BELLE OAKS GARDEN CLUB
Hammond, LA
Deeds & Doings
Seven Sisters Oak, President - Live Oak Society - Photo courtesy of Coleen Perilloux Landry, Chairman - Live Oak
February 2026
Gardening Book Donated - February 11
Belle Oaks members donated a gardening book on world gardens to the Hammond Library, February 11. Librarian Candace Robinson accepted the book from the Carolyn Todd Belle Oaks Chairman and Sandy Grimm President of Belle Oaks garden club. Also attending were Rose Doles, Maude Abadie, Gardenettes Marilyn Wright, Virginia Hawkins, Linda Fabre and Vicky Fannaly. The latter three are also members of Belle Oaks. Both clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
Annual Tangi Garden Clubs Meeting - February 11
Belle Oaks Garden Club (Hammond) attended the annual Tangipahoa Garden Clubs meeting February 11 at the First Presbyterian Church's Anderson Hall, 411 W. Charles St., Hammond. Sponsored by Stem and Stamen Garden Club of Amite, the four parish clubs including Gardenettes (Ponchatoula) and Hammond Garden Club, were represented.
Belle Oaks members present included Peggy Hoover, Darlene Breland, Debbie Lobell, Maude Rizzuto, Rose Doles, Sandy Grimm – president, Carolyn Todd, Linda Fabre, Virginia Hawkins, and Vicky Fannaly.
Stem and Stamen president, Sharon Sledge, led a discussion of useful gardening hints and terrarium tips which she opened for discussion among the gardeners present. The club also held a fifty-fifty raffle and had silent auction items for attendees to make bids. Carrying out a Western theme, the ladies enjoyed fellowship followed by a chuck-wagon lunch of brisket and fixings prepared by award winning BBQ chef, Wayne Cooper.
Belle Oaks members present included Peggy Hoover, Darlene Breland, Debbie Lobell, Maude Rizzuto, Rose Doles, Sandy Grimm – president, Carolyn Todd, Linda Fabre, Virginia Hawkins, and Vicky Fannaly.
Stem and Stamen president, Sharon Sledge, led a discussion of useful gardening hints and terrarium tips which she opened for discussion among the gardeners present. The club also held a fifty-fifty raffle and had silent auction items for attendees to make bids. Carrying out a Western theme, the ladies enjoyed fellowship followed by a chuck-wagon lunch of brisket and fixings prepared by award winning BBQ chef, Wayne Cooper.
JANUARY 2026
NEWSLETTER
Arbor Day - January 22
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In celebration of Arbor Day, the Belle Oaks Garden Club of Hammond planted a Crepe Myrtle tree at C’est Très Bon, an apartment community supporting individuals with disabilities. The tree was donated in part by Smith’s Nursery in Ponchatoula. Thank you to everyone who helped make this planting possible!
Garden Club Members Present: Sandy Grimm and Cindy Miguez
(Not pictured: John Grimm)
OPTIONS Representatives: Lance Foster, Ervin Olle, and Christopher Carr (OPTIONS Participants); Steve Leon, Business Operations Director
Garden Club Members Present: Sandy Grimm and Cindy Miguez
(Not pictured: John Grimm)
OPTIONS Representatives: Lance Foster, Ervin Olle, and Christopher Carr (OPTIONS Participants); Steve Leon, Business Operations Director
JANUARY 14 MEETING - CAROLYN TODD, HOSTESS
Cold evening, warm chili made by President Sandy Grimm! Belle Oaks members enjoyed a lecture on Daylilies by Sharon Bengston, Master Gardener and Secretary of the North Shore Daylily Society, in the home of Carolyn Todd. New member Faith Richard assisted in the gift raffle.
Todd set a date to donate a gardening book to the Hammond Library. Vicky Fannaly announced the new push for Love the Boot, a litter clean up incentive. Mentioning the webinar coming in February, she outlined the five courses of action that could be done to support a clean, trash free Louisiana. Belle Oaks is a member of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc., and National Garden Clubs Inc.
Todd set a date to donate a gardening book to the Hammond Library. Vicky Fannaly announced the new push for Love the Boot, a litter clean up incentive. Mentioning the webinar coming in February, she outlined the five courses of action that could be done to support a clean, trash free Louisiana. Belle Oaks is a member of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc., and National Garden Clubs Inc.
DECEMBER 2025
NEWSLETTER
CONGRATULATIONS NEW MASTER GARDENERS!
December 12, 2025
Congratulations to Gardenette President Susan Pizani who graduated from the St. Tammany Master Gardeners course this December. She is one of two new Master Gardeners in the Gardenettes garden club to complete their training this month. The club belongs to District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
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Congratulations to Virginia Hawkins, member of Belle Oaks and Gardenettes who received her Master Gardener certificate at Hammond Research Station. Virginia is also a member of the Ponchatoula Library Garden Club, and North Shore Daylily Society. Both clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
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Christmas Supper - Joe's Italian Restaurant
December 10, 2025
What great fellowship at our Christmas supper at Joe's Italian! Gift exchange was supplemented by lovely Belle Oaks plaques and easels from our newest members Faith Ann and Beth Richard for each member. Only one gift was stolen and one traded. Food was very good as were the creative cocktails. Thanks to the Methodist minister Rev. Deirdré Allen in Ponchatoula who donated her orchid collection to grateful club members! President Sandy Grimm kept us entertained by her Christmas carol and holiday trivia quizzes! What a great club! Gardenettes attending were Vicky Fannaly and Virginia Hawkins. Both clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
Christmas Tree Trimming - December 4, 2025
North Oaks Medical Center
NOVEMBER 2025
NEWSLETTER
Meeting November 12 - Home of Sandy & John Grimm
The Geaux Native team from West Baton Rouge Garden & Civic Club, Leigh Prather and Elisa Tubbs, present their Photo Guide to Louisiana Native Plants to Sandy Grimm, center, president of Belle Oaks Garden Club. This major work was developed by the team for use in identifying plants eligible for certifying gardens as native plant habitats.
Tubbs and Prather attended the Belle Oaks November 12 meeting held in the home of Grimm. The meeting was attended by Virginia Hawkins and Vicky Fannaly, members of Gardenettes and Belle Oaks. All clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
Tubbs and Prather attended the Belle Oaks November 12 meeting held in the home of Grimm. The meeting was attended by Virginia Hawkins and Vicky Fannaly, members of Gardenettes and Belle Oaks. All clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
OCTOBER 2025
NEWSLETTER
DISTRICT VI FALL MEETING October 23, 2025
Maritime Museum, Madisonville
Belle Oaks members attended the annual District VI Fall Meeting in Madisonville. Belle Oaks and Gardenettes member District VI Director Vicky Fannaly presiding; District VI Finance chairman Carolyn Todd making Ways & Means money! All clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
MEETING: Home of VICKY FANNALY - October 8, 2025
Belle Oaks October 8 meeting was held in the home of Vicky Fannaly, Gardenette and Belle Oaks Member. Topics discussed included cultivation of Moringa trees and their benefits by Beth Hiller. Called a miracle plant, Hiller told how to grow these and use their leaves and bark. All clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2025
NEWSLETTER
MEETING: SANDY & JOHN GRIMM - September 10, 2025
Dr. Damon Abdi presented the benefits of rain gardens for residential sites. Abdi is assistant professor of landscape horticulture at LSU Ag Center, Hammond Research Station. The club presented a scholarship to Faith Richard who is studying Environmental science at Southeastern Louisiana University. She and her mother Beth Richard were welcomed into the club as members. Gardenettes were represented by members Virginia Hawkins and Vicky Fannaly. Clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
Member Honored: Peggy Hoover
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ONE OF BELLE OAKS FOUNDING MEMBERS, PEGGY HOOVER, RECEIVED RECOGNITION FOR HER CHARITABLE WORKS! |
AUGUST 2025
NEWSLETTER
MEET AND GREET AT MURPHY'S RESTAURANT August 13
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Club members were delighted to see former president Darlene Breeland in person after her long absence due to illness. Darlene served 14 years (7 terms). Her cheerful presence has been missed. Joining the club were six visitors, one of whom, Gardenette Linda Fabre, joined our club! Visiting dignitary, Susan Pizani, Gardenettes president, attended with her granddaughter.
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Debbie Lobell started the meeting by ringing her bell. Our beautiful yearbooks were distributed by Cindy Miguez. Looks like we have a wonderful year ahead. President Sandy Grimm offered a number of coming events sure to entertain. Clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
JUNE 2025
OUTING: ST. JOSEPH'S ABBEY, CHIMES RESTAURANT
COVINGTON - June 19, 2025
Gardenettes were invited to join the Belle Oaks Garden Club outing to Covington to tour St. Joseph's Abbey and have lunch at Chimes afterward. Virginia Hawkins and Vicky Fannaly represented both clubs. It was a nice outing with a lot of good spirited friends. Both clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
May 2025
May 2025 Newsletter - Click Here
District VI President's Meeting
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - Middendorf's at Noon
Good start-up meeting for new and continuing presidents of District VI. We had 60 in attendance which included Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc. Convention 2026 Chairmen from Houma Wanda Dishman and Gail Aycock. Guest Speakers were Geaux Native team of Elisa Tubbs and Leigh Prather who have been acknowledged by National Garden Clubs Inc. for their crusade to certify native plant and pollinator gardens in the West Baton Rouge Garden and Civic Club area. Gardenettes had one more member in attendance than than West Baton Rouge who traveled farther. All clubs are also members of Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. Eleven clubs were represented.
Field Trip: English Tea Room, Covington May 21, 2025
Belle Oaks President Sandy Grimm planned an outing to the English Tea Room in Covington while the club is adjourned for the summer. Attending were Gardenette Vicky Fannaly, guest Sandy Haro, Gardenette Linda Farbe, Sandy Grimm and John Grimm. Back row Rose Doles, Maude Rizzuto, Covington Garden Club Donna Moran, Carolyn Todd. All clubs are members of District VI Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc. The event was so well enjoyed that members took pictures of the nicely presented food items and of themselves with the photos of Queen Elizabeth II and her son King Charles II. The Austin taxi cab outside added to the British atmosphere.
Installation Banquet - Murphy's Seafood & Steak
May 14, 2025
April 2025
April 2025 Newsletter - Click Here
LGCF INC. CONVENTION, Alexandria - April 8-9, 2025
Belle Oaks President Sandy Grimm received first place honors with a cash award for her horticulture paper. Vicky Fannaly received Member of Honor, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc. Convention, April 8 in Alexandria LA. Presented by LGCF President Tricia Ortalano, Fannaly was nominated by the Gardenettes.
Gardenettes received first place in both state and Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. for their publicity pressbook. They have achieved this honor for several years. A monetary award for Social Media and awards for non-competitive Garden Club Achievement and Arbor Day were also presented to the club. Clubs represented at the convention also belong to National Garden Clubs Inc.
In May, Fannaly will begin a two-year term as LGCF District VI Director, a position held by her mother-in-law Ruth Fannaly in 1955. District VI includes thirteen clubs from Washington Parish to West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes.
Fannaly who has been in Gardenettes (Ponchatoula) for 45 years, also holds membership in Belle Oaks Garden Club (Hammond), Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners Association, Gladiolus Garden Club of Oklahoma (a zoom organization), North Shore Daylily Association, and the Ponchatoula Branch Library Garden Club. She is active in the LGCF as Webmaster and Summer Board Chairman.
Gardenettes received first place in both state and Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. for their publicity pressbook. They have achieved this honor for several years. A monetary award for Social Media and awards for non-competitive Garden Club Achievement and Arbor Day were also presented to the club. Clubs represented at the convention also belong to National Garden Clubs Inc.
In May, Fannaly will begin a two-year term as LGCF District VI Director, a position held by her mother-in-law Ruth Fannaly in 1955. District VI includes thirteen clubs from Washington Parish to West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes.
Fannaly who has been in Gardenettes (Ponchatoula) for 45 years, also holds membership in Belle Oaks Garden Club (Hammond), Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners Association, Gladiolus Garden Club of Oklahoma (a zoom organization), North Shore Daylily Association, and the Ponchatoula Branch Library Garden Club. She is active in the LGCF as Webmaster and Summer Board Chairman.
Meeting - April 9, 2025
Click for Minutes
Honoring National Library Week - April 6-12, 2025
Belle Oaks Garden Club donated a copy of local writer Kathryn J. Martin's book Long Way From Lonely, a fictional account of a soldier readjusting to civilian life following World War II. Honoring the coming National Library Week, the club members and author presented the book to Librarian Wanda Davis. Shown are Librarian Davis, Belle Oaks Book Chairman Carolyn Todd, author Martin, Belle Oaks members Vicky Fannaly (also a member of Gardenettes), president Sandy Grimm, and Rose Doles. The Hammond based club is a member of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
March 2025
March 2025 Newsletter - Click Here
March 12 Meeting - Faust Farms Hydroponics, Amite
NATALIE FAUST JONES, our Guest Speaker, talked to us about some of the business of hydroponics on Faust Farm Manager. Natalie told how her father started the business in 1985-60 acres. At that time, planting cabbage as cabbage is easy and cheap to plant. Later, started learning about the business of growing vegetables in water. Different lettuces are grown through hydroponics. And Butter Lettuce is their most expensive lettuce. It has a long shelf life of 12 days. Besides the Hydroponics of their farm, other foods are grown on the land; with strawberries their biggest crop with a planting of 120,000 strawberry plants. Faust Farm Manager is located off Old Hwy. 51 (near to The Berry Barn) in Amite. Natalie gave every member a container of Spring Mix Hydroponic Lettuce which is greenhouse grown, pesticide free, Non-GMO, clean and ready to eat. Faust Farm Manager’s Hydroponic produce is brought to and sold at Rouses Market, Dorignac's Grocery and Acquistapaces’ Market, Deli and Bakery. Natalie is a great speaker and seems like Belle Oaks Garden Club members really enjoyed her. A lot of questions were asked and answered.
February 2025
3rd Annual Camellia Show - February 19, 2025
Third annual Camellia Show held at Summerfield Assisted Living Center, in Hammond, LA. Show was a Joint venture with Belle Oaks Garden Club and the Camellia Club of New Orleans.
February 12, 2025
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The annual Tangipahoa Joint Garden Club Meeting, February 12, at Joe's Italian Ristorante, was hosted by Belle Oaks Garden Club, Hammond.
Gardenettes, Ponchatoula, were in attendance. Both clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Inc., Deep South Garden Club Inc., and National Garden Clubs Inc. Also attending were District VI Director Donna Moran and non federated members of Hammond Garden Club and Stem and Stamen Garden Club, Amite. Parish President Robby Miller welcomed the clubs to the event.
Guest speaker Patty Zebrick, Mandeville, addressed the theme "Louisiana - Our Wild Garden" with a her presentation “Why is everyone talking about Native Plants.” Zebrick is president and a founding member of Wild Ones Pontchartrain Basin, an organization dedicated to use of native plants in naturalizing gardens.
Over fifty gardeners from the four local clubs enjoyed the annual fellowship provided by Belle Oaks members. Raffles, prizes and sale plants were offered by the host club.
Gardenettes, Ponchatoula, were in attendance. Both clubs are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Inc., Deep South Garden Club Inc., and National Garden Clubs Inc. Also attending were District VI Director Donna Moran and non federated members of Hammond Garden Club and Stem and Stamen Garden Club, Amite. Parish President Robby Miller welcomed the clubs to the event.
Guest speaker Patty Zebrick, Mandeville, addressed the theme "Louisiana - Our Wild Garden" with a her presentation “Why is everyone talking about Native Plants.” Zebrick is president and a founding member of Wild Ones Pontchartrain Basin, an organization dedicated to use of native plants in naturalizing gardens.
Over fifty gardeners from the four local clubs enjoyed the annual fellowship provided by Belle Oaks members. Raffles, prizes and sale plants were offered by the host club.
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Photos by Maude Abadie, Cindy Miguez, Virginia Hawkins, Sandy Grimm, and Susan Pizani
January 2025
January 29, 2025 Arbor Day
Hammond, LA – The Belle Oaks Garden Club celebrated Arbor Day by planting a crepe myrtle tree on the OPTIONS property, C’Est Tres Bon, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The tree, donated in part by Smith Nursery in Ponchatoula, reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and beautification in the local community.
Club members gathered for the tree planting. Attendees included Cindy Miguez, Arbor Day chairman and Belle Oaks Garden Club Vice President; Sandy Grimm, Belle Oaks Garden Club President; Rose Doles; and Virginia Hawkins. Representatives from OPTIONS also participated in the event. Rory Anderson, OPTIONS Learning Gardens Coordinator, was joined by Lance Foster and Ervin Olle, participants in the OPTIONS program.
Belle Oaks is a member of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc. OPTIONS is a local non-profit 501c3 agency whose mission is to help people with disabilities live and work in the community. OPTIONS has been providing quality services to people with disabilities in the Florida Parishes for over fifty years.
Club members gathered for the tree planting. Attendees included Cindy Miguez, Arbor Day chairman and Belle Oaks Garden Club Vice President; Sandy Grimm, Belle Oaks Garden Club President; Rose Doles; and Virginia Hawkins. Representatives from OPTIONS also participated in the event. Rory Anderson, OPTIONS Learning Gardens Coordinator, was joined by Lance Foster and Ervin Olle, participants in the OPTIONS program.
Belle Oaks is a member of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc. OPTIONS is a local non-profit 501c3 agency whose mission is to help people with disabilities live and work in the community. OPTIONS has been providing quality services to people with disabilities in the Florida Parishes for over fifty years.
To the fertile soil we offer this life
To the sun of the morning and the sun of the noon.
Earth take this tree and lend it strength
With your mighty strength of the centuries.
Great sun, we ask you bless today
These and all other beautiful trees.
This is Arbor Day and we plant a tree!
We consign our sapling to the living ages.
May it whisper songs for poets to sing -
And impart its wisdom to the sages.
To the sun of the morning and the sun of the noon.
Earth take this tree and lend it strength
With your mighty strength of the centuries.
Great sun, we ask you bless today
These and all other beautiful trees.
This is Arbor Day and we plant a tree!
We consign our sapling to the living ages.
May it whisper songs for poets to sing -
And impart its wisdom to the sages.
January 8, 2025 Meeting
BELLE OAKS GARDEN CLUB MINUTES-JANUARY 8, 2025
The January 8, 2025 meeting Belle Oaks Garden Club began by Sandy Grimm, Club President, ringing the bell at 6:15.
Cindy Miquez read the Invocation; Carmen Thompson read theConservation Pledge; all remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag of The United States of America.
HORTICULTURE: Maude Rizzuto brought a white flowering Henry Gold Azalea that has been growing in her yard for 28 years and gets more and more blooms each year. The only survivor of 12 planted at that time.
Sandy introduced our guest, Melinda Yantis. Melinda gave a Power-Point Presentation giving much information about the Monarch Butterflies. National Geographic Magazine in January 1976 gave an article on the discovery of where Monarch Butterflies migrate to. It was known they went South; but where? In 1975, it was discovered that some went to the Rocky Mt. and West Coast; some East. The Monarch Butterflies must have Milkweed to lay their eggs on; that is what they eat as a caterpillar. Monarch Butterflies will not fly at night and neither will they fly over open water. Much more info given.
Virginia bless the food brought by Cindy Miguez and Maude Rizzuto.
Maude: Roll Call-Seven members Present; Eight Absent. Present were: Rose Doles, Sandy Grimm, Virginia Hawkins, Cindy Miguez, Maude Rizzuto, Carmen Thompson and Carolyn Todd. Absent: Darlene Breland, Rebecca Eisenman, John Grimm, Vicky Fannaly, Peggy Hoover, Debbie Lobell, Charlotte Shaw and Rosemary Tobey. Sandy said that Vicky had knee surgery; Charlotte sounded sick and Maude said that Debbie forgot that this was our meeting night.
Rose Doles made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and seconded by Carmen Thompson. Minutes are mailed to members each month.
TREASURER'S REPORT: CARMEN THOMPSON gave the report
ARBOR DAY: Cindy said It will probably be 3rd or 4th week of January (NOT on a Friday). She must speak with Steve Leon.
RAFFLE: ROSE DOLES: WINNER-SANDY GRIMM. Red Croton Plant
DISCUSSION: JOINT MEETING JANUARY 12, 2025 Down payment of $250.00 paid to Joe's Italian Ristorante in Ponchatoula has been paid. Costs: for each person $20 for meal. Maude sent out Invitations and Registration Forms to each member. Tea will be bought from Joe's and each member will provide a dessert to bring to Joe's. Belle Oaks will provide plates and/or napkins. Cindy is taking care of preparing and printing the Agenda. Individual name tags for guests is needed also. Place cards at Head Table. Members will be making centerpieces with real flowers. Will meet to make them ahead of January 12th. Cindy has ordered wildflower seeds and favor bags for attendees. Carolyn Todd will take care of Silent Auction. Also will have 50/50 Raffle that day. Rebecca Eisenman will provide PA System. There is a computer connection needed. Sandy said maybe Thomas, Rebecca's son, would be willing to help with that. Sandy will ask him. We will NEED NO DECORATIONS. Tablecloths will be provided by Joe's. Wondering if maybe Darlene Breland will be able to come and do a skit?? Will have to ask her if she wants to do that.
NEW BUSINESS: Carolyn Todd will take care of getting a book for the Hammond Library. Will let us know when it will be presented.
We will have our annual mini Camellia Show at Summerfield Assisted Living again this year. It will be on February__, 2025 (maybe on a Wednesday during the last weeks of February. Please come and bring your camellia blooms and help.
The January 8, 2025 meeting Belle Oaks Garden Club began by Sandy Grimm, Club President, ringing the bell at 6:15.
Cindy Miquez read the Invocation; Carmen Thompson read theConservation Pledge; all remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag of The United States of America.
HORTICULTURE: Maude Rizzuto brought a white flowering Henry Gold Azalea that has been growing in her yard for 28 years and gets more and more blooms each year. The only survivor of 12 planted at that time.
Sandy introduced our guest, Melinda Yantis. Melinda gave a Power-Point Presentation giving much information about the Monarch Butterflies. National Geographic Magazine in January 1976 gave an article on the discovery of where Monarch Butterflies migrate to. It was known they went South; but where? In 1975, it was discovered that some went to the Rocky Mt. and West Coast; some East. The Monarch Butterflies must have Milkweed to lay their eggs on; that is what they eat as a caterpillar. Monarch Butterflies will not fly at night and neither will they fly over open water. Much more info given.
Virginia bless the food brought by Cindy Miguez and Maude Rizzuto.
Maude: Roll Call-Seven members Present; Eight Absent. Present were: Rose Doles, Sandy Grimm, Virginia Hawkins, Cindy Miguez, Maude Rizzuto, Carmen Thompson and Carolyn Todd. Absent: Darlene Breland, Rebecca Eisenman, John Grimm, Vicky Fannaly, Peggy Hoover, Debbie Lobell, Charlotte Shaw and Rosemary Tobey. Sandy said that Vicky had knee surgery; Charlotte sounded sick and Maude said that Debbie forgot that this was our meeting night.
Rose Doles made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and seconded by Carmen Thompson. Minutes are mailed to members each month.
TREASURER'S REPORT: CARMEN THOMPSON gave the report
ARBOR DAY: Cindy said It will probably be 3rd or 4th week of January (NOT on a Friday). She must speak with Steve Leon.
RAFFLE: ROSE DOLES: WINNER-SANDY GRIMM. Red Croton Plant
DISCUSSION: JOINT MEETING JANUARY 12, 2025 Down payment of $250.00 paid to Joe's Italian Ristorante in Ponchatoula has been paid. Costs: for each person $20 for meal. Maude sent out Invitations and Registration Forms to each member. Tea will be bought from Joe's and each member will provide a dessert to bring to Joe's. Belle Oaks will provide plates and/or napkins. Cindy is taking care of preparing and printing the Agenda. Individual name tags for guests is needed also. Place cards at Head Table. Members will be making centerpieces with real flowers. Will meet to make them ahead of January 12th. Cindy has ordered wildflower seeds and favor bags for attendees. Carolyn Todd will take care of Silent Auction. Also will have 50/50 Raffle that day. Rebecca Eisenman will provide PA System. There is a computer connection needed. Sandy said maybe Thomas, Rebecca's son, would be willing to help with that. Sandy will ask him. We will NEED NO DECORATIONS. Tablecloths will be provided by Joe's. Wondering if maybe Darlene Breland will be able to come and do a skit?? Will have to ask her if she wants to do that.
NEW BUSINESS: Carolyn Todd will take care of getting a book for the Hammond Library. Will let us know when it will be presented.
We will have our annual mini Camellia Show at Summerfield Assisted Living again this year. It will be on February__, 2025 (maybe on a Wednesday during the last weeks of February. Please come and bring your camellia blooms and help.
Belle Oaks Member Speaks to Gardenettes January 8, 2025
Virginia Hawkins, Master Gardener and member of both Belle Oaks and Gardenettes, presented her method of cold stratification for winter growing seeds. Virginia addressed the Gardenettes at their January 8 meeting held at the Strawberry Board Building in Memorial Park.
Some seeds like larkspur, foxglove, artichokes, and black eyed Susans need chilling either in a refrigerator or outdoors to germinate. Hawkins uses plastic milk and water jugs cut in half and taped to make mini greenhouses to place outdoors with the caps off. She has had much success with these hard-to-sprout seeds with her method.
According to Susan Pizani, Gardenette president, “Virginia has already started a few jugs of seeds and passed them around so we could see the results. It was really fun to peek through the top of the milk bottle and see the little plants starting to grow.”
Founded in 1942, Gardenettes are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
Some seeds like larkspur, foxglove, artichokes, and black eyed Susans need chilling either in a refrigerator or outdoors to germinate. Hawkins uses plastic milk and water jugs cut in half and taped to make mini greenhouses to place outdoors with the caps off. She has had much success with these hard-to-sprout seeds with her method.
According to Susan Pizani, Gardenette president, “Virginia has already started a few jugs of seeds and passed them around so we could see the results. It was really fun to peek through the top of the milk bottle and see the little plants starting to grow.”
Founded in 1942, Gardenettes are members of District VI, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
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