Evergreen Garden Club learn the art of wreath making

Members of the Evergreen Garden Club learned about "crepe myrtle murder" and wreath making during their Oct. 2 meeting held at The Greenery's new location in downtown Kilgore.

President Judy Geddie welcomed members and thanked Donna Shupe of The Greenery for allowing the club to use the new facilities. She also thanked Helen Padgett for helping her provide the refreshments.

After giving officers and committee chairs the opportunity to report on any new business, Ms. Geddie reminded members of the Central Zone Fall Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Tyler. The topic, "Rain Gardens," will be presented by Margaret Trail, Central Zone Director. Deadline for signup is Monday, Oct. 27.

Second vice-president Evelyn Bolding announced the acceptance of two new club members, Kay Castles and Janie Edmonds. Also, members were asked to sign up for table decorating at the Boldings' barn for the Christmas auction in December. The theme for those tables is "Texas" or "Western Christmas."

Jean Laird provided several horticulture tips. The most important is the need to refrain from pruning crepe myrtles too severely. One should cut off only the dead seed pods in order to perpetuate new blooms. However, it is okay to cut off any branches which cross over other branches. Otherwise, "please do not commit crepe murder!"

President Geddie then introduced Robert Reynolds, a Greenery designer, who was in charge of the program on wreath making. Robert used two sample wreaths to demonstrate the procedure involved in decorating. He also taught members how to make professional looking bows for the wreaths. After his presentation, he assisted each member in designing her own wreath.

At the close of the meeting, Ms. Geddie shared a final thought taken from a quote by the famous artist and designer, Mary Engelbreit: "Bloom where you are planted." She then told club members to keep this quote in mind as they meet each day's challenges and activities.

Members attending this event were: Nadine Adamson, Norma Jean Baker, Sally Beane, Evelyn Bolding, Pat Boyd, Judy Geddie, Dianna Jones, Vernie Kunkel, Jean Laird, Kay Liston, Margaret Martin, Kay McKinley, Helen Padgett, Sharon Ragle, Dee Turner, and Dot Watson. One guest was in attendance, Linda Cann.