It has been a busy and rewarding season for the Bermuda Run Garden Club as members continued their mission of learning, beautifying our community, and giving back.

The club enjoyed two educational field trips in May. Members visited Frank's Perennials for an engaging presentation on native trees and shrubs, gaining valuable insight into plants that thrive in our region while supporting local wildlife. They also toured Reynolda Gardens and the new Brown Conservatory with Director John Roethling, where they learned about pattern planting and the many advantages of incorporating perennials into home landscapes. Because perennials return year after year and generally require less maintenance than annuals, they can help gardeners create beautiful landscapes while reducing the workload.

The Garden Club also completed Phase Two of its "Plant This, Not That" pollinator garden project. New additions include four American fringe trees, two Sunburst Hypericum shrubs, and two Fothergilla shrubs, all selected to encourage pollinators and educate the community about native alternatives to commonly planted invasive or less beneficial species.

The American fringe tree is a standout addition, producing fragrant white blooms each spring that attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Garden Club members encourage homeowners to consider planting this beautiful native tree instead of the Bradford pear. The Fothergilla offers bottlebrush shaped spring flowers followed by spectacular red and orange foliage in the fall, making it an excellent alternative to the invasive burning bush. The Sunburst Hypericum provides bright yellow blooms that become a favorite destination for pollinating insects throughout the growing season.

In June, members continued another meaningful tradition by creating floral bouquets for the Davie County Meals on Wheels program. Inspired by the club's April program on leaf manipulation, presented by member Diane Guthrie, each arrangement featured a cheerful Gerbera daisy paired with variegated lily grass shaped into butterfly wings and accented with a decorative butterfly pick. Co chairs Cindy O'Hagan and Janet DeLong joined fellow members in assembling the bouquets, each designed to brighten the day of a local senior receiving a meal.

Through education, community beautification, and service, the Bermuda Run Garden Club continues to make a lasting impact both within our neighborhood and throughout Davie County.