The members of the Olde Ripton Garden Club wish everyone a safe, healthy, happy holiday season.

Huntington Branch of the Shelton Post Office

Some of the holiday decorations created by the members of the Olde Ripton Garden Club.

At our December meeting, Teya Bell was honored with an award for her work on the “Shelton Seed Library.”

Teya along with committee members of the Olde Ripton Garden Club in conjunction with the Plumb Memorial Library opened the Shelton Seed Library to the public on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

The purpose of the Seed Library is to provide Shelton gardeners with free seeds to use in their home gardens.  The Seed Library is located on the second floor of the library and is open to residents of Shelton.

Wreaths were purchased from Wells Hollow Creamery for the annual wreath decorating event.  Members decorated 35 wreaths to be distributed to Shelton municipal buildings, civic gardens, and Shelton Schools.

Club President Lisa DiNardo and Dan from Wells Hollow Creamery

Rich with history, symbolism, and aesthetic beauty, the wreath is a favorite decoration year-round.  The beginning of December welcomes boughs of fir, spruce, and holly to the wreath form — since ancient times, evergreens have served as symbols of life and strength against the bitter cold, snow, and ice.

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Originally a farmhouse built around 1840, the Osborne Homestead Museum is now one of fifteen distinctive historic sites in Connecticut.  Frances Eliza Osborne (1876-1956) was the last of the Osborne family children and deeded the 350-acre property to Connecticut to preserve it as a state park for future generations.

Every December for more than 30 years, local garden clubs have prepared lavish holiday decorations following an annually chosen theme.  The theme for the 2024 Holiday Season is “Eco Holiday.”  The Olde Ripton Garden Club decorated Eva’s Bedroom in the spirit of Wetlands.”

Museum Holiday Hours for the 2024 “Eco Holiday”

Friday, November 29 – Saturday, December 21
Thursdays thru Sundays 10 AM – 4 PM

Holiday Twilight Tours
Fridays – December 6, December 13, and December 20 ~ 4:00 to 7:00 PM

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At our November meeting member Linda Hooper received the Federated Tribute in Horticulture/Artistic Design Award.

Linda received the Tribute Award for her many years of service in Horticulture and Artistic Design and for her creative and remarkable talent at the heart of everything she does.

In addition to being an active member of our club since 2012, Linda has been Horticulture/Artistic Design Chair for many years.  She has been a leader and active member of the Osborne Homestead Museum Holiday Decorating Committee for several years and was the Plumb Library Garden Chair for many years, adding her special touch to those gardens.

For our November meeting we had an apple tasting event.  Members had the chance to taste a variety of apples from Beardsley Cider Mill and Orchard, including Jona Gold, Topaz, Winesap, Braeburn and Empire apples.

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For our October meeting, club members Debby Garrow, Lori Kniffin and Linda Hooper led us in a pumpkin decorating session.

Examples of decorated pumpkins were on view to lend ideas to members.

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For our September meeting we welcomed Karla Dalley who gave the presentation “Putting the Garden to Bed for Winter.”

Club Vice President Jen Lombard and Karla Dalley

Karla’s presentation covered the basic winter preparation for gardens, removing diseased foliage, removing perennial weeds and annual weeds with seed heads.  Also important is removing diseased foliage, putting away statuary and bird baths and pruning dead or broken branches from trees and shrubs.

Karla also explained how applying mulch to gardens as the ground freezes and wrapping fragile evergreens with burlap is important.  Fertilizing evergreen shrubs should also be done in the fall.

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Join us on September 9th for a presentation by Karla Dalley.  Karla is currently the garden columnist for We-Ha Magazine and the Book Reviewer for the Connecticut Horticulture Society, as well as the sole author of an organic gardening blog, “Gardendaze.”

Her presentation will be “Putting the Garden to Bed.”

Founded in 1976, the Olde Ripton Garden Club (ORGC) of Shelton, Connecticut is a community of garden enthusiasts committed to sharing the love of gardening and conservation.  We provide education in horticulture and assist in beautifying the grounds around public buildings.

Meetings are held March through December (no meetings in January and February.)  They are on the first Monday of the month (except for holidays) and start promptly at 10 a.m.  There will be no meeting in June.

Dues are $35 per year, guests are welcome to attend, there is a $5 Visitor Fee for non-members.

For our August meeting we welcomed Interfaith Minister and Advanced Master Gardener Donna Katsuranis.

Club Vice President Jen Lombard and Donna Katsuranis

Donna shared with us a Power Point presentation of “Herbs and Kitchen Gardens.”

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For our July meeting, Artistic Workshop and Exhibits Chair Linda Hooper led us in a decoupage workshop.

Every member received a pre-painted clay pot, a colorful napkin, paint brush, sandpaper and a bottle of Mod Podge.  Linda led everyone in a step-by-step tutorial helping create individually decorated terra cotta pots.

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This Sunday, June 23, 2024 is Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day.  There will be sixteen distinctive historic sites and gardens open for viewing. Visit their website for a full listing of gardens and locations at Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day.

America’s oldest public rose garden celebrates its 120th anniversary this Saturday, June 15, 2024.  This is the first municipal rose garden in the United States and the third largest rose garden in the country today.  There will be free educational and family-friendly activities while showcasing the Helen S Kaman Rose Garden at the peak of its seasonal beauty. All Rose Weekend events are FREE and open to the public.

The Elizabeth Park Conservancy is located at 1561 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut.   Additional information can be found on the Elizabeth Park Conservancy website.