Et cetera : Vinton Garden Club News

The Vinton Garden Club member of National Garden Clubs,Inc. District III, and Central Region met August 27th at the home of Sharen Stueck.

Before the meeting Stan Geiken, Benton County Master Gardener, presented a program “All About Worker Bees and Honey.”  He brought equipment and supplies needed for his hobby and even an actual working hive.  It was very informative to learn all about the working bees, and to see the honey production.  We felt great appreciation for all the bees’ work including pollination, and to Stan for an interesting presentation,  and delicious honey samples.

President Fran Stueck called the meeting to order at 2:15, ten members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Conservation Pledge, and answered Roll Call with a honey recipe.  The secretary and treasurer reports were read and approved.  The balance for the treasurer’s report at this time is $2,078.18.  Bill paid was $23.91 Fair Judges Lunch, Money received-plant sale $29 from Luana and Connie and $15.00 from the Fair Board compliments for our work and time donated at  fair time.

No other bills were presented at this time.

Correspondence was a thank you from Vinton Parks and Recreation for our care of the park’s flower beds and also from Juilene Bramer, county fair judge from Greene, IA expressing appreciation for hospitality shown her at fair time.

Committee Report was given by Connie McClintock highlighting a recycling issue in the National Gardener. 

July 10th Garden Therapy was held at Winsor Manor.  Members brought cut flowers and bouquets were assembled for the resident’s rooms.

Results of the Flower Show from the Benton County Fair were calculated and reported by Fran.

Planters around town are fading fast with the extreme heat. Jon Schbrering complimented the club the on appearance of the Blue Star Marker that he waters faithfully,  thanks Jon.  Fran stated that the Tilford Classroom Garden needs our attention.  Members will work on their own time to shape it up.

Member Luana Hawkins, will be an honorary member now due to her work schedule.

New Business included these events:

Garden Study Course Sept. 12-13th at the Iowa Arboretum, Luther Iowa.

Central Region Meeting is Oct.16-18th in Middlebury, IN.  register by Sept. 15th. A central region Judge’s Workshop will be held  9:30 at the Ray House.

This is an excellent learning opportunity, bring design and horticulture to be critiqued by the judges.

Thursday Sept. 19, all members brought cut flowers for Garden Therapy at VGH Annex.

Plans are made for the club to take a road trip to K&K Gardens in West Union on Tuesday, Sept. 25th, leaving Vinton at 8:00 a.m.

Rita reminded members of the Cedar Valley Arboretum Open House in Waterloo on September 11-14. No further business items were presented.  Meeting was adjourned and refreshments were served by Sharen.

Five members of the Vinton Garden Club gathered at the Vinton Annex with buckets of cut flowers.  Approximately 15 residents along with garden club members enjoyed arranging the flowers in bouquets for residents rooms.  The residents especially enjoyed working with the colorful flowers such as zinnias, marigolds, and roses.  The cart was full of 45 to 50 colorful arrangements. 

Respectfully submitted,

Connie McClintock