Minnetrista Collects Maps
With a great map in hand, you can dream about exploring a different city, state, country, or continent. You can even go back in time and, in some cases, way, way back in time. One of more than 80 maps in the collection donated by Edmund F. Ball is titled America Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio. The black and white wood-engraved map from a 1588 – yes, that is the correct date – atlas shows a much different America than the one we know.
Joe-Pye Weed: A Towering Beauty
Of the herbaceous perennials at Minnetrista, Joe-Pye weed is one of the skyscrapers, reaching 7–8 feet tall. Although it’s slow to get going—it’s one of the last plants to start growing in spring—its height soon surpasses most plants around it.
Memories of Childhood on the Boulevard, Part I
Along with the usual contents such as community memorabilia and newspaper articles, there are some very special letters included in the Minnetrista cornerstone. They were written by Janice Ball Fisher, Helen Ball Robinson, Lucy Ball Owsley, Rosemary Ball Bracken, and their cousin Doris Mauck Friedrichs.
Diamond Heels Hattie Wows Muncie
In the early 20th century, Harriett Mitchell Anthony, a.k.a. “Diamond Heels Hattie” and “Hattie Bell” made quite a splash in her hometown of Muncie for her extraordinary clothing and for her shoes set with diamonds in the heels.
Watch Out! Crown Rot is Here
About this time last summer, I briefly mentioned a plant disease the gardeners and I were dealing with in the Minnetrista Boulevard planting bed. Called crown rot or southern blight, it was making quick work of hostas.
One year later, I wanted to write about it again, because guess what? We still have it and it is killing more hostas.
Three to Four Million Lids Made Per Day in Muncie!
Recently, I spent a pleasant lunch hour talking about the Ball family and the history of the company with approximately forty Jarden Home Brand employees. Jarden, of course, holds the license to make Ball jars. The company also manufactures the lids and bands for all canning jars at a facility located on the former site of Ball Brothers Company at Memorial Drive and Macedonia Avenue.
Perma—What?!
Behind The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista, there is a secret garden. Unassuming as it is, you might walk right past it. But take a closer look. This garden is bursting with food! And people! And…dogs? This is the Permaculture Demonstration Garden at Minnetrista, started in partnership with The Permaculture Initiative.
Remember, remember the rules for the canner!
This is not the first time I have written a blog like this. However, I think this information bears repeating. It is the beginning of garden season. Many of us who want a veggie garden already have the plants in the ground. This also means it is coming into the season for some heavy duty canning.
Happy Anniversary, Oakhurst
In March, I told you about the renovation work that will be done at Oakhurst this summer. There have been some delays, but the work is starting now, just in time to mark the twentieth anniversary of the public opening of the house on May 27. This year also marks 120 years since George and Frances Ball moved into the house.
The Mighty Portland High School
Two disclaimers to this article: (1) This photo is not a featured artifact from the Minnetrista Heritage Collection, and (2) I am not a football fan. However, I do know a good story when I hear one.
4 Great Grasses
Ornamental grasses can bring height, texture, and color to your garden. They also provide food, shelter, and nesting material for birds and other wildlife. When you stop by your local plant seller, consider trying one of these.
What to expect in the world of canning at Minnetrista!
IT’S MAY! Can you believe it?! I think I get shocked by May every year. I mean, it seems like winter lasts forever but then, BOOM! It’s spring! Well, May means time for planting gardens for canning. It also means canning programming at Minnetrista is right around the corner! A few months back, I ran a few possibilities for canning workshop recipes by you. Now I’d like to tell you what I have planned so you all can mark your calendars!
A Walk through Historical Muncie Coming Soon
Recently, I told you about upcoming renovation work to be done on the Oakhurst house. It must be the season to refresh and re-do. Work has been going on in The Center Building’s lobby for the last several weeks, and now the Heritage Collection Gallery is getting new carpet.
Is it time yet?
The weather is warming, the days are longer, and the familiar sight of daffodil and tulip foliage emerging from their dormant rest is telling us it is spring! I’d say that this time of year, like no other, really gets the gardener motivated.
Benefits of Gardening for Food Preservation
I don’t know about you, but the first nice day of this year, which happened to be the first day of spring, I got out in my yard and started to prepare the soil for my garden. I don’ t know if I should actually call it a garden…more like a little patch where I can grow a few plants. One day I WILL have a garden though!
Refreshing Look to Come for the Oakhurst Home
Oakhurst, the home of George and Frances Ball and their daughter Elisabeth, celebrates both its 120th and its 20th anniversaries this year. The house was built in 1895 and opened for public tours on May 27, 1995. It was designed by Indianapolis architect Louis Gibson who wanted the house to fit naturally into the oak grove selected by the family. Gibson did not paint the house, expecting that the wood siding and shingles would age naturally. Eventually, though, the house was both varnished and painted.
A Look Back at a Powerful Flood
This month marks the 102nd anniversary of the devastating flood of 1913. On March 24 and 25, rain inundated Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New York. With a late spring thaw, the ground was either saturated or still frozen. In Indiana, the Ohio, White, and Wabash Rivers and all of their tributaries rose rapidly; causing massive flooding.
Ephemeral Beauty
Did you know that some flowers begin growth in the winter? Spring ephemerals often start blooming before spring even arrives. Even now, with six inches of snow accumulation and a temperature of 14 degrees, winter aconite, scilla, , crocus, and many more are inching above ground, unfurling leaves, and producing flower buds. The best time to see these early beauties is approaching—they bloom from mid-March through April.