Here we are in the “dog days” of early June — it’s too hot to garden, so how about looking at some photos of club activities?
Paula and Jan C., along with their crew of volunteers, set up the flower boxes and planted at the Exeter bandstand last month. The boxes of flowers are already taking off, and their efforts will beautify downtown Exeter once again.
Incidently, these plants don’t maintain themselves, and Jan and Paula have a few weeks available with no maintenance volunteer scheduled.If you’re able to take on one of those weeks, give them a call.
Our May 20 General meeting was one big party! With members excited to meet in person again, five guests eager to participate, and picnic tables loaded with colorful blooms, the morning was a celebration of flower arranging and friendship.Many members went home with more than one arrangement, planning to spread the joy to friends and family.Here’s a sample of the fun…
Photos courtesy of the talented Ann H
The May meeting wasn’t all fun and games. We also got down to business and voted to approve our new Board, the new Committee structure, and the budget for 2021-2022. All of this info, along with meeting minutes, can be found on the website under “Members Only.”
EAGC received some positive feedback from the Stratham Select Board last month in their newsletter:MEMORIAL DAY THANK YOU A heartfelt thank you to Geri Denton and Jeff Gallagher for organizing this year’s Memorial Day event as well as all members of our community who attended the ceremony and silent parade in honor of those who have fallen in service to this country. We also thank the Stratham Department of Public Works staff, the Exeter Area Garden Club, and the Heritage Commission for their work in stewarding the Veterans Memorial Garden, not only for Memorial Day, but all year-round. Thank you.
Looking for some light gardening reading while you’re waiting out this heat wave? Check out “35 Clever Gardening Tricks That Don’t Require a Green Thumb” here Although we know that every member of our club has a thoroughly green thumb, you may find a tip or two that you find useful.
After a couple of days of sunshine & warmer temperatures, blooms are popping up all over! It’s safe to say Spring is finally making its appearance. Cool weather notwithstanding, April was a big month for EAGC news. We’ll start with an important announcement from Meredith, our Membership Chairperson.
May is Membership Month All members must complete the Membership Registration form and pay $25 dues in order to be included in the EAGC Yearbook. You can download and print the form here or pick one up at the May general meeting. When filling out the form, please circle any new information.
Photos of new members will be taken at the May general meeting and the June Luncheon. Do not delay sending in your registration! The deadline for inclusion in the Yearbook is June 1st. Call Meredith Stevens with questions. 603-580-5954.
* * * * *
Betsy V. helped us start out the month in festive fashion with her much-anticipated April Fool’s Party and Gift Swap. As her regular Christmas Party participants know, the “gifts” that were swapped were all compliments of the Candia Swap Shop. Good food and lots of laughs ensued.
A bunny-eating Yeti set the tone for refreshments.
Everyone was obviously thrilled with their swap shop goodies!
* * * * *
Paula, Jan, and Carol C. hosted a lovely Mushroom Luncheon at Paula’s home in April. The lucky attendees were served gourmet-quality mushroom dishes, ranging from appetizers to desserts, in an elegant setting.
Ann H. offered her review: The luncheon was 1st class… we were handed a mimosa as soon as we stepped in the door, and on the table a mushroom extravaganza of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres greeted us. We laughed through a difficult but fun mushroom quiz with nice prizes for several winners. After being seated in the dining room, we were served lovely vinaigrette salads garnished with freshly sautéed mushrooms, followed by a mushroom quiche main course, and warm mushroom biscuits with mushroom butter… all delicious. Our deserts were colorfully decorated mushroom cookies and a mushroom decorated cake (without mushroom ingredients). Wine and champagne flowed throughout the day but I decided not to include those photos. (Our loss!)
Hostess Carol C. preparing an entree.
Mushroom on, but not in, this gorgeous cake.
* * * * *
Our April General Meeting is a Members’ Meeting, when the talents of our member volunteers are displayed for all. This year, our presenters were Susan, Lee, Dianna, and Donna. They each demonstrated the creation of varying arrangements, while describing the process and offering many helpful tips. Here are the presenters and their beautiful results:
Lee worked her Ikebana magic.
Donna created two candlestick arrangements.
Dianna’s arrangement was edible!
Susan’s basket of flowers looked perfect on the Easter table.
Members examined the beautiful arrangements up close.
The spring-like refreshment table centerpiece and all the wonderful food were compliments of Abbie-Jane and her committee.
* * * * *
Announcements
As a followup to last year’s Environment & Conservation theme about the importance of pollinators, Linda V. has suggested checking out the related activities offered by the New Hampshire Audubon society. You can view their schedule of events at http://www.nhaudubon.org/.
The Hampton Falls Library is hosting two programs of particular interest to gardeners. On May 16 at 6:30, Invasive Plants of NH will be presented by the NH conservation commission. On June 6 at 6:30, Stephen Hale, owner of Open World Explorers, discusses Backyard Birds. The Hampton Falls Library is at 7 Drinkwater Rd., in Hampton Falls.
The Rye Driftwood Garden Club is holding their 2019 Plant Sale on Friday May 17- 9 am-2 pm and Saturday, May 18 – 9 am – 12 pm. It will be held at 481 Central Road in Rye. For info, click here.
Our own Spring Luncheon & Plant Auction is just around the corner — Tuesday, June 18. If you haven’t already signed up and send your check for $25, please do so soon. Checks may be sent to Jill, who is our Hospitality Chairperson. Or sign up at the May general meeting next Thursday. Expect a special day — plant drop-off starts at 10:30, followed by the auction at 11. Our delicious luncheon will be served at about 12:30.
If you don’t have plants to dig up and contribute, consider bringing a patio planter, houseplant, or a garden-related item to be auctioned off. And remember, an auction purchase isn’t required to join in on the fun. Consider bringing a friend, too. They’ll enjoy a great meal and make some new friends.
