The club met on Nov. 15 at First United Methodist Church. After members enjoyed social time and snacks, Co-President Carol Ballard opened the meeting with members responding to roll call by naming their favorite garden hint. Kathy Schultz was introduced as a new member. Joyce Osterud presented a program on bulbs, identifying several kinds and their individual characteristics, times and methods of planting, and care during and after flowering. Jo Vernon provided each member with a vase, hyacinth bulb, charcoal pellet and ribbon, along with instructions to bring the bulb to bloom indoors.
Minutes of October’s meeting were approved as emailed; treasurer was unable to attend. In committee reports, Linda Myers encouraged members to buy seeds now for spring while they are on sale, and be prepared by reading gardening magazines and making notes. Susan Kurfess advised to not put rocks in the bottom of flower pots as drainage can be slowed in transition from one material (dirt) to another (rocks). Jean Ladd compiled quotes from previous garden group program booklets with inspirations and anecdotes. Vernon reported on the Roseate Spoonbill and also gave a report with hints about growing a Christmas cactus to a ripe old age.
Amy Harrison-Kinder reported on attending the regional meeting in Delta and a report on hedge apples dispelled any advantages of controlling spiders. The Delta police chief presented a program on scams with suggestions of how to avoid them.
In new business, Susan Enright has checked about the possibility of donating monies toward the all-inclusive playground at Carter Park. Kristen Otley has said that it would be most welcome. Carol Mowen moved that the group donate $700 for trees at the site in the spring; it passed.
For the Christmas Project, Crim Elementary has once again requested wrapping paper as a suggested donation. Donations of adult and children gloves mittens, hats, scarves and socks are needed at the Presbyterian church. Enright moved that the group donate to both and bring items to the December meeting; it passed.
In old business, Pat Limes has contacted the city about needing dirt replenished at the welcome sign at the north end of town in both the top planting section and the two tiers below where flowers are planted every spring.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday at Bowling Green Country Club at 6 p.m. for a holiday celebration hosted by Jo Sipes and Linda Moore.
