Club Minutes: Horticultural Society, 1863-1871

38 H/5/1866-1 BROOKE GROVE May 26th 1866 On May 26 1866 most of the members of the Horticultural Society assembled at Brooke Grove. After some pleasant social conversation and the examination of the specimens brought of vegetables and flowers which stood beautifully arranged on a table in the porch where the ladies of Sharon, Longwood, Olney, Springdale, Riverdale & "The Cedars" had a most creditable display. Masses of roses and other flowers showing their taste and skill in cultivation. Large strawberries in small quantities, fine beets, radishes peas &c. Rachel Gilpins pansies were again amongst the collections and one entire table was devoted to the products of Roger B Farquhar's garden. peas ready for the table, and other varieties of vegetable, all fine of those kinds. It was regretted that more of the members did not bring the best of what they had, as it was sure to add to the interest and improvement of these meetings. R. B. Farquhar called the meeting to order, acting as Foreman, Francis Miller being absent. visiting the garden was decided the next proceeding, all the plants showed good cultivation being in a fine healthy condition, some of the

H/5/1866-2 39 crops were far advanced for the season, the great plenty was remarked upon, and the only failure seemed to be the fruit on the strawberry vines, flowers & shrubbery were much admired The questions were asked on returning to the house, several of the members expressed regret that more persons did not come prepared to ask a question on some Horticultural subject, as it brought out useful information from hearing the different opinions. and would be one of the most useful features of the society if carried out fully. Has any one proved that deep planting of peas is best? No one seemed able to give personal experience but Rachel Gilpin was trying the experiment and will be looked to for farther report as to result. When is the best time to set out late Cabbage for winter and spring use? Plant the seed the last of May and set out the 4th of July or near that time. When remove celery from a bed to a trench? About the same time as late Cabbage is set out How would salt act on growing Celery used as on an asparagus bed?

40 H/5/1866-3 No one had ever tried it, but it was thought very reasonable as it too is a saltwater plant and one present promised to experiment and give information in future. Why has the Brooke Grove strawberry bed run to vines and given so little fruit? The question was asked around and the general opinion was the soil was too rich some said not the richness but the stiff clay nature of the soil did not suit them. the advice was that one hostess had best set out a new bed in another place but keep the same one another year and use sand around the roots to change the nature of the ground. A wonderful story was told of from 12 to 1500 strawberry plants being raised from a single one during a season. (Country Gentleman) The only regret of the evening seemed to be that all our company could not have been present. The next meeting to be held at Riverside the last 7th day in next month.

H/6/1866-1 RIVERSIDE. June 30th 1866 41 Near the hour proposed the members of the Horticultural Society gathered at Charles Idding's Riverside the 30 of 6th mo 1866. All being present a cricumstance never having occured before, owing in this case perhaps to the fine day, the new place, this was our first meeting there, or the popularity of our host & hostess. be that as it may it served to give much satisfaction not to note absent friends. The examination of specimens of vegetables & flowers first claimed attention, Rachel Gilpin, and the ladies from the Cedars, and Springdale, had the finest display of the latter. and those from Brooke Grove garden in the vegetable department excelled. a fair sample of vegetables from Rock land & Stanmore was upon the table. but still many neglect bringing Fruit flowers or vegetables we choose to place deficiency upon that ground as surely no one having the advantage of a membership in this society would admit having nothing worthy of display. The Garden was in very fine condition as nothing was found out of order in the arrangement and growth of the plants one being critical called attention to the tool house. The flowers growing and blooming at every turn, gave abundant beauty

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for the eye to rest upon, the whole place showing that taste and skill had added to its natural advantages and the industry displayed was remarked. The Questions How did deep planting [?] for peas? They lasted longer it was thought. What kind of Rutabaga should we plant? Golden Turnip - this will last longer for table use in the Spring. and should be planted earlier in the season than other turnips taking longer to mature. the best mode of culture, in drills. When is the best time to plant seed for Pickling cucumbers? Plant the seed in late Potatoes when they are put in. As the small cucumber used for Pickles which we see in those put up for sale a distinct variety, or the large kinds gathered young. Some thought we should learn by investigation that there was a small pickling variety but no certain information gained. Should the suckers be cut from garden corn? Decided not, as each sucker made more corn and in succession, It was suggested that if the middle stalks were cut out after the corn was used the suckers would have more room and the better chance to mature.