Happy Valentines Day!
ART & BLOOM RECAP
This year’s 20th Annual Art and Bloom took place at the League of NH Craftsmen headquarters 1/26-28, and was an unqualified success. Our exhibit featured the floral creations of 23 design teams. Twenty-one Garden Club members participated as designers. Community participants and 5 professional design teams also contributed. The event drew 881 visitors over the 3-day event, which is a record turnout we should all be pleased about.
This year an informal straw poll was conducted to determine a people’s choice award. As hoped, every single arrangement earned appreciative votes. Among CGC members, first-time designer Lucy Gentilhomme received top votes for her interpretation of a multicolored Galway coat. Our winning community member team of Stephanie Krenn and Terry Sturke, also first-time designers, interpreted the Red Haired Doll. Our top professional designer was Wendy Rexford of Cole Gardens, who interpreted Night Owl. Participants and visitors alike agreed that this year’s show was the best yet!
Kudos and huge thanks go to Chair Millie LaFontaine and her all-star committee, whose hard work and attention to detail made this very successful show a reality.
Missed the show, or want to re-live it? Check out the Art & Bloom photo gallery on our website, featuring many of this year's wonderful creations.
NEWER MEMBER GATHERING
On February 2nd, Club VP Gena Cohen Moses hosted a cocktail party for members new to the Club. Since January of 2020 the Club has added 25 new members, many of whom hadn't yet had the opportunity to socialize in person. This gathering was a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know one another, and for them to learn more about Club initiatives and the ways in which they can participate. Thanks, Gena!
planning ahead:
MARCH MEETING
There will be no Garden Club meeting in February, so please be sure to RSVP and put our March 9th general meeting in your calendar.
The Heirloom Gardener:
Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World
John Forti, Executive Director of Bedrock Gardens (site of our June garden tour) will speak about his 2021 book, The Heirloom Gardener.
“Part essay collection, part gardening guide, The Heirloom Gardener encourages readers to embrace heirloom seeds and traditions, serving as a well-needed reminder to slow down and reconnect with nature.” —Modern Farmer.
Book copies will be available for signing and purchase.
12:30 – 2:30 PM
Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St, Concord.
Thursday, March 9th/Snow date Saturday, March 11
Gibson's Cafe opens at 11:30 - consider joining other Club members or friends there for lunch prior to the presentation, or lingering for coffee afterwards!
THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Program Chair: Ruth Perencevich
april & may
While you're on the website, check out the fantastic April 13th and May 3rd meetings we have planned, and RSVP for those too! (Please note, these are both Members Only events)
April's speaker is Master Gardener Hannah MacBride, who will give a talk on planting your garden to attract pollinators, and gardening in an environmentally responsible way.
At May's annual meeting and luncheon we'll enjoy a presentation by Trim Hahn, who will show us how to create an English flower arrangement.
100 year celebration
We are (almost) 100 years old! All are welcome to attend an "idea lunch" to brainstorm the Concord Garden Club's Centennial Celebration year, to be held at Lauren Savage's home, 3 Wildemere Terrace, on February 15th, 11:00-12:30. Lauren will be providing lunch, so please RSVP to her (lauren.savage1971@gmail.com) ASAP if you plan to attend.
Memorial Member
Nancy Foote has been added as a Memorial Member of the Concord Garden Club.
Nancy was a past president of the Club. She died last summer at the age of 101.
Board Minutes
The Board Minutes button in the Member Only Area of the Concord Garden Club website has been updated and now has links to minutes of all 2022 Board meetings. Going forward, members will be able to find all Board meeting minutes here as they are approved. Please get in touch with Johane or Gena if you are still having trouble accessing the Member Area of the website.
community service
The Woman's Club of Concord and the South Congregational Church have each expressed interest in receiving 2023 Garden Club grants. Both requests are currently under Board consideration.
HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK
As we consider ways in which our Club can remain relevant in its next 100 years, several members have expressed enthusiastic interest in the Homegrown National Park initiative, spearheaded by renowned entomologist, ecologist and conservationist, Doug Tallamy. As described on the HNP website and in this video, Dr. Tallamy provides a blueprint for average homeowners to combat our planet's loss of habitat and native insect, plant and animal species. By doing the critical work of removing invasive species and planting native plants in our own gardens, we can help to develop new ecological networks, replacing lost or depleted habitat.
While each of us can adopt this approach in our own gardens, in March, the Board will discuss ways in which the Club as a whole might participate in this initiative. Stay tuned for ways you can get involved.
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