We will continue to be watchful, and hopeful that things will continue to improve. Although it was a new experience meeting virtually - and we had some great programs - we are eager to get back together - face to face and work on our many projects
Some of our hallmark events that have been held or are being planned.
Past Meetings:
We held our Annual Plant Sale in conjunction with the Port Tobacco Market Days on May 21 (rain date for the very wet May 7th). Members and friends brought plants from their gardens and yards as well as bedding plants grown from seed. A huge Success!
On May 10th, 30 members and guest experienced the beauty of Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens. Since the gardens were planted for the spring and fall, we were in awe of the Estate and then enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Merriweather Cafe. The weather cooperated and it was a beautiful day.
Our April meeting was held at the Veteran’s Museum was a delight! we were thrilled once again by Mike Burch of Potomac Floral Boutique. He shared mechanics and containers, and
created beautiful May baskets.
March brought our Annual Meeting at Swan Point Country Club. New officers were installed and we enjoyed getting together for comradery and a great lunch.
In February we learned about "Tablescapes – Design and Dining" at the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park. Ann Lines inspired us with stunning designs made from unusual household items used in new and unique ways.
January brought bad weather and a rise in COVID-19 cases in the county, so we were back to zoom. Our guest speaker Jason Bruegger, of the Alexandria Bee Company, who provided a fascinating program about bees, hives, local honey and candles. He and his wife Christina, and young children, are busy as bees with their family business. Check out their very interesting website www.alexandriahoneyco.com.
In December, we gathered to make over 400 small arrangements for the Veterans at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. For two days we shared friendship and enjoyed the Christmas Spirit as we worked to accomplish our goal. The Veterans and staff were thrilled with the Christmas decorations
The Annual Christmas Tea is a CCGC tradition and delightful way to spend a Monday afternoon during the holiday season.
Our August Meeting was held at the Charles County Fairgrounds. We had a presentation by Lisa Gillespie on making arrangements to brighten up your living space. It was great to see all the plant material that someone can gather in their own back yard. She paired that with inexpensive flowers from the grocery flower counter and some unique containers to inspire us.
We met in May (responsibly socially distanced) on the grounds of the Port Tobacco Courthouse. It was great to see everyone, and we not only had an interesting program but also recognized Abby Wills of La Plata for the first place state-level winner of the youth poster contest celebrating the 50th birthday of environmental icon Woodsy Owl. Mike Callahan gave a fabulous program with two live owls, along with his discussions and door prizes of plants. It was nice to be together again.
Upcoming Meetings:
A new schedule of meetings is being compiled and promises to be the greatest year ever.
Activities:
Our May Plant Sale at Port Tobacco Market Days is scheduled for May 7th in conjunction with Port Tobacco Market Days. We will have plants., trees, and vegetables for sale.
If you would like to share your garden scenes virtually, please send your pictures to ccmdgardenclub@gmail.com.
 |  PansiesMelanie Coe |
|---|---|
 IrisMelanie Coe |  Pretty PansyMelanie Coe |
 |  |
 Denise GrotePretty Flowers |  Bonnie RaferOrchids |
 Betsy ParbuoniSide table arrangement |  Judy NorrisLilacs and Magnolias. |
 Betsy ParbuoniEntryway arrangement |  Judy NorrisBrightening up her kitchen |
 Denise GroteA fitting arrangement for Ellerslie |  Daffodils & DaydreamsPort Tobacco Courthouse |
 Bonnie RaferOrchids Orchids everywhere!! |  |
 Judy NorrisAn Arrangement for the living room |  Judy NorrisWlcoming Frog |
 Denise GroteShe got the orchid to rebloom!! |  |
 Daffodils & DayDreamsPort Tobacco Courthouse |  Judy NorrisLilacs and Magnolia |
 Betsy ParbuoniSmall arrangement on the top of a desk |  |
The Charles County Garden Club took the step to have a meeting online using Zoom since the state was under a "Stay at Home" order. It was our first chance to try the technology to update the membership on what was happening with the Spring Plant Sale. In the meantime, vegetable seeds that were started months ago will not be able to wait for that date , so we will come up with some way to get plants out to members that want them.
Work is continuing on planning the Christmas Greens Workshop to make small container arrangements for those who have served our country. And the website (ccmdgardenclub.org) is up and running. If you have pictures to share, please do, by sending to the email at ccmdgardenclub@gmail.com
We work to stimulate interest in horticulture and civic improvement throughout the community; to aid in the protection of trees;, shrubs, wildflowers and birds; to encourage conservation and preservation practices in home community and State; to increase the members’ knowledge of and participation in artistic design; to provide ways for members to work together to accomplish goals and objectives in the spirit of fun and camaraderie; and to actively support the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc. and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. in their programs.
Our year begins in April after the Annual Meeting as we prepare for the upcoming year of gardening, community work, and fellowship. Our activities include designing community gardens, holding an annual Plant Sale in conjunction with Market Days at the Port Tobacco Courthouse, sponsoring the Southern Maryland portion of the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage every 3rd year, holding a Flower Show in conjunction with the Charles County Fair in September and hosting a Greens Workshop and Kris Kringle Market at the Fairgrounds the second weekend in December.
To stimulate an interest in horticulture and civic improvements.
To aid in the protection of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and birds.
To encourage conservation and preservation practices in home, community, and State.
To increase each member’s knowledge of and participation in artistic design.
To provide ways for members to work together to accomplish goals and objectives in a spirit of fun and camaraderie.
To actively support the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. in their programs.
