Author: kebradford

Last spring we asked members to submit reflections on how our gardens help us cope with the isolation we may feel due to the Covid-19 virus. We received several responses which will be posted during the next few months. The submission from Harriet Magee below is perfect for Thanksgiving.

With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s time to thank our gardens for keeping us somewhat sane through the pandemic. Unlike nearly every other aspect of our lives since last winter—working, shopping, socializing, volunteering, taking classes—gardening has allowed us to experience real, not virtual, life. So much of the pandemic has seemed like a delusion. Efforts to bypass the terror of catching COVID 19 have driven some to spraying and wiping groceries and quarantining trick or treat candy. Such efforts seemed nutty and like whistling in the dark. People seemingly aren’t satisfied with the droplet theory of transmission, which has held its own over these long months.

Let’s celebrate that our gardens didn’t need to get cancelled, Zoomified, sanitized. Instead, as always, we dealt with poor dirt, weeds, the odd groundhog, and the endless rocks the New England soil never stops gifting. We produced lots of beauty and happiness using the same old tools and techniques. And we’re planning on making next year’s garden finally perfect. Or almost.

Meanwhile, should the desperate hope for a vaccine in the second quarter prove naïve, we’ll need to remember that the low-grade loneliness and boredom the pandemic has infected us all with has a powerful antidote. Come April and May, we’ll not need to social distance in our gardens. Unmasked, we can get real close to our beloved plants, and open up our needy, lonely selves to green shoots in the brown dirt.

The two photos are of Harriet’s garden.

If you would like to submit reflections on how your garden restored your spirit during the past months please send your thoughts to: driftwoodgardenclub50@gmail.com

Snow arrived early this year, in time to decorate the Abbot gardens for Halloween; or provide picture perfect images for Christmas cards. With often ignored details outlined in new ways and limbs hanging heavy, the spaces become magical. Luckily the temps over the next few days will melt the snow and we will once again be greeted with the normal late fall views.

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What better way to get into the spirit of the holidays than making a festive gift from the heart? DGC members decorated a total of 72 wreaths and swags in the dining room of the Council on Aging (COA). In addition to the decorations supplied by each attendee, there was a table filled with bows, baubles and bling for all to use. A table dedicated to glue guns was a popular place for members to catch up with each other on holiday plans. We thought we were all done until Pal discovered five wreaths in a box. Jo Ann Silva, Joy Purdin, Valerie Evans and Marie Doughman saved the day or the night and skillfully decorated the forgotten wreaths. Hostesses Joy Purdin and Marie Doughman provided a variety of tasty treats including Marie’s famous meatballs. The creative wreaths and swags were delivered the next day to participants of the COA Meals on Wheels program. What a pleasure to imagine that our creations for them will not only brighten their doorways but their spirits as well!

Yes, we maintain a large pot located inside the library opposite the main desk. The pot originated from a DGC program in March 2015. Deborah Trickett taught us all about “thrillers, spillers and fillers”. The finished product remained in the library. A small committee was formed to maintain the pot: watering and changing out plants for seasonal color. We’ve learned a lot over the past 4 years. The library micro-climate can be a harsh one for interior plants: too cold, too hot, too dry or not enough light. Two plants remain from the original planting: the Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) and the Pathos. Today, the pot was rejuvenated for the first time in months. Dianne Barrett, Sue Ball and Kathy Bradford installed new plants to provide holiday color. The three new plants are: Caladium, Prayer Plant (pink stripes long leaves) and a Pink Polka Dot Plant (dark green pink spotted leaves). Below are before, during and after photos. The two other members of the committee are: Kathy Angle and Pinar Gokce.

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DGC members Ginny von Rueden and Laurie Boggis teamed up to show members how to make their own bows for use in adorning wreaths, swags and packages.  In addition, they demonstrated how to make “tussie mussies”, those little bundles used for making garlands and wreaths. Many smiles and laughter were produced by their engaging presentation. Then it was time to transform the ribbons and greens the members brought to the meeting into holiday decor. Hostesses Ellen Nichols, Trish Moore and Pinar Gocke provided tasty treats and a lovely seasonal floral arrangement. My favorite was the ginger spice hermits.

Many members and their husbands enjoyed the Annual Fall Cocktail Party on September 7 at the oceanfront home of Lynda and Paul Hare. The views of the ocean swells, remnants of Hurricane Dorian were mesmerizing. The hors d’oeuvres and deserts were scrumptious and plentiful making it very difficult to pick a favorite. Besides the ocean views, the highlight of the evening was the conversation with old and new members. Ellen Nash, Judy Conner and Linda Duvel were the hostesses that kept the party flowing smoothly, including the move from outside to inside when the the temps started to drop. The weather cooperated, the food was delicious and the company was great; all the ingredients for a successful party.

Composer and singer Marc Berger performed with his band in The Secret Garden on July 10. His music which he calls ‘American Roots’ is a mix of country, rock and folk. The garden was simply lovely in the evening light thanks to members who showed up in the morning to make it picture perfect. Throughout the concert Marc told stories about his life in New York city and trips to Montana. Marc’s most recent album ‘Ride’ is already downloaded to my Spotify account.