Reward Update

In the Aug 4, 2015 post on this blog I provided information on how families can help support the Matzke Park Butterfly Garden by linking their Kroger Reward Card to ABCS, the charity that supports Matzke Park.  ABCS has been providing support to the garden for years, but the number of families has dwindled from dozens, to just 3 as of the end of the first quarter.  

I am aware that a few more have signed up in the past few months so things should be getting better. Kroger paid on a yearly basis a few years ago and the 2011 check was for $164.39, so the effort to sign up is quite worthwhile.  ABCS has always put these funds into the Butterfly Garden.

Kroger now pays out on a quarterly basis.  The last check from Kroger which was then donated to the Butterfly Garden was for $26.77 which included the first two quarters, as they only issue a check for more than $25.00   This was then given to the Norchester Garden Club Treasurer for use by the Butterfly Garden.  

I understand that in recent conversations there was a request to post the sign-up info again.  Here it is.. 

Link your Kroger Plus Card ABCS to support the Matzke Park Butterfly Garden. Purchases you make at Kroger (not the gas) increase what Kroger donates to a charity if a Kroger card is linked to it and used at check-out.  This does not impact accumulating your fuel points.   

If you currently have an on-line account with Kroger (for their coupons and specials) visit http://www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com   to link your card.   The Butterfly Garden's number is 82607  and is listed under Association for Better Community Schools (ABCS). All Kroger Reward proceeds are sent to the Norchester Garden Club and designated for Garden maintenance and improvement.

If you do not have an on-line account, click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box. You will need to provide the number on your card.  If you use your phone number (instead of your card) at the register call 800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your Plus Card number.

If you do not have a Kroger plus Card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger. If you have problems signing in or creating an account please call Online Account Customer Service: 1-866-221-4141

Pruning Time

Mea Culpa...   Yes it is my fault.. I have been neglecting the blog of late.  But the ladies of the Norchester Garden Club have continued to improve the look and health of the Matzke Park Butterfly Garden with their thinning and pruning.  The Horticulture Chairperson has published the October report which is on pruning.  It offers some guidance on getting your yard plants ready for their winter rest. 

And.. the report leads off with information on "Oe." This is a protozoan parasite that plays heck with Monarch butterflies and infests some types of butterfly weed.  Oe, otherwise known as Ophryocystis elektroscirrha ,  is present in the Norchester area.

You may read, save, or download the October horticulture report.  Just click HERE for the report on dropbox. Close or ignore any messages for login, signup, etc.. nothing is required except patience for the PDF file to load.