Contributed
The Seven Lakes Garden Club has been busy learning, planting and growing this fall.
The organization planted daffodil and grape hyacinth bulbs at West End Elementary School in November. The bulbs will bring beautiful blooms to the beds in front of the school and beds in the courtyard area this spring.
While planting the bulbs, it was noted that several large planters in the courtyard area were empty. And project number two commenced: fill the planters.
At the club’s monthly meeting, members enjoyed a double-feature event. The meeting started with the creation of individual paperwhite bowls for the upcoming holiday season.
Attendees had the option of purchasing three or five bulbs for their containers. These were placed on gravel in their container. Pretty stones and rocks were added to jolly up the look.
The group also learned how to care for their creations for the best outcome. Since paperwhites tend to get leggy, it is possible to reduce their growth without impacting their blooms by watering with a water/alcohol solution after the bulbs sprout. Everyone left with their creations and instructions.
Local floral designer and landscaper Carol Dowd provided the group with an amazing demonstration on creating fall-themed, fresh arrangements for the home.
She started with three large containers of assorted blooms and greenery and produced seven beautiful arrangements. From the simple to the complex, she shared tips and guidance on how to create and maintain your arrangements.
Among the tips she shared: hydrangeas drink from both the top and the bottom and you can create a very stable arrangement by starting at the corners and overlapping and weaving your stems. Her presentation was a creative treat.
