Reminder: Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

 

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

Volunteers needed for spring beautification project

Spring is in the air at the Franklin Downtown Partnership! The FDP and Franklin Garden Club is seeking volunteers for its spring beautification project. 

The volunteers will plant fresh flowers throughout the downtown area on Saturday, May 22. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for beautification. 

Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com if you are available to volunteer or Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to sponsor beautification.

 

Volunteers needed for spring beautification project

Franklin Library: Companion Planting and Design - Mar 19

Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens will talk about Companion Planting and Design at the Franklin Library on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 PM.

Franklin Library: Companion Planting and Design - Mar 19

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/blackstone-valley-veggie-gardens-0

Franklin Library: Indoor Seed Starting - Jan 15

A presentation by the Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardening group will cover "Indoor Seed Starting" at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 PM.

Franklin Library: Indoor Seed Starting - Jan 15

"At Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, our mission is to inspire others to grow their own fresh produce. We deliver residential and community based training, consulting, and assistance in vegetable garden development. We are dedicated to the belief that most people should have the knowledge and opportunity to grow wholesome fruits and veggies in containers, raised beds, or in-ground gardens."

For more info about Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardening visit
http://www.blackstonevalleyveggiegardens.com/

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30. Come get a “Green Thumb” as we learn how to have Happy, Healthy Houseplants from Lee Minnichelli. Lee has a degree in Plant and Soil Science and owned The Plant Lady, an interior landscaping business, for 12 years in Pittsfield, MA.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6

“House Plant Success” will be the focus of the Tuesday, March 6 meeting of the Franklin Garden Club. The meeting will take place at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.

Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6

Dr. Paul Steen, a Master Gardener certified by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, will discuss common mistakes that cause failure in caring for house plants and how to avoid them. He will provide practical tips and easy solutions to avoid failures. Steen will also discuss 12 common house plants and how to make them bloom and thrive. The program will include an opportunity to ask question and for participants to bring in a few of their house plants for Steen to diagnose problems and make suggestions regarding care.

Steen is a retired physician who has been gardening for more than 50 years. He owns a home greenhouse and manages a one-acre shade garden. He has served as an instructor at Tower Hills Botanic Garden where he taught courses in tropical plants, shade gardening, and home greenhouse management. An Overseer for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Steen is Past President of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.

The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  Visit them on the web at http://gcfm.org/franklingc/Home.aspx

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30. Come get a “Green Thumb” as we learn how to have Happy, Healthy Houseplants from Lee Minnichelli. Lee has a degree in Plant and Soil Science and owned The Plant Lady, an interior landscaping business, for 12 years in Pittsfield, MA.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6

“House Plant Success” will be the focus of the Tuesday, March 6 meeting of the Franklin Garden Club. The meeting will take place at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.

Dr. Paul Steen, a Master Gardener certified by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, will discuss common mistakes that cause failure in caring for house plants and how to avoid them. He will provide practical tips and easy solutions to avoid failures. Steen will also discuss 12 common house plants and how to make them bloom and thrive. The program will include an opportunity to ask question and for participants to bring in a few of their house plants for Steen to diagnose problems and make suggestions regarding care.

Steen is a retired physician who has been gardening for more than 50 years. He owns a home greenhouse and manages a one-acre shade garden. He has served as an instructor at Tower Hills Botanic Garden where he taught courses in tropical plants, shade gardening, and home greenhouse management. An Overseer for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Steen is Past President of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.

The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  Visit them on the web at http://gcfm.org/franklingc/Home.aspx

Franklin Garden Club: “House Plant Success” - Mar 6

“It’s part of the rhythm of what I do”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"At Tangerini’s Spring Street Farm, it’s already summer. 

Well, on paper, anyway. Or “in” paper, to be more accurate. 

Thousands of summer flower seeds in paper packets and plastic vials arrived at the farm a few days ago, and grower Laura Tangerini is fully immersed in thinking about the cheerful sunflowers, black eyed Susans, marigolds, cosmos, globe amaranth, and foxgloves -- among many others -- that will fill the pick-your-own flower beds come July. 

When the snow is deep and the air is icy, Tangerini says, “I prefer to think about flowers,” and every year when the seeds arrive she can’t help but think about them as she begins planning the summer wildflower garden in anticipation of another busy season."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180108/summer-takes-seed-at-tangerinis

Painted Lady Flower CSA shares are available, follow the link for details
https://squareup.com/market/painted-lady-flower-farm

Painted Lady flower shares will be offered for the 5th year in 2018

ICYMI - Charles River PCD webpage, Grateful Farm plant sale, FHS All Night Party

In case you missed it (ICYMI) from the world of social media, here are some things that caught my eye this week as 'share worthy'

The Charles River Pollution Control District just got a new website! Whether you are on the municipal system or a septic hauler pumps your system, this is where all of your sewage ends up for treatment. Check it out to learn more about what your sewer bill pays for! http://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Opening day plant sale. Get everything ready for your home gardens. We will be selling vegetable seedlings and herbs. There will be ready to plant seedlings as well as decorative potted plants and hanging planters.
All plants are grown with organic methods so your garden starts chemical free.
Also make great Mother's Day Gifts!

FHS Senior Parents - We are only at 60% paid for the All Night Party. Letters went out on Friday to parents who have not paid yet.
This is NOT a pay it forward event. Lack of family participation directly affects this year's entertainment, prizes and decorations.
Please visit our website at www.fhsallnightparty.com to submit your payment.
You can also send a check to FHS ANP, PO Box 15, Franklin, MA or drop off a check in our box at the high school's main office.
We need to receive all payments by May 19th.
If you have any questions, please send an email to fhsanp@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your attention to this post!

www.fhsallnightparty.com

Shared from a Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1883024045300946/

Plant Night - Hosted by FHS Green Team - May 15

Plant Night 

Hosted by FHS Green Team

May 15 in the FHS cafeteria

5:30pm-7:30pm

DIY Terrariums, Food, Drink, and Music

Plant Night - Hosted by FHS Green Team - May 15

Franklin Library: Gardening With Native Plants: why it matters

Gardening With Native Plants: why it matters
Event Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 
6:30pm to 8:00pm

Led by Claudia Thompson of Grow Native Massachusetts

Learn about the importance of native plants to local ecosystems. The talk starts with the concept of co-evolution between plants and animals, then explains how to create a healthy habitat in our own gardens and managed landscapes. In between, we discuss the differences among native, naturalized, and invasive plants, and their effects on ecological communities. 

We explore the food web that links plants to insects, to birds, wildlife, and humans — and give examples of “cool” ecosystem relationships. 

A detailed case study illustrates the conversion of an urban garden from a conventional landscape to a largely native one, and the resulting impact on birds and wildlife. By the end of the program, you will “get” why this issue is so important and understand what you can do about it.

image from http://www.grownativemass.org/

DelCarte Pond Herbicide Treatment - Timeline for 2017

During 2017 and 2018, herbicide treatments will be applied to the DelCarte Ponds as part of the restoration and preservation of this important recreation area. The treatments are designed to eliminate the invasive plant species which are proliferating rapidly and threaten to completely “take over” the waterbodies unless action is taken to stop their spread.

The time frame for this work is as follows:

• Prepare and File MA DEP License to Apply Chemicals Permit - APRIL
• Pre-Treatment Survey – MAY
• Variable Milfoil Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Initial Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Interim Survey – LATE JUNE
• Follow-Up Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JULY
• Final Post-Treatment Survey – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
• Year-End Report – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Signs will be posted at the ponds concerning this work it is important to bear in mind that ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENTS, USE OF THE PONDS WILL BE RESTRICTED.

Any questions on this project should be directed to the Conservation office at 508-520-4929.

The northern pond at DelCarte in winter

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/delcarte_pond_herbicide_treatment_notice_0.pdf

Perennial Plant Sale at the Franklin Farmer’s Market

Franklin Garden Club

The Franklin Garden Club will hold a perennial plant sale at the Franklin Farmer’s Market on Friday, September 23. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the club’s scholarship fund. The plants will be from the gardens of members as well as the Town Common garden, which is maintained by the club. 

The Farmer’s Market is held from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Franklin Town Common.

“Fall is an excellent time of the year to plant perennials,” noted club co-president Susan Childers. “There will be a variety of healthy perennials to choose from and the average cost will be $3.00 per plant, a significant savings over those sold in the stores.”

Each year, the club conducts a variety of fund raising activities to support a scholarship that is awarded to a graduating senior who will be majoring in environmental or horticultural-related studies. The club also purchases pine tree seedlings which are distributed in elementary schools to celebrate Arbor Day.

Community Garden: Official Opening & Plant Sale - May 23rd & 24th

Hello Gardeners!

The 2015 growing season is well under way, and many of the plots in the garden are already taking shape so great work! Even if you're a little behind there is plenty of time to catch up, and if you need a little help...

Event: King St. Memorial Garden Official Opening & Plant Sale - Saturday/Sunday May 23rd & 24th - 9AM to Noon 

We will be celebrating the official opening of the gardening season on May 23rd and 24th in the community garden from 9am to Noon. We will have organic seedlings available for sale, and will have committee members on hand to answer any questions you may have. If you have any specific requests let us know and we'll see if we can get them there. Please join us!

Open Plots

We still have a few open plots, so if you know anyone that is interested please direct them to the recreation department. They can sign-up, pay, and be assigned a bed immediately.

Shed Keys

Over the years we've lost a large number of shed keys to gardeners who have left and not returned them.  One of the solutions we're considering is switching the lock to a combination lock, as this would be far less expensive them duplicating additional keys and easier to distribute changes to.  If you have any concerns please let us know, if we do make the switch I will be e-mailing out the combination to all current gardeners.

Where and When for Pests & Diseases

This winter was longer and stronger than anything I've experienced in New England and it has also shifted the arrival times of some of the pests I would have expected to see already. If you spot anything in the garden please let me know so I can inform you of organic ways to deal with the pests.

Watering

One of the advantages of the deep raised beds in the community garden is they help reduce the number of times a week you need to water your bed. Once your plants are established a single deep watering each week with about an inch of water should keep your bed in great shape. At the beginning, however, and especially when the weather is very hot young seedlings need to be looked after daily until their roots establish. If you have any specific watering questions let us know!

With the weather as hot and dry as it has been make sure when you water that it is saturating the layers underneath the first half inch. It is very easy this time of year to just wet the surface and then have most of it evaporate before penetrating to the layers below.

What's Landed in the Garden?

Toddler for Scale

With the help of the Franklin Charter School and gardeners we've kept the weeds in the garden under control for the most part, but we do still have a few trouble areas. I have some Solar Cones that I've used to warm up the soil in my own garden, but what I've found they're really great at is solarizing a section of the garden that I want to kill all the weeds in. I'm going to be placing the cones in some of the trouble spots and moving them around to hopefully clear them of weeds. As a fun experiment stick your hand down the top of one on a hot day just to see how much they concentrate heat! I'll be setting these up during the Opening this coming weekend.

As always if you have any questions let us know!

Sincerely,

Chris Clay & The Franklin Community Garden Committee

--

http://franklincommunitygardens.com/

Visit us on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Community-Gardens/152040424825578

Follow us on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/#!/FRKLNCommGarden

Spring means it's time to start pruning

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to open in a browser. A gardening newsletter featuring Ask & Share and our friends at HGTV Gardens SPONSORED BY March Ask & Share Highlights How to Prune Shrubs Choosing the Right Pruning Tools Tips on Pruning Timing and Techniques Tips & Tricks By early spring we're all itching to get outside in the garden for some green thumb time. While it may still be too early for digging and planting in many parts of the country, it's not too soon to start in on pruning chores. So check out our tips on pruning tools, timing and techniques in this month's newsletter. Then sharpen those pruners and get out in the garden! Ask & Share Community Highlights Jemer asked: I pruned my hydrangea tree, and it's not blooming yet. Did I ruin the tree for good? NGA answered: Hydrangeas pruned to a tree form are usually panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata). This type of hydrangea sets flower buds and blooms on wood that grows in the current season, so the time to prune so as not to remove flower buds is in early spring, before new growth begins. If you pruned later, don't worry ... MORE Anonymous asked: When will I need to prune my persimmon tree? NGA answered: If you are just starting out with a young tree, you'll want to prune it to help it develop a strong central leader and well-placed scaffold branches. A mild day in late winter while the tree is still dormant is a good time for pruning. Once the framework of the tree is in place, a persimmon needs little pruning other than removing dead or diseased branches and suckers. ... MORE Choosing the Right Pruning Tools I love garden tools. When I have the right tool in my hand I feel like I can do anything. Without the right tool, working in the garden is a struggle. Back when I took my first horticulture class my teacher stressed the importance of careful tool choice and I thought he was nuts. Surely a pruner is a pruner? Not so. There is a wide variety of pruning tools for different kinds of pruning work, and choosing the right one makes all the difference in the world, for both you and your plants. Here's what you need to know. Read the full article From our friends at HGTV Gardens How to Prune Shrubs The best time to prune deciduous climbers and shrubs depends on whether they bloom on growth produced in the same or previous years. Generally, those that flower after midsummer are pruned hard in spring. Those that bloom in winter, spring and early summer are pruned soon after flowering. Read the full article from HGTV Gardens Tips on Pruning Timing and Techniques Early spring is a great time to prune many trees and shrubs. Start by making sure your pruning tools are nice and sharp. Then check out the following pruning tips for successful snipping this spring. Read the full article  NGA's Tips &Tricks Prune Winter-Damaged Evergreens Evergreens like arborvitae, boxwood, rhododendron and yew are especially vulnerable to broken branches over the winter because their foliage catches the snow, weighing them down. When pruning out broken or winter-killed branches, try to cut back to the next lower branch junction within the plant to avoid leaving an unsightly stub. Junipers, arborvitae, false cypress, hemlocks, pines, spruces and firs don't have live buds on old wood, meaning cuts made back into leafless portions of a stem won't resprout. If a branch of one of these evergreens is broken back into a leafless section, it's best to remove the entire branch. Train Young Trees Encourage young trees to develop strong branch angles on their major limbs and symmetrical branch placement that keeps the center of gravity over the trunk. Narrow branch angles are inherently weak and more apt to break off in strong winds or under a load of snow and ice. When you are selecting trees at the nursery, look for ones with their main branches attached at wide angles (think 10:00 or 2:00) and symmetrically placed around the trunk. Prune judiciously to encourage this branching habit as the tree grows. Use 3 Cuts to Remove Large Branches When you're pruning out a branch larger than a couple of inches in diameter, keep it from breaking off prematurely and ripping the bark below by use a three-cut system. Make the first cut upward from the branch underside about a third of the way through the branch you're removing. Make this cut several inches out from the trunk (or lower branch). Next, make a second cut down from the top completely through the branch a few inches farther out on the branch from the first cut. This will allow the branch to fall without harming the tree. Finish by removing the stub just outside the branch collar. Mantis Tiller Makes Gardening Easier Buy Direct and Save $40, NO-RISK TRIAL, Easy 4 Pay Option. FREE Planter Furrower for Limited Time! Join Ask & Share for more great information from the experts at NGA, our friends at HGTV Gardens, and real gardeners just like you! National Gardening Association 237 Commerce St., Suite 101 Williston, VT 05495 Visit us online: Garden.org  |  KidsGardening.org Manage My Subscription Download Media Kit Do you have a question or concern about this newsletter? Email the Editor

Edible wild plants walk planned in Wrentham, June 29

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Edible wild plants walk planned in Wrentham, June 29

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 6/26/12

Naturalist John Root will lead an edible wild plants walk at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 29 at Sawyer Farm, 458 South St., Wrentham.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

What's your name?

I've wanted to re-open the "Where in Franklin?" series and had the thought today on how to do it with a twist (of course).  I recall taking a walk along a state park trail with a naturalist when my daughters were young. The naturalist was able to name every plant along the way. Well, at least it seemed like she could. That is one area where my own development is lacking. I can recognize some vegetation (common trees, poison ivy, cherry tomatoes, etc.) but generally to walk in the woods, I feel a loss in that I don't know the names of the trees, plants and other vegetation.

Let's start with some simple things. Walking along the streets in Franklin, folks have various flowers and plants adorning their yard. Some of them are more attractive than others but all have a place in the circle of life. All of them have a name. As I walk around town and take pictures, I'll post good ones to find out the name.

You can play along in at least three ways:
1 - name it
send me an email, or leave a comment to identify the item shown

2 - send me a photo
of an item you would like to know the name of. I'll post it so we can all learn together

3 - you can also be less active and just read along
learning and sharing as we find out 'who's who' in the plant kingdom

This is not a contest where the first person who correctly names the item wins. We will all win by learning, and sharing and yes, perhaps having a laugh together, over what we know (and don't know).

This will be a new series. I'll have a separate page to collect the individual posts, pictures and results.

How does that sound?

I believe that learning, sharing, and laughing are the three things that I try to do everyday. Will you join me in this? Would you like to play along?

Yes, that is good. Then here is the first challenge. I found this gorgeous flower in a yard along King St.

Ms Flower - what's your name?

Note: If you have a Flickr account, you can also click through and comment on the photo in Flickr. I'll also post this to the Franklin Matters Facebook page.

-----

The Answer - my friend from Hawaii, Rosa Say, left a comment on the Flickr page to identify these as hibiscus.  More on hibiscus can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus


Franklin, MA