September and October have been very busy months for Chipley Garden Club. September found members enjoying the first meeting of the new club year – catching up and meeting new members. President Mike Hansen introduced Kamaile Waltz and Carla Barber from Treasures Home School Group and a discussion followed concerning providing enrichment activities for their students. Other business included ideas for programs, field trips, fund raising activities, and the upcoming FFGC District II State Officers Meeting.
Wildflower Chair Glenda Wilson shared FIrebush aka Hamelia patens noting it was a native perennial shrub with a bright red flower. Youth Chair Linda Pigott shared plans for providing potted plants for Kate Smith Elementary students. Blue Star Marker Chair Stacy Hansen displayed the new POW-MIA flag and announced our Blue Star Marker will be rededicated on November 11th at 9AM at City Hall. Yard of the Month Chair Kayla Cloud announced the September winner was the Morris family at 1360 Cypress Rd. Most of the gardening in potted plants, but It was very nicely done.
Gweneth Collins and Dorothy Odom kicked off the October meeting with “Pressing Matters: Wildflowers”. They demonstrated how to press flowers and leaves, stating “it’s not rocket science!” They also suggested uses for the flowers after pressing. President Mike Hansen called for committee reports and plans were finalized for attending and participating in the FFGC District II Meeting.
Youth Chair Linda Pigott reported over 200 potted plants have been delivered to 2nd and 3rd graders at Kate Smith Elementary. She also noted a dish garden project is being planned. For Community Outreach, it was decided to donate peanut butter to IFAS/UF at the November meeting. The wildflower of the month was Beauty Berry aka Wait Berry aka Callicarpa americana– this time of year you can easily spot its bright purple berries. It is a native shrub that fits nicely into home landscapes.
If you would like to join the fun or just learn more about gardening, please contact Club President Mike Hansen at 909-736-7620. The club meeting the first Wednesday of each month at the East Classroom of the Washington County Agricultural Center at 10AM. Visitors are always welcome.
