The members of the Twin City Garden Club had fun dabbling in the dirt during the Feb. 15 meeting at Longfellow's Garden Center, Centertown. President Jenice Taggart welcomed the nine members and guest Jane McGill who were present for the first meeting of the year due to the January cancellation and last week's meeting postponement all due to weather conditions. The business meeting began with the announcement that treasurer Lenda Lebeck had resigned her position. The club awarded her a Life Time membership for her many years of service which included not only the local club but, also, for many years as an officer in the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri and Central District. Gloria Longan was installed as the new treasurer.
The president read an invitation from Tipton Grow and Glow club for a floral design program titled "Passing on the Design Principles to Others" to be held at the First Christian Church, Tipton, at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19.
From Central District Cirector, Debby Nix, a notation was given that the Bloomin' Bus Tour to Niagara Falls had a waiting list but expected some cancellations so members could still send in reservations.
The Federated Garden clubs of Missouri will hold its annual convention in Branson on April 12 to 14 at the Lodge of the Ozarks hosted by the South Central District. The theme for the convention is "A Force for Good." Reservation information is included in the Winter Garden Forum along with the descriptions of tours and educational programs.
Gloria Longan reported a program on bonsai gardening will be presented at the Columbia Garden Club in November and would offer the opportunity for members to gain knowledge in this area. The club is scheduled for a program on bonsai later this year.
The National Garden Club's Youth Poetry contest winners were discussed. Certificates will be mailed to the local winners with a picnic at the park planned later in the summer after the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Central Region and National Garden club winners are announced.
It was suggested the upcoming garden club meetings be placed in the California Democrat by the publicity chair.
Fran Scallorns announced that Whiteman Air force Base would be recognizing California in March in a special luncheon meeting and exclusive tour of the base and its aircraft. The deadline for reservations is Feb. 25 and can be made to Fran or Joe Scallorns.
It was called to the attention of the members that TV Channel 6/2 had a good variety of garden shows, "Garden Smart", " Victory Garden" and visual tours of historic and specialty gardens recognizing that there is always something new to learn. To continue these shows members were encouraged to call or write their representatives to support funding for these public radio and TV stations.
Before the members got their hands in the dirt to repot their plants, Alice Longfellow discussed some principles of dividing and repotting house plants along with the care and feeding. She began by using a succulent pot whose plants were overgrown and straggly suggesting than you pinch back a few stems at time rather that cutting all at once. Those that are trimmed should be cut clear to the base. A cutting from a succulent can be inserted in moistened soil and should not be watered for a week or so. This allows the stem end to form a callus and protects from rotting. In repotting other types of plants she recommended using a good potting soil mix and that the soil be completely saturated until the water runs out the base after repotting. This should be done for the first two days then follow a regular schedule depending on need.
Members adjourned for lunch at Tammy's Restaurant, Centertown, which was finished off with chocolate covered strawberries and caramels.
The next meeting will be held at the United Methodist Church, Tuesday, March 8, at 10 a.m. Richard Schroeder will present the program on insects -- "The Good the Bad and the Ugly."
New members are always welcome. Call Fran Scallorns at 796-2981 or 796-2895.