Volume 16/1 February 2016 UGCnews@gmail.com

Plans for 2016

It is with mixed emotion that I write the first President’s Report

for 2106.

Firstly, the New Year provides an opportunity to review the

plans and dreams we have for our gardens. I am hopeful, and

even a little excited, that 2016 will include more planting

around the dam and work on the related pathways in my

garden. I also look forward with much anticipation to hearing

of your garden ideas at a future meeting or in our newsletter.

It is with much delight that I reflect on the 2015 Christmas parties, one each for the General and Food Group Meetings.

Thank you to our generous hosts, Don and Sandra Capner and Mic and Ros Julien. Rather than a formal meeting

report, Pamela Payne has compiled a photo story of each meeting for inclusion in this newsletter.

While the weather in the Tweed Valley has not been too extreme over the summer, it was disturbing to hear a number of

members in Tyalgum and Uki suffered significant wind damage over the December and January period.

It is with sadness that I advise you that Kevin Munsie, a life member, passed away earlier this month. Kevin will be

fondly remembered for his passion for gardening and generous contributions at meetings. His wife, Merle, is in the

thoughts of members who knew them. Julia Hancock organised a group of members to travel to Eumundi for his

funeral. She has provided a tribute to Kevin for the newsletter.

The February Food Group was our first meeting after the break. Members were keen to catch up. In Julia Hancock’s

absence, Buzz Buzolic chaired a very talkative group. Bonnie’s report of the meeting is also included in this newsletter.

I am very enthusiastic about our meeting schedules for 2016, as circulated last month. Thanks to the work of committee

members and Julia Hancock, we will be meeting in some new gardens as well others that may be more familiar.

Revisits offer an opportunity to see the changes that have occurred over time, as well experience a garden in a different

season. The committee and Julia can be proud of their efforts to ensure a variety of venues and topics are available to

members.

Remember to check the latest newsletter for any late changes to the meeting schedules.

Our first general meeting is on SUNDAY 28th February and the topic is Roses in the Sub Tropics. John Bennett is our

guest speaker.

Happy Gardening in 2016

Again last year Don and Sandra Capner hosted a wonderful Christmas party in their beautiful

and inspiring garden. And again the lunch table groaned. It was a happy day, a chance for lots

of conversations and good cheer. Thanks so much Don and Sandra. You are garden club

treasures.

Hosts Mic and Ros Julien made us most welcome at their

lovely Tyalgum property. Mount Warning in the distance and

the sound of running water from Mic’s ingenious water feature

- it was a very happy day.

R.I.P. Kevin Munsie 08.04.35-04.08.16

After a courageous battle against cancer our dear friend Kevin passed peacefully away at 6am on Thursday 4 February

surrounded by the people who loved him most. His funeral was held in Eumundi on 9 February a day after what would

have been his 81st birthday. Dot Francis, Ehurle Gilson, Kate Botham and Julia Hancock represented the Uki Garden

Club and delivered condolences and lots of love on behalf of its members to Merle and her family. In typical Kevin style

the flower arrangement on top of the casket included broccoli, sweetcorn, carrots and a bottle of his favourite ginger

beer. Instead of scattering rose petals on the casket, pea seeds were handed out to throw into the grave.

From the tender age of eight Kevin’s life revolved around growing food and making a living from it in various ways. His

first commercial enterprise was to sell his own home-grown cabbages to neighbours. Once he met and married Merle

and they established their own home, his vegie patches and orchards became legendary.

Garden Club members were delighted when he and Merle joined us, becoming life members in 2014. Kevin’s

knowledge of and enthusiasm for growing anything, whether edible or not, were inspiring. For many years he was

guardian of the Club’s seed box, ordering in special varieties and ensuring that whatever was in the box was viable and

suitable for growing in that season. He and Merle hosted meetings at their magnificent Kynnumboon property on many

occasions, amazing us all with his techniques and knowledge gained from a lifetime’s experience in the field of

horticulture. He and Merle were also passionate about poultry and his chicken coups were more like palaces than hen

houses.

Kevin was the king of recycling and every time he and Merle went to the tip shop they came back laden with pots,

plants and other garden paraphernalia that they got for bargain prices. He was multi-skilled, equally comfortable

wielding a welding tool as a wok. Most of their meals came directly from the garden. Apart from sharing their knowledge

and their home with us, Kevin and Merle were also exceptionally generous with plants and produce they donated to the

swap table.

But it is as a friend and a fountain of information that we will remember Kevin for most. Our thoughts are with Merle

and her family at this very sad time. Kevin will be missed beyond words but he will always be with us in our gardens and

our hearts.

Julia Hancock

So sorry to hear that Kevin had passed away, but he has certainly left a huge lot of memories for us in all the years we

knew him. Please send my condolences to Merle and all the family. Barbara Waters

Sorry to hear the sad news about Kevin, I remember him from the meetings whilst I have been visiting Philip and

Richard, he was a nice man. Please pass on my condolences Carol Gaudion

So sorry! We did not get to know Kevin until very recently, but understand how much he will be missed by family and

friends in gardening. Sue and Hartmut Holtznecht

I was very sorry to hear this please pass on my best wishes. Love Nellmary

Graeme and I are saddened to hear the news of Kevin's passing. We both will certainly remember Kevin for

his kind and generous contributions to our Club over many years, for Kevin and Merle's absolutely

wonderfully abundant and inspirational garden that they shared generously, for Kevin's valuable contributions

and maintenance of the Club seed box, and for his ingenious ideas and ways of recycling. I have no doubt

Club members have all learned much from Kevin, and we will indeed miss him. Marilyn.Gough.

You can bet there’ll be a choko vine growing up and over those pearly gates in no time flat!!! Grant Cameron

Please pass on my love to Merle and special message of condolence for her loss of Kevin – a real treasure in every sense of the word. He will live on in the memory of all members of Uki Garden Club. Jenny Wein I was so saddened by this news. I didn’t know Kevin and Merle very well but bumped into Merle in Coles one day quite a while ago and had a really long chat about how Kevin was showing signs of getting better and how relieved she was. Desiree Saunders

My dear Merle and family,

please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Kevin. I have known you both for well over ten years, and was

always impressed by your commitment to your family, your loyalty to the Uki Garden Club, and your pleasure in life.

But what most of us will remember Kevin for, I am sure, is his vast knowledge of gardening, plants and nature, and his

absolute willingness to share this knowledge. The wealth of information he has passed on to members and fellow

gardeners is astonishing, and many of us have benefited from his generosity.

You were both missed when you moved recently from the Tweed, and Kevin’s loss will be felt all the more now.

I hope you and your family will find comfort in his release from the suffering he must have experienced these last few

months, and that you will be able to continue to lead fulfilling lives with happy memories.

I will always have fond memories of Kevin.

My thoughst and best wishes to you all, Jean Nuttall

I happened to mention to a club member that for many years I’ve collected stamps & passed them on to charities, and she suggested I put in a request to club members. Initially it was to assist those in poor countries, but latterly for the Salvos. I figure that no matter how small the contribution, it all adds up – and it costs nothing to tear off whatever used stamps come our way. I never believed I would need assistance from the Salvos – that was until we had two feet of water through our house. The Salvos couldn’t do enough for us. I will be eternally

grateful to them. Any donations are most welcome. While I don’t make it to many general meetings, I do get to a few food group ones. Dot Frances

Now there’s an app that identifies plants for you! PlantNet will identify

plants from a picture you take on your smart phone. So get the app and

then go and explore your garden and the local area identifying different

plants. Posted by Philip Wilson on UGC Facebook site

Jenny Kidd & Leonie Jennings would be interested in hearing from any “AMATEUR” Photographers who have HIGH

DEFINTION great photos taken of the TWEED Area. The Project – Patterns of the Tweed will result in a High Quality

Coffee Table Photo Book. Contact either Jenny or Leonie for more information.

Bonnie Buzolic

The first Food Group meeting for 2016 was

held in the wonderful garden of Jenny and

David Kidd high on Mayes Hill at North

Tumbulgum. The property is close to 2 acres

in size and was created from the subdivision of

an old dairy farm. The block is sloping with

terraces down to the house site and a seasonal

dam with a reclaimed gully of natural bush.

Last year Jenny and David constructed an outdoor oven – the surrounding herb garden is under construction. Jenny

described her garden as ‘opportunistic’ with friends providing cuttings. The chooks

share the garden and have been excluded from the vegie garden using wire surrounds.

The Kidds have worked hard over the last 8 years to create beautiful gardens for

ornamentals, fruit trees and vegetables and a substantial chicken run. They are keen

recyclers – their vegie gardens were created from an old tank. Like many members,

Jenny reported that she is now

preparing the garden for autumn

plantings – she is ready to battle the

dreaded cabbage moth cycle with

planting of land cress and white

shredded paper mulch. During the

hottest part of summer, Jenny covers her vegie garden with 50%

shade cloth – she advises members to keep the sides elevated so

pests are not trapped in the garden.

The meeting was well attended. Topics discussed included –

Most members are now preparing for autumn/winter plantings.

Hartmut reported on the use of perilla/shiso plantings to protect

brassicas from pests. They are attractive and seem to discourage

pests.

Buried unglazed terracotta pots or ollas can be used to minimize water

use in the vegie garden. Grant has witnessed their success. Ollas

(pronounced “oy-yahs”) are unglazed clay/terra-cotta pots with a bottle

or tapered shape (or two standard pots joined in the middle) that are

buried in the ground with the top/neck exposed above the soil surface and filled with water for sub-surface

irrigation of plants. This irrigation technology is an ancient method, thought to have originated in Northern Africa

with evidence of use in China for over 4000 years and still practiced today in several countries. The internet has

more..

Amanda recommends the use of trenches for summer planting to prevent dryness.

Martin reported his citrus have leaf curl – Grant recommends fertilizing around the drip line.

Leonie Jenkins

I had a friend drop in for a GREEN SMOOTHIE lunch over the Xmas/New Year season. On arrival, she went fossicking

in my garden in a bid to “enrich the meal” and I ended up with a lecture + lunch on edible weeds! Little did I know that

the “blue” flowering Wandering Jew (surely a politically incorrect common name!), called Commelina cyania, is in fact a

pleasant & nutritious leaf that can be added to both salads and smoothies. I learned that this Native Wandering Jew

variety, was featured prominently in the diet of early non-indigenous settlers because this vitamin C rich plant helped to

alleviate scurvy. But be aware, the “white” flowering Wandering Jew is both toxic and inedible.

So what else was I ignoring among my weeds? Am I denying therapeutic benefits of those plants that are often

scorned? Engaging in further discussion with my “greenie” friend, she posed the question of why chickweed was flavour

of the month among her chickens. Apparently the leaves, stems and flowers can easily be added to salads and

smoothies. Chickweed is a liver tonic and can act as a decongestant. I started to think I was onto something here –

bush tucker! Dandelions entered the conversation and my mind was transported to China knowing it was one of the

prolific ingredients in many Chinese herbal medicines. We rounded off my weed education by discussing the benefits of

Purslane as a great body alkaliser. There were other weeds that she “sprouted” and at that stage I was in overload.

Of course the good news is that some of these weed varieties taste great, cost nothing and are full of nutritional value,

provided they are correctly identified and have not been sprayed with chemicals!

Club Banora are looking for stallholders for Friendship Day (Club Banora Garden Expo)

It seems like there’s plenty of space!

DATE: 1ST MAY

PLACE: CENTAUR SCHOOL, BANORA POINT

CONTACT MARIA HARRY at mariaharry@gmail.com

I think she’d like to know ASAP. Dot Francis

The cucamelon, also known as ‘Mexican sour gherkin’ or ‘mouse melon’ comes

from the Melothria scabra vine which is native to Central America. There, they

have been eating them for centuries. They can be pickled with dill, mint and pink

peppercorns or tossed through a salad. They add crunch and look very good

when tossed with tiny tomatoes. According to Jacqueline Malley in the Sydney

Morning Herald they are about to become ‘the new boutique vegetable on the

block’.

Di Morrison, who provided this information, brought some to the last food group

meeting so that members could extract the seeds from them. She has more. They

grow very easily – almost too easily! But are well worth planting.

I love the Souvenir de la Malmaison in a recent photo! Here's my Christmas rose, a

seedling that grew under Monsieur Tillier and Duchesse de Brabant. Another seedling

from the same place is only about 30 cm high, spreading with tiny leaves, and a pale

pink, open, dog-rose style flower. The wonders of self-seeding!

Posted by Jean Nuttall on UGC Facebook site

To the last food group meeting Sue and Hartmut Holtznecht brought an article by local write Phillip Frazer: Ticks, red meat and you. It’s well worth reading. Essential reading, even, for all of us.

You can read this article on www.coorabellridge.com Open the link: Phillip Frazer and scroll down.

In his article Phillip Frazer also provides the link to the tic-induced allergy and research awareness site: www.tiara.org.au and to the ABC’s Catalyst program featuring allergist Dr Sheryl van Nunen.

Sue and Hartmut kindly provided half a dozen copies of the article and I will bring them to the next meeting.

Did you know, for example, that the latest advice is that you should not pull ticks off with anything, not even your best tweezers. Nor douse them with metho, tea tree oil or Vegemite. ‘All these things are likely to induce the tick to inject you with whatever toxins and bacteria it’s got loaded in its bitey-mouth-parts.’ Instead, you should blast it with ether. Chemists sell cartridges of ether designed to kill warts.

As for the possibility of red meat bringing about a violent, and potentially very dangerous, reaction in those previously bitten by a tick - I had no idea.

Fore warned is fore armed …..

A Snow Queen hybrid bred by enthusiast Philip Wilson, Tyalgum Purple is remarkable in that it produces the extravagant blooms associated with fancy Epiphyllums, whilst also bearing large fruits of a quality considered superior to Dragonfruit. Flowers are as broad as tea saucers, delicate yellow washing to ivory, and hold for several days throughout a cycle of up to four weeks. Fruits are as large as cricket balls and covered with a smooth maroon skin which peels easily to reveal firm, fluorescent violet flesh. Tyalgum purple is thornless, naturally dwarfing and an excellent choice as a fruiting container specimen--perfectly placed in hanging pots within those shady areas beneath your verandah. Truly exceptional.

Letter from Paul Lucas, GCA Calendar Coordinator

Hi, I am one of the Garden Clubs of Australia (GCA) Calendar Coordinators. I would appreciate you highlighting at your February Club meeting, even at this late stage, that we are still seeking photo entries for the 2017 Calendar. Entries close on 1st March this year. With minimal time left before that date, I wish to simplify the process of entry for your members. I am merely asking that members send digital Garden Scene photos in landscape format in the largest possible MB file size. No photo manipulation such as Photoshop is necessary as we will do that in the process of preparing the chosen photos for the Calendar. Send the photos via email to calendar@gardenclubs.org.au or ring me on (03) 9790 5659 if further information is required. If sending several photos then send in several emails if the photo file sizes are large. Photos can also be posted to me on a CD/DVD to 64 Timbertop Drive, Rowville, Victoria, 3178. For the photos finally chosen - either as the main large photo on each month's page or as the smaller ‘filler picture’ photos on the pages, I will contact the photographer to get the garden name details of the photo, the member’s Club, clarify the legal issues of copyright etc. before we proceed further. As already indicated, the twelve main photos attract a copyright fee of $100 for each photo for the photographer. The smaller ‘filler picture’ photos do not attract a fee but the photographer has the pleasure of his/her photo being acknowledged in a National Calendar. I appreciate that some photographers are reluctant to send their photos as they are unsure of their retention of ownership and copyright. They can rest assured that any files of photos not used and acknowledged will eventually be destroyed so no other person or organization can ever get access to them. There is no entry cost. Chosen photographs to be published in a Calendar that will be distributed nationwide will give great pleasure to the photographers. Regards, Paul Lucas GCA Calendar Coordinator Email calendar@gardenclubs.org.au Ph (03) 9790 5659 Mobile 0401 033 116

In cool climate Victoria, fruit foraging by the roadside mainly consisted of the odd feral

apple tree, usually a sour old crab but sometimes a decent find. Interestingly in the

subtropics we come across wild peaches, mulberries, guavas and even the occasional

avocado.

Posted by Philip Wilson on UGC Facebook site

this recipe is in response to requests at the last food group

meeting PP

ingredients

1 pack cream cheese, softened

1 1/4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

1 medium firm ripe pear, finely chopped (have used apple and

celery)

2 shallots , white and green separated, finely chopped

pinch salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper (I like cayenne)

chopped parsley, chilli if desired

1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

preparation

Stir together everything except nuts and green part of shallots.

Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray. Scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Wrap to form a ball.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to two days.

Just before serving, combine nuts and the reserved shallot greens in a shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture,

pressing to adhere.

This is a recipe that invites all kinds of variations: blue cheese, julienned carrot … whatever.

I have lots of sawdust mulch from large trees that have been removed. Happy to share.

PP 0402678241

Does anyone have any native violet seedlings, please? If so, could you bring them to the next meeting or I am happy to

come and collect them. PP

A couple of Lyn's roses transformed by Judy

Posted by Tony Stanhope on UGC Facebook site

I have recently had the pleasure of using the following local business to my complete

satisfaction:

Box and Lock Self-Storage, Quarry Road, M’bah, 026672 3211. Nothing is too much trouble for manager Troy – his boss is lucky to have him.

Brunswick Valley Locksmiths, 0412 144 679 or 6676 1440, based in Burringbar, owner Brett is a low-key kind of guy (s’cuse the pun) but he’s fast, efficient and not expensive.

Murwillumbah Mini Moves, 0439 079 944, The abundant energy and enthusiasm Lucas and his team bring to the job makes them total pros. Those who have used Andy’s Removals (the friendly Jamaican) will be pleased to hear Lucas has bought his large trailer and taken over the business since Andy’s retirement.

A1 Skips, 0418 792 111. Too many unwanted Xmas presents? A1 have got the perfect size skip for everyone’s needs. The lovely Marelle will take your call and quick as a flash your skip will arrive (unfortunately they don’t load it for you!). This is the mob all the best tradies use, and now I know why. Good luck! Julia Hancock

Tropical treasures found in the garden today.

Posted by Lyn Reid on UGC Facebook site

Dried palm fronds can be laid on the ground in areas where the turkeys scrape. If you try and weave the palms together the result will make it too difficult to scratch and the turkeys will go away.

Waving your arms in the air and looking really scary worked for Fran and Tim. Stella used to aim the hose at them at Mountainview. If you do this often enough they will eventually try someplace else. Things that don’t work: teddy bears and mirrors. Things that

are illegal: lead poisoning. Julia Hancock

general meeting SUNDAY 28 February, 2.00 pm Mountainview Meeting Room,

Murwillumbah. Contacts: Marilyn and Graeme Gough 02 66726220

topic: Growing Roses in the Sub-Tropics John Bennett See below for photos of John Bennett’s

stunning roses

PLEASE NOTE: this is a Sunday meeting

food group: Tuesday 8 March 9.30am in the garden of Sue and Hartmut Holzknecht,

02 6677 1772 12 Waranga Crescent Burringbar directions: Harmut advises if you travel south along the Tweed

Valley Way, continue past The Broadway on the right (turn off to the village shops), go over the bridge crossing

Burringbar Ck and turn right into Hunter St. Travel another 500 metres and turn right into Waranga Crescent. No 12 is

the third property on the right. Please park on either side of the street.

John Bennett’s roses at last year’s Murwillumbah Show –

all of them prize winners

Open Weekend . Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February

9am to 4pm Free Herb Tea Tasting from 10am - 2pm

491 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213, Australia

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this newsletter. It couldn’t happen without you. All contributions are welcome. And remember that you can use the newsletter to ask for help and offer excess plants etc. Please remember the deadline for contributions: the Friday following the Food Group meeting. Pamela

thanks to Kym Marston, proprietor of Print Spot, for our printing