Milo Garden Club news, spring thoughts and valentines
By Victoria Eastman
Though the date was Feb. 13, thoughts about starting seeds and spring plantings were on the minds and in the planning books of Milo Garden Club members and guests when they had the pleasure of meeting Jay and Bekah Ducharme, owners of Country Junction Greenhouse and Gardens located in Bradford.
With pleasure, Garden Club members and guests listened to the presentation offering planting advice ranging from gardening with hanging baskets to using mulch hay or straw bales. Questions about pollinators and pests drew much discussion among the audience and helpful advice from Jay and Bekah. They mentioned “Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate,” a tall plant with heart shaped leaves and pink flowers. At one time, this lovely plant was a predominant feature in cottage gardens. In the past few decades, the plant has regained popularity. It attracts pollinators and is generally pest-free. Though it does provide joy for Japanese Beetles.
GREENHOUSE OWNERS — Milo Garden Club President Barbara Reed welcomes Jay and Bekah Ducharme, owners of Country Junction Greenhouse and Gardens in Bradford.
While speaking about pests, Bekah described homeowners’ habits of the past. To deter mice from entering the home, peppermint was planted around the outside perimeter of the house. Mice don’t like the smell of peppermint. Another herb, Pennyroyal, also repels mice as well as other pests.
As their presentation came to a close, members thanked Jay and Bekah for their ideas, information, and advice and looked forward to visiting them at Country Junction Greenhouse and Gardens.
In other Garden Club business, President Barbara Reed and members thanked Vice President Pauline Mullins for continuing the tradition of creating Valentine’s Day gifts for individuals at New Beginnings Assisted Living in Milo. Each person there will receive a bud vase with carnations, a small box of chocolates, and a Valentine’s Day card on behalf of Milo Garden Club.
VALENTINE GIFTS — Pauline Mullins prepared valentine vases to give residents of New Beginnings Assisted Living in Milo on behalf of the Milo Garden Club.
The next meeting of Milo Garden Club is March 12 at 1 p.m. at the Kiwanis Building off outer Park Street. You do not have to reside in Milo to become a member or to attend any of our programs. For more information, please call 207-943-2400.