Rising Star outing highlights April SSGC meeting

  • L-R from rear: Jan Beaver, Dianna Furlan, Marjean Alexander, and Rhonda Killion. Courtesy of Karen Sloan
    L-R from rear: Jan Beaver, Dianna Furlan, Marjean Alexander, and Rhonda Killion. Courtesy of Karen Sloan
  • L-R Kneeling: Janna Hardwick (nursery owner); seated: Janis Murray and Trudy Hughes; 2nd row: Janice Bates, Sarah Lott, Betty Jo Fisher, Dianna Furlan, Gale Ivy, and Marjean Alexander; 3rd row: Rhonda Killion, Jan Vanderburg, Cindy Sloan, Denise Mayfield, Susan Kissko, and Jan Beaver. Courtesy of Karen Sloan
    L-R Kneeling: Janna Hardwick (nursery owner); seated: Janis Murray and Trudy Hughes; 2nd row: Janice Bates, Sarah Lott, Betty Jo Fisher, Dianna Furlan, Gale Ivy, and Marjean Alexander; 3rd row: Rhonda Killion, Jan Vanderburg, Cindy Sloan, Denise Mayfield, Susan Kissko, and Jan Beaver. Courtesy of Karen Sloan

    On April 1st, 15 members of the San Saba Garden Club (SSGC) enjoyed a fun-filled trip to Jan-Jan’s Nursery in Rising Star. Numerous greenhouses occupy this 12+-acre wonderland of annual and perennial bedding plants, bushes, trees, vegetables, herbs, and an impressive array of succulents. SSGC members eagerly loaded carts with choice specimens to grace their yards and do their part to Keep San Saba Beautiful.

    A large gift shop displaying garden art, birdbaths, feeders, wall hangings, rustic furniture, and statuaries adjoins the nursery’s store, which offers fresh and fresh-frozen vegetables, shelf upon shelf of canned delectables, gift items, and more.

    Jan-Jan’s Nursery has been in the family for three generations. Its current owner, Janna Hardwick, is the founder’s granddaughter. Under her guidance, the business continues to expand, serving both wholesale and retail customers.

    Following their excursion, SSGC members enjoyed lunch in Brownwood before heading home.

    REMINDER: San Saba Garden Club’s biannual Garage Sale is just around the corner, with a huge variety of wares at unbeatable prices. The sale will be held at San Saba Civic Center Friday, April 25th, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 26th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    In addition to exceptional Garage Sale finds and prices, there is also an exclusive chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt by artist Donna McKinney, a quilter for eight years and member of SSGC for three.

    The 90' x 90' queen-sized quilt is machine-pieced and hand-quilted with 24 blocks of floral calico fabrics and blue polka dot sashing. A forest green border is finished with a six-inch calico piano key border. The backing is muslin with lightweight batting.

    Tickets for the quilt are one for $5 or three for $10 and can be purchased from any of the SSGC Ways & Means committee members (Janice Bates, Jan Beaver, Dianna Furlan, Sarah Lott, Donna McKinney, Mona McMahan, Janis Murray, and Cindy Sloan). The drawing will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 1:00 p.m. Raffle ticket holders do not have to be present to win.

    Anyone interested in cultivating friendships, developing gardening skills, and contributing meaningfully to the San Saba community is encouraged to contact a club member or attend any of the regular meetings, generally held at 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month September through May.