Blackridge Garden Club 2010-2011 Program
Blackridge Garden Tour: June 29, 2011
Here's a link to some photos taken at the pretour for hosts and volunteers on Tuesday evening by our official club photographer and neighbor, professional David Kissell: http://bit.ly/jUBw5X. Here's another great photo album by tour guest Charles Richards, who says he and his wife were inpired by the tour: http://bit.ly/mDk205. Host Paul Agnew's and guest Laurie McWilliams's MANY shots are in our album here, along with a few shots from Sheila Mozer. If you have any pix to share, please let us know!
The 2011 Blackridge Garden Tour took place Wednesday, June 29, starting at 6:30 PM. Many Blackridge neighbors toured gardens on the northern end of the neighborhood, in the general area of Orlando Place and Hollywood Drive, plus, as proved to be so popular on our last tour in 2009, we had a bonus, off-site garden, on McCrady Road. Shuttles, driven by Joe Toth and Peter Del Presto, were available at the corner of Hollywood Drive and Williamsburg Place for those not driving to McCrady.
The lovely gardens of Kathy and Ralph DeFilippo, Charmagne Anderson, Patrick and Christine Zubrow, Amanda Veoni and Dan McNamara, Claudia and Paul Agnew, Katie Werner and Tim Gosetti, Anne Morton, Lesa Skotnicki and Rick Mast, and Barb and Jim Trusilo were featured on the tour. Thanks to all of you! The tour was wonderful, and we were especially thrilled with the perfect weather. We've posted a map here and the program here.
We offered four door prizes to those taking the tour, just to make things more fun--if you completed the tour (all nine gardens), you had a chance to win the raffle! Winners are Yvonne Mast of Washington, PA, mother of host Rick Mast of Orlando Place, who won a gorgeous hosta and a pot of hens and chicks, Pat Flynn, also of Orlando Place, who won a 'Lemon Cherry' tomato plant and a pot of jalapeno plants--one each of 'Grande' and 'Jalafuego', Mary-JoSanticky of Old Gate Road, who also won the ornamentals, and Susan Juffe of South Aiken Avenue, who also won the vegetables. Congrats!!
We are also offered tickets for sale on a bigger gardening prize of a wonderful planter filled with flowers, plus some special gardening goodies, including a solar lantern, a huge book on orchids, a birdhouse, long citronella candle stakes, Doug Oster's gardening journal, cute floral wine charms, and a sun hat. This prize went to Diana Colaizzi of Branning Drive in Churchill. Tickets sold for $2.00 apiece or 3 for $5.00, and many friends of the club purchased raffle tickets. Although we do not charge for the tour, many guests made generous donations to support the work of the garden club in maintaining the Blackridge signature corners. Thank you!
We welcome photos and memories of this and of past tours, and will happily share those things on the website, so please send them our way! We have photos from a few recent tours under the Photos tab at the top of the page, but we would adore seeing and sharing as many as you have.
The Blackridge Garden Tour is typically one of the most popular and enjoyable community activities we sponsor, and the 2011 tour was among the best! If you have any comments on the tour, or suggestions for future tours, please let us know. Anne Messner, a member of the BGC for many years, and a multiple time tour host, has this to add: Just wanted to say I think the garden tour was a roaring success. All the toil of the gardeners definitely was evident as the gardens are gorgeous and showed to perfection, positively glowing as the light went down; all the hard work of the people like Tara, Nancy, Judy and Amy was clearly evident in the lovely booklets, the organization of the evening, which began long long ago, and even the procuring of the gardens for the tour. This one evening is definitely a HUGE amount of work, but so worth it. I loved seeing neighbors walking with neighbors to neighbors' gardens. Truly shows why Blackridge is THE place to live!
Huge thanks to everyone for making the evening possible.
The 2011 Blackridge Garden Tour took place Wednesday, June 29, starting at 6:30 PM. Many Blackridge neighbors toured gardens on the northern end of the neighborhood, in the general area of Orlando Place and Hollywood Drive, plus, as proved to be so popular on our last tour in 2009, we had a bonus, off-site garden, on McCrady Road. Shuttles, driven by Joe Toth and Peter Del Presto, were available at the corner of Hollywood Drive and Williamsburg Place for those not driving to McCrady.
The lovely gardens of Kathy and Ralph DeFilippo, Charmagne Anderson, Patrick and Christine Zubrow, Amanda Veoni and Dan McNamara, Claudia and Paul Agnew, Katie Werner and Tim Gosetti, Anne Morton, Lesa Skotnicki and Rick Mast, and Barb and Jim Trusilo were featured on the tour. Thanks to all of you! The tour was wonderful, and we were especially thrilled with the perfect weather. We've posted a map here and the program here.
We offered four door prizes to those taking the tour, just to make things more fun--if you completed the tour (all nine gardens), you had a chance to win the raffle! Winners are Yvonne Mast of Washington, PA, mother of host Rick Mast of Orlando Place, who won a gorgeous hosta and a pot of hens and chicks, Pat Flynn, also of Orlando Place, who won a 'Lemon Cherry' tomato plant and a pot of jalapeno plants--one each of 'Grande' and 'Jalafuego', Mary-JoSanticky of Old Gate Road, who also won the ornamentals, and Susan Juffe of South Aiken Avenue, who also won the vegetables. Congrats!!
We are also offered tickets for sale on a bigger gardening prize of a wonderful planter filled with flowers, plus some special gardening goodies, including a solar lantern, a huge book on orchids, a birdhouse, long citronella candle stakes, Doug Oster's gardening journal, cute floral wine charms, and a sun hat. This prize went to Diana Colaizzi of Branning Drive in Churchill. Tickets sold for $2.00 apiece or 3 for $5.00, and many friends of the club purchased raffle tickets. Although we do not charge for the tour, many guests made generous donations to support the work of the garden club in maintaining the Blackridge signature corners. Thank you!
We welcome photos and memories of this and of past tours, and will happily share those things on the website, so please send them our way! We have photos from a few recent tours under the Photos tab at the top of the page, but we would adore seeing and sharing as many as you have.
The Blackridge Garden Tour is typically one of the most popular and enjoyable community activities we sponsor, and the 2011 tour was among the best! If you have any comments on the tour, or suggestions for future tours, please let us know. Anne Messner, a member of the BGC for many years, and a multiple time tour host, has this to add: Just wanted to say I think the garden tour was a roaring success. All the toil of the gardeners definitely was evident as the gardens are gorgeous and showed to perfection, positively glowing as the light went down; all the hard work of the people like Tara, Nancy, Judy and Amy was clearly evident in the lovely booklets, the organization of the evening, which began long long ago, and even the procuring of the gardens for the tour. This one evening is definitely a HUGE amount of work, but so worth it. I loved seeing neighbors walking with neighbors to neighbors' gardens. Truly shows why Blackridge is THE place to live!
Huge thanks to everyone for making the evening possible.
 Planter assembled and donated by Amy Bluedorn to our basket raffle. |
 Diana Colaizzi, winner of our basket raffle. |
Annual President's Luncheon: June 7, 2011
On Tuesday, June 7th, the Blackridge Garden Club held its annual meeting at D’Imperio’s Restaurant in Wilkins Township. This President’s Luncheon, organized by Sheila Mozer and Rose Guerrieri, recognized Nancy Del Presto for her hard work and dedicated efforts to the club. To honor Nancy and all her contributions to the club, the GardenClub made a donation to the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden instead of purchasing a personal gift for her, as per her request.
The room at D’Imperio’s looked garden-like thanks to Sue Fish’s flowering “petunia pots” at each place setting. As always the food was delicious. The highlight of the meeting was the installation of officers for the 2011 – 2012 membership year. Shirley Rapport conducted the installation and presented each officer with a yellow rose.
The BGC officers are: President – Nancy Del Presto, V.P. of Membership – Sheila Mozer, Secretary – Diane Law, Treasurer – Rose Guerrieri, Assistant Treasurer – Vicki Rodia.
Following the installation, President Del Presto discussed plans to change the format of the “Bloomin' Corners Benefit,” which is held each year to raise money to maintain the corner entrances to Blackridge. Since most of the funds raised this year came from the raffle, it was decided that next year more efforts would be put into promoting the raffle instead of holding the luncheon and fashion show.
The room at D’Imperio’s looked garden-like thanks to Sue Fish’s flowering “petunia pots” at each place setting. As always the food was delicious. The highlight of the meeting was the installation of officers for the 2011 – 2012 membership year. Shirley Rapport conducted the installation and presented each officer with a yellow rose.
The BGC officers are: President – Nancy Del Presto, V.P. of Membership – Sheila Mozer, Secretary – Diane Law, Treasurer – Rose Guerrieri, Assistant Treasurer – Vicki Rodia.
Following the installation, President Del Presto discussed plans to change the format of the “Bloomin' Corners Benefit,” which is held each year to raise money to maintain the corner entrances to Blackridge. Since most of the funds raised this year came from the raffle, it was decided that next year more efforts would be put into promoting the raffle instead of holding the luncheon and fashion show.
Annual, Not To Be Missed, Plant Auction: May 4, 2011
You had to be there! Every year, the Blackridge Plant Auction is better than the year before; 2011 was no exception. Neighbors and friends gathered to bargain for prizes for their gardens. And there were so many to be had-- everything from favorite sun-loving perennials to culinary and medicinal herbs and Potteresque worts and ferns for the shade gardens of Blackridge. There were bushy shrubs, tree-like shrubs and an actual red-leaf Japanese maple to be had.
The fun-filled and spirited auction was peppered with Greberisms as our favorite auctioneer, Ceil Greber, challenged us to stand to bid for our garden choices. She was ably assisted by Anne Messner, EJ Foster and Rose Guerrieri. Also, club president Nancy DelPresto was there emitting her usual positive vibe and providing hands-on support. Potential gardeners Arianna and Burris Esplen enthusiastically ran each plant to its new owner .
The bidding was fast and furious and more than twice as profitable as usual, due in no small part to Anne Messner's babied-for-a-year, five-foot Japanese maple that went for $31.00, which is an astounding record, as far as we can tell! (And still way, way less than a garden center, of course!! Most things go for around a buck or less!) This annual community event is a fundraiser for the Garden Club, but it is also a wonderful time to gather and exchange ideas and plans with neighbors. If you didn’t make it last night, mark your calendar. You won’t want to miss it next year! (Duh--don't you understand the title of the event?!)
We send out our thanks to the BGC volunteers who planned and ran the evening, as well as to all of the members and neighbors who donated their plants and to the more than 60 folks who attended and bought stuff!
Photos are posted here. If you have more, send 'em on!!
The fun-filled and spirited auction was peppered with Greberisms as our favorite auctioneer, Ceil Greber, challenged us to stand to bid for our garden choices. She was ably assisted by Anne Messner, EJ Foster and Rose Guerrieri. Also, club president Nancy DelPresto was there emitting her usual positive vibe and providing hands-on support. Potential gardeners Arianna and Burris Esplen enthusiastically ran each plant to its new owner .
The bidding was fast and furious and more than twice as profitable as usual, due in no small part to Anne Messner's babied-for-a-year, five-foot Japanese maple that went for $31.00, which is an astounding record, as far as we can tell! (And still way, way less than a garden center, of course!! Most things go for around a buck or less!) This annual community event is a fundraiser for the Garden Club, but it is also a wonderful time to gather and exchange ideas and plans with neighbors. If you didn’t make it last night, mark your calendar. You won’t want to miss it next year! (Duh--don't you understand the title of the event?!)
We send out our thanks to the BGC volunteers who planned and ran the evening, as well as to all of the members and neighbors who donated their plants and to the more than 60 folks who attended and bought stuff!
Photos are posted here. If you have more, send 'em on!!
Beekeeping in the 'Burgh: April 12, 2011
This evening, Alisa Lenhardt, treated us to a stimulating and personalized presentation that challenged us to think about Beekeeping in the Burgh. Alisa is President of the Sewickley Garden Club and a volunteer with Burgh Bees. She is an avid conservationist and a beekeeper.
Ms. Lenhardt developed her interest in bees and beekeeping after meeting a beekeeper at a community gardening and market event. She committed to it because of her personal fascination with the process and because of her concern about colony collapse disorder, which is known to be causing a loss of bees.
Alisa brought a teaching hive, slides, pictures, honey and beeswax. She talked about how bees can MAKE their own queen and why they swarm. Tara tried on her beekeeper's suit and looked quite fetching. Lenhardt reiterated that a swarm of bees is disoriented and won't sting because they have no hive to protect. She shared her experiences with her own hives which are in her campground and not at her house (since she lives in the village of Sewickley where the lots are very small). Her hives have a small solar powered electric fence around them to protect them from bears (except that one day she neglected to turn the electricity on and her hives were decimated within 12 hours by bears!!!)
The lecture provided insights into both sides of the honey-making process. John and Sarah Bauer got the buzz about life in the hive for the queen, the drones and the workers. Gardeners tuned in for the outline for Beekeeping 101. If you have a real interest in beekeeping, Ms. Lenhardt strongly recommends the following basics:
1. Take a beekeeping course, available at Burgh Bees.
2. Develop a relationship with a local mentor.
3. Join a beekeeping association.
4. Register your hives with the state of Pennsylvania
She further recommended that you visit www.burghbees.com to learn more about how to get started. Tara Taylor is half-way there; she’s got the gear!
It is well known that the continued loss of bees would have devastating impact on the food chain at all levels. Ms. Lenhardt says we can help . She encouraged us as gardeners to do all we can to support the life, health and productivity of bees by planting more flowers!! And if you’re going to plant trees, plant fruit trees! So says Alisa Lenhardt.
Many thanks to our hostesses, Shelley Grotzinger, Cecelia Greber and Jeannette Trauth. The tasty treats provided the warm touch needed for the rainy, cool evening.
Photos of the event are posted here.
UPDATE: We saw an article in this morning's Post-Gazette East Xtra section that we thought our members and friends would like to read. Here is the sidebar for wannabe beekeepers.
Ms. Lenhardt developed her interest in bees and beekeeping after meeting a beekeeper at a community gardening and market event. She committed to it because of her personal fascination with the process and because of her concern about colony collapse disorder, which is known to be causing a loss of bees.
Alisa brought a teaching hive, slides, pictures, honey and beeswax. She talked about how bees can MAKE their own queen and why they swarm. Tara tried on her beekeeper's suit and looked quite fetching. Lenhardt reiterated that a swarm of bees is disoriented and won't sting because they have no hive to protect. She shared her experiences with her own hives which are in her campground and not at her house (since she lives in the village of Sewickley where the lots are very small). Her hives have a small solar powered electric fence around them to protect them from bears (except that one day she neglected to turn the electricity on and her hives were decimated within 12 hours by bears!!!)
The lecture provided insights into both sides of the honey-making process. John and Sarah Bauer got the buzz about life in the hive for the queen, the drones and the workers. Gardeners tuned in for the outline for Beekeeping 101. If you have a real interest in beekeeping, Ms. Lenhardt strongly recommends the following basics:
1. Take a beekeeping course, available at Burgh Bees.
2. Develop a relationship with a local mentor.
3. Join a beekeeping association.
4. Register your hives with the state of Pennsylvania
She further recommended that you visit www.burghbees.com to learn more about how to get started. Tara Taylor is half-way there; she’s got the gear!
It is well known that the continued loss of bees would have devastating impact on the food chain at all levels. Ms. Lenhardt says we can help . She encouraged us as gardeners to do all we can to support the life, health and productivity of bees by planting more flowers!! And if you’re going to plant trees, plant fruit trees! So says Alisa Lenhardt.
Many thanks to our hostesses, Shelley Grotzinger, Cecelia Greber and Jeannette Trauth. The tasty treats provided the warm touch needed for the rainy, cool evening.
Photos of the event are posted here.
UPDATE: We saw an article in this morning's Post-Gazette East Xtra section that we thought our members and friends would like to read. Here is the sidebar for wannabe beekeepers.
EJ's Environmental Army Spring Clean-Up: April 9, 2011
Spring Spruce-Up Blackridge Day
EJ Foster, Environmental Chair
Coordinators: EJ Foster, The Huguleys
What has become an semi-annual event took place as EJ’s Army mobilized to clean the Beulah Road hillside. Volunteers met in the BCA parking lot at 8:30 AM on Saturday, April 9, wearing appropriate shoes and heavy work gloves. EJ provided the orange cones, safety vests and plastic bags, and the Huguleys coordinated the tailgate snacks. Thank you to our volunteers: Rose Guerrieri, Jeanette Trauth, Kate Parsons, Todd Hoover, Anne Messner, Frank Rodia, Ceil Greber, EJ Foster, and Lil and Neal Huguley!
EJ Foster, Environmental Chair
Coordinators: EJ Foster, The Huguleys
What has become an semi-annual event took place as EJ’s Army mobilized to clean the Beulah Road hillside. Volunteers met in the BCA parking lot at 8:30 AM on Saturday, April 9, wearing appropriate shoes and heavy work gloves. EJ provided the orange cones, safety vests and plastic bags, and the Huguleys coordinated the tailgate snacks. Thank you to our volunteers: Rose Guerrieri, Jeanette Trauth, Kate Parsons, Todd Hoover, Anne Messner, Frank Rodia, Ceil Greber, EJ Foster, and Lil and Neal Huguley!
Bloomin' Corners Benefit: Saturday, March 19, 2011, Longue Vue Club
This year's theme celebrated the hosta and played off a variation of the old Arnold Schwarzenegger line, "Hosta la Vista, Baby!" so we'd know "you'll be back" to make this a great day for Blackridge! Every cent of profit from this traditional fund raiser is returned to the community by enabling the Garden Club to plant and maintain the 14 entrance corners to the neighborhood and the BCA Clubhouse in addition to making a substantial donation to both the Civic Association and the Swim Club.
We're very excited about the results our March 19, 2011 Benefit, which was a lot of fun to plan, and we are grateful to our supporters. "’Hosta’ la Vista, Baby!”, was a smashing success this year, despite having a smaller crowd than in past years, and a major part of that success was our “Big Raffle.” Seventy-six percent of our net income this year was attributed to the raffle, and we are deeply grateful to the 146 Blackridge households and the additional friends of the club who purchased raffle tickets. One hundred percent of our profits from the benefit are returned to the community in the form of donations to the Blackridge Civic Association, the Blackridge Swim Club, and to the upkeep of our signature Blackridge corners.
Thanks to the benefit committee members: Nancy, Rose, Adrienne, Vicki, Lil, Neal, Judy, Tara, Shelley, Toni, Sheila, and Diane. Thanks to our wonderful models: Emily Bauer, Julia Bauer, Linda Bauer, Sarah Bauer, Mackenzie Bluedorn, Hannah Diorio-Toth, EJ Foster, Neal Huguley, Ellen Kraai, Sarah Kuharik, Cecelia Messner, Grayson Messner, Lauren Messner, Andrew Rossi, Nick Rossi, and Tara Taylor.
We are grateful to our donors: Andy Warhol Museum, Antrilli Floral Shop, Bathfitters, Better Feeds and Garden Center, Blackridge Civic Association, Blackridge Swim Club, Bernadette Krueger, Carabella, Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Cheesecake Factory, Costco, D’Imperio’s Restaurant, Frick Art and Historical Center and Café, Frankstown Gardens, Hepatica, Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse, Keystone Health Club and Cafe, Kuhn’s Market, Lilia Huguley, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, North Hills Water Gardens, Penn Hills Lawn and Garden, Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Pines Tavern, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Zoo, Plumline Nursery, Prestogeorge Fine Foods, Rene’s Restaurant, Rollier’s Hardware, Sam’s Club, Sestelli’s Nursery, Shop n’ Save, Soergel Greenhouses, Spiritworks Yoga, Sherwood Taylor, Wild Birds Unlimited, and all of the Blackridge Garden Club members who donated items to the raffle and/or the chance auction with special thanks to Adrienne, Doris, EJ, Helen, Judy, Nancy, Rose, Shelley, and Tara.
Macy's of Monroeville provided the fashions and the goody bags, and makeup for the models was provided by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. For our "Big Raffle" our venue, Longue Vue Club, donated a round of golf for two, including two carts and lunch, which was won by Lil and Neal Huguley. The basket of cheer, donated by the members of the BGC was won by Anne Morton. The gourmet basket and serving platter, donated by Prestogeorge Fine Foods, and members of the BGC, went to Joyce Hapke. Amy Campbell won the Blackridge Bundle, donated by the Blackridge Civic Association, the Blackridge Swim Club, and the Blackridge Garden Club. Congratulations to these winners also to the winners of the many excellent baskets in our chance auction.
We've also posted some pix from the event here and here, and yes, we know they need to be edited and curated further, so don't judge us too harshly! (And send us more, please!)
We're very excited about the results our March 19, 2011 Benefit, which was a lot of fun to plan, and we are grateful to our supporters. "’Hosta’ la Vista, Baby!”, was a smashing success this year, despite having a smaller crowd than in past years, and a major part of that success was our “Big Raffle.” Seventy-six percent of our net income this year was attributed to the raffle, and we are deeply grateful to the 146 Blackridge households and the additional friends of the club who purchased raffle tickets. One hundred percent of our profits from the benefit are returned to the community in the form of donations to the Blackridge Civic Association, the Blackridge Swim Club, and to the upkeep of our signature Blackridge corners.
Thanks to the benefit committee members: Nancy, Rose, Adrienne, Vicki, Lil, Neal, Judy, Tara, Shelley, Toni, Sheila, and Diane. Thanks to our wonderful models: Emily Bauer, Julia Bauer, Linda Bauer, Sarah Bauer, Mackenzie Bluedorn, Hannah Diorio-Toth, EJ Foster, Neal Huguley, Ellen Kraai, Sarah Kuharik, Cecelia Messner, Grayson Messner, Lauren Messner, Andrew Rossi, Nick Rossi, and Tara Taylor.
We are grateful to our donors: Andy Warhol Museum, Antrilli Floral Shop, Bathfitters, Better Feeds and Garden Center, Blackridge Civic Association, Blackridge Swim Club, Bernadette Krueger, Carabella, Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Cheesecake Factory, Costco, D’Imperio’s Restaurant, Frick Art and Historical Center and Café, Frankstown Gardens, Hepatica, Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse, Keystone Health Club and Cafe, Kuhn’s Market, Lilia Huguley, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, North Hills Water Gardens, Penn Hills Lawn and Garden, Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Pines Tavern, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Zoo, Plumline Nursery, Prestogeorge Fine Foods, Rene’s Restaurant, Rollier’s Hardware, Sam’s Club, Sestelli’s Nursery, Shop n’ Save, Soergel Greenhouses, Spiritworks Yoga, Sherwood Taylor, Wild Birds Unlimited, and all of the Blackridge Garden Club members who donated items to the raffle and/or the chance auction with special thanks to Adrienne, Doris, EJ, Helen, Judy, Nancy, Rose, Shelley, and Tara.
Macy's of Monroeville provided the fashions and the goody bags, and makeup for the models was provided by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. For our "Big Raffle" our venue, Longue Vue Club, donated a round of golf for two, including two carts and lunch, which was won by Lil and Neal Huguley. The basket of cheer, donated by the members of the BGC was won by Anne Morton. The gourmet basket and serving platter, donated by Prestogeorge Fine Foods, and members of the BGC, went to Joyce Hapke. Amy Campbell won the Blackridge Bundle, donated by the Blackridge Civic Association, the Blackridge Swim Club, and the Blackridge Garden Club. Congratulations to these winners also to the winners of the many excellent baskets in our chance auction.
We've also posted some pix from the event here and here, and yes, we know they need to be edited and curated further, so don't judge us too harshly! (And send us more, please!)
Pennsylvania Native Plants: Great Alternatives for Woodlands and Light Shade Areas: March 1, 2011
The shady yards and gardens of Blackridge were front and center at the March meeting of the Garden Club. Kathryn McGregor of Sylvania Natives presented an information packed PowerPoint program of native plants complete with growing tips and light requirements of plants native to western Pennsylvania. Her program emphasized woodland plants for both partial and full shade and covered blooming time and soil requirements.
Ms McGregor's Squirrel Hill nursery offers an assortement of native perennials grown from local seed collected in the wild and nursery propagated. Her web site is: www.SylvaniaNatives.com.
Churchill Garden Club members were guests of Blackridge at the luncheon and meeting. We have some snapshots posted here.
Ms McGregor's Squirrel Hill nursery offers an assortement of native perennials grown from local seed collected in the wild and nursery propagated. Her web site is: www.SylvaniaNatives.com.
Churchill Garden Club members were guests of Blackridge at the luncheon and meeting. We have some snapshots posted here.
Cooking from the Kitchen Garden: February 2, 2011
If you missed "Cooking from the Kitchen Garden" on February 2, 2011...you are still able to get the info from this event. Neighbors and Garden Club members received valuable information on cooking with herbs, canning, how to start your garden from seeds, and the best seeds to grow to maximize success, quality and volume. Expert Gardener, neighbor and Garden Club member, Judy Diorio, discussed topics that included types of herbs you can use to make exquisite dishes right from your own kitchen, different methods to cultivate starting your own herb garden from seeds inside, and when you should start this endeavor. Judy explained different ways to can vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers as well as how to create your own oils with herbs. Click here to get Judy's talking points.
Neighbors and new Garden Club members Kathy and Ralph DeFilippo joined Judy for the presentation to discuss a month-by-month "to do" list when preparing to start your vegetable garden. Click here for that list. We must not forget those who worked behind the scenes to pull off this wonderful night. Garden Club Members Anne Messner and Vicki Rodia provided our guests and speakers to wonderful treats that were created from ingredients found in "the Kitchen Garden," such as bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip, various gourmet cheeses along with fresh fruit and veggies. Vicki's boursin cheese balls where a HUGE hit; that recipe can be found the the Blackridge Cookbook. We have pictures under our "pictures" page, "Cooking from the Kitchen Garden." If you were in attendance, please e-mail us at [email protected] and let us know your thoughts on the presentation. Snapshots are here.
Neighbors and new Garden Club members Kathy and Ralph DeFilippo joined Judy for the presentation to discuss a month-by-month "to do" list when preparing to start your vegetable garden. Click here for that list. We must not forget those who worked behind the scenes to pull off this wonderful night. Garden Club Members Anne Messner and Vicki Rodia provided our guests and speakers to wonderful treats that were created from ingredients found in "the Kitchen Garden," such as bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip, various gourmet cheeses along with fresh fruit and veggies. Vicki's boursin cheese balls where a HUGE hit; that recipe can be found the the Blackridge Cookbook. We have pictures under our "pictures" page, "Cooking from the Kitchen Garden." If you were in attendance, please e-mail us at [email protected] and let us know your thoughts on the presentation. Snapshots are here.
Behind the Scenes at the Phipps: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Blackridge Resident and Phipps employee, Katie Werner, did an excellent job "behind the scenes at Phipps" explaining to Garden Club friends and members all the different methods used to propagate, store/house/winter over the many plants used throughout the year while answering many questions from guests. Friends and members enjoyed a lunch before the tour provided by Phipps and paid for by the Garden Club. Lastly, the picture used for this announcement was taken by David Kissell and entered into the Phipps photo contest and was selected as a winner. It can be viewed in the Phipps Welcome Center. If you get a chance to visit Phipps this holiday season, you will not be disappointed, as there's so much to enjoy and see. Please feel free to check out our photos from this event under our "photos" tab under "Behind the Scenes at The Phipps" or click here. Thanks to all who attended. Special thanks to Katie for making this a delightful outing for Garden Club friends and members.
Creating Holiday Magic: November 14, 2010
There was a large crowd of around 50 attending Sherwood and Tara Taylor's presentation of "Creating Holiday Magic." And they certainly created magic. This very talented father and daughter showed everyone how to craft gorgeous silk/artificial and fresh centerpieces and usable art for the holidays. They provided step-by-step instructions for the audience. Many of the vases/receptacles they used were purchased off season at craft stores or TJ Maxx or flea markets for very reasonable prices, therefore, keeping the creations within everyone's price range. We watched Sherwood and Tara create a fresh Frasier fir wreath with pomegranates, a table top decorated Christmas tree in a beautiful container, a silver vase with lovely overarching silver stems and white poinsettias, a kissing ball, a total redo of a last season kind of sad wreath that was on sale at Sam's Club (for good reason) that they made fresh and new and several more creations. Raffle tickets were sold and many lucky folks got to take home a beautiful, seasonal decoration that would have cost a fortune at a retailer. We had special guest with us from the Verona Garden Club, Weed and Feed Garden Club, Churchill Garden Club and Forest Hills Garden Club. The lunch that was served was duly appreciated as there were many requests for recipes, which can now be found under "Judy's Blog."
Check out pictures from this event at our "Photos" page under "Creating Holiday Magic," or click here.
Check out pictures from this event at our "Photos" page under "Creating Holiday Magic," or click here.
Selection, Care, and Planting of Understory Trees: October 20, 2010
The Blackridge Garden Club Oktoberfest drew a wonderful crowd of members, along with old and new neighbors. We even gained a new Garden Club member!!! Our President, Nancy DelPresto, once again pulled off a festive event with the help of Anne Messner, Lil and Neal Huguley and Amy Bluedorn (along with many friends who chipped in to clean up). Garden Club members and Blackridge neighbors noshed on traditional Oktoberfest fare, complete with savory sausages and sauerkraut, pretzels, warmed apple sauce, hot apple cider, homemade cherry and apple strudels, Black Forest cake and Sam Adams beer all while enjoying the lively music of a traditional Oktoberfest. Bartlett Tree Experts arborist, Jim Edson did a great job of outlining the planning, placement, feeding, mulching and treatment of trees. Lastly, I have to say, for the record, I think the strongest showing of support came from Blackridge Road neighbors, as we had Garden Club President, Nancy DelPresto, Anne Messner, Amy Bluedorn, Jody and Ron Kotun, Todd Hoover and Alan Livingood. Way to go Blackridge Road!!! For those of you who could not make this event, we look forward to seeing you at next year's Oktoberfest!
A very warm welcome is extended to our newest member, Donna Isaac, an Atkinson Road neighbor.
Check out pictures from this event at our "Photos" page under "Oktoberfest 2010," or click here.
A very warm welcome is extended to our newest member, Donna Isaac, an Atkinson Road neighbor.
Check out pictures from this event at our "Photos" page under "Oktoberfest 2010," or click here.
Fall Spruce-Up Blackridge Day: October 9, 2010
This was a huge success and Beulah Road is once again, litter free. Thanks so much to those who came out and participated, Frank Rodia, Peggy Parsons, Sheila Mozer, Anne Messner, Tom and Rose Guerrieri, Burris Esplen, Nancy DelPresto and Amy Bluedorn. In addition to cleaning up litter EJ Foster along with Neal and Lil Huguley provided the workers with such tasty treats. If you couldn't make it for the fall clean-up, please keep in mind our spring clean-up on April 9th.
