Fayette Garden Club holds fall meeting at Cedarhurst

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The Fayette Garden Club held its fall meeting at Cedarhurst on Sept. 11.

Hostesses Pam Rhoads and Marjorie Clifford greeted the members of Fayette Garden Club as they arrived for the meeting.

President Susan Meriweather opened the business meeting with a moment of silent prayer for the fallen victims and their families of the 9/11 tragedy 14 years ago.

Roll call was answered by each telling their favorite color of fall leaves.

Secretary Jodi Kirkpatrick and treasurer Debbie Carr gave their reports and they were approved as read.

Birthday greetings were extended to Shirley Johnson, Linda Morgan, Pam Rhoads and Marjorie Clifford.

Pam Rhoads gave an update on the Fall Region 16 meeting to be held on Oct. 8, 2015 at the Mahan Building at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

The Horticulture Tip was given by Marjorie Clifford on fall planting of bulbs. Tips were given on daffodils, tulips and crocuses. These bulbs need to be planted in the fall as they need the cold weather of winter for their spring bloom. You may well enjoy daffodils in your garden all your life without encountering bugs or disease connected with them, particularly in the northern states. Nor will you need to fear the voracious attacks of hungry rabbits. The tender tips of tulips and crocus may be eaten to the ground, but never those of daffodils, which is one reason they are so popular for naturalizing, and the bulbs are immune to rodents too.

President Meriweather gave a report on Oak tree leaves. The Oak tree is among the most common trees and can be found in North America, Europe and in tropical regions of Asia. The oak tree has around 450 species, each of them having unique features. The leaf of the oak tree is considered a symbol of strength, honor, endurance and liberty. During Roman times, victorious commanders were awarded oak leaf laurels. The oak leaf, in present times, is a symbol of rank in the United States armed forces. The oak tree leaf is broad, thin and flat and is called a broadleaf. The characteristic features in an oak leaf are its lobes and sinuses (space between the lobes). The number of lobes may be from five up to 20 in a leaf. The leaves are green, often leathery on top, and pale underneath. The leaves change color in fall taking on a bright gold or scarlet or russet hue.

The flower of the month is the Coneflower. Coneflowers are a native North American perennial, sporting daisy-like flowers with raised centers. The flower, plant, and root of some types are used in herbal remedies. Widely renowned as a medicinal plant, coneflowers are a long-flowering perennial for borders, wildflower meadows and prairie gardens. Blooming midsummer to fall, the plants are relatively drought-tolerant and rarely bothered by pests. The flowers are a magnet for butterflies, and the seeds in the dried flower heads attract songbirds. Flower colors include rose, purple, pink, and white, plus a new orange variety. Plants grow two to four feet tall, depending on variety. Coneflower advantages: Easy care, low maintenance, multiplies readily, good for cut flowers, attracts butterflies, deer resistant and tolerates dry soil.

Meriweather presented a yellow rose as a token of appreciation to her outgoing officers. An arrangement of rainbow roses was presented to Susan from her mother Connie Meriweater in appreciation for her two years as president of the club.

Vice president Pam Roads presented outgoing president Susan Meriweather a gift in appreciation from members of the club.

Installation of new officers was conducted by outgoing president Meriweather. She used different color candles to symbolize each office. The candles were decorated with an Aster and a Cardinal, the flower and bird of Fayette Garden Club. Each candle was lit after the description of their symbolism.

Red candles were given to publicity, Connie Meriweather, and assistant publicity, Mary Estle. The red candles symbolize the club’s information that will be “read” by our community. Treasurer Debbie Carr and assistant treasurer Carole Anderson were given the gold candles which represent the purest of metals. Secretary Susan Meriweather and assistant secretary Jodi Kirkpatrick were given the white candles which represent truth in reporting. Vice president Marjorie Clifford was presented a green candle which represents new life and ideas provided by nature every day. President Pam Rhoads was presented the blue candle which represents royalty, a first among colors. The blue candle is to remind her to always keep the welfare of Fayette Garden Club first in her thoughts and action.

The newly installed officers were greeted by the club.

A white elephant silent auction was opened to the members and a plant and seed exchange was held.

Refreshments were served to the following: Carole Anderson, Chris Boylan and guest Sharon Boylan, Debbie Carr, Marjorie Clifford, Mary Estle, Jodie Kirkpatrick, Connie Meriweather, Susan Meriweather, Joanne Montgomery, Linda Morgan, Pat Parsons, Pam Rhoads and Barbara Sams.

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By Connie Meriweather

Fayette Garden Club

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