Our November meeting featured Rita Wollmeringer, who gave an enthusiastic and informative presentation on “The Many Gifts of Herb Gardening.” She brought fragrant samples of some of the many herbs she grows, along with potted herbs and her own bottled herb salts, which she shared with members. Environment & Conservation members, Lynne B. and LuAnn F. discussed cranberries and pignuts, two foods that can be foraged in this area. The Promise Tree and Sales Table garnered a lot of activity and plans were finalized for the Yuletide Fair.

Preparations for the Yuletide Fair have been ongoing for months, but work on live arrangements took place the day before the fair. Many members joined in the effort – some working on arrangements and others assembling gnomes.

EAGC’s tables at the Yuletide Fair, on Nov. 23rd, were overflowing with our creative output and much of it went home with happy shoppers. Thanks to Johann S. and her large contingent of volunteers, the club brought in $1,195.33. Just as important as the profit was the camaraderie of members working together, sharing their creativity and talent.

Holiday spirit was contagious at our annual Holiday Luncheon on December 5 at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club. Members celebrated the season in front of a toasty fire with a delicious meal and a grab bag gift exchange. Ann H. and Patti S. documented the good times with these photos.

The Veterans Garden at Stratham Hill Park was decorated for the holidays by Mel M., who hung wreaths in honor of those veterans memorialized there.

Club News

The speaker for our January 16th meeting will be Lindsay Watkins, Extension Field Specialist, Forest Resources, at UNH. She will be speaking about “Cultivating Resilience in Landscape Trees,” an important topic to all of us, considering the impact of climate change and recent invasive insect infestations.

The January board meeting has been changed from January 2nd to Tuesday, January 7th, from 1 to 2 p.m. The location is still to be determined. Board members will be notified via email.

Melissa Law of Bumbleroot Organic Farm will be speaking at the Jan. 21 meeting of the Rye Driftwood Garden Club on “Building a Sustainable Small Farm.” Ryegardenclub.org.

The Portsmouth Garden Club will feature Card Making on January 15, presented by Jean Bell and Ann Radwan. Portsmouthgardenclub.com.

Coming soon: Photos of Betsy’s Annual Swap Shop Yankee Swap. You won’t want to miss them!

Happy Holidays!

Thanks to all the photographers who contributed to this Happenings: Ann H., Patti S., Lee C., Mel M. and anyone else I’ve forgotten!