President's Letter Summer 2018

The date loomed on the calendar: July 1, the official date I attempted to step into Sarah’s shoes. There was a certain amount of trepidation and excitement. Most would describe this sensation as “butterflies.”

Sarah, with her welcoming presence, has set a course of  blossoming  camaraderie and espirit de corps for our club. My sincerest hope is to follow Sarah’s path. I hope you will join me.

The first stop on our journey will be at Julie Givens’ spectacular garden for the  Provisional Tea on July 11 from 2-4 pm. Julie has restored the original gardens of her Shaker Heights home and added her own creative and exquisite flourishes. For example, when the original yew allée began to die, she thoughtfully replaced the shrubs with Weeping Redbud Trees (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’). Take a moment to notice how carefully planted, and adorned with little white lights the trees are. Imagine how magical the same allée looks in winter when the leaves are gone, the lights are lit, and the snow gently falls. This is a garden for all seasons. As you meander in Julie’s garden, look for her wonderful vegetable planters and note the quiet spaces filled with beautiful features. Julie searches our area thoroughly for gorgeous plant specimens and accents. She carefully places her finds with a practiced eye. I know you will also enjoy the scrumptious summer refreshments courtesy of our amazing Provisionals. This will be a lovely place to get to know our talented and special new members. I look forward to welcoming them to our wonderful garden club.

As my summer starts to unfold, I look for new blossoms each day in the garden, and am reminded of  the stunning blooms from our May Flower Show. Robin Schachat, Karen Colini, Annamarie Brancovsky and their team of extraordinary volunteers worked endless hours to produce a beautiful show. From the stems and branches in Horticulture to the entries in Floral Design, Photography, and Botanical Arts, we had a feast for the senses. One is constantly reminded of the talent, experience, and creativity of our members. One of the many virtues of our club is the knowledge and experience we share in our flower shows and with each other.

There is always more to share and to learn.  I look forward to September, and the wonderful programs Annamarie has assembled. Over the years, I have found our programs to be a delightful source of instructional material and food for thought.  I know you will enjoy our schedule for the coming year.

For now, I will continue to enjoy my summer garden. I will look for the butterflies. And, I will endeavor to follow their flight through the flowers that bloom.

Tra La,

Mary Bruce

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