Mary Andrews, Garden Club of Cape May President
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to a year of fun, learning, and travel. Gardening has always been my passion, and during the pandemic when we couldn't gather, my garden was my sanctuary. I grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey and my love of gardening began in my grandparents' garden. They were originally from the Cotswold region of England and the entrance to their beautiful cottage-style garden was through an arbor covered with sweet-smelling, pink, climbing roses. The beds were filled with periwinkle blue delphiniums, sweet william, peonies, a koi pond, and a rock garden. Some of my happiest memories include visits to their greenhouse to see the orchids and seedlings. I love the earthy smell of a greenhouse and every time I go into one, I think of them.
My husband, Ed, and I lived and raised our two sons in Sparta, New Jersey, and in 2008, I became a certified Master Gardener ("MG"). During my 10 years as an M.G. I worked on many public gardens and organized trips and tours to many beautiful gardens all over the tri-state area, including Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Presby Iris Garden, New York Botanical Gardens, Wave Hill, and Chanticleer. Visiting beautiful gardens inspires me to try new plants and color combinations in my own gardens.
I'm looking forward to trying some new ideas at our meetings this year. With the help of a great Programs Committee that includes Sandy Allison, Linda Blanchette, Joanne Damminger, Doreen Gantz, Lynn Kurz, and Peg Oetinger, we've planned some fun and creative meetings. In addition to our Educational Speakers, we will be doing two “Make and Take” meetings in November and April where you will learn how to create beautiful Fall and Spring arrangements, and then take them home to enjoy. In September, there will be an opportunity for you to socialize, reconnect with old, and make new friends during a potluck lunch and Garden themed Quizzo game. At the November meeting, you will have an opportunity to purchase specially selected bulbs at a bargain price. Two trips will be offered this year. The first in December to see the Longwood Gardens Christmas display, and in March to the Philadelphia Flower Show.
Our Community Service projects are an important part of our mission, and we have many exciting opportunities for you to volunteer, learn about gardening, and support our community. It's a great way to make new friends and become involved in our club.
Thank you for your support and good wishes,
Mary Andrews
My husband, Ed, and I lived and raised our two sons in Sparta, New Jersey, and in 2008, I became a certified Master Gardener ("MG"). During my 10 years as an M.G. I worked on many public gardens and organized trips and tours to many beautiful gardens all over the tri-state area, including Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Presby Iris Garden, New York Botanical Gardens, Wave Hill, and Chanticleer. Visiting beautiful gardens inspires me to try new plants and color combinations in my own gardens.
I'm looking forward to trying some new ideas at our meetings this year. With the help of a great Programs Committee that includes Sandy Allison, Linda Blanchette, Joanne Damminger, Doreen Gantz, Lynn Kurz, and Peg Oetinger, we've planned some fun and creative meetings. In addition to our Educational Speakers, we will be doing two “Make and Take” meetings in November and April where you will learn how to create beautiful Fall and Spring arrangements, and then take them home to enjoy. In September, there will be an opportunity for you to socialize, reconnect with old, and make new friends during a potluck lunch and Garden themed Quizzo game. At the November meeting, you will have an opportunity to purchase specially selected bulbs at a bargain price. Two trips will be offered this year. The first in December to see the Longwood Gardens Christmas display, and in March to the Philadelphia Flower Show.
Our Community Service projects are an important part of our mission, and we have many exciting opportunities for you to volunteer, learn about gardening, and support our community. It's a great way to make new friends and become involved in our club.
Thank you for your support and good wishes,
Mary Andrews