The offer of a climbing fern from a fellow gardener was SO tempting. I love both ferns and something “different”. But discovering that Japanese climbing fern offered was an invasive in Georgia made me stop and reconsider. So many plants that have introduced in our country and state started with honorable intentions – some to beautify and introduce new species – many to solve a problem. For example, good ‘ole kudzu was used for soil improvement and preservation. Who knew those gorgeous white flowering Bradford pears brought in from Asia would be such dangerous trees due to splitting? But our problem as gardeners is also to remember to be good stewards of the land for the future. Yes, we may certainly have an invasive in our garden because we love the plant and work to keep it confined and in bounds. But what happens when it’s no longer our property?…
Author: Becky Wolary
October 2013 General Meeting
The October 21, 2013 meeting hosted Dr. Matthew Chappell as our speaker. Dr. Chappell received his PhD in Horticulture in 2007 from the University of Georgia and currently is an Assistant Professor and Statewide Extension Horticulturist in the University Of Georgia Department Of Horticulture. Dr. Chappell is the UGA Faculty Liaison and Education Chairperson for the Georgia Green Industry Association and interacts regularly with other Horticulture Trade Associations. Dr. Chappell has published several articles focusing on the use of native plants in traditional landscape design and the title of his presentation was “Native Plants You Should Know”. Members and guests enjoyed the presentation on native trees, shrubs, woody vines, and perennials. Attendees were also treated to a presentation from Rosalie Tubre on Lanier Children’s Community Garden, one of GCMGA’s 2013 grant recipients. Related Images:
Cookbook Award Winners
Soliciting recipes from our members for the GCMGA cookbook “Gardeners Cook”, a contest was held at three different meetings early in 2012. There were lots of great entries and the winners are: Rita Rudinski won for her salad entry. Latha Yatabe is presented her ribbon for her appetizers by Joe Washington. Judy Chesser shows off her cake for desserts with Shirley Bohm, Cookbook Chair looking on. Related Images: