Marion Garden Club takes field trip
MARION - Twenty-two members of Marion Garden Club and two guests traveled to Brenda Tripp's farm between Anna and Vienna last week to learn about hybridizing Zinnias.
Tripp has been a member of Anna-Jonesboro Garden Club, District VII of Garden Clubs of Illinois. Her family has lived on this 67-acre farm since 1972, and in that time, she has planted many gardens around their home. The zinnia garden is one of her favorites and she loves to walk through it, spotting zinnias that appeal to her.
She will then pollinate two together and mark them to be gathered at the end of the season. She collects the seeds and in the spring replants and waits to see how the new variety turns out. The multicolored rows of Zinnias are full of flowers and pollinators. She says working with plants is "food for the soul."
After enjoying Tripp's beautiful farm, the club had a short business meeting led by President Lynn Love. After the minutes and treasurer's report were approved, the club learned about conserving energy by turning down your hot water heaters, although the newer models now are energy efficient.
Horticulture report was about cutting and transplanting in the fall. It was agreed that during extreme heat and drought, as we are having now, that it is a good idea to wait a while, because plants are under stress at this time.
Ornithology report, given by Kathleen Kelly, reminds us to keep the hummingbird feeders full, as the birds will be stocking up for their big fight. Multiple feeders will attract more birds and be less likely to have the one guard bird taking over.
There will be a youth program at Marion's Carnegie Library on Sept. 24 and 25, led by Chairwoman Twila Couey.
Garden of the Month for September is Jim Johnson, 1205 & 1207 N. Van Buren St. He has done a lovely job of complementing his home.
Marion Garden Club members are busy keeping their flower beds watered at the city parks in this hot weather. We often hear from park neighbors about how much they enjoy and appreciate the flower beds. Club members are also looking forward to visiting Carbondale for the fall District VII meeting in October.
On the way home, club members stopped by Dutchman Lake Greenhouse to check out their mums. Next month will be at Heartland Christian Church for a program on "Native Plants." Guests are welcome to join the meeting. Information about club activities can be found on the website: mariongardenclubofillinois.weebly.com.