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