April 2010 Newsletter
April 5, 2010
Letter From The Executive Director
Dear Members,
I want to thank past Flower Show Chair Emily Johnson, the many volunteers, and everyone who helped make the 2010 Southeastern Flower Show a great success.
I am thrilled to announce that Mary and Felton Norwood will work together as Co-Chairs of the 2011 Southeastern Flower Show, presented by the Southeastern Horticultural Society on February 25 - 27, 2011 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
The past year has seen a lot of exciting changes and growth at the Southeastern Horticultural Society (SHS). We proudly started new programs including the SHS Community Learning Gardens and the Edible School Yard Urban Farm, which teaches school kids about nutrition the fun way; by having them grow and taste their own vegetables. Students learn about healthy choices in the classroom and then help to create those options in the community, making the connection between the environment and the food they eat.
We will continue to take the pulse of the southeastern community and respond by presenting new programs, build successful partnerships, increase the membership, and expand to reach a broader audience.
But as a non-profit, our work is only possible because of the generous donations of our supporters. If you want more information about our wonderful programs or would like to support these efforts please visit our website at www.sehort.org.
Best wishes for healthy environment,
Kate Chura
Executive Director
A BREATH OF SPRING IN FEBRUARY
THE 23rd SOUTHEASTERN FLOWER SHOW ENJOYED BY ALL
Although it was one of the coldest, dreariest and rainy weekends in Atlanta’s winter history, ‘Green’ was discovered as soon as you entered through the show doors at the Southeastern Horticultural Society’s 23rd annual Southeastern Flower Show held February 4-6 at the Cobb Galleria.
Visitors from as far away as upstate New York came to the Show, in their search for ideas and beauty, but definitely not warmer climates! The colors and smells of spring and summer could be seen all over the Show, along with the finest examples of plants, garden design and greening techniques. From the different varieties of camellias to the creatively designed landscaped garden ‘rooms’; sparked imaginations and peaked creative ideas for ones own personal garden ideas…just filed away to become realities as soon as the temperatures of spring allow us to sink a shovel into our own Southern gardens.
Ask 100 attendees what their favorite part of the show was and you will get 100 different answers. The Galleria provided a state of the art convention center for an array of feature demonstrations, culinary presentations, hardscape ideas, landscape gardens, and marketplace vendors. A shoppers paradise with vendors carrying everything from gardening tools to botanical jewelry.
Mrs. Mary and Dr. Felton Norwood to Chair 2011 Southeastern Flower Show February 25-27, 2011
The Southeastern Horticultural Society (SHS) is very excited to announce that Dr. Felton and Mrs. Mary Norwood will be Flower Show co-chairs for the 24th Annual Southeastern Flower Show. Please mark your calendars for Friday through Sunday, February 25-27, 2011. Once again, the show will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
When asked about co-chairing the Show, the Norwoods said that they share the same vision for the Show as the Southeastern Horticultural Society does, in that “The Southeastern Flower Show brings our community together sharing beauty, imagination, creativity, and knowledge. It is an important event for the entire Southeast and we plan on being a ‘traveling show’ this fall to reach out to communities across the region in order to increase interest, participation, and attendance at the Flower Show.” The Norwoods have been involved with the Southeastern Flower Show for years through their “husband and wife” artistic entries.
“We have enjoyed our history with the Show, and we enter every year because it’s so much fun!”
To request a visit from the Norwoods (including an optional flower demonstration), please contact the Southeastern Horticultural Society at 404 351-1074.
“Friends in the Field”
This month we are beginning a new featured article called “Friends In The Field”. Each month we will feature a timely article about horticulture from various professionals and enthusiasts in the Southeast. If you would like to submit an article for consideration please send it to:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and in the subject line please type: “Friends in the Field”
Fleur-de-lis
In French, the literal translation for Fleur-de-lis is “lily flower”. However the symbol is thought to have been stylized from an iris and not a lily. Some historians take it a bit further and have concluded that it is derived from one iris in particular, the Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus).
Barnsley Gardens has a deep rooted connection to the Fleur-de-lis. This old estate was once owned by a Prince and Princess of Bavaria whose coat of arms has featured the Fleur-de-lis for centuries. This could explain why Barnsley Gardens has such a rich display of iris in the spring. It was during restoration of the gardens that Princess Alexandra suggested the iris bed that is named for her.
The first iris to make itself known is the reticulata iris, a tiny bulbous iris of around 6 inches tall that can bloom as early as February. It is a welcome sight to see a splash of color in the garden after a long, gray winter. Following these dainty treasures are the bearded iris. We have several old species of iris in this category. One of my favorites is the lavender flowered Dalmation Iris (Iris pallida). Blooming in April, it has a fragrance reminiscent of grape candy. There is a long walk in the lower gardens where they are planted among the native azaleas, and this combination of color and fragrance is striking. Around this time, the Japanese Roof Iris (Iris tectorum) also blooms. This is one of the few shade tolerant iris. It comes in only two colors, blue and white. Both colors are equally beautiful but I favor the white one because it brightens up a shade garden. This iris is also more apt to naturalize by seeding around than other species. In fact, you can have a blooming plant within one year from seed whereas most irises take three to four years to flower from a seedling.
Alexandra’s namesake extends the season with a nice collection of Louisiana Iris in a wide array of colors. These bog irises are complimenting the bald cypress that also prefers a moist site. Another bog iris that blooms around this time is the Yellow Flag Iris (Fleur-de-lis). The Yellow Flag is a real beacon in the garden with its golden yellow flowers sitting atop five foot stems. It also has a great deal of history behind it as well.
Barnsley Gardens has numerous species of iris growing throughout the gardens. Join our horticultural staff for a guided garden tour to learn more. Complimentary tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. with the purchase of admissions. We will also offer several varieties of iris at the spring time plant sale during the month of April.
This month’s “Friends in the Field” article is by Dottie Wheaton
Horticulturist from Barnsley Gardens Resort
Phone: (770) 773-7480 ext.1240
www.barnsleyresort.com
“Mice in the Garden”
Intel Computer Clubhouse at the Edgewood Community Learning Garden
The Amazing Garden
Why is the garden so amazing? There are a lot of things in the garden such as activities; we go to the office and color and do more activities. I’ve been planting flowers and some vegetables. One day we hope you come and visit the garden.
THE DAY I MADE A KUDZU BASKET!!!
One day on a cold day we made a kudzu basket.
Ms. Kyla brought her dog and her friend.
Her friend helped me and she helped Qasim. It
was a fun activity. I had made it because it was
almost Christmas and I wanted to get my mom something
hand made and I didn’t have any money. She could use
the Kudzu basket to decorate.
She could put some roses in the basket or teddy bears in the basket just for fun.
She could even use it for even laundry. I thought it would be the perfect gift. I thought
she was going to be so happy that she would start giving me some allowance.
Okay I was a little over reacting but I was 9 back then and I didn’t know what she would really do.
Activities In the SHS Edgewood Community Learning Garden and Around Town:
April 5-9 10: a.m. -5:00 p.m.: Cob oven camp at the garden, with celebration and pizza cook-off on the 9th.
Drop in during spring break to help build a community pizza and bread oven. This project involves building with sand, clay and straw, and is open to participation of kids and adults of all ages. Oven should be finished and ready for baking by the 9th. Children must be accompanied by adults. Come prepared to get dirty and have fun!
April 17th 4:00 p.m. until… Neighborhood potluck with children’s activities. Following a tire cleanup in Edgewood from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Outreach
April 17th 9 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Worms, Glorious Worms! - Free Children’s Workshop
at Peachtree Road Farmers Market at The Cathedral of St. Philip
2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, Ga 30305
April 20th 1:00 p.m. “Welch’s Harvest Grant” celebration with guest Alton Brown, Food Network’s “Good Eats” host, Mike Metallo, Executive Director of National Gardening Association
David Lukiewski, CEO of Welch’s.
Whitefoord Elementary School
35 Whitefoord Avenue, SE
The school is located on the corners of Whitefoord Ave SE and Hosea Williams Dr.
Directions: http://bit.ly/cH98fY
May 1st 9 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Here Chickie Chickie! - Free Children’s Workshop
at Peachtree Road Farmers Market at The Cathedral of St. Philip
2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, Ga 30305
August 5-8th American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) at the Loudermilk Center
The ACGA Membership Conference brings together hundreds of individuals from across the United States, Canada, and abroad, who are engaged in all aspects of gardening and greening. The conference includes hands-on workshops, keynote speakers, a film festival, and visits to parks, school gardens, and community gardens. This year includes a pre-conference workshop on childhood obesity prevention through gardening.
http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/training/annual-conference/index.php
For more information please contact Kyla: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
