March 2020 Newsletter
Our April 22nd club meeting has been canceled due to the restrictions imposed regarding large gatherings. The program, “Hip, Hip Hydrangeas,” will be rescheduled for next year.
Please be mindful of the fact that our upcoming events will very likely be impacted by the coronavirus. All club members will be notified promptly about any cancellations.
From the President
Spring is a time for hope and renewal. As we grapple with the communal threat of the coronavirus and its effects on our lives, I hope you will take some time in your gardens for a respite from worry and find reassurance in the return of life there. It never fails to amaze me as to what an annual miracle it is!
I will be keeping you all informed as events change. In the meantime, my best wishes to you all for your health and safety in this challenging time.
Sandra Conrad
Plant Sale
The plant sale had been scheduled for Saturday, May 9th. However, due to the CDC recommendations to limit public gatherings of 50 or more for the next 8 weeks, we are reviewing our options as to the possibility of postponing or rescheduling this event.
As noted above, all members will be kept informed about any changes. Detailed information will be forthcoming if we are able to proceed with the plant sale. Stay tuned.
Welcome New Members!
Jennifer Borden moved to Concord in 2017 before living in the South End of Boston. She has two young boys and finds time in the garden relaxing and has loved learning about perennials and annuals. She looks forward to meeting others who love to garden and is very interested in our community outreach.
Jennifer Borden (mentor: Jen Lannan)
Amy Easton has lived in Concord for over 15 years. She has always loved to garden-even as a child when her Mom gave her a very special “garden space.” Amy professes that living in a spot with a beautiful yard and stone walls right in the space where Louisa May Alcott picked apples has been incredibly inspiring in her quest to improve and explore through her gardening. Amy works at Russell’s part-time and is thoroughly enjoying learning even more. She looks forward to meeting other people who love gardening as much as she does!
Amy Easton (mentor: Ellen Whitney)
Karen Perkins grew up “in a family of gardeners”. Her father is still an active member of the Rhododendron Society at the age of 92! Karen lived in Lexington for 35 years and over time turned her garden(which was a vacant lot!) into one she was proud to have on the Lexington Garden Tour. She is looking forward to bringing her skills as a gardener and as a former non-profit director to the Club, and volunteering for Town Gardens and the Plant Sale.
Karen Perkins (mentor: Holly Salemy)
Community Outreach
Sadly, the Museum of Fine Art’s annual Art in Bloom event has been canceled. But, here is a photo of the painting, Woman in a Fur Hat by Gretchen Woodman Rogers that Marta Taylor and Pam Nelson were assigned. Many of you will recognize it and we know Marta and Pam would have done an outstanding job of creating an arrangement for it.
“Woman in a Fur Hat” Pam Nelson and Marta Taylor
For a virtual view of other Art in Bloom ideas, club member Gail Burmeister sent along this link:http://antlerprojects.com/2020/02/22/blooming-art-artistic-flower-design-series/
Town Gardens
Crocuses at attention in the Town House garden. Photo by Ellen Whitney.
In case we are unable to proceed with our customary cleanup of the Town House and West Concord gardens in the next few weeks, above is a cheery reminder of the inherent hope of spring.
Spring Outreach
Much work went into the preparation for our now-canceled program. It turned out to be a prudent decision. But, I would like to thank all involved for their efforts: Andrea Meyers for coordinating the 2 committees; Susan Eckel, Kitsy Rothermel, Susan Fineberg, Mary Kaiser, and Sally Savelle for contacting local organizations; and, Pat Lescalleet-Lashley, Pam Nelson, Ruth Piper and Erika Rodriguez for their work on a lovely springtime flower arrangement. Next year!
Programs
Jane Rupley and Elise Woodward, with their committee, will begin working on programming for next year. The annual speaker workshops at Tower Hill and Elm Bank were canceled.So, please send along any ideas to Jane and Elise.
A Final Note
Please have a look at the spring issue of the Mayflower. It is filled with interesting articles and news of club activities. It serves as an antidote for the daily news!
Please feel free to send me any photographs of what is going on in your gardens. It would be wonderful to share signs of spring!