Looking Back 2012 

Presidents Business Meeting – 1 pm - Valley Cottage LibraryJanuary 18, 2012

We had a packed agenda for our business meeting. Revisions were made to the Garden Club’s by-laws by Mary J, Chris S and Celia J.  The by-laws were changed to be more reflective of our club and of the present time. Sexist language as well as limiting criteria for membership were removed. The revised by-laws was approved unanamously. Elections were held for the office of President.  In honor of our Centennial year Joanne and Loretta have agreed to serve for 2012.  Committee reports were presented and discussions were held regarding the Flower Show, a proposed trip to Well Sweep Farm and the Centennial celebration.  A raffle for an open ticket for the Elmwood Playhouse was won by Arlene F.  

January 10, 2012 – Paint a Simple Landscape in Watercolor -Rockland Center for the Arts

Bev C treated some of our members to a watercolor class.  As many of you know Bev is a gifted artist and generously shares her skills with our garden club.

Looking Back - 2011

If you have any questions or comments about this site please contact Celia

(Photos contributed by Lorna, Margot & Celia)

Project Joy – People to People – December 9, 2011

Each year at this time the Garden Club of Nyack selects a family (from People to People letters) to do a wish list fulfillment. Our thanks to Joanne, Loretta and Liz Y who made the selection and shopped for the various items requested. The family chosen is comprised of five children being raised alone by their grandmother who lost her job two years ago.  All of the children were physically and mentally abused by drug addicted parents and suffer from the effects of this abuse. Items on the wish list which was fulfilled include pajamas, pants, sweatsuits, socks, jackets, a leapfrog game, a necklace, hat, scarf and gloves.

Loretta, Betty G and Liz Y and Celia returned to People to People to help pack gifts. At this time of the year we give thanks for our many blessings and our ability to help others.

Annual Holiday Party – December 8, 2011

 Cynthia T hosted the holiday celebration at her lovely home.  Every member brought their special dish which was enjoyed by all.  A raffle was held for a beautiful scarf made by Helga.  Dottie D was the happy winner.

Helga & Dottie D (winner of beautiful scarf made by Helga)

Member Tea – October 5, 2011

Eileen F hosted our 2011 Member Tea at her lovely home in Old Tappan. Approximately 20 members enjoyed the delicious tea treats prepared by all. Hats were worn by seven members who told the story of each of their hats; a brief business meeting was held with an announcement that the revised By-laws will be voted on in January. Ann M won the raffle for the teapot. Members discussed gardening questions and shared suggestions. Everyone agreed that a portion of each meeting should be devoted to that topic which is interest to all.

Ellen O, Florence, Ann E, Ann M and Adele

Liza (In Front) Florence, Lynn and Dottie (in back)

Betty G, Karen K, and Carol B

Loretta, Liza and Ann M

Using Native Plants in the Garden – September 15, 2011

Dr. Susan Petro presented an informative lecture about Native Plants which helped to prepare the members for our trip to the Highline.  Dr. Petro emphasized five reasons to use native plants which are: To create a sense of place; to decrease the wastefulness of lawns – water, fertilizers, gasoline for mowers, use of herbicides; to feed native wildlife including birds, mammals, insects, etc.; to decrease the chance of introducing yet one more invasive exotic; to create simplified vestiges of ecosystems that we have degraded or diminished.  Dr. Petro suggested that we consider planting the following native varieties instead of  often used non- native plants such as planting: Choke Cherry instead of Norway Maple; High Bush Blueberry instead of Burning Bush; Spice Bush instead of Forsythia, Serviceberry instead of European Privet and Virginia Creeper instead of English Ivy.

A Trip to the Highline in NYC – September 21, 2011 

It was a golden day, with perfect weather to explore the Highline.  Some of us had been there before, for others it was the first time. Chris identified plants that were unfamiliar to us and the few that she did not know were identified by volunteer Friends of the Highline who help to maintain the garden. After our walk we went to Chelsea Market, broke up into groups and had lunch at various dining spots within the Market. 

Walking the Highline

Chris Poses with Dancers

Loretta, Sondra and Lorna

Dining at Chelsea Market after the Highline

 How to Root Almost Anything, Silent Auction and Bulbs for Sale - September 7, 2011

Dr. Alex Fitzburgh, member of the Rhododendron Society of Bergen County was our speaker.  He is a very well informed lecturer that has hybridized Rhododendrons and frequently propagates them. Dr. Fitzburgh discussed various methods of propagation and demonstrated how to root cuttings. After the demonstration Dr. Fitzburgh assisted members with propagating a variety of plants. Soil, rooting hormone and containers were provided. Some key points to consider include: drainage – no excess water should be in the root zone; aeration in the rooting media which should be fluffy and non-compacted; humidity – as close to 100% as possible in the air around the cuttings; timing – take cuttings when the branch is still bendable without breaking; Hormones such as Dip and Grow should be used for broad leaf rhododendrons.

 A raffle was held for some rare already rooted cuttings done by the speaker.

Following the lecture and demonstration we had a silent auction for many of Yolanda L’s beautiful plants. All the plants and proceeds were generously donated to our club. Yolanda’s plants included Passion Flowers in bloom as well as Bird of Paradise and many tropical and hardy bonsai plants. We sincerely thank Yolanda for her generosity.

 Chris S offered a selection of Jan Dornbush’s incredible bulbs for members to purchase. Since his bulbs are generally available for wholesale only this was an excellent opportunity.

Dr. Fitzburgh checks Yolanda's cutting

Selected Cutting Prior to Trimming

Trimming Cutting to just a few healthy leaves

Preparing Rooting Hormone

Dr. Fitzburgh checks Liz Y's cutting

Barbara M and Celia with Selected Cuttings

Charlotte

Horticulture Show and Business Meeting – July 13, 2011

Members brought their best potted plants, flower stems and Hosta leaves to be judged by fellow Garden Club members. This was followed by a business meeting which included the completion of surveys to evaluate the programs of the past year and to ask for suggestions for 2012. It was apparent that members really enjoyed the “two step” program (The Cloisters) which began with a lecture followed the next week by a trip to the venue. This year we are repeating this concept with a lecture about native plants followed by a trip to the Highline.

Jennifer and Charlotte

Yolanda With Her Amazing Passion Flower

Richard and Sharon W

Joanne and Loretta

Edward Hopper Prelude: The Nyack Years - June 7, 2011

A group of Garden Club Members attended the Hopper House exhibit which featured some of Edward Hopper’s early works which were created while he lived in Nyack. Paintings included interior works of the house, scenes of Nyack as well as other early works including a painting of Hook Mountain.  Some personal possessions including a paintbox were included as well. Most of those present went to Piermont after the exhibit and enjoyed lunch at the Sidewalk Bistro.

Annual Plant Sale – May 22, 2011 

The Plant Sale was moved to a Sunday for the first time because of a schedule conflict with the Goosetown Fair.  The day was cloudy and a bit cool but the plants and bulbs we offered brightened the atmosphere. Members provided most of the plants offered for sale from their own gardens.  In addition Hook Mountain Growers sold healthy organic vegetable plants and Bumps sold beautiful perennials.  Both tables were popular with the public. For the first time we had Hot Dog Donna offering light lunch selections, such as hot dogs, veggie burgers, coffee and ice cream. Our bake sale table had “delectable delights” which were prepared by our members and were popular with the public.   

Getting Ready for the Sale

Bulbs for Sale

Hook Mountain Growers

Members Price Plants

Shopping for Plants

How to Propagate Demonstration – May 10, 2011

Members attended an informative demonstration and discussion of various methods of propagation of plant material.  Bill Kolvek’s nursery presented methods such as seed, cuttings and division.  We were given tips and “inside” information from the commercial nursery prospective. New perennials were discussed including varieties not yet available in the market.  Each member was given a gift perennial plant at the end of the discussion/ demonstration. 

 Plant a Tree (members planted a tree in memory of Astrith Deyrup) – April 22, 2011

The Garden Club observed Earth Day with a tribute to our long-time member and supporter, Astrith Deyrup. We gathered at the Old Stone Meeting House on Friday morning, slightly cool and overcast, a perfect day for planting the beautiful Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts” ) that Betty P and Margot found. While some members dug the hole for the new tree, other members cleaned and weeded the garden and edged the beds.
 
As the tree was lowered into its hole, members gathered to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Astrith – it was her birthday today, and Betty P and Florence recalled her beautiful, hand painted and batiked note cards, which she sent often and with great affection. Betty P brought along a blue batik silk scarf that Astrith created. Neighbors passed by as we worked, smiling approvingly at the work, and stopped to chat. Betty and Win laid a small stone memorial to Astrith at the foot of the tree, and everyone admired Betty’s handiwork in creating it. It was  a perfect day to gather to observe Earth Day, and to remember a dear friend.

Butterfly Garden Clean Up – April 18, 2011

Members participated in the annual clean up of the Butterfly Garden. Our garden sustained winter damage due to the large volume of snow which was plowed on to the site. Many of our plants were crushed and the fence and sign were destroyed. A new fence is in place now and a list of plants needing replacement has been made. 

Garden Club of Nyack Flower Show – April 9, 2011 – (please click Flower Show tab above for schedules)

The 18th Annual Community Flower Show was held at the Upper Nyack Elementary school.  The participation level was excellent.  We had more classroom entries than in previous years.  The addition of a photography category was popular with adults and children. This was the first year that we included an invitational section for individual table arrangements.

Children's Judges and Clerks meet with Professional Flower Judge

A Children's Entry Dedicated to Astrith Deyrup

Tree and Shrub Pruning Demonstration – March 22, 2011

Representatives of Ira Wickes Arborists gave a lecture and an on site demonstration of pruning techniques for trees and shrubs.  They also distributed informative material that supplemented and reinforced the program. Although we had a cloudy day, the rain held off and we had more than 25 members participate. Everyone present agreed that this was a valuable program.

Review and Distribution of Program Books - March 10, 2011

Joanne and Loretta gave an overview of the programs, trips and workshops that are planned for the upcoming year.  Our theme for the year is Native plants. We wish to encourage the use of native plants which help to reverse the trend of species loss and encourages ecosystem restoration. 

Trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show- March 8, 2011

Garden Club Members, Master Gardeners and guests took a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show where the theme was Springtime in Paris. The bus trip was arranged by the Rockland County Cooperative Extension and all were welcome to join the trip. The flower show was a much needed taste of spring. 

Trip to New Jersey Flower Show - February 18, 2011 – Edison, NJ

Some of our members and some Master Gardeners attended the New Jersey Flower show.  The theme was Broadway and the exhibits reflected the spirit of some current and some past Broadway productions. Thanks to Lorna we all had free tickets which she found on the web.

Here's one with the elusive and rarely photographed Lorna!

Flower Show Workshop - February 17, 2011 - New City Library

A PowerPoint presentation designed by Chris took us through what’s new including our new entry cards and the photography exhibit, the schedules both Adult and Children, the various member jobs and the help that is needed to have a successful show. A sign up sheet for the show was passed around for completion. Powerpoint presenters included Ann, Celia, Joanne, Chris and Loretta. We concluded the Workshop with tips and hints from members who have received many blue ribbons  over the years. 

 Flower Arranging Demonstration – February 8, 2011

Jeanne Nelson, Master Flower Show Judge gave a demonstration of  how to create flower arrangements utilizing our Flower Show guidelines and schedules. Jeanne brings her knowledge and sense of humor to every presentation.

Presidents Council - Chris, Celia, Ann and Helga

 Presidents’ Business Meeting - January 31, 2011 – Submitted by Chris

 

 

 

Please Contact Celia J with any questions or suggestions about this website.

2010

Annual Holiday Party- December 8, 2010

Member Cynthi T. opened her lovely home to club members for our holiday party.  Members brought appetizers, entrees and desserts for a festive holiday celebration. We brought toys for needy children which were donated to Project Joy at People to People.  In addition we raffled a beautiful hand knitted silk scarf created by Helga V. and donated the $250 we raised to People to People. Our hostess Cynthis T. was the raffle winner!

Flower Arranging Program - October 21, 2010

Cathy Miller, Official arranger for the White House from 1979-2005. Demonstrated three flower arrangements for the packed audience all the while narrating in  her very entertaining and humorous style. A raffle and auction followed the meeting.

Picnic – October 13, 2010

On another lovely fall day in Nyack a small group of garden club members had a picnic on the plateau at Hook Mountain Park.  As usual members brought delicious things to share and enjoy.  We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

Tag Sale – October 9, 2010

The Tag Sale was held at F.O.R. in Nyack.  Approximately $1,200 was raised which will be used for gardening projects to beautify Nyack. 

Mohonk Mountain House - September 20, 2010

On a beautiful summer day Garden Club Members and Master Gardeners had a guided tour of the lovely Mohonk gardens followed by a picnic lunch and a visit to the garden shop.  

 Member Tea - September 10, 2010

The annual Member’s Tea was held at the lovely home of Sheila S.  Members not only brought delicious treats and delicate tea cups but they dressed for the occasion as well. We were able to view the Club albums which illustrate our 98 year old history and enjoyed examining the engraved steriling silver awards from past years.

 Horticulture Show and Business Meeting – July 13, 2010

Members entered cut flowers, plant cuttings, potted plants and branches to be judged by committee. A business meeting was held while our efficient judges reviewed the entries.  This was an opportunity to discuss the programs held during the last year and to make suggestions. Following the discussion, a written survey was given to each member present to evaluate the programs of the past year and to make suggestions for future programs and trips.

The History of Medieval Gardens and Museum Art: Behind the Scenes June 9, 2010

This talk by Linda C and Loretta T was excellent preparation for the trip to the Cloisters. They discussed both “The History of Medieval Gardens” as well as the aquisition of the Ivory Cross.

Guided Tour of the Cloister’s June 16, 2010

A group of garden club members car pooled to the Cloister’s.  We had an excellent tour guide who gave us background and insight to the art collection with a special emphasis on the beautiful Unicorn tapestries. The guide took us through the gardens and was very well informed about the design, meaning and use of the medieval garden.

A Visit to Lasdon Arboretum Friday, June 4^th   We visited  the Lasdon Arboretum in Somers, NY for a flower show.  This was an opportunity for club members to get ideas for our own show and to tour the arboretum.  We were pleasantly suprised to see some of our own flower show judges at the show as well as a blue ribbon entry by Judge Jeanne N.

A visit to two Rose Gardens, May 27, 2010

Legislator and rosarian Bob Jackson took club members on a tour of the Veteran’s Memorial Garden in Nanuet. He discussed the various roses he was growing on the site as well as the care and pruning of the plants. Harriet Cornell, Chairwoman, Rockland County Legislature joined the tour of the Memorial Garden. Club members went on to join Bob and his wife Fran at their home to see their roses.  Since the Veteran’s Garden has full sun all day  we noticed some color variations in the same rose variety from one garden to the next. Following our tour Bob and Fran invited us into their home where we enjoyed some of Fran’s home baked cookies. Many thanks for sharing your garden with the Garden Club of Nyack.

Legislator and Rosarian Bob Jackson and Garden Club of Nyack Members

Legislator Bob Jackson Discusses Care of Roses in the Garden

Harriet Cornell, Chairwoman Rockland County Legislator Among the Roses

 Presby Memorial Iris Garden Friday, May 21, 2010  

A small group of members visited the  Presby Memorial Iris Garden.  The gardens contain approximately 10,000 irises in 3,000 varieties that produce nearly 100,000 flowers at peak season. We visited at the peak of the season on a beautiful (but hot) sunny day.  The property consists of the Walther House as well as the iris Gardens on seven acres of land; it is now designated as a historic site by the National and State Registers of Historic places. Essex County maintains the house and grounds and the citizens committee maintains ownership of the iris rhizomes.   The gardens are at 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ (approximately a 50 minute drive). We met for lunch in town at a Turkish restaurant.  

Links to the site including a live webcam may be found at: http://essexnjblooms.org/Irises.aspx   and  http://presbyirisgardens.org/wordpress/

Liz L, Padma, Celia, Adele, Sheila and Yolanda

Monday, May 17, 2010

Some garden club members worked at the Old Stone Meeting House.  We weeded (and weeded) and planted shrubs and flowers to enhance the property.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Six members of the Garden Club of Nyack worked at the YMCA on one of our Community Beautification projects. Margot led a team comprised of Anya, Betty G, Liza, May and Sharon G; they planted flower boxes and a lovely barrel.

Betty G, Mae and Liza

Betty G, Sharon G, Mae, Liza and Anya

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Members worked very hard to make the plant sale a success; it is our primary fund raiser for our community projects.  Members dug, potted and labeled plants, nutured them and transported them to the site of the sale.  Members set up tables, arranged and priced plants all in preparation for the start of the sale. Members also prepared baked goods to be sold at the sale. Saturday morning was gray and drizzly and we even had a bit of a thunderstorm before Mother Nature cooperated and brought out the sun and with that the public. A final profit total is being prepared but from rough estimates it looks like it was a success. Leftover plants will be utilized for some of our projects including F.O.R. and the Old Stone Meeting House.  

 

Adele Transporting Plants

 April 24, 2010 – Hopper House Garden Clean-up – About a dozen Garden Club members as well as Board Members of Hopper House weeded, pruned, deadheaded, planted and mulched the streetside garden.  When we were finished the garden really looked much improved. 

Betty G. and Loretta

Anya and Betty P

Jennifer H.

April 17, 2010 – The 17th Annual Community Flower Show was held at the Upper Nyack Elementary School.

Loretta T - counting entries

Everything Pink!

People's Choice Winner!

Click here for flower show flyerThe Flower Show set-up was Friday, April 16th; members set up the room, the tables were prepared for the entries with cloths, ribbon dividers and signs listing the categories. Entries were submitted Friday evening and before 8:45 am on Saturday. Please see Flower Show Info Tab at top of page for more information including a brief history of the show by Betty Perry.April 16, 2010 –  Lynhurst Flower Show Trip    (click link for flyer) The Gilded Cage Flower Show Westchester Members met at Florence’s on Broadway in Upper Nyack and car pooled to Tarrytown for the flower show at Lyndhurst. The carraige house was the setting for the Victorian themed show where we saw large, impressive flower arrangements, Wardian cases, horticultural entries as well as design and photographic entries.  One clever category was Victorian hats made from plants and flowers. This was the first year that included children’s entries; all the children received blue ribbons. Many of our members thought it best to have first, second and third place. This is being reviewed by the Irvington Garden club members as well. 

Victorian Wedding

Victorian Hat with Lamb's Ear band and Roses

(Click link for website): http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:gT-BDg-EXrIJ:www.hortulus.org/Content/Documents/Document.ashx%3FDocId%3D87746+Garden+Club+of+Irvington+on+Hudson&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjytNYJk2ea4wEZyIH_EfwhkMGt90MRAMNbvjPcsvHq1tSsw2hecsXa0ECmztGnreOt3CfgXh2fEIuojC8L_pzDGeX5TJfJ0VmP0eN9fs-xZ3aNYrYE7j982_So90MTFV0YJzUR&sig=AHIEtbRngbE3xz6oenIDzfjajp5imVEUZw April 12th – Butterfly Garden Clean-up
Members helped to get the Butterfly Garden off to a good start for the season with a clean-up which incluced weeding and pruning. We participated in a plant exchange at the conclusion of the clean-up.          Springtime EssayAnya sent a link to a lovely springtime essay written by a friend’s daughter. Enjoy!http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/new_york_new_york/persephone_in_the_park.php March 17th – 10am-New City Library -A workshop was held regarding the various jobs at the Flower Show.  We followed three different entries from the moment of entry to placement and judging. It was an excellent review of all the jobs involved which make the flower show flow smoothly.  Members were encouraged to assist with public with questions and to be prepared to offer explanations regarding the show and the club.

Chris S., Sheila S. and Ann E. Judge Plant Entries

The Flower Show Sign-Up sheet was reviewed by members present. (click for Sign-Up sheet)  sign-up sheet 3_11_10

Jeanne Prepares the First Arrangement

Club Members

Jeanne Prepares the Second Arrangement

February 24th – 10am, New City Library – A brief business meeting was held prior to the program which was presented by Jeanne Nelson, Flower Show Judge.  Jeanne demonstrated flower arranging taking us step by step as she created two entirely different arrangements. Jeanne also explained how to follow show schedules (rules) and discussed some of the limits judges must follow. Two arrangements were given as door prizes. A raffle for a lovely vase donated by Margot L. was held as well.  Some members brought cuttings and seeds to share.  Donations were brought to the meeting for People to People.

Adult Arrangement

Reaction to the NJ Flower Show in Edison (February 19th)
It has grown from a small show to something much larger over its eight year duration.
The actual competitive part of the show was varied and very interesting. The adult entries were mostly from two NJ Garden Clubs. We came away with new ideas for our own show next year!

Child's Entry

Most of the children’s entries were from a Jr. Garden Club that one of the clubs run, called “The Sprouts”.  Among the many categories they had were, tea cup arrangements,  a garden photography competition, horticulture, etc.

Children's Entry Table

Disappointing were the many additional venders this year, some of them having very little to do with gardening and also the inadequate seating for lunch, although, thanks to Lorna, we had seats reserved for us!

Members who attended: Yolanda L., Liz Y., Celia J., Loretta T., Joanne S .and Randi S, Ann E. (not shown), Lorna K-S (not shown).

Garden Club Members and Master Gardeners at the Flower Show (From left Lorna K-S, Ann E., Celia J, Joanne S. and Loretta T. and Randy S. on extreme right)

From Betty G. 

When we last met at Maria N.’s house I brought a very special hydrangea 

and folks wanted to know the name of it.  The name was “Snowflake” 

It had triple petals and it was quite beautiful. 

Also, Celia has sent us some images of the beautiful dahlias she now has coming into bloom. 

News from The Garden Club

of Nyack

Garden Club Tag Sale

The Garden Club Tag Sale was held on Saturday, Oct.10th, from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. 

The location was 347 N. Broadway, which is the Upper Nyack Meeting House 

(formerly known as the Old Stone Church)  across the street from the Upper Nyack Elementary School. 

We donated the proceeds of the sale to benefit the Upper Nyack Meeting-House. 

Items we sold included furniture, lamps, tables, chairs and bric-a-brac, vases, jars, and smaller items for 

the kitchen and home. 

___________________________________________________  

Member Tea

On Tuesday , Oct. 6 th we held our  “Member Tea” at Marie T. ’s home.  It was a  members only event. Membership brought tea sandwiches, as well as food contributions of packaged food for People to People.  

___________________________________________________ 

On Tues. Oct. 14, at 10am- We had a Craft/ Horticulture  meeting at the New City Library; three members explained how to do their particular area of expertise and answered questions from the membership. 

The following topics were discussed:  

1. How bobbin lace is made- Regina 

2. How to turn a regular plant into a bonsai-Yolanda 

3. How to propagate hydrangea-Mae 

Food contributions of packaged food for People to People were brought to this meeting as well.

On Saturday, July 26^th, member Amy Kosh gave a terrific workshop on how to better photograph our gardens.  Despite grey skies, eleven members showed up cameras in hand at the Cornell Cooperative Demo Gardens in Stony Point, NY.  Ms. Kosh, who has taught photography at the university level for over 17 years, walked the participants through how to get the most out of digital, point and shoot cameras. There were some visual exercises that focused attention on how to create interesting framing within the images, paying attention to what is in the corners of your frame before shooting.  Paying attention to the background and how they interact with your subject was discussed and practiced as well.

Technical aspects of the cameras were brought into play as participants got themselves into the camera manual modes and started to work with what differences apertures make. Histograms were introduced and explained with examples of what to look for. You can see some examples below illustrating some of the major the points covered.

When in “Landscape” Mode on your camera you get a deep depth of field. Similar to setting your manual camera on F/22 or F/ 16. Notice foreground and background are in acceptable focus.

fig. A

Without moving the point of focus on the camera, we changed to “Close-up” or Macro Mode. Note how the depth of field is sharply reduced here. The only plane in acceptable focus is the one we actually set our camera lens to focus upon.  This is equivalent to setting your manual camera on F/3.5 or F 4.

fig. B

Histograms:

If you have ever wondered what that funny little graph is that shows up on your screen after you shoot, wonder no more. It is called a histogram and it tells you lots of very helpful information about your image.

Here are some examples of what a histogram can tell you about your images.

This first histogram is from the above fig. A image.

The left side represents the darkest areas of your image; the right side represents the lightest areas.  So we can tell from looking at this histogram that our image has a little bit of the image that is very dark, a little that is very light. Most of our fig. A image falls in the middle range. Meaning most of the image is neither very dark, nor very light.

fig. C

In fig. C we can see that there is more light area than dark. The histogram confirms this.

The trouble with this image, and what the histogram warns us about, is the lightest areas. In this case those white blooms.  We can see in this enlargement that the blooms actually have some color to them.  But in the original image they were all washed out. Too much light. To get the flower to show the real color in the bloom we had to change the aperture setting and slightly under-expose the image.

Now the histogram shows us that we are not “clipping” (losing and information) in the lightest areas. Those to the right side of the histogram.  We still have lots of great information in the darkest areas, those to the left side of the histogram.

Even if you can’t change the settings manually on your digital point and shoot camera, you can fool the camera into changing them. If you take a picture and see the histogram showing that you have “blown” the highlights, washing them out with too much light. Simply point your camera closer into the very lightest area of the picture, hold the shutter button down halfway as you allow the camera to focus, them without removing your finger from the shutter release button, snap the picture. The camera will always try to make the image fall in the middle of the histogram, so by showing the camera more light objects than dark ones; you fool it into giving you more information about the lightest areas.

Try playing around with your images and looking at the histograms until you start to see how easy they can be to read.

One other point about images.

If you have some very large files that you’d like to send to someone in an email and find that they keep getting rejected because the size is to big. You can use your web browser to go to a site such as http://www.yousendit.com/

This is a free service (If you use the basic service only).  Sign up, and then follow the simple directions for sending your large image files to your friends.  They will receive an email telling them to pick up their image from the website.  Truly a handy thing to know about.

While we were photographing we also noticed some lovely Knautia blooms.

For those unfamiliar with this plant I include some information here along with a link for more.

Common Name: knautia

Zone: 5 to 9

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

Family: Dipsacaceae

Native Range: Central Europe

Height: 1.5 to 2 feet

Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet

Bloom Time: July – September

Bloom Color: Burgundy

Sun: Full sun

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Low

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom in early autumn. May self-seed under optimum conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Knautia is an upright, clump-forming, somewhat short-lived perennial which typically grows 1.5-2′ tall. Features deep purplish-red, domed, scabiosa-like flower heads (to 1.5″ across) atop slender, branching stems. Deep green leaves are lightly lobed at the base of the plant, but deeply divided higher up. Long early summer to fall bloom period. Good fresh cut or dried flower.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Plants may decline considerably by late summer in hot southern climates.

Uses:

Mass in borders, cottage gardens, meadows or naturalized areas.

Information provided by: Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2009

]]> http://thenyackgardenclub.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/the-easy-way-to-better-landscape-photography/feed/ 1 thegardenclubofnyack Garden Photography Workshop group Deep Depth of field Shallow depth of field fig a fig c histogram fig c close up Knautia-2 Knautia_1 http://thenyackgardenclub.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/gcns-little-garden-near-headstart-on-depew-ave/ http://thenyackgardenclub.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/gcns-little-garden-near-headstart-on-depew-ave/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 18:51:21 +0000 thegardenclubofnyack http://thenyackgardenclub.wordpress.com/?p=267 ]]> Here’s a photo taken today of the GCN’s little garden near Headstart on Depew Ave. in Nyack, next to the historical marker installed by the Historical Society of the Nyacks maybe 3 or 4 years ago.  It’s a dry little spot, so the garden consists mostly of spring bulbs and flowering shrubs – but it has its moments!
 
Betty Perry

“Moses Says…………”

Prevent Poisonings from your garden. Most people know not to eat digitalis or other poisonous plants, but our dogs and cats are not so smart. Puppies in particular like chew just about anything as they explore the world around them. if you are adding new plants to your garden this Spring, take a moment to consider whether your pet will have easy access to something less than great for their health. Perhaps fence or place these plants in places not accessible to your young pets.

 Are you properly storing lawn and garden pesticide containers? When you tidy up around the house, do you put food, liquor and tobacco products safely out of harm’s way? These precautions are second nature to households with children, but homes with animals must be just as secure.

There are neurological poisons found in lawn and garden pesticides, insecticidal aerosols. Signs of toxicity include apprehension, excessive salivation, urination, defecation, vomiting and diarrhea, excessive salivation, tremors, hyper-excitability or depression and pinpoint pupils. If an animal has absorbed enough of any neurological toxin, sudden death may be the only sign.

Coumarins, most recognizable as D-Con, a rat and mouse poison, affect the ability of the blood to clot. Mice that consume the poisoned grain essentially bleed to death. Your pets will be affected the same way, and the severity of the symptoms often depends on the amount ingested. Cats that eat poisoned mice can also become ill. If you find an empty box, look for labored breathing, anorexia, nosebleeds, bloody urine or feces and pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums.

Garbage is not often regarded as poisonous. However, toxins are produced by bacteria fermenting the garbage. Rapid and severe signs include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, painful abdominal distention, shivering, shock, and collapse.

How should pets be protected from these poisons? Some very simple rules to follow are:

    * Properly dispose of and store all pesticide containers up and out of sight of your pets. Make sure the lids are tight, the containers undamaged.

    * Use cords or locking lids for garbage cans. Put them in a heavy frame to prevent knock-down.

    * Keep pets off lawns sprayed with chemicals. Consult with the lawn care company for proper information on drying time and compounds used. Wash pets’ feet with mild soap and water if exposed.

    * Keep your pets out of vegetable and flower gardens.

    * Encase compost piles or use commercially made containers.

    * Never assume that a human drug is applicable to an animal unless a veterinarian instructs you to use it.

What is poisonous?

Here is a quick reference guide to the more common house and garden plants and foods that are toxic to most all animals and children. If you have these plants or foods, you need not dispose of them-just keep them away from pets and children. (* substances are especially dangerous and can be fatal).

Cardiovascular Toxins

Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, skin)*

Azalea (entire rhododendron family)

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)*

Bleeding heart*

Castor bean*

Foxglove (Digitalis)*

Kalanchoe*

Lily-of-the-valley*

Milkweed*

Mistletoe berries*

Mountain laurel

Oleander *

Rosary Pea*

Yew*

Gastrointestinal Toxins

Amaryllis bulb*

Azalea (entire rhododendron family)

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)*

Bird of Paradise

Bittersweet

Boxwood

Buckeye

Buttercup (Ranunculus)

Caffeine

Castor bean*

Chocolate *

Chrysanthemum (a natural source of pyrethrins)

Clematis

Crocus bulb

Croton (Codiaeum sp.)

Cyclamen bulb

Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)*

English ivy (All Hedera species of ivy)

Garlic*

Hyacinth bulbs

Holly berries

Iris corms

Lily (bulbs of most species)

Marijuana or hemp (Cannabis)*

Narcissus, daffodil (Narcissus)

Onions*

Pencil cactus/plant*

Potato (leaves and stem)

Rosary Pea*

Spurge (Euphorbia sp.)

Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Respiratory Toxin

Almonds*

Apricot*

Cherries*

Chinese sacred or heavenly bamboo*

Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)*

Elderberry, unripe berries*

Hydrangea*

Jimson weed*

Peaches*

Neurological Toxins

Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl)

Amaryllis bulb*

Azalea (entire rhododendron family)

Bracken fern

Buckeye

Caffeine

Castor bean*

Chocolate*

Choke cherry, unripe berries*

Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins)

Crocus bulb

Delphinium, larkspur, monkshood*

Lupine species

Marijuana or hemp (Cannabis)*

Mistletoe berries*

Morning glory*

Poinsettia

Potato (leaves and stem)

Rosary Pea*

Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins

Anthurium*

Begonia*

Caladium*

Calla lily*

Jack-in-the-pulpit*

Lantana*

Oak*

Philodendron*

Rhubarb leaves*

Scheffelera*

Shamrock*

If you suspect your animal may have ingested any of the substances on this list or if you pet shows any of the symptoms indicated below, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Take a sample of the suspected toxin and its packaging with you to the veterinarian. 

Information care of HealthyPet.com