At our recent garden club meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall gave a presentation on persimmons, highlighting their beauty, flavor, and value in sustainable gardening.

There are two main types: astringent, like the American Diospyros virginiana, which must be fully ripe before eating, and non-astringent, like the Fuyu, which can be enjoyed while still firm.

Persimmon trees are low-maintenance, pest- and drought-resistant, and bring brilliant fall color and winter interest to the landscape. They also provide a valuable food source for birds and wildlife.

Some say persimmon seeds can forecast the winter: a spoon shape predicts lots of snow, a knife signals winds that will cut through you, and a fork indicates a mild season. Nancy had split a seed beforehand—and alas, it looked like a spoon, so we may have a snowy winter ahead!

To showcase their flavor, Nancy made delicious sugar cookies with a persimmon filling, giving members a sweet taste of this fall favorite.

Persimmons truly are nature’s sweet surprise—beautiful, beneficial, and a treat worth growing.

At our recent meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall shared exciting news about our new project, creating a Bluebird Trail at the Crofton Community Library. One active nesting box is already in place in the Native Garden, and the trail will expand from there with additional boxes to give these beautiful native songbirds safe places to raise their young. Club members will help care for the boxes, watch for nesting activity, and keep track of the bluebirds’ progress throughout the season. Beyond providing homes for the birds, the project will also give the community a chance to enjoy and learn about bluebirds up close. Visitors to the library will be able to follow along with the trail, making it not only a gift to nature but also a special way to connect people with the wonder of wildlife right here in Crofton — a perfect reflection of our club’s mission of conservation, education, and community service.

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Why Aren't My Irises Blooming?

Irises are known for their beautiful, showy blooms, but if yours aren’t flowering, you’re not alone. At our recent meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall discussed common reasons why irises may fail to bloom and how to fix them. The iris, named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, is celebrated for its striking form and dazzling range of colors. With over 300 recognized species worldwide, irises vary widely in size—from dwarf varieties just 6 inches tall to towering types that can reach up to 5 feet, such as Iris pseudacorus and some Japanese or Louisiana irises. Overcrowding is a common issue, as irises multiply quickly and compete for nutrients and space; Nancy emphasized dividing clumps every three to five years to ensure healthy growth and flowering. Planting depth also matters—if rhizomes are buried too deep, they may not receive enough sunlight. Nancy advised keeping the top of the rhizome exposed or just barely covered for best results. Irises also require at least six hours of direct sun daily; too much shade can result in lush foliage but no flowers, so relocating to a sunnier spot may help. Too much nitrogen can inhibit blooming by promoting leafy growth instead; Nancy recommended using a low-nitrogen fertilizer like 5-10-10 in early spring and after blooming. Improper pruning is another factor—cutting back leaves too soon weakens the plant, so it’s best to let foliage die back naturally to allow energy storage. Finally, newly planted or recently divided irises may take a season to establish before flowering. Patience and proper care are key. As a fun note, Vincent van Gogh, captivated by their bold color and unique shape, famously painted irises during his stay in a psychiatric hospital, seeing in them a symbol of hope and freedom. By following Nancy’s expert tips, you can help your irises thrive and enjoy their spectacular blooms year after year.

HORTICUTURE TOPIC: Benefits of Growing Native Violets

​Native violets (Viola spp.) are a charming and practical addition to any garden, offering both ecological and aesthetic benefits. Maryland is home to more than 20 native violet species, including the Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Marsh Blue Violet, and Field Pansy. These perennials bloom in early spring in shades of purple, white, yellow, and even green, adding a delicate beauty to the landscape. The Common Blue Violet is especially widespread and easy to spot in backyards or garden beds, often volunteering its way into lawns and flower borders. With their ability to spread through rhizomes and seeds, violets create a dense, low-growing groundcover that thrives in shaded or partially sunny areas—ideal for spots where grass struggles to grow.

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall recently highlighted the many benefits of incorporating native violets into garden spaces. In addition to their beauty and adaptability, violets provide important ecological support. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and their foliage is a vital food source for caterpillars of native butterfly species, including fritillaries, which rely on violets to complete their life cycle. Violets also help improve soil health by preventing erosion, retaining moisture, and enhancing soil structure, especially on slopes or shaded areas prone to runoff. Their dense growth helps suppress weeds, reducing the need for maintenance, and they are deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping.

By planting native violets, gardeners not only enjoy a lovely, low-maintenance groundcover but also support local biodiversity and contribute to healthier, more resilient ecosystems. This month, Nancy Percivall and Littany Hollerbach are collecting violets to replant in the Crofton Library garden areas. If you have violets volunteering in your yard or garden beds, consider digging and donating them. All donations are welcome and appreciated, helping to enhance a shared community space while promoting native planting.

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: What is LECA and Should It Be Used for Houseplants

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall discussed LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) and whether it should be used for houseplants. 

​LECA is a growing medium made of porous clay pebbles. These small, round balls absorb and retain water while allowing air to circulate around plant roots, reducing the risk of root rot. Unlike traditional soil, LECA doesn’t break down over time and is reusable, making it an eco-friendly option for plant lovers.

LECA is an excellent choice for certain plants, especially those that thrive in semi-hydroponic setups, like pothos, monsteras, and orchids. It helps regulate moisture levels and prevents overwatering, a common problem with soil-based growing. However, it requires a different care routine—plants in LECA need a nutrient-rich water solution since clay pebbles lack natural nutrients.

If you enjoy experimenting with new plant care methods and are comfortable with hydroponic principles, LECA can be a great alternative. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, soil might still be the best option for your houseplants.