The Lena Day Garden Club held its April meeting at the home of member Liz Etzkorn. Liz’s neighbor and club member Thuan Bennett served as co-hostess.
In March, the gardens experienced at Hathcox Farms are natural and unstructured. Liz’s gardens are in the English tradition of a park, not just a yard. Every blade of grass knows its place and which way to turn.
The front park is an expanse of green lawn featuring a small pond with a fountain. One can imagine sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs feeling the mist from the fountain while soaking in the sun on a warm day and watching the world go by.
The back yard features sculptured shrub trees and perfectly planted flowerbeds around the swimming pool. Like the “follies” in 17th century gardens, an outdoor fireplace room is an eye-catching backdrop.
In the flower beds around the house, angels and ducks interspersed among the plants pay homage to Liz’s infant daughter who died during heart surgery. Brook liked to quack like a duck. Although the void can never be filled, working in a garden brings a little peace.
President Carol Worsham called the meeting to order. New member Cindy Owen was welcomed. Officers for 2026-2027 were announced: President Gina Wilder; Vice President Janina Ross; Secretary Joyce Anne Jackson; Treasurer Ruthmary Hall; Reporter VaLinda Hathcox; Historian Sandra Baucom; and Parliamentarian Carol Worsham.
Anne Willmann, chair of the Library Committee, announced that two books had been placed by the club in the Hopkins County Public Library. Barbara Stewart, chair of the Entertainment Committee, made food assignments for the May Picnic, which will be held at The Depot. For the picnic, the Lena Day Club will host the Bluebonnet Garden Club.
Upon adjournment of the meeting, club members exchanged plants: hibiscus, purple jew, chives, Italian oregano, cannas and sedums are a sampling of some of the plants traded. Tiny pots planted with germinated sunflower seeds were favors given by the hosts.
Attending the meeting were the following members: Sandra Baucom; Thuan Bennett, Liz Etzhorn, Ruthmary Hall, Margie Dale Hathcox, VaLinda Hathcox, Joyce Anne Jackon; Pat Johnson; Brittany May; Cindy Owen; Janina Ross; Liz Steinsiek; Barbara Stewart; Judy Temples; Janette Watson; Anne Willmann and Carol Worsham. — Submitted by VaLinda Hathcox