Driftwood Garden Club

Members of the Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead gathered recently for The Magic of a Winter Garden presentation by Joan Butler and Jan Milbocker of Enchanted Gardens.

According to master gardener Joan Butler, “The garden can be a magical place – even in winter! Stripped of summer foliage and flowers, the success of a winter garden lies in its structure, basic design and choice of plant material.” Their lecture provided inspiration and tips on designing our gardens for winter interest, choosing the best trees, shrubs and perennials, and grouping them to create arresting vignettes.

According to DGC Past President Kathy Bradford, Principal of Bradford Design Associates, “Ornamental grasses, sedums, and winterberry provide excellent winter interest. And don’t cut back until spring!”

Enjoy!

Garden photos credit by Kathy Bradford.

Members of the Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead gathered together on a crisp October morning to bid farewell to the Secret Garden at the Abbot Public Library. The Library at 235 Pleasant Street has moved to an interim location at the former Eveleth School while the building and grounds undergo extensive renovations. Renovations are scheduled to begin in December, with a projected completion in spring of 2024.

Abbot Library’s Secret Garden, named after the classic English novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, has been lovingly upgraded and maintained by the Driftwood Garden Club for many years.

DGC Past-President Mary Stewart coordinated the design and installation of this granite key set in the Secret Garden’s brick patio back in the early 1990s. The key, a prominent symbol in the novel, unlocks the hidden garden where the children enjoy the wonders of nature and the healing of their spirits. Pictured is the original cover of The Secret Garden novel published in the U.S. in 1911. (source Houghton Library, Harvard University)

We look froward to the completion of the Abbot Library renovation with new garden space, and we look forward to our new civic projects in Marblehead.

The Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead held its annual Fall Cocktail Party on a crisp and clear evening. Members and their spouses enjoyed a fantastic assortment of hors d’oeuvres provided by members and lots of laughter and fun as members greeted each other for the first event of the 2022-2023 season. Many thanks to member Rose Gould who shared her beautiful home with us, to our hostesses Silte McLaughlin, Cheryl Miller, Andrea Popeo, and Lesley Dexter and especially to our fantastic program chairs Pat Shannon and Harriett Magee who kept it all on track. Look at all of those smiles!

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The Northeast District of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts recognizes that every garden club includes members who step up and go above and beyond to make garden club activities enjoyable for all of the members. This year, Northeast Director Kim Edwards requested nominations for the 2021-2022 year from each garden club in the Northeast District for an award of recognition.

As we all recall, during the winter of 2021 we had to rely on virtual meetings and workshops as in person events were canceled. Planning for the next program year was extremely unpredictable, we needed some additional woman power, and asked Maureen Karwowski to help. Maureen was able to use her considerable research skills to find speakers who could present virtually, forward electronic contracts for signature, as well as work remotely with our current and future program chairs to develop the great programs we all enjoyed last year.

Congratulations Maureen – we will always appreciate your help!

Even though most Driftwood Garden Club members are still hard at work in their own yards as well as tending the grounds of the Abbot Public Library, a few DGC gardeners also donate their time and talent to create luscious floral arrangements for the historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion at 161 Washington Street in Marblehead. Hats off to our own Ginny von Rueden, Laurie Boggis, Susan McMullen, and Jo Ann Augeri Silva for treating us, and Lee Mansion visitors from around the globe, to this floral eye candy! Feast your eyes!

The Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead proudly celebrates the 70^th anniversary of its founding in 1952. Please take a few minutes to watch our current president Ginny von Rueden’s interview with James Maroney, Marblehead Community Media & Access, Inc. marbleheadtv.org. 

The story will air on this week’s Marblehead TV Headline News beginning Friday, June 24. Don’t miss it!

Here’s the link, enjoy!

After a busy year of educational programs, a successful Plant Sale, maintaining the gardens at the Abbot Public Library, and working in our own gardens, members of the Driftwood Garden Club relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company at our Annual Luncheon in June. The weather was delightful and our hostess’s garden was picture perfect. 

Our outgoing President recapped the year and welcomed the new Officers and Board of Director Members.

Our incoming President and Club Historian highlighted the 70^Th Anniversary of the Driftwood Garden Club’s founding in 1952.  Happy Birthday to the Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead!

Next year will be a year of transition as the library is renovated.  The DGC is flexible and committed to another civic project, whatever that may be.  Each member received a sentimental hosta plant, divided from hostas planted at the library many years ago.

Many thanks to all our fellow gardeners, friends, families, and neighbors who bought plants at the Driftwood Garden Club Plant Sale on 5/7/22. We loved seeing your smiling faces as you carefully chose plants for your own gardens or to give as gifts. Thanks so much for your support.

The selection of specialty plants, including double bloodroot and trillium, sold out quickly. Hanging baskets, annuals, herbs, and succulents were popular. Gardeners marveled at the variety of healthy ground covers, sun and shade perennials, as well as orchids and hand-crafted baskets for Mother’s Day gifts.

And it’s a Wrap! DGC members enjoying lunch at The Landing after the sale!

Hope to see you next year!

From our gardens to yours, we hope your Driftwood Garden Club plants continue to thrive!

The Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead’s

Annual Plant Sale is This Saturday!

On Friday April 29th, members of the Driftwood Garden Club of Marblehead traveled to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to the annual Art in Bloom festival. Members Ginny von Rueden and Laurie Boggis created a fantastic flower arrangement reflecting the colors and design intricacies of this exquisite tapestry.

What a Great Job!

Other favorites are shown below – be sure to click on photo to enlarge and get the full effect!

These photos courtesy of Andrea Gregory.