April General Meeting
Douglas Cygan, Invasive Species Coordinator at the State of NH Dept. of Agriculture, shared his conprehensive knowledge of NH Invasive Species with members at our April meeting. Doug is THE authority on this topic in New Hampshire and is obviously very passionate about his topic. Everyone who attended came away with a much greater understanding of the negative effects of invasives and how those are being addressed.
The Hospitality committee, coordinated by Jill C., did its usual magic, providing a refreshment table that was both spring-like and mouthwatering.
Treasures Unveiled – A Promise Tree Event
Lee C., a passionate collector of Japanese art, welcomed club members to her Asian room to explore the history, the craftsmanship and sprit of her collections. Starting with the bright red wedding kimono she stands before, she shared the intricacies and history of many of her pieces from jewelry to hair ornaments, ceramics, furniture, cloth, carvings, and paintings. Favorite items were passed around to admire the details and artwork, such as the delicate netsukes, tiny carved masterpieces worn on obi sashes of kimonos.
Following her presentation, Lee gathered her guests around the table for a traditional Japanese lunch, explaining each delicious course as it was brought to the table. Everyone savored the flavors of every successive dish. It was a wonderful time of camaraderie, hospitality, and teaching in Lee’s comfortable home.
One of our club’s most important community service projects, the Veterans Memorial Garden in Stratham, is in need of more volunteers to help maintain it this summer. As anyone who’s been there knows, this garden is a lovely, peaceful place to spend some quiet time. Why not do a little weeding & deadheading while enjoying the beauty? Contact Mel M. to sign up for a week.
Board News
- Our Indoor Yard Sale is tomorrow (Saturday, the 11th). Remember your Baked Goods and Yard Sale items – which should be brought to the Stratham Municipal Center between 2 and 5 Friday or by 8 on Saturday.
- Returning and incoming officers and committee chairs are invited to the June transition meeting on Monday, June 17, at LuAnn F.’s home. Please reserve the date; more details to follow.
- Time to renew your membership! Please download the Registration Form from the website (here) and bring it along with your check to the May 16 meeting.
- If you haven’t signed up for our Spring Luncheon and Auction yet, contact Paige C. The deadline is May 25th!
Lee C., with the assistance of Ann H., is again representing our garden club with an arrangement at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art’s annual Art in Bloom event, Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23. Some of you will remember that on Lee’s first attempt at this event two years ago, she placed second! Lee has just chosen the artwork she will be interpreting and has shared a sneak preview.
‘Tis the season for Plant Sales! Patti E. has done some excellent research and compiled a list of local sales, which she posted on our Facebook page (find it here – visit and like it often!) Here’s a brief rundown of her efforts. She also offers precautionary advice regarding invasive jumping worms.
A gentle reminder to wash the roots of your plants before transplanting to prevent the spread of jumping worms and their eggs.
Other Local Events
- The Portsmouth Garden Club Literature in Bloom is displaying floral arrangements at Portsmouth Public Library. This year they are featuring Children’s books. Display is free and open to the public beginning at 1:00pm on Wednesday, May 15 through Friday, May 17 at noon.
- Online. Emily May, Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Xerces Society will present “In the Life of Nocturnal Pollinators” on May 23 from 1:00 – 2:00pm. Learn about the pollinators that come out to work as others turn in for the evening. Moths, flies, beetles, and other dusk and night-time pollinators play important roles in pollinating wild and managed plants. Free. Click here to register.
This Month’s Big Question: Does leaving the dandelions in my lawn benefit pollinators?
I know of a certain husband (who will remain un-named) who strongly believes that dandelions serve no purpose other than to aggravate lawn lovers. Steph Sosinski, Home Horticulture Program Manager for UNH, has written an article that should help put that question to rest. Here’s her opinion.
Member Ginny T. was fortunate enough to be hiking in Leavenworth, WA when she came across some amazing flowers – Chocolate Lillies: