PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
LOCAL FARMER … Jason Luke, speaker for the evening and owner of Fruitful Branches Farm, with an example of a gutter garden, and Joyce Paepke, who shared her arrangement entitled “Luck of the Irish”. Her green bouquet included Bells of Ireland, spider mums, carnations and ferns.
PRESS RELEASE – On March 3, 2026, members of Pulaski Garden Club were treated to an informative program given by Jason Luke, owner of Fruitful Branches Farm.
Jason enjoys growing and has an entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Luke’s Farmers’ Market Showroom is located at Route 15 and County Rd. J in Williams County.
There he has a greenhouse which has plants growing year-round. He is experimenting with yellow versus pink grow lights. There is also a hoop house in which he starts his brassica plants this time of year.
Jason collects the bedding from the Williams County Fair to make compost which is for sale and he can provide a tiller service.
Mr. Luke showed examples of gutter gardens and food items he stores after having been freeze-dried. Starter vegetable plants as well as herbs are available at his location.
BUSINESS MEETING
The business meeting was opened by President Cam Miller with the Garden Prayer after which the roll call question was What has been your biggest pest problem? Rabbits and squirrels were common problems as well as fungus gnats and stink bugs.
Secretary’s Report was dispensed with and the Treasurer’s Report, which included the adding of one new member, was given.
Joyce Paepke enlightened members with humorous information from the club’s 100-year history in Williams County. She also provided the monthly floral arrangement entitled “Luck of the Irish.” Her flowers included Bells of Ireland, spider mums, carnations, and ferns. All were green.
UNUSUAL EDIBLE: LAMBS QUARTERS
The Unusual Edible topic on Lambs Quarters was given by Cindy Clark. This annual is in the spinach family and is often used because it does not wilt. The seeds, which come from a cauliflower-like seedhead, are used medicinally, externally and internally.
The seeds are also used to feed livestock, especially chickens. Plants are about 5 feet tall with leaves 5-6 inches in length.
OLD BUSINESS
Seed money raffle tickets for $5 were available. This is a state-sponsored fundraiser.
It was announced that the Festival of Trees entry from the club brought in $220. Fifteen hundred visitors attended the event and made a total for the Bryan Area Foundation of $15,000.
Kay Beck and Regina Partee entered the Faye Collins Designer of the Year state contest, but no results are available.
Joyce Mocherman explained her plans for the club Plant Sale on May 15-16 at her home. Pot up plants for sale at least 3 weeks in advance.
Be sure the plant is identified including the variety and planted in potting soil. Garden art, garden books, and special pots will also be offered.
Set up will be on Thursday, May 14. She also suggested that each member provide a couple of bulbs which can be gathered together for sale.
NEW BUSINESS
March 10, the Centennial Committee will be giving a talk at the LIFE program at Wesley United Methodist Church at 2 p.m.
April 12 is the Spring Tea to celebrate 100 years of Pulaski Garden Club. Two separate signup sheets were circulated — one for attendance and one for items needed for the tea.
The Region 1 meeting is Thursday, May 7, at Wesley United Methodist Church. A signup sheet was circulated; cost is $20. Programs will be on Easy Care Flowers by Marlene Purdy and House Plants by Denver Henderson. The board meeting will be April 2.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Centennial Committee — Sheets with special events planned for 2026 were given to each member. There is something happening nearly each month throughout the year. Centennial logo buttons were given to those who did not receive one in December.
The New Flower Bed Design Committee has met and is working on a design for the fairground bed under the sign. If possible, the Environmental Horticulture classes at Four County Career Center may get involved.
SHARE AND TELL
Share and Tell was given by JoAnne Beucler. She gave each member a pressed flower bookmark and asked if each knew something about that plant.
Joyce Paepke brought her amaryllis, which bloomed twice over the holiday season. The bulb was encased in wax and attached to a piece of bark; no soil.
Door Prize was donated by Connie McGrew and won by Carol Wheeler. Miller thanked the evening’s hostesses Carol Wheeler, Connie Simmons, and Deanne Batterson.
The next meeting is April 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Pulaski United Methodist Church. All visitors are welcome.