Hurray for the rain! Sure, another sunny day at the beach would have been nice too, but I was very happy to see and hear and feel the rain today after such a long dry spell.
1. Reminder: this coming Wednesday, July 25, we'll be having a "Weed and Feed" gathering at our Community Garden at the west end of Leif Erikson Park in Duluth from 5:30 to 7:30. Bring a weeding utensil of choice as well as eating utensils (which I guess COULD be the same thing?!), a plate, something to drink and something to share for a casual potluck. I will bring a few picnic blankets but if you have a favorite you can bring that too. If you are not sure which garden is ours - just look for the sign :) Mike N. and his son Ryan, Evelyn, Alden and I put it back in last week, including use of concrete, so I sure hope it's still there.
2. A long-time Wild Ones member has written a book on "Birdscaping" that looks quite good. Please see attached promo material and email below for more information.
3. I sent an email to all City Councilors regarding the proposed new ordinance regarding nuisance vegetation. The original ordinance is well-intended and I did not feel it was a big problem, but wanted to make sure that it made clear that a lawn zealot can't use the ordinance to limit what his or her neighbors plant as long as it does not cause a dangerous situation (e.g., growth too high along a drive way or sidewalk...). In the future it would be good to perhaps bring up another ordinance that actually PROMOTES native plants and sustainable landscaping, but I think such language would go elsewhere, not under "nuisance." Don Ness was very interested in getting input to improve the ordinance and make sure that our concerns were recognized, so Meredith C and I both corresponded with him to make suggestions. The ordinance has been modified to include the following, which I think is good, but I would be interested to hear if anyone still has concerns:
This Section 24-6 does not regulate or prohibit compost or composting as set
out in MSA Section 18C.005, nor cultivation of beach grass of any height, nor
the establishment of a natural area that is not a lawn and is intended to allow
the natural vegetation and trees to exist in a state similar to the native
forest environment.
The whole ordinance as it will be proposed on July 23 can be found on line: http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/resord07/07-041-o.htm
4. Do you know of any businesses in NE MN or NW WI that would be good candidates for me to contact to see if they would be intrested in becoming Wild Ones business members? Another Wild Ones chapter is offering a prize of several hundres $$$ again this year to the chapter that get the most new business members. I think last year the winning chapter got 3 new members, which seems like it should be doable.
5. July 28th Flower Show Calls On DGFS Members - see below for a humorous invitation to join, and let me (Carol at carol_andrews@hotmail.com) know if you would like a booklet of info on participating because I have a whole stack that I need to distribute ASAP. It would be very cool to have a large # of entries that include native plants!
There are thousands of local gardeners who have lovely flowers, healthy vegetables, robust herbs, and the talent to make artistic displays using them. But only about 600 of those gardeners are eligible to participate in the Duluth Garden Flower Society’s Annual Flower Show July 28, 2007 at the Depot.
And among those 600 gardeners is YOU!
This, the 80th consecutive Flower Show, celebrates history by remembering those gardeners who have always worked to beautify the Northland. The Duluth Garden Flower Society was the brainchild of Rebecca Boyington, a resident of Fond du Lac, who gathered local gardeners to form the first club dedicated to the activity that enriches our lives.
You say, “My flowers are probably not that spectacular.”
We say, “Let the flower show judges be the ones to determine that.”
You say, “But I don’t know how to enter the contest.”
We say, “A whole booklet has been published that explains how to enter and how to prepare your entries to the contest. PLUS, there is a class on this very subject July 17 at 4pm in the Proctor Community Club.”
You say, “No one is interested in looking at my stuff.”
We say, “Over 500 visitors attended the 2006 Flower Show at the Depot, and we expect that number to increase this year. It is a great way to promote gardening and your own garden club.”
And so, fellow DGFS member, you are excuse-less if you pass up this opportunity.
Any questions? Call Judy Goar at 722-0266. Or visit the website www.dgfs.us.
__________________________________________________
From: paul damon <pdamon2003@yahoo.com>
To: carol_andrews@hotmail.com
Subject: New Book About Birdscaping in the Midwest With Native Plants
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2007 20:30:43 -0700 (PDT)
Hi Carol,
Mariette Nowak, former Wild Ones national board member, has just published
an outstanding book, "Birdscaping in the Midwest: A Guide to Gardening
with Native Plants to Attract Birds." I have attached a promo and some
of the advance reviews. The book features the birdscaped properties of several
Wild Ones members, including ours.
Wild Ones members may order the book directly from Mariette for $27 (which
includes shipping). Checks should be made out to Mariette Nowak and sent to:
Mariette Nowak
N9053 Swift Lake Dr.
East Troy, WI. 53120
I would appreciate it if you could send this out to the Arrowhead chapter
members.
Thanks!
Susan Damon
Cheers!
Carol
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