Garden club learns about poppy symbolism
We began our November Cultura Garden Club meeting with a hands-on rock-painting activity led by muralist Ree Shannon of aRo Art & Design Concepts.
Ree handed each of us a rock, paint markers and an apron. She guided us through simple steps to create our designs.
She also displayed many of her painted rocks and invited members to choose one to take home as a favor.
Program Chairman Debra Spillers explained how the flower became one of the world’s strongest reminders of sacrifice and courage.
We began with a moment of silence for those who served and those who never returned.
Spillers described the way the poppy came to represent the bloodshed of soldiers in World War I. She said these flowers grow even in harsh landscapes, which gives them a lasting place as symbols of resilience and remembrance.
She told us the story behind the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John McCrae and explained how the poem shaped the flower’s role as a memorial symbol.
The American Legion named the poppy its national memorial flower in 1920. The Veterans of Foreign Wars adopted it in 1922.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion continue the tradition through the Buddy Poppy program. Volunteers offer flowers in exchange for donations that support rehabilitation and service programs.
Veterans who need income assemble the poppies in Veterans Affairs hospitals across the country.
Spillers created paper poppies for every member and shared printed copies of McCrae’s poem.
Our institute shifted our focus to the Three Sisters — corn, beans and squash.
Debbie Beason led the program and explained what many Native American cultures call the Three Sisters. She explained that these crops grow best when planted together and support one another in the garden.
Beason said planting the Three Sisters provides a hands-on way to learn about biodiversity, soil health and Native American traditions.
President Cheri McCain gave updates on Cultura’s downtown projects.
Anne Marie Bucholtz and Wendy DuBois removed the dipladenia vines and plan to overwinter them in a greenhouse.
Deborah Nale cleared the Pumpkin Palooza display.
McCain thanked members for their work in hosting the Garden Clubs of Alabama District I meeting. She said many people contacted her to express appreciation for the event.
She also thanked Spillers for providing black aprons the club can use for future projects.
I shared plans for this year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The program includes a short history of “Every Light a Prayer for Peace,” a peace message and recognition of veterans, frontline workers, first responders, EMA staff and volunteers.
We will gather at the Franklin County Courthouse on Dec. 4 from 4:15 to 5 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting follows our program, and the Russellville Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m.
McCain said members will begin decorating downtown on Nov. 12. The club purchased new ribbons, finials, balls, garland and wreaths. We plan to place the decorations by Nov. 20.
The Garden Club of Alabama will host the statewide “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” program on Dec. 5 at the Alabama State Capitol. The ceremony honors service members and features remarks from Gov. Kay Ivey, music, state officials and the 150th celebration of the United States.
Hostesses Diana Wilson, Nale and Spillers served refreshments.
We closed our meeting with the reading of the Collect.
