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www.dagc.us Newsletter of the Danville-Alamo Garden Club October 2018

The Flower Pot Volume XLV Issue 2

Inside this Issue: Page 1 President’s Message, Membership Page 2 Program, Lunch Bunch, Food Bank, Plant Exchange Page 3 Tour Page 4 Workshop, Birthdays. Page 5 Bookworms, Book Bees, Friends Helping Friends

Page 6 Community Outreach Page 7 Webmaster request, Penny Pines Update Page 8 Winter Event ! Page 8 Horticulture, Notices Page 9 Sponsors, Classes. Page 10 Calendar

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

What a wonderful welcome back meeting and lunch we had on September 13th. I really enjoyed meeting all our new members and recognizing our very special long standing ones. I especially enjoyed meeting our new member, Carl Meier. I give him credit for joining. It’s nice to see a man knowledgeable in gardening join our club.

I along with many members was impressed with the seating arrangement Charlotte Graham created. It gave everyone a chance to meet new members and not just sit with their friends as usual. We all fall into that pattern. Please continue to welcome our new members and answer any questions they may have.

Thanks to Sandi Stamates, Judy DeHont and their social committee volunteers. Everything was set up beautifully and very organized. Ladies you all did a great job.

October’s General Meeting should be very interesting. Doc Hale, Wildlife Biologist will be returning. His programs are very interesting.

Read our newsletter and see all the workshops, tours, book club, and community outreach activities.

Enjoy your Fall gardening.

Sharon Williams — President

DAGC Welcomes 17 New Members!

We extend a warm welcome to our 17 new members, we hope you enjoy your time with us.

Nancy Balles. Kathryn Benvenuto, Kim Chandler, Diane Ciardello, Margo Miller, Maria Lawrence, Claudia Merritt, Deborah White, Faith Halstrom, Lisa Nadalin, Kelly Morgan, Joanne Rice, Jan Hersh, Trish Caruso, Carl Meier, Sheila Malley, and Ginny Iverson.

Look for the yellow ribbons on their name tags and say hello !

Joann Blackburn, Joan Hines, and Beth Topor — Membership Chairs

2018-2019

DIRECTORIES

NOW AVAILABLE FOR

PICK UP AT GENERAL

MEETING

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PLANT EXCHANGE

“How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking for gardens and gardening.” ~ Alexander Smith, Scottish Poet

It is so true. The human heart sometimes seems to crave a garden.

The Plant Exchange is the perfect way to satisfy the need for a garden. Bring in your plants and exchange

them for something new in your garden or browse to see what we have for sale. Your heart will thank

you.

Linda Adams and Penny Adams — Plant Exchange

OCTOBER PROGRAM

Doc Hale Returns!

Members and guests---(invite your husbands!)---are in for a treat at the October meeting as Dr. James Hale will be our speaker, focusing on Wildlife of Contra Costa County and Native Indian Culture. A few years ago “Doc” Hale spoke to our group and we are bringing him back as he was so entertaining and instructive. Jim grew up in this area and has been a wildlife biologist for over 40 years, tramping all about the hills of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties---he is a real expert on flora and fauna and has fascinating information to share, including the latest on mountain lions which he has been tracking for years. Do invite your husbands---mine can’t wait to see him again!This will be a super program!

Charlotte Graham and Rebecca Byrom — Program Chairs

It was so nice to see so many members at the September Welcome Back Luncheon. We Lunch well!

It was also nice to meet new members. I was also pleasantly pleased to see the resurgence of a Tomato Tasting. DAGC hosted tastings years ago. One year we also had a Pumpkin seed tasting along with a Cranberry Sauce tasting. Years before that there was a lemonade tasting back in the “library days”. All were great fun!

Lunch Bunch will resume in November. Please read the newsletter for details.

Happy Fall!

Joyce Michalczyk - Lunch Bunch Coordinator

Lunch Bunch

PROJECT PRODUCE

DAGC began the food donation season with a total of 20 lbs. and some promises to keep next month.

Remember to text or call me for pickup during the month if your zucchini overtake you!

At the store, canned beans and tomatoes go on sale as canners process this year's crop.

Find something in your pantry that you're not too fond of and I'll greet you next month at the donation table out front.

Thanks, Helen Miller — Food Bank Coordinator

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OCTOBER TOUR

Bus Trip to Sebastopol

Tuesday, October 23rd

Cost: $52 (all inclusive – bus, lunch, tax, tip)

Your Payment is your Reservation and must be received by October 16th

Check payable to DAGC

Depart 8:15 a.m. (Creekside Church)

Sit back and relax on a scenic bus ride to Sebastopol where Mother Nature awaits us with a

memorable fall activity. Our first stop will be to visit two U-pick farms; Apple-a-Day Ranch and

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch. We’ll be dazzled by the variety of apples and vine growing pumpkins to

choose from and for our convenience the Ranch will provide apple picking tools and sacks. One

more thing, their fresh pressed apple juice is a “must try” indulgence; nutritious, yes, but oh, so

delicious!

Our second stop, Gravenstein Grill, is a popular farm-to-table dining destination. Arriving with

our appetites, we’re sure to enjoy the pre-selected menu consisting of local and seasonal

ingredients. We’ll be dining on their outdoor garden patio.

The last stop is a favorite West Coast attraction; the Antique Society, Sonoma County’s largest

collective featuring over 125 dealers. It’s a place where interior designers, collectors, treasure

seekers, landscape artists and set directors search to find everything from nostalgic forget-me-

nots to museum-quality heirlooms, from primitive relics to mid-century modern, from shabby

chic to fine antiques. Curious browsers are welcomed but, beware, you’re sure to find

something irresistible!

This day will surely be an experience to remember for those who enjoy planting smiles, growing

laughter and harvesting friendships.

Bring your checkbook to our October General Meeting or mail your payment to

secure your reservation to Charlotte Arton.

Club Members will be given priority but we are likely to have room for friends.

So invite a friend; 1-2-3 or 4 because it’s all about having fun and so much more! We’re looking forward to seeing you!

*An email will be sent to all participants with additional details

Put a string around your Green Thumb and remember these Future Tours!

November 15, Thursday Duarte Poinsettias, McHenry Mansion, Olive Oil Pantry – Modesto, Livermore

January 31, Thursday Rachel Dunn Chocolate Workshop, Ruth Bancroft Garden – Local Area

February 2, Thursday (Bus Trip) Cottage Gardens, Petaluma Creamery, Seed Bank - Petaluma

March 21, Thursday Rocket Farms, Hana Bay Flowers, Half Moon Bay Nursery – Half Moon Bay

April 26, Friday (Bus Trip) Gamble Garden Home Tour & Marketplace – Palo Alto

May 16, Thursday Filoli Historic Home and Formal Garden - Woodside

June, TBA Morningsun Herb Farm - Vacaville

Charlotte Arton and Cindy Inloes — Tour Chairs

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Happy Birthday !!!

…… with many Happy Returns to our October Ladies…...

Judy Allen, Marsha Anderson-Landau, Evelyn Boetes,

Fran Crisman, Myra Cummins, Ellen Efros, Dee Evans,

Rose Gogarty, Nancy Goreth, Laurel Harken,

Page Krause, Helen Miller, Diane Ringwood,

Barbara Ruderman, Jeanne Ryan, Sharon Townsend,

Kerry Weisser, Ally Whiteneck, and Julie Zimmerman

Enjoy those Birthdays Ladies!

October Workshop

Origami Kusudama Paper Flowers

Thursday, October 25 10:00 AM – Noon

This month you will be learning the art of Kusudama paper flower folding. You will create several flowers and walk away with the necessary skills to create your own flower balls, ornaments and centerpieces.

By using papers reflecting specific interests you will be able to create personalized gifts that dazzle.

All supplies will be provided and the cost is $12 per person.

The workshop will be held at the home of Vicki Brown

All reservations and payments (non-refundable check payable to DAGC) must be received by end of day October 18, 2018 in order to purchase and prepare the supplies.

Space is limited.

Please contact Vicki Brown with any questions.

Vicki Brown, Holly Sauer and Susan Terzuoli — Workshop Chairs

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Bookworms

On October 17th the Bookworms will meet at Jan Andersen's home at 10:00 A.M.

We will be discussing Ellen Herrick’s debut novel, The Sparrow Sisters. It's the story of three sisters--Sorrel, Nettie and Patience--who live and work together as gardeners and healers in the small New England town of Granite Point.

The novel combines elements of magic realism with romance and a tale of a small community turning in on itself in fear and suspicion.

Space is limited to 12 people, so please email Darlene Guzman to signup.

Save these dates for future meetings

Nov. 14th The Life of John Muir: Son of the Wilderness

by Linnie Marsh Worlfe and Steven Pavlos Holmes (biography) (2

nd week, due to Thanksgiving)

Jan. 16th The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring

by Richard Preston (non-fiction)

March 20th The Fastest Thing on Wings by Terry Masear (non-fiction)

May 15th The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohleben…(non-fiction)

Jan Andersen and Darlene Guzman — Bookworm Chairs

Get Your Reading Buzz On........with the Book Bees

Enjoy a fun morning of food, books & friends!

The Book Bees meet on the last Thursday of the month from 10am to Noon.

However, we will not be meeting in the month of October. Our next meeting is:-

When: November 29th

Book: “Lab Girl”

By – Hope Jahren

Where: Jess Ann Meadors’ Home

Please look for a sign up sheet at our October Meeting for future events.

Hosted by Susan Polk and Jess Ann Meadors — Book Bees Chairs

FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS!

If you or someone you know in the club is experiencing a health issue, a family crisis or is in need of cheering up, please give that information to Julie Grisham, our Corresponding Secretary. We will attempt to help in whatever way we can to ease the burden. Being a member of DAGC means you are not alone. We are here to help. Julie can be reached by phone or email.

Thank you! Julie

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Community Outreach The Community Outreach Committee’s first activity is planned for Tuesday, October 30th with our volunteers helping to sort food at the Contra Costa & Solano Food Bank.

We hope many of you will be able to join us on what our members have reported to be fun and fulfilling times together.

Some of us will meet for brunch at Cheribini in Alamo at 11:00 A.M.

If you can’t join us for brunch, plan on meeting us at Peet’s in the Alamo Plaza by 12:15 P.M. for carpooling.

Save these dates for joining us help our community:

Tuesday Nov. 6th

10:00 – 12:00 Planting bulbs and winter annuals

Bruns House, Alamo - Hospice of the East Bay

Meet at Peet’s in the Alamo Plaza at 9:30 A.M. for coffee/carpooling

Thursday April 11th

General DAGC Meeting

Food Collection for Contra Costa & Solano County Food Bank

Food donations at the DAGC general meeting will be transported to the Food Bank

Tuesday April 30th

10:00 – 12:00 Flower Arranging for Hospice of the East Bay

Meet at Judy DeHont’s home

***Be sure to sign up at the DAGC meeting. We look forward to seeing you!

Darlene Guzman and Dee Evans — Outreach Community Chairs

Donations for Community Outreach

The Community Outreach Committee needs 6”– 8” size vases with wide bottoms or openings for the floral arrangements we will be making for Hospice of the East Bay.

If you can help us out, please bring them to the October or November meetings.

There will be a box on the Signup Table.

Your donation will bring a little cheer to those facing extreme medical issues.

Thank you.

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The Website Wants Your Plant/Yard Photos by Nancy Norland, DAGC Webmaster

If you have interesting photos of either your yard or a special plant or 2 in your yard, I would like to feature them on the Home page of our website. The current photo is a very unusual plant from Kristin Yanker-Hansen's yard called a Stapelia Grandiflora. Check out the home page of our website to see this unusual beauty.

Please send your photos to me via email.

I will give you credit for the photo below it, unless you tell me otherwise.

Thank you.

PENNY PINES—UPDATE

As a result of the generosity of all our club members, DAGC donated funds to reforest fourteen acres in the Shasta Trinity National Forest! The donation was made in the name of all our club members. A big pat on our backs!

Going forward, a suggestion is that members could write a check to DAGC for Penny Pines for the whole year. This is a tax deduction for you, but be sure to note on your check that it’s a donation for Penny Pines. Also, if you miss a few meetings, you are covered.

The basket will go around at our meetings as usual.

See you all soon.

Gurpreet Gill—Penny Pines Chair

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Danville Alamo Garden Club presents

“Gone South for the Winter”

Thursday, December 13, 2018

11:30 to 2:00 pm

Diablo Country Club – 1700 Clubhouse Dr., Diablo, CA

Luncheon Includes

The Holiday Salad: Mixed Greens and Radicchio tossed with Sun Dried Cranberries, Caramelized Walnuts,

Cherry Tomatoes and Croutons in a Hazelnut Vinaigrette

French Rolls and Butter

Menu Selections

Entrée 1 Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Fresh Salmon Filet Seared on the Grill and served with Fresh Seasonal Vegetables,

Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf and a Champagne Buerre Blanc

Entrée 2 Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin, Center Cut Pork Loin Marinated with Rosemary and Garlic, served with

Fresh Seasonal Vegetables with Creamy Soft Polenta and Mushroom Marsala Sauce

Entrée 3

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

Dessert Chocolate Sponge Cake topped with Decadent Chocolate Mousse and Coated with Chocolate Ganache

with Berry Coulis

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$45.00 Members * Non-Members $50.00 (includes tax & gratuity)

RSVP by Saturday, December 1st to:

Joann Blackburn (see directory for address)

Make checks payable to DAGC – Regretfully no cancellations after RSVP date

Name _______________________________________ Entrée _________________________________________

Guest _______________________________________ Entrée __________________________________________

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HORTICULTURE We all have experienced the effects of the wildfires this summer. The smoke some days was pretty

unbearable, and it extended not just to the Bay Area, but all the way to Texas. In addition, there were

unprecedented wildfires in Europe and Siberia releasing huge amounts of the dreaded CO2 into our

atmosphere.

I was surprised to learn that that not just burning releases CO2. The after math of the decaying wood can

release more CO2 over a very long time.

“Over the course of several decades after a big fire, emissions from decomposing dead wood often

surpass by far the direct emissions from the fire itself. But at the same time, new growth in burned areas

starts to once again take CO2 from the atmosphere and store it.”- Inside Climate News August 23, 2018

I included this quote not only to show the long-term effects of fire, but also the solution to this dilemma.

Trees absorb more carbon dioxide during their early growth years, than they do when mature. This means

that our efforts at planting young trees and nurturing them along is better for our climate than keeping old

trees.

I am not suggesting that you cut your old trees down by any means, but if you have a spot to plant a new

tree, don’t hesitate. If like me you are struggling to find sunlight for your flowers, then you have to look

elsewhere if you want to contribute to removing a small amount of carbon dioxide.

There are many organizations around the world attempting to plant trees. India planted 66 million trees,

Pakistan is working on a 1 billion. China is trying to get back the Gobi Desert, and Brazil is looking at

reclaiming the Amazon. Africa has some amazing work

going on with indigenous peoples’ practices.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/great-

green-wall-stop-desertification-not-so-much-180960171/

DAGC is also making such an effort. In fact, we always

have been working toward this goal. Penny Pines is such

a quaint name. When it was started in 1941 a tree

sapling could be purchased for a penny. Well pennies

may be going extinct, but the concept of planting trees

never will. I keep saying we should change the name to

dollar pines.

Our long-time member Gurpreet Gill is finding new ways to make our contributions to reforest California

easier for all of us. Please talk to her, and see, if you can’t plant a tree in your own yard, whether you can

take the equivalent amount of money and donate to Penny Pines. At the risk of sounding

hokey, “Let’s make California Green Again”.

Kristin Yanker-Hansen — Horticultural Chair

The NEW 2018-19 DIRECTORIES

will be available for collection at the

October meeting.

Please be sure to pick up your personally

labelled copy.

If you find any incorrect entries please tell us.

Thank you — Monika Witte—Directory Editor

Newsletter Articles

Dear Members,

All articles for the Newsletter, should be sent to via

email, by the 3rd Thursday of the month. For the

November newsletter the deadline is October 18th.

Many thanks, Sharon Townsend, Newsletter Editor.

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SPONSOR WORKSHOPS, NEWS AND EVENTS

SLOAT’S at 828 Diablo Rd., Danville

SEMINAR: FALL IS FOR PLANTING

Saturday, Oct. 13, Danville Diablo Rd., 10am (Pam Hester)

Fall is the best time to establish plants in your Bay Area micro-climate before the winter rains arrive.

Create a planting plan to take advantage of the fall planting season. This popular and informative seminar is a must for anyone who wants to know the keys to successful fall planting. Please register in advance. 925-743-0288 Fee: Free for Rewards Members, $10 for Non-Members (Membership is free).

MAKE & TAKE WORKSHOP: CREATE A SUCCULENT PUMPKIN

Saturday, October 20, Diablo Rd, 10 am

This fun workshop is back by popular demand! We’ll decorate pumpkins with succulents to create a fun centerpiece that can last through fall. Fee includes a large specialty pumpkin, succulents, glue, and moss. Fee: $75 for Members, $85 for Non-Members (Membership is free). Please register in advance.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARMSTRONG GARDEN CENTER at 7360 San Ramon Road, Dublin

COOL SEASON VEGETABLES

Saturday, October 13th, from 9-10 am

Learn what to plant and how to plant now for bountiful harvests in fall, winter and spring.

PUMPKINS AND SUCCULENTS

Saturday, October 20th, 9-10 am

This is an opportunity to create a fun, unique planter for porch or patio. All materials are supplied. The cost is $49 and registration is required. Check the website at armstronggarden.com

KIDS HALLOWEEN PLANTER

Saturday, October 27, from 9-10 am

This free event is a make and take class. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ORCHARD NURSERY at 4010 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm MAKER’S MARKET

This festive event includes live music, farm animals and pumpkins.

Ace Hardware

3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo, CA,94507

925-837-2420

Annie’s Annuals & Perennials

740 Market Ave., Richmond, CA 94801

510-215-3301 or 888-266-4370

Armstrong Garden Center

7360 San Ramon Road, Dublin, CA 94568

925-551-0231

Cottage Jewel

100 W. Prospect Ave., Danville, CA 94526

925-837-2664

Lucky Garden Dublin Hydroponics

7071 Village Pkwy, Dublin, CA 94568

925-828-4769

Orchard Nursery

4010 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549

925-284-4474

Rakestraw Books

3 Railroad Ave., Danville, CA 94526

925-837-7347

Regan Nursery

4268 Decoto Road, Fremont, CA 94555

510-797-3222

Ruth Bancroft Garden

1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

925-944-9352

Sloat Garden Center

828 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526

925-743-0288

800 Camino Ramon, Danville CA 94526

925-837-9144

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Dates & Times Events Details

October 4, Thursday 10:30am

Board Meeting At the home of Vicki Brown

October 11, Thursday 9:30am

DAGC General Meeting Doc Hale will be our speaker, focusing on Wildlife of Contra Costa County and Native Indian Culture. See page 2.

October13, Saturday 9:00am-10:00am

Armstrong Nurseries Dublin

Cool Season Vegetables

Learn what to plant and how to plant now for bountiful harvests in fall, winter and spring. Free class, no reservation required. See page 10.

October, 13, Saturday 10:00am

Sloat Gardens Diablo Rd. Danville.

Seminar: Fall is for Planting

Fall is the best time to establish plants in your Bay Area micro-climate before the winter rains arrive. Register in advance. 925-743-0288 Free for Sloat Rewards Members. $10 for non-members. See page 10.

October 17, Wednesday 10:00am

Bookworms Bookworms will meet at Jan Andersen's home at 10:00 A.M. We will be discussing Ellen Herrick’s debut novel, The Sparrow Sisters. See page 5.

October 20, Saturday 9:00am-10:00pm

Armstrong Nurseries Dublin

Pumpkins and Succulents

This is an opportunity to create a fun, unique planter for porch or patio. All materials are supplied. The cost is $49 and registration is required. Check out the website at armstronggarden.com. See page 10.

October 20, Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm

Sloat Gardens Diablo Rd. Danville.

Make & Take Workshop Create a Succulent Pumpkin

Come decorate pumpkins with succulents to create a fun centerpiece that can last through fall. Fee: $75 for Members, $85 for Non-Members Register in advance. 925-743-0288. See page 10.

October 23, Tuesday 8:15am depart

BUS TOUR Sebastopol

Join our coach trip to Sebastopol : U-Pick Apple-a-Day Ranch, Papa’s Pumkin Patch and Antique Society. Depart from Creekside Community Church. Cost $52. Reservations and questions before October 16th to Charlotte Arton. See page 3.

October 25, Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm

Workshop Origami Kusudama Flowers

Come learn the art of Kusudama paper flower folding at the home of Vicki Brown. All materials will be supplied at a cost of $12 pp. All questions, reservations and payments by October 18th to Vicki Brown. See page 4.

October 27, Saturday 9:00am-10:00pm

Armstrong Nurseries Dublin

Kids Halloween Planter

This free event is a make and take class. Check out the website at armstronggarden.com See page 10.

October 30, Tuesday 1:00pm at Food Bank See page 6 for other meeting times.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Contra Costa & Solano FOOD BANK

Come be a volunteer helping to sort food at the Contra Costa Solano Food Bank. This is a much appreciated way to help with the great work at the Food Bank. Please sign up at the DAGC meeting or contact Darlene Guzman. See page 6.

Every Saturday and Sunday 11.00am-3.00pm

Orchard Nursery Lafayette

Maker’s Market

This festive event includes live music, farm animals and pumpkins. See page 10.