Category: Garden Clubs

Social Views

Social Views

 

For those who were able to attend this summers garden club annual pot luck at Jayne and Keith’s, it was a special treat. What a nice event… Good friends, good food and a beautiful day. It was nice to see the usual group who attend and especially nice to have some new members attend.

The weather was sunny and warm allowing everyone to enjoy their beautiful property during the late afternoon and early evening.

We roamed the gardens, gazed out to sea, shared conversation, laughter and a delicious pot luck meal.

It was hoped that we would experience one of those glorious sunsets that Jayne had told us about.

… and there it was

Jayne says “A special thank you to those who participated in the pot luck social today… A great selection of food and the weather was beyond beautiful. Being able to mingle in the yard made the day complete. Keith and I love being able to share our home and view with you all. The great selection of foods and friends make it very special.

Thanks Jayne and Keith. It was a special time.

Pictures: Pam, Jayne and Brenda

“Cool” Gardener’s Sale

“Cool” Gardener’s Sale

 

IMGP9256

The late spring and absence of the usual apple blossoms didn’t slow down members preparations for the annual Chester Gardener’s Sale held on May 25th at the old train station.

 

 

 

Our clubs annual fund-raising gardener’s sale, with proceeds going to Club activities and two garden parks in the village attracted the usual faithful group of full time residents and seasonal visitors alike who enjoy finding special treasures.

 

Jayne and artist Maria Kuttner (2)

 

On display, a raffle (the draw will be at the annual meeting in the fall) this year, was our gift from friend and artist Maria Kuttner. Maria has kindly donated her rendition of our annual event. Along with greeting cards this will help raise funds for our clubs annual commitments.

 

 

 

 

Featured again this year were a wide variety of perennials from members gardens along with many plants and accessories for the garden brought in by commercial vendors. Other surprise items, providing more variety were “gently used” garden tools ready for sharpening at “the Blade Runner” who was on site and a wide variety of gardening books.

 

 

 

 

Marion’s “coffee and muffins” were a warm-me-up addition on the sunny, cool day, a welcome change from the frequent wet weather during May.

 

 

 

 

Now that this once-a-year sale is over, the countdown is on for at home gardening, community gardening, garden tours, flowers shows and summer gatherings.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

 

Chester Garden Club has been one of the gems of community involvement for over 75 years. We are always welcoming new members, both women and men, to participate in a variety of interesting activities during the season, which runs from March to December. A review of most of last years monthly educational topics and activities are here on our blog.

In addition to this educational component, our club supports numerous community beautification projects in our area. These events are a time for all hands on deck and also a time for great camaraderie.

Joining our garden club is simple and inexpensive and membership opens the doors to explore a wide range of common interests with other gardeners; having access to educational programs, growing food and flowers for personal use and sharing, participating in service projects to help beautify our community, promoting environmental stewardship, practising artistic design in floral arranging and simply having fun.

A great reward at a modest price! Why not join us at a meeting in the spring. Remember, gardeners rest in the knowledge that all will awaken in time…

Check out the site pages at the top of the of blog posts https://www.chestergardenclub.wordpress.com

… and visit our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chestergardenclub

Happy New Year and all the best plantings for 2019 from all of us at Chester Garden Club.

Christmas Potluck

Christmas Potluck

20181210_174616

Continuing the tradition, Chester Garden Club wrapped up it’s 2018 season with the annual Christmas potluck dinner party hosted by member residents of Chandler’s Cove. The weather cooperated allowing for members, spouses and friends, numbering more than 30 to share the festivities.

 

 

Members brought a favourite appetizer, main dish, or dessert to share. It was an evening of beautiful decorations, festive outfits, overflowing tables of food and friendly conversation.

 

 

AND … Happy Birthday wishes were energetically sung to Duncan, Ted and Walter.

 

 

Click on pictures (thanks to Myra and Brenda) which tell their own story.

The club now takes a break and just like members gardens, will be dormant until March. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 

Opportunities

Opportunities

The Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs is an organization made up of Garden Clubs, Horticultural Societies, and Speciality Plant Societies from 7 districts across Nova Scotia. Chester Garden Club is one of seven clubs in District 6, the south shore. Each year, one club in each district takes a turn and hosts a meeting, inviting members of all clubs in the district to attend.

On October 13th , two members from our club were among 25 guests of Liverpool Garden Club. In a warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere we were welcomed and enjoyed and challenged by two excellent presentations.

 

 

Speaker Emily Liot’s topic was Composting. Her passion is Red Wigglers. – Vermi-culture.

 

IMGP8184

Mary Lou White spoke passionately about the needs in Nova Scotia regarding Food Security. She described the issues and her support and work building and encouraging Community Gardens, providing education and giving families hope for more in the future than food banks.

 

 

IMGP8183Door prizes included garden produce and other gardening related items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following a delicious lunch we were encouraged to visit Cosby’s Garden Centre and take a walk through the fall foliage to view the incredible work of Nova Scotia sculptor, Ivan Higgins.

 

 

Thanks to Liverpool Garden Club we had fun,we learned and we were challenged to create and also to support ways to make a difference for others in our communities and province.

Flower Show Challenge

Flower Show Challenge

 

Chester Garden Club’s  Flower Show  “ Lest We Forget” A Floral Tribute will be held the 26th of July at the Chester Legion Hall. 

Expectations are high for those who participate in our annual, well attended, flower show. For several years, Myra has encouraged and helped us all to enter. The syllabus (entry guide) often has included a new design that we have received instruction and guidance from Myra. 

 

The parallel and the crescent designs have been included in the past two years and this years guide has included a “Duo Design”.

On Monday, May 21st, at our regular meeting time Myra, with two/four beautiful examples explained this newest challenge and again expressed her support and encouragement.

A Duo Design: ( A two sided design in one container or appearing to be in one container. Each side is different from the other and each is exhibited in a separate class)for example: “ Spring/Fall”, “ Night/Day

 

Thoughts are on plantings to have colours not only for our gardens but also for our flower show designs.

Check out Chester Garden Clubs annual plant sale at the old train Station, Hwy #3 Chester, this coming Saturday, May 26th , 9am until noon.

Spring Clean Up

Spring Clean Up

Chester Garden Club cares for two community gardens, the Cove Garden and the Parade Square Garden. Because gardens gradually overgrow their spaces , decisions for changes are made.

Today members gathered to work on the plan to re-design the Chester Parade Square Garden. Shrubs and perennials have been either pruned or removed.

A new garden path has been installed for better garden access and viewing. The new plan implementation will continue throughout the sping season.

 

click on any picture for slide show:

 

Following the volunteer gardening work event, lunch and a social gathering was enjoyed at Sylvia’s.

 

Thanks to everyone.

Are you Winter-Weary ?

Are you Winter-Weary ?

 

In March the winter-weary world begins to awaken from its long rest. Now the remnants of winter are washed away by what is often to referred to as the “tides of March”.

7-DSCF9123

 

In every pond, lake, river and stream, the water that was frozen a month ago begins to thaw and flow again. In our gardens frost rises to the surface and the earth ooses underfoot. In every tree and shrub, that vital fluid known as sap begins to rise, and as a result, buds begin to swell. We don’t see or hear sap rising but it’s there. In small plant growth or a towering tree, leaves, color and syrup are being produced.

 

It is a time of observation, preparation and anticipation as we look forward to another gardening season.

For our garden club, March is also a time to end our winter break and begin regular meetings. Watch for news under the categories: Current Activities, Annual Gardeners Sale, & Annual Flower Show and Tea. There will be many opportunities to learn, support and participate, enjoying varied garden club activities.

 

 

Happy Holiday Season from Chester Garden Club

Happy Holiday Season from Chester Garden Club

 

Chester garden club members and guests gather the third Monday each month and begin each meeting with a speaker or activity of interest. Our November, 2017 meeting included the later with early preparation of festive seasonal arrangements for the holiday. Each member provided enough materials for themselves and some to share. The tables overflowed with beautiful greenery and complementary decorations. Amidst the conversation, advice and laughter, working together and helping each other make choices, we all completed our arrangement to take home or gift to another. There were some that were donated to the seniors at Shoreham Village, a welcome addition to the seasonal decorations for our community senior residents.

Click on any picture for slide show:

 

 

A week later, Chester Garden Club’s participation in annual Village Christmas decorations, the bandstand received it’s yearly dressing up with greenery and lights.

November 27th 2017 image1 (2)

 

Bringing our 2017 garden club year to a close, and with excellent weather, our annual Pot Luck Supper was again held at Chandler Cove. Thanks, especially to Kay and Sheila and the set up crew. In beautifully decorated surroundings, members and guests enjoyed each others company, conversations and were treated to a scrumptious variety of tasty dishes.

Click on picture for slide show.

 

 

Warm wishes to all for a Holiday Season filled with Peace, Contentment, Love & Laughter.

We are looking forward to welcoming old and new gardener members to Chester Garden Club in 2018.

Holiday Greenery in the Village

Holiday Greenery in the Village

The Chester Garden Club’s traditional “hanging of the green” took place on a cold and windy day in late November when about 20 volunteers arrived at the village bandstand to fasten evergreen boughs and strands of coloured lights to its railings.  The chilly weather meant that this year’s holiday decorating was accomplished in record time. Within an hour, tools were put away and the whole crowd retreated to Heather’s, where they warmed up with homemade chowder, tea biscuits, assorted goodies and mulled wine.

Taking a cue from the Christmas decorating theme at the November meeting, two members added their decorative touches to the food table: a “centre-piece” (composed of natural greenery plus festive accessories) and a charming model of the Chester bandstand (made from gingerbread and candy).