Gary Raschella demonstrated a variety of pruning tools, a Fiskers Titanium lobber that is ratcheted for increased power, a professional lobber which is much heavier, various types of pruning shears, including a titanium pruner, a rose pruner and a sharpening tool.

Also recommended The Big Book of Gardening and Gardening in Deer Country.  Also websites for Virginia Cooperative Extension Services and Purdue University Dep't of Horticulture.

Chuck Greenlee outlined the programs for the Spring and after discussion among the members it looks as follows:

*All Meetings Scheduled for Tues. at 3:00 PM* unless otherwise noted:

*Wed. May 9*,* 10:30* at the Senior Center   Diana Ringelheim,  at the
Senior Center. Bringing House plants outside and compost, fertilizers and
other soil amendments. Bring your questions on any subject. 1st April
session was* very interesting!!* Double check 10:30 start.

* Friday, May 11, 9-1 PM* Westport Garden Club annual sale,  *Saugatuck
* Congregational Church lawn

*Tuesday, May 15, 3PM*, Trip to Filanowski Farm, Milford, meet Merritt

Parkway, exit 42. Personal Check or cash.  No credit cards. Wives/significant others invited.

*Tues May 22, 3 PM* Next regular Meeting at Wakeman Farm where Marty Yellin will have someone show us around. Bud Martin will give out seedlings of Cleomies, a prolific deer resistant flower, if available.

*Thurs May 24*  *2-5PM * After Ys Picnic Bob Fatherley's garden, 6 Wild
Rose Rd Westport, his neighbor, and near by Jerry Clair's
11 Caccamo Lane  Visit order to follow

June 26, we are back at the Y Board Room to discuss garden pests, insects, weeds, critters and plant disease.

July 24, Topics not determined

August 28, Discuss dividing perennials.

Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec will follow.

*Planned TRIPS*:

Trip to Conn. Agricultural Experiment Station - New Haven Date to be determined.

*Other Items*:

Scram Deer Repellant - Very Effective !!!
Milky Spores - Most effective for Grub Control!  Read directions but spread on BEFORE a rain!
Woodchuck and Chipmunk deterrent - Pour ammonia into their holes.
Virginia Creeper - A problem around here. Will be discussed further!

Use Milky Spores to eliminate grubs in the lawn. Milky spore powder is spread on the ground before rain. Will last 10 years.

To deter woodchucks and chipmunks, pour ammonia into their holes.

MIKE BELAGA