Cultura Garden Club learns about flower arranging
She Says
Cultura Garden Club’s March meeting took place at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville. Chase Sparks, owner of Russellville Florist and Gifts, presented a program on how to make spring flower arrangements.
Throughout his demonstration for the club, Sparks stressed the importance of first conditioning flowers and removing the lower leaves from the bottom of the stem. Using floral tape (or frogs) he outlined the vase and made squares for flowers. He used foliage and greenery to set the stage before adding filler flowers with multiple blooms.
Sparks recommended cutting the stems to the height of the vase and crisscrossing the stems of the flowers one-by-one. Last, add statement flowers to create a focal point.
In addition to floral arrangements, Sparks shared other items available at his florist shop for the spring. Members submitted their names for a drawing of the spring flower arrangement Sparks made, and Brenda Oliver was the winner.
Judy Baker spoke about how to attract pollinators to a yard. Baker prepared a handout for members on what attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Hummingbirds are attracted to red and orange plants, odor is not important, and their long beaks allow them to feed on funnel-shaped flowers.
Butterflies are drawn to brightly colored plants, prefer fresh scents, and feed on plants with narrow, tube-like flowers with a wide landing pad.
Bees prefer bright white, yellow or blue plants with a fresh, mild odor and they feed on plants with shallow, tubular flowers and a landing platform.
President Cheri McCain recognized hostesses Judy Baker, Patricia Cox and Darlene Hester for the refreshments.
Members were reminded that orders for the garden club’s spring flower fundraiser will be due April 1. McGee Farm will deliver the flowers May 8-9. Proceeds go to downtown beautification and holiday decorations.
Club dues for the Garden Clubs of Alabama are due at the April meeting. The Garden Club District I meeting will be held April 22 in Decatur. The Garden Clubs of Alabama Convention will be held April 13-15 at Guntersville State Park.
Members approved a trip to 1818 Farms on May 12. This will be “Behind the Scenes Garden Tour of Farm” in Mooresville.
