“Practice” Flower Show

By Calusa Garden Club

On Monday, November 12, the Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island held their regular meeting in Fellowship Hall of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Among the environmental issues discussed was the Junior Gardeners Program at Tommie Barfield Elementary School where a hands-on recycling program was presented at the last Junior Gardeners meeting. Linda Turner reported on the Island’s nesting Eagles. Sue Oldershaw described the new Garden Therapy program recently implemented at Sanitasole, 218 South Barfield. Sanitasole residents helped

design fresh and artificial fall table decorations for their dining room. The next several Garden Therapy programs will involve planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Susan LaGrotta was welcomed into the club.

Following the meeting the club held a “practice” Petite Flower Show entitled “Festive Fall.” Club members designed small arrangements with a fall theme and displayed petite horticulture. All submissions were judged by accredited judges from Southwest Florida – Gail Pica, Cathy Ware, and Barbara Ricci. Renee Lewis, an intern, also participated.

After the judging was complete, the judges presented a program explaining why specific designs were awarded ribbons. They also suggested how other arrangements could be improved.

The next Calusa Garden Club meeting will be held at the home of Dale DeFeo, president, on December 10, followed by the annual Holiday Party.

The Calusa Garden Club normally meets at 1:00 on the second Monday of the month in Fellowship Hall of Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 South Barfield, from October through April. For more information, call 239-394-1425.