Our club members have been busy over the winter, and into the spring. Our club’s president worked to find a venue for our annual meeting, and put together a delicious buffet menu. The program committee met during the cold winter months to plan the programs for the coming year. Our membership and yearbook chairs put together the new club yearbook, and the treasurer not only deposited our membership dues, contributions and lunch reservations, she also put together the budget for the coming year.

After our winter break was extended when snowfall caused the February meeting to be cancelled, we had a large turnout in March to hear Lorie Costigan of Glengarragh Farm talk about the lavender she grows. The meeting room was filled with the lovely lavender scent from the products she brought with her. In April, Kelly Orzel of Bowery Beach Farm shared creative ideas to add interest to the “Captivating Containers” in her presentation. That was just what we needed to get inspired for the coming days of spring! Also in April, Harpswell was well represented at the annual Stroudwater District Meeting, where Becky Gallery was installed as the district’s recording secretary. Former Harpswell and Garden Club Federation of Maine president Suzanne Bushnell installed the newly-elected district officers.

Stroudwater District Officers installed by Suzanne Bushnell, April 25, 2019

And now, May has arrived, but the showers from April remain, and May’s flowers are slow to bloom. However, several hardy gardeners turned out in slickers and boots to help clear out winter’s detritus at the Harpswell Historic Park Gardens. With the temperature near 40 degrees, and a cold mist in the air, these hardy folks brought their rakes and buckets and willingness to work to Centennial Hall. While fertilizing and mulching remain to be done, the leaves are raked and fallen branches gathered, peony rings are installed, and garden hoses are in place.

Clean ups continue into May, at the Town Office Garden on May 7 and at the historic Union Church on May 14. After that, we celebrate with our Annual Meeting and Luncheon on May 16. This year’s event is at the Daniel, on Water Street in Brunswick. While the deadline for reservations is quickly approaching, Elisa will take your reservation for a few more days. If you haven’t yet reserved your place at the luncheon, contact Elisa soon!

Some of the hardy gardeners at 2019 Clean Up Day for Harpswell Historic Park Gardens

Gardening in the Shadow of Elijah Kellogg Church