Excitement filled the air as the Bermuda Run Garden Club members flocked into the dining room at Bermuda Village for the September 3 meeting celebrating 41 years of existence. Hostesses Diane Guthrie and Jenny Spencer set tables with fans and fortune cookies in a nod to the Japanese Garden theme. An ikebana centerpiece, a Japanese technique of flower arranging, sat gracefully in front of the podium.

President Donna Lamonds opened the meeting, and committee reports were heard. Chairperson Marie Labarowski reported that the shredding event was moved to September to encourage more participation and will take place on September 20. Fair co-chairs Bonnie Rockaway, Shelby Nichols, and Ann Cornwell shared details about showing flowers, plants, and design skills at the Carolina Classic Fair in October. It takes a lot of background work to exhibit items at the fair, and preparations have been in the works for months. Everyone is encouraged to come to the fair and see firsthand some of what we do in our own gardens. The fair runs from October 3–12 this year.

Diane Guthrie reported on the plans to create centerpieces for auction to benefit Storehouse for Jesus in December. The intention of the event is to generate significant revenue for the organization. The garden club supports the Storehouse throughout the year. The annual luncheon will be held in the Bermuda Village dining room on December 4.

Amy Bridges presented Beth Wright and Cathy Zeitvogel with certificates for completing the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 22–23. This program encourages people to watch and count the number of pollinators that visit a plant. The number of pollinators has diminished over the last several years, posing serious environmental concerns. Just ask any garden club member how you can participate next year. Sitting and watching butterflies is a great gig!

Carol Quinn explained the significance of the Japanese Garden at Bermuda Village, and after lunch members were able to walk among the abundant plants along an elegant, curving path and over a cheerful red footbridge. Carol is leading an effort with the Davie Foundation to raise money to help protect the garden.

Our pollinator garden in Kinderton Village is thriving! Despite being planted in early summer and enduring one of the hottest Julys in memory, it continues to grow and mature. A cadre of loyal garden club volunteers watered with love during those hot days, and the results are obvious. Donna has led two education sessions at the garden, the most recent on September 3. A group of local residents and Deborah Thompson, Director of District 4 of the Garden Club of North Carolina, came to learn more about the selection process for the plants. It was noted that the plants are not intended to bloom at the same time and that each contributes to the ecology by attracting birds, bees, butterflies, and more. Visitors to the garden are asked to look but not touch because of the life cycle of the plants. The next talk will be October 1, and the time will be moved to 6:30 to adjust for daylight. All are welcome! We love to share information and our love of plants anytime we can.