February Garden Club~Love Is In The Air

       Valentines's Day was our decorating motif for our Garden Club meeting I hosted in my home this week.  Garden camellias were placed in goblets under cloches. Crystal candlesticks were also used as vases. My BF and co-hostess, Charlotte, had the clever idea of using candlesticks as vases perfect for floating a camellia blossom. I loved the idea! She also gathered most of the camellias on a very cold morning. A special program on growing orchids was presented by a local expert and friend.  Beautiful pics of her orchids to follow.

  

Other posts with flowers in cloches may be viewed here, here, and here: 

Spinach Artichoke and Cheddar Broccoli quiches, Fresh Fruit Ambrosia, Valentine Cookies, Paula Deen Cheese Grits and Coffee Cake were served.

"Love Is In The Air" was the theme for our February meeting. Each month has a different theme and members sign up for wreaths, buffet arrangements, mantel vignettes or a tablescape to share. Mums, alstroemeria flowers and greenery flanked by nandina foliage and scattered chocolate hearts was designed by Bonnie G. for the dining room buffet. We have two Bonnie's in our club.

My co-hostesses pictured left to right: Bonnie G. and Charlotte, were invaluable. About twenty members attended and love for each other and our common bond of flowers was in the air!

Guests were served sparkling cranberry juice upon arrival. I loved using my mother's crystal coupes.

Another member, Maxine created this darling arrangement in a hanging silver heart antique vase. You may remember, Maxine's home decorated for Valentine's here:

And Maxine showing her Valentine grapevine wreath door decoration and Valentine tablescape.

We have four members whose mothers or mothers-in-laws are also current  Daffodil Garden Club members.

Sue, another presenter, pictured with her lovely wreath. We have very talented members.

Our oldest member presented a report on Arbor Day and its history. I am so sorry I didn't get her picture because I was involved with tech issues with the t.v. for the slide show. She is 89 years young and so inspiring!

A house full of happy voices is music to my ears.

Gardeners are kindred spirits and we never lack for conversation.

The program was" How to Grow Orchids." Mary, our special guest speaker has been growing orchids for over forty years! She stressed the importance of not overwatering and fertilizing your plants. It just happened the pic on the slideshow when I snapped Mary's photo was of her husband standing beside her orchids, who was extremely supportive of Mary's passion. Mary lost her beloved, Ben, this September after 47 years of marriage. I appreciate Mary sharing her passion for orchids with us.

A slideshow of orchids she has grown was viewed on the television as she talked.

She discussed potting mediums and staking techniques as well as how to fertilize orchids. No wonder my orchids have never lived past blooming! I've never fertilized them!!!!!! LOL!

After many years of trying different fertilizers she highly recommends this one. A pint size bottle is on sale now for $8.98. rePotme.com has wonderful orchid supplies available to order. I was also impressed with the u-tube videos about orchid care on their website. 

 These beautiful orchids were photographed from her greenhouse. What a feast for the eyes!

These are in her sunroom! Such beauty!!!! We were very blessed to benefit from her expertise. Thank you, Mary.

 I might also mention that Mary's green thumb does not stop with orchids! She has cultivated a beautiful large and amazing garden on the grounds of her home. Her garden has been the site for beautiful garden tours and wedding parties. Needless to say, Mary has enjoyed her passion for gardening which we all know takes much effort and time.

Thank you for reading Living With Thanksgiving.

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