January 10 Flowers for Pollinators

For our January 10, 2018 meeting, Judy Koster and Anna Barker presented on behalf of the University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardeners to bring information about the types of flowers that bring pollinators to the garden.   The information included how to identify the pollinators and develop an understanding of the threat they face in our communities.  The goal was to educate, empower and inspire us all to create pollinator-friendly habitats  to help pollinators thrive in the  community.

Fall Design Workshop

On Wednesday, November 8 we met for our Fall Design Workshop at Thunder Willow Community Arts in Hudson, WI.   Those attending the craft portion of our meeting created their own unique and beautiful pendant designs using fused glass.  Here are the results!

Annual Potluck and Silent Auction

October 11, 2017 was the Trillium Annual Potluck, Silent Auction and Business Meeting. 

Edible Landscapes

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Program:  Incorporating Edible Plants Into The Landscape
Jeffery Johnson - Landscape Gardener, University of Minnesota Arboretum.

Presented a slide show focused on reducing the carbon footprint of transporting produce.  The information shared included ideas to inspire imagination with incorporating edible plant materials into your landscape; trees, shrubs, vines, small fruits, perennial herbs, annuals, etc.  Also discussed ways a landscape can support pollinators and wildlife, maximize water use and utilize sun position for home heating.   Jeffrey Johnson can be contacted at:  johns345@umn.edu

Arcola Trail Flower Farm

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

The joint meeting with Daylily was a tour of Arcola Trails Flower farm.  It was very interesting. Those attending were inspired to try growing a few new and different types of cutting flowers.

There are many beautiful pictures to be seen on their Facebook page.  The owner also gave each attendee a bouquet from her gardens.

Nuremberg Gardens

Wednesday, July 12

Tour of Nurenberg Gardens, Orono, MN 

European Inspiration!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017    
Program:  Exploring London's World-Famous Royal Horticulture Society Chelsea Flower Show
Presented by: Laura Opsahl, Washington County Master Gardener

Our meeting today included a pictorial tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in Europe:  the incredible complexities of gardens and the use of plants, trees and shrubs at the Palace of Versailles was just one.  The color palettes included in the various gardens of Monet were captured in photos that clearly showed where some of the artists inspiration came from.  Finally, pictures taken of the the striking displays at the Chelsea Flower Show provided many ideas and seeds of inspiration for color, creativity and style variation.  

Laura toured these gardens last year as part of a group through Insight Vacations.  

https://www.insightvacations.com/us

May 29, 2017 Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication

Honoring Those Who have Served Our Country

The Blue Star Memorial Program honors all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. A large metal Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker was placed at appropriate locations along the way.What we see today is a program that has expanded to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the armed services of the United States.  Memorial Markers and By-Way Markers were added to the Highway Markers to be used at locations such as National cemeteries, parks, veterans' facilities and gardens.Perennial Gardens Clubs of Stillwater completed efforts to have a Blue Star By-Way Marker added to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial.   The dedication took place on May 29, 2017.   

Pictured:  Christi Schmidt reading the dedication, Trillium Chapter members in attendance: Jessie Tastad, Christi Schmidt, Barbara Isaacson & Toni Lehman.  Federated Garden Club of MN attendees: Betty Beck     (immediate past president) and Bonnie Schwitzenberg ( State President).

2017 Plant Sale

Our plant sale this year was held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 and again on Saturday, May 27!

Due to rain on the first date, we extended the sale to include the next weekend.
Thank you members and patrons!   It was a successful effort.

This year we featured perennials from our own established gardens and with the addition of pollinator packs from the Minnesota State Horticulture Society.  There was a variety of annuals and vegetables along with a large selection of gardening books for sale.

Lilies!

Wednesday, April 12, 2017  Program:  Lilies

Presented by Barbara Ronningen

Barbara has grown lilies in her Afton garden for about 30 years. Starting with an Asiatic collection, then expanding to martagons , orientals, interdivisional hybrids and trumpets over the last 10 years. She has started martagons, Asiatics, and trumpet from seeds. 

She recently completed a term as President of the North Star Lily Society (MN) and served on the North American Liliy Society Board of Directors. She is a Master Gardner in Washington County and past president of the Washington County Horticultural Society. 

The various divisions of lilies was discussed along with information about the care and propagation for best results.  Barbara provided many handouts along with tips and advice.  Please visit http://www.northstarlilysociety.com/ for more information about sales and events happening in Minnesota.

Serving Our Community

Fall of 2016:   Trillium Chapter along with Daylily participated in efforts towards the beautification of downtown Stillwater.  

May 29, 2017  Blue Star Marker Memorial By-Way Marker.   Honoring our veterans!

Trillium Chapter's Annual Plant Sale

Our plant sale this year will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017!

It will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon.

The address is: 601 Olive Street, Stillwater, MN

This year we will again feature perennials from our own established gardens and will highlight pollinator friendly plant varieties.  There will be a limited variety of vegetables and annuals.  And if you're looking for the perfect gardening book or some fun garden accessories, there will be a nice selection of those as well.   If you have any questions, please contact us at trilliumchapter@outlook.com

Dahlias!

Wednesday, March 8, 2017  Program:  Dahlias

Presented by Dr. David Lee

Dr. Lee has a passion for dahlias along with many years of experience with them.  He shared some very interesting information with us today.  There are 25 different classes/forms of dahlia; all colors and flower types and all sizes.  The plant can range from just a foot tall to 7 ft in height.  Flower sizes can range from 1 1/2 inches to 12" dinner plate size.  The Minnesota Arboretum is one of six official test gardens for dahlia and Dr. Lee is very involved with activities there.

He offered information about his own personal, tried and true methods of fall digging and storing, indoor tuber starting in spring, staking, pruning and overall maintenance.   Dr. Lee encourages joining the Minnesota Dahlia Society for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of this beautiful flower.

For more information about Dahlias and related upcoming events:  http://minnesotadahliasociety.org

Dry Creeks and Rain Gardens

Tuesday, February 7, 2017   Program: Dry Creeks and Rain Gardens

Joint meeting with Daylily Garden Club.

Presented by Angie Hong, Washington Conservation District, Water Resource Educator.

Topics covered also included prairie restoration and "low mow" lawns; along with information about resources for site visits and grants for Washington County residents who are interested in learning more about water friendly plant and landscaping recommendations. For more information: www.mnwcd.org

Kokedama; Poor Man's Bonsai

January 11, 2017  Program: Kokedama

A Japanese art of growing plants in moss inspired by bonsai. Rene’ Lynch - Current FGCM Parliamentarian Chairman and former FGCM President demonstrated Kokedama; a growing style often referred to as the poor man’s bonsai. Koke=moss, dama=balls.

Members were able to participate and create some kokedama which were then given away via a drawing at the meeting.

Trillium Chapter Holiday Brunch

December 14, 2016  Holiday Brunch

Our annual holiday brunch and gift exchange was held at the home of Judy Melander.   Former members were welcomed as we gathered to enjoy great food and conversation.   Along with the gift exchange was an opportunity to select a question so members could share information about themselves with all of us.

Creating Holiday Centerpieces

November 9, 2016 Event: Creating Holiday Centerpieces.

Lead by Judy Lacy.

For this event, members brought various evergreens and dried flower cuttings to create a centerpiece that would provide interest and beauty through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  Supplies were provided which included trays and an oasis for each arrangement, wire, accents, ribbon, candles, etc.   Judy Lacy provided basic technique and instructions.  Each participant applied their personal style and the variations were beautiful!

Gentleman Forager @ William O'Brien State Park

September 29, 2016 Joint meeting with Daylilly: Gentleman Forager @ William O'Brien State Park

Gentleman Forager embraces the outdoors. From wild foraged mushrooms and plants, to organically cultivated exotic mushrooms and organically cultivated micro greens, we provide sustainable and healthy food products to restaurants and innovative chefs.

“Wild and Local” and “Farm to Table” are the fastest and most impactful food and trends today.  LOHAS – Life of Health and Sustainability – is used to promote a wide array of products, with one of the most individually meaningful being healthy eating.  Gentleman Forager is on the forefront of this movement.

Behind Gentleman Forager is Mike Kempenich. With more than 40 years of foraging experience, Mike’s background includes:

• Excellence in commercial cloning and cultivation of wild mushrooms
• Past instructor for the University of Minnesota and current instructor for the University of Wisconsin Extension’s Wild Mushroom Certification classes – necessary for all commercial foragers to sell mushrooms to restaurants
• Contributing content writer and photographer for The Minnesota Harvester Handbook, published by the University of Minnesota Press
• Member of the Wild Mushroom Advisory Committee – Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health
• Member of the Minnesota and North American Mycological Societies