Et cetera : Vinton Garden Club news, April 24 meeting

Members of the Vinton Garden Club, member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., District II, and Central Region, met April 24, at the VSHS greenhouse/classroom.

Mrs. Fleming gave members an overview of the activities that take place in the high school classes with the greenhouse.

Club members especially enjoyed seeing plants started for the VSHS plant sale, fish tanks and creative growth methods (hydroponics) built and implemented by the class. We all left amazed and thankful for our visit to this unique classroom.

The business meeting began after lunch at the Lotus. Nadine Wright was hostess, sharing a delicious strawberry dessert.

Vice President Cam Wood conducted the business meeting. Ten members and guest Nancy Baldwin answered roll call, “Do you have a desire to have your own greenhouse?”

Secretary and Treasurer Reports were read and approved. Regular business included:

Eight members will attend the district meeting in Marion.

Garden Therapy at Cedar Valley Ranch was a successful spring project.

The scholarship given annually to a VSHS graduate applicant was updated.

Harmony House of Waterloo sent a thank you for a donation from the club.

A chanticleer (flowering pear tree) was purchased from Frasier Nursery for planting in Kiwanis Park near the Blue Star Marker to honor Arbor Day.

Reminders: Plant and bake sale is Friday, May 10, from 5-6 p.m. in the Open Class Building at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The Ways and Means Committee has been advertising; members, start preparing the goodies!

The Greene Scene plant sale at Cattle Congress in Waterloo is set for Saturday, May 11. Plan to arrive early. The NGC State meeting is June 20-21 in Pella.

Special thanks to Ted Stueck for always giving members a helping hand on various projects. He is an active lifetime club member.

Happy birthday to members Dorothy Lutz and Cindy Pattee. Next meeting will be May 29, at 10 a.m. at the Ray House with the Van Horne Floralia Club as our guests. Anyone interested in joining the Garden Club should plan to attend. The program will be “Benefits of Raised Beds” by a Cedar Rapids Master Gardener. Dorothy Lutz will be hostess, with members assisted as needed.

- Submitted by Connie McClintock