Driftwood Garden Club

New this year, five members of the DGC opened their holiday decorated homes for touring. We all enjoyed a delightful afternoon – thank you so much to the hostesses!

The Driftwood Garden Club pulled out all stops again this year to decorate the King Hooper for the holidays. The five garden clubs of Marblehead each decorate an assigned room and all at the same time which makes it fun! As Abbot Hall is undergoing renovations this year, several events have been moved to the King Hooper. The theme this year is Christmas Songs, so each room is decorated to reflect a song. Silver Bells was selected by DGC and decorations designed by Ginny Von Rueden and Laurie Boggis our designers extraordinaire. I must say it looks beautiful!

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.

Due to the forecasted “Arctic Blast”, the Fall Cleanup Day on Wednesday 11/13 has been rescheduled. The new date and time is Wednesday, November 20th @ 1PM.

Please bring greens, clippers, and any special ribbon!