The Charleston Magnolia Garden Club enjoyed many programs for the fall of 2021.
The first was artist Robin Whitfield from Grenada and the champion of Chakchuima Swamp. She rallied conservationists from all over to protect the 300-acre wetland in downtown Grenada, owned by the city of Grenada. Robin has been painting scenes from this area for over 10 years using watercolors made from the plants, trees and earth found in the swamp.
Robin strives to teach young and old to pay attention to the world around them. The result was the formation of “Friends of Chakchuima Swamp at Lee Tart Nature Preserve.” For more information, go to their Facebook page, Friends of Chakchuima Swamp.
The November meeting was “Making Bluebirds Happen,” by Dr. Tom Holden, retired obstetrician from Grenada. He established an eastern bluebird trail in which he maintains the houses, monitors and keeps detailed records of migration, nesting birds, including number of eggs and generations per box. He demonstrated the making of bluebird houses, proper maintenance, how to attract bluebirds and how to become a nesting monitor.
Our fall luncheon followed, which was a huge success. Thanks to all the hard work and dedication from the CMGC members. We are thankful to all who purchased tickets to support the CMGC and its many projects for the City of Charleston.
2021 culminated in a Christmas party for the CMGC at the lovely home of Annette Montgomery in Batesville. It was best described as a “Hallmark” Christmas home with abundant exterior and interior decorations, the smell of Christmas throughout, followed by the hospitality equaled only to Mrs. Claus. Thank you, Annette, for a most festive and enjoyable time.
The club held its first 2022 meeting on Jan. 11 at the Charleston Presbyterian Church Family Life Center. Twenty were in attendance. Good food and fellowship were had by all.
Special guest, Sandra McCaulla, presented “Crafting with Botanicals.” Sandra is a member of the Grenada Garden Club and Design Masters Study Club. She is a Master Flower Show judge. Sandra has been designing botanical jewelry for years. Her program emphasized techniques for “Artistic Crafts” in flower shows. She had a variety of artistic crafts on display, explaining materials used and inspiring us all to be creative.
The business meeting followed the presentation. Arboretum projects planned for the Healing Garden and the Masonic Cemetery were discussed.
“Yard of the Month” for January was awarded to Fredrick and Bessie Bellamy. Thank you for inspiring us.
Officers are: Carol Bullard, president; Flora Vance, vice president; Marline Carpenter, treasurer; Terrye Roy, recording secretary; and D’Ann Carr, corresponding secretary.
CMGC is a member of the Hills and Delta District, The Garden Clubs of Mississippi Inc. Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc.
