The Seedling Garden Club began a new year of education, projects and fun when they met on Monday, October 11, at the Swainsboro Methodist Church social hall. The club usually begins its new year in September. Due to COVID 19, a decision was made to start one month later. The 18 members present were glad to be back after a long summer.
President Diana Malone called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Guests and members were welcomed. Ann Peebles gave the devotional titled "Act of Kindness. "
Kay Peacock introduced the speaker for the meeting. Kelli Torpy presented a very interesting program on "Gourds". The Gourd Farm located in Wrens, Georgia was started in 1975 by John Torpy's grandmother, Lenna Braswell. When she passed away John and Kelli decided to keep the farm going. They have about 18 acres in Emanuel County and when they are harvested at the end of the year they are carried to Wrens to the original farm sight. Kelli presented the program by beginning with What a gourd is and gourd uses . She explained that they are planted in March or April and harvested at the end of the year. A drying period of 100-150 days are required. Many different varieties of gourds are grown by them with the Martin Gourd being the most popular. Cleaning the gourds can be done several ways, Kelli's favorite, a large wash tub of warm water, steel wool and elbow grease. She ended the program by stating, "The possibilities are endless with gourds." Members enjoyed viewing the beautiful display of gourds. They were in all shapes, decorated in a number of ways. Some would take your breath away. At the end of the program she had a drawing for gourds she had made for plants. Winners of the drawing were; Ann Peebles, Wanda Scarboro, Pat Tiller, Martha Cobb, Kay Peacock and Wanda Ellis. Helping with the program was Kelli's two children, Tate and Ali Torpy.
President Malone presided over the business session of the meeting. New yearly handbooks were given to members. Lucille Braswell, secretary, read minutes from the May meeting. Kay Peacock, treasurer, gave the treasurers report. Both of these were approved as presented. Oleander District Annual Meeting assignments were given. This meeting will be held in Statesboro on October 19 at Ogeechee Technical College. Seedling will serve as hostess for this meeting.
In other business, Yonna Bailey reported the October Yard of the Month went to Dianne Kirby. Judy McWhorter, Pull A Tab For Ronald McDonald chairman, reported the club has 15 gallon bags of tabs which weighs 42 1/2 pounds to carry to District Meeting. President Malone reported the club will sponsor a Flower Show on April 30-May 1, 2022. Title of Flower Show is, "We're Back to a Wonderful World." The club voted to check into having a new Yard of the Month sign made and also voted to change the time of monthly meetings to 5 p.m. Wanda Scarboro, club's "Bird Lady," reported that the hummingbirds are still here and urged members to not remove feeders yet.
Using a Halloween theme the hostesses served cheese straws, pound cake topped with strawberries and whip cream, tea and soda. The serving table was adorned with a Halloween pumpkin and a beautiful arrangement of Confederate Roses. Hostesses were: Paula Karrh, Judy McWhorter, Wanda Scarboro and Becky Hill. Hostess Judy McWhorter gave a bag of Daffodil Bulbs to each member.
President Malone adjourned the meeting. Diana Malone won the raffle item. The next meeting will be November 8th when we will have our annual Christmas Auction.
Seedling Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., The Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc. , The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and Oleander District.
