FARMINGTON GARDEN CLUB NEWSLETTER

Member Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.

April 2008

President –Dianne Szabla www.farmingtongardenclub.com Editor – Jan Dolan 248.626.6322 “Live With Beauty” 248.473.8545

Hi Everyone,

I recently returned from a trip to Houston where the red buds and azaleas were blooming, reminding me that winter will soon be over; and we will be actually be enjoying beautiful spring blooms here.  It is exciting to see some green shoots peeking out of the ground in my yard.

This month we welcome John Wendland, retired groundskeeper of Oakland University and head of the Meadowbrook Estate Greenhouse, who will tell us how to grow geraniums organically and give us information on the history, culture and variety of this popular plant.

MSU will be having a Landscape Design Series every Wednesday evening in April taught by MSU faculty at the Oakland County Offices in Waterford.  They are also offering a series at Tollgate on Meadowbrook at 12 Mile called,  "Evenings in the Garden," from March 29 through September 16.  You may register for single classes in the Tollgate series.  For more info contact Linda Smith at smithlin@oakgov.com or 248-858-0887 or visit www.msue.msu.edu/oakland.  I will have brochures at the meeting.

Thanks to Joann Jenkins for hosting the luncheon at her lovely home for departing member Dottie Young.  It was a lively group.  We will all miss Dottie and her contributions to the club.

Past President, Rita Roberts, has confirmed the following 2008-2009 executive board:
         President - Chris Britts
         First VP - Joann Jenkins
         Second VP - Joan Hinkle
         Recording Secretary - Betti Pool
         Corresponding Secretary - Mary Lou Seaman
         Treasurer - Barbara Dermody

The 77th annual convention of the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. will be held on Monday, May 19, at the Holiday Inn in Ann Arbor.  Note that it is just one day this year.  Please let me know if you are interested in attending.  There are two tours planned to the rhododendron garden the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Correction to the Flower Show School registration form:  The phone number should be 427-5343.  One member has expressed interest in attending.  Remember the club will pay for two people to go to these very worthwhile classes being held in Livonia, May 8,9, and 10.
11:00 Board Meeting Dianne

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Hostess Committee:  Jan Dolan, chair, Ruth Wiens & Lenore Detizio    
On the Mend

Rita Roberts is recovering from her second knee replacement is going very well.  She will be home from Heartland Rehab on Tues, April 1 and will see us at the May meeting.  Betty Ritchie is also in Heartland, as most of you know. She would welcome calls, (248-661-1700) and cards sent to her home, 37955 Rhonswood, Northville 48167.

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District One Flower Show

Congratulations to Chris Britts who won a first, second and third place ribbon for entries of three beautiful cactus plants and Jan Dolan who won a first and second place ribbons for artistic designs. Her blue ribbon winner also received the purple rosette for “Designers Choice” - top award for best design out of the 12 entries entered in the division.

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News from Dottie Young

We arrived Mar 8 to brand new crocuses popping out. They only got a total of 5 inches of snow this winter. Our belongings came on the 12th, which we are scrambling to unpack and organize. Whew, moving sure is a lot of work!!! Leaving Michigan was bittersweet- I really did love my life there; but we've already realized the pleasure of being near family. Thanks again for the nice farewell luncheon and the lovely sentiments you expressed that warmed my heart! New address:

2 Astoria Dr.   Hanover, Pa. 17331 717-637-9427, Dottie

Farmington Garden Club

22587 Gill Road

Farmington Hills, MI 48335

Visitors Center, Heritage Park

Monday, April 7

Board Meeting – 11:00 am

General Meeting – 12:15

Program – John Wendland – Geraniums FIRST CLASS MAIL