Calusa Garden Club Fall Programs Feature Creative Ideas

The Calusa Garden Club (CGC) hosted two new programs at their October and November meetings and inducted seven new members. The club welcomed Kelly Ponder in October and Liz Lawrence, Valerie Aguis, Janet Altman, Susan Ridyard, Holly Dixon and Mary Dowsett in November.

Donna Kay, master gardener and Calusa Garden Club member delivered a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Butterfly Gardens – Anyone Can Have One” at the club’s October meeting. Kay described the life cycle of the butterfly and identified butterflies in our area. She informed us of where to plant a butterfly garden in your yard and the plants that will attract butterflies and keep them returning. At the conclusion of Kay’s presentation members and guests were invited to the Calusa Garden Club’s butterfly garden on Winterberry Drive. CGC members Sue Oldershaw and Rhonda Gloodt led the experience, pointing out host and nectar plants as butterflies surrounded the visitors.

At the November meeting Denise Jefferies, owner of Bella Florals on Marco Island, along with floral designer Cindy Zack, demonstrated how to create a holiday planter for an entry using greenery from your yard. With the addition of bows and ornaments, Zack created a festive arrangement that can be done at home. Jefferies invites anyone interested in learning how to make floral designs to attend “Wine and Design” classes at her shop on 9 Front Street, Marco Island.

Calusa Garden Club is a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and membership is open to those interested in horticulture, floral design and environmental matters residing 5 months or more in Collier County. 

Calusa Garden Club meets the second Monday of the months of October and November, and January through March, at the Marco Island Library. Business meetings begin at 10:30 AM and programs begin at 12:30 PM. Calusa Garden Club welcomes visitors interested in our educational programs and visitors interested in membership. Contact the Garden Club at calusagardenclub@aol.com, on the Garden Club’s website, calusa.org, or visit the Club’s Facebook page Calusa Garden Club.