July Happenings
We have plenty of garden club activties to cover in this edition, since our last Happenings came out in June. But first, a reminder that our kick-off meeting for the 2026-2027 season is on Thursday, September 17, at 9 a.m. in the Morgera Room of the Stratham Fire Station. Don’t miss it!
Now let’s take a look at what the club has been up to this summer.
Foam-Free Floral Design Workshop
Club members gathered recently at Lee’s for a hands-on workshop to explore foam-free flower arranging. As florists and designers continue moving away from traditional floral foam because of its environmental impact, we introduced some sustainable mechanics that make arrangements possible without sacrificing creativity.
We looked at several methods of supporting flowers, including stem grids made from branches and foliage, taped grids, coated chicken wire, floral frogs, vintage floral cages, and newer sustainable products such as AgraWool and the Oshun Pouch.
After the demonstrations, everyone created their own arrangement using coated chickenwire, one of the easiest foam-free mechanics available. The coated wire is reusable for years, easy on the hands, and adapts to containers of almost any size or shape, making it a perfect choice.
The best part of the afternoon was seeing how everyone interpreted the same collection of flowers. No two arrangements looked alike!
Ann H.
Yuletide Fair Team Explores New Ideas for the Upcoming Fair
Design Committee members and Yuletide Fair volunteers under the direction of Design chair Lee, along with Linda S. and Maureen, past and new Ways & Means chairs, gathered at Lee’s for a craft exploration workshop to evaluate existing craft materials and unfinished projects that had accumulated in storage. The workshop focused on identifying supplies that could be repurposed into attractive, low-cost items for this year’s Yuletide Fair.
The 13 who attended sorted through donated materials, leftover project supplies, and natural elements, and they brainstormed fresh ideas for fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The goal was to create unique, nature-inspired sale items with minimal material costs and strong fundraising potential.
The afternoon generated a variety of creative possibilities for future projects, and a number of members committed to Yuletide Fair projects using existing materials and others to fresh new ideas. The workshop was productive and members were enthusiastic about the success of the Fair.
Ann H.
Our June Patriotic Picnic and Plant Auction was a red, white, & blue success thanks to the hard-working chairs, Paige C, and Pat N., along with their capable volunteer helpers. The bidding was fierce and the picnic lunch delicious. The new, abbreviated auction generated a very respectable $759 for our treasury.
Highlights from the May general meeting:
The Table Designs created by club members were beautiful. Color themes and decorative crockery, dishes, cups and silverware adorned the displays. From a romantic theme including lots of red roses and red tableware to another display with yellow flowers with matching napkins and cups. A favorite could have been the Ikebana display in its simplicity, but it was just too difficult to select just one!
Did you know that dandelions produce seeds that can travel up to 60 miles to find a spot to germinate? In addition, the flowers, which close at night can be made into fine wine. These plants are early pollinators and can be eaten in a salad or cooked. This info was presented by E&C’s Betsy V.
Susan P.
Here are the lovely Tablescape Designs and a few of their creators:
A Summertime Request from Vicki B and the Design Committee:
When you visit a beach, can you collect about 1/4 cup of sand in a baggy and write the name of the beach and state? Please bring bags to the September meeting for a craft idea for our November Yuletide Fair.
Other Garden Opportunities
July 28 | 7:00 – 8:15pm
Plant for Bees, Not Disease, presented by Blake Dinius, Entomologist Extension Educator, Plymouth County. Online via Zoom. Free.
New Englanders should enjoy the outdoors without worrying about ticks and mosquitoes. The bite of ticks and mosquitoes can have serious consequences, leading many people to turn to certain landscaping practices, such as pesticide use. Yet many strategies aimed at mitigating bites may also have negative consequences on pollinators. Come learn about tick and bee biology and ecology, anti-tick and bee-positive landscaping tips, and empowering self-protection practices. Register here.
August 12, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30pm. Hot Topics in the Garden: UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline Live!
NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH
Join us at the Massabesic Center for a special Infoline Live event with a panel of UNH Extension Home Horticulture staff and Master Gardener volunteers, with special guest scientist from NH Audubon. Ask your pressing yard and garden questions! We’ll also talk about this year’s hot topics.
This event will also be promoted as a Facebook Live event from the UNH Extension Yard and Garden page for those who want to join online.
RSVP for in-person attendance preferred by August 10th. Online attendance is open to all! Register here.