Magnolia Garden club held its recent meeting at the home of Linda Cross. LuAnn Carey, president, conducted the meeting. From left are Sue Taylor, Cross, Rachel Harting, LuAnn Carey and Elsie Yates.
The devotion was given by Linda Cross. The poem, “Garden Magic” by Marie Carroll, was shared with the group.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read by Elsie Yates, secretary. Sue Taylor, treasurer, gave the financial report.
Club member Erma Brewer attended the National Garden Club Convention in Washington, D.C., May 27-30.
The club received an invitation to attend the Standard Flower Show sponsored by the Garden Club of Signal Mountain on June 15. Members Fredricka Lawson, Taylor and Yates will attend. Plans for celebrating National Garden Week, the first week of June, were discussed.
Cross presented the program, “Basic Pruning.” First, she said, “give some thought to the area you plan to place your plant. Do not try to stuff a large variety into a small growing area. Carefully read labels on plants you buy.” She said to ask your county Extension agent for help if needed. Cross said, “The basic purpose of pruning is to permit air movement and sunlight into the center of the shrub, promoting healthy new growth.” She listed tools needed for pruning, including sharp pruning shears, pruning saw and loppers.
Cross said two major techniques used in pruning are thinning and heading and frequent watering and feeding is essential to encourage new growth. She added that pruning not only enhances the beauty of any bush, shrub or tree, it increases the plant’s vitality, thus making it stronger.
The group enjoyed seeing her beautiful yard where she had pruned some of her plants. Carey also shared her experiences of pruning peach trees in her family’s peach orchards.
Other members in attendance were Patsy Bettis and Rachel Harting.
