I don’t know about your gardens, but there’s not much gardening happening at my house. The heat and humidity have driven me to any air conditioned refuge I can find. Trying to accomplish something garden-related, I’ve been venturing out late in the day to map the plants in my beds. This will give me a head start this fall when it’s time to move and/or divide plants that have outgrown their little pieces of real estate.
This heat wave allows extra time with your computer or phone to take a look at Ann H.’s most excellent photographic documentation of our June Luncheon and Plant Auction, held this year at the Abenaqui Golf Club in Rye. It was the general consensus of members that the venue and food were excellent, and Max F. performed her usual magic by auctioning off every plant just in time for the salads to be served. In addition to a delicious meal and a fun auction, our Executive Board was sworn in. Thanks go to Paige C. and her committee, who made all the arrangements for our luncheon, along with the centerpieces and favors.
At the end of a fun afternoon, eight fortunate members won the centerpiece of their choice: Jan C., Carol C., Nickky J., Lynda B., Ginelle H,. Anne C., Linda S., and Audrey B. Congrats!
EAGC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lee C. for securing 3rd place in the People’s Choice Award out of over a dozen floral designs at the Ogunquit Museum’s Art in Bloom event. She competed for EAGC against several garden clubs, professional florists, and independent designers. Receiving this achievement reflects her dedication and passion for the craft and she inspires us all with her creativity. Well done, Lee! She and Ann H. spent hours traveling to and from Ogunquit, designing the arrangement, and lining up supplies. This was Lee’s second time participating in this competition, as a representative of EAGC. Thank you, Lee, for putting our club on the map!
Are you in the mood for a mid-summer garden tour? The Garden Club of Deerfield is sponsoring a garden tour on Saturday, July 20th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Maps will be available at the welcome station at Blooms & Brews Cafe, 38 North Rd. in Deerfield from 8 a.m. to noon. For more info, contact Amanda Beauchamp at 603-560-2039.
For those not inclined to travel to Deerfield, let’s take a photographic tour of some gardens closer to home. Last year our Environment & Conservation Committee awarded one of its pollinator mini-grants to Renee Richards of Exeter. The committee made its routine tour of the awarded gardens in the late summer. This June we received this message from Renee, via our Facebook page:
“I was a bit mortified at how sad this looked when your group came by at the end of last summer, but it is certainly thriving now. And the pollinators truly love it. I have dragonflies, bees, hummingbirds, etc. Truly appreciate the grant!” Renee included photos; it’s obvious why the pollinators love her garden.
Our club was contacted last year by Tom Cregan, a seven-year resident of Exeter who has been planning and developing a garden on his property. He forward some pictures to us this summer to demonstrate the progress he’s made. Certainly impressive gardens!
I hope these photos have inspired you to take a few pictures of your own garden to share with members. Email them to me and I’ll add them to the next Happenings. It’s always fun to see what others are growing – even if it’s in a pot on the patio!
LuAnn
