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All posts by bkrammes21
The recycling of banana peels
Barbara had a brief sustainability tip for members regarding the recycling of banana peels. She quoted her report from the June 2015 issue of “House & Home” magazine.
- Plant perk up: Rub the inside of a banana peel on potted house plants to buff away dust on leaves and add shine. Additionally, the potassium on the peel provides nutrients to the plant.
- Buff scuffs: The peel’s potassium absorbs into leather, making it a natural for getting scuff marks off your shoes. Lightly rub the marks then wipe with a clean cloth.
- Anti-ant: Protect your garden against ants and aphids by cutting up a few peels and burying them near the base of your plants.
Making Mosaic Garden Globes at CCA
We spent the morning at Center for the Creative Arts (CCA) in Yorklyn, DE designing (?!) and making a garden globe from recycled and broken glass. Our instructor was Michelle Reilly, the original owner of “Everyday Artists Paint Your Own Pottery” Shop in Hockessin. Thank you Michelle for the fun workshop.
Unveiling of Tweeds Tavern Historical Marker
Members’ Sustainability Reports – May 2015
Sustainability Report – Lawn management: Hiro has started to reduce his lawn footprint to cut down on time on mowing primarily as a motivation but also because of the positive impact on the environment. An area of lawn the size of 10 X 15 yards has now been replaced by recent new projects in Hiro’s yard. Lawn maintenance is causing lots of environmental problems due to emissions from mowers not to mention other gas-powered equipment we routinely use. The runoff of fertilizers and herbicides into our streams can be eliminated or cut down by reducing lawns and replacing them with other planting options that attract pollinators, butterflies and other helpful insects into the garden. Hiro recommends checking out this website for other ideas at www.lawnreform.org.
Joanie spoke on water sustainability and agriculture in particular where they are trying very hard to reduce their need for water by looking for alternative ways processing food. Joanie mentioned that her garden worker who is a student at the U. of Del is very interested in sustainability and sent her 40 pages of information on the topic! Joanie summarized by giving us some ideas to reduce electricity use by turning off monitors and other electronics when not actively using them. Use LED bulbs instead of the incandescent type.
There are lots of opportunities to reduce or replace energy use so look for just one or two ways in our own homes and it will significantly impact the environment.
A Tour on Gerri’s Fantastic Garden
Gerri, thanks for your hospitality. We had a wonderful tour on your garden yesterday, although it was wet and cold. Captions on photos were mostly provided by Gerri. Thanks again and happy gardening!
Wonderful World of Gesneriads by Barbara Borleske
Barbara is a cofounder of Moonflower Garden Club, longtime member of the DE African Violet Society, and renowned Gesneriad judge. She spoke at our April Meeting on “Gesneriads: Plants from Around the World.” She generously provided us with her power point presentation titled, wonderful world of gesneriads. Hope you enjoy her presentation.
Exercise Tips for Gardeners by Kris Qualls
Kris reported the article, titled “Exercise Tips for Gardeners” in AARP The Magazine as her sustainability report at our April monthly meeting.
“An hour of gardening can reduce stress, boost bone density, and burn a whopping 300 calories. But all that bending, squatting, raking, and lifting can challenge muscles as much as any competitive sport.”
Read more detail in the AARP article.
Spring Gardening at Tweed’s Tavern
It was a nice sunny day for gardening at a historical landscape of Tweed’s Tavern.
April Highlights
April 16: Monthly Meeting: “Gesneriads Plants from Around the World” at Cokesbury Village (726 Loveville Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707)
Barbara Borleske, a renowned Gesneriad judge
and longtime member of the Delaware African Violet
Society, will share her enthusiasm and passion for
gesneriads, and why she believes they are … ” the
most interesting and desirable of all horticultural
plants “. Barbara enjoys entering flower shows with
her remarkable specimens, and will display many of
the award winning plants.
All Cokesbury residents and friends are cordially
invited to attend this free program being held in the
Atrium Meeting Room, on Thursday, April 16, 2015,
beginning at 10:30 am. This will be a colorful and
entertaining opportunity to welcome Spring to the
Cokesbury Village Community.
No reservations needed. Just come and enjoy!
April 2 at 10 AM: Tweed’s Gardening
April 15: 2015 DFGC Meeting and Installation
- At Executive Banquet and Conference Center, 205 Executive Drive, Newark, DE
