Hello Gardeners,

While the days are still frigid, the daylight is continuing to increase, giving us hope and anticipation for another gardening season. I felt like attending the Winter Seed Sowing class at David Kibbe’s, led by David and Amy Thomas, made it feel like Spring is indeed in sight. Until then, however, we will enjoy the winter and know that the snow is protecting our plants. Thank you to David, Amy and Karen Cease for making this fun event happen.

I want to thank all that attended the focus groups or sent a completed survey.  If you have not done so already, please send your survey to Sherry Cobb at Sherrykc@tidewater.net by Monday if possible. All the comments will be categorized by subject and then placed into a document for the board to use as we plan our future path.  With 100 members, we want to be sure that we meet your needs as much as we are able. A big thank you to Debra Stokes, Mary Winchell, Susan Reider and Sherry Cobb for helping us with this process.

I hope many of you will be able to watch the rest of the Horticulture Series.  The first one was very informative. We learned of many shrubs and plants that we can plant on our own property to increase the numbers of songbirds in our area.  Thank you to Mary Katherine Hayes for arranging these speakers.

As you may remember, an exploratory committee was formed to look at an alternative event in place of the Garden Tour this year. This committee continues to meet and is in the process of developing a proposal to present to the board mid-February.  If approved, we will be communicating the ‘event’ through emails and newsletters prior to our April Meeting.

The last piece of information to pass along is that the board had a special board meeting last month and approved the purchase of 38 new lamp post planters.  These planters will take the place of the steel baskets that we have been using over the years.  Unfortunately, half of the old baskets need to be replaced because they are falling apart, so we decided to see if there was a different style for us to use.  These new planters are made of heavy plastic, are deeper and have a water reservoir that holds 2 gallons of water/planter.  They will be placed lower on the lamp posts and wrap completely around the post. We have seen these planters in other towns and are pleased with the way they looked.

 As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I hope to see everyone at our next club meeting which is April 24.

Vicki

2025 Winter Horticulture Series

Join us for the 57th Winter Horticulture Series and a wonderfully diverse series of Zoom presentations. Pre-registration is required.

Inside Look at the U.S. Botanic Garden Susan Pell, Ph.D. and Executive Director     

February 4th, 9:30 - 10:30 am Our annual Zoom garden tour with a behind the scenes peek at one of our National Treasures in Washington, DC   Registration for this Zoom program is required https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uhH317qYTOiSSoIFo8LIxg   

Register for the entire series scheduled each Tuesday in February

February 11, 9:30-10:30am “The Secret Lives of Wild Bees” Nick Dorian, Ph.D.   Are there good bees and bad bees?  Do they talk? Find out !   

Register for this program here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j-cBkyhHQDOuETkiPRUhhw  

February 18, 9:30-10:30am  “Benefits of Nature Experiences for Human Health and Well-Being.”  Mt. Cuba Center Speaker    There’s a reason we all get that zen feeling when we garden. Register for this program here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lf5yj116RWO-qJoLHRbz7w

February 25, 9:30-10:30am Kerry Ann Mendez will be speaking on a topic to be announced.

Register for this program here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MxuO_So8TCuOw4m6vp8iZw

The Winter Horticulture Series is presented in conjunction with the Camden Public Library.

2025 Yearbook Update

And yes, there is going to be a new directory/yearbook.  The 2025 edition is in the process of being completed.  It will include much needed updates on board restructuring, by-laws, calendars, and membership.  

We are asking every member to help with the directory section. In the 2024 yearbook this section was called “Regular”.  This title is not in sync with the by-law membership list. The name is now changed to Active and Senior.  Within the next two weeks you will be receiving a copy of just the revised 2025 directory section.  

I have labored over three different membership lists to ensure complete accuracy but would appreciate your help. When you receive the email, please let me know if there are errors in your name, address and phone numbers.  Some members have requested that not all information be published. This explains why there is a lack of information in some entries.  It is not a mistake.

In the future the directory will be updated on a quarterly basis and available in the Member’s Only Section on our Website <www.camdengaradenclub.org>.  Quarterly updates will allow us to add new members and  change addresses and phone numbers.  Additionally, members will be able to print the directory for their convenience.

With much appreciation for your help,

Lucy Ebbert

Membership Chair

lbebbert@gmail.com

Reminder: Garden Club Federation of Maine

All active CGC members are automatically members of the Federation. Visit their website to view interesting video series and lectures recommended by Barb Ohland, CGC Board Member and Master Gardener. You can access the content in the Members section using the password “pinecone.” 

Visit https://www.mainegardenclubs.org/

Our mission is to develop and preserve our environment by beautifying the community, enhancing public spaces, offering educational programs, and practicing resource conservation.