The Yellow Jessamine monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, November 4, at the home of Frances Tyler. Annette McNeill opened our meeting with a devotion about overcoming worldly situations through our faith in God. (1 John 5:4) Ms. McNeill said a blessing for our delicious hors d’oeuvres served by our hostess, Ms. Tyler.
As the meeting resumed, Glenda Campbell, President of YJGC, we pledged to the flag of the Garden Club of SC. Minutes were read by Betty Hubbard and approved. Other reports were given and then Terry Hayes presented the flower of the month. She selected the Chrysanthemum since the fall season is upon us.
Mrs. Hayes stated that Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, were native to Asia and the original ones were golden in color; however, today they come in a variety of colors. In
Asia, Chrysanthemums are a sign of youth and dates back to the 15th century. They were used medicinally and in foods to help with headaches and blood pressure. The Chrysanthemum is the official flower of Chicago in the USA and the National flower of Japan. Chrysanthemums symbolize diRerent meanings across cultures. In Japan, they are a symbol of nobility and royalty; in Asia they symbolize life and rebirth, and in America, respect. Not only are mums beautiful but are a great addition to gardens and floral arrangements.
Mrs. Hubbard presented the lesson for the evening on blueberries. Here are a few major points that were mentioned.
Blueberries are nutritious and have great health benefits. They help fight diseases, enhance skin health, support eye health, regulate blood sugar, improve heart and digestive health, boost the immune system, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Blueberries grow best in acidic soil and plenty of sunlight (full sun). Usually, several growing seasons are expected before a good harvest. They have pointed, oblong leaves and are leathery to the touch and turn a beautiful red in the fall. Blueberries are a shallow-rooted plant, and they require soil that holds moisture, but also drains well and doesn’t stay wet.
Blueberries can self-pollinate. Usually having two or more bushes in close proximity have higher yields. A single bush can produce 6,000 blueberries in a year.
There are four main types of blueberry plants: highbush, lowbush, half-high, and the rabbiteye and are classified by their size. Harvesting occurs usually in the months of June through August. Relatives to the blueberry bush are bilberry, cranberry, huckleberry, and lingonberry.
The blueberry is the only naturally occurring blue food. The pigment in the blueberry responsible for its color is anthocyanin. Blueberries contain the highest level of antioxidants among all fruits and vegetables. This plant is very sturdy and can grow in tough conditions. Many have been found to withstand areas prone to forest fires.
The indigenous people of North America ate blueberries, however, the name of the fruit was called “star fruits” and have been a part of the human diet for over 13,000 years.
Frederick Coville and Elizabeth White are the two people responsible for domesticating the blueberry in the early 1900s.
The United States is number one in blueberry production globally, followed by Peru, South Africa, Canada, and Mexico. Washington is the leading state in blueberry production in the United States. It produces around 200 million per year. Oregon and Georgia rank second and third, producing 150 million and 100 million, respectively. New Jersey has the blueberry as its oRicial state fruit. July is National Blueberry Month in the United States.
The Yellow Jessamine Garden Club of Dillon is a member of the Na9onal Garden Clubs, Inc., South Atlantic Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc., The Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., and Coastal District of the Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc.
Yellow Jessamine Garden Club Has Informative Program On Blueberries
