The Fannie Marchman Garden Club began the second half of this club year with Brenda Swagerty, owner of Plants of Texas giving an informative presentation of growing, pruning, planting and choosing roses. She reminded members that the best time to prune roses in the area is Valentine’s Day.

In February, members prepared donated bud vases for the staff at the Mineola Heights Nursing Home, as a thank you, and were well received. The remaining nursing homes will be included in a future activity. Flowers and greenery were purchased from club funds.

Members participated in a morning Seed Swap at the Sorrelle Farms/Bob Wells Nursery in Mineola. A twice yearly event, the invited public contributed and received labelled seeds. As this was a morning event, members travelled to Tyler for their Seed Swap.  

The presenter at the March meeting was Wynn from Vital Earth Resources, the soil and fertilizer manufacturer in Gladewater and Big Sandy. His lecture incorporated advice to learn about the soils in each yard, the landscaping plants and how different “recipes” were designed to meet most conditions. They sell their soils in bulk and will load purchases.   

Other March activities included the annual geranium sale, the proceeds of which fund a scholarship to a graduating high school senior. Club members attended a Texas Garden Club District III luncheon in Tyler. Yard of the Month recipient was John Parker, whose photograph appeared in a previous issue of the Wood County Monitor. This award is an ongoing activity for the club, to recognize home owners for their contribution to the beautification of the community, and is well received.  

In April, the members assembled at the Bob Wells Nursery for a guided tour of their large array of landscaping trees, berry bearing trees, shrubs, plants and herbs.  

May will be installation of club officers for 2022-23 at the Mineola Civic Center Wednesday May 18 at 9:30 a.m.  with a pot luck after the ceremony. This officially ends the club year, but members have expressed getting together during the summer.   

Save the date: Saturday, June 11, second annual Garden Tour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Five locations are on the schedule. The homes will be advertised closer to the date. New members are always welcome and can reach Kim Hughes, president at 903-312-2465. The club is also featured in the Community Calendar section in this newspaper.