Bella Vista Garden Club
WELCOME
If you are interested in gardening in Northwest Arkansas, you have come to the right place.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Next Meeting of the BV Garden Club will be September 27th
Bella Vista Community Church, 75 E Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72714
Social time, 9:30 am with the meeting at 10:00 am.
Program: Scholarship Presentations
Two of our three scholarship recipients, along with representatives from the U of A Department of Horticulture will be in attendance. Several of our club activities are focused on fundraising that allow us to award scholarships to deserving students. Be sure to attend this meeting so that you can meet the winners and wish them success!
Artistic Design
Horticulture: Tony LiCausi “Fertilizers for lawns, trees, shrubs and perennials – best practices regarding what to use, what to avoid, and when to apply”
SAVE THE DATE
for the Bella Vista Card and Games Party
Friday, Oct 27, 2023
11 am to 4 pm
Reservations open Sep 28th
NGC, Inc. Environmental School Course 1
The Bella Vista Garden Clubs is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. The President is promoting Virtual Classes in October.
Environmental School Course 1 virtually on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. I encourage you to set aside these days and take this course, either for credit or just for knowledge.
If you heard or read my inauguration speech you know that I believe in NGC schools. I stated “I encourage members to GO for it, whether it is deciding to attend NGC schools, deciding to serve in their club, on their state or the NGC board of directors, or making changes to long held traditions to make all garden clubs more appealing to all individuals. Set goals for yourselves, for your clubs, for your state as I have set goals for NGC and myself. One of my personal goals is to become a five-star member. I am now one symposium away from that goal. I believe in our schools, and completing all four schools has shaped how I view our natural world.” I believe we all need to be Life long learners. I appreciate those that work to make these schools happen. Please support them. Pat Rupiper, Chair promised we’ll be done in time for “Trick or Treating.”
Brenda Moore,
NGC President
Bmoore@gardenclub.org
MOST RECENT ACTIVITIES
City Codes Relative to Landscaping in Bella Vista
Taylor Robertson is a Senior Planner in Community Development Services for Bella Vista. She has been reviewing city codes relative to landscaping within city limits. Taylor has initiated code modifications to ensure the planting of trees in new home construction when lots are cleared for the building of new homes.
She is also working to ensure that city codes do not prevent the planting of native plants in residential landscaping. Recently, Taylor met with Marilyn Russell and Lou Jasper in the BVGC native plant bed to see how native plants can be beautifully incorporated into residential landscapes—especially when paired with annuals to provide continuing color as natives complete their bloom cycle.
September Yard of the Month
37 O’Neil Circle, Bella Vista 72715
Click the white arrow to read more.
Congratulations to Don and Esther Hood who have been selected as the Bella Vista Garden Club Yard of the Month nominated by Peggy Evans who noticed their beautiful yard while attending an estate sale next door. The Hoods are both originally from Wyoming and grew up on farms - Esther on an irrigation farm and Don on a dairy farm. They went to college at the same time but started dating after meeting at a horse race.
Don worked in Range Management and Soil Conservation, even measuring snow on the mountain. Esther worked as a secretary, bookkeeper and ran a daycare. After 30 years they moved to Nebraska where Don continued working in Natural Resources for the State.
After a while, they both decided to go out on their own and start a nursery. They worked hard over the next 16 years to build it into an 80 acre thriving enterprise. Esther planted 24,000 bedding plants each year for resale and together they maintained 3 greenhouses. Don oversaw shrubs, trees and perennials.
They moved to Bella Vista about 16 years ago and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. They both take great pride in their yard and have a lovely front, side and a backyard full of birds, plants and nature. Many of you may remember Don helping out at the Bella Vista Computer Club for many years. He still helps friends in need!
The Bella Vista Garden Club thanks you, Don and Esther, for yet another example of a well-kept yard and helping to keep Bella Vista beautiful year-round!
Garden Club Feature on KNWA
Dory Hammeke and Jamie Townsend Hooper had the privilege of being guests on the KNWA “Summer Road Tour” segment which featured Bella Vista. We had the opportunity to share what the Bella Vista Garden Club was all about. We were interviewed by the lovely Anna Darling and met Dan Skoff, the Chief Meteorologist and Josh Rugger, Weather Forecaster!
Veterans Wall of Honor
This just in from Steve Brusso (click the white 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.
Jaime Hooper procured the plants, and arranged and planted them (my involvement was to shovel, sweep and bag the old mulch, and to dig the holes - where Jamie pointed).
The Veterans Council provided and installed the brick bordering and new mulch. These added to the presentation, and made it easy to keep the beds clean and beautiful.
Shout-out to Mark and Mike (BV POA Grounds and Maintenance) for permitting us to use the sprinkler system (manually), and guiding me for the specific valves to use. They also covered for me during the earlier heat wave when I had to be out of town for a family matter.
It certainly does take a village. Fall planting is planned for early October…I’m looking forward to this.
AFGC Meeting
The Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs held their mid-year meeting recently at Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. Six members of the Bella Vista Garden Club were among the more than 80 garden club members from across the state in attendance. The theme of the meeting was “Stepping Back in Time”. Representing both BVGC and Floralia were Linda Neymeyer, Geri Hoerner, Beth Kastl, and Mary Doyle. These Floralia members, along with Ginny Vance and Dory Hammeke of the Bella Vista Garden Club, assisted the Northwest District in hosting the event at the Fairfield Bay Conference Center. Floralia members helped Ann York, Chairman of the Mid-Year meeting, by providing beautiful table decorations and floral arrangements in keeping with the retro theme.
During the meeting, the Bella Vista Garden Club received the following awards:
- National Garden Clubs, Inc. – Digital Media Presentation ('Bella Vista Gardening' TV Show)
- AFGC – Director’s Citation for Outstanding Service, Penny Pines Contest for 2022-2023
- National Garden Clubs, Inc.—Certificates in Appreciation of award participation for National Garden Week, Social Media Designed and Managed by Club Members, Website Designed and Managed by Club Members, and Community Projects with Native Plants/Wildflowers.
L to R Attendees -- Mary Doyle, Dory Hammeke, Beth Kastl, Linda Neymeyer, and in the front row L to R - Ginny Vance, and Geri Hoerner,
Dory Hammeke received other awards for the Club.
R Geri Hoerner -- received an award for Digital Media Presentation (The TV Show).
Linda Neymeyer receiving first place award for weeping hemlock horticulture submission in the petite flower show
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.
Bella Vista Cemetery Committee
A work day was held at the BV Memorial Garden Cemetery on July 18, 2023.
The workers in the group photos are: Top Row (left to right): Nikki Jones, Steve Brusso, Patti Brierly and Bottom Row (left to right): Janet Conboy, Elaine Rooney, Dagmar Roeder (seated), Mary Doyle, Vickie Linsley, Dory Hammeke (not shown).
Donations Presented by The Bella Vista Garden Club
President of the Garden Club, Pat Meyer, presented checks to Bella Vista Historical Museum, Bella Vista Community Television, Bella Vista Courtesy Van, Bella Vista Public Library, and Bella Vista Animal Shelter.
The donated money was raised though the efforts of the Club members during their Plant Sales, Card Party and other fund raising activities.
June 7, 2023 Luncheon
Bella Vista Community Church
The President, Pat Meyer, gave a wrap-up of some of the Club's accomplishments including the fabulously successful Plant Sale and gave out some Awards. The new officers were installed; there was a Grazing Table filled with wonderful goodies; and there were terrific raffle items.
1, President Pat presented the Penny Pines award to Louise Wilson for her work on the Garden Therapy Committee.
2. Sue Mank from the Rogers Garden Club installed the new Officers - Dory Hammeke as President and Jamie Hooper as Vice President.
3. Geri Hoerner received the First Place Award for Digital Media Presentation for the 'Bella Vista Gardening' TV Program from the South Central Region of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
4. Jamie Hooper and Mona Tate provided terrific raffle items.
5. Beth Kastl received the Circle of Roses Pin for 25 years of devoted membership in the BVGC.
6. (No Photo) Dory Hammeke presented Pat Meyer with a Past President's Pin.
The Grazing Table and
the Flowers Decorating the Individual Tables
There is always plenty to do in the BVGC. Hopefully all the members will sign up for the different committees and help us accomplish the great work this club does for the community and our continuing efforts to provide scholarships to deserving U of A Horticulture students.
See you in September!!!
Big Perennial Sale
was a huge success.
We had a wonderful weather and a great turnout of customers. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the club and thanks to all the members who worked so hard to make this sale great. Check out some photos of the sale by Sue Santori in the Image Carousel.
If you need to add to your landscape, don’t miss our sales. Plant sales are our major source of fundraising which translates to our U of A Horticulture Scholarships as well as the local Charitable Donations the BVGC makes every year.
Be sure to watch for our sales on this website and Facebook.
Spring Field Trip to Moss Mountain Farm on May 17th - 18th
Bella Vista Garden Club members enjoyed a beautiful few days on a field trip to Moss Mountain Farm owned by P. Allen Smith. The group had a fun dinner at Milano's Italian Grill in Maumelle, AR. The next day they toured the farm, a charming 600 acre estate overlooks the Arkansas River in Roland AR. The Tour included time to explore the house and a guided tour of the grounds. Enjoy the photos in the Image Carousel.
Concordia Mother's Day Project
On May 10th, we were invited to participate in a Mother’s Day project with some of the residents at Concordia Catered Living. Dory Hammeke, Cathy Downard, Marilyn Russel, Julie O’Keefe, Diedre Cheney, Steve Brusso, Louise Wilson, and Pat Meyer made up twenty-one pots of beautiful annuals for the residents.
Garden Therapy
April 18th 2023, a fun garden related craft project was taken to residents at Concordia Catered Living in Bella Vista.
April 25th 2023, a garden related craft project was taken to residents at Brookfield Assisted Living in Bella Vista.
The Blue Star Memorial
Thursday, April 13th, with the help of the Veterans Council of NWAR and the prison work release group, the Blue Star Memorial at the Highway 71 Welcome Center was moved to the Wall of Honor. The Blue Star Program honors all men and women that serve the United States Armed Services. The BVGC purchased a Blue Star Memorial and placed it at the Highway 71 Welcome Center. Since the current Welcome Center will be closing when the new one is completed, we asked the Veterans Council of NWAR if we could move the Blue Star to the Wall of Honor. There will be a dedication later this year.
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:
Big Bluestem
Black-eyed Susan
Blue Flag Iris
Blue Vervain
Butterfly Weed
Common Milkweed
Compass Plant
Great Blue Lobelia
Indian Grass
Ironweed
Joe Pye Weed
Coreopsis
Lavender
Hyssop
New England
Aster
Obedient Plant
Prairie Blazing Star
Prairie Smoke
Purple Coneflower
Purple Prairie Clover
Rattlesnake Master
Rose Mallow Goldenrod
Native plants for USDA zone 6 that thrive in partial sun include:
Bergamot
Blue-eyed Grass
Calico Aster
Anemone
Cardinal Flower
Cinnamon Fern
Columbine Goat’s
Beard Solomon’s Seal
Jack in the Pulpit
Lavender Hyssop
Marsh Marigold
Spiderwort
Prairie Dropseed
Royal Fern
Sweet Flag
Virginia Bluebell
Wild Geranium
Turtlehead
Woodland Sunflower.
Shade dwellers native to USDA zone 6 include:
Bellwort
Christmas Fern
Cinnamon Fern
Columbine
Meadow Rue
Foamflower
Goat’s Beard
Jack in the Pulpit
Trillium
Marsh Marigold
Mayapple Royal
Fern
Solomon’s Seal
Turk’s Cap
Lily Wild Geranium.
Looking for native trees? Look into:
Black Walnut
Bur Oak
Butternut Common Hackberry
Ironwood
Northern Pin Oak
Northern Red Oak
Quaking Aspen
River Birch
Serviceberry
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.
New Link: Yard Care Guru - This site has a multitude of links of information and this link has the Ultimate Beginners Guide to Gardening with Kids.
New Link: Consumers Base - This site has A Comprehensive Guide to Container Gardening that is very informative along with other gardening information.
"A garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature."
Jeff CoxArtistic Touches by Cathy Wayson