Bella Vista Garden Club

WELCOME 

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 26, 2025 Club Meeting

Bella Vista Community Church, 75 E. Lancashire Blvd., Social Time 9:30 am - Meeting Starts 10:0 am

Program: Jerod Huebner, Director of Prairie Management with the Missouri Prairie Foundation will share a PowerPoint about their "Grow Native!" program.

Vote on nominated officers for 2025-2026.

Artistic Design of the month

Horticulture: Tony LiCausi will lead a discussion about "Organic vs Chemical Practices"

Plant Sale April 12th at BV Wastewater, Inc. 

Good Morning Everyone!

With this awesome weather we’re all getting the “gardening itch”!!  It’s still a bit too early to work in our beds but I wanted you to know that the garden club’s plant sale committee has been hard at work getting ready for our tomato, coleus & zinnia sale on April 12th.  The plant sale committee has awesome members who are always available to help!

Here are a few pictures to show you what we’ve been up to. Detailed sales information coming the first week of April.

See you April 12th!


Joal Miller (Plant Sale Chairman)


Spring Trip

May 21st, 2025, BVGC members will enjoy lunch and a field trip to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.  

Jamie Hooper will provide more details regarding the event during our April meeting.

Garden Walk

BVGC Garden Walk, showcasing six beautiful gardens will be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.

MOST RECENT ACTIVITIES

February 26, 2025 Club Meeting

Program: Stacy Paperwork, Executive Director of PerspectAbility and True Colors Tulip Farm spoke on their "Pick-Your-Own Tulip Farm and Involving the Neurodiverse Community". 

Artistic Design

Created by Noelle Miller

Refreshments

Tony LiCausi

The Basics of Lawn Care

BV Garden Club Sponsored Bird Poster Contest at Creekside Middle School in Bentonville School District

Students learned about the Killdeer and the First place winners included: Madelyn Queen, Ariana Sharma, Krisshaa Nagabalaji and Kyna Rastogi. They will advance to the state contest.  Click white arrow at right to learn more. 

The Bella Vista Garden Club recently sponsored a bird poster contest for students at Creekside Middle School in the Bentonville School District. This contest was conducted under guidelines provided by the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs.  Bella Vista Garden Club chairwoman Cay Miller worked with Creekside Middle School art teacher Kristie Calohan in providing all the information students needed to participate in the contest.


The contest was open to students in grades 4-8 across the state.  Students chose from a variety of media including watercolor, crayon, pencil, markers or pen and ink. The killdeer was the subject of the 2024 contest.


Chairwoman Miller was excited to hear of the bird selection, since a killdeer recently built a nest in the garden club’s native plant demonstration garden.  As part of the contest, students learned about the chosen bird’s features and habitat.  They learned the killdeer is a shorebird that is typically found in pastures, fields and muddy flats.  It is usually 10 inches long and has a brown back with a white belly.  The bird has two black breast bands.  In flight it shows a black and white wing pattern with a brown tail.


Fellow garden club members Teddie Lohmeier and Cheryl Johannsen helped Miller judge the artwork from more than a dozen students.  First place winners included: Madelyn Queen, Ariana Sharma, Krisshaa Nagabalaji and Kyna Rastogi.  They will advance to the state contest.


Judging criteria included originality, accurate depiction of the bird and overall artwork and effectiveness of the entry.  State winners will be announced in April. 

Latest TV Program

(Click above to view the show)

The Garden Show with host Geri Hoerner


"Growing Dahlias in Bella Vista"


With Guest: Catherine Gillman - Member of Benton County Master Gardners and the BVGC

Concordia Garden Therapy

February 4, 2025 the BVGC helped residents of Concordia Catered Living make bird feeder balls.  They all enjoyed this activity.

Christmas Luncheon on December 4, 2024

The annual BVGC Christmas Luncheon was held on Wednesday December 4th at the Tavola Trattoria in downtown Bentonville.   The  Bentonville High School Choir performed again for our enjoyment.

Table Centerpiece

Lunch - Pasta Dishes

Some of the Attendees

Bentonville High School Choir

Daffodil Planting at BV Fire Training Facility & Welcome Sign on November 19, 2024

On November 19th, Bella Vista Garden Club members took advantage of the perfect planting conditions of sun following rain. They planted over 500 Daffodil bulbs at the Bella Vista Fire Training Facility and the Bella Vista Welcome sign on Hiway 71.  

We will anticipate the results of their efforts when we enjoy the brilliant blooms next spring. 

Card and Games Party on October 20, 2024

Thank you to all who came to our Card/Game party. Our Committee of workers put on a great event. The food was excellent. We had a great turnout and everyone enjoyed themselves plus funds were raised for Scholarships and other Club projects.

Crystal Bridges Garden Memories Tour on October 13, 2024

Members of the BVGC spent a few hours at the Crystal Bridges Museum enjoying the Garden Memories tour.  The display features stories from several of our members.  These stories are posted on placards along the trails both north and south of the museum. You can walk along the trails and read about garden memories shared by members of our club as well as the Bentonville Garden Club and the Garden Club of Rogers. 

Garden memories are often connected to parents, grandparents, and dear friends.  Sometimes it’s a particular plant, or color, or scent that reminds us of those who influenced our love of gardening.  It was heart-warming to see visitors of all ages walking or biking through the trails and enjoying the stories. Thanks to all who submitted stories and thanks also to Mary Doyle, Marilyn Russell and Jamie Hooper for sharing information about our club with prospective members.

L to R: Dory Hammeke, Mary Doyle, Marily Russell, and Jamie Hooper

Story about how her Mother gardened right up to her death at 89. 

Story about how her grandmother introduced her to the scent of roses.

Arkansas Federation of Gargen Clubs Northwest District Meeting 

October 1, 2024

President Dory Hammeke presented our garden club's achievements at the AFGC NW District meeting in Conway, Arkansas, summarizing an impressive year.  Congratulations are in order for our garden club members. 

Geri Hoerner was nominated and elected as the 2025-2027 NW District Director and Beth Kastl was nominated and elected as the NW District Secretary/ Treasurer for 2025-2027.  Margaret Foster (not attending) was appointed to the NW District Finance Commitee.

Left to Right: Dory Hammeke, Ginny Vance, Beth Kastl and Geri Hoerner (current NW District Secretary/Treasurer).



Work Day at Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery on August 27, 2024

On Tuesday, August 27th, a dozen club members didn’t let the heat keep them from cleaning up the gardens at the Bella Vista Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  They weeded, dead-headed spent flowers and trimmed bushes.  In less than two hours the gardens were once again looking terrific.  A special “thanks” to Mary Doyle and Patti Brierly for their outstanding leadership of the Cemetery Committee! 

Pictured L to R: Back Row—Charlotte Thayer, Laura Gordon-Murnane, Cathy Downard

Middle Row—Mary Doyle, Marilyn Russell, Debbie Reeves

Front Row—Jeanie Talbott, Rosalie Mikelson, Patti Brierly, Jane Gordon

Not Pictured:  Deidre Cheney and Dory Hammeke

The Bella Vista Yard of the Month will Resume in the Spring

Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs Mid-Year Board Meeting 

Five BVGC members attended the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs Mid-Year Board Meeting in Star City, Arkansas, on August 12th and 13th.  We met a great group of gardeners from all over the state.  Star City did an amazing job hosting our group.  Bella Vista was awarded four Certificates of Appreciation from the National Garden Clubs, Inc.  Congrats BVGC! 

Left to Right, Margaret Foster, Jamie Hooper, Beth Kastl, Ginny Vance and Geri Hoerner.

On Right, Melissa Deen, AFGC Awards Chairman, and Jamie Hooper.

Bella Vista Garden Club Gives Generously to Area Organizations


The Bella Vista Garden Club recently made donations totaling $5,000 to several organizations within the community.  Recipients included the Courtesy Van, Historical Museum, Community Television, Animal Shelter, Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Bella Vista Computer Club, Crystal Bridges and True Colors Farm by Respectability.


According to Club President, Dory Hammeke, the Garden Club has been giving back to the community for most of its 52 years.  Whether it has been through beautification projects around the city, scholarships for students studying horticulture or supporting organizations that provide vital services for Bella Vista residents, the Garden Club has always been proud to show its support

for Northwest Arkansas.  The donations are made possible due to the success of two important club fundraisers including Spring Plant Sales and a Card Party in the Fall.


At the club’s next meeting on September 25th two students studying horticulture at the University of Arkansas will each be awarded $5,000 Dorothy Wallace Scholarships.

Bob Pierce, treasurer for the Courtesy Van recieves check from Dory Hammeke.

Xyta Lucas and Dale Phillips of the Historical Museum recieve check from Dory Hammeke

Spring Luncheon on June 5, 2024

Bella Vista Garden Club's Spring Luncheon Meeting and Officers Installation done by Judy Jeffrey was held at the Peel Mansion in Bentonville on Wednesday June 5, 2024.  The Spring Luncheon is always one of the highlights of the year.  The garden could be toured and the meal was catered by Mike Hudgins of Papa Mike's fame. 

Many awards were presented and 2 members were inducted into the Circle of Roses - Cathie Whittenberger and Judy Shannon.  A video of activities and accomplishment from the last year was shown.  

Perennial Sale - June 1, 2024 was a Huge Success

We are thrilled to announce that our Plant Sale was a huge success, with an impressive turnout of customers.  We extend our gratitude to each and every one of you who took the time to visit us.  Our team of 28 dedicated members worked tirelessly to ensure that your needs were met and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment.  See you all next year !! 

Beautification Committee Cleanup at Bella Vista Sign

 A picture from May 12, 2024 cleaning up around the Bella Vista sign on Hwy 71.  Pictured L to R are Sue Santori, Virginia Halman, Cathy Downard and Jeanie Talbott.   Not pictured was Dory Hammeke. 

Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs 

and South Central Region 

2024 Annual Conventions 

April 22 - 25, 2024


Photo of NW district members in attendance at the April AFGC and SCR Conventions in Little Rock. Pictured L to R: Lynette Riley, Sherrie Eoff, and Ronna Smith, Garden Club of Rogers; Beth Kastl, Geri Hoerner, Ginny Vance, Bella Vista Garden Club; DeLinda Mace, Bentonville Garden Club; and Dory Hammeke, our President.

Arbor Day Celebration on 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 was 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.

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.  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

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.