At the May meeting, members were treated to Allen Ayling’s video presentation of the sea life he has encountered while diving all over the world. Mr. Ayling has completed over 1500 dives in oceans across the globe and documents his trips with underwater video.  He shared video of sea life ranging from 15′ manta rays to tiny half inch seahorses.  Members were reminded to get their RSVP in for the May Social to Donna Aycock by May 20th.  The Plant Sale and Days at the Docks booth were great successes raising in excess of $2400.  Watch your email, Spring planting of the gardens is coming soon!

May Hostesses Judy Brock, Pam Burris and Peggy Allen

The Holden Beach Beautification Club gratefully acknowledges our 2015 Sponsors and Donors. Donations along with fundraisers provide the means to purchase plants and other landscaping materials for the public gardens on Holden Beach.

Please visit our Sponsors and thank them for their support of the Holden Beach Beautification Club! If you would like to make a donation please visit the Donate page on our website HoldenBeachBC.org.

Look for our Sponsor Board at Days at the Docks and Festival By the Sea.

It is time for the annual HBBC Plant Sale! The tables are filled with gorgeous plants at fantastic prices. Unique plants, new hybrids and time-tested favorites are ready to take home.  In addition to plants and other garden items, this year we have hand painted “pallet art”. Each of these pieces are one of kind treasures created by the talented ladies of the HBBC.

Come take a look!  The sale takes place Friday from 1:00 – 4:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am – 3:00pm at the EOC center, on Sabbath Home Road approximately 1/10 mile past the Food Lion Shopping Center, on the north side of the road.

Proceeds from the Annual Plant Sale are used to purchase landscape materials and plants for the public gardens on Holden Beach.

Members traveled to Airlie Gardens last week for our annual field trip.   The camellias and tulips were in bloom along with the other springtime flowers.  Our tour guide Beth, a 25-year volunteer, gave us a wonderful private tour of the gardens.  Following the tour, the group stopped for lunch at Eddie Romanelli’s in Leland.  Thanks to member Ann Landis and Carla Payne for the lovely photos!

Many White Elephants are enjoying new homes after a very successful White Elephant Auction!

Members and guests participated in both silent and live auctions of more than 100 donated items.  Over $800 was raised to help fund the gardens and run the club.  Becky Greene served as auctioneer and led the spirited bidding during the live auction.

This month’s hostesses focused on a St. Patrick’s Day theme and featured green treats.

During the business portion of the meeting, members were reminded to pay their dues for the upcoming year.  If you missed the meeting, your $20 dues may be sent to Donna Aycock, 125 Durham St., Holden Beach, 28462.

Preparation for the Spring Plant sale is in full swing and members are reminded to get sponsorships turned in ASAP.

Officers for 2015-2016 were elected and will be installed at the May Social.  The slate includes:

Next month’s meeting is the field trip to Airlie Gardens.  RSVP to Carol Ann, 910-842-1576.

Hostesses for the March Meeting were Carol Keane, Sharon Butler, Joann Burke, Becky Greene, Diana Hardesty and Jane Ivey.

Just a few of the items donated for the White elephant Auction.

Becky Greene served as the auctioneer.

Members enjoyed the fantastic weather Sunday afternoon while creating works of art to be sold at the HBBC booth at Days at the Docks.  Art Committee Chair Cecelia Weston led the group’s creation of pallet art and the painting of flower pots which will be adorned with clay shapes and painted again.

Carolyn Metrakos, 2nd Vice President, Derek Smith, NCDOT and President Carol Ann Lohman discuss wildflowers.

February Hostesses Sharon Butler, Donna Aycock, Patricia Schwaiger and Becky Greene.

At the February meeting, HBBC members heard from Derek Smith, Coordinator of NCDOT’s Roadside Wildflower Program. Derek coordinates the 14 areas of the state that plant the incredible patches of flowers you see as you drive along our major highways. Funded by personalized license plate fees, the NC wildflower program is the largest in the nation. Derek gave a presentation on how his department plants and maintains the beds and showed slides of some of the award-winning beds from across the state.   HBBC members each received a book on wildflowers and a seed packet to sow in their gardens. HBBC hostesses stayed with a flowers and Valentines theme, including potted Dianthus and other early spring flowers for each member to take home and either plant in their garden or nurture for the plant sale in April.  Members were reminded that March is the popular White Elephant Auction. Check the website for details!

Pots for Festival by the Sea

Reminder – Workshop Saturday, 13 September 2014, at Fran Pompeii’s at 11:00 AM.  We will be making flower pots with old sheets or towels and cement.  Bring rubber gloves (dishwashing variety), wear old clothes or apron and bring scissors.

Workshop Sunday, 14 September 2014, at Fran Pompeii’s – 1:30 PM.  We will be painting the flower pots.  You might want to wear gloves and old clothes again.

These pot will be sold  at Festival by the Sea to raise money for our gardens.  Come out and help any time you can.