From our President...

Outside my office window, busy, busy bees are crawling over my Globe Thistle (Echinops), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and Boltonia. I see those bees as working congenially, cooperatively,

and industriously.... just like our Garden Club!

At times this summer when working in my role as president, I was constantly inspired and humbled by the many women (and some men helpers!) involved in making this club work. After Blooming Art there was the Edgartown Stroll and then the Centennial Garden Party, interspersed with the popular Walkabouts. We've had excellent speakers at two meetings and many opportunities to assemble flower arrangements. We've had a team creating a fabulous creation for the Agricultural Fair display. All these things were all so well-organized and enjoyable. I worked on some of these events,

but for others I was a “master-of-ceremonies,” the events ably run by a large number of cheerful, energetic volunteers. Now I realize that many of these special events have ended, with only the upcoming “100th Birthday Party” coming up.

We hope to have as many members as possible participate in the birthday party on September 13th at the Old Mill. It will be casual and fun, and hopefully we will be able to raise a glass of cheer to celebrate this momentous occasion. Thank you to all who are working on this special event, and thank you to all those who have worked so hard during the summer to make everything else “hum along.” More wonderful speakers and meetings to come in the fall.... See you soon....

- submitted by - Ty Johnston, President

Garden Club members...don't forget to participate!!!



Nancy’s Challenge for September is “Ahh, September”!

A reminder that Nancy has issued a challenge for the September membership meeting! The following are

Nancy’s thoughts for this challenge.

“September is a truly glorious month on the Vineyard: the weather is beautiful, the water is still warm, and the craziness of the summer crowds has at least lessened. Look around you and make a Vineyard arrangement that says “Ah, September!"

We look forward to seeing your flowers and arrangements! As always, off island members are welcome to submit a photo that we will put on display at the membership meeting as well. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

-submitted by Jayne Isford, MVGC Floral Design Co-Chair

THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD AGRICULTURAL FAIR!!!

AND HUGE CONGRATULATIONS for the MVGC are in order! 

The MVGC team for the Ag Fair booth consisted of Fern Vaughan, Angela Egerton, Fawn Hurwitz, Minor Gibson, and Irene Ziebarth. After Blooming Art we held our first brainstorming meeting to share ideas. Lots of very creative concepts were shared. We all liked the photo Fawn presented of a female figure made of wire and to feature the garden club founder, Agnes Meikleham. One hundred years ago, Agnes spearheaded the first 

organization to focus on and fight for conservation on the island. Next we needed someone to help us with the wire figure, which we named Agnes.

When Irene had met with the artist, Marston Clough, in his studio to discuss his work for her Blooming Art design, she noted he worked with wire. She contacted Marston and happily within a few days he and his wife, Louise, had created Agnes. Our next challenge was to come up with the setting for Agnes. We needed to dress Agnes and provide a garden setting so we could invite the Ag Fair visitors to come sit in Agnes' garden. This required assorted props - Angela had an antique wheel barrow, plant stands and some flowers in pots. Thanks to member, Chris Wiley, owner of Vineyard Gardens, Minor was able to select and deliver additional plants to use at the fair.. She also provided some fun props. Fern coordinated and managed the team. and created the instructional signs. She met with Stephen Chapman who was instrumental in creating the sign - Martha's Vineyard Garden Club - A Century of Conservation.

Lastly we wish to thank Ed Hongosh for helping with the set up, Sarah and John Lolly for the membership material and Donna Arold for her internet posting and newsletter reporting. The goal for the team was to create something special for the Centennial and to have fun doing it. Our great team earned a Red ribbon. -submitted by Fern Vaughan

A few more images of the prep and final that were shared with us!

*Thanks to Irene Ziebarth and Minor Knight for sending the above images along!

Some words from Joan Cavazuti, Special Projects Chair:

  1. Don't forget to order your spring blooming bulbs from Brent and Becky's using the Bloomin' Bucks link below and inputting Martha's Vineyard Garden Club in the drop down menu. The MV Garden Club receives 20% of the proceeds from each order. Here's the link:  https://brentandbeckysbulbs.com/bloomin-bucks/

A few of my favorite bulbs to order for spring bloom are camassia quamash and the many different varieties of allium, particularly Alliums 'Gladiator,' sphaerocephalon, and 'Purple Sensation.' I've also ordered Eremurus which makes a terrific punctuation mark in a bed.

  2. There will be a fall cleanup day at the Old Mill in late September to cut back overgrown branches and empty and put away the flower boxes and pots. Please come along and help once the date is announced.

  3. We'll have a plant swap the following week. Plan on bringing plants that you've dug from your garden that have overgrown their place or reproduced themselves and become too large. We'll be sure they find a good home.

  4. A reminder for members, that when we are back at Wakeman there is a small library of gardening books available. No need to officially check them out, merely take from the shelves and return when you have finished perusing. We welcome any additions of your used books as well.

-submitted by Joan Cavazuti, MVGC Special Projects Coordinator

Floral Design Committee Update!

Flowers for the Annual Hospice Soiree!

Several of our Garden Club members were honored to help prepare the floral centerpieces for the annual Hospice Soiree on August 5 th at Farm Neck Golf Club. Fourteen club members worked with Wiet Bacheller and Susie Wallo to create 41 centerpieces for this wonderful event. They were beautiful additions to the Soiree. Thanks to the following participating club members: Joan Apt, Wiet Bacheller, Ellie Bates, Paula Craft, Angela Egerton, Joan Eville, Pat Ingalls, Jayne Isford, Janet Jones, Sarah Lolley, Sarah Murphy, Nancy Newman, Joy Turpie and Susie Wallo.

Floral Designs at the Centennial Celebration on September 13 th !

Take a look at the Shadow Boxes at the Old Mill when you attend the club’s Centennial Celebration on Friday, September 13 th ! Eight of your fellow club members are doing individual floral designs to be on display in each of the 8 shadow boxes! Thanks to all who volunteered to help with this fun activity to celebrate our club.

Nancy’s Challenge for September is “Ahh, September”!

A reminder that Nancy has issued a challenge for the September membership meeting! The following are Nancy’s thoughts for this challenge.

“September is a truly glorious month on the Vineyard: the weather is beautiful, the water is still warm, and the craziness of the summer crowds has at least lessened. Look around you and make a Vineyard arrangement that says "Ah, September!" We look forward to seeing your flowers and arrangements! As always, off island members are welcome to submit a photo that we will put on display at the membership meeting as well.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

-submitted by Jayne Isford, MVGC Floral Design Co-Chair

Our Annual Meeting was held on August 20 at the Old Mill!

C.L. Fornari & Postcards from Plants

Gardening lecturer C.L. Fornari, the author of eight books (including A Garden Lover’s Martha’s Vineyard) gave a informative, entertaining lecture on Postcards from Plants. The basic question was: What if you could receive regular postcards from plants that would guide you on your garden and houseplant journeys? Her postcards came from the perennial, vegetable, cutting, and herb gardens; from containers, houseplants, tropicals, roses, and hydrangeas; and from weeds and seeds.

Her knowledge based on years as an author, podcaster, advice column writer, landscape planner, and her work at a small garden center on the Cape. She answered questions about specific plants and planting practices. Some of her tips included:

*Amend the soil from the top down by adding compost

*Perennial gardens are often the most work

*If overwintering in a container, be sure the plant can survive in Zone 5 – two zones below MV Zone 7

*Go out to weed a little at a time: Take cup of coffee or glass of wine – weed, sip, weed, sip – stop when you’ve finished your beverage!

C.L. is preparing a new book by the same title and is asking for anyone who is willing to give her a review on the GardenComm website, she would be appreciative. You can find the form here: https://bit.ly/rate_CL_talks 

-submitted by Kathie Skinner, MVGC Programs Chair

Centennial Garden Party - 1 August, 2024

On a beautiful sunny afternoon overlooking the Edgartown harbor on the first day of August we celebrated our Centennial Anniversary at was once the home of our founder Mrs. Agnes Meikleham. The gardens lovingly maintained by owners Jane and Ivan Bradbury were simply stunning.  

We gratefully thank all of our guests for a very successful celebration with their donations going towards our ongoing renovation of the Old Mill. Special thanks to our docents, Buckleys Fine Catering, and the Tinus’s for their string music that perfectly complimented the party! 

Happy Centennial Garden Club!!! 

Susie Wallo, chair

*To see images from this very special event, click here to be taken to our website

Above is an image of the extraordinary floral arrangement created by Jane Bradbury for the welcome table at the Centennial Garden Party event...all of the foliage and flowers are from Jane and Ivan's spectacular garden.

September 17 MV Garden Club Lecture

At the September 17 garden club meeting, Certified Master Gardener Jan Weathers speak on “Winter Pruning: Why, When, and How to Prune your Shrubs.” Learn the basics of pruning deciduous shrubs, with an emphasis on structural pruning that can be done during winter, even for spring-flowering shrubs. You’ll come away with new insights and skills, including “how to” info on proper methods and tools. The meeting will be held at The Old Mill beginning at 12:30 with light refreshments. The lecture will begin shortly after 1:00. Free to MVGC members; $10.00 for guests payable at the door.

-submitted by Kathie Skinner, MVGC Programs Chair

For additional Program Information, visit our Programs page via our website by clicking here

NEWS from The Stroll, 2024!

Deb Daley and Anne Kushwaha would like to thank all the MVGC members that made The Garden Stroll and huge success! The weather was perfect for the event. We sold out and grossed $20,100. 

The 100th Anniversary display at the Carnegie was full of beautiful and interesting items and the teacup flower arrangements worked perfectly with the artifacts. 

We look forward to our new treasurer, Deb Boyle, getting settled into her position and we can announce our net profit then.

*** To see images and a recap of the 2024 Stroll, PLEASE CLICK HERE!

-submitted by Anne Kushwaha, Stroll Chair, 2024

Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha's Vineyard Summer Soiree & our Club

Flowers for the annual Hospice Soiree

Several of our Garden Club members were honored to help prepare the floral centerpieces for the annual Hospice Soiree on August 5 th at Farm Neck Golf Club.

Fourteen club members worked with Wiet Bacheller and Susie Wallo to create 41 centerpieces for this wonderful event. They were beautiful additions to the Soiree. Thanks to the following participating club members: Joan Apt, Wiet Bacheller, Ellie Bates, Paula Craft, Angela Egerton, Joan Eville, Pat Ingalls, Jayne Isford, Janet Jones, Sarah Lolley, Sarah Murphy, Nancy Newman, Joy Turpie and Susie Wallo.

-words and all below images submitted by Jayne Isford -above image submitted by Donna Arold

A bountiful array of flowers!

Angela arranging...

Garden Club members at work!

Wiet and Susie in their happy place!

Sarah working some magic...

Some completed arrangements!

A few more arrangements...thanks to all the Garden Club members who gave of their time to create the floral loveliness!

All images above were shared by Jayne Isford.

Windemere Report...

From Joan Eville, Secretary and Windemere Chair - On August 14 Nancy Cabot, Joan Eville, and Gay Smith visited the residents at Windemere Nursing Rehabilitation Center to lead a flower arranging activity with the residents. Flowers were as usual generously donated by Donaroma Nursery. Afterwards each patient took her flowers back to her room. Larger arrangements were given to the nurses for decoration at their three nursing stations. The smiles on their faces in the accompanying pictures reflect the residents’ enjoyment in this Garden Club project. 

- words and images submitted by Joan Eville

From The Garden Club Greenhouse!

The greenhouse committee needs the following plants for cuttings 🌱:

Lavender, Verbena, Artemisias, Salvias, Roses, Fuchias, Rosemary, Perennial geraniums, Geraniums - white, pink, red, Streptocarpus, Begonias, Azaleas, Coleus. 

Please bring to the Wakeman Center greenhouse or bring to the September meeting. 

We would love any divisions of perennials this fall or next spring too. Please think of us when you’re out in your garden dividing established plants.  -submitted by Anne Kushwaha, Greenhouse Chair

The above photo was sent to Jayne Isford from Anne Robb...its of the Old Mill which was taken by her uncle, a photographer in c.1930!  Very cool!  Thanks, Anne for sharing!