The saying, “when the bloom is off the roses” seems to imply that a season has come to an end, but members of the Bermuda Run Garden Club learned at our October meeting that it’s just the beginning.  The club met on October 2nd at the Club House and enjoyed a delicious soup and sandwich lunch.  Our hostesses Beth Wright and Amy Bridges provided a stunning autumn centerpiece created with live flowers and a fresh pumpkin.  To add to the fall feeling they placed at each member’s seat a favor of candy corn (my all-time favorite!) and other sweets cinched with a black plastic spider.  Deborah Capps gave the invocation and lifted up the people of Western North Carolina.

            The details of exhibiting for the Carolina Classic Fair were finalized, as well as plans for the October shredding event on Saturday the 19th. Thanks to both Bonnie Rockaway and Marie Labarowski for chairing both committees. Several accounts of individuals and agencies helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were mentioned and members came prepared with donations of hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and paper products that were taken to the mountains the next day.

            Susan Hawkins, our guest speaker, was introduced by President Donna Lamonds.  Ms. Hawkins represents the Davie County Cooperative Extension Agency.  She explained to the group that Davie County is no longer grouped with Yadkin County because of diverse needs.  The Extension Service is a nationwide organization whose mission is to give practical solutions that are research-based to individuals, businesses and communities.  Agents like Ms. Hawkins consult one-on-one with people who seek help with agriculture and food; help farmers and assist with technology; teach about health and nutrition; and teach youth life skills.  Every county and Cherokee reservation in the state is involved with the State Extension Service and there are 75 chapters of the Master Gardeners programs across the state under the guidance of the agency.  Both NC State and NC A&T University are contributing educational partners who provide science-based resources.  The Extension Service is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture and State and County budgets.  

            Then Ms. Hawkins brought us back to our gardens, encouraging us to get our hands in the dirt.  With slides to illustrate, she shared that now is the time to think about next year’s garden.  She showed us how to propagate by seed, and how tricky but rewarding this can be.   She told us that perennial seeds are more difficult because of seed coatings that may require ‘scarification’ and showed us that technique.  We learned about environmental dormancy, internal stratification and the proper way to soak seeds before planting.  Her expertise was impressive and she gave us another reason to appreciate our local greenhouse operators who do all this work for us!  She concluded by reminding us that help with any of the areas mention is just a phone call away.  The office is located in Mocksville.