Gardener’s News

Happy New Year!

December 2015

President’s Message
At the December board meeting we accepted the resignation of our secretary Pat Gorman. Civic committee co-chair Tim Steadman will fill in until the term ends.
Also, during the meeting it was decided to cancel the flower show this spring. We discussed that this was in the best interest of our club. We also discussed another option in place of the show.
The holiday dinner has come and gone. Everyone said it was a fun, relaxing night. I regret not being able to attend. I was ill. Our new year is at the door. I wish everyone a happy new year.
Peg Parenteau

Committee Reports:

Programs:

We are looking forward to a fun, hands-on birdhouse making workshop during our next regular meeting Monday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Everyone who wants to take part must bring $13 (cash or check) to cover the materials needed to make the houses.
Also, participants should bring a Phillips screwdriver. The photo shows a license plate covering the top of the birdhouse. If you have a license plate bring it and it can be attached to the top.

Toolin’ Around
By John Duggan
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my fellow Brockton Garden Club Members!
Now that we are done decorating our homes with fresh pine and holly for the holidays, it may be time to clean and sharpen our pruning shears. With all the rose plants I have, I use my shears constantly throughout the gardening season and like to have a clean, sharpened pair when I start doing winter cleanup in late March or early April. Here are some easy tips to keep your pruning shears in tip- top shape:
• First, clean the pruning shears with some type of solvent. I use mineral spirits or paint brush cleaner on mine but if you have some “Scrubbing Bubbles” around, give it a try!
• I next use fine steel wool with a little WD-40 to remove any rust on the blades. Use rubber gloves to prevent the small pieces of steel from getting under your skin and nails.
• Next, I take a fine sharpening file and work the bevel side of the blade. Take short firm strokes and push the file away from you. You want to sharpen the blade from the inside of the pruning shears to the outside tip. Approximately 10 passes should do the trick.
• Lastly, wipe the blades down with a 3-1 household oil or spray the shears with WD-40. Oil will help the pruners open and close smoothly and will prevent future rust.
Remember, clean sharp pruning shears will help your plants heal faster after being cut. Also, check out YouTube for some great videos on how to clean and sharpen your shears. And, for those of you who have read this article to completion, my Christmas gift to you is that if you bring your dull pruning shears to the January meeting, I will clean and sharpen them for you for free and you can start off the new gardening season in style!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
JD

Those who have hospitality duties for the Jan. 25 meeting are Rose Hale, Susan Nicastro, and Pat Gorman

UPCOMING:
1/19/2016 10:00 A.M. Needham GC, “Art in Bloom Road Show”

Museum of Fine Arts Senior Associates Barbara Charlton and Carol Gershman will present a behind-the-scenes story of Art in Bloom, the MFA’s festival of art and flowers, with stunning images of recent floral interpretations of Museum masterpieces. This informative and entertaining program with arranging tips will also feature a live floral interpretation of a work of art.

Location: Needham Public Library, 1139 Highland Ave. Needham
Contact: Bonnie Waters

Recycle, reduce and reuse: Remember to bring your own mug or cup to the Jan. 25 meeting.