Bella Vista Garden Club

WELCOME 

If you are interested in gardening in Northwest Arkansas, you have come to the right place.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Spring Trip - May 15, 2024

The May Field Trip this year will be to Tulsa to the Philbrook Museum and Gardens.  Jamie has done a wonderful job of arranging our docent-led tour at the Museum and Gardens starts at 12:30.  In order to arrive and have lunch prior, it will be necessary to leave Bella Vista by about 8am.  


The Signup Genius for the  Field Trip is now live.  The cost is $14.00 each and we will be collecting your registration and the entry fee ( with a credit or debit card) on  SignUp Genius.  It is totally safe and goes directly to the Stripe account and then to our bank account.  The quantity of slots is just a placeholder.  It can always be adjusted if needed. 


The link for the signup genius page is: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/Philbrook

just click on it and it will take you right to the signup.


We will also be car-pooling to this event and will need drivers who are willing to take members who can not drive.  Please let us know in the comments section how many people your vehicle can accommodate.  If you know the names of the people that will be riding with you already, list their names in the comments section also. The comments section expands out even though it looks small. 

Perennial Sale - June 1, 2024

June 1st is only three weeks away and that means it’s time for the club’s annual perennial plant sale!!. It will be a one day sale from 8am to 2pm at the Village Wastewater Plant.  We have trees, shrubs, blackberry bushes, yuccas, shade plants, sun plants, native plants and more. All 1 gallon pots are $7 and larger pots will be individually priced. We accept cash, checks, credit and debit.

The monies raised through our plant sales helps the club support Bella Vista organizations such as the animal shelter, the courtesy van, the TV station and more.  Plus, we also give two yearly scholarships to UofA students studying horticulture.  Thank you in advance for support.

Look forward to seeing you on June 1st and please make sure to take a moment for a stroll through our native plant educational garden. You’ll see some of the wonderful and beautiful native plants that you can grow in your own gardens.

Here are a few pictures of what we have to offer.

Spring Luncheon June 5, 2024

Please join us for the annual Bella Vista Garden Club's Spring Luncheon Meeting and Officers Installation at Peel Mansion in Bentonville at 11AM on Wednesday June 5, 2024.  The Spring Luncheon is always one of the highlights of the year.  We must limit attendance to members only due to space limitations (80 only).  The cost of this luncheon is $25.00  Your meal will be catered by Mike Hudgins of Papa Mike's fame.  It will include a salad, either beef or vegetable lasagna, garlic bread and lemon or chocolate cake for dessert. Coffee, tea and water will be provided.  

You can reserve your spot, make your luncheon selections, and pay for it all with a credit card below at Signup Genius 

Link for Signup Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/SpringLuncheon2024 . 

OR You can email your wish to attend and your meal choices to cathydown62@gmail.com and mail your check made out to BVGC to Cathy Downard 39 Cambria Drive, Bella Vista,AR 72715 to ARRIVE no later than Saturday May 25. If your check is not received by then, your spot will go to the first person on the waiting list and you will not be able to attend. 

MOST RECENT ACTIVITIES

Host: Geri Hoerner (left).  Guest: Joanne York - President, Benton County Master Gardeners (right).

Latest  TV PROGRAM


The Gardening Show

"Gardening in May"  

Topic: The Benton County Master Gardener Plant Sale and Expo.  

Arbor Day Celebration Monday, April 29, 2024 

The City of Bella Vista wrapped up its month-long celebration of trees with an official ceremony honoring our uniquely forested city landscape and preservation efforts of those who work to maintain it.

A tree planting ceremoney took place at 12 p.m. Monday, April 29th at the Bluebird Trailhead off Riordan Road.

Mayor John Flynn read an Arbor Day proclamation and then members of the Bella Vista Garden Club and Bella Vista Tree Advisory Board assisted in planting a Sugar Maple tree, which has been graciously donated by the Bella Vista Garden Club.

Following the ceremony, the official City of Bella Vista Arbor Day 2024 stickers were available. They can be presented at Java Dude’s coffee shop inside Phat Tire Bike Shop near the trailhead for 20 percent off a purchase.  The winning design from this year’s sticker contest was chosen by the Bella Vista Tree Board. This year’s sticker was designed by Cooper Elementary fourth grader Lindsey Scheele.

The city recognizes the efforts of those volunteers who help maintain the natural beauty of our landscape by protecting native tree species and promoting the importance of an extensive tree canopy in the area.  These efforts allow the city to be named annually a Tree City USA.

April 24, 2024 Meeting 

The Meeting

Top Row Left to Right - Lots to sign up for or join the Club.

Fruit and Cookies.

Great garden gloves for sale.

Raffle items.

Bottom Row Left to Right - Horticulture by Tony LiCausi "What are the top 10 Trees/Shrubs to plant in NW Arkansas.

Patti Brierly talked about the Bella Vista Memorial Cemetery.

Joal Miller talked about the Plant Sale and that some tomatoes are left.

Janice Conboy talked about the House Plant part of the upcoming Plant Sale.

The Program

BVGC Member and Chef, Sue Santori, who has extensive experience hosted an interactive discussion on "Cooking with Herbs from Your Garden."


Two Artistic Designs

Left by Pam Lusczakoski and Right by Sherry Morris. 

Awards

Left to right - Dory Hammeke: Pesident of the Garden Club.  Heritage Preservation Award: Mary Doyle and Patti Brierly, Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery.  Member Awareness: Pat Meyer, President’s monthly newsletter.  Pollinators Project: Lou Jasper (not present) and Joal Miller, Native Plant Bed at Wastewater facility.  Civic Achievement: Steve Brusso (but given to Judy Warner since Steve has moved and Judy is taking over the project), The Veterans Wall.  Civic Beautification: Sue Santori, (not present) Daffodil Planting at the new Public Safety Building.  Garden Therapy: Deidre Cheney and Louise Wilson (with award), Garden Therapy. Club Website: Carol Tabat (accepted the award) and Cathy Wayson, BVGC Website.  Outstanding Social Media: Ginny Vance (Award accepted for her by Carol Tabat,  Social Media Facebook Page.  Outstanding Yearbook: Cathy Wayson, 2023-2024  Yearbook.  Digital Media Presentation for The Gardening TV Show, Geri Hoerner (not present).  

Spring Plant Sale 4/20/2024

Hello Everyone-


A great plant sale was had today!  All coleus and zinnias sold. We had a few tomatoes left but those will continue to sell after the sale. 

Plant Sale Chairman, Joal Miller

Garden Club members getting ready to welcome shoppers to the sale.

Cemetery Workday - April 4, 2024

The Bella Vista Cemetery Committee joins in the beautification effort by helping with planting and maintaining flower beds in the Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery. This time a lot of raking was needed.  The photos show some of the workers.

Garden Therapy at Concordia in Bella Vista on 4/9/24  

Some of the Ladies making and modeling their beautiful hats.

These lovely ladies are 100 and 101 years young.  Everyone had so much fun decorating hats with artificial flowers and ribbons. 

Garden Therapy

at Brookfield Assisted Living

on February 20, 2924

The residents enjoyed making Pine Cones dipped in peanut butter and bird seed to hang outside for the birds. 

Daffodils at Crystal Bridges

This just in from Garden Club President, Dory Hammeke: We just received this message from John Henkels from Crystal Bridges.  He wanted our club members to see how the Spring bulbs they helped to plant are looking.  Several club members, Bob and Teresa Poulseen, and Steve Brusso helped with the planting. Hope I'm not missing any other volunteers.  This work was done last fall and the flowers look lovely, don't they?  Crystal Bridges is planning to plant more next year.

BVGC Honors Sue Mank

Geri Hoerner (left in photograph) attended the Garden Club of Rogers meeting in December where the Bella Vista Garden Club honored Sue Mank with a Penny Pines Certificate. 

Geri also gave them our pop tabs to include in their collection which will benefit the local Ronald Mc Donald house. 

Daffodil Bulb Planting

at the Public Safety Building in Bella Vista on 11/29/23


Bella Vista Garden Club members planted bulbs using power drills with auger attachments.  

Daffodil Bulb Sale was a Success

Allen's Food Mart

60 Sugar Creek Ctr.,  Bella Vista AR 72714

Saturday November 18th - over 1,000 bulbs sold.

Daffodil Mix for the South

and 'Bella Vista' Daffodils

The Garden Club Members

Ready to Sell the Beautiful Bulbs

Beautiful Day to Sell

'Bella Vista' Daffodils

 Crystal Bridges Bulb Planting held 11/11/2023 

Thanks to Steve Brusso, Bob and Teresa Poulseen for assisting with planting 'Bella Vista' Daffodils on the grounds at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  The CB gardens will provide another beautiful spot for enjoying the colorful flowers next Spring.   

BVGC Card & Games Party

Thank you to all the workers who made the Card Party a success.  This charity fundraising event was held on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 11:00am to 4pm at St. Bernard of Claivaux Catholic Church, 1 St. Bernard Lane, Bella Vista.  

The lunch, raffles, and games were enjoyed by all.   

If you would like to be added to the email list to receive advance notification of the party and when registration opens next year, send an email indicating your interest to bvgccardparty@gmail.com.

Table setup, kitchen workers, raffle baskets and items and donor poster.

The party

The Bella Vista Yard of the Month Program will Return in the Soon

The Bella Vista Garden Club promotes and rewards exemplary yard care in Bella Vista and recognizes neighbors who demonstrate above-average efforts in maintaining their property, which contributes to the overall appearance of the community at large.


All homes and businesses in Bella Vista are eligible. Nominations are for the front and side yards jointly. One yard is chosen each month by members of BVGC who select the yard that best exemplifies uniqueness, beauty and curb appeal.  Nominate a yard today via email: portillo.jb@gmail.com. Please provide the address and the homeowners name if known.  All nominations will be in the running for future recognition.

September 28th, 2023 Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery Work Day

Sixteen volunteers came out on a beautiful Fall morning to clean up the cemetery’s garden beds for winter.  Cemetery committee co-chairs are Mary Doyle and Patti Brierly. 

1. Pictured L to R: Nanette Prewitt , Pat Meyer, Kathy Pannell

2. L to R:  Deidre Cheney, Janet Conboy, Marilyn Russell, Jeanie Talbott.  

3. Pictured L to R: Bottom row, Beth Ward and Debbie Reeves.  Middle row, Dagmar Roeder, Jan Grim, Rosalie Mikelson, Patti Brierly, Penny Bossert, and Mary Doyle.  Back row Steve Brusso.

Veterans Wall of Honor

This just in from Steve Brusso  (click the arrow)

With the main parking area closed for “construction”, there isn’t much pedestrian activity at the Wall of Honor but I want to share a few pics of our beds.  That last 4” of rain has resulted in a pretty good growth spurt for our plants.  Dory has been kind to mention our beds in our August news letter. It is appropriate for me to mention others that have made significant contributions to this endeavor.

It certainly does take a village.  Fall planting is planned for early October…I’m looking forward to this.

Beautification Committee

Sue Santori, Beautification committee chair, and her committee worked at the Bella Vista sign on July 19, 2023.  

Helpers included Virginia Halman, Cathy Downard, Deidre Cheney, Eric Johnson, Dory Hammeke, and Dave.

The National Garden Club's Path of Success 

Roughly 1/4 mile long, the Path of Success will be a walking path located on the grounds of NGC's headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri and will link to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, spreading more awareness of NGC than ever before. This project will also serve as an educational platform, showing the rich history and mission of NGC.

Linked below is a form for regions, districts, clubs, affiliates and individuals to purchase a paver to be installed in the NGC Path of Success.

A second form to donate to this project is also linked below.

We thank you for your participation in this exciting new project!

GARDENING TIPS

It’s a good idea to include native plants in your landscape. 

Native plants are already acclimated to conditions in your area and, therefore, require much less maintenance, plus they feed and shelter local wildlife, birds, and butterflies. Not every plant native to the United States is native to a particular zone. Take zone 6, for instance. What hardy native plants are suited for USDA zone 6? Read on to find out about zone 6 native plants. Growing Hardy Native Plants for Zone 6 The selection of zone 6 native plants is quite diverse, with everything from bushes and trees to annuals and perennials. Incorporating a variety of these into your garden fosters the ecosystem and local wildlife and creates biodiversity in the landscape.

The selection of zone 6 native plants is quite diverse, with everything from bushes and trees to annuals and perennials. Incorporating a variety of these into your garden fosters the ecosystem and local wildlife and creates biodiversity in the landscape Since these native plants have spent centuries adapting to local conditions, they require less water, fertilizer, spraying, or mulching than those that are not indigenous to the area. They have, over time, become accustomed to many diseases as well.

This is a partial listing of plants suited for USDA zone 6. Your local extension office will also be able to assist you in choosing those that are suited for your landscape. Before you purchase plants, be sure to ascertain light exposure, soil type, the size of the mature plant, and the purpose of the plant for a selected site. The following lists are sectioned off into sun lovers, partial sun, and shade lovers.

Sun worshippers include: 

Native plants for USDA zone 6 that thrive in partial sun include: 

Shade dwellers native to USDA zone 6 include: 

Looking for native trees? Look into: 

Read more at Gardening Know How: Zone 6 Native Plants – Growing Native Plants In USDA Zone 6

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-native-plants.htm

LINKS OF INTEREST

New Links

New Link:  National Garden Bureau - This site has a multitude of gardening information and you can sign up for their Newsletter.

New Link: How to Grow your own Butterfly Garden  - This page has a step by step guide to build a butterfly garden.  The site was suggested by a student in an alternative learning program.

New Link: Toxic Pesticides - This page on the ConsumerNotice.org site has a lot of information on toxic pesticides outlining the different types and how to protect yourself from their negative effects.

"A garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature."

Jeff Cox
Artistic Touches by Cathy Wayson

Garden Therapy

Brought Lots of Smiles!