Garden Club: June 2023

End of Year Celebration—The final event of our cal- endar year—the traditional Garden Club Barbecue and Picnic—will take place at the Niguel Shores Beach Bluff on Monday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. A reminder email will be sent to members in early June, confirming who will be attending and whether they will be bringing an appetizer, salad or dessert. Regular and veggie burgers will be provided by the Garden Club and barbecued to perfection!

This is an opportunity to get together with fellow gardeners and to celebrate another year of work, growth, and learning more about Mother Nature. The event is for current members only: no guests please.

April Speaker—At our April meeting, Joanna Giangardella spoke about aeroponics, an advanced form of hydroponics: the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment, rather than in soil. Aeroponic systems use water, liquid nutrients, and a soilless growing medium to quickly and efficiently grow produce. Joanna promoted the use of an aeroponic tower like the one she uses at her home.

New Officers—At our April business meeting, the slate of officers for the new term was presented and elected. Congratulations to the following officers:

Co-Presidents: Sandi Stauffer & Janice Stauffer
Vice President: Tom O’Keefe
Secretary: Position Open
Co-Treasurers: Bill Imbriale & Rob Wollin

Milkweed—Niguel Shores Garden Club has been awarded a grant from the Monarch Watch Milkweed Market of 32 plugs of our native milkweed. Most of these will be planted in our designated milkweed area on Tasman Bay which has already been milkweed seeded by Harvest. But if you would like a “plug” which is a 5″ high milkweed plant, please contact Tom O’Keefe and he will arrange for you to pick up a plant at his house, 23951 Tasman Bay. Email tomokeefe10@gmail.com or call (949) 493-7463.

Dues Reminder—Club dues of $20 per member are pay- able by July 1, 2023. Please address checks (no cash) to Niguel Shores Garden Club and deliver to the NSCA Office, or give to the Treasurer at the June Barbecue.

Summer Vacation—We do not meet in July and August, but look forward to seeing everyone in September. Have a great gardening summer.

Until We Meet Again—We hope you enjoy the wonder- ful display of our state flower, the California poppy, with its four-petaled golden blooms in abundance along our hills and roadways. Another poppy blooming currently is the showy Matilija, the largest flower of any California native species. These ‘fried egg’ blooms are yellow in the center with white petals, up to four inches in width, and are magnificent to behold. They bloom from May to July in dry canyons and
coastal shrub areas giving a beautiful display.

—Ann Strauss