ASHLAND — The first order of business at the Feb. 5 meeting of the Art of Gardening Club was handing over the gavel from one president to the other.
Past President Kathy Bargar relinquished the gavel to new President Cathy Siwek. The group met at Peace Lutheran Church, Ashland.
Serving as Vice President is Pat Edwards. Claudia Dunn and Rosemary Caster continue as secretary and treasurer, respectively.
The Seeds of Friendship deadline is March. Bush green beans, green cabbage, carrots, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, cosmos, and zinnias – these seeds go to Rwanda and flourish the best there.
Peggy Stover, Bargar and Edwards volunteered to assist Caster with the yearly audit. Ruth Ann Linder and Bargar moved and seconded to donate $100 from the club to Friends of Secrest Arboretum.
The group has a field trip planned May 7 to Secrest. Members also get to take advantage of 10% off plant sales. Kim Tanner, member, said, “The greens at Christmas are lovely!”
The following February programs will be held at Freer Field Park District Building, according to Siwek: Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. “All About Birds,” Feb. 18 at 6 .p.m “Wild Hope,” and Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. “Gardening for Wildlife.”
Sue Kelley, member, offered a Fundraising 2025 idea involving a ladies’ tea close to Mother’s Day where anyone attending would dress up. Someone to speak on tea would be welcome. Make scones, finger sandwiches and “little fruit things,” Kelley said.
Centerpieces would grace the tables with a drawing to be held.
Edwards introduced Val Smith, Lead Propagator at Honey Haven Farm, who presented a program on “New Plants at Honey Haven.” Smith belonged to the Mohican Community Garden Club.
Plants are ordered in October. The “Frosty Kiss” Gazania looks like a little sunflower. Two of the newer petunias include Supertunia Hoola Vivid Orchid (purple with white edge) and Supertunia Latte.
Also new is the Red Golden Flame Canna with Honey Haven having the biggest selection of Cannas.
“A lot of people are asking for Ivy Geraniums,” Smith said.
Cucamelons are “kind of fun!” The Mexican sour cucumber looks like little miniature watermelons. They grow like a morning glory.
“I’m into orange,” Smith mentioned, referring to the Petchoa. The Supercal Premium Orange has orange flowers that are stunning. They are large vibrant flowers with petunia-like blooms.
“I can’t say enough about dahlias!” Last year she grew over 50 different varieties.
She and Lauren Smith, John Boyer’s daughter and no relation to Val Smith, work in the nursery but in the winter, it is “Val’s Greenhouse; that’s my favorite part!”
She enjoys working in the nursery by herself. Boyer still gives a helping hand at Honey Haven.
The “Queen of All She Surveys” is slated to give an herbal tea talk Feb. 21 at Chicory Witch, a gift shop located at 23 W. Main St., Ashland. She will conduct various classes throughout the year; Lavender Wands is one future program.
Honey Haven is also increasing its herbs and vegetables.
“We’ll always try to help you!” Smith added.
She has been a Honey Haven fixture seven years. Program for March 5 will feature club members Skip Cather and Faith McKinley sharing their expertise on “Garden Preservation” (processing/recipes/canning).