This month’s meeting included several newsworthy announcements, as well as a very entertaining  program. For those who were unable to attend, you may read the minutes, and, perhaps, wish you had been there!

The meeting of HGC on February 18, 2016 was called to order by Program Chair Becky Gallery at 1:00 p.m. Becky explained that Ann Standridge is out of town. Becky welcomed members and visitors and thanked everyone for making this such a large turnout. She thanked greeters, and flower arranger Pat Laz and then led the group in the Conservation Pledge.

Becky informed members about the upcoming Stroudwater Annual Meeting and Luncheon which is to be hosted by Harpswell Garden Club at Brunswick Golf Club, on Wednesday, April 13. Registration begins at 9:00 am that day. We will need people to work that table and will need the following: people to prepare name tags, programs, raffle ticket bags; helpers to set up area at 8:00 am that day; and flowers on tables, raffle table. We should all wear HGC aprons if you have them. Registration forms for the event are available today or online at our website under NEWS & NOTES. See Becky if you can volunteer for any of these tasks. Please plan on attending as well. Our club should have a good sized representation.

Suzanne Bushnell and Becky updated us on videos on the website. Breaking news is that a video on floral designing was added just yesterday. Look under NEWS & NOTES. Under About Us, there is a link that says videos. One features Ruth Weeks talking about the history of HGC, and another is the video of Suzanne’s October presentation about the history of HGC.

GCFM Annual Convention: Suzanne Bushnell, who is also the president of GCFM, talked about this year’s state convention featuring Tovah Martin. The event is in Bar Harbor, Maine on June 14, 15, and 16. One of the gardens on the tour on Wednesday belongs to a friend of Martha Stewart. Much more info is on the website.

Harpswell Conservation Commission is proposing a revised pesticide ordinance for the town, primarily restricting the use of neonicitonides. Mary Ann Nahf addressed the club and answered questions regarding the proposal to be voted upon at Town Meeting.

Nominating Committee: Becky asked for 3 volunteers for this important committee. So far, this year’s Nominating Committee is only charged with finding a vice-president (or co-VP’s) and a co-chair for Hospitality.

Sue Luce, chair of the Annual Meeting and Luncheon, invited everyone to the May 19th luncheon at the Brunswick Golf Club.

Becky introduced today’s speakers, Craig Cote and Rex Beisel of Barred Owl DayLilies in Otisfield, Maine. After seeing their colorful selections and some of their gardens, I can’t wait to get a Kyoto Swan, and a Blue-eyed Butterfly myself! This was a spell bindingly wonderful presentation. It made me feel summery. Many thanks to Craig and Rex for the talk and for the delightful doorprizes they gave away to 5 lucky winners.

Following the presentation, Becky revisited the Nominating Committee openings, and surprise! We have three volunteers, including Sandra Norton who volunteered to co-chair Hospitality. Thanks to Sandy Norton, Elisa Civello, and Gloria Doughty who now are officially voted in as our Nominating Committee.