November Beauty in Middle Georgia

Christmas Cactus
These two plants, along with three others
enjoy the Spring, Summer and Early Fall
on the Deck in complete shade.
When the first frost is predicted they
are moved into the Garage.
Then, when bloom buds appear they are
relocated into the house.
This year they are blooming early.

All Three of the Christmas pictures here
were taken on 27 November 2013

The Angel Trumpet Blooms shown here were taken
on November 7, 2013.

Of course the frost has come and the plants have
been pruned down to the ground level.

Now, I will mulch the stubble with about nine inches
of leaves and pine straw.



Garden Club Work Themes

or

Everyone Doing Their Part

I have always been involved in organizations that have appropriate themes for their Program of Work.  I remember my 4-H days and the motto - To Make The Best Better.

Today I will review the Themes of Garden Club Work in the United States of America.  

The Theme for the National Garden Clubs is:

"Making A World Of Difference - Choices Matter"

The Theme for the Garden Clubs of Georgia is:

"Scatter Joy As We Bloom and Grow"

The Camellia District is:

"Growing Georgia Green"

Recently I received, along with my Electric Bill a Flyer promoting the fact that I could receive a $50.00 rebate if I turned in a Refrigerator that I did not need.  The Refrigerator needed to be in working order, which was kind of interesting.

I called the toll free number and set up to have the Old Refrigerator picked up so that I could receive the $50.00.  The refrigerator had to be at least ten cubic feet, which mine was so the pick-up date was arranged.  It had to be plugged in when picked up so that it could be verified that it was operational.

The Recycling Firm based in Atlanta picked the Old Refrigerator up today.  I inquired as to why the refrigerator had to be working.  I was told that they take the "Old Freon" out and it is recycled in the refrigeration industry for customers who have equipment that requires "Freon."

Needless to say, I am proud to be part of a program that recycles "Freon" rather than letting escape to the atmosphere.  I feel good about doing my part in helping "Grow Georgia Green."

Now you know the background and the reason for getting old refrigerators off of the street.  They have freon that can be re-used.  

Additionally, I am a Garden Club Member that supports the theme of the Camellia District.  Now, no matter which District in Georgia you are a part of, You can help by recycling your old refrigerator while receiving $50.00 as well as knowing that you helped to support the Garden Clubs of Georgia Theme:  "Making A World Of Difference - Choices Matter."

Blue Star Memorial Marker

The plantings at the base of this Marker were funded and installed by the members of Pine Ridge Garden Club of Macon, Georgia.  There are a total of six plants, three each of:

Gold Mop Cypress

Purple Muhly Grass

Georgia Historic House

and

Garden Pilgrimage 2013

Macon, Georgia

Friday, June 7, 2013

This Pilgrimage was sponsored by The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and the Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division.

Tour proceeds benefited the restoration and preservation of Georgia's non-profit historic landscapes and gardens.

 It was my good fortune to serve as a Host at this home at 562 College Street in Macon, Georgia.  This home was constructed in 1905 and was one of nine stops on this Pilgrimage.  I arrived early so that I could capture appropriate images before the crowds arrived.  I am glad I volunteered to host at this stop.

 This view and the next one are always visible to passing motorist and pedestrians on College Street. This sidewalk garden is full of annuals and there is always something in bloom year round.   The gardner at this home has a reputation of usually being out trimming and grooming this sidewalk garden. 

It was a lovely day in Macon, Georgia with no rains and fairly cool weather. 

This Pilgrimage featured Macon's Gentlemen Architects and Gardeners.  I will quote from the Pilgrimage information regarding this stop:

"In 1919 James Hyde Porter and his wife Olive acquired this home......   Porter was a knowledgeable horticulturist and gardener, and he, along with fellow Vineville Garden Club member Dr. Lee, was one of the co-founders of what became the American Camellia Society.  Soon after the Porters bought their College Street home, they also acquired the house and lot of their deceased neighbor, Mrs. Ellen Washington Bellamy."

Of course there was a lot of history contained in the Pilgrimage Information Sheet for each of the nine stops; however I focus on the stop I spent the most time at. 

Garden Club

Community Beautification

Project

Macon, Georgia

 Members of several Garden Clubs of the Macon Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. participated in the Cherry Street Planting Project.

 This Member of the Macon Federation, as well as a member of the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission is posing with the vehicles laden with plants for the Project.

The planting volunteers along with the owner of the business at this corner, who will be watering two planters pose for this picture of a completed planter.  The plants used were:

Emerald Green Arborvitae in the center

Vinca

Begonia

Please remember that this Blog is for all the Garden Clubs in the State of Georgia.  If you and/or your club has completed a project to make your community beautiful please send your pictures and a brief narrative to this Blog Editor at:

alanmaconga@cox.net

Thank You Very Much!!!!

38th Annual

NOGS Tour

of

Hidden Gardens

Savannah, Georgia

sponsored by

The Garden Club of Savannah

On Saturday, April 20, 2013 a group of Garden Club Members conducted a Field Trip to Savannah, Georgia to visit nine hidden gardens.  Each of these gardens was a unique reflection of the lifestyle of the owner.  I found each to be very relaxing and enjoyable.  In case you are wondering what "NOGS" means here is the definition:  "North of Gwinnett Street."

The walking tour included these gardens and the "Southern Tea" which was held at the green Meldrin House.  I enjoyed the whole day.  The beauty of each hidden garden does not need an explanation.  Enjoy the views!!!!

Thank You!!!!