Contributed
On Thursday, Sept. 10, Seven Lakes Garden Club will host its opening meeting for year 37.
The club board has planned a year of interesting programs and activities. The initial meeting is an opportunity for members to pay their $15 dues for their household membership.
Membership fees are critical for supporting our activities and paying speaker stipends. Members have access to all events including those that are member only. Guests are always welcome at any meeting.
The program year includes an opening presentation by Jon Davis of Wild Birds Unlimited. Davis will share with us useful tips on attracting birds to your yard. His recommendations of the right food and feeders for our Sandhills birds are always excellent.
In October, the club will visit a rock garden at the home of Kyle Sonnenberg in Southern Pines. Large, naturally occurring rocks are not plentiful in Seven Lakes. A rock garden takes a little planning. It will be interesting to learn about the plants that do well and view options for layout and design.
A “craft project” session is in the planning stages for November. The club’s chief crafter presented a few options and bees wax candles were selected as a fun project. Club members are wonderfully creative. Supplies will be provided and the results are always amazing. The calendar year wraps up with the annual Caring and Sharing Holiday Tea. This fun fellowship event that also provides an opportunity to help others.
The January program is a presentation by Christian Flores, Moore County Agricultural Agent, entitled “10 Native Plants Every Sandhills Garden Should Have.” The interest in going native in our gardens is booming and this presentation should be helpful to gardeners and interesting to those who just like to enjoy gardens.
In February, the club heads up U.S. 15-501 to visit JJ’s Greenhouse. It will learn about house plants and have an opportunity to add plants to our collections. The March and April programs are works in process, but each will have great programs.
In April, the club will begin its meeting with a plant exchange. The annual Trunk Exchange in the parking lot is a fast and furious process of sharing plants. The program year ends with a member picnic.
The Seven Lakes Garden Club is dedicated to Learning and Fellowship. Gardening experience or knowledge is not required to participate in club events. All are welcome. Bring a friend. The club typically meets at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month from Sept. through May in the Fellowship Hall of the Chapel in the Pines, 581 Seven Lakes Drive, West End.
