The sun is shining, the temperature is warm in Montana, and the aroma of freshly baked maple bars wafts through the conference room. Of course, we follow our noses to the “social hour” table laden with the most delicious homemade, thick maple bars on site! Mary Ann Carey and Maureen Dawson were the purveyors of the sweet fare, but Lori Carey of Boulder was the creator! Also not to be missed was a lovely fresh fruit salad and a display of living flowers reminding us of the fruits and flowers of spring and summer to come. And the room was filled with WGC members, future members and guests!
What a wonderful and very successful meeting with current GC business, ongoing planning for the next Arbor Day celebration (mark your calendars, Friday, April 29, 12-4 p.m.), committee reports, and more again, all led by President John Carlson.
The WGC hosted Commissioner Leonard Wortman representing the Western Legacy Center (WLC). Mr. Wortman gave a brief overview of the history and planning of the WLC and was pleased to hear of the WGC’s interest in developing a native plant section for the enjoyment of travelers. In addition to his informative talk, Mr. Wortman offered to help support the Western Legacy Center’s Arbor Day event. After the meeting, Mr. Wortman took volunteers on a “tour” of the promising WLC. The WGC thanks him for all the information, interest, ideas and input! The WGC also welcomed nominee Jim Buterbaugh, who was also excited about the WGC’s accomplishments and we thank him and appreciate his participation in the WGC meeting and program.
Dorie Westhoven, accomplished gardener and winner of the WG Club’s 2022 Green Thumb Award, demonstrated Fast Five Minute on rosemary herb. She shared several examples of propagating cuttings, some successful, some not, how to get rosemary to bloom even in cold, inhospitable climates (take it inside by a window to let in the sun, don’t forget to water although the rosemary is pretty forgiving if you forget, bring it outside after the last frost is gone….is it August??). Dorie concluded her demonstration by describing the many uses of rosemary as a medicinal, culinary and deodorizing herb which has been used as a symbol of fidelity and remembrance.
Photos courtesy of WHITEHALL GARDEN CLUB
Dorie Westhoven gave the quick five-minute demonstration on rosemary.
The official program, The Power of Trees, was introduced by WGC Master Gardener Barbara Lien, beginning with a magical video showing the miracle of leaf emergence, creating a magnificent canopy of a wide variety of green colors . Barbara explained that there are many reasons why we plant trees. We can design the use of trees as windbreaks, screens or blocking unwanted views; the use of trees to divide or define paths, and for protection and isolation. Carefully placed trees can provide shade, and trees still provide habitats for birds, insects, and small critters. Gardeners and homeowners enjoy planting fruit trees for the fresh, obvious fruit, but fruit trees are also long-lived, adding character to your garden for many years to come. Some trees are better than others when it comes to repelling fires, and Tri-County Fire Safety is a reliable and helpful resource. A mature tree can become a focal point in your landscape. FYI: Mature trees can increase a home’s property value by 25%, so when planting, plan ahead!
