Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Gardens are starting to pop up everywhere and for some, this is the first time they are experiencing this. COVID-19 has pushed some into becoming more self-sufficient in growing their own vegetables as well as enhancing their yards with flowers and fruit trees.
Last week was National Garden Week and was celebrated across the country June 7 through 13 to recognize the importance of gardening and diverse contributions of gardeners.
Said Diane Givens, a member of the New Castle Garden Club, “A proclamation signed by the President of National Garden Clubs, Inc. states that ‘gardening adds beauty, fragrance and nutrition to our lives through the growing of herbs, vegetables, foliage and flowers. Gardening is a challenging and productive activity which promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces stress and can even preserve our country’s traditional spirit of independence and initiative through innovation and hard work.’”
The week was celebrated locally by two projects of the New Castle Garden Club. Mulch was spread at the New Castle Post Office and flowers were taken to a local business.
The New Castle Garden Club noted that soon after the new New Castle Post Office building was erected at 283 Main Street in 2000, the club developed a plan to adorn their grounds, with the help of local landscaper Tammy (Reynolds) Quesenberry, which featured abelia, nandina, and holly shrubs. Blooming perennials include black-eyed susans and lambs’ ear.
Regular ongoing maintenance has included weeding and planting of annuals such as petunias and verbena.
Thecla Frantz served as the group’s committee chair for several years and provided much of the labor.
Added Givens, “Since 1959, club members have taken flowers to Camp Easter Seals for each week of their summer session. Bud vases were placed on tables in the dining hall and often an arrangement was left on the mantle beside the camp’s signature moose head.”
As an alternative community service in 2020, members have committed to providing fresh flowers to local businesses and offices throughout the summer.
“A calla lily was given to The Emporium on June 7 and the coming weeks will see many more bouquets and blooms brightening offices and storefronts,” members shared.
The local club, which now has 24 members, meets on the first Thursday from March through December and new members are always welcome. One may contact membership chair Anita Martindell at (540) 864-5032 for more information.
