Martha Dandridge Garden Club

Martha Dandridge Garden Club
Staff Photo by Robin McMahon

The Martha Dandridge Garden Club met on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Senior Center in Dandridge.  The meeting began with the treasures report and update on the sprinkler system that is being installed in the Historic Graveyard in Downtown Dandridge. The garden club has planted and maintained the flowers for the Town and has found difficulty in watering the area.

A member of the club gave a short introduction about Monarch Butterflies. Monarch Butterflies have had a difficult time the past few years, weather changes have affected the butterflies, in recent years late freezes have diminished the population. Monarch’s travel through the United States during migration and eat and lay eggs on Milk Weed. The current agricultural practices expose them to large amounts of pesticides and most Milk Weed are removed or killed off, leaving the butterflies without a food source and without a place to reproduce. The Club gave Milk Weed seeds to members to so that they can attract the Monarch’s into their own yards.

Peg Beute from the Ijams nature center spoke about caring for tomato plants. She discussed the difficulties of planting tomatoes from seeds and how many gardeners prefer just to start with transplants. Tomatoes are a staple for many gardens. Gardeners must be sure to give tomatoes enough nitrogen and be cautious not to over fertilize. While tomatoes enjoy a deep soaking, they do require good drainage.  Ms. Beute gave a recipe for compost tea, along with samples of early spring plants such as Peas, Kale, Spinach and Beans.

The next meeting will be held at the Sheppard’s Inn in Downtown Dandridge. Please call The Martha Dandridge Garden Club President Ann Bloomquist at 865-397-3738 if you would like to attend the luncheon or if you would like more information about the garden club that meets once a month.

Martha Dandridge Garden Club
Staff Photo by Robin McMahon