April Happenings
Day by day, signs of emerging spring can be seen in our plant zone. Buds on trees, grass greening up, favorite songbirds return and spring bulbs blossom. Yippee!
And though tempted, I’ve resolved not to remove the leaf debris around my perennials. Pollinators may be living within. I must wait a bit longer….
At our next meeting on April 17, the program will be “Rewild with Pollinators and Native Plants”, presented by kdb Dominquez. This Maine Artist/Garden Designer has evolved into a Garden Rewilder, an UN-gardener, a lover of nature and embracing all it can bring to our lives. She evaluates the use of your available outdoor space and budget, then creates a template for good design by researching the specific native and pollinator plants that once lived in your particular zone.
Doors open at 9 for social hour and refreshments (bring your own beverage), followed by a short business meeting at 10, and then the featured program. Our meetings are free and open to everyone.
The following week on April 24th, the Design Committee is sponsoring the workshop “Foraging for Spring” at the Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham. At this writing, Lee C. said there were 3 openings. Participants should take along a container. The workshop runs from 10 am to noon. Lee has provided examples of the designs to be created:
Photos by Lee C.
Paige C. announced that our spring luncheon, a Musical Garden Party, will take place on Thursday, June 5. Possibly to become a new tradition, the event will feature a boxed lunch and a dress code! We’ll gather at the Morgera Room where tables will be set with centerpieces designed by members in the theme “Music and Flowers.” These works of art will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Come and enjoy time with friends and see a fashion show, too. Wear your favorite flowery dress, skirt or blouse. All this for $20. There’s a raffle too – two quilts donated by members! Bring your very reasonable payment of $20 to the April or May meetings or send it to Paige.
Photos by Paige C.
May is Membership Month for EAGC. All membership renewal forms should be submitted no later than May 31. But why not get a jump on the deadline and fill out your form now? It will make Ann H.’s job much easier. The registration form can be found here or you can pick one up and fill it out at the next meeting. Our dues are still just $25 – what a bargain! (Make checks payable to EAGC.)
The March meeting was a delight. Two very spirited florists from Flowers by Marianne in Hampton Falls whipped up FIVE arrangements right before our eyes! The demonstration included tips for treating flowers for a longer show, like piercing tulip stems with a pin to help it stand upright and prevent drooping. We also had a primer on floral arranging helpers such as floral tape and wire, and stem wrap. These bouquets were donated by the shop and sold to members by silent auction. We also had two mini-presentations from Environment and Conservation Committee members Anne H. and Lynne B. Lingonberry, a beneficial native shrub, and a newly available mulch composed of chipped leaves were discussed.
Thanks to Joyce H,, Carol C., Ellen J., Vicki B., and Jane J. for the wonderful refreshments. Jane also provided the lovely yellow tulips. Photos: Ann H.
Committee News
• Linda S. has received 4 applications for our annual Scholarship, an increase from recent years. Her committee will choose the best candidate and the scholarship will be awarded in May.
• Johann S. is seeking help for our big fundraiser “Bargains, Baked Goods and Plants” on May 10. Bakers, set-up help, and people to sell are needed. Spring is a great time to divide plants. Please pot up some of your plants soon so the plants will recover in time for the sale. Find Becky M.’s very helpful suggestions for potting up plants here. Sign up for event setup on Friday, May 9, and the sale on the 10th will be available at the April meeting.
• Ginelle H. asks that we be on the lookout for pretty gardens in our area. Aren’t we always doing that? Yes, of course, but we need to identify gardens that are worthy of our annual Beautification Award. When you see one, note the location and if possible, take a photo and report back. Awards are available for both residential and commercial gardens. The deadline for submission is June 14.
– Environment & Conservation has received 8 qualifying applications for our 2025 Pollinator Mini-Grants. Linda V. and Betsy V. are meeting with their committee soon to finalize the grants.
– Horticulture chair, Kathryn J. reminds members to raid their gardens for an especially interesting bloom or stem to display on the Hort Table at our April meeting. Our gardens should finally be producing some colorful options!
Area Activities and Events
Recently the Granite Post, an online news service, published a list of public gardens throughout the state. Chances are you’ve been to some, but if you want to meet some others, take a look at the list, complete with opening date, admission fee, address, and special features. The List
Speaking for myself, I’ll be traveling to at least one of these gardens. If you want to come along, I’ll drive!
April 10th – UNH Extension is offering “Easy to Grow Vegetables”, 6:00-7:30pm (Thursday) in-person at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center in Auburn. Part of the 2025 Demonstration Garden Workshop Series. Info here.
April 12 9am-3pm
UNH Macfarlane Research Greenhouses Open House
13 Botanical Drive, Durham
This annual event is a chance to see the greenhouses, and talk to scientists and other hort people about what’s on your gardening mind and what research projects are being undertaken. Free parking, registration not required. More info
April 15 Rye Driftwood GC 9:30 coffee,10:30 program
Rye Congregational Church
“The Language of Flowers: Expressing Special Meaning Through Arrangements” Bridget Shannon of Nowadays Flowers, Dover, will speak about how flowers can express our feelings. Nowadays grows its own flowers!
April 16 Portsmouth GC 10am meeting, 11am program
Urban Forestry Center, Portsmouth.
“3 Seasons of Outrageous Color from Perennials” with Kerry Mendez. Kerry is a very dynamic speaker, and a knowledgeable gardener who has great ideas about creating a lovely flower garden that is not finicky and is easy to care for.
April 29 – 7:00 – 8:15pm, Online. “Bee-Friendly Retailer Scorecard”. Learn how the U.S. food retail sector’s use of pesticides is harming pollinators and contributing to biodiversity loss, and how Friends of the Earth is galvanizing change. Free. Info.
May 18 – Newburyport Green Expo – 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 32 North Atkinson St, Newburyport, MA. Presented by The Massachussetts Pollinator Network. Info.