In recognition of National Garden Week, Chipley Garden Club provided multiple opportunities for the citizens of Chipley to participate in the celebration the week of June 1 and June 7. Following the City of Chipley’s Proclamation, the activities began. To kickoff it off, club members added Monarch butterfly spinners to the downtown pots – earlier in May, American flags had been placed for Memorial Day.
Tuesday found club members at the Washington County Council on Aging showing the clients how to make tiny terrariums. All the necessary supplies – containers, soil, gravel, plants and more – were provided and the “youngsters” had a wonderful time making their own terrariums. WCCOA Director Kristen Martin remarked, “This was such fun! The council is planning lots of new activities for our clients this Summer! Drop by and join out!”
Wednesday was the big day – Garden Day at the Library. Almost 100 children and adults attended the free event in the conference room of the Chipley library. Everything from horticulture to saving our environment to health eating was covered. There were lots of hands-on activities for everyone – they made terrariums, created floral arrangements, tasted honey and learned about bees, made butterfly cards with their fingers, learned about native wildflowers, sniffed herbs and even took home sprigs to root. Visitors were amazed by the recycling/reuse/repurpose table and, as a parting surprise, received a packet of flower or vegetable seeds to plant at home. Floral arrangements made following the event were delivered to shut-ins, the library staff, and the nursing home.
Club members were at the Washington County History Museum Friday morning for “Chalk It Up to Flowers.” Chalk, lemonade and cookies were provided to those who stopped by and showed off their artistic skills. By Noon, the sidewalks were a rainbow of art!
If you are interested in hearing more about Chipley Garden Club, please contact President Mike Hansen at 909-736-7620. Although the club does not meet during the summer, it does have socials. The club meets on the first Wednesday September-May at a local venue. New members are welcomed at anytime. Come join us and get growing!
