Bella Vista Garden Club

WELCOME 

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Luncheon December 4, 2024

The annual BVGC Christmas Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 4th, at the Tavola Trattoria, 108 SE A Street in downtown Bentonville.  Our event will be held in the large dining room on the second floor (there is an elevator).  Parking is always difficult in that area, so carpooling is advised.  


The doors will open at 11:00 am for social time prior to the meal service.  The menu is two Pasta Dishes with a salad, bread and dessert.  The meal will be served family style so no pasta choice is needed. 


The  Bentonville High School Choir will again be our entertainment at 12:30 pm.  We will take donations from our members to present to them to further their international and local events.  Those of you who have not heard them are in for a treat.  The members who have enjoyed them for the last few years look forward to these amazing singers every year.


We will also have beautiful seasonal raffle items provided by the Ways and Means Committee. 


Cathy Downard  will begin taking reservations.  Members refer to your email about the Christmas Luncheon to register. 



MOST RECENT ACTIVITIES

Daffodil Planting 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. 

Garden Therapy at Concordia Catered Living in Bella Vista on October 8, 2024

Residents at Concordia Catered Living making beautiful fall wreathes with assistance from members of the Bella Vista Garden Club. Everyone had fun!

Garden Therapy at Brookfield Assisted Living on October 22, 2024

Residents at Brookfield Assisted Living showing off their beautiful fall wreathes and big smiles. 

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.

October 16, 2024 Meeting

Crystal Bridges Garden Memories Tour 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.

Latest TV Program

Topic: "The Bella Vista Community Garden"

(Click above to view the show)

The Garden Show with host Dory Hammeke

Guest:  Debbie Bodnar, Benton County Master Gardeners,

Vice President of Projects

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 the Wastewater Plant in September

Garden Club members worked at the Wastewater Plant. The plants will be featured in Plant Sales in the spring.  

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 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 


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 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.

Spring Plant Sale April 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 April 2, 2024  

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, 2024

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.

Daffodil Bulb Planting

at the Public Safety Building in Bella Vista on November 29, 2023


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 18, 2023 - 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 

November 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 am to 4 pm 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 card 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

September 28, 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 Walker 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.  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