News from Shrewsbury Garden Club
22 OCTOBER 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ
It was a busy summer for Shrewsbury
Garden Club members who worked in
the heat and humidity to take care of
the seven public gardens they maintain
in Shrewsbury. It’s a big job that was tackled
by teams of two to four members who
weeded and watered each week, using hoses
when accessible or hand-watering from
the rain barrels. Members even brought
their young children and grandchildren
on their maintenance shifts, and the little
ones especially enjoyed working with the
hose, even if they were soaked by the end.
Clearly the seeds of future gardeners had
been planted.
Visitors to the walled greenhouse
garden were treated to a fragrant plant
of the month display just outside the entrance.
Plants featured included lilies, heliotrope
and Spanish lavender. Inside, a
riot of roses bloomed, catmint tumbled on
the path beneath, and large planters beckoned
visitors to come in and explore. At
the Shrewsbury Historical Society garden,
two paniculata hydrangeas were planted
in memoriam of two club life members,
Elizabeth “Betty" Billings and Belle Giblon.
The winter berries planted in May at the
municipal building have begun to produce bright red berries for the
birds enjoy this fall.
brought comfort to memorial visitors. This garden is frequently abuzz
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cle from eggs, caterpillars to chrysalis at her home and then brought
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arch habitat. Adults and children in attendance were delighted to watch
An avid photographer, Carton took numerous
pictures at many private gardens
in Shrewsbury. The club will use these
photos in a future notecard fundraiser
and to provide educational information
about plants to the public. If you would
like to have your garden featured, contact
the club to plan a visit.
The season kickoff meeting on Sept. 21
was held in the garden of club President
Judy Bonanno. Members socialized, had
their portraits taken, shopped for perennial
plants and then discussed the 2021-
22 season of programs which will run
through June 2022. The theme is propagation;
activities will focus on propagating
new plants, new skills and new members.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, herbalist Gert
Coleman will conduct a Zoom webinar
on the herbs of Halloween. On Tuesday,
Nov. 16, there will be a demonstration
by Marina Kerber on ikebana, an ancient
New members from Shrewsbury and
other towns are always welcome. Members
may attend club programs, workshops and
trips, and bring guests to activities.
Funds raised at the fall amaryllis and
paper whites sale will allow the club to beautify seven public gardens in
Shrewsbury. These gorgeous bulbs can be planted indoors and enjoyed
throughout the winter months. Amaryllis offerings include popular
varieties such as Dancing Queen with frilly red and white blooms and
blooming, miniature and exotic varieties in shades of pink, coral, red,
white and ivory. Prices range from $12 to $20 per bulb. Pre-order now
through Friday, Oct. 29 at ShrewsburyGC.com. Orders will be available
for pickup in mid-November, just in time for holiday gift giving.
To learn more, visit the Shrewsbury Garden Club Facebook page or
email shrewsburygardenclub@gmail.com with questions.
Photos courtesy of Emilee Carton
/TheJournalNJ.com
/ShrewsburyGC.com
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