Before we get to the news of the month — please make sure you’ve renewed your membership for 2024-2025! The deadline for inclusion in the Yearbook is June 30. Please send your Registration Form with your dues to Niccky J. If you need your photo taken or would like a new photo for the yearbook, a photographer will be available at the June 19 Luncheon.
At May’s meeting, members stepped into the world of floral artistry with 6 club members presenting an Art in Bloom exhibit, where each display was inspired by beloved films. In a nod to the elegance of “Pride and Prejudice,” Lynda’s delicate roses intertwine with greenery, evoking the romance of Austen’s classic tale. What better movie for a Brit to choose! “Julie and Julia,” by Carol C., inspired a culinary delight, with vibrant herbs and edible flowers adorning a rustic kitchen garden tableau. Lee had us follow the yellow brick road to “The Wizard of Oz,” where we were transported to the land of Oz complete with a tornado.
For fans of modern romance, “You’ve Got Mail” displayed a New York City scene, as vibrant sunflowers spill over a mailbox, capturing the essence of love letters and city streets. With the movie, “Tulip Fever”, Lynne ignited the senses with a riot of tulips in rich hues, evoking the passion and intrigue of the Dutch Golden Age. And some of her props were beloved items passed down from her great-grandmother who hailed from Holland. Finally, with “Little Shop of Horrors” Nickky and Jan took a whimsically macabre turn with carnivorous plants, a playful homage to the cult classic’s dark humor. Each display was a testament to the artistry and imagination of our 6 members and we delighted in seeing favorite movies brought to life through flowers. Following the meeting, displays were transported to Wiggins Memorial Library to be on display for the enjoyment of library patrons. Bravo to all participants!
– Ann H.
These arrangements had to be seen in person to appreciate the detail and thought that went into them. Some included very personal items, such as the little soldier made for Lynda B. by her mother many years ago, and the Dutch family memorabilia from Lynne B., including the tiny wooden shoes worn by her grandmother. No wonder this is one of the most anticipated meetings of the year!
EAGC was very pleased to award our annual $1000 scholarship to Iain Nicol, a 2024 graduate of Winnicunnet High School in Hampton. Iain will be moving on to UNH to pursue chemical engineering with a focus on environmental conservation. To read more about his goals, go to our Scholarship page on the website.
Our yearly wrap-up Spring Luncheon and Plant Auction is only days away. This year brings something new & different – we will be meeting at the Abenaqui Country Club in Rye. The luncheon/auction is always a celebratory event and a fun and affordable way to take home new plants for the garden or patio. We will also be swearing in a new board officer (welcome Carmen G.!) and saying goodbye to Pat N., who has earned a well-deserved retirement (although she will still be busy, preparing next year’s yearbook.)
Last month we reported that our annual Indoor Yard & Bake Sale was a success, raising more than $1000 for our coffers. Our members donated plants, baked goods, and miscellaneous items in addition to the table rental we collected from outside vendors. Thank you to the Ways & Means committee, headed by Johann S. for making it happen.
More recently, EAGC was represented at the Exeter YMCA’s Healthy Kids’ Day. We were asked to (wo)man a table to help educate participating kids about gardening and hopefully encourage them to undertake some gardening of their own. Ann H. had this report:
Pat N., Jill C., and Ann H. represented the EAGC at the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day by presenting a sensory exploration of aromatic herbs. Smiles of accomplishment filled the air as children used their senses to guess each herb. The reward? A coveted Welch’s fruit snack and a colorful sticker for those who correctly identified at least one herb, adding a flavorful twist to the day’s activities.
Also available were tiny herb and tomato seedlings, cat grass seed kits for cat owners, and an opportunity to learn a little more about insects using posters from the Environment and Conservation Committee’s theme this year. Termites and stink bugs seemed to draw the most attention.
(Posters were designed by Jill C. Photos from Ann H.)
These are the worker bee who cleaned up the beds for spring at the American Independence Museum in Exeter. EAGC will again be maintaining the foundation beds for the museum, one of our community projects. If you’d like to be a part of this good-looking crew, contact Linda S.
Board News
- Please review your calendars for which month you would like to be on the refreshment committee during our next year. A sign up form will be at the June 19th luncheon. We will assure that there is a lead and 5 volunteers for each month. If you will be a lead for a month, you can send that info to Vicki B. and she will put you on the form before the luncheon. If you must have a specific month, send that to Vicki to fill in on the form. Thanks.
- The Membership committee is requesting that all members check their profiles on the website to make sure all your info is up to date, including your committee choices. You can find your profile by clicking on “Howdy, your name” on the top right of the website home page.
- There is an Inventory List on the website, under Members Only, that lists all club items and which member is holding it at this time. Please check that list to make sure that you have any items assigned to you. If you have club items that aren’t on the list or see any other errors, contact Vicki B.
Thank You!
If you haven’t been to Bedrock Gardens in Lee or haven’t been there recently, check out their website calendar. They have so many interesting activities planned for the summer. For the unitiated, “Bedrock Gardens is a public garden that integrates unusual botanical specimens and unique sculpture into an inspiring landscape journey. This 30-acre site has recently transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of horticulture, art, and inspiration.” Open Tuesday through Fri and the 1st and 3rd weekends of the month. 10 am to 4 pm. 19 High Road, Lee, NH 03861.
Coincidence or Planned?
Our May Meeting Mystery
