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Hanging Basket Workshop
Wednesday
May 11, 2016
9:00 am
Libby Butterworth's house: 453 Carter Street
read more ...
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The Azalea Festival at Lee
Garden
Sunday
May 15, 2016
1:00-4:00 pm
Lee Memorial Garden on Chichester Road
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Planting Elm
& Pine Street Planters
Thursday
May 19, 2016
9:30 am
Pine Street in front of Mrs. Greens
read more ...
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Annual Meeting/Program
Wednesday
June 1, 2016
10:00 am
Grace Farms, West Barn
read more ...
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A Letter From Our Presidents
Spring is sprung
The grass is riz
I wonder where them daisies is!
We are so ready for Spring! My third grade school poem doesn't quite rival the e.e. cumming's poem in our last newsletter, but I've always wanted to see my very first poem in print. Carol was worried about where her tulips were, but they appeared just in the nick of time for the Tulip Walk. It was a beautiful, glorious day for about 300 visitors who walked along an enchanted pathway. Bouquets of beautiful flowers to Carol for creating and hosting this Tulip Walk, and to Gale Stafford for organizing it, and to all who helped make it so successful.
Quill Teal-Sullivan was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable young speaker who delighted us with her talk about Meadowburn Farm in Vernon, New Jersey. Some of her family, the Sigurdssons, live nearby and came to hear her speak.
We hope Keith and Debera Simpson enjoyed the Gridiron Roast. We all did. It is quite an honor for the brave, charitable soul who is chosen. The honoree gets to select the charity that receives the profits from the Roast. Keith honored the Waveny Park Conservancy. Both he and Carol Seldin are on their board as well as the NCBL board.
In celebration of Earth Day, our volunteers cleaned up the Post Office pick up area. Then we planted flowers and vegetables in the raised beds at Grace Farms.
Wednesday, May 11 (9:30 AM) is the day of the Hanging Basket Workshop. We are introducing a brand new flower, the petchoa - so new we don't even know how to pronounce it. You ought to hear Libby try. No, she is not having a sneezing fit! The petchoa is a genetic cross between a petunia and a calibrachoa. Please come out and help us assemble the baskets at Libby's house. It's a great chance to work together and get to know fellow members. The more the merrier and the faster we get done!
On Thursday, May 19 (9:30 AM) you will have another opportunity to get your hands dirty for the NCBL. We will be putting flowers in the 8 planters on Pine Street and Elm Street. We have the flowers and a detailed, color-coded, fool-proof plan for where they are to be planted; all we need is you and your trusty trowel to help us.
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We have much to be grateful for: Our attendance at meetings is up largely due to the efforts of our Publicity Chair Karen Mactas and the wonderful programs developed by our Program Chairs Carol Seldin and Amy Weber Reid. Our membership has risen to 148, a big thanks to Valerie Monaghan, Becky Barlow, and Susan Smith, our Membership Chairs. The Annual Appeal has soared to new heights under the leadership of Karen Hanson and Angie Brenninkmeyer. We have a dynamite board that carries out all our activities. They are our heroes; they are the "wind beneath our wings."
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NCBL needs you to GET ON BOARD!!! Will you share your time and talent to serve on the Board of Trustees of New Canaan Beautification League? Please say YES! Board service is important for the vitality of our organization. REALLY!!!
The Nominating Committee seeks additional members to serve on our Board of Trustees for 2016-2017. Board member guidance and input in decision-making coordinates our many beautification, education and conservation activities.
Please contact Shirley Stancik at 203-517-6236 or at
[email protected]
if you are interested in finding out more about positions on the board that would allow you to share your talents for our vital New Canaan organization. Thank you!
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 Hanging Baskets Workshop!
The prettiest hanging baskets in the town of New Canaan will be the one's YOU helped put together! Get ready to accept the compliments!
Please join us on Wednesday, May 11 at 9:30 AM at Libby Butterworth's house, 453 Carter St.
Bring wire cutters, gloves, pliers and a smile. Park on one side of the street only.
There will be coffee, goodies and a great opportunity for both old and new NCBL members to get to know, and help one another.
We will be transferring, a RECORD 200 BASKETS, into our wire baskets!
So come when you can, leave when you must, and many thanks!
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This article in the Stamford Advocate reads: "What makes New Canaan Different from other towns? .... New Canaan is picturesque and historic, with brick sidewalks and lampposts
decorated with hanging flowers in the warmer months ..."
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Our work is noticed, appreciated, and makes New Canaan special!
Our hanging baskets this year, will contain these three flowers: a purple Petchoa, 'Dragon wing' Begonia, and a white Petunia.
What a stunning combination!
Our hanging basket plants are currently growing at Valley View Nurseries:
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Two hundred baskets growing in the greenhouse.
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Currently, only the Petchoa is blooming. Valley View was excited to try this new plant for us this year. Read more about this new plant by clicking
here.
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Libby Butterworth
(203) 801-0862
[email protected]
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Let's fill the planters on Pine Street and
Elm Street with flowers!
Thursday, May 19 at 9:30 am
Meet on Pine Street, in front of Mrs. Green's. NCBL will provide the flowers and plans for planting the planters. You just need to bring gloves and trowels.
 
Please contact Liz Orteig [email protected] or 203-966-2359 to sign up.
Here's what we'll be planting this year:
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Clockwise from upper left: 'Easy Wave White' Petunia, Ipomea 'Blackie', 'Easy Wave Blue' Petunia, Calibrachoa 'Superbells Pink', Ipomea margarite (trailing sweet potato vine), Calibrachoa 'Superbells White', 'Dragonwing' Begonia, and variegated Algerian ivy
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Welcome New Members!
We want to give a warm welcome to the following new members who have joined since our April newsletter.
Nancy Geller
Beth Golden
Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick
Marcia Liddell
Christine Croarkin
Margit Mills
Nancy St. Clair
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Triangles
There are many outstanding triangles around town and every one is looking great. Thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who have prepared their triangles for the coming season. By the time this newsletter has arrived, triangles will have been mulched which always adds that final, finishing touch. That's the day we all clap hands and pat each other on the back.
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South Avenue triangle was planted with Colorblends' 'Pimpernel' daffodils whose dark orange centers compliment the welcome sign.
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The unusual weather may have wreaked some damage. Please let us know if anything on your triangle needs attention. Tracy and I are happy to work with you so please call on us. The exercise is good for our golf game. Contact
[email protected].
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The Center Bell triangle has its bushes cut back, and lavender looking quite healthy. Maintained by Yvonne Hunkeler, Betsy Bilus, Susan Weatherley, and Judy Johnson.
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Special thanks to Liz Orteig for all she does: Morse Court, RR Station, Vine Cottage wall and so many more. Sometimes the smallest planting can grab our attention. For me it was that little group of pink tulips that Liz planted along the steps leading to the Morse Court parking lot from Cherry Street. So many take that path on their way to work in town each day. What a lovely greeting!
There are only two triangles in need of caregivers. Lisa Ferrante needs a partner on Littlebrook Road and Karen Hanson needs a partner on Marvin Ridge Road. If you live in the neighborhood, please consider lending a hand.
Save the date, June 6, at Mead Park in the morning, for our third annual "Coffee in the Park". This is an opportunity to thank our volunteers and the many town employees who work with us on so many NCBL projects .... more to follow.
Thanks,
Kathy and Tracy
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Got T-Bills?
Walter Stewart's Market is having T-Bill Donation Days to benefit NCBL! You may donate your balance of T-Bills to the NCBL on
May 21 and
May 22!
This is another great way to give to NCBL and help us continue to beautify our town!
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Save the Date!
June Program and Annual Meeting
June 1, 2016
program: 10:00 am
location: Grace Farms West Barn
NCBL's Annual Meeting with a PowerPoint review of the League activities by Faith Kerchoff and election of officers will be held on
June 1st at Grace Farms at 10:00 am in the West Barn.
Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick, Grace Farms Director of Community Initiatives and a new member of NCBL, will present an introduction to the stunning facilities, pastoral natural surroundings and integrative philosophy.
Mark Fowler, Grace Farms Wildlife Ambassador, will also speak. Maps will be provided for
self-guided tours of the property following the presentations.
Grace Farms serves only their own refreshments. If you arrive early before the program at 10:00 am, you are welcome to purchase coffee, etc. at The Commons, just a short walk from West Barn. Payment is by
credit card only. Food and beverages are
not permitted at the meeting in the West Barn.
Directions: Drive north on Route 123/Smith Ridge Road and turn left on Puddin Hill Road, the last left turn before the NY state line. Turn left at entrance to Grace Farms and attendant will direct you to lower parking lot. West Barn is on your left as you face the buidings.
Grace Farms, sited on 80 rolling acres in northern New Canaan, is a center for nature, arts, community, justice and faith. Owned and operated by Grace Farms Foundation, the property incorporates an 83,000-square-foot building and covered walkways called The River, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA, to blend almost transparently into the natural landscape.
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Flower Arranging for Waveny Care Center
Waveny Care Center's dining room is available for flower arranging for the month of June. Please send me an email if you are interested and I will forward you the instructions. If anyone wants a mentor to join them, that is also available. Here are the dates (all Mondays): June 6, 13, 20, and 27.
[email protected]
This is an easy commitment and great opportunity for our new members to get involved!
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A New Addition to Lee Garden
NCBL member Tonya Gwynn kindly donated a magnolia from her property to Lee Garden. Unlike the early blooming saucer magnolias which frosted and turned brown this year this variety, Magnolia sieboldii, is an early June bloomer.
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This magnolia was planted in the Joan's Garden section of Lee Garden.
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| Magnolia sieboldii in bloom. |
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Things are bloomin' in May at Lee Garden
The public is invited to stroll the enchanting 3-acre George Lee Memorial Garden on Sunday, May 15 from 1-4 PM. Located at 89 Chichester Road in New Canaan, the extensive collection of show-stealing azaleas and rhododendrons should be at peak bloom. Usually held on Mother's Day, the Azalea Festival, hosted by the New Canaan Beautification League, will take place one week later this year, so please note the date change. Members will be on hand to guide tours and answer questions. The garden is open from dawn to dusk daily for people to enjoy. The New Canaan Beautification League, which owns the garden, asks that the gates be closed when leaving to keep the deer out.
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The notable collection of azaleas in Lee Garden create a magical display every May. The garden should be at full peak around May 15.
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Flower Market
Sunday, May 22
11 am - 2 pm
The Pop Up Park, located in central New Canaan will be transformed into a fragrant, floral oasis for gardening enthusiasts to visit. Explore some of the finest local landscape architects, organizations, florists and artisanal purveyors. The glorious market will be filled with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds, gardening books, equipment and accessories.
Not only will NCBL be represented with a table and display, our League has been designated the recipient of a donation from profits made from this event!
You can read more about this town-wide event by clicking here.
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Wow! Look What NCBL Planted at the Town Hall!
The tulips we planted last fall at the new Town Hall entrance have bloomed and they are stunning! The stone plaque recognizing our efforts in the Town Hall plantings was installed with our First Selectman present on May 2.
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From left to right: Tiger Mann, Sara Hunt, John Howe, Kathy Lapolla, Tracy Phillips, Yvonne Hunkeler, Faith Kerchoff, and Rob Mallozzi.
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Our new Town Hall plaque!
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Kathy, Tracy, Sara, Faith, Liz Orteig, and Yvonne.
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More NCBL Tulips Make an Appearance
The NCHS Beautification Committee sent us these photos of the tulips we donated and helped plant in December. They write,
"We thought you might be interested to see how the tulips you generously donated and planted last December are now brightening the center of the High School! They are a lovely shot of color to see from the stairs and the cafeteria and such a happy sign of spring."
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Early Bloomer Spotted:
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An early bloomer, the spicebush, on April 1 at Lee Garden.
Photo by Faith Kerchoff.
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It was a thrill to meet Quill!
Our April Program was a success. Members were overheard exclaiming:
"Talk about an out-of-the-park homerun!"
"I can't wait to visit Meadowburn Farm!"
"Quill's dedication to such a large scale project is amazing!"
Quill has kindly sent us an informative sheet on caring for dahlias. To read and download this pdf, click here.
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Sara Hunt, Quill Teal-Sullivan, and Faith Kerchoff
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Refreshment table arrangement by Bianca Romano.
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TULIP WALK REVIEW
Oh What a Day!
Our Tulip Walk event was an enormous success. No one can summarize the her feelings before and after the event better than the hostess herself, Carol:
"Extra special thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with Sunday's Tulip Walk! We were blessed by Mother Nature with a magnificent day and tulips in bloom. Believe me when I say it was a nail biter in many ways - from persistent cold temperatures and frost, to snow just over a week ago, to trees falling and taking out a critical sections of deer fencing. Your warm Beautification League welcome to the many visitors set the tone for a delightful afternoon. Everyone contributed to a truly wonderful event. We all experienced the glory of gardens and the joy of sharing with our community. A bouquet of thanks to all!
XOXO Carol"
We have a scrapbook of Tulip Walk memories you can download by clicking here!
You can also view our Tulip Walk photos beautifully displayed on the photo sharing site Flickr by clicking here!
Thank you Michele Sloan for your wonderful photos at this event and for your photography at all our events through the year!
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EARTH DAY PLANTING AT GRACE FARMS
NCBL assisted Grace Farms in planting flowers and vegetables in raised beds on Earth Day this year.
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Cindi Mullins received the Best in Show award at the Spectrum 2016 / Natural Inspiration juried art show at the Carriage Barn Arts Center. NCBL and the GCNC are honored to have co-sponsored the award.
Here is just one of the three Best of Show paintings by Cindi. Photo credit: Norm Jensen
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Big Orange, oil on linen, 36" x 36"
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Best of Show winner with sponsors: Sara Hunt, Faith Kerchoff, Cindi Mullins, and Jane Gamber (president of GCNC)
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The exhibit runs April 9 - May 12 and you can read more here.
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Also at the Carriage Barn Arts Center:
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