The Du Quoin Garden Club of District VII Garden Clubs of Illinois has held its meetings for both April and May. Members held their April 27 meeting at the home of Verna Bastien with members touring her beautiful garden prior to the meeting.
Nineteen members answered roll call by indicating if they grew the herb of the month, cilantro. The minutes from the March meeting and the treasurer's report were approved as given. Program booklets for the upcoming year were distributed.
Committee reports began with ways and means. The annual plant sale was a success in spite of the rain and cold weather. Thanks was expressed to all the members for their contributions and hard work. A thank you will be sent to David Gillespie of Shelter Insurance for allowing the club to use his location.
The project committee reported that hanging baskets and a planter had been delivered to the local nursing homes as the spring project. Other reports included civic beautification, condolence, awards, nominating and scrapbook.
Under old business, installation of officers will be held at a later date. Karen Britten will let members know when her Indian Pinks wildflowers are in bloom and will arrange a tour.
Members helped the first-grade classes plant the zinnias the students started from seeds at Keyes Park May 4. New business included the donation of lantana plants for the memorial for friend and fellow member, Joyce Denton. A garden book also will be donated to the Du Quoin Public Library in her memory.
Members reported on their recent tour of the tree area at Plantscape Nursery, which included the do's and don'ts of tree planting and care. Verna Bastien followed with the horticultural minute with more information on trees. Betty Eastman presented a program for Arbor Day using the book "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. The meeting closed with the benediction. The next meeting will be at the home of Mary Jo Novak.
Members held their May 23 meeting at the home of Mary Jo Novak. The meeting began will roll call with 14 members present. The herb of the month for roll call was lemon basil. The minutes of the April meeting and the treasurer's report were read and approved.
Under correspondence, the club received a thank you from the Child Advocacy Center for a donation, and the club received a donation from Angie McKinnis for the Telvi Memorial.
Committee reports began with civic beautification thanking members for all their help with the zinnia project with the DES first graders. Also, thanks was expressed for all the assistance from the Du Quoin city workers in preparing the flower bed, providing mulch, and maintaining a summer watering plan.
The Gazebo team wanted to thank Harry VanDermark for his support and assistance during a recent work session. The Butterfly Garden has been started with a variety of attractive plants. The welcome sign group added members to their committee.
The nominating committee put forth Mary Jo Novak as secretary and Peg Pursell as treasurer. Gail Taylor made the motion to accept the new slate, and Joey Harsy seconded it. The motion carried. New officers will be installed at the June meeting.
Discussion was held regarding making the terms for a longer period than one year. This item will be considered at a future meeting. The summer meeting of Garden Clubs of Illinois is July 17 at Pere Marquette State Park. Jean Bullock will be attending and invited anyone interested to join her.
The club will be setting up a display at the Du Quoin Public Library at 1 p.m. June 1. The display is for National Garden Week, and members should bring interesting garden items to display in the display case.
Assisted by Phyllis VanDermark and Julie Wilson, Mary Jo served delicious chocolate raspberry cake and strawberry jello cake for refreshments. Mary Jo also encouraged members to make selection from a variety of gardening books and potted spider plants to take home. The next meeting will be June 27 at the home of Bonnie Wilson.
