Pumpkin Carving Workshop

Scott Thompson of Willow Creek Studio has kindly agreed to do a pumpkin carving mini-workshop for a handful of folks on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1:00.   Highlights from his message:

Basically, the troops need a small, sharp X-Acto knife-type blade, a large spoon, a Sharpie pen, a small spoon.... and any chisels or other sharp tools they like. They should bring a classic round pumpkin at least 15" in diameter, and I will help them layout a basic face.   Then they can follow along. 4-7 students would be fine.

If you have questions or would like to be a participant, please call Carol Goltz (360-3696) or send her email.  We'll be carving indoors at Willow Creek Studio, mile 69.5 on the Parks Hwy.  Remember to bring a LARGE pumpkin and sharp tools for carving and scooping.

When we reach seven participants, I'll post a message here saying the workshop is full.

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Update:  A good time, some awesome pumpkins, and a fine, patient, instructor!  Thanks to Scott and Joan Thompson at Willow Creek Studio. To see the participants in action -- and their pumpkins -- check out
https://www.facebook.com/WillowCreekGallery

Update...on programs, presentations, and shirts

If you missed the informative program tonight,  Seasonal Color In The Garden--Asiatic Lilies, Astilbe, and Achillea, by Marsha Van Abel, you missed out on lots of good information about these beauties and how to grow them in Alaska.

Cindy Forsyth presented photo books of the Willow Garden Tour to those whose gardens were featured in 2014 and to those who played a key role in putting on the event.  Contact the Willow Garden Club leadership if you'd like your garden featured next year -- or know of a fine garden worthy of such recognition.  It's not too early to be planning for next summer's tour.

Les Brakes announced that Dan Hinkley, author, horticultural consultant, American plantsman,  and nurseryman will speak to Willow Garden Club in the coming year. That was good news!

The next opportunity for a Willow Garden Club program is December 20, 2:00 P.M., to make corn husk wreaths. Stay tuned for a flyer with details, and be aware that a limited number can do this one, so you'll want to respond to reserve a place in the workshop. More info coming soon.

Willow Garden Club shirts were distributed this evening.  If you ordered a shirt and were not at the meeting to receive it, please contact Carol Goltz to make arrangements for doing so. Also, contact her if you want to order a shirt.

Hope you and your gardens are ready for winter.  Rumor has it that snow is coming soon!

Reminder: Presentation on Thursday, Oct. 16

Thursday evening's presentation this week, Seasonal Color In The Garden--Asiatic Lilies, Astilbe, and Achillea, is by Marsha Van Abel, at 7:15 p.m. in the Willow Community Center.

Also, the beautiful Willow Garden Club shirts are in and will distributed on Thursday evening. We think those of you who ordered will be pleased with the shirts, and those who still want to order one may do so at the presentation/meeting this week.  We'll need shirt size and your choice of the tractor or watering can embroidered design. You'll have a good opportunity to see both on Thursday.

Looking Ahead:
November:  No meeting.  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
December:  Holiday Floral Workshop (Corn Husk Holiday Wreaths; 30 participants max) on Saturday,  December 20th,  Willow Community Center,  afternoon event. Kara Eubanks will be leading the workshop.  More information about times, $$ for the workshop, and RSVP contact in a few weeks.

Seasonal Color In the Garden - Oct. 16, 2014

Now that many flower beds are cleaned out and tucked away, and much of the outside work in preparation for winter has been tended,  thoughts may turn to colorful gardens for 2015.    Join us for  Marsha's presentation "Seasonal Color in the Garden" -- and begin thinking about how you might incorporate "the three A's" into your garden plans for next summer.

Reporting on the Harvest Dinner -- and Shirts!

It was a fun evening. If you weren't with us for the Harvest Dinner last night, we hope you will join us for this enjoyable event next fall.  Help us spread the word that this is a community event, not one limited to Willow Garden Club members.  In addition to sharing a WONDERFUL meal, thanks to all who attended, here's what happened:

• Tomato tasting -- as an introduction to an upcoming program about growing tomatoes and peppers in Alaska.  Samples of various varieties were provided for tasting -- and folks did have their preferences!  Stay tuned for more about the WGC program about tomatoes and peppers!

• Marsha reviewed recent Willow Garden Club programs/events, and presented a photo book to Dagmar to thank her for the fine Solstice Tea she hosted during the summer.  The book is a compilation of photos from that event, capturing the elegant foods, attire, and decor. 'Twas a rainy day, but that did not seem to drench the enthusiasm of attendees.  Next year -- sunshine.

• Cindy thanked the many people who made the Willow Garden Club Tour another fine experience in late July, with a special thanks to Les Brake for sharing Coyote Garden and for his ongoing support for Willow Garden Club in so many ways. The club is interested in hearing about Willow gardens to feature in the 2015 tour -- flower gardens and/or vegetable gardens.

• Carol showed and sold gardening aprons made by Linda Schwankl and also announced that Scott Thompson, Willow Creek Studio, has agreed to do an informal pumpkin carving activity with a small group of interested teens/adults. If interested in a pumpkin carving lesson with Scott, probably some Saturday in October, please let us know.


• Jen showed the two design options (tractor or watering can) for Willow Garden Club denim shirts  -- available in sizes small through 6X for men and small through 4X for women.  Cost is $45 per shirt and checks should be made out to Willow Garden Club.  For the time being, orders can be placed via a message to Carol.  To see the two design options, scroll down to the Sept. 18 blog posting.

• Anne introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Deb Blaylock, who presented a narrated slide show on growing garlic in Alaska.   Deb shared images, research, experience, resources, and samples during her presentation.  Bet we'll see more garlic in local gardens next summer!

Join us for the next Willow Garden Club event on October 16. 

Presentation “The Best of the Best: Astilbes, Lilies, and Other Gems”

"The Willow Garden Club is an independent organization with everyone welcome to attend.  Our club goal is to have fun while we educate ourselves on all aspects of gardening in Alaska."

Check out previous blog postings to see what we do to help fulfill our mission!  

Harvest Dinner Tonight -- and Shirt Designs

Yes, this evening is the Harvest Dinner. See earlier posts regarding details.  Basically, it is 6:00 at the Community Center, potluck, and open to all in the community. Share your bounty with others and enjoy a nice dinner hour with friends/neighbors.

The Willow Garden Club committee charged with coming up with a design for embroidery on blue denim shirts has two options available, not just one, and will present them this evening.   Jen Schrage will provide additional information about the shirts; here's a preview of the designs which can be ordered:

Image #1 - with watering can:

 Image #2 - with tractor:

More details about ordering shirts will be provided on the blog after tonight's meeting. Cost will probably be $45 or thereabouts.  Thanks to those who pulled this effort together in response to the request for a Willow Garden Club design for shirts!

Harvest Dinner Flyer - September 18 - Details

Come one, come all, with your dish to share.

 In addition to fine meal and good conversation, you'll learn about garlic and pumpkins!

This event is a good opportunity to see that the Willow Garden Club is about gardening -- and MUCH more.   All in the community are invited to join us for the Harvest dinner and program -- garden club members and non-members alike.

If you are interested in becoming a garden club member for just $10 a year, we'd love to have you join;  you will then receive email notices regarding programs, meetings, workshops and other events. Participate at whatever level is comfortable, while learning about gardening, having fun, and helping make Willow an even more beautiful and healthy place to live!

Hope to see you at the Harvest Dinner on Sept. 18 at 6:00.

Harvest Dinner - September 18

The Harvest Dinner, scheduled for 6:00 on Sept. 18 in the Community Center, is an event open to ALL in the Willow area, whether club members or not.  Yes, we'll post more details once a flyer is developed. Watch for the flyer on bulletin boards in Willow that publish community news!  YOU are invited!

What a great summer we've had; here's hoping it will continue for awhile yet and then be followed by a beautiful fall as well. Mark your calendar now for the Harvest Dinner!

A Second Chance -- Coyote Garden Tour 2014

Yesterday, July 26, was a glorious day for the Willow Garden Tour.  If you missed it this year,  plan to work it into your schedule for next summer. There are GREAT gardens in Willow, well worth your time and effort to view if you have an appreciation for beauty. It's a great way to get ideas for your landscaping, too, and a nice family outing for all ages.

The opportunity continues today,  July 27, with Les Brake's  Coyote Garden open from 12:00 noon until 5:00. Coyote Garden and Les Brake have been featured nationally in gardening books, magazines and even on HGTV segments! A suggested donation of $7 helps support various gardening projects in the state, including the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks and the Willow Garden Club.

Directions:  At Mile 71 of Parks Highway, turn on Willow-Fishhook Rd and drive 7.5 miles. A great Sunday afternoon drive to see a garden showcased year after year because it is so unique and outstanding!

Happy gardening during the remainder of the summer!

Garden Tour Time!

 This is the weekend -- coming up!  

Wllow Garden Club Tour on Saturday, July 26  (10:00-4:00)

22nd Annal Coyote Garden Tour (Les Brake) on Saturday (10:00-5:00) and Sunday (12:00-5:00)

Yes, the big weekend of garden tours is coming up. Club members have had reminders, WACO list members have been notified, and this is a quick posting for others!

Enjoy the experience of viewing some BEAUTIFUL gardens in Willow. Mother Nature has provided a great summer for growing and the gardeners have been working hard to showcase their gardens.  The tour is free.  Maps are available Saturday morning at 9:45 at the Willow Community Center, where some plants will also be available for purchase. Remember to bring your lunch on Saturday! The lunch break at Nancy Lake is planned for 1:00- 2:00, after which the tour resumes.  More details are provided in the handout that you'll receive Saturday morning.  Hope to see you on the tours!

Learn, enjoy, and share your joy of gardening!