October 15th is the date of our next general meeting, at the Stratham Fire Station. Be there at 9 a.m. for social time and our always impressive refreshments. (Bring your own beverage please.) Environment & Conservation will be presenting photos of this year’s Pollinator Mini-Grant recipient, the Stratham Community Garden. We’ll also hear from the Civic Beautification Committee about our club’s garden projects. Then committees will break down for planning discussions.
The September opening meeting of the Exeter Area Garden Club featured the presentation of this year’s Outstanding Garden Awards, recognizing outstanding gardens in the commercial; residential; and condominium/apartment/pocket garden categories. The seven-member Awards Committee visited and evaluated area gardens, considering curb appeal; pollinator-friendly and native plantings; maintenance; usability; hardscapes and structures and statuary; and overall design. Committee chair, Ginelle H. presented the awards.
Commercial Garden Winner: Elaine Scafidi, Exeter Country Club. Elaine, chief gardener at the Exeter Country Club, 58 Jady Hill Avenue, was recognized for the club’s beautifully maintained gardens. Varied and thoughtfully placed plantings surround the clubhouse, while cozy seating areas offer inviting spots for privacy and relaxation. Solarpowered mini-waterfalls add an extra touch of charm.
Condominium Garden Winner: Gayle Lyon, Stratham. Gayle transformed her condominium property into a delightful garden featuring sculpture, ferns, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Smaller perennial specimens add variety and interest to this thoughtfully designed space.
Residential Garden Winner: Alyson Wood, Exeter. Over the ten years she has lived in her home, Alyson has transformed her property into a beautiful and welcoming retreat. Her backyard features a lovely sitting area, complete with a privacy screen, perfect for visiting with friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a
book. Her gardens showcase a wonderful variety of annuals and perennials, many chosen for their interesting textures. Throughout the property, Alyson has also planted evergreens in loving memory of her brother, adding a particularly meaningful touch to her landscape.
Residential Honorable Mention: Kathy Desmarais, Exeter. Kathy, of Exeter, was recognized for her impressive property, which features an array of evergreens, fruit trees, and vegetable beds. The extensive infrastructure reflects the care and planning that have gone into creating this lovely landscape. I pass Kathy’s property
almost daily and frequently see work underway in the yard and gardens!
Photos of the winning gardens can be found here.
In additon to the awards presentation, Patti E. gave a presentation on NH’s most recent invasive pest, the Spotted Lanternfly. We were given info on how to identify this destructive insect, where to look for it, and how to report it.
Article by Connie A. Photos by Ann H, Ginelle H, & Pat N
Susan Canada, a very active member of EAGC since 2008, including serving as President and Treasurer, passed away recently. She asked that EAGC and the Stratham Historical Society receive donations in her honor in lieu of flowers. Our club has received over $800 in donations thus far. The board has decided to use these funds, in cooperation with the Stratham Historical Society, to create “Susan’s Garden” in front of the historical society building. A committee, headed by Carmen G., is in the process of amending soil, purchasing plants, and installing bulbs and plants this fall. In the spring, Susan’s memory will be honored by a bed blooming with daffodils.
Committee Reports
Ways & Means members have been busy preparing for our two fall fundraisers – the Nov. 3 Election Day Bake Sale and the Nov. 21 Yuletide Fair. Sign-up sheets have been circulated for bakers, crafters, floral arrangers, and members to man the sales tables. There’s something for everyone! If you haven’t had a chance to sign up to help out, contact Maureen P. for the Fair and Paige C. or Carmen G. for the bake sale.
Membership co-chairs Connie A. and Gloria S. have your new Yearbook, if you haven’t aready received it. Stop at the membership table at the next meeting to pick it up. Pat N. is asking everyone to look over their personal info in the Yearbook and let her know if there are any corrections to be made.
Local Gardening Events
October 17 – 11 am to 2 pm. Eat Soup to Support the Library. Friends of the Stratham Library are serving all-you-can-eat hearty homemade soup, a myriad of baked goods, and savory take-home meals at Stratham Town Hall. All proceeds support the Wiggin Memorial Library.
October 17th 10:00 am to11:30 am. Seed Saving of Native Plants. At the NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center (26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH. Discover the best practices for wild seed saving of native plants. Saving and cultivating your own seeds is easy to do, but knowing what kinds of seeds to save, what they look like, when to harvest them, how to process and prepare them for storage is crucial to ensure successful germination. You’ll leave this class with the resources and knowledge to save seeds next growing season. In partnership with UNH Cooperative Extension. Registration
