Earth Day at the Willows

The members of the Garden Club of Woodbridge hosted the Bethany Garden Club at its April 4 meeting.  Participants were introduced to the diversity that exists among the “Hummingbirds of North, Central and South America.”  John Root, naturalist and certified organic landscaper, revealed in his slide presentation over 300 species of hummingbirds, all with vibrant plumage and some with distinctive characteristics, such as elongated tails.  A few flowers that attract these birds are trumpet creeper, bee balm, phlox and blue lobelia.

On Earth Day, April 22, garden club members assisted residents of MyGenesis Health Care (The Willows) in enhancing their courtyard by planting a multitude of perennials in various containers.  Members from the garden club included Debbie Shee, Barbara Baldwin, Mary Jane Purcell, Marie Dube, Nancy LaBianca, Lewis LaBianca, Debbie Schlegel and Mary Ann Tyma.

Members toured Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge on May 2.  The farm is a non-profit, certified organic farm.  On the tour farmer Steve Munno revealed rows of new vegetables, strawberries, and flowers with overhead water systems and drip systems hydrating the crops.  A bunch of baby asparagus was thriving.  After the tour, lunch supplied by select members of the garden club was enjoyed under the farm’s newly-built pavilion.

The Annual Meeting of the garden club was held on June 13 at the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby.  A tasty luncheon was eaten on the lawn followed by George Trecina, garden designer, who provided a slide presentation, “Container Gardening Unlimited-Creative Combinations that will Astound your Neighbors.”  Members learned that design elements for containers are form, color, texture, and compatibility.

If you are interested in joining the garden club, please contact Mary Jane at wpurcell@snet.net.