Meetings/Events - Buck Mountain Garden Club

BUCK MOUNTAIN GARDEN CLUB

Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
Deese Hall, BMEC
Hostesses: Holiday Potluck – Bring Your Faves; See List Below for Suggestions

Meeting Agenda to Include: Approval of minutes from 11/10/25; Reports from the Leadership Team; Any other announcements members wish to share.

Program: Holiday Greenery Workshop

This month’s “Holiday Greens” workshop and potluck luncheon is a much-loved annual event; a time to relax and enjoy your gardening friends and – if you wish – to make some beautiful holiday decorations from fresh greenery, added elements, or just about anything you care to bring! Doriene Steves and her husband are donating BAGS of boxwood, fresh-cut, from their home property. (And if you’re not the holiday-greens-making-type, please just come and enjoy lunch and the group–it’s all good!)
Members who are already skilled in making wreaths, towers, topiaries and mini-trees are happy to share their secrets!

AND – this year, if you know of a family, organization, or location that might appreciate the donation of a hand-made holiday greenery item, please speak up during the meeting. It’s certainly possible to make more than one!

1. POTLUCK LUNCHEON:

Members whose last names begin with A-G, please bring a savory; and those whose last names begin with H-Z a dessert.

Everyone can bring the beverage of their choice, and as usual, we’ll have water on hand!

2. HOLIDAY GREENS WORKSHOP:

Supplies to Bring

Suggested — all optional — as tools and supplies are most often “shareable.”

Boxwood Wreath: Wire frame, one or two large blocks of Oasis Floral Foam (not Styrofoam)*, green plastic ribbon to wrap around Oasis OR 3” strips cut from plastic garbage bag, and floral pins to hold the Oasis and greenery;

Topiary: One large block of Oasis (not Styrofoam)*, a base container heavy enough to hold water and support your topiary; also for trees, etc. a board with a protruding nail will hold your tree shaped foam nicely so it is stable.

Kissing Ball: One block of Oasis cut to shape, or an 8” Oasis Ball*

*OASIS SHOULD BE SOAKED THOROUGHLY THE NIGHT BEFORE. Darkened foam shows the water has been absorbed. This takes several hours to overnight; then drain for 2-3 hours, at least, to avoid “a mess” at your design/decorations table. PLACE IN A PLASTIC BAG TO TRANSPORT.

Additional Supplies and Tools:
–Flexible garden gloves/exam gloves (thin enough to allow for dexterity while still protecting hands)
–Clippers or sharp shears (for trimming greens)
–Knife (to cut and trim Oasis)
–Florist’s wire and wire cutters

–Green floral tape

–Ribbons and decorations that you wish to add, including any additional greenery, dried stems, lighting, etc

— If available, a spray can of Fresh Greens Preservative

–If you wish, feel free to bring additional greens (pine, spruce, holly, etc.), berries, etc to use/share

–Straw or grape vine wreaths

–Container(s) for transporting your workshop decoration(s) home.

(It is suggested that you label your things when possible, so that they get back to you at the end of the day!)

**Remember to soak and thoroughly drain your foam and that you select foam for soaking, not for dry!

Look for more details in the December 1st issue of the Sunflyer Newsletter!

2025-2026 Program Co-Chairs:

Chris Bachmann and Sue Gosnell
(Contact via earlysvillebmgc@gmail.com or by using the Members-Only roster for direct contact info)

And just FYI, we are thankful for the folks who have planned to sign up to Host, and hope you will volunteer if you haven’t already! BMGC provides the plates, utensils, napkins, and cups, and the Hostess(es) bring a light snack and maybe something to drink, planning for about 15-20 people. Easy. Fun to do as a team of two, but also often done Solo. Either way is fine! If you want to sign up, please contact list coordinator Laurie Hynes.

September 8, 2025 – Dee Walsh and Sue Gosnell

October 13th, 2025 – Joyce Magness and Dee Walsh

November 10th, 2025 – Brown Bag it!

December 8th, 2025 – All Share in a Holiday Potluck!

January 12th, 2026 – Valerie Shepherd and Gayle Gutierrez

February 9th, 2026 – Cathy Mancuso and Nancy Butters

March 9th, 2026 – Carrie Eisenberg and Laurie Hynes

April 13th, 2026 – Joan Belcher and Karen Dosier

May 11th, 2026 – Helena Estes-Johnson and Joy Matthews

June 15, 2026 – End of Year Luncheon, Potluck at Dee’s House