A Busy Last Week of May

Well, it has been a busy week! On rainy Tuesday, Mary Jane and I went to Smithville Mansion to see the Art Along the Rancocas Show. It was wonderful! We have so many gifted artists in this area it’s amazing. And it’s hard to believe there could be so many perspectives of the Rancocas Creek. Jen, of Parks and Recreation, had a couple of her photographs in the Show and they were beautiful. We are really looking forward to having her do a photography program for us next year.

Wednesday was the Senior Tea and Tour; I dropped off some cookies at Melissa’s lovely home (thanks for hosting Melissa, and thanks for organizing Lyn!) where I ran into Carol M. (not literally) and then went to Lisa Dennis’ house for the Plant Sale. When I pulled up to Lisa’s, who was there but Mary Jane. Then after a few minutes Carol M. pulled up too! I had a great time looking over the perennials and getting a tour of Lisa’s gardens. Her home would be lovely for our Garden Walk next year. Apparently she has been asked several times before but always declined. I think this year she might be ready! We'll see….

Thursday I spent most of the day weeding and planting it was a great day for it - a little overcast and not too hot, perfect for working outside.

Today, Friday, I joined the group working on the Main Street Planters, headed by Anyce. We divided in pairs and made quick work of adding petunias to the pansies. The pansies were doing pretty well and now the planters are nice and full and looking great! Thanks to Anyce and everyone who came out. It’s really a shame we won’t have the hanging baskets in town this year. Oh well, hopefully next year.
So now between the Village Parking Lot and the Main Street Planters, the Moorestown Garden Club has done its part in sprucing up the business district for Moorestown Day which, don’t forget, is:

Saturday, June 6, 9AM to 3PM

Oh, one more thing I want to share….rabbits have already eaten two of my new cone flowers (that I just planted yesterday) DOWN TO NUBS!!! Arrhh!

It just doesn’t seem fair…….

Mt. Cuba in May

Greetings!

Can you believe how beautiful it’s been lately? We have been having some perfect spring days! Speaking of perfect days, I can’t imagine one more lovely than last Friday at Mt. Cuba . We were incredibly lucky that the rain finally stopped just in time for our trip! Many thanks to Mary Jane for organizing everything and for the pictures above.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Mother’s Day. Mine was wonderful. I made dinner for my sister-in law and her husband, and my mother and father-in law. Of course Harry, my husband, and my three girls were here. The oldest is finished school for the year, my middle came home from college for the evening, and my youngest is still only in 7th grade so she is always here. But unfortunately, after years of telling them “Oh, you don’t have to get me anything,” they have started to believe me! At least the younger two said they did. I know they always warn against saying that to your husband or boyfriend, but I thought my girls knew better! Hmm, I’m going to have to do something before this no gift thing becomes a habit!
Really I’m only kidding; I’m just so glad and grateful we were all together.

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Maudelin has asked me to let everyone know about a special event happening at PHS this October. She will be talking about it at the May meeting on Tuesday but she would also like to share this information with club members as soon as possible.
Kristin Voreland will be holding three workshops for PHS. She is an internationally renowned Norwegian arranger and Master florist who has lectured throughout much of the world. This is her first trip to the United States . She was named European champion in 1986, followed each year by numerous awards and accolades. Her work is in great demand, and every year she has the honor of decorating Norway ’s Royal Summer House. Her design approach is attuned to world concerns about sustainability, using designs that are enhanced by beautiful natural elements from our gardens.
All events will be held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill. Free parking. Hotel recommendations are available upon request.

Here is the link for more information and the Registration Form: KV_inv.pdf (219KB)

They say the workshops sell out pretty quickly so if you are interested, don’t wait too long!

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Mary Jane has received this new schedule from our friend Jen at the Burlington County Parks System:

Below you will find the schedule of my nature programs plus other events occurring in the County Parks in the months of May - June. The schedule for the rest of the summer is EXTENSIVE and will be sent later in a separate email. Feel free to forward to those who may be interested. Please call 609-265-5068 to register for nature programs. Thank you!


Tuesday Talks
A series of nature programs held every other Tuesday in various locations. Registration is encouraged, but not required, for outdoor walks. Wear light colored clothing and bring bottled water.

May 19 - Nature/birding walk at Long Bridge Park , Hainesport. Bring binoculars. 9:00am
June 2 – Nature/birding walk at Amico Island, 9:00am
June 16 – Bee aware (Beneficial Insects) powerpoint presentation at the EcoComplex (see June 20 for description) 10:00am
(no Tues talk on June 30)

Saturday, May 30 at 8am - FULL at 20 people; accepting names on waiting list
Boundary Creek Natural Resource Area, Moorestown
Registration required. Due to parking constraints, we will absolutely need everyone's cooperation to carpool with people that live near you. When you call to register, please indicate if you are willing to share your phone # or email with someone who lives near you to carpool.

Rancocas Creek Cleanup
Saturday May 30
8:30am
Experienced paddlers with their own canoes or kayaks are needed to help clean up the Rancocas Creek from Birmingham to Smithville, and Smithville to Mt. Holly . Registration is definitely required by contacting clean communities: 609-499-1001 ext 266, or http://us.mc1105.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cleancomm@co.burlington.nj.us

Introduction to Fly Fishing
Thursday, June 4
Join Park Ranger Chris Derkas as he offers basic guidance on equipment and technique on from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smithville Park . Learn all you need to know to begin fly fishing. Bring fly rod and reel or just come and listen. Registration required. Meet in the parking lot off Meade Lane .

Earth Fair
Sunday June 14
Smithville Park
10am-4pm, rain or shine. Earth Fair, our annual environmental festival, returns to newly restored Smithville Park . Includes entertainment, environmental displays, demonstrations and workshops. Activities for the whole family include nature walks, canoeing, live animal presentations and much more.

Bee Aware: The significance of beneficial insects

Saturday, June 20 FREE
Indoor powerpoint presentation at the EcoComplex, Mansfield Twp, 10:00am
This important presentation will discuss the role of beneficial insects in the environment, with a special focus on honey bees, detailing their serious decline and the severe implications it has on our society. Adults only please. Note: same program offered on June 16 as well. Please call for directions and registration. If there is only one presentation that you come to this year, then make it this one. Too important to ignore.

Children's nature program: Birds and Worms
Smith’s Woods Area, Smithville Park
Thursday, June 25
10:30am, Suitable for ages 4-8.
Students will discover the value of protective coloration as they pretend to be birds in search of “colored worms.” To register, call 609-265-5068.

3:30pm, Suitable for ages 9-12.
Students will learn about predator-prey relationships and the value of camouflage for survival as they hunt in search of “colored worms”. To register, call 609-265-5068.

U2 Can Canoe
Program for beginners who want to learn the basics of canoeing. 10:00am
Participants can choose one of the following dates:
Saturday June 27
Saturday July 18
Smithville Lake , Smithville Park , Eastampton.
Registration required, payment must be received in advance. $35 for rental + $8 per person. Please call for more information. Children must be 10 years or older.

Jennifer Bulava, Park Naturalist
Burlington County Park System
Department of Resource Conservation
P.O. Box 6000Mount Holly , NJ 08060

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Our club is going to be decorating the Smithville Mansion again this Christmas, only this year we will be working on the large double parlor. The Chairs are Jean A. and Monica M. who did a great job last year even though they were limited to the bathroom and upstairs landing. Think about signing up to join them this year; it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Speaking of the Smithville Mansion, from now until May 27th there is an Art Exhibit called "Art Along the Rancocas"going on there that I'm sure most of us will find very interesting. It includes painting and photographs of flora and fauna, bridges, dams and historic sites. The FREE exhibit is in the Annex Art Gallery of the mansion. Hours are: Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, 11am - 3pm. (While you're there you can check out that double parlor!) You can also pick up info for a self guided tour of the Rancocas.

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Don't forget - The Farmers Market opens at the Burlington County Agriculture Center on Centerton Rd. this and every Saturday thru Nov. 7th, 8:30am to 1:00pm. Buy Fresh, Buy Local.

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Well I think that's it for now. See you at Tina's on Tuesday!

Azaleas, Wisteria, and Liacs oh my!

Azaleas, Wisteria, and Lilacs oh my!
Greetings Ladies,

Sorry about that last post. I certainly didn’t mean for my words to be cut off the way they were! I’ll pay closer attention from now on. Oh well blog and learn!

Just a little reminder that on Sat. May 9th, The Master Gardeners are holding a Plant Sale at the Burlington County Community Agriculture Center (aka Winner’s Farm.)
500 Centerton Rd. 8am to 2pm
Vegetables, perennials, annuals, herbs, and native plants will be sold most have been donated by the Master Gardeners themselves. The sale will also feature raffle tickets. White elephant garden items and food! For info, call 609-265-5050

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Yesterday, Clorinda and I took a trip up to Morristown to see the auction of some of the Doris Duke estate by the Millea Brothers. Even in the rain, the ride was great. The colors of the new growth on the trees were so beautiful and vibrant that the soft rain and mist seemed to just enhance them. It felt like a classic spring day!
The auction itself, called by Michael Millea, was fun, fast, and furious. And I must say, those Millea brothers are two handsome guys!
There were many interesting pieces of furniture and fixtures, many Clorinda and I remembered from the house tour. People were bidding from all over the world by phone and computer. We were lucky to know the mother of the owners of the auction house; she found us good seats in an extremely over crowded room before she went to man one of the phones herself.
Neither Clorinda nor I bought anything. Fortunately for the Milleas it seems almost everything went will above the high bid estimate in the catalogue. We had fun even though we came home empty handed.

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Well I guess I don’t have to include ‘Carmen’s Corner’ in my blog, because she now has her own! It’s a lovely blog where Carmen will be writing about gardens and posting poetry relating to friends and nature.
Here is the address, check it out. http://furballcottagenarrative.blogspot.com/

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Thanks to everyone that helped in the Parking Lot Clean Up.
Gretchen and Perl thoughtfully gave everyone who attended a new pair of garden scissors, something I find you can never have too many of.

Thanks, Ladies

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DON’T FORGET OUR TRIP TO MT. CUBA IS FRIDAY
WE ARE MEETING AT 8AM IN THE WEGMANS PARKING LOT

Tata for now, Jolee