It was a chilly start to the year, but, as part of our tradition, we enjoyed a joint meeting with the ladies of the Southern Pines Garden Club at the Weymouth Center in Southern Pines.

Ellen Ashley kept everyone in rapt attention as she shared secrets of her magnificent gardens (four acres!)   Her colorful presentation showed us how to use color and textures to create a wonderful space at our own homes.

 

 

 

 

We were reminded by Jackie that Southern Pines will be offering their spring garden tour in mid-April, and there will be a preview party the Tuesday before which hopefully will be a fun event in a location to be announced at our next meeting.   It’s a “by invitation only” cocktail party in the lovely home of a member.   Look for your invitation!

Finally, don’t forget our new event – Blooming Art – March 29 – 31st featuring art from the homes of several clubs members and floral interpretations.   We’ve been able to add a cocktail party on Friday evening…   get your reservation now through Marilyn Grube for only $50!   It’s sure to be a lovely event at the Campbell House Gallery.   We have a special section of the blog that’s been set up for news on the event.

 

 

We had a beautiful day for our mystery tour this year!  We began our day at CCNC where drivers got their instructions for the day and we proceeded with our guests to two members homes, decorated for the season.   The homes were different in every way – one Meredith’s lovely contemporary home in CCNC and the second Pat’s country cottage in the Village.   Our theme for this year was “Random Acts of Kindness”.   Each guest and member received an ornament with an act of kindness attached as well as a home made cookie.

Following the home tour, we traveled to Mid-Pines for an eggnog welcome, a terrific treat in a program from the Pinecrest chorus, sharing their renditions of wonderful holiday music.   Then Matt Hollyfield shared inspirations on holiday arrangements.   Who knew the importance of using bleach???   We are thankful to Matt, whose creative team took items curated from members yards (pine cones, greens and over four dozen dried hydrangeas) to make the centerpieces for our tables for our wonderful luncheon.   We then as another random act of kindness we donated the arrangements to Clara McLean house to help cheer the families there.