The September meeting kicked off our new year.   In line with the Federated Garden Clubs of CT we will focus on the theme: 
               Bee Kind to Pollinators.   Plant Natives.  Create Backyard Habitats.

We are also changing our meeting schedule.  The club will now meet March through December and we will schedule some evening programs.  We hope this allows more people from the community to participate.

September Meeting

• Plant Identification Contest   – Club members tested their skills by identifying fruits and nuts, flowers and foliage plants and ornamental plants.   Many members teamed up to face the challenge.   The hardest identification was a leaf from a castor plant which is grown as an annual in Connecticut.
  

  Photo courtesy of Renee Marsh

• Plant Mystery – There are times when gardeners – even seasoned ones – need help identifying a plant.  Members brought in a number of challenges.   These included Helianthus annuus ( common sunflower) and giant ragweed.

• The perennial of the year, Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatumodoratum ‘Variegatum’‘), was covered by the new chair of horticulture, Linda Hooper.  Each year a the plant is awarded to the member of the club who has contributed the most artistic and horticulture arrangements.   This year we recognized Linda Hooper and awarded her the plant.

• This year we are exploring a native plant each month.  Renee Marsh covered her favorite native shrub, Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina),.