Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati

A Mystery...

2010-07-16T15:50:00.001-04:00

Who stole the worm from the home page of the website? It was my favorite part -- always made me smile :)

2010-04-07T14:53:00.006-04:00

From Terry

There is always a lot going at CGC, but at this time a year - the amount of activity is phenomenal! The gardens are bursting with color! The daffodils have just about completed their blooming cycle and are making room for Virginia Blue Bells, Grape Hyacinths, Bleeding Hearts, to name a few of the lower to the ground bloomers. The trees are in full bloom with Magnolias pinking up naerly our full city block. The Redbuds should be called Magentabuds - well, they take my breath away.

It's not just about blooming activity, though; we are putting the finishing touches on the preparations for our 50th anniversary of the Plant, Herb, and Hosta Sale. The Preview Party for the sale is on Friday, April 30th from 6-9pm and then the public sale is on Saturday, May 1 from 9am-3pm and Sunday, May 2, from 11am-3pm. 50 Years - can you believe it?

The Preview Party is always so much fun. We will have a silent auction, a live plant auction, great food, libations, music by Stoopid Rooster, and plants galore! Join in the fun; you can make your reservations on line at www.civicgardencenter.org/garden_files/events.htm.

Just prior to the Preview Party we will be having a Groundbreaking Ceremony for our Green Learning Station! This project has been on the drawing table for a very long time and we are all so excited that we are finally commencing repurposing of what used to be a gas station at Reading and Oak Streets. We have been using this as a garage for storage of many things (and I mean many) since purchasing it in the early 1990's. After the completion of this project we will still be able to use it for storage and it will have an additional space for a classroom/learning lab. The Green Learning Station will sport permeable pavement, water catchment systems, a demonstration green roof, and other energy conservation applications. We are happy that First Lady, Frances Strickland, will be joining us for the groundbreaking at 5:30pm on 4/30/2010.

Come on by and see our progress on our Serenity Garden. The water fall is flowing and the wall is nearly finished. We are laying out markers for plants that will be installed in the very near future. It’s really starting to take shape.

Next week, with luck on our side, we will start construction on a partial green roof on the cottage. This will show, in clear sight, how a green roof works on a slanted roof and will be easy to see from the walk way leading up to our building.

So, I wasn’t kidding when I said there is a lot of activity going on at the CGC! Make your reservations today for the Preview Party. You can order Posy Power on line, too!

More Q&A from the Helpline

2010-01-12T11:06:00.004-05:00

Q: How can I control soil gnats (also known as fungus gnats) in houseplants?

A: 1. Let the soil dry between waterings, without causing injury to the plants.

2. Install fly tape/sticky traps to control adults

3. Spray insecticidal soap as an additional remedy.

Q: Where can I buy trees and plants which grow well in this region?

A: Well, at the Civic Garden Center's annual Plant, Herb, and Hosta Sale! The Preview Party is April 30 from 6-9pm (first dibs on shopping) and then the sale is open to the public on Saturday May 1, from 9am-3pm and Sunday, May 2, from 11am-3pm.

Q: How can I kill English Ivy from growing on a white pine tree.

A: Cut ivy off at ground level. This will kill the ivy. You can then pull off the dead vine from the tree. This works for fences, walls, houses, etc. Removing ivy from mortar may also remove some of the mortar - be prepaired to do some tuck pointing.

Recent questions and answers from the OSU Extension Horticulture/Civic Garden Center Helpline

2009-12-06T14:27:00.003-05:00

The Civic Garden Center works cooperatively with the OSU Extension office to operate the Helpline - a service for gardeners and the curious to call with plant related questions. Here are two recent questions with answers. If you have a question, give us a call at 513-221-8733.

Q: There are small black hard shell insects on the underside of my ficus tree leaves. What can I do to eliminate them?

A: Spray with horticultural oil. http://gardening.about.com/od/naturalorganiccontrol/a/Hort_Oil.htm

Q: I have dug up some peonies; how can I store these over winter?

A: Do not wash rhizome; shake or gently break away soil.

With sterilized knife (dip knife in alcohol) cut out damaged or rotting areas.

Cut four holes in a gallon plastic bag on both sides.

Dampen peat mos, vermiculite or sawdust slightly (damp but not soggy)

Place peat moss in plastic bag, tuck in rhizome and seal bag

Store in cool dark place

Remove rhizome from bag, weekly, and check for rot

Cut off any rotting areas with sterile knife and return to plastic bag, making sure

storage material stays damp; place back into storage

Helpline Questions & Answers

2009-12-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

Christmas Tree Sale at the Civic Garden Center!

Our parking lot smells sooooo good! We have assorted sizes from 3-4 feet all the way to 8-9 feet tall trees. All are Fraser Firs from North Carolina with perfect tops for that Angel or Star that's been in the family for generations. Or start your own tradition and use something non-traditional as your tree topper!

We are open from 9am-6pm Monday - Friday and 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday for the tree sale. Stop in and shop our lobby for hand made pottery and CGC logo wear.

Here are some tips for taking care of that tree over the holidays.

Keep your tree in a cool place until you bring it into your home.
Make a fresh cut to remove about an inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in a stand or bucket.
Place your tree in warm water as soon as possible (tap water is fine to use).
As a general rule, provide your tree with 1 liter of water per inch of stem diameter.
Check the water level daily to make sure it does not go below the base of the tree.
Visit www.hcdoes.org/yardwaste to find out how to properly dispose of your Christmas tree this year!

Summer

2009-07-29T15:22:00.002-04:00

It's been a great summer for the Civic Garden Center. We've had lots of classes, a fantastic Neighborhood Gardens Tour and still more classes and events are coming up. Having the coolest July on record has made for a very enjoyable gardening month!

Here's a brief run down. For more info visit our website.
Classes
7/29 Introduction to using a rain barrel 6pm $10
8/05 Lunch & Learn: Ornamental shrubs Noon Free
8/12 Square Foot Gardening for the Fall Garden 6:30pm $10
8/13 Small Trees 6pm $10
8/16 Needle Felted Flower Pins - craft class 1pm $25
8/17 Bees in the Burbs 6pm $10
8/18 Diversity in the Landscape 6pm $10
8/29 Gourd Art - craft class 9:30am $20

September will bring us the CGC first ever Organic Wine Tasting on the patio -9/18 from 5-8pm $25; reservations required 513-221-0981.

October we have two big events planned. The first and a really fun one is our annual Flavors of Neighborhood Gardens. Come enjoy a relaxing evening on the patio while you sample the harvest of our community gardeners bounty. This is a free event and donations are welcome! 10/9 from 6-8pm, rsvp 513-221-0981.

Then we have Bulb Day on 10/10. We will have a multitude of daffodils and various other bulbs for sale with guest speakers, activities, and more. Details will follow for times and pricing.

My how time flies

2009-06-29T15:51:00.002-04:00

Hey there bloggers. It's been more than a month that I've blogged in. As usual, there is so much going at at the CGC. Our snail mail newsletter will be arriving in homes within a week or so. If you can't wait that long, please check out our website and look for the link on the lower left side of the home page under Summer Newsletter. We've added many new classes for the summer session, so make sure you check out the classes while you're on the website.

Our next big event is our annual Neighborhood Gardens Tour on July 23rd from 5:30 - 8:30pm. For $10 dollars you get to visit three our our well established gardens, ride the big air conditioned bus, and have a refreshment or two. We will be visiting the following gardens:
Over-the-Rhine People’s Garden
Pendleton Children’s Garden
Purcell-Marion Community Garden

If you'd like to join us, please call 513-221-0981 to make your reservations.

That's it for now.

Glorious Gardens Tour in Indian Hill

2009-05-13T10:39:00.003-04:00

Well, we have just recuperated from a fantastic Plant, Herb, and Hosta Sale! Thanks to all that attended our Preview Party and the Sale and all of our hardworking, dedicated volunteers!
Check out our slide show: http://www.civicgardencenter.org/garden_files/events.htm

Now we are onto our next event, our Glorious Gardens Tour. You won't want to miss this opportunity to tour three charming private gardens in Indian Hill, at your own pace, featuring an outstanding peony collection as well as themed gardens, water features, sculpture accents and an extensive variety of plants.

Check out our website for all the details: http://www.civicgardencenter.org/index.htm (see the side bar for Save the Dates).

There is always something going at CGC! Stop by to see how lush the grounds are, pack a lunch, and enjoy it on the patio.

BTW, we still have a few left over plants. I know there are roses, tropicals, and a few other miscellaneous plants. Come on by and buy at a discount!

Preveiw Party & Plant, Herb and Hosta Sale

2009-04-29T10:15:00.003-04:00

The grounds of the Civic Garden Center are buzzing with activity! We have a multitude of wonderful volunteers planting, cleaning, cooking, and setting up for our biggest event of the year, our annual Plant, Herb, and Hosta Sale.

Festivities begin Friday evening at 6:00pm for our Preview Party. There will be food, libations, music, a Silent Auction and Live Plant Auction, and shopping for plants. Tickets may still be purchased by calling 513-221-0981 $35.00 until Thursday afternoon) or at the door the day of ($45.00).

Saturday, the sale begins at 9:00am and runs until 3:00pm and on Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. In addition to our fantastic selection of plants there will be additional vendors selling gardening related items. We also have Posy Power for sale at $7.50 per bag during the sale. This is incredible organic fertilizer consisting of compost, manure, and other beneficial ingredients.

Don't miss out on the fun!

It's Almost Here!

2009-03-11T14:11:00.010-04:00

From Terry:

We've had a bit of a tease, a warm day or two, to give us a taste of spring. It's almost here, though, and I have proof! Check out these photos of spring flowers to give yourself a taste of what's to come. The daffodils will be popping up soon, too!

A rose colored Hellebores and a white Lenten Rose (Hellebores)

Snowdrops

2009-03-02T16:38:00.003-05:00

From Terry

Well, I'm just tickled green about launching our new website! It's such a fresh look and I love the colors! Our webdesigner/master, Michelle Curley, has done a fantastic job in putting this together. She is very patiently working with me so that I am able to keep it up to date (more so than this blog). It's fun to learn to use new programs (okay, so I whine a bit - well, a lot, along the way).

Please keep checking on the website, as there is always something going on. Right now, it's the Home & Garden Show down at the Duke Energy Center. We had our crew there along with volunteers and students from Diamond Oaks constructing the booth last week. Hauling rock and laying bricks, building compost bins, constructing walls, sheds, and planting were all physical things that had to be done in order to get this booth ready. It looks fantastic! Stop by and see is down there.

Our next major undertaking will be the 2009 Plant, Herb & Hosta Sale. Our Preview Party is on Friday, May 1, 2009 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Tickets in advance are $35 and $45 at the door. The party is so much fun! We'll have food, beer and wine, music by Stoopid Rooster, various vendors, Posy Power and best of all PLANTS! To make a reservation give us a call at 513-221-0981. The public sale begins bright and early (it's early if you've been to the party the night before) at 9:00 am and is open until 3:00 pm. Don't worry if you can't make it on Saturday - we will be around Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Also, in May is our Glorious Gardens Tour on the 17th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. This year the tour is in Indian Hill. We are still working on the details and will keep you posted as more info becomes available.

Check out the new website and let us know what you think. Here's what I'm thinking - SPRING is starting to show it's lovely head. The Winter Aconite is blooming, there are crocus popping us and snowbells blooming. Breathe in the fresh air!

2009-01-29T13:58:00.010-05:00

Winter at the CGC!

After being closed for two days due to the snow and icing that Cincinnati was hit with, I couldn't wait to get back to work. My favorite time of day is the morning and I love arriving here before anyone else. When I arrived this morning, the grounds were pristine, no human foot prints, just bunny, bird, and squirrel prints. I know the weight of the ice and snow can be damaging, but it's just so beautiful. I took a few photos to share.

Center of fountain on our patio.

It was beautiful coming into work this morning!

Topigiary blindfolded by snow.

This sparkling Serviceberry is outside the
Cottage Shop covered in ice. It looks like a
glass sculpture.

The birds were happy to have the feeders refilled. It makes it a whole lot easier to identify the birds with a white background. Today, I've seen sparrows, a tohee, junkos, doves, starlings, a downy woodpecker and cardinals.

Although, we are blanketed by snow, it's not slowing us down; we are very busy with many events and plans. Saturday 2/7 is our annual quilt tea. We are in the midst of preparing for the home and garden show. The Preview Party and Plant, Herb and Hosta Sale committees have been meeting and it's going to be great (May 1, 2 & 3). Check the website for details.

New year, new classes

2009-01-16T15:14:00.003-05:00

We have lots of classes coming up. Please check our website (http://www.civicgardencenter.org/) under the education tab for details. I really want to make you aware of couple of outstanding educational opportunities with Brian Jorg, Horticulturist, Photographer, and Birder. We are offering a trip to the Smokies with Brian Jorg and CGC staff horticulturist, Paul Koloszar as your guides. The second offering is a four part photography course with Brian Jorg showing you the tips and tricks of taking exquisite photographs. The course descriptions are below. Please call to reserve your spot today - 513.221.0981.

Smoky Mountain Wildflower Photography Trip
Focus on Flowers
April 17-19

Join Brian Jorg for a wildflower photography class in the Great Smoky Mountains - one of the most florally diverse regions in North America. A pre-trip meeting will take place April 6, 7-8:30pm at the Civic Garden Center. Our trip is scheduled when we should expect to see a profusion of blooms, such as the rare and unusual Yellow Lady’s Slipper orchid, Showy Orchids, Dwarf Crested Iris, and a number of Trillium species - all in their springtime glory.

· The cost to participate in this spectacular on site photography class will be $100.00 per person
· Transportation, lodging and meals will be on your own
· A block of rooms will be reserved for our tour
· Space will be limited.

All trails will range from easy to moderate. Attendees should be able to walk over uneven ground, and be able to walk moderate distances. Please contact Brian Jorg by e-mail (brian@brianjorg.com ) for questions, or call the Civic Garden Center at 221-0981 to reserve your space now!

Digital Photography Workshop
May 14 &16, June 6 &11

Join us for this four-part digital photography workshop. This class is open to all beginner photographers. The class will consist of one evening of class room instruction and three on site classes that will focus on flower/macro photography, wildlife, and cityscapes.
· The cost for this four- part class is $45. 00 per person (space limited)
· Thursday, May 14, 6-8pm: Introduction at the CGC
· Saturday, May 16, 8-10am: Animals at the Cincinnati Zoo
· Saturday, June 6, 8-10am: Flowers at the CGC
· Thursday, June 11, 7-9pm: Cityscapes (off site location TBA)

Please contact Brian Jorg at brian@brianjorg.com with questions, or call the Civic Garden Center at 221-0981 to reserve your space now!

Wrapping Up

2008-12-22T15:36:00.003-05:00

We are wrapping up another year at the Civic Garden Center. It sure has been a busy one! I just ran a quick tally of events and classes that we've had in 2008 and the numbers are very interesting! We had 4,002 adults and 2,581 kids attend either a class, tour, lecture, sale, tea, or one of our many events! And those are just the folks that we were able to count. That does not represent folks that come in to see what we are up to, shop, use the library, or walk the grounds.
We spent the majority of our time teaching people how to garden, raise their own nutritious foods, and do it in an organic, sustainable manner. Kids came to the CGC and learned about composting, feeding furry friends, and native American traditions - just to name a few of the topics covered. We had a fantastic Plant, Herb and Hosta Sale along with a fabulous Glorious Gardens Tour. The Flavors of Neighborhood Gardens drew a crowd of community gardeners/cooks and friends that joined together for an evening of delicious food and lots of fun. Bulb Day brought in people to learn about forcing bulbs, their history and their importance to our world.

As you can see it has been a busy year. We are looking forward to 2009 and all of the possibilities and changes that will be coming our way. And - we are looking forward to seeing you. Come on by for a visit, take a class or attend one of our events. Be sure to check our website (http://www.civicgardencenter.org/) frequently for all the news and details.

The CGC is blessed with many friends. We thank you for your generosity of mind, body, spirit, and dare I say, wallet. The staff of CGC wish you all happy holidays and the best in the new year.

Christmas Tree Sale

2008-11-28T15:57:00.002-05:00

These trees are the best you'll find in town! Our parking lot smells soooo good. Come on by, check out the trees and come in for a cookie or two.

Civic Garden Center's
Annual Christmas Tree Sale
Open Friday, November 28th
Saturday & Sunday, too!
from 10am - 4pm

(closed Thanksgiving Day)
Additional Hours:
Monday - Friday Noon - 7pm

Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 4pm
Fabulous Fraser Firs, wreaths, pine roping, cut greens and

handmade holiday arrangements available.
Enjoy cookies and cocoa in the lobby while you peruse Clay Alliance pottery, handmade ornaments, and other gift items that are available to purchase.
Tree Size
Price (includes Tax)
5 - 6 ft $42.60
6 - 7 ft $55.38
7 - 8 ft $69.23
8 - 9 ft $95.85

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

2008-11-05T10:14:00.003-05:00

Calling all Civic Garden Center volunteers!

Please join us for a dinner in your honor on November 18, 2008 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. We will provide you with a sumptuous meal prepared by CGC staff and present awards for volunteers of the year. The most important part of the evening will be sharing in fellowship of kindred spirits! Please RSVP to Connie Booth at 513-221-0981 ext. 14 or email her at cbooth@civicgardenceter.org.

Ises Presents Avant Garden

2008-10-16T13:15:00.004-04:00

From Terry

Join us at our Big Event!

ISES Presents
Avant-Garden
To benefit the
Green Learning Station
at the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati

Six star studded teams are set to vie for the Second Annual IRON FLORIST title on Thursday, October 23 when ISES presents Avant-Garden at the Paul Brown Stadium East Club, benefitting the Green Learning Station at the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati. Janeen Coyle, WGRR radio commentator, will emcee the competition and live auction of the Iron Florist creations and several one-of-a-kind items.

Kevin Ford, 2007 Iron Florist champion, will team up with notables Brewster Rhoads (political consultant and Ohio River kayaker), Ronda Androski (Arnold’s Restaurant), and Ron Wilson (Natorp’s Yard Boy). The horticulture team from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Steve Foltz, Brian Jorg, Lyn Lutz and Dave Jennike) will give a hand to Ron Padgett of Pollination. Cincinnati Parks sends in the sister act plus two: Melanie Holthaus and Tamia Schumann (Adrian Durban Forist) will be supported by sister Andrea Schepmann (Krohn) and her Parks buddies Lindsey Stock and Bethany Butler. TV and radio mavens Suzanne Bona (WGUC), Mary Ann Zeleznik (WVXU), Jennifer Dalton (Local12) and Tara Pachmayer (Local12) will be looking for more than florist pointers from Robin Wood of Robin Wood Florist. Jones the Florist is sending up Mike Bourke with Cincinnati Council member Laketa Cole, Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, and former Cincinnati Council member Jim Tarbell. But, lookout for Team #6 – Jeff Green, H. J. Benken Florist, teams up with CGC insiders Margie Rauh, former CGC Executive Director; Cindy Schrader, CGC Board member; Nina Jones, CGC Volunteer; and, David White, Outer Space Landscape and former CGC Staff.

The evening also includes a delicious dinner-by-the-bite, music by Stoopid Rooster, and Silent Auction tables with garden themes and ‘gotta have it’ items.

The International Special Events Society (ISES) has adopted the Civic Garden Center again this year as their community outreach partner. Professionals throughout the special events industry have teamed up to create a highly memorable evening to benefit the Civic Garden Center and, specifically, completion of the Green Learning Station. This project is transforming a former gas station into a permanent demonstration and education area showing how natural solutions to storm water management can reduce energy dependence and cost, while adding beauty to the landscape.

DETAILS:
ISES Presents Avant-Garden
October 23, 2008 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Paul Brown Stadium East Club
$60 per person
Reservations: 513-221-0981 ext. 18

EVENING HIGHLIGHTS:
Delicious Dinner by the bite
2008 IRON FLORIST Competition
Live Auction, including the Iron Florist arrangements
Silent Auction
And more…………

Tree Expert

2008-09-17T14:48:00.003-04:00

From Paul

This just in: Free Advice - SPECIAL STORM CLEAN-UP SHOW: Steve Sandfort, the Uban Forester, will offer tips and take listener questions about the best and safest way to clean up in the aftermath of last Sunday's powerful windstorm (( Send an e-mail )). Check out http://www.wmub.org/ for further information.

The aftermath of Ike

2008-09-16T13:55:00.003-04:00

From Terry

We've survived a weather oddity but not without some losses. The Civic Garden Center was not alone in the destruction of very large trees. We've lost a good chunk of the large Ginko, a very old Hackberry, several Spruces and this Sugar Maple. There are other trees that sustained damage which we have not yet completely identified as other trees have knocked them over and covered them with their branches and limbs. It's like losing an old friend when a tree dies and we are all saddened.

But as the old saying goes - when a door closes a window opens, and in this case windows of light will be shining through what once was a shady canopy allowing different plants and trees to grow, forming a new and changing landscape. After all, gardening is all about change - choices that we make or choices that are made for us by nature.

Cincinnati Cactus & Succulent Society Sale

2008-09-04T14:44:00.000-04:00

From Terry

Cincinnati Cactus & Succulent Society

Annual Plant Sale of Cacti & Succulents:

The event will feature rooted and bare root cacti and succulents. A few possible varieties include Agave, Aloe, Cereus, Euphorbia, Opuntia, Crassula and Sansevieria. Sizes will vary.

Society members will be on hand to discuss care and potting methods, along with any other questions.

Announcement/Public Notice:

The Cincinnati Cactus and Succulent Society will be sponsoring a Plant Sale on Saturday, September 13th, 2008, in the lobby of Krohn Conservatory. The Sale begins at 11am and continues until 3 pm unless sold out earlier.

Call Pam Wilbers if you have any questions: 859-781-1132.

Items are donated by members and friends of the club.

Talking Trash

2008-08-25T11:45:00.005-04:00

From Paul

Picking up trash outside is probably the most-hated job here.
Tuesday I spent more than an hour picking up trash. In that time, I filled two garbage bags with:
a lot of food containers from the local fast food restaurant:
straw wrappers,
napkins,
burger boxes and wrappers,
cups,
lids and straws,
bags,
chip bags;
bottles,
cans (not always empty; ALWAYS wear gloves for trash pickup),
one sign,
empty cigarette packs,
an empty perfume spritzer, a hospital i.d. bracelet,
lighters,
water bottles,
batteries (AA and AAA),
and plastic wrappers from a wide variety of consumer items.

While it would have added considerably to the weight of the bag, I wouldn't have minded seeing discarded copies of works by Ann Coulter or Sean Hannity and their like. As long as they were not wet or physically filthy, they could have at least gone into the ABITIBI dumpster for paper recycling. But no, we have to pick up other, even less useful waste.

It's extremely discouraging to work hard at maintaining a place of beauty when it seems like passersby (admittedly not all of them) care so little that they discard anything they are done with. Is it too hard to dispose of waste properly?

Dog Days of Summer

2008-08-21T09:56:00.002-04:00

From Terry

The phrase Dog Days or "the dog days of summer", refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere they usually fall between early July and early September whilst in the Southern hemisphere February to March. The actual dates vary greatly from region to region, depending on latitude and climate. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. - Wikipedia

The first part of the definition is all so true and evident, presently. The later, well, it's not so true for the Civic Garden Center! We are busy with tending the community gardens and our lovely grounds. Our 4th quarter newsletter is being edited now and should be in homes in early September. We have great classes coming up!

Several events are looming in October:

10/07 Architectural Lecture: Making the Case for Green Building

Presented by Gary Jay Saulson, Director of Corporate Real Estate, The PNC Financial Services Group

Presentation will be made at the First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton Street with a reception immediately following at the Civic Garden Center (just a walk through the parking lot, really).

4:30pm Doors open - registration

5:00pm Mr. Saulson's lecture

6:00pm Reception at the Civic Garden Center

$20 advance registration (by 10/03)

$25 day of event

$75 patron level

10/10 Flavors of Neighborhood Gardens

At CGC on the patio

6:00-7:30pm

Enjoy food prepared by our community gardeners and staff. This event is free and tasty! The harvest will provide us with ample flavors and tastes of our favorite recipes featuring locally grown produce - there may even be a sweet potato surprise involved!

10/11 Fourth Annual Bulb Day

Attend a full day for $40 or individual sessions

Class: The Charm and Importance of Historic Daffodils

9:30-10:45am $10

Presented by Mary Lou Gripshover, SWODS member and past president of ADS. All of the daffodils on the market today are progeny of daffodils of history. Mary Lou will share her perspective on the value of historic bulbs.

Workshop: Forcing Layers of Bulbs

11:00am - Noon $20

Miggie Jacobs will demonstrate forcing and layering techniques. Take home the pot of bulbs that you plant!

Lunch and Featured Speaker, Bill Lee: Perennials for the Dry Garden: Ideal Daffodil Companion Plants

12:30 - 2:00pm $20

"Mr. Daffodil" will present how his garden grows - after the daffs have bloomed - the "rest" of the season, relying solely on rainfall for moisture.

Avant Garden

10/23 7:00-10pm $60

Paul Brown Stadium, East Room

Iron Florist Competition, food, drinks, silent auction, live auction - all supporting the Civic Garden Center's Green Learning Station project.

For all classes/events please call 513-221-0981 ext. 18 to make your reservations. See you soon!

Wildlife Management

2008-08-14T13:26:00.003-04:00

From Paul

Wildlife management?

I've been eyeing our 'Westersted' witchhazel for some time now. I'm not sure how long we've had it, but it's rather leggy and tree-like. This might suit some fine, as this would be an unusual alternative to the average patio tree (dogwood, redbud, crabapple, etc.).

But, I want to see more blooms, and the way you get more blooms is to have more stems that can bear them. So, that's why I've been contemplating giving the 'Westerstede' a once-over tip pruning. Doing so would encourage vegetative buds further back on the branches to break and grow.

Today, though, I noticed that some creature (squirrels, I think; possibly chipmunks) have been removing branch tips to get at this season's nearly ripe seed pods.

Normally, this would tick me off and get me thinking of ways to, erm, discourage said creatures (Don't get me wrong, I really do like wildlife, but one can only take so much before going Elmer Fudd), but this may turn out (I hope) to have serendipitously met my pruning goals.

I wonder if I could get the critters to tarp the trimmings and take them to the compost.

Arum italicum

2008-08-07T16:59:00.002-04:00

From Paul

Arum italicum

Arum italicum is an odd plant that is, paradoxically, both coming into and passing out of interest right now. The fruit, which consists of green berries which ripen to a showy orange-red, is clustered on what was the spadix (if you imagine the bloom of a Jack-in-the-pulpit, which is in the same family, the spadix would be "Jack", and the hood-like "pulpit" is called the spathe). The spadix, with its clinging berries, is all that remains of the plant now, and the berries are disappearing as they ripen.

On the up-side, it seems that the mockingbirds are the cause of the disappearances. I watched a group of them swooping down around a cluster of berried stalks. The various individuals then tried to hop up and grab a berry (missing, and subsequently looking very awkward, sometimes).

So, while the missing ripe fruit would be of interest in itself, the bird show has made up for it.

Look for the leaves, which typically have a marbled appearace due to near white venation, to reappear either in late Fall or early next Spring, depending on the weather.

Nina Tolley Exhibit

2008-08-01T13:45:00.002-04:00

From Terry

We have a beautiful new exhibit at CGC. Nina Tolley has numerous pastels of flowers, still lifes, and nature scenes.

Feeding The Bugs

2008-07-31T14:07:00.010-04:00

From Paul

spicebush swallowtail larva

Feeding the bugs

As much as it seems to run counter to what gardeners normally want, I like to feed certain bugs. Caterpillars, to be more specific.

As a kid, I spent many hours watching Monarch caterpillars eating their way through the leaves of the common milkweed (Asclepias syriacus). For some reason, I came to believe that was the only milkweed they fed upon. So, I was very happily surprised a few years ago to find many of my Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) cultivars ('Ice Ballet', 'Cinderella', and 'Soulmate'- all various shades of pink) serving as host-plants to around a dozen Danaus plexippus (the latin moniker for Monarch butterflies) larvae.

early instar of spicebush swallowtail larva

Other garden-plant/butterfly relationships are quite common, although not all are exactly desirable. The larvae of the cabbage white (Pieris rapae) may be unwelcome to the grower of any of the mustard family (which includes cabbages, lettuces, turnips, broccoli, etc.). Still, it feels like there's a certain magic going on when one stirs up and walks through a fluttering cloud of dozens of them.
In my own garden, I allow the caterpillars of black swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes) free rein to munch my bronze fennels. This year, in the hopes of watching the metamorphosis from larvae to butterfly, we built a "cage" to hold larvae and their food. I may have to supplement the fennel with other plants in the parsley family (dill, carrots, Queen Anne's lace, etc.). As exciting as it is to watch this development, I got even more excited earlier this week when I discovered caterpillars of the spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus).

I've had a spicebush for several years now (there's one at the CGC, too!), and have also been aware that it was a larval food plant, but apparently missed seeing the caterpillars before. Now that I know they've "found" the plant, I feel like the plant has yet another season of interest (although rather a subtle one)!

The CGC has many plants that serve as both larval food host and nectar plants for adults (butterflies). Stop by and take a closer look to see who is nibbling on what!

black swallowtail larva

Shopping & Searching

2008-07-30T13:34:00.002-04:00

From Terry

Here's something that is easy to do and is a win-win for both you and the Civic Garden center:

If you're looking for a search engine that benefits our cause, consider iSearchiGive.com. Here's what makes iSearchiGive.com so useful:
1) We receive exactly $0.01 per qualified search - no hidden fees, no vague percentages, no limits;
2) Donation checks are sent every month;
3) It's free, fast, and powered by Yahoo! Search;
4) You can keep track of your individual contributions through their parent program, www.iGive.com;
5) If you shop online, up to 26% of each purchase via iGive.com also benefits our cause!
6) It's powered by iGive.com (a site that has been helping causes raise money online since 1997), so we know it's not just a flash in the pan!
See it for yourself at: http://www.isearchigive.com

So, go ahead, do a little surfing and a little shopping and automatically make a contribution to the Civic Garden Center! Thanks!

Rescue of Long Time Roving Chow

2008-07-23T14:23:00.003-04:00

I wish I had taken a photograph of Gibson, today. She stopped by with her new human. Gibson has been roving the grounds of the Civic Garden Center for about six years. All this time, people that worked at the Gibson House (up the hill from our grounds) have been feeding her. We all tried at one point or another to get close to her but she was always elusive and skittish.

When the tenant's of Gibson house were moving, one of them decided it was time to rescue this matted, smelly Chow and did so by hiring a company to humanely trap the dog. They accomplished the feat and Gibson, the chow, was carted off to the groomer to be shaved and bathed. She then made a trip to the vet's office, had a full check up, shots, and was confirmed to be in good health.

Happily, Gibson, now has a home that she shares with two other dogs. All of us at CGC, including our Dirt Crew, were relieved to know that Gibson is well and being well cared for. It's so nice to share true story with a happy ending and to have finally been able to pet Gibson!

Paul's Personal Mission

2008-07-17T09:37:00.001-04:00

From Paul:

What goes around…

This will make me sound like a pessimist and, really, I'm not. I'm just passing on my observations. Can I help it that I notice things that others would rather not see?

The weeds are thriving this year. Woodsorrels (both Oxalis dillenii and O. corniculata) are rampant. Pokeweeds (Phytolacca americana) are flourishing. In our own yard we've been trying to keep black medick (Medicago lupulina) at bay (to little effect).

Then there's the poison ivy.

One of my personal missions in life is to make sure that as many people as possible know what poison ivy looks like. If I don't accomplish anything else important, I can rest assured that I have helped a few more folks avoid contact with the stuff.

That's been both easy and difficult this year. Easy because it seems to be growing very vigorously this year (probably due to the increased rainfall we've experienced this year, but I understand we can expect increased growth rates as atmospheric carbon-dioxide levels rise). That makes for lots of samples to show off. Difficult because with so many "samples," I can't keep visitors to our gardens from coming across them before I have made sure they've been "introduced."

So, here's a sample of Toxicodendron radicans (Rhus radicans). Consider yourself safely introduced (no need to shake hands!), and go forth keeping in mind the old saying "Leaflets three, let it be." (Is it just me, or can you hear Paul McCartney singing that, too?)

2008-07-10T10:21:00.001-04:00

From Cara:

I just returned from vacation Tuesday, after being away for 10 days, and was amazed at how much growth has occurred in the gardens here (and for once I am not just talking about weeds)! When I walked up the brick path into the building I noticed the two urns in the herb garden were overflowing with pink and purple petunias, and the cannas and elephant ears had grown at least a foot in height and were much fuller. The blossoms on the Annabelle Hydrangeas have more than doubled in size, and just about every Daylily in the collection is showing off its colors. The butterfly garden is abounding with flowers, and next to the Daylilies and the All-American Selections Annual Display, it is quite a show! I am not sure if it is the rain we've had recently or just having been away for over a week, but I am continually impressed with the beauty of the gardens here and how the plants thrive. It makes me see how many little things are happening everyday that we pass right by and give no notice to. Even working in these gardens everyday, I realize that even I need to stop and smell the flowers!

Pondarama

2008-07-09T14:35:00.002-04:00

Here's something fun to do and CGC gets all proceeds from the tickets that we sell.

2008 Meyer Aquascapes Pondarama
6th Annual Pond Tour

Saturday July 26th & Sunday July 27th

Come join us for a self guided tour of twenty-eight of the most beautiful water features in the greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Check out http://www.aquascapes.com for further information. Tickets are available for purchase ($10.00 each) at the Civic Garden Center.

Holiday Schedule

2008-07-03T09:57:00.003-04:00

From Terry

This is a short blog today. I just wanted to let folks know that the CGC will be closed for the weekend in observance of Independence Day. The staff will be using this time for "extra" vacation, and enjoying time with family and friends. The gardens are open, though, just not the building. You are always welcome to come for a stroll, pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery. Don't forget to look for the plant of the week. It's a Golden Raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) and is in full glory right now! Have a wonderful holiday!

Contemporary Quilt & Fiber Artists Exhibit

2008-07-01T08:48:00.002-04:00

From Terry

Members of Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists are exhibiting their art in a "Summer Showcase" at the Civic Garden Center July 1 - 31. More than fifty quilts and a variety of hand-crafted dolls, bowls, orbs, scarves, shawls, and bracelets are available for public enjoyment. Almost all items are for sale.

Summer has arrived

2008-06-26T11:24:00.004-04:00

From Terry

Summer is certainly here! Remember how beautiful the weather was last week? Well, that's all changed for sure. One thing, though, the grounds here are absolutely beautiful. We've just added our 3rd plant of the week to our website, let me say that if we had scratch & sniff ability on the internet - that would really be fantastic! I've found that there is a light floral scent throughout the garden/park. The Oak Leaf Hydrangea and the Bottle Brush Buckeye are so pleasant smelling. Come by for a real sniff.

Monday will have our lobby adorned with items from the Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists' Summer Showcase. I expect that there will be all kinds of creativity flowing with this incredible display of handmade artistry. Stop in and enjoy. We finally have AC after much investigating and labor - it makes the CGC a nice place to cool off after taking a stroll through the gardens. After the exhibit gets installed, I'll post a few photos.

Funding

2008-06-23T13:58:00.003-04:00

From Terry

It's an ongoing challenge for all non-profits. We are always trying to raise funds to support the organization, its programs, and operational needs. Some of us are home owners and know the joy and pain that enjoying and maintaining a home can be. It's no different with our beloved Civic Garden Center building. Today, we have HVAC repair people here and two volunteers working on repairing a badly leaking gutter, but the grounds are a sight to behold! I'm in the process of sending out a reminder postcard for our Spring Appeal. Our donations are down this year, but our costs are not. When you donate, you will receive a 10% Retail Discount Card that can be used at many of our local garden centers AND your donation helps us GROW our programs and maintain our building & grounds.

The 2nd plant of the week has been posted on our website - check it out and stop in for your POW Scavenger Hunt Card. I'm sure that you'll enjoy looking for this plant and walking through Sooty Acres aka Hauck Botanic Gardens.

Summer Classes

2008-06-18T09:05:00.003-04:00

From Terry

We have lots of classes coming up this summer. For a full list go to our website, http://www.civicgardencenter.org/ and click on the Education menu and then on Class Updates to get the full list. There are a couple that I'd like to tell you about:

Organic Lawn Care
Saturday August 9, 10am-Noon
Wes Duren, Landscape Manager, Marvin’s Organic Gardens will be leading the class. For those of you who have yet to seed your lawn, or have an existing lawn and want to rejuvenate it, Wes Duren will share a natural, more holistic approach to lawn care established by Marvin’s Organic Gardens. For every lawn problem, there are many organic, chemical free solutions. These methods are tried and true, and will equip you with techniques to eliminate dependence on harsh chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. If you stop to think about the abundance of chemicals that lawn care companies spread each spring, summer, and fall you'll realize the importance of finding and using Organic methods to care for your lawn.

Birds of the Tri-State
Saturday, August 23, 10am-2pm
Brian Jorg, Horticulturist, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden will share his knowledge of our flying and feathered friends. Join Brian Jorg for a presentation on the birds of the tri-state region. See the rich diversity of feathered fauna that can be found in our area. Just in time for the fall migration, we will also discuss some of the best locations in our area to view these winged wonders. Light refreshments will be served.

What's up this month with volunteers?

2008-06-16T13:35:00.004-04:00

From Connie at the Volunteer Desk

The season is full blown and there are lots of ways to get out in the garden this year. The phone number at the CGC: 513.221-0981

Summer Sprouts are up and running for the summer.
Last week Corina (Youth Ed Cord) held cook-outs in each garden to get things rolling.
If you enjoy kids and want to make a difference this summer, help out a day or two at one of the five gardens. Volunteer slots available afternoons Sundays through Fridays and some mornings. Get in touch with me or Corina to get plugged into this fun project.

Neighborhood Gardens always have projects for a few extra folks to put their energy into. Most work is done during the week, with arrangements made through Peter, our Neighborhood Gardens Corrdinator. Lots of garden clean-up and maintenance, and also construction projects from time to time, like building arbors, raised beds, etc.

Wed morning DIRT CREW meets weekly to maintain the grounds
Tues morning HERB GARDEN TEAM meets weekly to work in the demonstration herb garden

Are Special Events Your Interest?
July 24 Neighborhood Gardens Tour Help needed with set-up, registration, clean-up.

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING GROUPS WHO VOLUNTEERED WITH US:

M3C3 city-wide volunteer day - groups from GE and PNC Bank swarmed the grounds to clean up the gardens and begin the renovation of one of the garden areas
Cincinnati Bell Volunteers did a weedin blitz of the Butterfly Garden piling up 15 tarps with weeds for the big compost heap
What a boost these groups gave us in our beautification efforts to keep our urban oasis beautiful !

Monday at CGC

2008-06-16T08:45:00.005-04:00

From Terry:

Today - the first day of the work week is starting us off running. Corina has already loaded up one of the trucks for working in the kids gardens and has headed out with Luke, one of our summer interns - it's not even 9am yet!

Speaking of Corina (we affectionately call her CoCo)...it's been a wonderful thing working here at CGC, I have personally made many friends, one of them being Corina. She came over to my backyard garden and helped me weed bright and early Saturday morning. Man, those thistle had no idea what was in store for them on Saturday! With Corina's help, my big veggie garden was transformed from weed patch to a mulched and respectable garden. Thanks, CoCo!

Stop in the lobby to see the Turned Bowl exhibit by Jim Goethel. Jim labels each piece that he turns with the name of the wood that he uses to create the beautiful and functional works of art (all items are food safe). Portions of proceeds help support the CGC.

2008-06-13T15:52:00.000-04:00

From Vickiec

I'm attempting to get this blog moving so Terry's not just talking to herself. How many of you know about the Civic Garden Center? We're affectionately known as the secret oasis, or the best kept secret in town. We don't want to be a secret! So, come visit us, check out the website, take a class, get involved in your Neighborhood Garden.

Plant of the Week

2008-06-13T13:41:00.000-04:00

From Terry:

Can you identify and find this plant at CGC?

Remember to check our website, at the very least, weekly. We've just added a new feature: Plant of the week. Here's one of the photos - come by, pick up your plant of the week scavenger hunt card, spot the plant and have it checked on the card. Do this five times and you get a free $10 class at CGC.

This is a First!

2008-06-12T15:22:00.000-04:00

From Terry:

This is my first time blogging. I thought I could give this a try to see if folks are looking for info in blogs about gardening, classes, events, event rentals, or anything else in which the Civic Garden Center is involved. There is always so much going on at CGC that I want everyone to know about us.

Take today for instance. We have rented our auditorium to the Cincinnati Youth Collaboration. They are conducting a meeting and it sounds like they are having a good one, there is much laughter seeping through the door. Yesterday, the Cincinnati Association for the Blind had a staff retreat here and Cara Hague, one of our staff horticulturists, gave the group a tour of the grounds and Hauck Botanic Garden. There were lots of plants to see, touch and smell.

Also, we've started a new feature on our website (http://www.civicgardencenter.org/) for Plant of the Week. Check it out. There's even a scavenger hunt for the plant of the week - stop by and we'll tell you all about it.

I spotted a few folks eating lunch on our patio and down in the garden at our new picnic table. It's such a beautiful day and a great place to enjoy a few quiet moments.

I'll blog more, I'm really just seeing how this whole thing works. Thanks.