pressure and stress a day profoundly impacts thoughts,” said Jason
hormones, improvement human health and well- Strauss, M.D., director
to functions of the being. In addition, the of geriatric psychiatry
nervous and immune study measured how at the Harvard-affiliated
systems, uplifted mood, the positive impact of Cambridge Health
increased self-esteem and experiencing nature goes Alliance.
decreased anxiety. deeper than just providing According to an article
The study included a sense of calm and well- in Science Daily, reporting
20,000 people of
diverse occupations,
ethnicities, economic
groups and health levels,
including individuals
with pre-existing medical
conditions. Study
participants spent a
minimum of 120 minutes
per week in a natural
environment, such as a
local park or other green
space. According to the
findings, individuals
reported feeling healthy
and had a strong sense
of well-being as a result Gorgeous vistas in nature, like Mount Antero, the highest summit of the
of time spent in nature. Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, can evoke feelings of
well-being.
18 | The National Gardeneron a study by the Barcelona Institute for trend that has increased 500 percent
Global Health in Spain, evidence from in the U.S. since 2012. A model for
a meta-analysis of over 140 studies, outdoor education, forest schools foster
290 million people and data from 20 exploration, discovery and promote the
countries, that exposure to greenspaces nurturing of nature and the environment.
reduces the risk of Type II diabetes, Incorporating green spaces into
cardiovascular disease, premature death, schools, hospitals and health care
preterm birth and increases duration facilities, as well as on the campuses
of sleep. It also found of businesses and
that people living closer corporations, continues
“
to nature had decreased ...gazing at a to be a global trend.
diastolic blood pressure, Key business and policy
heart rates and stress. garden can lead decision makers note the
Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., an to quicker healing many potential advantages
environmental psychologist of offering access to green
and co-founding director from surgery, spaces to their skilled
of the Center for Health infections and workforces. There has
Systems and Design at long been a strategy in
Texas A&M University in
College Station, Texas,
other ailments.
” cities across the U.S. to
create green spaces in
demonstrated that gazing urban areas. High-quality
at a garden can lead to quicker healing outdoor experiences continue to be in
from surgery, infections and other great demand by people of all ages.
ailments. For example, he found that
patients who underwent gallbladder Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy
surgery healed, on average, a day In Japan, a mindfulness technique
faster, needed significantly less pain called “shinrin-yoku,” or “Forest Bathing,”
medications and had decreased post- promotes connecting with nature in
surgical complications when placed the atmosphere of a forest through our
in a hospital room that had bedside senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell
windows with a view of leafy trees, than and touch. The technique, developed
patients who had a view of a brick wall. In by Qing Li, M.D., of Tokyo’s Nippon
addition, Ulrich discovered that patients Medical School, has become a worldwide
could be soothed by just looking at phenomenon. His book, “Forest Bathing:
pictures of trees,
flowers and Green spaces
water. induce a feeling
of serenity,
such as those in
Forest Schools Avebury, England,
which feature
and Green century-old trees.
Avebury, situated
Spaces in Wiltshire
Scandinavia’s in southwest
England, is home
long-held to one of the best
known prehistoric
tradition of sites in Britain,
“forest schools,” which contains
the largest
in which learning megalithic stone
circle in the world
takes place – larger in scope
outdoors, is a than the famous
Stonehenge.
Winter 2021| 19How Trees Can Help You Find Health Alcock I, White MP, Pahl S, Duarte-Davidson R,
and Happiness,” explores the art and Fleming LE (2020). “Associations between pro-
environmental behaviour and neighbourhood
science of shinrin-yoku, and how it
nature, nature visit frequency and nature
can reduce stress levels and blood
appreciation: Evidence from a nationally
pressure; strengthen the immune and representative survey in England.” Environ Int, 136
cardiovascular systems; boost energy, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31927464/ ©
mood, creativity and concentration; and 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
even aid in weight loss and extend life Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).
expectancy. “People living near green spaces are at lower risk
Li is considered the world’s foremost of metabolic syndrome.” ScienceDaily. Science
expert in forest medicine. In his book, he Daily, 26 September 2019.www.sciencedaily.com/
also demonstrates how forest bathing releases/2019/09/190926105838.htm.
elevates levels of natural killer (NK) cells, Franklin, Deborah. “How Hospital Gardens Help
which fight tumors and infections in Patients Heal.” Scientific American. 1 March 2012.
the immune system. Additionally, Li has https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/
discovered that he can replicate these nature-that-nurtures/
results through the diffusion of essential Gomez, Alejandra. “What the US can learn from
oils released from pines, cedars, spruces Scandinavian Outdoor Education.” 31 July 2020.
and conifers in the forest. The use of https://populationeducation.org/what-the-u-s-
can-learn-from-scandinavian-outdoor-education/
these essential oils in hospital emergency
rooms and other high-stress locations Harvard Men’s Health Watch, Harvard Medical
has produced startling beneficial results School. “Sour Mood Getting You Down? Get
Back to Nature.” July 2018. https://www.health.
for both patients and staff.
harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-
“Nature is the best physician,” said the
you-down-get-back-to-nature
Greek physician Hippocrates. The health
benefits of nature can be immeasurable. Li, Quing, Dr. “Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help
Imagine if a pill could do all that we are You Find Health and Happiness.” New York: Viking,
discovering nature can do. It makes one 2018. Print.
contemplate the wisdom of something Nadkarni, Nalini. “Un-Natural Remedies.”
far greater than humankind. Orion Magazine, July/August 2008 https://
orionmagazine.org/article/un-natural-remedies/
Reina Snyder Robbins, Jim. “Ecopsychology: How Immersion in
Vice Chairman Nature Benefits Your Health.” Yale Environment
Plant America with Trees, District X 360, 9 Jan. 2020. https://e360.yale.edu/features/
Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Inc. ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-
reinasnyder@gmail.com your-health
Photos by Reina Snyder
WINTER
The National Gardener January, February, March
Articles and Advertising
Schedule due: November 1
20 | The National Gardenerthree tips for growing
BEAUTIFUL TOMATOES IN CONTAINERS
By Pamela Crawford
A few years ago, a newspaper
writer called me to ask how to
grow beautiful tomatoes in containers.
the next few years learning how to grow
attractive tomatoes, as well as many
other vegetables. Since I had never
“Tomato plants are ugly, so growing grown vegetables, I bought as many as I
attractive tomatoes could find and planted
is impossible,” was over 1,768 plants in
my reply. She told 221 containers. Of
me I needed to get those I planted, 1,376
to work to figure this of them failed. I had to
out because I am figure out why.
supposed to be an Working diligently
expert on container over the next few
gardening. “I am years produced
getting a lot of calls solutions. After I
from gardeners who learned how to grow
want to grow patio attractive vegetables
tomatoes that look in containers, I wrote
great because their a book about pairing
homes overlook the vegetables and flowers.
patio, and they don’t Then I started working
want to look at ugly on how to get optimal
Article and photos by Pamela Crawford.
plants,” she added. “Easy Patio Veggies & Herbs” by Pamela production from
Crawford. Reprinted with permission from
This was a new Pamela Crawford & Associates, (Pamela
vegetables and herbs.
challenge! I devoted Crawford & Associates, Inc.) © 2021. My new book, “Easy
SPRING SUMMER FALL
April, May, June July, August, September October, November,
Articles and Advertising Articles and Advertising December
due: February 1 due: May 1 Articles and Advertising
due: August 1
Winter 2021| 21tomato plant at the garden center and
can’t imagine that it will ever grow large
enough to fill a huge pot. But, it does
– and quickly! Remember that some
tomato plants grow as large as 10 feet
tall!
Use Attractive Supports
Tomatoes need support, so they won’t
fall over. Tomato cages are sold for this
purpose in many garden centers. But,
many gardeners feel these cages are
unattractive. Beautiful tomatoes need
beautiful supports.
My favorite supports are obelisks.
They are readily available for purchase
at garden centers or online retailers.
However, many are only available in one
color: black. But with a can or two of
Obelisks are ideal for supporting the growth of larger spray paint in an accent color you like,
vegetables. The structure was spray-painted from its
original black finish and features a grouping of Patio they can be transformed into something
tomatoes, parsley and basil.
special.
Patio Veggies & Herbs,” available this I place the obelisks in the pot right
month, includes all of the information after I plant the tomatoes and often plant
gleaned through this research. flowers around the pot for the desired
In my work and findings, tomatoes effect.
were my biggest challenge.
Here are the three tips to
ensure success:
Use Large, Attractive Pots
in Full Sun
The most common
problem I see with growing
tomatoes is choosing a
pot that is too small. For
medium-to-large plants,
I prefer pots measuring
at least 20 to 24 inches in
diameter if they are short
(20 to 24 inches tall). For
tall pots, choose one at
least 15 inches wide and 3
feet tall. For dwarf or grape
tomato varieties, I use pots
measuring at least 14 inches
wide. A Patio tomato, Cowhorn pepper and eggplant are planted separately
Many people see the little and under-planted with melampodiums. The tall, thin columns and
small spaces can accommodate a prodigious crop of vegetables.
22 | The National GardenerChoose Tomatoes with a Neat,
Natural Growth Habit
Some tomatoes are cultivated to
look good in containers. They have a
neater growth habit than many of the
heirlooms. But
some people
discover some shifting
strategies
of them aren’t
as tasty as the
older varieties.
Two great
container
vegetables
that offer
W
good taste and
a neat growth hen COVID-19 struck, garden
habit are the clubs around the nation soon
Patio and discovered a dramatic change in
Husky Cherry how they host regular meetings and
Red varieties. If you decide to grow participate in ongoing projects. In New
a large, lanky tomato, such as Yellow England, for example, clubs began to
Pair, trim it occasionally to keep it neat adapt to these changes and the “new
and tidy. normal.”
I hope you enjoy growing and eating
Garden club
beautiful vegetables as much as I do! members in
Maine held
a meeting
Pamela Crawford, author of 12 gardening outdoors.
books, is considered one of the most Photo
courtesy of
accomplished container gardening experts in Boothbay
the country. In addition to designing gardens Region
Garden
for over 1,500 residences, her work has been Club.
featured on the cover of Better Homes and
Gardens publications as well as in Southern
Living, HGTV Magazine, Fine Gardening, Garden club meetings
Country Gardens, Country Almanac, Small It quickly became apparent that
Gardens, and in over 300 newspapers. As an holding regular garden club meetings
expert in her field, she has appeared on the would present a challenge. Some
Fine Living Network at gardenloverstv.com and clubs canceled meetings, while many
numerous local TV shows.
embraced virtual video conferencing
Crawford holds an undergraduate degree
from Vanderbilt University in Nashville,
platforms, such as Zoom, to connect
Tennessee, and a master’s degree in landscape with colleagues. Other clubs conducted
architecture from Florida International business outdoors:
University in Miami, where she received the • Members of the Harpswell Garden
prestigious Torch Award as an outstanding Club in Maine held a meeting on the
alumnus from the School of Architecture. grounds of the Harpswell Historical
She has been heavily involved in trial
Society. Garden club members, who
gardens, both on a university and private
level. She has personally tested thousands of regularly maintain public gardens
landscape and container gardening plants. at the site, also brought chairs and
Winter 2021| 23• Sogkonate Garden Club in Rhode
Island canceled its Earth Day project,
but members were on hand to assist
in the town’s cleanup.
• Many planned gardening projects
that focused on working closely with
children were postponed. Members
of Bow Garden Club in New
Hampshire and Saybrook Garden
Club in Connecticut compiled
Members of The Ridgefield Garden Club in planting kits for local children and
Connecticut renovated the historic parterre
perennial garden at the northwest corner of Ballard distributed them at the local library
Park. Photo courtesy of The Ridgefield Garden Club.
via curbside pickup.
snacks for personal use.
• Clubs that held outdoor meetings Members
of Bow
include the Perennial Planters Garden
Club in
Garden Club of Rhode Island, the New
Boothbay Region Garden Club in Hampshire
distributed
Maine and Derry Garden Club in planting
kits. Photo
New Hampshire. courtesy
of Bow
Garden
Civic projects elicit pride Club.
As garden club members across the
United States will attest, the work they do Fundraising in the pandemic
on a variety of civic projects elicits a great Garden club members brainstormed
deal of pride. Some clubs continued to and mined opportunities in which
welcome the social activity of outdoor they could host fundraisers that would
planting and weeding. For example, continue to fund their many programs:
members of the Burlington Garden Club • Garden clubs in Natick,
in Vermont continued their ongoing Massachusetts, and Windham, New
work in planting and maintaining a Hampshire, held successful online
local vegetable garden, donating the plant sales. Club websites included
harvested bounty to the local food bank. information on the plants for sale
and how the public could preorder;
Getting creative during COVID-19 locations and times for pickup, as
Many garden clubs tapped into their well as listed parameters on wearing
creativity to create new ways in which masks and social distancing during
members and the community could pickup.
interact in gardening-related activities: • Members of Bow Garden Club in
• Members of Sharon Garden Club New Hampshire held a “Plant-less
in Massachusetts held an annual Plant Sale.” The club spearheaded
“Walkabout Tour” of community a community outreach effort,
gardens. Reservations were sending informational flyers on the
required for the event, masks were club’s ongoing role in the planting
mandatory and social distancing was and maintenance of the town’s
required. In addition, garden paths “beauty spots” in the community
were clearly marked for one-way – and how the club relies on plant
traffic to guide visitors. sales to cover those expenditures.
24 | The National GardenerDonations to the club were received, However, garden club members are
along with personal notes from local resilient and have adapted well to the
citizens who were unaware that situation. Many even went above and
the town did not allocate an annual beyond:
budget toward these projects. • The New London Garden Club
Without the ability to hold traditional in New Hampshire donated to
garden club meetings, what can clubs the local food pantry the costs it
do to create an awareness about their had budgeted for two scheduled
programs, and without fundraisers, how programs it would not be holding.
can they pay for them? • In Connecticut, there was
• The Jamestown Garden Club in high attendance for an NGC
Rhode Island made a video of Environmental School hosted on
members’ gardens that they shared Zoom.
and posted on YouTube®. • In Haverhill, Massachusetts, the
• Members of Belmont Garden Club garden club hosted an engaging
in Massachusetts created a program “door” tour and competition.
from photos of its project at the Residents were encouraged to
local library. Members of Goffstown decorate the front doors of their
Community Garden Club in New homes, as well as take a tour around
Hampshire also collected a variety of the city to view the efforts of other
garden photos to create a program. homeowners. The city’s mayor
• Manchester New Hampshire Garden served as judge of the competition
Club distributed extra newsletters to and the garden club awarded a cash
boost readership and share ideas. prize to the resident with the best
Bow Garden Club in New Hampshire door.
launched a newsletter for its Garden clubs in New England are
members. staying strong and will continue
• In keeping with timely topics on the with their projects and hard work
novel coronavirus, Andover Garden in their communities during these
Club in Massachusetts posted a unprecedented times.
helpful “How to Make Your Own
Linda Jean Smith
Face Covering” on its website.
Chairman, Consultants’ Councils
Unprecedented changes have occurred NGC Gardening Schools
during the coronavirus, which have lindajean.smith@comcast.net
impacted garden clubs in myriad ways.
Dear Gardeners, last year, utilizing video conferencing
I’d like to express a special thanks to to offer courses, documenting which
the author contributors in this special procedures work and identifying
NGC Gardening Schools segment of those that need improvement and
The National Gardener: George Gann, establishing guidelines and tools in
for his professional insights into which to plan courses this year. For
native gardening; Pamela Crawford, more information, visit NGC Gardening
on container vegetable gardening; and Schools at gardenclub.org
NGC Gardening Schools Consultants Best wishes for a safe and productive
Reina Snyder and Linda Jean Smith, for year ahead and “Let’s Get Growing!”
sharing their unique perspectives.
Barbara Hadsell
Leaders of NGC Gardening Schools Chairman, NGC and FFGC Gardening Schools
across the nation met the challenges of BarbaraHadsell@cs.com
Winter 2021|| 25
Winter2021 25growing food and
community spirit
‘SHOW ME STATE’ GARDEN CLUB FOSTERS
EDIBLE GARDEN LANDSCAPE IN A CITY SQUARE
M embers of The
Twenty Five
Gardeners played
an integral role in
the development
of a community
garden project and
provided both a
physical presence
and instruction on
how members of the
community can grow
food organically and gardening experience for area groups
sustainably in Farmington, Missouri. and members who were willing and
Established more than 200 years ago interested in volunteering their time
and located 75 miles southeast from and investing hard work toward the
St. Louis, Farmington is the county project. Forty raised garden beds to
seat of St. Francois County. With a rich, grow vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers
cultural heritage and growing population were built by volunteers, bolstered
over 19,000 in 2019, city leaders were by donations of building supplies
exploring an idea in which area residents and materials from local businesses
could have more available options and and organizations. Garden beds are
accessibility to food, especially sources of
fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit.
A plot that grows
In 2017, the City of Farmington
approved a plan for the Farmington
Community Garden to be developed
on an unused half-acre lot within the
city limits in the Courthouse Square
Historic District. The impetus for
the project was to improve the land
to serve as an educational organic
26 | The National GardenerTOOL GRANT PROGRAM
AMES proudly sponsors the National Garden Clubs’
Tools Grant Program since 2014. AMES provides tools
for grant winners to support local community
gardening projects.
“WELLNESS GARDEN”
In collaboration with the James C. Kennedy Wellness Center.
The Charleston Magnolia Garden Club, Mississippi
“RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GARDENS”
The Burlington Garden Club, Vermont
“GARDEN BEAUTY”
The Wedowee Garden Club, Alabama
“POLLINATOR FRIENDLY GARDEN”
The Ramblers Garden Club Louisville, Kentucky
Winter 2021| 27Members of The Twenty
Five Gardeners provide
ongoing leadership,
gardening expertise and
rent two beds at the
“ Members
are designing a
pollinator garden
Members of The Twenty Five
Gardeners at work in the to showcase the
Farmington Community Garden.
Volunteers work each day to help
benefits of native
plants.
”
gardens grow.
of an engaging seasonal
vine-covered structure
to be used as a learning garden. Members are
“claboratory.” designing a pollinator
rented at $12 each year
The foundation of the garden to showcase
for personal use by
Farmington Community the benefits of native
subscribers. At the same
Garden is built on plants. They also work
time, community garden
sustainability. Garden closely with city leaders
members contribute
club members work to and organizations on
volunteer hours toward
preserve the mission of other areas of civic
the maintenance of
growing foods organically beautification, community
common areas, attend
and improving the service and offer
monthly meetings and
yield. This past growing resources in conjunction
schedule work days.
season, excess fruit and with the garden club’s
Phase 2 was completed
vegetables harvested by affiliations with National
in 2018-2019, with the
garden club members Garden Clubs Inc. and The
addition of perimeter
were donated to local Federated Garden Clubs
plantings of small fruit
food pantries. of Missouri Inc.
hedges and trees. A plan
Heading into its fourth
to add a Children’s Garden
year, the Farmington Beneficial collaborations
is slated for Phase 3,
Community Garden In 2020, The Twenty
which will include smaller,
continues to expand in Five Gardeners received
more child-friendly raised
size and memberships. an Espoma Plant America
beds, plus the addition
Garden
beds were
constructed
with the help
of donations
of materials
from local
organizations
and
businesses.
28 | The National GardenerThe site for the future Children’s Garden.
Grant, in which members used
the products to amend garden
beds and fertilize newly
planted seeds. Also last year,
the garden club was the recipient of an Plots hold
thriving
Ames Tool Grant, and used the new tools gardens.
to augment or replace donated shovels, A young
hoes and hand tools, some of which had helper
learns
fallen into disrepair. With the expansion how to use
youth-
of the Children’s Garden, budding sized Ames
gardeners will use the Ames Tools tools.
designed for smaller hands. In addition,
the tools offer teachable moments as
garden club members instruct young
gardeners on the proper use and care of
the youth-sized Ames tools. Nutrition Program signed up as part of
Interest in the Farmington Community its education outreach for families in
Garden continues to grow. In 2020, a need.
local Girl Scout Troop rented a raised The Twenty Five Gardeners was
garden bed as a project and the formed in 1941 as a garden club
University of Missouri Extension’s Food
The Farmington Community Garden yields a bountiful harvest.
Winter 2021| 29restricted in size by the original
state organization to just 25
members. Members are active in
the community, volunteering on
a number of civic beautification
projects, hosting an annual plant sale
and funding an annual scholarship at
a local college.
Melanie Montgomery
Chairman, The Community Garden
noladygodiva@hotmail.com
Carol Gamble
Member (retired)
carolssports@gmail.com
The Twenty Five Gardeners
Photos courtesy
of The Twenty Five
Gardeners
Children love
to explore and
help in the
garden!
Cultivate our The National Gardener would like
Garden to tap into your skills and talents,
as well as showcase your favorite
Community projects.
WITH GARDENING TIPS, PLEASE SEND:
IDEAS AND PROJECTS • A brief description of your idea
or how a unique project fostered
Members of National Garden success.
Clubs are a wealth of knowledge • A photo or two of your project
and information on all things in is welcome. Photos must be high
the garden. resolution 300 dpi with photo credit
information provided.
Do you, or your club, SEND TO:
have gardening Patricia Binder, editor
tips, tricks, ideas The National Gardener
or project successes to patricia.b.binder@gmail.com
share?
30 | The National GardenerAbout The Espoma Company
The Espoma Great Depression and brand leader, Espoma
Company began the years that followed. offers over 70 popular
production in 1929 with However, growth was organic products and
its first product, Espoma slow and the work manufactures over
Organic, a proprietary hard. During this time, 50-million pounds
blend of natural materials Sanders anticipated the of organic fertilizer
available near the need for a new type of per year, making it a
company’s location in plant food specifically leading provider of
Millville, New Jersey. The designed for hollies and organic fertilizers for the
ingredients in Espoma other acid-loving plants. retail lawn and garden
Organic were blended His pioneering spirit and industries.
and bagged using shovels, industry insights led to the The evolution of
wheelbarrows and scales testing of several plant Espoma’s once-modest
– tasks accomplished food formulations with manufacturing facility
through the painstaking local nurseries. The result to the capabilities of the
efforts and hard work was Holly-tone® – the modern, state-of-the-
of scores of dedicated first organically balanced art operation in Millville
employees. fertilizer developed and today is a reflection of the
With product in hand, formulated to fulfill the company’s growth and
Espoma founder H.G. requirements of acid- success through hands-
Sanders set out on the loving plants. on family ownership,
road selling in the New Today, Holly-tone quality products and
York, Philadelphia and is considered by dedicated workforce. This
Washington D.C. markets. professional and amateur time-honored spirit will
This successful strategy gardeners to be the continue to provide the
helped the company number-one plant impetus for Espoma well
survive the economic hard food for all acid loving into the 21st century.
times brought on by the plants. In addition to this
Visit espoma.com
Espoma is accepting applications
for the Espoma Plant America Grant
October 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021
For more information and/or to apply for the grant, visit
espoma.com/garden-clubs/ or gardenclub.org/projects/espoma
Winter 2021| 31You can also read
