Annual Moonlight Quilters Challenge Quilt
The Moonlight Quilters annual Challenge Quilt theme is developed by the current Vice President and approved by the Board of Directors. The theme, rules, parameters and any supplies will be introduced in January and the completed quilts will be revealed at the September business meeting. This is an optional activity for all members, but those who participate are also encouraged to display their Challenge Quilts in our annual Wine Country Quilt Show the following June. Please contact the current Vice President for further information.
The Brilliance of Burbank – 2011 MQSC Challenge Project
Due September 7, 2011
Luther Burbank was a brilliant self taught horticulturist who spent most of his adult life in Sonoma County. Born in Massachusetts on March 7, 1849, he later moved to Santa Rosa at the age of 26 after he sold the rights to a hardy potato he developed for $150.00. The Burbank potato later became known as the Idaho potato.
With no more than an elementary education Luther went on to develop over 800 different plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts and flowers on his farm in Sebastopol and at his home in Santa Rosa. Luther was also a voracious reader, author and philosopher. He had very strong views on religion, education, nature and people in general. Many of his quotes are famous, such as this one regarding Sonoma County, “I firmly believe, from what I’ve seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned”, was printed everyday in the Press Democrat for years.
Luther Burbank died in April of 1926. Today we honor him, not only by naming streets, schools and buildings after him, but in California, Luther’s birthday March 7, is honored every year as Arbor Day.
*The Moonlight Quilters challenge this year is very simple; you must honor Luther Burbank in some way. Be inspired by his creations, home, garden, ranch and quotes. Think outside the box and make something unique, but it must contain at least 1 thing that Luther created, a flower, tree, quote or picture, and as always it must have a moon.
I hope you have fun with this challenge. Get out and visit Luther’s home or ranch. Check out his books form the library, do some research on line, there is plenty of information out there.
Enjoy,
Dena Harding – gdharding@comcast.net
Just a few plants developed by Luther Burbank
Shasta Daisy, Elberta Peach, Freestone Peach, Elephant Garlic, Idaho Russet Potato, Royal Walnuts, Golden Nectarines, Burbank Tomatoes, Santa Rosa Plum, Plumcot, White Blackberry, Spineless Cactus, Fire Poppy