“Dangling pretties” and “prettified pots”

Hopefully you were at the January meeting where we made "dangling pretties" and "prettified pots" to sale later in the year at various fund-raisers. We had a great turnout and everyone seemed to be having loads of fun.

Thanks to Kit and Peggy for helping us with our creations.

Creating glass sun-catchers

Peggy painting a pot

Andrea working the decoupage.

Creating Garden Art: January Program

Who says you can't garden in winter?!

When you come to Cottage Grove Garden Club's January 5th presentation, keep your garden gloves in the drawer and put on your creative hat, for we will be making garden art. Fused glass sun catchers and other "dangling pretties" for our patios and gardens are one option.

Our very own Kit Porter -- fused glass artist and instructor -- will be leading us in the making of these glass ornaments. Not only is Kit a very talented veteran artist selling at PNW shows and fairs but she is also an excellent instructor. Have no worries about being able to make something clever and pretty---Kit finds a way for everyone to "make magic happen in glass."

For those who are reticent to work with glass, we have an equally thrilling project option for you! Our president, Peggy Severns, will lead us in decorating terra cotta garden pots using an assortment of mixed media in painting and gluing. Peggy has a patio and garden filled with joyful and whimsical garden art. You, too, can learn and practice techniques to beautify your own pots at home. If you already have something in mind that requires special material, please bring it.

Our primary focus will be making "dangling pretties" and “prettified pots” as part of the club's fundraising efforts and as such, there is no fee. However, for those wishing to take their artwork home, there will be a materials fee.

Whether you are a member or not, please join us on Tuesday, January 5th, at The First Presbyterian Church (corner of Adams and 3rd Streets), and we'll put your art talents to good use while we all have a BLAST! Business meeting starts at 6:00 pm, garden art creation begins at 7:00 pm.

Who says you can't garden in winter?!

Holiday Party!

This Tuesday, December 1st, Cottage Grove Garden Club hosts our annual Holiday Party. All current and former garden club members are invited to attend.

Please bring a potluck dish to share and join us at 6pm, Friendship Hall – First Presbyterian Church 216 South 3^rd Street, Cottage Grove.

Propagation: November Program

President Peggy and Andrea stop
for a photo while working at the All America City Square.

Our November presentation will include a down-n-dirty how-to for propagation methods and techniques, plus a little hands-on of actually dividing dahlias and perennial plants.

This presentation is being led by our own Andrea Mull, and if you’ve ever been to one of Andrea’s presentations you know it will be packed with practical information you can use in your own garden!

People should bring a pair of hand pruners (ie., Felcos) and gloves if they wish and possibly a plant or tuber or something that they want to know how to divide or contribute.

We will accomplish as much as we can, and everyone should be able to take some plants home to nurse for their own gardens and for the upcoming Spring Plant Sale!!

Please join us Tuesday, November 3rd, at 6pm for the business meeting with the propagation presentation beginning at 7pm. Refreshments provided. All guests welcome.

Beyond the War on Invasive Species: Program by Tao Orion on October 6

Tao Orion, author of the book Beyond the War on Invasive Species: A Permaculture Approach to Ecosystem Restoration will be our guest speaker at Garden Club on Tuesday, October 6. Tao teaches permaculture design at Oregon State University and at Aprovecho; consults on holistic farm, forest, and restoration planning; and is focused on rethinking invasive species from a permaculture-based perspective.

Tao's book, Beyond the War on Invasive Species offers an alternative perspective on invasive species and the best practices for their management based on a holistic, permaculture-inspired framework.

Utilizing the latest research and thinking on the changing nature of ecological systems, Beyond the War on Invasive Species closely examines the factors that are largely missing from the common conceptions of invasive species, including how the colliding effects of climate change, habitat destruction, and changes in land use and management contribute to their proliferation. Beyond the War on Invasive Species demonstrates that there is more to the story of invasive species than is commonly conceived, and offers ways of understanding their presence and ecosystem effects in order to make more ecologically responsible choices in land restoration and biodiversity conservation that address the root of the invasion phenomenon. The choices we make on a daily basis—the ways we procure food, shelter, water, medicine, and transportation—are the major drivers of contemporary changes in ecosystem structure and function; therefore, deep and long-lasting ecological restoration outcomes will come not just from eliminating invasive species, but through conscientious redesign of these production systems.

Please join Garden Club on Tuesday, October 6 as we welcome Tao Orion. Our business meeting starts at 6pm, Tao's presentation begins at 7pm. Refreshments provided. All guests welcome.

First Presbyterian Church, 216 South 3rd Street (the corner of 3rd and Adams), Cottage Grove, Oregon.