July Message

Greetings Garden Friends, 

Summer is officially here. The days are longest and the nights shortest. In this commemorative month of our nation’s birth I must first reflect on the moving District IX Blue Star Memorial dedication ceremony recently performed in North Boundary Park, Cranberry Township. Although Blue Star Memorial’s past began around World War II, its dedication format actually follows our country’s first national ceremony decorum where President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address. This includes a Blue Star marker history, military tribute, the marker unveiling along with an invocation and benediction, patriotic music, color guard, and Taps to honor our armed service men and women. At a District IX Board Meeting in Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens after that I was shown the bench devoted to The Garden Clubs of District IX. I have also witnessed magnificent Ingomar plantings at UPMC Passavant, Edith’s Garden and David Councill Park. And lastly, there were field tripper shoppers energized by D.J’s plant picks who enjoyed a relaxing lunch afterward. 

We really look forward to our annual picnic at the home of Sue Auman. Bring a chair, plants or garden related items for auction and small denominations of cash for purchases. Shaler Garden Club and Southern Butler County are offering July garden tours. This is a great opportunity to learn ideas from other gardens. Also, the Summer Nine News has the Reservation form for our District IX Annual Meeting. Let’s wow them with a great showing.

 “When Gardener’s Garden, It is not just plants that grow but the gardeners themselves.” Ken Druse 

Florally yours, 

President Julie