It’s officially gardening season (finally!) That means our winter bodies will be taxed with lifting, bending, pulling, lugging – all those movements that can result in sore muscles and the various & sundry aches and pains that come with gardening. Join us on this Thursday, the 16th, at our general meeting for speaker Kristy Kaffo, who will offer advice on “how to keep doing what you love—without the aches, falls, or frustration”. Occupational therapist Kristy, of Aging With Ability, will present a lively, hands-on program designed for gardeners who want to keep enjoying their favorite hobby for years to come.
Learn practical tips to prevent aches, strains, and falls, discover adaptive tools that make gardening easier, and try simple stretches and strength exercises tailored for garden lovers. Whether you tend a single pot or a full backyard plot, you’ll leave with strategies to protect your body and make gardening safer, more comfortable, and even more fun. Topics will include a Gardener’s Body Check Up; Tool Time; Bend, Lift, and Carry Like a Pro; Balance Boosters; and Garden Design for Aging In Place.
It’s that time again! Membership and Dues
As we look ahead to another successful year for our club, we will begin collecting membership registrations and dues at the April and May meetings to avoid the summer scramble. Thank you all for helping make this transition work so well last year!
A few important details:
• $25 Dues for next year will be collected at the meetings in April and May
• Checks will be held by the treasurer until July 1 when the new year officially begins
• August 1 is the firm payment deadline for inclusion in the printed yearbook
To make things a little more fun…
★Members who register and pay in April will be entered into two special raffles
★ Members who register and pay in May will also be entered into two raffles
Although you may pay at the luncheon in June, early registration means your Membership Chair gets to enjoy the June luncheon alongside all of you instead of hosting a “membership line.” 😀
Membership registrations forms are available here or at the Membership table at the meetings.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. It does make a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime!
Ann Hohenberger, Membership Chair
John Forti, of Bedrock Gardens in Lee, was the featured speaker at our March meeting. Always a popular presenter, John filled the room not only with members but with guests as well. He spoke passionately about the value of saving and propagating native plants for future generations.
Jill C of Environment & Conservation, enlightened us about that old favorite, chickweed, in this March’s edition of “Keep It Or Kill It”. Believe it or not, Jill found a few reasons to tolerate chickweed. Always present at the meetings, our Club Connections table drew interest with its varied selection of sale items. Since Club Connections (which replaced our Promise Tree) is relatively new, Linda S has a brief explanation:
Club Connections encourages members to participate in activities that are fun and a great way to get to know each other. The host organizes the event with date, time, place, and price. Please think about hosting a game afternoon, teaching a craft, offering to divide or repot plants, plant bulbs, weed.
Consider having a cookie swap, a wine and cheese tasting, a morning coffee, a dessert tasting, a garden party or a tour of your garden.
Contact Linda S with any ideas.
Spring has sprung, so don’t forget to bring your most interesting bloom for the Hort Table at the April meeting. The display has been sparse during the winter months, but now is the time to show off some of your early bloomers for all to enjoy.
Committee News
The Design team would appreciate donations of small floral containers brought to the April meeting. We will be making small Mother’s Day arrangements on Thursday, May 7, at 1 pm, Lee C’s garage.
Lee C and the Design committee have planned an Ikebana Workshop for April 30 at 9:30, at the Stratham Library meeting room. This event is for those with some Ikebana experience and tools, who are looking to expand their design abilities. Ten participants have signed up, but there is room for 5 more. There will be additional seating available for approximately 10 observers. Lee’s very good friend, Martha Hamilton from Bangor, ME, is again coming to demonstrate and work with participants in creating linear Ikebana arrangements. Contact Lee for info.
The Hospitality committee has an exciting Patriotic Picnic planned for our Spring Luncheon and Plant Auction, on June 18. The festivities will be held in the Morgera Room at the Fire Station and will include a buffet, a new & improved plant auction, and some fun surprises. All for $30! Sign-up for the party will be available at the April and May meetings, so bring your checkbook. For more info, contact Paige C or Pat N.
Paige & Pat are also looking for eight members to create picnic-themed centerpieces for the luncheon – so get your red, white and blue creative juices flowing! Click here to get the details about the centerpieces.
EAGC members have been invited to visit the celebrated gardens of Cynthia Hosmer on June 2 at 11 a.m (rain dates June 1 or 3.) This is a special invitation for members only and is free, however an optional donation in Cynthia’s name to the Garden Conservancy is suggested. Sign-up will be available at future meetings.
Attention Committee chairs and anyone else wanting to add an item to the Happenings: please submit your information to LuAnn F by the second Tuesday of the month to ensure it’s included in the current Happenings.
Other Garden Resources
April 15, 10 AM “Container Gardens for Everyone”. Meredith Pirnie and Jen Thayer – Gardener’s Supply. Portsmouth Garden Club – held at the Urban Forestry Center, Elwyn Rd., Portsmouth. https://www.portsmouthnhgardenclub.com/programs
April 18 | 10:00am – 12:00pm “Easy to Grow Vegetables”
Join UNH Extension Master Gardener Maureen Sinclair to learn how to start growing vegetables without getting overwhelmed. What are the “easy” vegetables to grow? How do you pick healthy plants from the garden center? What should we be observing in our gardens? All these questions and many more will be answered to help you maximize early successes, learn by doing, and have fun growing vegetables. Info here.
April 21, 9:30 AM “Birdscaping: Landscaping for the Birds” Stacey Scaccia – UNH Extension. Presented by Rye Driftwood Garden Club. Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Road, Rye, NH.
April 25 – 7AM until sold out — Wellington Gardens 4” Perennial Sale. All 4” perennials just $3.
May 2 – 7AM until sold out — Wellington Gardens Annual 6 pack sale. 6 packs just $2.50. 89 Rowell Road East, Brentwood, NH 03833. https://www.wellingtongardens.com/
Friday, May 8th | 3:00–6:00 PM, Saturday, May 9th | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM — Spring Plant Sale, Historic Town Hall, Church Street, Deerfield, NH. We will have a beautiful selection of perennials, native perennials, annuals and more to help you get your gardens growing. Whether you’re starting a new garden bed, adding pollinator plants, filling your containers, or refreshing your landscape, you’ll find something you can’t leave without.
Fri. May 15th | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sat. May 16th | 9:00 AM – Noon. Rye Driftwood Garden Club plant sale. Goss Farm, 251 Harbor Road, Rye, NH. https://www.ryenhgardenclub.org/plant-sale
Edited by LuAnn F
Photos by Ann H, Lee C
