Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Garden clubs offer a wealth of insight and information as fellow gardeners exchange ideas and tips gained from their own unique experiences. Often garden club meetings will include a speaker with expertise in a particular gardening subject. On Tuesday, April 1, The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point hosted a presentation by Mary McDermott, who educated the group on plant propagation.
McDermott was a Master Gardener and instructor for over 15 years. She currently leads formal and informal presentations on propagation techniques, using research-based methods. A self-professed “garden nerd”, McDermott loves experimenting with and learning about plants. Her Mays Landing garden has nearly 20 different garden areas, including a 200-foot long “Swoop Garden” that is filled with perennials that she propagated from cuttings and divisions.
McDermott’s presentation was extremely informative, but also approachable. She emphasized that in order to have successful propagation, a combination of “roots and shoots” from the original plant is key. Her timely talk explained that this time of year, in early spring, is a great time to divide plants. This will give your plants time to develop roots before the hot summer sun begins. The former Master Gardener gave detailed advice on how to divide plants based on their root structure, including those ranging from easily divisible to those that might be best to “leave in peace”.
After the speaking part of the garden club’s meeting, the group took a short recess for spring-themed refreshments. Then they got down to business, highlighting some of the events that the garden club has planned in the next few months. On Saturday, April 12, they will hold a work day at Somers Mansion. The group is also looking forward to participating in Bayfest on April 26. At the May meeting, the group will hold their much-anticipated member plant swap.
Most of their meetings are held at the Somers Point Senior Citizens Center. For more information about The Green Thumb Garden Club, contact Pam DeMarco, Club President, at pjd261@comcast.net.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
