Think Spring: Come to a Garden Club Meeting!

One of the warmest winters here on record was interrupted by a cold snap that brought us back into the "deep freeze". You have been to the Missouri Botanical Garden or to to see their orchids and your mailbox is overflowing with seed catalogues. What is next? How about the first 2012 meeting of the Richmond Heights Garden Club (R.H.G.C.)?

Founded in 1952, R.H.G.C. is celebrating its 60th birthday on Tuesday, Valentine's Day. The club is part of The Gardeners of America and has nominal dues, but everyone is invited to this first meeting. R.H.G.C. vice-president, Amy Morris, says, "Try us at this first meeting and if you like us, join for your free monthly newsletter, American Horticulture Magazine, and some fascinating monthly meetings with a gardening theme held on the second Tuesday of each month".

R.H.G.C. has partnered with the to have their first 2012 meeting there starting at 7:00p.m. The public is invited to bring any leftover seeds from last year to "swap". Also attendees will have a "hands on" demonstration of seed planting and "give away" of seed starting trays and potting soil. Refreshments (red velvet cake with whipped cream icing and drinks) will also be served.

R.H.G.C. is a not-for-profit with members from a dozen ZIP codes. The members have a wealth of gardening information which they are happy to share. For example: Did you know that Valentine's Day is the time to start tomato seeds indoors (8 weeks before the last seasonal frost)? Do you know the "germination test" you can do very simply with old seeds and some paper towels to find out what the "viability percentage" is? Did you know that even apartment dwellers can garden as Maplewood offers plots for planting and a small fee in its Community Garden? So come on out next Tuesday for seed swapping, seed starting, refreshments and socialization with some of the most fun gardeners in mid-County!