The San Saba Garden Club gathered April 6th at the Mill Pond Clubhouse with many beautiful irises in hand and were placed on a special table. Some of these blooms were the result of our iris exchange last fall.

Our president, Anna Wilson called us to order, welcoming members and a guest, Kathleen Hawkins.

Jane Randolph led the Club Collect and Clione Rochat led our Club Creed. Twenty four members answered roll call and minutes approved. Treasurer’s report was enjoyed. Carol Littlefield told us about unique rain barrels that can be purchased for $30.00. She then discussed plans for the Garden Club Lasagne Dinner on Sunday, April 18th during the noon hours, beginning around 11:30 a.m. We are having this dinner at the Methodist Church basement fellowship hall and invite the public to come and enjoy lasagne, salad, bread and dessert. Tickets are being sold by club members and at the door. Take-out is also available. Carol also encouraged us to bring plants to Peddlers Day May 1st for our Plant Sale.

Marcia Chown presented a certificate to the club for our yearbook winning second place! She had attended the District 5 convention and received it for the club. Sharon Hayes thanked the club for the recognition of thirty four years of club membership at the Awards Banquet last month and presented the award to the club. She also expressed her appreciation to the club for the beautiful certificate and shared a few memories.

Mr. Jim Landers from Temple, was then introduced and he instructed us on the joys of growing irises and having them ready for flower shows.

His slide presentation was very exciting, showing us the many varieties of iris and discussing their gorgeous colors, bloom sizes, unique names and some that live in water. The iris, "Queen’s Circle" won the highest award at the Belton Flower Show this year, presented by a 94 year old lady who had never entered a flower show so he encouraged us to try. A very common mistake is to plant iris too deep, the rhizome must be visible or it will rot. Too much water is also a huge problem, so he emphasized good drainage. He suggested a light fertilizer (sp) three times a year to maintain blooming spring and fall. Overcrowding of plants can also prevent blooming, so need to be thinned in the fall. He finished his program by showing us iris from his own yard demonstrating flower show ideas.

We adjourned to a "Build Your Own Sandwich" luncheon at beautifully appointed tables with flowers and delightful spring decorations, truly a fancy picnic. Hostesses for the day were Anna Wilson, Imogene Hawkins, Ann McElroy, Noma Fitzgerald and Sharon Hayes. Croissants were filled with chicken salad or pimiento cheese along with many other ingredients to choose. Chips and dips, peach tea, and a table of desserts complemented the meal. Anna Wilson had painted a beautiful iris for a drawing, and Lynn McHenry won!

We certainly appreciate the many plants Nancy Stewart sent with Noma to share with the members.

Thank you, Nancy for thinking about us.