December 2023 garden clippings

December Meeting

December 18 is the day for our buffet luncheon. Our regular business meeting will start at 10:00 followed by the luncheon at 11:00 am, when we will enjoy chicken, green salad, pasta and dessert and drinks.

December 11 is the last day to sign up and pay $26.00 for the luncheon. Send your cash or check payable to the McMinnville Garden Club, with the notation Christmas luncheon, to Post Office Box 386 or Charlene Drake, address is in our directory.

We look forward to seeing you there.

President’s Corner

The days are gloomier, and the nights are longer. There have already been nights when the temperature dropped below freezing. Hopefully we and our gardens are all ready for winter.

As a youth of 19 I decided I didn’t want to experience another gloomy Portland winter and left for sunnier climes. After several consequent moves I ended up on the East Coast where I worked in a grocery store for over thirty years.

We used to put out the Christmas merchandise the day after Thanksgiving. The Muzak (background music) would play Christmas carols and I would sing along. “Joy to the world.” “Peace on Earth.” “Goodwill towards men.” Wonderful sentiments.

Commercialism crept in. Santa and his elves elbowed the turkeys into a corner and continued to expand until they began appearing before Halloween. Extended exposure stopped my singing along long before Christmas.

The blatant commercialization can’t bury the true message of the holiday season. Our club will share with those less fortunate than ourselves at our December meeting. We will collect for YCAP, Henderson House, Juliette’s House, and A Family Place. We will also donate winter clothing to the Presbyterian Church that they share with those in need who attend their Saturday evening meals. This is another way we make McMinnville a little better place to live.

Wonderful sentiments. “Joy to the World.” “Peace on Earth.” “ Goodwill to Men.” Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

Good Eats by Collen Moxley

Broccoli Salad

Light, slightly sweet, crunchy, and delicious!

For dressing combine:

• ½ C mayonnaise
• ½ C sour cream
• 2 T lemon juice
• ¼ C honey
• salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl add:

• 4 – 5 C chopped broccoli
• 1 diced apple
• 1 diced pear
• ¼ C diced red onion
• 1 C dried cranberries
• 1 C chopped cashews

Toss well. Add dressing and enjoy!

Photo by Bozhin Karaivanov on Unsplash

Plastics Project — NEW!

October’s presentation by the Plastic Recycling Project team was very educational. And, members expressed an interest in getting involved as a Club and make a difference that would provide a positive impact on the community and environment.

The Board has approved a new Committee: Plastics Recycling Project. This initiative is in alignment with our Garden Club’s mission and pledge for conservation and community engagement and education.

The Plastics Recycling Project Committee will partner and support the local Zero Waste Management and Plastic Recycling projects. The Committee will promote and educate the Garden Club members and develop a process to collect and sort recyclable plastic items based on established guidelines.

We want to thank the members who signed up for this Committee. We are looking for a few co-chairs to guide us as we organize the committee and members. Please contact Linda H. More information will be forthcoming on how we all can get involved.

Rakettes March in local Holiday Parade!

A big thank you to the members who represented us well in the November parade!

2024 Garden Tour: Sunday – June 9, 2024 (Linda H. & Colleen M.)

PR Signage – Club Members Yards: We appreciate your support for next year’s initiative to have Club Members volunteer to place Garden Tour and Faire signs in their front yards (if interested and no restrictions) to promote this fundraiser.

More information will be forthcoming in January about the 2024 Garden Tour and Faire Committees and volunteer opportunities.

Mark your Calendars: Sunday – June 9, 2024

Serenity Garden Update

January will bring the installation of our 3 new benches into the garden and the first phase of cement walkways. As monies are donated, we will continue to add plants.

If you are interested in serving on the Serenity Garden’s Planning Committee, please let Patty S. know.

THANKS

Chamber of Commerce Greeters Meetings 8:00-9:00 am Fridays

We are desperately looking for club members to represent the club by attending these 8 AM meetings. Many months, there is no one from Garden Club there! Bring $1 and a business card for the door prize drawings. It is important that we support our chamber and its members! Please check with Elaine.

• December 1: Gallery Ballet & Tap – 906 NE 11th Street, Suite B
• December 15: Evergreen Aviation Museum – 500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way

Holiday Crafts Fun

Please note: CANCELED

Holiday Home Open House, Sunday, Dec. 17 The Bartnik’s Holiday Home Open House will not be held this year. We can all look forward to seeing their garden on the 2024 Garden Tour!

Websites to Explore

• National Garden Club
• Pacific Region National Garden Club
• Pioneer District Website
• Oregon State Garden Club
• Yamhill County Master Gardeners
• McMinnville Community Garden
• Serenity Garden
• Staking a New Tree
• Winter Garden Designs
• December Garden Chores

WCMGA Zoom Webinar – Registration Required

Growing Peppers and Tomatoes From Seed in the PNW – Tuesday, January 2, 2024, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Quotable

Chill December brings the sleet, Blazing fire, and Christmas treat.

Sara Coleridge