By Frank Mitzel.
Our meetings for August and September had an impressive membership turnout. It was nice to see so many in attendance in September, even with the change of venue to the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. I was delighted to introduce a special guest at the meeting, Megan Lowe from MiraCosta College. Megan was one of two recent $1000 San Diego Horticultural Society student scholarship recipients; the other scholarship went to Melissa Trenouth, who was unable to attend. I was honored to formally present the two young ladies with our scholarship awards on August 17 at the Oceanside campus of MiraCosta College during their scholarship awards celebration. Award recipients are able to use the funds to help advance their studies in the fields of horticulture and landscape design.
Please join us for our meeting in October at our regular meeting place, Congregation Beth Israel, to hear Jim Booman speak about his experiences in the San Diego nursery industry, including growing unusual carnivorous plants. What young budding horticulturist wasn't captivated and intrigued by the fly-eating Venus fly trap as a child? It should be a very enjoyable presentation!
A couple of weeks ago, I received a delightful email from Barb Whelan, one of our current members. Barb wrote, "Hi Frank, I have so enjoyed and been inspired by the meetings and experiences (latest one the Gottleib Native Garden tour) thru my SDHS membership, so I thought I'd just let you know that it has influenced the remaking of my yard into a water wise and native garden. I am overjoyed to have my garden featured in the September issue of San Diego Home & Garden magazine, chosen as one of their three Gardens of the Year. Just thought I'd share this with you since the SDHS has been one of my main & favorite resources.”
It's so gratifying to know how much of an impact SDHS has had on developing Barb's garden and so many others throughout San Diego County. The combination of our monthly newsletter, with a fountain of horticultural knowledge; monthly meeting speakers; monthly workshops; garden tours; open gardens; and general membership networking, we really do help to create a better environment for San Diego, one garden at a time.