JOHN SCHINKER. . . President`s Message

81 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE MAHONING VALLEY
Volume 53 Issue 3
The 2006-07-08-09-10-11 National Award Winning Newsletter
JOHN SCHINKER. . . President’s Message
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
ince 2005, the Masco Greenhouse at South Avenue and Bev
Road has been the anchor supporting our Spring Plant Sale.
From time to time we have had roof panels either collapsing from the weight of snow or blown out by high winds.
One such incident occurred the day before our 2010 sale.
Quick action by Frank Dietz and his MCBDD maintenance crew allowed our sale to go on undisturbed. This is
but one example of how the staff at MCBDD has gone out of their
way to support our efforts at Masco and Leonard Kirtz School.
7:30 pm Wednesday, March 7th
Social Period begins at 7:00 pm
Speaker: Susan Casmer
Subject: Herbs
- Bring A Guest -
Mill Creek MetroParks
MARCH EVENTS
A recent wind storm this past January damaged two roof panels beyond repair. It also
tore some others loose from their channels. Several roof experts were brought in to assess
the situation. The consensus was that the panels have long since outlived their life expectancy and the entire roof needed to be replaced.
I am thrilled to announce that through the efforts of Larry Duck, George Winston,
Frank Dietz and the MCBDD Board of Directors, a new roof will be installed. This will
enable us to continue to grow plants for our sale, youth garden and many other projects. It
will also allow access for the newly formed Masco Garden Club.
This club consists of Masco clients who want to contribute to the beautification of the
Masco grounds. The projected completion date of this construction is mid March, 2012.
We usually ramp up production in late March so the timing should be perfect. Meanwhile,
we will have a greater presence at Leonard Kirtz School.
On behalf of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown, I would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks to the whole MCBDD family for their ongoing support.
Just about the time you figure this is as good as it gets, we kick things up another
notch. This year’s Winter Seminar again sold out weeks before the event. This is a prime
example of our club’s reputation for excellence. Hats off to Lynn Hoffmann, Larry Tooker,
Bill MacPherson and the entire crew who worked so tirelessly to make this happen.
The issue of retaining and assimilating new members into the MGCY family was
addressed at the February Board of Gardeners meeting. While some recruits jump right
in and become valuable club assets, others lose interest when their help is not actively
encouraged by senior members. To become members, future recruits will be required to
attend a board meeting with their sponsor before being voted in.
By becoming acquainted with the various committee chairmen, the new member will
be better able to decide what club activities he would like to be involved in. To further the
assimilation process, the board also passed a resolution establishing a half-hour social period before regular meetings. This will begin at 7:00pm with the official meeting beginning
as usual at 7:30pm.
I’ll see you at the meeting, and remember: BRING A FRIEND.
March 2012
John
Health & wellness, golf, children’s & family activities,
nature hikes, horticulture shows & workshops, crafts
& more: www.millcreekmetroparks.com
Loose Knit Group.. ............................. 2,16,28
Mudicious.. ................................................. 3
Orchid & Hydrangea Wreath....................... 8
Orchid Walk & Talk.................................. 10
Oxbows.................................................... 11
Writing Workshop..................................... 14
From the Garden Soup.............................. 14
Birding the Sanctuary............................... 17
Landscape Watercolor............................... 17
MetroMutts: Shamrock Hike..................... 17
Looking for the Green.. ............................. 18
Spring Landscape Clinic.. .......................... 21
Yellow Creek Park Winter Concert............ 22
Pysanky Workshop.. .................................. 24
Wood Frogs of Poland Woods.................... 24
Photo Exhibit Start: Keystone Elk............. 25
Audubon Society Meeting.. ........................ 27
“Hello to Spring” Bouquet....................29-31
Breakfast Botany: Willow Family.. ............. 30
Easter Eggstravaganza............................... 31
Naturally Dyed Eggs in a Basket.. .............. 31
Spring Salamander Search........................ 31
$ IN THIS ISSUE $
President’s Message..........................1
Club News.........................................2
Sure Cures for Constipation..............3
Backyard Photography - Part II...........4
Planting Bougainvillea......................5
Climate Change & Agriculture.........5
Hort Shorts........................................6
Spring Has Sprung............................7
Officers & Sponsors..........................7
Calendar of Events............................8
MARCH 2012
Helping Our Valley Grow Since 1930
CLUB NEWS
www.mgcy.org
63 MEMBERS 18 SPONSORS 1 ASSOCIATE
NEW MEMBER
Anthony Lape, 6255 Diana Dr., Poland, OH 44514,
330.707.1226, anthony.lape@att.net. Anthony is married
(Paige) and is a service technician with Linde Hydraulics. In
addition to his gardening interests of flowers and shrubs, he
enjoys music and is an accomplished drummer.
Sponsor: Ted Vagas
Welcome Aboard
HOME & GARDEN SHOW INFO BOOTH
Our club will again be taking part in the Home and Garden Show at the Austintown Plaza, March 16th - 18th. You
can help promote our organization and recruit new members
by volunteering for the 18-27 time slots. Bruce Brungard will
be passing a signup sheet at the March membership meeting
or call Bob Fink, 330.792.6183, to volunteer by phone.
VILLA MARIA EASTER FLOWER SALE
As we documented in our Villa Maria Farm series last
year, their greenhouse is jam-packed with spring flowers. For
Easter (April 8th) this year they are growing Easter lilies, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinth, pansy pots and, new
this year, pink Asiatic lilies. For more info go to www.humilityofmary.org.
The farm is also taking applications for its Community
Supported Agriculture program. There are full, half, working
and herb shares available. Call John Moreira, 724.964.8920
Ext. 3385, for more information.
LARRY TOOKER STEPS UP
First Vice President Dan Stefanick has resigned due to a
move to warmer climes. We thank him for his contributions
to our organization and will miss him. Not only will we need
to fill this vital position but someone has to book our meeting
and event speakers.
Larry Tooker's presentation lineups at our Winter and
Trees, Trees, Trees seminars, and National Conference has
been first rate. We were thrilled when he volunteered to book
the speakers, and you can bet our meetings will be even more
fun and educational.
In addition, Larry has again donated $100 toward our
American Elm Tree Restoration and Evaluation Project. His
dedication to horticulture and our club is an exemplar to
2
which all members should aspire.
FUNDRAISING PARTNERSHIP
We have joined forces with Renee's Garden to raise funds
for our public service projects. Renee's is an online vender
featuring a wide selection of heirloom and cottage garden
flowers, gourmet vegetables, culinary herbs, seed collections,
cookbooks and more.
Go to their website, www.reneesgarden.com, and see if
there is anything that catches your eye. Enter FR717B in the
coupon code box on the checkout page. At the end of the year,
25% of all purchase dollars will be donated to our club. This
applies to everyone using the code including friends.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE UPDATE
Preparation for the upcoming Buckeye Bash, our hosting
of The Gardeners of America Mens' Garden Clubs of America
National Conference, is moving along smoothly. We have
received help from the Cleveland
and Akron clubs, and can't thank
them enough.
We urge all members to attend. You will never have a
better opportunity to support your club, attend top notch seminars or go to a less expensive national conference. The activities schedule, seminar list and registration form are available
at www.mgcy.org and at http://www.tgoa-mgca.org/Convention2012.htm, the national website.
GERMINATOR ISSUES
We're not sure how many members realize that their dues
don't come close to covering the cost of mailing a newsletter
to them, and a recent increase in postal rates has raised our
costs further. Any decline in club revenue could result in our
inability to deliver the Germinator in the present manner and
format.
While most of us of a certain age may prefer to hold what
we read in our hands, you are asked to consider receiving
the newsletter by email. Information Technology Chair Dan
Miller sends an email notice when the latest newsletter issue
becomes available. Members who have trouble downloading
from Dan's link can go to www.mgcy.org and read the current
and past issues there. They can also print a copy.
A new club directory will soon be available and, if your
email address is incorrect or not included, contact Dan so he
can update our records. Please cooperate if you can because,
one day, unpleasant changes in the newsletter may be forced
upon us.
Dave Campana - Editor
MARCH 2012
Helping Our Valley Grow Since 1930
SURE CURES FOR CONSTIPATION
3
MARCH 2012
Helping Our Valley Grow Since 1930
IMPROVING BACKYARD
PHOTOGRAPHY – PART II
Your eye reads a picture from left to right. You can
use the stem of the flower or leaves to lead the eye to the
center of interest. Keep this in mind when taking photos.
The stem of a flower should come in from the left half of
the picture. Try this for yourself and you’ll see the difference. Take a picture of a flower with the stem coming in
from the left half. Then try one coming in from the right
and compare the difference.
Richard States
uccessful photography isn’t all about equipment although understanding apertures,
shutter speeds and exposure certainly increases your chances of success. You can
improve your photos even if using a point
and shoot camera. Here I will continue offering tips on taking photos in general but specifically
flowers. Let’s briefly review the four tips from Part I of
this three part series.
Tip #7: Placement of the center of interest.
Where you place the center of interest in your composition is important. One composition aid is called the
“rule of thirds” which works fairly well most of the time.
Divide the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Near the intersections
of these lines tends to be a
good place for the most important subject in the photograph. Dead center in the
middle of the frame leads to
static photos. The exact location of the center of interest does not need to be accurately measured. This is partly casual subject to the
photographer’s feeling, taste and intuition.
Tip #1: Make sure the flower is in prime condition.
All parts should be just coming into or are in peak
condition. If not, wait until they are.
Tip #2: Take advantage of overcast or cloudy days.
Never shoot close-ups of flowers in full sunlight. Either use your shadow or a diffuser to soften the light.
Tip #3: Use a tripod.
To obtain depth of field when shooting from a few
inches away requires an aperture of f16 or f22 using
ASA 50 or 100 with a shutter speed of 1/4 to 1 second.
Tip #8: Keep it simple.
Tip #4: Get down to their level.
Never photograph from above. Bring a plastic trash
bag to lie on when the ground is muddy or wet.
Leave out the clutter. Make sure everything in your
photo, not just the flower, is intentional. This can separate a snapshot from a work of art. Take time to compose
your image. Look at the corners and sides as well as the
middle of your image. Look for hot spots or a patch of
ground that doesn’t fit the photo, then move around to a
better angle that eliminates it. If there are twigs or leaves
that distract you, carefully move or bend them out of the
way. Clean it up.
Tip #5: Don’t forget to shoot vertically.
More often than not, flowers are vertical so you
should shoot vertically. Remember the subject should be
85% of the picture. Shooting horizontal will leave too
much dead, wasted space on one or both sides of the picture. Also, you cannot get as close as you should when
shooting horizontally. However, naturally horizontal
flowers may be the exception to this rule.
Tip #9: Pay attention to the background.
Tip #6: Check these lines.
4
The closer you get, the less depth of field you will
have in a photo so your background will likely be out of
focus. This is actually a plus for flower photos because
it really makes the forms and colors pop out. Look for
hot spots from the sky that may leak through the foliage
background. Your eye will always go to hot spots. Before
taking the picture, use the depth of field preview button
if your camera has one. A small aperture (f22) is best
used when shooting close-ups. While the background
will be plainly visible when seen through the viewfinder,
it will be blurred in the photo limiting distractions.
MARCH 2012
Helping Our Valley Grow Since 1930
READY TO PLANT
BOUGAINVILLEA?
Staff Report
his colorful tropical would be the pride of
any Ohioan's landscape beds. Unfortunately,
it is a zone 10 plant on the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's climate guide of average minimum
temperatures, and is unable to survive our winters. That could change, however, as our planet
heats up. The USDA
recently raised our state from
zone 5 to zone 6 on its "hardiness" guide.
The guide is normally
based on average temps over a
50-100 year period and was last
updated in 1990. Complaints
from farmers and the nation's
82 million gardeners prompted
new calculations based on data from 1976 to 2005. This information is important to all who want to know what plants
to grow where and when. These long-range calculations are
particularly vital to tree farmers. For example, sugar maples
thrive best in zone 3 while some dogwoods like zone 5 and
rhododendrons do best in zone 7.
While the USDA emphasized that the new guide isn't
necessarily an indication of permanent global warming,
there is no denying that recent springs have been arriving
earlier, and both spring and fall have been lasting longer.
There has also been a dramatic increase in atmospheric CO2
as well as erratic weather patterns and events. The Arbor
Day Foundation publishes its own map and cites a national
northward-moving trend of warmer temperatures.
These changes should prompt gardeners to try new varieties in their gardens and beds, and the inventory of local
nurseries will probably reflect that trend. For more information, go to http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov and enter your
zip code.
We went to www.davesgarden.com, which still uses the
old hardiness map, to see what these changes might mean
for frost probability. We compared Youngstown's new rating
(zone 6a) which is similar to Cincinnati's old one. While by
no means scientific, the results were startling. A 90% chance
of frost changed from May 1st to April 6th; a 50% chance
changed from May 17th to April 17th and a 10% chance
went from June 1st to May 3rd. With any luck, we may be
able to sow seeds and harden off seedlings up to a month
earlier.
5
CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT ON
AGRICULTURE
While many internet sites offer opinions on the subject, we
chose www.climateandfarming.org because it's information is
based on studies by top universities. During the 20th century,
annual temperatures in the Northeastern U.S. increased 1.8
degrees Fahrenheit with a 2.9 degree increase in winter. The
benefits of increased CO2 fertilization can be offset by extreme summer temperatures and the inability of plants to exhaust the accompanying increased water. Also, higher temps
favor some invasive species, and alter interactions between
plants, pollinators, insect pests, diseases and weeds. Here is a
very short review of several areas of concern.
Impact of Northeast Agriculture - Most family farms grow
crops (winter wheat, sweat corn, apples, potatoes, etc.) adapted to a relatively cool climate. For these crops, the competitive regional edge may be lost due to lower quality and yields.
Grain crops (field corn, wheat and oats) will also see lower
yields although alternative varieties, if available, may mediate
the loss.
Higher temps may present the opportunity to grow warmer weather crops (watermelon, peaches, etc.) provided the increased rain predicted by some climate models occurs. These
models also predict dryer conditions in the Southwest. Heavy
rains, however, can bring a whole other set of problems. Milder winters have resulted in earlier wine grape budding with
the vines suffering less damage. However, apple crop yields
have diminished.
Impact on Weeds - At present, the U.S. has 46 major crops
and over 400 "troublesome" weeds. Some of the worst to a
given crop are its wild relatives. Weeds have a greater genetic diversity and, as CO2 increases, will likely show greater
growth and reproductive response than crops. The same is
true of foreign invasive species.
Effects on Insects & Pathogens - Generally, higher temps
will result in more species and higher insect populations by effecting survival, development and geographic range. Phenology models predicting peak insect populations will be skewed
as the number of generations increase during the growing
season. How beneficial insect populations will respond is unknown. There will also be an influx of warmer weather pests
to areas where they were once relatively unknown.
Increased temps raise the potential for rust disease in
wheat and oats while some forage varieties will become less
susceptible. In general, rising temps and increased rain encourage increased pathogen growth while others, like powdery mildew, will diminish.
Effect of Heat Stress on Dairy Cattle - Animal health and milk
production will suffer as temperatures rise above certain levels.
MARCH 2012
Helping Our Valley Grow Since 1930
HORT SHORTS
GETTING A FIR BACK INTO TIP TOP SHAPE
Just because borers have killed the top portion of your
evergreen tree and it's lost its sexy shape doesn't mean it
should be taken down. To save and restore the tree, first
prune off the infested part below the bore holes. In the
spring, new leaders will begin growing from the cut - usually a bit sideways.
The highest point of a tree will begin growing first
and is able to regulate the growth below it so that other
branches don't overtake it. This "apical dominance" is particularly strong in firs and spruce. Select the most vertical,
healthy leader and prune off the others. In time this leader
should become perfectly vertical and you've got your tree
back. You can help it along by tying a cane to the trunk and
the leader loosely to the cane. Use cotton cord so it will rot
off and not girdle the leader. Sign up for email newsletter
at jmaxgarden@aol.com.
ARTICLES FROM WWW.GARDEN.ORG
This National Gardening Association website is a
great tool for gardeners. Go to it and sign up for its online
newsletter, Regional Garden News.
Peak Phlox Performance - Well grown garden phlox
is a great midsummer flower with its large heads adding
color and fragrance when early bloomers are declining.
While dusty mildew has been a major problem, those days
may be over. The Chicago Botanic Garden's Zone 5b gardens recently released its ten-year garden phlox evaluation.
Of the 78 cultivars evaluated, only Phlox paniculata 'Shortwood' received a perfect score. It grows to 50",
blooms from mid-July
to early October, and
showed excellent resistance to dusty mildew and
spider mites. Other very
good varieties were P. paniculata 'Robert Poore',
'Katherine', 'Laura' and
'Orange Perfection'. See
the full report at the Chicago Botanic Garden website, www.EnjoyIllinois.com.
National Ecological Observatory Network and the Chicago Botanic Garden, this program involves citizens from
all over the country contributing data on the leafing, flowering and fruiting of plants. There are a variety of ways
participants can provide information to help study phenologic changes related to climate change. Sign up at www.
neoninc.org/budburst.
Urban Bird Study - This Cornell University Lab of
Ornithology study intends to not only assess the health of
urban bird populations but
also encourages an appreciation of urban wildlife. Of
special interest to gardeners
is a section on Urban Gardening for Birds which is
full of "Little Green Places"
to support and attract birds
in urban settings. For more
info and to sign up go to www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration.
UPCOMING GARDENING SEMINARS
HOLBORN HERB GROWERS SYMPOSIUM Anyone interested in learning more about herbs should
consider attending the March 24th event to be held at
the Canfield Presbyterian Church. The $30 admission includes a continental breakfast, lunch and workshops.
Scheduled speakers are MetroParks Horticulturist
Keith Kaiser, Tim Parks of Parks' Nursery, Beech Creek
Botanical Garden's Paul Carmichel and Karen Langan
of Mulberry Creek Herb Farm. For more info call Diane
Playforth at 330.533.3802.
LAWRENCE COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
"SPRING INTO GARDENING" SYMPOSIUM - Many
from this group attend our Winter Seminars and members
may want to return the favor. The event will be held April
14th in New Castle. The $35 admission includes lunch
and educational sessions during breaks. Speakers and topics are:
• Dr. Laura Deeter - Ornamental Grasses in the
Landscape
• Linda Kramer - Garden Layers: Adding Enjoy ment by Subtracting Work
• Gwen Lutz - A Garden in a Nutshell: Container
Gardening 101
Project BudBurst - Spring is almost here and it won't For a registration form and more info call the Penn
be long before buds will be popping. Initiated by the 6 State Extension Office at 724.654.8370.
MARCH 2012
Helping Our Valley Grow Since 1930
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Thanks to these MGCY Friends
for their Civic Fund donations.
Members are urged to give them a visit.
BAIRD BROTHERS SAWMILL
7060 Crory Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406
C & C RIBBON & FLORIST
8204 South Ave. Ext
Boardman, OH 44512
CROUSE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE
1178 Market St., North Lima, OH
"You were tossing and turning all Winter"
www.truevaluetrains@zoominternet.net
Father O'Leary woke up Sunday and, seeing
it was such a beautiful early spring day, decided
he just had to play golf. He told the associate pastor that he was feeling ill and asked him to say
Mass that day.
As soon as the associate pastor left the room,
Father O'Leary threw his clubs in his car and
headed to a golf course forty miles away. He figured he wouldn't run into anyone from his parish
that far away.
It was still early and the course was empty
because everyone else was still in church. As the
good father was setting up on the first hole, St.
Peter turns to God and says, "You're not going to
let him get away with this, are you?"
The Lord sighed and replied, "No, I guess not."
Just as Father O'Leary hit the ball, a big gust
of wind sent it straight towards the pin and the
ball bounced into the hole - A 425 YARD HOLE
IN ONE! The priest jumped up and down screaming with joy.
St. Peter was astonished. He looked at the Lord
and asked, "Why did you help him do that?"
"Who," God replied with a smile, "Is he going to tell?"
DJ'S GREENHOUSE
1004 E. Lake Rd., Transfer, PA.
www.djsgreenhouse@verizon.net
ELLIOT'S GARDEN CENTER
1283 W. Western Reserve Rd.
Poland, OH 44514
FIRST CHOICE JEWELRY
7807 Market St., Boardman, OH
www.firstchoicecoins@sbcglobal.net
HOUSE DOCTORS WINDOW & DOOR
998 Tibbetts-Wick Rd.
Girard, OH 44420
OFFICE FURNITURE & PHONE
SYSTEMS
4521 Market St.
Boardman, OH 44512
POSSESSIONS FINE WOMEN'S
CLOTHING
924 Boardman-Canfield Rd.
Boardman, OH 44512
POWERHOUSE EQUIPMENT CO.
3585 S. Meridian Rd.
Youngstown, OH 44511
SELECTED SPECIALTIES
Special Ordered Vehicles
Bill MacPherson - 330.799.3000
ROBERT SENN PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
330.792.4377 330.565.8476
www.studio@robertsenn.com
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
Susan J. Bissonette
Spring is when you feel like whistling even with
a shoe full of slush.
Doug Larson
THE SENIOR NEWS
PO Box 2868
Youngstown, OH 44511
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should
smell like dirt. Margaret Atwood
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
90 Boardman-Canfield Rd.
Boardman, OH 44512
All that is IN SPRING is INSPIRING.
Dave Campana
7
THE MGCY
2012 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
John Schinker
1296 Macachee Drive
Youngstown, Oh 44511
330-799-6046
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Dan Stefanick
560 Glacierview Drive
Youngstown, Oh 44509
330-793-3567
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Currently Vacant
TREASURER
Robert J. McGowan
P.O. Box 724
Canfield, Oh 44406
330-533-2320
RECORDING
SECRETARY
John P. Kolar
1037 North Avenue
Girard, Oh 44420
330-545-2266
CORRESPONDING
SECRETARY
Vince Camp
687 Moore Avenue
Campbell, Oh 44405
330-746-6899
GERMINATOR STAFF
David A. Campana, Editor
7 Sioux Trail
Girard, Oh 44420
330-545-9023
E-Mail:
mgcygerminator@yahoo.com
Joseph Alessi, Jr.......... Editor Emeritus
Robert P. Stas................. Photographer
Printed by Just Your Type Graphics
Boardman, Ohio
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81st Year Calendar of Special Events 2012
The 2006-07-08-09-10-11 National Award Winning Newsletter
GA
BS
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MEN’S GARDEN CLUB OF YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
March 7 – General Meeting – FRG -7:30 PM – Speaker – Susan Casmer “Herbs” – Guest Welcome
March 14 – Board Meeting – FRG – 7:00 PM – The MGCY Members Welcome
March 16, 17, 18 – Austintown Plaza Home & Garden Show
March 21 – MVLNA Spring Clinic & Trade Show 8 am at FRG Davis Center (MVLNA, FFRG & Garden Club Members & Master
Gardeners) $40 per person – Non-Members $70 per person - Registration by March 12 – questions call 330-757-0884
or email mjperdulla@aol.com, Mary Jan Perdulla, MVLNA Secretary.
April 4 – General Meetting – FRG – 7:30 PM – Speaker – Guest Welcome
April 11 – Board Meeting – FRG – 7:00 P.M. – MGCY Members Welcome
April 13 – CGLR Meeting – Mansfield, Ohio
April 28 – Seed to Read – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM – Fellows Riverside Gardens
May 2 – General Meetting – FRG – 7:30 PM – Speaker – Guest Welcome
May 3 – Board Meeting – FRG – 7:00 P.M. – MGCY Members Welcome
May 17-18-19 – Spring Plant Sale – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM at MASCO on South Ave
SOMETIMES LIFE GIVES YOU A SECOND CHANCE,
AND SO WILL THE MGCY!
For changes or corrections affecting the club directory, contact Membership Chairman Bill MacPherson, 330.799.3000.
Organizations’ websites:
www.mgcy.org • www.tgoa-mgca.org • www.cglgardeners.org
Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown
David A. Campana, Editor
7 Sioux Trail
Girard, OH 44420
mgcygerminator@yahoo.com