Garden Club makes plans for spring and summer

In addition to the annual Spring Plant Sale, the April meeting of the Hillsboro Garden Club focused on plans and activities for the coming months. The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Sonner with 21 members in attendance.

Carol Gorby reported on the “Mothers in May” flower arrangements that will be given to all new mothers who give birth at Highland District Hospital during May to honor and celebrate the Club's 85th “birthday” in 1929.

Staffing for the fundraising yard sale at the Highland County Fair was on May 2 was discussed, and reservations for the Regional OAGC meeting at Snowdrift were taken.

Rose Marie Cowdrey announced the theme for this year's Highland County Flower Show will be Childhood Memories. Junior participants will create artistic floral designs reflecting the theme with entries in either or both classes described as "My First Day at School" and "Let's Play Ball.

This year's plant specimen for junior gardeners is Ms. Mars Sunflower, a standout variety of sunflower with low-growing, vigorously branching, flame-type flowers with petals that transition from dark reddish-purple to pretty pink in full sun. In addition to Ms. Mars, Garden Club members will also be growing Sweet Black Cherry dianthus, a beautiful, fragrant, punch-colored summer bloomer for entry in Friday's members-only Flower Show competition.

Kelly Goolsby presented her delightful perspective on Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22, with a presentation about “up-cycling” or repurposing decorative items. Some of her charming examples of what can be crafted from worn and discarded household goods included wind chimes made with spoons, forks, a tiny pan and a vintage tin and a planter made from an old iron bird cage would brighten any setting. Sandwiches, cookies, chips and nuts were served by hostesses Diane Baker and Judy Smith.

-Submitted by Pat Lawrence, Garden Club