ASHLAND — Preference for dark or milk chocolate or both was the roll call question at the Art of Gardening Club meeting May 6.
There were 16 responding including Chris Gerberick who voiced her intent to join. Chris, a friend of member Cherie Britton, was a guest at the April 1 meeting. Pat Edwards, president, opened the meeting at Peace Lutheran Church.
So far “Yard of the Month” scouts to select a June winner are Cathy Siwek and Claudia Dunn. They will try to persuade someone to join them in their scouting expedition at the plant sale May 9.
The Art of Gardening fundraiser is being held at Peace Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Based on the 2026 Spring Cleanup’s four quadrants, the SW is the first area to be judged.
This area includes all streets south of Main Street and west of Broad Street, including both sides of Center Street (area between Center Street and W. Main Street).
Cleanup prior to the summer planting and maintenance of Fair Boxes 19 and 21 was discussed.
The flower boxes are in front of the Ashland County Fairgrounds. Box 19 Co-captains this year will be Kathy Varner and Kim Tanner. Ruth Ann Linder will continue as Box 21 captain.
Dunn, Art of Gardening secretary, presented a light-hearted pep talk geared towards the plant sale which included signs and posters. Kim Tanner, member, guided Dunn with information on plants best for local pollinators, perennials that always do well here and effective deer-resistant perennials.
Tanner’s list of unusual/unique plant varieties encompass native Ginger, Red Hot Poker, Beardtongue and Flax.
Low-maintenance indoor plants was the main focus of Dunn’s program. Top low maintenance houseplants include ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Pothos, Spider Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Heart-Leaf Philodendron and Cast-Iron Plant.
Other low-maintenance houseplants consist of the following:
Jade Plant, Aloe Vera, and Monstera Deliciosa. Cacti and succulents are the easiest. She then broke it down to low-maintenance Pet and Kid-safe and then even further to Best Options Pets and Best Options Kids. Other non-toxic plants were listed.
Expert Care advice pictures of Liriope and Jackfrost Brunnera, as indicated by Tanner, were shown. Lriope (Lilyturf, Monkey Grass or Spider Grass) grows in deep shade or full sun (performs best in partial shade and moist soil). Tough, low maintenance. Brunnera grows in moist, well-drained soil in a cool area.
Dunn’s Standout pictures featured Heuchera “Sweet Tart Coral Bells,” Hellebore “Frostkiss,” Astilbe “Straussenfeder and “Ostrich Plume,” and Phlox “Luminary” and “Pink Lightning.”
A passage from “Growing Joy”, “Crazy Plant Lady” vs. “Crazy Cat Lady” was read, the “Crazy Plant Lady” being a woman surrounded by plants as she proclaims that she can’t socialize with other humans on a Saturday night because she has to stay home and water her plants instead.
Dunn also touched on decorating followed by “Top Plants for Mental Health.”
In that category are radishes, which are quick-growing and easy for beginners. She also found this little gem which points perhaps to a future sunshine committee report.
“When the winter chrysanthemums go, there’s nothing to write about but radishes.”
Dunn concluded with one last tidbit by Georgia O’Keefe, 20th Century: “If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment.”
Members should expect to meet at Willo’dell for the June 3 meeting. Willo’dell has a meeting room in its loft.