President's Message

Here we are in March, and according to the calendar, spring officially begins on March 20.  But signs of spring are slow to appear this year.  I have seen a few red buds, peaches, and Mexican plums blooming, but other than that, nothing very spectacular so far.  I doubt that we will have very many bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush this spring because our fall and winter, thus far, have been very dry.  Also, the very cold weather we experienced in February is having a big impact on everything.  Everyone probably has a smaller inventory of plants after those low temperatures.

Our February meeting was very nice, and having Cheryl Hazeltine there to present the program and to autograph her book  Central Texas Gardener was a special treat.  The photos in the book are great.

Remember that the annual Zilker Garden Fest will be on March 26 and 27.  We still have tickets to sell, so let us know how many you need.  Thank you to all who signed up to help Barry Lovelace and Dick Peterson man the front gate both days, and those who will drive golf carts or have volunteered to help in other ways.

The Board meeting will be on March 28 and our regular monthly meeting will be March 31.  We anticipate another interesting program, so make plans to attend and bring a friend.  Check the Calendar of Events for other dates.  Laura and Steve have many wonderful programs planned for the rest of the year, so don’t miss any of them.

I hope everyone read the Travel Section of The Austin American Statesman, Sunday, March 6.  It featured, among other things, lots of information on interesting things in Fayette County, especially information on the painted Catholic churches, the German and Czech dance halls, kolaches, and restaurants.  We had lunch at the restaurant next to the Swiss Alp dance hall and met the people who own the Itsy Bitsy Burro Company.  They own a three time National Champion Miniature donkey.  They also breed and show Norwich Terrier dogs.  Their house is a beautiful Victorian style home with a beautiful yard and landscaping.  This would make a great day trip in conjunction with a drive to see the bluebonnets this spring.

Special thanks to Laura for hosting the Board of Directors’ meeting on February 20, 2011.  Everyone enjoyed the wonderful dinner and her beautiful home with the President’s Day decorations and theme.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the next garden club functions. 

Wilburn