Door prize winner Lori McCline with TreeNewal’s David Gaona
Erminja Maganja, Garden Club Publicity Chair
February: On Feb. 21 Garden Club members and guests enjoyed an informative presentation by local tree experts TreeNewal. Arborist James Allen provided pointers on trees that do well in our area given our weather and soil conditions; discussed common issues and mistakes in selecting, planting, and caring for trees; and took questions from the audience. TreeNewal generously provided a buffet lunch. Principal Manager David Gaona raffled off lovely bouquets and gift cards as door prizes to two lucky attendees.
March: At our March 21 meeting, members heard from Clyde Roberts and Marv Daniel, RR Community Garden Coordinators. Clyde provided an update on the very popular Community Garden located on Michelle Way, adjacent to the dog park. The sign at the entrance, “Alice’s Garden,” was placed a few years ago in memory of Alice Uyeda who was an active gardener and beloved community member. The Community Garden now holds 135 4-foot by 8-foot beds. The garden was expanded in 2018 with the addition of rows A and B, and eight boxes were added this winter, with more planned for installation at year end. Marv discussed the wonders and benefits of compost! He has refined a quick, successful method to make compost and shared his decades of experience. The Community Garden is currently at capacity, with all beds leased. This is done directly through the HOA via an annual $35 lease. The HOA maintains a waitlist. Interested gardeners may contact Linda Caron at the HOA office.
The March meeting also included our annual plant exchange. Garden Club members shared and exchanged a wide variety of garden delights, including bulbs, rhizomes, young plants, herbs, seeds, and more!
April: A field trip is planned for Garden Club members on Monday, April 18, to the lovely Chandor Gardens in Weatherford, Texas. We will carpool to the venue and enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and the Chandor home. Renowned Texas horticulturalist Steven Chamblee, who presented to our club last year, rejuvenated the gardens to their current splendor.
Lunch will be “on our own.” For those interested in dining as a group, we will make reservations at Yesterday’s Sandwich Shop—just let us know so that we have an accurate headcount.
The cost is $10, which was to be delivered to Treasurer Janice Brown at 9204 Bradford by Friday, April 8, in the envelope under the doormat. Please add a note if you’re interested in lunch at Yesterday’s (or email [email protected]).
Due to group size, we can only accommodate Garden Club members at this event—yet another reason to join the Garden Club!
May: “April showers bring May flowers,” and for the Garden Club, it also brings the highly anticipated annual RR Garden Tour. We select a few lovely gardens, as gracious homeowners share their beautiful yards and colorful creations. Details will be provided later in April.
May also marks the end of the Garden Club’s year. We take a three-month break, starting up again in September.
For questions or additional information, contact Erminja Maganja at [email protected] or 916-804-5551.