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!
White Elephants Have New Homes!
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:
President – Gayle Todd
First Vice President – Donna Aycock
Second Vice President – Carolyn Metrakos
Third Vice President – Lillian West
Secretary – Sharon Butler
Treasurer – Gina Martin
Next month’s meeting is the field trip to Airlie Gardens. RSVP to Carol Ann, 910-842-1576.
Work Day a Success!
February Meeting Highlights

Carolyn Metrakos, 2nd Vice President, Derek Smith, NCDOT and President Carol Ann Lohman discuss wildflowers.
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!
Padgett Garden Fall Planting
Dear Members,
It’s time to change the plants in Padgett Garden for fall and winter. We will be planting on Friday, 31 October – 10:00 AM. Please join us on Friday – we can use everyone’s help, even if you are not on the Landscaping Committee. We plan to work for two hours.
Date – Friday, 31 October
Time – 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Meet- Padgett Garden
Bring –
- Hand Trowel or Dibble (to plant bulbs)
- Small Pail or Coffee Can (to put fertilizer in)
- Garden Gloves
- Water
Thank you for all your help. See you Friday. XO, Carol Ann
Orchids
Seventeen Flowers That Look Like Something Else…
The flowers in the post below all have two things in common: They’re beautiful, and they remind the human eye of something else entirely. They are stunning works of art by nature.
Check out the facinating flowers here: Orchids
Workshops September 13 and 14
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.











