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May 2024
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The May meeting of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club was hosted by member Martha Guempel. The business meeting was held followed by the installation of officers for the 2024-26 term. Seated from left to right: Deborah Cristiano (Secretary), Mona Redlich (Vice President), Donna Baltakis (President), Sarah Bollich (Treasurer). Pam Quirk, member and past president (2005-07), presided over the installation. Outgoing officers Erin Jones (Treasurer), Donna Baltakis (Vice President) and Celeste Gomez (President) were thanked for their service to the club. Jacquelyn Love, outgoing Secretary was unable to attend.
Tree Marker Project
Members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club were in attendance at the May meeting of the Eunice City Council. The club updated the Mayor and Council on the ongoing "Tree Marker Project" at the Eunice Community Walking Trail. A Plant America Grant was awarded by National Garden Club, Inc, and the funds are being used to produce new markers that will identify the tree and give its botanical name as well. The marker will also indicate the original donor of the trees. In attendance were Jean Johnson, Erin Jones, Deborah Cristiano, Donna Baltakis, Lynn Pavich, Fran Guillory, Mona Redlich, Celeste Gomez and Lessie Nichols. Anyone interested in knowing more about the project or interested in donating may contact us here on Facebook.
April 2024
To close out the month of April, the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club members observed Arbor Day on April 29, National Arbor Day! A native Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) was planted at the Eunice Community Nature Trail. The Yaupon was selected as it is an attractive specimen in the fall and winter with its beautiful red berries and a wonderful food source for birds.
The location for this year's planting ties in with the club's President's Project at the trail, the replacement of the tree markers that will now include the name of each tree and its botanical name. This project is being funded through a Plant America Grant awarded by the National Garden Club, Inc.
Present for the planting were members Sarah Bollich, Martha Guempel, Deborah Cristiano, Donna Baltakis, Fran Guillory, April DeRouen and Celeste Gomez.
The location for this year's planting ties in with the club's President's Project at the trail, the replacement of the tree markers that will now include the name of each tree and its botanical name. This project is being funded through a Plant America Grant awarded by the National Garden Club, Inc.
Present for the planting were members Sarah Bollich, Martha Guempel, Deborah Cristiano, Donna Baltakis, Fran Guillory, April DeRouen and Celeste Gomez.
LGCF Inc. Convention - Lake Charles
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In April the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc held its annual convention in Lake Charles, LA. LGCF District VII was this year's host and did a wonderful job organizing and planning the activities and meetings slated for the two days.
As one of the six garden clubs in District VII, the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club in Eunice, provided an arrangement one of the luncheons. Member Erin Jones worked her magic and we thank Dr. Donnie Barnes for his allowing us to include some of his beautiful irises in the arrangement! LGCF President Elect, Carla Gauthier, was gifted with the lovely arrangement that was created by Bulb & Blossom member, Erin Jones. |
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Our yearbook for 2023-24 was also recognized and earned 2nd Place for clubs having 20-29 members, at the recent LGCF convention. The cover of the book was a nod to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Bulb & Blossom Club back in 1948!
Newspaper articles describing the organizational meeting and the first official meeting were featured, along with an image of an arrangement created in 1959 for a Flower Show in Hammond. Our thanks to Jerry DeVillier for assisting in digitizing this image.
Newspaper articles describing the organizational meeting and the first official meeting were featured, along with an image of an arrangement created in 1959 for a Flower Show in Hammond. Our thanks to Jerry DeVillier for assisting in digitizing this image.
April 2024 Meeting
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The April meeting of the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club began with a tour of the lovely rose gardens created by member Kathy Manuel. Kathy has spent hours incorporating numerous varieties of the renown David Austin roses! The range of colors and sizes were amazing. Refreshments consisting of beautifully decorated cookies were served. Members then continued with a program on how to use rose petals and other dried flowers to make potpourri!
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April was a very busy month for Bulb & Blossom members! We participated in the Keep Eunice Beautiful clean up held on April 20. Our Plant it Pink area committee, replanted the five baskets located above the sasanquas and azaleas with a variety of plants including vinca, airplane plants and society garlic. New pink bows also brightened the area! Shown are Martha Guempel, Erin Jones and Barbara Wells. Also participating but not shown was Fran Guillory.
March 2024
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February 2024
February means Membership Tea and Fancy Hats! Members of the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club decorated hats expressing their yearning for spring by adorning hats of various shapes and sizes with assorted flowers and butterflies. Modeling their creations front from left, Lynn Pavich and Celeste Gomez. In the back from left are Joyce Johnson, Fran Guillory, Martha Guempel, Barbara Wells and Erin Jones.
January 2024
January 2024 Meeting
Bulb and Blossom Garden Club members created bird feeders at its January meeting. They used pinecones slathered with peanut butter and rolled in bird seed, which will be hung in trees. Members hard at work: Fran Guillory, Donna Baltakis, Lessie Nichols, April DeRouen and Crystal Manual.
December 2023 Activities
The Bulb and Blossom Club met in December at the home of Barbara Wells. A Christmas social was held, and members created scented pinecones to use in their homes over the holidays. Lynn Pavich explained the process of applying essential oils to the cones and then keeping them in plastic bags for two weeks to allow the oils to be absorbed. The cones could then be displayed in a decorative bowl, adding a Christmas scent to the room. Pictured are December hosts, Lynn Pavich and Barbara Wells.
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In early December, the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club took part in the annual Christmas Festival at the Eunice Community Garden. Members used recycled cardboard rolls with the kids to make bird feeders by applying lard to the tubes and then rolling them in birdseed. Over 100 feeders were created and taken home by the children. Staffing the table were Jean Johnson, Mona Redlich, Celeste Gomez, Donna Baltakis and Fran Guillory. Present but not in picture: Lynn Pavich and Connie Thibodeaux.
November Meeting 2023
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Eunice,LA…. The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club held their November meeting at the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The program for the month was “Floral Designs – Wreaths for the Holidays” and was presented by member Erin Jones. Erin explained the basics of creating a wreath, as well as general rules of thumb when considering items to use to enhance the wreath, like pinecones or dried flowers, the placement of bows on the wreath and colors. Members then tried their hand at creating their own wreaths with items brought from home. During the business portion of the meeting, details were discussed for the upcoming Christmas Festival at the Eunice Community Garden on December 7 from 5pm to 7pm. The Garden Club will be manning a table where children will be able to create a birdseed feeder using recycled cardboard rolls. The event is free and held at 2101 West Ash in Eunice. Pictured are Erin Jones and member Joyce Johnson, winner of the door prize.
LGCF District VII Unveils New Blue Star Marker
October 23, 2023
Jennings, LA…..A Blue Star Memorial Marker was unveiled on October 23 in Jennings, Louisiana at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in honor of men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. The marker was sponsored by the Jennings Garden Club and in cooperation with the remaining clubs in District VII, which included the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club of Eunice.
The Blue Star Program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944, as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs, now known as National Garden Club, Inc., adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers were placed along the way.
The program was named after the Blue Star Banner (also known as the Service Flag), which was displayed in the front window of homes in which a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. The tradition began during World War I and the flag was authorized as an official design in 1943. The blue star stood for hope and pride. When service members lost their lives, the blue star was replaced with a gold one representing their sacrifice. A silver star stood for someone incapacitated at home from wounds sustained overseas. The flag virtually vanished during the Korean and Vietnam Wars but remade an appearance during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the Iraq War and the War on Terror.
The Blue Star Program enlarged its mission in 1951 to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. It also grew to include parks, civic and historical grounds, National Cemeteries and Veteran Administration Centers. In 2004 the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club erected a Blue Star Marker on the grounds of the US Post Office at 250 W. Laurel (Hwy 190) in Eunice.
This memorial marker was sponsored by the Jennings Garden Club in cooperation with LGCF District VII Garden Clubs, Jennings Lions Club, Jennings Kiwanis Club, James O. Hall American Legion Post 19 and Frank Thibodeaux American Legion Post 520. The new marker is located at 1610 Evangeline Road in Jennings, LA.
Attending the unveiling were Dean Deshotel (Bulb & Blossom Garden Club), Celeste Gomez (Bulb & Blossom Garden Club), Linda Finley (Lake Charles Garden Club ), Margo Racca (Diggers & Weeders), Barbara Morris (Diggers & Weeders), Roxanna Champagne (LGCF Immediate Past President), Doris Hay (Diggers & Weeders), Patricia Ortalono (LGCF President), Georgie Petitjean (Crowley Garden Club), Nookie Miller (Jennings Garden Club), Kathy Tell (Diggers & Weeders), Sissy Gall (Crowley Garden Club), Pam Langley (Diggers & Weeders) and Ammy Taylor (LGCF Dist. VII President)
The Blue Star Program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944, as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs, now known as National Garden Club, Inc., adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers were placed along the way.
The program was named after the Blue Star Banner (also known as the Service Flag), which was displayed in the front window of homes in which a family member was serving in the Armed Forces. The tradition began during World War I and the flag was authorized as an official design in 1943. The blue star stood for hope and pride. When service members lost their lives, the blue star was replaced with a gold one representing their sacrifice. A silver star stood for someone incapacitated at home from wounds sustained overseas. The flag virtually vanished during the Korean and Vietnam Wars but remade an appearance during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the Iraq War and the War on Terror.
The Blue Star Program enlarged its mission in 1951 to include all men and women who had served, were serving or would serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. It also grew to include parks, civic and historical grounds, National Cemeteries and Veteran Administration Centers. In 2004 the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club erected a Blue Star Marker on the grounds of the US Post Office at 250 W. Laurel (Hwy 190) in Eunice.
This memorial marker was sponsored by the Jennings Garden Club in cooperation with LGCF District VII Garden Clubs, Jennings Lions Club, Jennings Kiwanis Club, James O. Hall American Legion Post 19 and Frank Thibodeaux American Legion Post 520. The new marker is located at 1610 Evangeline Road in Jennings, LA.
Attending the unveiling were Dean Deshotel (Bulb & Blossom Garden Club), Celeste Gomez (Bulb & Blossom Garden Club), Linda Finley (Lake Charles Garden Club ), Margo Racca (Diggers & Weeders), Barbara Morris (Diggers & Weeders), Roxanna Champagne (LGCF Immediate Past President), Doris Hay (Diggers & Weeders), Patricia Ortalono (LGCF President), Georgie Petitjean (Crowley Garden Club), Nookie Miller (Jennings Garden Club), Kathy Tell (Diggers & Weeders), Sissy Gall (Crowley Garden Club), Pam Langley (Diggers & Weeders) and Ammy Taylor (LGCF Dist. VII President)
LGCF District VII Fall Meeting Held October 19, 2023
Oakdale, LA…….The Fall meeting for LGCF District VII took place on October 19 hosted by the Oakdale Garden Club. The venue was beautifully decorated celebrating the season of Autumn. Pumpkins and chrysanthemums provided pops of color throughout the hall. The guest speaker, Christina Calcaterra, works for the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands at Fort Johnson. Her presentation was on butterflies of Louisiana and the various plants that host each one. Attending the District VII meeting from the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club were Celeste Gomez and Fran Guillory. Both are pictured with Louisiana Garden Club Federation President Patricia Ortalano.
District Director Attends October 2023 Club Meeting
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Louisiana Garden Club Federation District VII Director, Ammy Taylor, attended the October meeting of the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club of Eunice. Mrs. Taylor, as District Director, is making her way around the District to meet with the members of the seven clubs that make up District VII. The members were given an informative tree identification class at the Walking Trail by USDA Natural Resource Conservation agent, Barrett Lyons. Being able to identify trees will tie into the upcoming project of placing new markers along the trail. The members then made their way to the home of Mona Redlich, where the business portion of the monthly meeting took place. All were reminded of the annual Fall District meeting being held in Oakdale on October 19 and of the dedication of the newly installed Blue Star Marker at the Veterans cemetery in Jennings on October 23 at 10am. The clubs of District VII all contributed to this project. The November meeting will be held at the First United Methodist Fellowship Hall on November 7 at 5:30pm, with member Erin Jones leading members in the making of wreaths.
Pictured: Member/Host Mona Redlich, LGCF District VII Director Ammy Taylor, Lynn Pavich winner of door prize and Celeste Gomez, Club President. Members admiring the newly renovated Walking Trail and existing trees with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Agent, Barrett Lyons.
Pictured: Member/Host Mona Redlich, LGCF District VII Director Ammy Taylor, Lynn Pavich winner of door prize and Celeste Gomez, Club President. Members admiring the newly renovated Walking Trail and existing trees with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Agent, Barrett Lyons.
June 2023
Date: June 16, 2023
RE: Welcome to Eunice Sign Completed
Welcome to Eunice
The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club was proud to partner with Keep Eunice Beautiful in replacing the Welcome to Eunice sign located at on Hwy 13. The collaboration resulted in an attractive entrance into the City of Eunice on the north.
In addition to the Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant, funds were contributed by the Eunice Rotary Club, Eunice Chamber of Commerce, CLECO, St. Landry Solid Waste and Bulb & Blossom Garden Club of Eunice. In-kind services were provided by the City of Eunice.
The sign was fabricated by Bourque Signs and the planting was done by Justin Fuselier Landscaping, both located in Eunice. The plantings included native selections of Rudbeckia and Color Guard Yucca, along with Coral Drift Roses, a border of variegated Liriope and three Teddy Bear Magnolias as a background. The traffic island at the intersection was painted by SLP Government and grass is being maintained by DOTD. Motorists are asked to help in keeping the area free of litter, as this is also part of the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway! Pictured are Coby Clavier, SLP Council, Martha Guempel, Celeste Gomez, Donna Baltakis and Erin Jones, all Garden Club Members and JoJo Guillory, City of Eunice.
RE: Welcome to Eunice Sign Completed
Welcome to Eunice
The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club was proud to partner with Keep Eunice Beautiful in replacing the Welcome to Eunice sign located at on Hwy 13. The collaboration resulted in an attractive entrance into the City of Eunice on the north.
In addition to the Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant, funds were contributed by the Eunice Rotary Club, Eunice Chamber of Commerce, CLECO, St. Landry Solid Waste and Bulb & Blossom Garden Club of Eunice. In-kind services were provided by the City of Eunice.
The sign was fabricated by Bourque Signs and the planting was done by Justin Fuselier Landscaping, both located in Eunice. The plantings included native selections of Rudbeckia and Color Guard Yucca, along with Coral Drift Roses, a border of variegated Liriope and three Teddy Bear Magnolias as a background. The traffic island at the intersection was painted by SLP Government and grass is being maintained by DOTD. Motorists are asked to help in keeping the area free of litter, as this is also part of the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway! Pictured are Coby Clavier, SLP Council, Martha Guempel, Celeste Gomez, Donna Baltakis and Erin Jones, all Garden Club Members and JoJo Guillory, City of Eunice.
Date: June 1, 2023
RE: National Garden Club Week Project
National Garden Club Week Celebration
Eunice, LA. National Garden Club Week is June 4 -10, 2023 and the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club members will be joining hundreds of federated garden clubs from across the U.S. and internationally in celebrating! During this time clubs will have an opportunity to encourage pride in their communities, interest new members, and work with other groups to be part of those efforts. This year the Bulb & Blossom members are joining the Eunice Public Library for its Summer Reading Program. On Wednesday, June 7, at 10am, the Garden Club will read a book and lead an activity centered around naming plants and collecting bugs.
The program will take place at the Eunice Community Garden and will be free. Members proudly presenting its club banner are: Elvonia Reed, Jean Johnson, Jacquelyn Love, Mona Redlich, Erin Jones, Lynn Pavich, Sarah Bollich, Lonell White, Fran Guillory, Deborah Cristiano, Barbara Wells and Celeste Gomez. Members unable to attend are Donna Baltakis, April DeRouen, Dean Deshotel, Delana Dubroc, Susan Gaspard, Martha Guempel, Joyce Johnson, Adonia O’Brien, Becky Pucheu, Connie Thibodeaux, and Christy Speckschate.
The Eunice club was founded in 1948, seventy-five years ago, and has remained active in the community. The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club was federated by National Garden Club, Inc in 1950, of which it is still a member.
RE: National Garden Club Week Project
National Garden Club Week Celebration
Eunice, LA. National Garden Club Week is June 4 -10, 2023 and the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club members will be joining hundreds of federated garden clubs from across the U.S. and internationally in celebrating! During this time clubs will have an opportunity to encourage pride in their communities, interest new members, and work with other groups to be part of those efforts. This year the Bulb & Blossom members are joining the Eunice Public Library for its Summer Reading Program. On Wednesday, June 7, at 10am, the Garden Club will read a book and lead an activity centered around naming plants and collecting bugs.
The program will take place at the Eunice Community Garden and will be free. Members proudly presenting its club banner are: Elvonia Reed, Jean Johnson, Jacquelyn Love, Mona Redlich, Erin Jones, Lynn Pavich, Sarah Bollich, Lonell White, Fran Guillory, Deborah Cristiano, Barbara Wells and Celeste Gomez. Members unable to attend are Donna Baltakis, April DeRouen, Dean Deshotel, Delana Dubroc, Susan Gaspard, Martha Guempel, Joyce Johnson, Adonia O’Brien, Becky Pucheu, Connie Thibodeaux, and Christy Speckschate.
The Eunice club was founded in 1948, seventy-five years ago, and has remained active in the community. The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club was federated by National Garden Club, Inc in 1950, of which it is still a member.
Date: June 1, 2023
RE: June meeting
Club Holds Final Meeting For 2022-23
Eunice, LA. The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club in Eunice gathered for their June meeting at the home of Fran Guillory. The members met to make plans for the upcoming 2023-24 year, which will begin in September, after taking a pause during the months of July and August.
Fran presented a program entitled “Why Everyone Should Have a Toad House in Their Garden”. Toads and frogs are very important to the environment of a garden, helping with insects and slugs. As they like moist areas and often burrow beneath fallen leaves, toads can take up residence in an area for a very long time. Frogs and toads should be encouraged in your garden and offered a safe place to live away from predators, like cats. Toad houses are becoming more popular and can serve as a unique feature of a garden. Fran Guillory shows off her creative toad house made from a plastic container covered with small pebbles. Openings in the front and rear cut out for a quick escape if needed. Fran Guillory pictured with house items.
RE: June meeting
Club Holds Final Meeting For 2022-23
Eunice, LA. The Bulb and Blossom Garden Club in Eunice gathered for their June meeting at the home of Fran Guillory. The members met to make plans for the upcoming 2023-24 year, which will begin in September, after taking a pause during the months of July and August.
Fran presented a program entitled “Why Everyone Should Have a Toad House in Their Garden”. Toads and frogs are very important to the environment of a garden, helping with insects and slugs. As they like moist areas and often burrow beneath fallen leaves, toads can take up residence in an area for a very long time. Frogs and toads should be encouraged in your garden and offered a safe place to live away from predators, like cats. Toad houses are becoming more popular and can serve as a unique feature of a garden. Fran Guillory shows off her creative toad house made from a plastic container covered with small pebbles. Openings in the front and rear cut out for a quick escape if needed. Fran Guillory pictured with house items.
May 2023
Date: May 2, 2023
RE: Garden Club May meeting
Club Takes Garden Tour
Eunice, LA. For its May program, members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club were treated to a tour of the lovely gardens of Dr. Donnie Barnes. The afternoon was perfect for admiring the beautiful plantings and appreciating the hours and hours of work and talent taken to create this gorgeous landscape.
Members Martha Guempel, Barbara Wells and Delana Dubroc closely examining the unique botanical specimens. Posing for a group photo are Elvonia Reed, Donna Hanson, Erin Jones, Deborah Cristiano, Becky Pucheu, Joyce Johnson, Delana Dubroc, Sarah Bollich, Martha Guempel, Dean Deshotels, Lynn Pavich, Barbara Wells, April DeRouen and Celeste Gomez.
RE: Garden Club May meeting
Club Takes Garden Tour
Eunice, LA. For its May program, members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club were treated to a tour of the lovely gardens of Dr. Donnie Barnes. The afternoon was perfect for admiring the beautiful plantings and appreciating the hours and hours of work and talent taken to create this gorgeous landscape.
Members Martha Guempel, Barbara Wells and Delana Dubroc closely examining the unique botanical specimens. Posing for a group photo are Elvonia Reed, Donna Hanson, Erin Jones, Deborah Cristiano, Becky Pucheu, Joyce Johnson, Delana Dubroc, Sarah Bollich, Martha Guempel, Dean Deshotels, Lynn Pavich, Barbara Wells, April DeRouen and Celeste Gomez.
April 2023
Dean Deshotel, Celeste Gomez, Martha Guempel, Mayor Fontenot, Lynn Pavich, Fran Guillory and Donna Baltakis.
Bulb & Blossom Garden Club member Christie Spekschate and her daughter Joslyn tidied up the area around the newly replaced Welcome to Eunice sign. They were joined in their litter pick up task by Celeste Gomez.
Date: April 2, 2023
RE: Plant America Month
Eunice, LA. Mayor Scott Fontenot gathered with members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club at City Hall to proclaim the month of April “Plant America Month” as declared by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. to inspire its members to reach beyond the confines of their backyard beds and apply their knowledge for gardening to broader community initiatives.
Plant America began in 2017 with a focus on community-centered projects and efforts to bring to life the PLANT AMERICA ambition. By dedicating our work, as a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club continues to work on preserving ecosystems and engaging in civic beautification to make a positive impact on our environment.
During the month of April, Earth Day is also observed and coincided this year with the Keep Eunice Beautiful Litter Cleanup! Members helped in the organization of the cleanup and member Christie Spekschate, joined by her daughter Joslyn and Celeste Gomez, tended to the area around the newly replaced Welcome to Eunice Sign on Highway 13 N. The area around the sign will be landscaped and lit, creating an inviting entrance into the city of Eunice.
RE: Plant America Month
Eunice, LA. Mayor Scott Fontenot gathered with members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club at City Hall to proclaim the month of April “Plant America Month” as declared by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. to inspire its members to reach beyond the confines of their backyard beds and apply their knowledge for gardening to broader community initiatives.
Plant America began in 2017 with a focus on community-centered projects and efforts to bring to life the PLANT AMERICA ambition. By dedicating our work, as a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club continues to work on preserving ecosystems and engaging in civic beautification to make a positive impact on our environment.
During the month of April, Earth Day is also observed and coincided this year with the Keep Eunice Beautiful Litter Cleanup! Members helped in the organization of the cleanup and member Christie Spekschate, joined by her daughter Joslyn and Celeste Gomez, tended to the area around the newly replaced Welcome to Eunice Sign on Highway 13 N. The area around the sign will be landscaped and lit, creating an inviting entrance into the city of Eunice.
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Date: April 4, 2023
Bulb and Blossom Celebrate Spring
Eunice, LA. For the April meeting of the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club, members learned about Easter symbols and the Native Lore behind many of the traditions that are followed and the flowers that are associated with the season. Lilies, jasmine, passion flowers, dogwoods were examples of plants linked to the death and resurrection of our Lord. Member Lynn Pavich was the presenter and continued her program telling how the Germans were the first to take dyed eggs, the symbol of fertility and new life, and give them to children as gifts.
Lynn explained that natural materials were used to color the eggs. She had a beautiful display of eggs she had dyed using the leaves and stems of beets for pink, turmeric for yellow, coffee for brown, onion skins for red and red cabbage for blue. She also experimented with food coloring and wrapping with paper towels for a rainbow effect. A basket of eggs had also been dyed using a plant found on the prairies called Paque Paque (Easter in French), Baptisia sphaerocarpa, and the term used locally to tap eggs end to end, as a friendly competition among families.
The business portion of the meeting centered around the club observing the month of April as “Plant America Month” and a proclamation was signed by Mayor Scott Fontenot. Members will also participate at the Community Garden for the “All About Veggies” program for children on April 12 and the Keep Eunice Beautiful Litter Cleanup on April 22. The Club’s newspaper column has now run twice, and the work continues at the newly replaced Welcome to Eunice sign on the north entrance into the City.
Bulb and Blossom Celebrate Spring
Eunice, LA. For the April meeting of the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club, members learned about Easter symbols and the Native Lore behind many of the traditions that are followed and the flowers that are associated with the season. Lilies, jasmine, passion flowers, dogwoods were examples of plants linked to the death and resurrection of our Lord. Member Lynn Pavich was the presenter and continued her program telling how the Germans were the first to take dyed eggs, the symbol of fertility and new life, and give them to children as gifts.
Lynn explained that natural materials were used to color the eggs. She had a beautiful display of eggs she had dyed using the leaves and stems of beets for pink, turmeric for yellow, coffee for brown, onion skins for red and red cabbage for blue. She also experimented with food coloring and wrapping with paper towels for a rainbow effect. A basket of eggs had also been dyed using a plant found on the prairies called Paque Paque (Easter in French), Baptisia sphaerocarpa, and the term used locally to tap eggs end to end, as a friendly competition among families.
The business portion of the meeting centered around the club observing the month of April as “Plant America Month” and a proclamation was signed by Mayor Scott Fontenot. Members will also participate at the Community Garden for the “All About Veggies” program for children on April 12 and the Keep Eunice Beautiful Litter Cleanup on April 22. The Club’s newspaper column has now run twice, and the work continues at the newly replaced Welcome to Eunice sign on the north entrance into the City.
March 2023
March Meeting - Getting our Seeds Started
Eunice, LA…The March 6, 2023 meeting of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club was hosted by member Martha Guempel, at her home. The guest speaker for the program was Stephanie Guillory. Stephanie is a Master Gardener and former garden club member. As a Master Gardener, she has received extensive training and has provided information to the public by partnering with other community programs, gardens and educational facilities. She shared her knowledge of Hydroponic Gardening, based on the Kratky Method, which is a simple passive growing technique, using a nutrient solution.
Using a recycled food take out container, paper towels and soil, Stephanie demonstrated how the paper towels act as a wick to keep the soil and seeds moist, creating an environment in which seeds will sprout. She also showed how a pool noodle could be sliced and used to support the young seedlings when ready to transfer to a larger container, where they are suspended, and roots absorb nutrient water below.
In March we had several projects:
Using a recycled food take out container, paper towels and soil, Stephanie demonstrated how the paper towels act as a wick to keep the soil and seeds moist, creating an environment in which seeds will sprout. She also showed how a pool noodle could be sliced and used to support the young seedlings when ready to transfer to a larger container, where they are suspended, and roots absorb nutrient water below.
In March we had several projects:
- Our monthly meeting with Stephanie Guillory on Hydroponics.
- We cleaned and maintained the Welcome to Eunice sign at the East entrance into town
- We assisted the 4H Club at Central Middle School with a flower bed redo
- Our Plant it Pink area was replanted and pruned.
March 2023 Plant It Pink Basket!
Plant It Pink Area Readied for Spring
Eunice, LA…. The flower baskets in the designated “Plant it Pink” area were freshened up by Bulb and Blossom Club members, during March. Now that the temperatures have started to warm up, the hedge of sasanquas and azaleas were clipped into shape and the weather- beaten Cast Iron plants, circling the large live oak, were pruned. Members participating were Fran Guillory, Barbara Wells (committee chairman), Martha Guempel, Erin Jones, Lynn Pavich and Celeste Gomez.
March 2023 - Bulb & Blossom Join in School 4H Project
Eunice, LA….Members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club joined the 4H members at Central Middle School to do a little gardening on the school grounds. The 4H members, under the leadership of Ms. Angelle Bellard, were given instructions and joined with the ladies in completely reworking the flower bed. All of the plantings were
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removed, the stone edging was realigned, and new soil added. The students’ gardening skills were very impressive! Plants donated by the Bulb & Blossom members were incorporated with existing plants for a nice display. A second bed at the base of the larger school sign, was weeded and the ground cover trimmed back into shape. The second phase will include the painting of the sign. Garden club members participating were Lynn Pavich, Fran Guillory, Sarah Bollich, Erin Jones, and Celeste Gomez.
March 2023 Sign Clean-up!
East Side Welcome to Eunice Sign Attended
Eunice, LA…. The Welcome to Eunice sign located on the eastern entrance into Eunice at Acadian Medical Center and its shrubs were readied to welcome visitors for the upcoming Crawfish Etouffee Cookoff. The flower bed was weeded and the sign itself was scrubbed. Enjoying the sunshine while accomplishing this task were Martha Guempel and Fran Guillory. Thanks to Acadian Medical Center for its year around maintenance of the area. The four welcome signs will all be tidied up and spent plantings replaced as part of the President’s project for the year.
February 2023
Bulb & Blossom Members Celebrate Club’s 75th Anniversary with Membership Tea
Eunice, LA. Members of the Bulb & Blossom Garden Club met for their February 7, 2023 meeting at the home of member Donna Baltakis. Her guest was local horticulturalist and owner of Coastal Prairie Farm, Justin Fuselier. Justin has involved in the green industry for over 20 years and 10 of those as a regenerative agriculturalist raising crawfish, grass fed beef, pasture pork and medium grain white rice. He has also become a leading expert on native plantings that thrive on the Cajun Prairie. Fuselier explained the importance of nitrogen in soil when gardening, recommended the use of Fish Amino Acid. He went through the process of making the fish amino acid at home and its benefits.
Pam Quirk, long time member of the club, then presented an overview of what the Garden Club’s goals and objectives are to potential members in attendance. The Club was founded in 1948 and later federated in 1950 by the Louisiana Garden Club Association. Mrs. Quirk shared fond memories of her mother, Edith Parrot, who led the organization from 1953-54 and how she instilled an interest for flowers and gardening. Mrs. Parrot and others were well known for their floral designs, as they traveled statewide entering shows for competition. The Bulb & Blossom Garden Club welcomes new members and current day activities can be found on its Facebook page Bulb and Blossom Garden Club. For more information on joining, email [email protected]
Pam Quirk, long time member of the club, then presented an overview of what the Garden Club’s goals and objectives are to potential members in attendance. The Club was founded in 1948 and later federated in 1950 by the Louisiana Garden Club Association. Mrs. Quirk shared fond memories of her mother, Edith Parrot, who led the organization from 1953-54 and how she instilled an interest for flowers and gardening. Mrs. Parrot and others were well known for their floral designs, as they traveled statewide entering shows for competition. The Bulb & Blossom Garden Club welcomes new members and current day activities can be found on its Facebook page Bulb and Blossom Garden Club. For more information on joining, email [email protected]
January 2023
Arbor Day 2023 - Live Oak - Quercus virginiana
In Memory of - Andrea West
Monthly Meeting - January
Officers 2022-2024
Incoming Officers for 2022-24 were installed by former President Connie Thibodeaux on left. Erin Jones (Treasurer), Jacquelyn Love (Secretary), Donna Baltakis (Vice President) and Celeste Gomez (President)
LGCF, Inc.
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