Ban The Bags

The current project of the Garden Club of Georgia is to reduce road side litter.  The name of the Program is "Ban The Bags."

There are two mottos that are being used but today I will focus on just one which is:  "BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag."

This concept encourages all of our citizens to have a Bag in their Auto, Pick-Up or any other mode of transport so that the waste paper may be properly discposed of.

Today I took several pictures, all within two miles of my home in West Bibb County Georgia.  Needless to say, I am not proud of what I observed.

The previous three pictures were obtained on Peake Road very close to Zebulon Road in West Bibb County.  This is what people discard!!!  What a Shame!!

The three pictures above were taken on Zebulon Road very close
to an Elementary School.  One thing is certain, we are certainly letting
our young citizens know that we do not care when we
let this type of trash along side our roads.

"Season's Premiere 2014" Middle Georgia Judges Council Flower Show

I participated in this Flower Show which was
held at the Neel House, 730 College Street in
Macon, Georgia.  I received a second place
award for this entry in Class 4 - "Seasons of
Flavor."  This Small Standard Flower Show
was a one day event.

This collage received first place and was
entered by the President of the Garden Club
of Georgia. 

There were three other design classes in
this flower show.  This class required a design
to support the title "Seasons for Relaxing."
Each designer had to furnish their own
rocking chair.

For a small standard show there were over 100 entries received in the
Horticulture Division.  There were 24 classes in this Division.
It was certainly an opportunity to learn which plants thrive in
Middle Georgia.

Advantages of Having Plants in the Home

I am confident that each of us who is involved in
Garden Club Work is aware of the value of having Plant
Life in our Homes.  However today I am encouraging
everyone to share this knowledge with their Family and/or
Friends who may not be aware of the Health Benefits
as well as the Beauty Benefits of maintaining
House Plants. 

We have enjoyed this plant for twenty years.
It is always a pleasant reminder that
Spring will once again bring Beauty to the
Gardens outside of the House.

Also, now is the time, as most everyone knows; but a reminder is always helpful; to evaluate the plants that performed well in the Gardens this past year and to also anticipate and even procure plants that will bring even more beauty to our landscapes in 2014 and beyond.

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.