Submitted

The Town and Country Garden Club met Monday, March 23, 2026, at the North 65 Center, where some members gathered at 11:30 a.m. for a meal before the meeting began at 12:30 p.m.

Twelve members attended: Barb Peterson, Nedra Stephenson, Sharon Berry, Judy Meeker, Carol Wilford, Kris Smith, Lois Corrigan, Naomi Starkebaum, Mary Helen Richardson, Tillie Moore, Brenda Hein and Bev Kimberling.

Club President Barb Peterson opened the meeting by reading short poems and quotes about spring and flowers. Members responded to roll call by sharing signs of spring they had seen.

Bev Kimberling presented the lesson for the day. She began by reading “Life Is Simpler Swinging on a Swing” before sharing information about hellebores, commonly known as the Christmas rose.

Although the name suggests otherwise, hellebores are not part of the rose family. The hardy evergreen perennials bloom from late fall into early spring and are known for their cup-shaped flowers, which are often white or tinted pink.

Peterson and Kimberling also brought flower seeds and plant cuttings to share with the group.

Following the meeting, the group continued the day with a trip to Barnes Greenhouse, where Beth Mack led a behind-the-scenes tour of the family-owned and operated business. She explained both the retail and wholesale sides of the greenhouse and shared how the company has expanded into several other states.

The club’s next regular meeting will be held Monday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Mary Helen Richardson.

Members also discussed plans for a greenhouse tour at the next meeting.