Donna Rae and Ada Brehmer kicked off the meeting with a talk on Companion Planting which included two Companion Planting Charts to use for future reference.  Organizing plants next to “friends” and away from “foes” can improve the overall health of your plants as well as increasing production of fruit and vegetables.  We also learned that some plants can deter pests, which can reduce the use of pesticides.  As Bob Flowerdew says in his book on Companion Planting, “It is a faint effect – rarely does it offer instant cures – however, most of gardening is about improving things at the margin, and likewise with Companion Planting.”  In other words, another tool.  Thank you, Donna Rae and Ada for opening our eyes to this idea!

 

We have a busy spring ahead of us.  Ada Brehmer and Mary Wool talked about plans for the field trip to Geraniacea and Annie’s Annuals in Richmond, CA on April 20, 2023.  There are 40 members signed up to attend what I’m sure will be a fun and interesting day.

 

Kitty Stewart is coordinating our field trip to Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville, CA on May 11, 2023.  We won’t be together in El Dorado County again until our June meeting so it’s important to keep an eye on your email for any updates about the field trips.

 

Our June meeting will be held at our herb garden at the fairgrounds.  This will be our annual plant exchange.  This year we’re asking members if they would like to say a word or two about the plants they’re donating – things like exposure, water and fertilizing requirements and the best way to propagate, etc.

     

As I write this, it is still RAINING and probably still SNOWING at some of our members’ homes.  I hope we aren’t going to get a March Miracle when we don’t need it.  Stay Safe!

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Jan Keahey

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Note: The Gold Country Herb Society Newsletter is distributed to current members only