What a terrific garden club season! Interesting programs, successful fundraising events, lots of committee work done and a lovely closing luncheon! And all the while, friendships were forged and strengthened. That’s a win all around.
Exeter Area Garden Club Blooms at the John Paul Museum
Kathryn J., Lee C., and I had the pleasure of participating in Art in Bloom at the John Paul Jones Museum in Portsmouth. What truly made this experience special was the camaraderie we shared, from brainstorming ideas and sourcing material, to cheering each other on. Each design had its own voice and uniqueness. The event wrapped up with a garden party full of participants and museum supporters where we visited with old friends and made new friends. Happy to find EAGC’s Judy R. at the party cheering us on!
Ann H.
A fun, new theme and venue for our June Luncheon and Plant Auction was well received by the many members who attended. Paige C. and Nancy D. organized a lovely Garden Party – complete with music-themed table decor and delicious boxed lunches. The mood was festive, the bidding was hot, and the plant auction was completed in record time by our uber-efficient auctioneer, Patti E. The gathering was wrapped up with the acknowledgement of 5 long-time members (20 years or more!) who received a selection of cut flowers to honor their dedication to the club.
The May meeting program, initiated by Lee C., the chair of the Design Committee, was really beautiful. The design challenge? Create a display on a tray which might include a place setting, or a collection of some kind and, of course, a floral arrangement. Six members took up the challenge: Paige C, Betsy V, Nancy D, Linda V, Patti S, and Kathryn J. Each designer spoke about her creation. Many included things acquired on trips or precious things handed down by a family member. It was so enjoyable! I move we do it again next year.
Thank you to Carol C. for a very thorough talk on mint at May’s meeting. If you grow mint, and mind it so it doesn’t take over, it is a lovely herb in summer drinks and dishes.
Committee News
Although we take a break from monthly meetings for the summer, the Civic Beautification Committee will, as usual, be caring for several public gardens in Exeter and Stratham. New to the list this year is the Danielle Harmon Garden at Stratham Hill Park, which our club supported this year. This garden has been maintained faithfully by Mel M. since its creation. Spring cleanup and preparation for Memorial Day was also completed at the Veterans Garden in Stratham.
Committee chair Linda S. would like you to thank the all of members who signed up to maintain the perimeter gardens at the American Independence Museum and the Veterans Garden. The schedules are posted on the club website under the Members Only section. Linda needs members to help maintain the flag pole garden at the Stratham Fire Department. It’s a small garden and only takes a few minutes to pull some persistent vines and other weeds every other week. Please email Linda to volunteer.
Mel M., Vets Garden overseer, would like to share this gardening recommendation: “I want to give a huge ‘shout out’ to Ann Hohenberger for her recommendation of “Leaf Mulch”. I’ve used it in both the Veteran’s Garden and the Danielle Harmon garden in Stratham Hill Park this Spring.
And I can’t say enough about it. After constant weeding in Danielle’s garden, I was astounded what a difference the Leaf Mulch made.
Have used bark mulch in the past, with good success, but after a couple years, have to pick up the big wood chunks. Leaf mulch is so light weight, easy to spread, and attractive. Thank you Ann for sharing such a wonderful new product.”
Ginelle H. reports that the Awards Committee had a good turnout for nominations this year and wishes to thank everyone who was able to send in nominations, especially those who also sent photos to show the spring state of the property! In all, there are 10 residential properties and 5 commercial nominations. This year the committee received duplicate nominations for properties making the decisions a little easier. Over the next 2 weeks, the committee will gather contact information for property owners to get approval for site visits on June 30th!
Membership Committee chair Ann H. reports that nearly all our members have submitted their $25 dues for the 2025-26 year. If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to do so by August 1 to secure your spot in next year’s yearbook. The registration form is available for download here. Mail your check and completed form to Ann H. at the address on the form. Let’s make sure everyone is featured in our new yearbook! Questions? Email Ann.
On May 20, our Scholarship Committee, chaired by Linda S., presented this year’s scholarship award to Exeter High School senior, Anna Gunn. Anna plans to attend either Appalachian State University or the University of Maine. Her particular interests are wildlife ecology, ecological restoration, education, and advocacy. Anna volunteers her time to Future Farmers of America; Scouting America, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout; and the NH Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals. Congratulations Anna!
President Vicki B reports that we are still searching for a Vice President. The current officers will be finishing their 2-year commitment in June 2026.
There are some new Committee chairs for 2025-2026:
Civic Beautification – Kathy M.
Hospitality – Pat N. and Paige C.
Nominating – Vicki B.
Ways & Means – Linda S.
Vicky wishes to thank ALL of the Committee heads.
“They keep this club moving, vibrant and fun!”
Our kickoff meeting is Thursday, September 18th at the Morgena Room in the Stratham Fire Station with setup at 8:30am and Social Hour starting at 9am.
If you want to have a pop-up garden tour OR a summer Promise Tree event, please contact Linda S. to help with publicity to club members.
Events Coming Up
June 21 10am- 4 pm – Bedrock Gardens Summer Solstice Sale: rare and unusual plants. Ten specialty nurseries in New England will be selling perennials, shrubs and trees you won’t find locally. $15 includes admission to the gardens.
www.bedrockgardens.org/program-calendar.html
June 21 10am-4pm – Garden Conservancy Open Days, Our Country Garden, Pelham, NH. The two-acre garden in Hillsborough County includes rock gardens, woodland shade gardens, and fruit and vegetable gardens. Hardscaping is used throughout the garden. $10 online at the Garden Conservancy website. More information at:
www.gardenconservancy.org/garden-directory/open-days/our-country-garden
July 5 8:35am – “Homegrown NH”
New weekly gardening segment on NH Public Radio. Following the launch, the podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts. Features horticulturist Emma Erler; hosted by NHPR producer Jessica Hunt.
July 12-13 9am-3pm – Five Senses Tour at Tiffany Gardens, Londonderry, NH.
Tour private gardens in a quiet Londonderry neighborhood while sipping cool beverages and enjoying desserts, included in the $20 admission price.
A few select vendors, a plein air artist, and several raffle baskets are scattered throughout the gardens. Proceeds to benefit Community Caregivers of Derry.
Buy tickets online www.eventbrite.com or on the day of the tour at 15 King John Drive, Londonderry, NH.
August 14, 6-7:30pm, online and on-site in Auburn, NH. UNH Cooperative Extension, Yard and Garden Division
“Hot Topics in the Garden: UNH Yard and Gardenline Info.” A panel of UNH Extension Home Horticulture staff and Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your gardening questions. Registration deadline is August 11. Free.
Happenings Editors: Connie A. and LuAnn F.
Photographers: Ann H., Linda S., Mel M.
