At our recent meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall opened her presentation on peonies with a heartfelt childhood memory. She recalled how her mother would clip fresh peonies from the garden for Nancy and her siblings to bring to their teachers, a tradition that highlighted both the beauty and generosity associated with these timeless flowers. That personal story set the tone for an informative discussion about growing and caring for peonies successfully.

Nancy explained that although peonies are beloved by many gardeners, there are several common mistakes that can prevent them from thriving. First and foremost, peonies need plenty of sunlight — at least four hours of direct sun each day. Another common issue is planting them too deeply. Peony roots should be covered with no more than one inch of soil, as deeper planting can limit blooming. Proper soil conditions are equally important. Peonies prefer enriched, well-draining soil because overly wet conditions can damage roots and hinder growth.

She also shared several interesting facts about peonies, noting that these flowers have been cultivated for more than 3,800 years and come in countless cultivars and varieties. The three primary types are Herbaceous, Tree, and Intersectional peonies. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter, while Tree peonies develop permanent woody stems and produce especially large blooms. Intersectional peonies, often called Itoh hybrids, combine characteristics of both, with foliage similar to tree peonies but winter dieback like herbaceous varieties. Nancy added that tree peonies generally do not perform well in our area because their early blooms are often damaged by frost.
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Patience is also part of growing peonies successfully. Plants grown from seed may take seven years or longer to bloom, while those planted from roots usually flower within two to three years. Gardeners hoping for immediate blooms may want to splurge on a mature plant. Nancy emphasized that peonies dislike being moved once established. If an older plant no longer receives enough sunlight, she suggested purchasing a new plant rather than digging up and relocating the existing one. She also advised fertilizing peonies only when shoots are about six inches tall or again in the fall, using a super-bloom fertilizer. Finally, because the large blossoms can become quite heavy, she recommended using cages or supports to help keep the flowers upright and looking their best.

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Basil: The Crown Jewel of the Garden

​Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant, easy-to-grow herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and a favorite in home gardens and kitchens alike. Known for its fresh, slightly peppery flavor, it thrives in warm weather with plenty of sunlight and regular harvesting, which encourages fuller, bushier plants. With many varieties available, basil can bring a range of flavors to dishes—from sweet and mild to more complex, spicy notes.

At our recent meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall introduced Dr. Jim Mines, a horticulture educator and plant science specialist known for his work with community gardening programs and for sharing practical, research-based advice with home gardeners. Dr. Mines shared several engaging insights about basil. He highlighted different types and noted that basil stems are square, an identifying characteristic of plants in the mint family.

During a Q&A session, members asked about basil leaves turning dark after being cut. Dr. Mines explained that this discoloration is common and suggested placing freshly clipped sprigs in cold water to help preserve their color and freshness until they are ready to be used. He offered additional practical tips, leaving attendees with both a deeper appreciation for basil and useful ideas to try at home.

At our recent meeting, Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall gave a thoughtful presentation on snowdrops. These are the dainty and determined blooms that quietly announce the slow retreat of winter. Known scientifically as Galanthus, a name meaning "milk flower of the snow," these blossoms are far tougher than they appear. Nancy shared that with over 20 wild species and 2,000 cultivars, snowdrops are a diverse group that can thrive across USDA zones 3 through 9. One of their most fascinating traits is a biological antifreeze that allows them to recover perfectly after freezing temperatures so they can stand tall again once the air warms.

While they may be small, snowdrops are highly efficient plants. Each bulb produces a single flower that stays closed during the coldest hours to protect its reproductive parts. However, once temperatures reach 50°F, the outer petals open to reveal hidden nectar for early pollinators. Nancy explained that these flowers are best suited for woodland conditions. They generally prefer being in the ground over pots because they can naturalize more easily into graceful drifts.
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Beyond their beauty, Nancy highlighted the snowdrop’s incredible contribution to medicine, specifically its use in treating Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, she reminded members that this power comes with a warning: the bulbs are poisonous to humans and should be handled with care. By planting these resilient flowers in clusters under deciduous trees, we can enjoy their subtle charm and the promise of renewal they bring to the late-winter garden.

At our recent meeting, member Littany Hollerbach shared insights into what it means to become a Master Gardener and why this path is such a natural fit for garden club members. A Master Gardener is a trained volunteer, supported by the University of Maryland Extension, who shares research-based gardening knowledge with the public. This work is especially meaningful in Crofton, where our gardens are closely connected to stormwater runoff, mature trees, established neighborhoods, pollinators, wildlife habitat, and ultimately the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. What we plant and how we care for our landscapes truly matters beyond our own yards.

Littany highlighted that garden club members already embody many of the qualities of successful Master Gardeners. We share plants and gardening tips, value sustainability, and actively support community projects. Master Gardener training builds on this foundation by providing science-based knowledge, confidence in making recommendations, and opportunities to expand our impact locally. Training covers a wide range of topics, including soil and plant science, beneficial and harmful insects, native plants and pollinators, vegetable and ornamental gardening, and Bay-Wise and sustainable landscaping practices.

The journey does require commitment. Trainees must attend at least 75% of the Basic Training classes and pass a final exam before becoming Master Gardener Interns. Interns then complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved volunteer service to earn full Master Gardener status. To remain active, Master Gardeners complete annual volunteer service and continuing education hours and undergo background checks every three years. Training costs typically range from $150 to $300, with scholarships sometimes available. As Littany noted, this investment supports not only personal growth but also the broader community. We are fortunate to already have Master Gardeners among us, our own Trish Lilek-Demers, Paulette Heward and Verna Pond, who exemplify how this journey can enrich both gardeners and the places we call home.

For more information on becoming a Master Gardener, click the button below.

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.