On April 22, members of the Town and Country Garden Club met at Welcome Chapel Church with 10 members and two guests present. Hostesses were Mrs. Dianne Dempsey and Mrs. Marie Shaw. Mrs. Shaw called the meeting to order. Frances Ball gave the Inspiration based on Easter and its true meaning.
She took a trip down memory lane remembering how things were then. She recalled how exciting Easter was because she knew she would get a new dress, new shoes and a tight perm.
The women would really dress up in their finest dress, shoes, gloves, hats and high heels. She also recalled some of the things such as seeing little chicks of all colors on the sidewalk at Mr. George Crumpton’s feed and seed store on N. Court Street. The churches would fill up and chairs would be put in the side walls. How different it is today, but the true meaning remains the same. The death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that we who are Christians may have eternal life and that will never change.
Frances Ball called the roll and read the minutes and Dale Shumaker gave the Treasurer’s report which were all approved.
The horticulture was brought by Elaine Thompson, which was actually 2 specimens. One was a beautiful pin Azealia and a stem of Peonie. She gave the facts about placement, depth for planting and even though it is short blooming, it is most beautiful.
It comes in several colors such as white, pink, purple, and even red. Dianne Dempsey brought a beautiful design of mixed spring flowers which adorned the food table. Mrs. Shaw went into the business announcing the upcoming officers for the next 2 years, 2019-2021. They are President Dianne Luke, Vice President Dianne Dempsey, Secretary Frances Ball, Treasurer Dale Shumaker, Historian Noniene Keen, and Parlimentarian Elaine Thomas.
All were unanimously approved. She then reported on the recent Garden Clubs of MS State Convention held in Oxford. The theme for the convention was “One For the Books,” which was in remembrance of the famous author, William Faulkner.
Those attending were Marie Shaw and Elaine Thompson. Mrs. Shaw showed and gave reports on the numerous awards received.
Awards are as follows: 4 first place awards, Arbor Day, Lillie Brown Landscape Award, Tree Planting Award, MS Trails Consultant Council Award. Four second place awards, which were Historic Preservation Award, Yearbook, and Highway Godwin Highway Beautification and Public Relations.
Deep South awards were: second place Award 9Ai, Tee Planting, Third place #12 Ai, Landscape Design and Honorable mention #25 Arbor Day.
A huge thanks to Mrs. Shaw for all of her untiring work in making these appalications. Mrs. Shaw gave the names of 3 prospective members which will be contacted to attend the next meeting.
Dues for next year and dues for the Southern Pines District Meeting are due.
The program was presented by Mr. Jim McAdory of the MS State Extension office. He brought a most interesting program on raised beds and container gardening and also showed slides of beds that he had done. He showed a 4 foot PVC pipe with holes in it for drainage. This is a slow and timely way of watering. Also, he showed a small wooden object which can be used for planting seeds by wrapping a newspaper around the bottom for a cup for soil and seed.
His subject was “How is gardening better than romance?” He showed slides of several raised beds and containers which he had made for various veggies, especially tomatoes.
He gave interesting facts about type of soil, how to fertilize slow release and no herbicides needed. He also stated that Round Up does not cause cancer which is a relief for farmers and gardeners. He also showed plants grown in containers.
Raised beds should be 4 feet wide and 25 feet long. Drainage and PH balance is most important for a successful yield.
After delicious refreshments, door prizes were given. The next meeting will be held at the J. W. Gully Camphouse. Members enjoyed a tour of Dianne Dempsey’s yard. She has an amazing display of plants, trees, walkways, and yard art. It was an array of beauty.
Submitted by Frances Ball.
