Civic Garden Club

Ruby Dodgen, Lavada Thomas, Betty Jeter, and Betty Hren are hostesses at Civic Garden Club meeting

With emphasis on "environmental roots," Civic Garden Club continued its program theme of "Learning About Our Roots" at its February meeting. Linda Whetsell of Tyler spoke on the topic of "Clean Air In Our Homes." She based her talk on the book, "How To Grow Fresh Air," by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, which was written in conjunction with environmental studies for NASA. The author rated many popular house plants according to their effectiveness in purifying the air in our homes. Palms and rubber plants were the highest rated, but all were beneficial in varying degrees. In addition, Mrs. Whetsell brought numerous specimens from her personal greenhouse and shared them with the members.

President Martha Clark conducted the business meeting. She thanked the hostesses, Betty Jeter, Lavada Thomas, Betty Hren, Ruby Dodgen, and Gay Leath (who was unable to attend). Delicious refreshments were centered around a beautiful creative design by Lavada Thomas, all featuring a Valentine theme.

A warm welcome was extended to Merlyn Holmes of the East Texas Treatment Center, who gave information about the upcoming "Party in the Patch" to be held April 4 and 5. She also mentioned that the club might want to consider "reviving" the treatment center's greenhouse in the future.

Following other business matters, Louise Raby gave a comprehensive study on Queen Anne's Lace, taken from "Legends and Lore of Texas Wildflowers." Holding a bunch of carrots with the stems, she pointed out that the plant is a member of the carrot family. Queen Anne's Lace is a wild root that is biennial and differs from the other members of the carrot family. It acquired its name during the reign of Queen Anne of England (1702- 1714) who was fond of wearing lace.

First-place awards in horticulture were give to Louise Raby, Jo Foster, Judy Wilkins (2), and Alma Nell Farmer. Lavada Thomas received a first for her large floral design.

Recognition was given to Diana Ponder for receiving "Volunteer of the Year" at the recent Chamber of Commerce banquet. Members were reminded of several upcoming dates, including the Evergreen Garden Club Rose Show, April 3, at the Merritts' Barn. Next month, the club will travel to Blue Moon Gardens, Chandler, for their meeting.

Attending were Loel Barber, Wanda Bittick, Roberta Boggs, Martha Clark, Jennie Daigle, Pamela DeCeault, Ruby Dodgen, Alma Nell Farmer, Mary Jane Formby, Joy Foster, Kim Gore, Virginia Hudson, Betty Jeter, Betty Lee, Doyce Maywald, Diana Ponder, Louise Raby, Marian Richardson, Darlene Sander, Vicki Simpson, Lawana Sistrunk, Lavada Thomas, Sandee Walter, Judy Wilkins, and guest Erin Gore.