For the April 12, 2021 meeting of the Seedling Garden Club a field trip to Jack Creek Farm and Flowers was taken. Members met at the old home place on the farm at 5:30 p.m.
Jan Hooks, owner and operator, welcomed everyone to the 5.6 acre farm. She began the presentation by giving the history of the farm. It was the first home place of her father, the late Wendell Hooks, and mother June Hooks. She noted, proudly, that this was her father's first farm and he farmed from then own. Jan explained the process on shortage of flowers blooming due to the last cold snap and other conditions.
Club members were then led on a tour of the farm. Explaining she only used organic fertilizers, a lot of which she makes herself. She stated she has her soil and water tested every six months to ensure healthy plants. Learning that a good tiller helps get rid of grass has helped her keep beds clean of grass. Moth balls were spread around beds to help keep unwanted animals out. Jan sells to local florist and out of town design houses. Hooks gave a review of new poplar flowers being used for weddings, some of which she has planted in her gardens. The vegetable garden has most of the common vegetables and the plants were beginning to come up. Telling of her recent experience of working at a Dahlia farm in River Mills, N.C. she was excited to show club the Dahlia bulbs to be planted in her garden. Jan ended the presentation by saying, "just because you are born on a farm, you don't know everything." Her days are an everyday learning process.
After the tour, Lucille Braswell, club president held a short business session, thanking everyone for coming and a special thank you to Jan Hooks for allowing the club to visit her farm. Secretary Cheryl Goodman presented the minutes of the last meeting and Kay Peacock, treasurer, gave the treasurer's report. Both were approved as presented. A report was given on the last trees planted by the club on Georgia Arbor Day. Even though they look like they are dead new growth can be seen coming on them. Thanks to Bobby Peacock for watering them every day. Kay Peacock shared a copy of the original program for the first Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Emanuel County. The marker was dedicated by the Swainsboro Garden Club on September 8, 1957. The Seedling Garden Club had it restored and re-dedicated the Marker this year. Special thanks to Gloria Mason for sharing this copy of the program with the club. The club will have it framed and placed on display. Wonda Scarboro reported the hummingbirds are back and the Blue Birds are building nests. The club always looks forward to her "bird report"
Hostess for the outing was; Lucille Braswell, Wanda Ellis and Sandra Thompson. A goody bag of cheese straws, cheese wafers and bulldog crunch along with bottled water was served country style from the back of a truck. Nineteen (19) members were present for the enjoyable, pleasant and educational meeting. Braswell adjourned the meeting with Ginny Smith winning the raffle item. Thanks to Jan Hooks for allowing the club to tour her ever growing farm. Now the members want to try some of Jan's tips on growing beautiful flowers.
Seedling Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Deep South Region, The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and Oleander District.
