Hurricane Florence was waiting in the wings as we met at the Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve. Despite all the work they had preparing for the storm, Park Ranger, Billy Harkness, offered us the opportunity to learn more about our native trees (did you know the longleaf pine has a tap root that is especially deep and thus protects the trees in strong wind?) He also shared with us taxidermy of animals and birds native to the Sandhills and how they fit into our ecology. It was a rainy day but we got so much out of the presentation. It’s always important to learn how important fire is to preserving our environment.
Dolores welcomes our speaker, Ranger HartnettThis Sandhills Cayote is native to our area (he looks pretty sneaky)Ann and Marilyn shared a hug prior to the program.Nancy, as one of our hostesses (along with Elaine and Rita) was happy to join Linda and Peggy as they enjoyed the refreshmentsThe two “Ritas” posed for our camera! Welcome ladies!Ellen, Lisa and Lydia share a laugh, despite the gloomy weatherElaine, Jocelyn and Martha were a colorful trio on a rainy day (thanks for the treats, Elaine)
Our May year-end meeting was held outdoors at Ironwood adjacent to their beautiful gardens. We began with a wonderful toast of champagne, mimosas or blinis and went on to a marvelous luncheon. After lunch, a special and well-deserved thank you was celebrated of Dolores Mueller, recognizing all she does for the club. 2017 officers were thanked and the new board was installed.
Then a tribute was offered to our President of 2017 and 2018, Linda Lindsay by First Vice President, Hartley Fitts. Beautiful flowers were the theme of the day! Last but not least, our annual plant exchange sent members home with special additions for their gardens! What a lovely way to end the year.
Anne and Karen loved the beautiful lsettingDiana, Jocelyn and Helen were oh-so-colorful
Helen, Thea, Jane and Nancy looked lovely
Linda presented a set of wind chimes to Dolores to recognize all she does for our club
Former President Marilyn and current President Linda – how lucky we are!
New officers were installed for 2018 year in a colorful ceremonyPat, Sharon, Char and Tracye shared a smile in this beautiful venue
Patti, Martha and Karen were a picture of spring
This year’s plant exchange featured a wide variety of beautiful options!
The beautiful gardens of Ironwood were a perfect venue for the year-end meeting
Our Club gathered at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities for a lovely coffee and mimosa reception with delicious refreshments (provided by hostesses Anne Howell, Thea Pitassy and Elaine Porzio). This was followed by a wonderful program delivered by Ellen Ashley. Ellen is an Educator, Speaker and Plantscape Consultant and we all learned SO MUCH. The program centered on Creating Your Own Cut Flower Garden from Zero to a Gorgeous Garden in 90 days.
Ahhh … spring was celebrated with this gorgeous bouquet, courtesy of our hostessesSandy, Jan and Pat shared coffee and lemon cookies!Hartley, Marilee, Meredith – it was chilly for a spring day!Linda McVay, Martha and AnnOur speaker Ellen Ashley and Marsha AllenPresident Linda and Hartley welcome our speaker Ellen AshleyMMT hostesses Elaine and Patti share refreshments with Jan
Gardens are a form of autobiography ~Sydney Eddison
Garden Club of the Sandhills 
