September 2019 Schedule Part 1

Hello.  We are going to use this blog to highlight our upcoming September schedule.  There have been several members that were very busy this summer preparing for this new year.  We give a big Thank You to all of them.  There will be several articles in the next week showcasing the September Design Schedule.  Our first one is titled:

“Mother’s Garden”.  a Mass Design.  The NGC Handbook’s definition of a mass design includes the following:
   a. Characterized by using a large quantity of plant material
   b. Formed into a close silhouette, but not crowded
   c. Having no crossing lines
   d. Forms, colors, and textures placed to create interest

Below you will see several photos of Mass Designs.  Also, there are several more examples on the following blog:

Newgardenclubjournal.blogspot.com

The Reasons I Garden

Growing a garden soothes my soul.  As I was walking in it this morning, gathering the flowers for this bouquet, I was thinking about the reasons I weed, water, and tend to my plants.  After I got the floral arrangement made with its whimsical fanciful shape, I knew... this is one of the reasons I go to the trouble.  There are just three plants used here and placed into an heirloom pitcher that my grandmother gave me... it is a pitcher and bowl set.  I used Tiger lilies, burgundy basil, and Baptisia for the greens.  I gathered them in a bouquet type bunch, put a rubber band around the bottom and placed in the pitcher full of water.  I have just set my table for dinner tonight and this makes the perfect centerpiece.  Summertime to me!!

Transparency Designs, July 2019

One of the design types that Garden Clubs use is the transparency.  The NGC Handbook for Flower Shows describes the type as:    

A Transparency Design

The Handbook states it is a creative design including see-through elements that permit some components to be viewed through others.  The transparent material must be seen through easily and may be plant material or man made.   

Here are a few recent photos of this design type.  These examples were obtained through an internet search and the floral artists were not identified.

Americana Garden Clubbing

Garden Clubs across the USA are bringing out their spark and creativity and letting their patriotic spirit thrive and bloom in floral art.  Whether it is a casual or more structured design, these inspirational arrangements shout “Let Freedom Ring”.    We have posted several more examples on our Facebook page titled.... Chester Garden Club, Chester, VA.    https://www.facebook.com/Chester-Garden-Club-Chester-VA-352380872139570/?eid=ARCCnn5N_KWg8wVg

 Hope you have a very nice celebration for the 4th of July!!     Melissa

The Potting Shed Series

The Chester Garden Club recently started their Facebook page and among other things, will be highlighting members’ plantings and gardens.  We are beginning a gardening series called “The Potting Shed”.  For more information and more pictures (There are 7 day lily pics), please go to the Chester Garden Club, Chester, VA.  FB page.

Potting Shed Series #1

The Potting Shed series is created to showcase gardens and plants that are grown by garden club members and their friends.   It is an ongoing pictorial journal that will hopefully encourage viewers to try new ideas and new plants in their gardens in the central Virginia area.  The following day lilies were grown at the home of club member, Mary Musselwhite.  As you can see she has several beautiful and different cultivars. For more info or more pics, see the Chester Garden Club, Chester, VA Facebook page. (Name and photos used with permission).

Come on Over and Visit!

The Chester Garden Club has created a Facebook page to showcase floral designs, horticulture and new club events.  It is only two weeks old, but seems to be drawing attention and community curiosity.  Our most recent FB post was about designing Patriotic flower arrangements for the 4th of July.  If you are curious to see us in action, please search for Chester Garden Club, Chester, VA on Facebook.

A sample of the patriotic arrangements:

In Scented Shades and Hues

I’m dreaming of new springtime blooms
in dainty pastel hues
sweet hyacinth perfumes my rooms
in purple shades of blues

pale daffodils will nod their heads
as sunshine warms the earth
and tulips in their regal beds
reign o’er the flowers birth

the blossoms that invade my thoughts
arrive with longer days
bouquets of petals in clay pots
will bask within bright rays

Melissa Ray

Please feel free to use this in newsletters or at your club meetings, if you want a verse for springtime.  

I have written this for an online writing site and thought I would share it with you too.

copywrited

Artwork is by Marjolein Bastin