Many Branches and Divisions are starting to meet after a long summer hiatus.  The reunions are such joy; what have you been doing? Any new grandchildren? Which trip did you enjoy the most? Tell me about the gardens you visited. Any new ideas for speakers this year or next? Can you suggest a good book/movie for us to review? These are but a few of the conversations that buzz about the room as members connect with each other and renew friendships.

There is much work to be done this season. We have all had occasions that caused us to delay clean up until Spring.  Oddly enough, the work waited patiently until we were ready for the task. This year, Farm & Garden needs work, too. We don’t have the luxury of waiting for the Spring season, our tasks are more pressing. The nominating Committee will be hard at work searching for  new officers for the next two year terms. We will need two Treasurers, two Secretaries, a Vice President and other Committee Chairmen to complete our list of officers. Perhaps you can say YES to the phone request. Don’t under estimate your qualifications for the job.  Many years ago, I had a teacher that rarely gave an A grade to any student. She had the reputation of a tyrant in class. I was unlucky enough to have her for English Literature.  Included in the syllabus was a study of poetry. Our mid term paper was due; we were given 3 topics from which to choose. I strayed from the beaten path, again, and chose my own theme: Comparison of 2 poems.  A few days after the deadline, the teacher announced 2 papers would be read by the authors to the class: one with grade A, the other a failing F. My paper was chosen to be read, and I was red-faced as I walked to the front of the class. I waited patiently while the “A” paper was read, sure that my renegade topic had failed miserably. At the end of the first reading, I walked to the podium and looked to the back of the room at the teacher. Rather than instruct me to begin, she asked for comments about the first paper. There were none. She then said: “And now, we will hear the “A” paper. You will all notice a difference.”  I nearly floated to the ceiling as I read my paper to the class. That vote of confidence from one individual was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. From that day, I have been able to share with gratitude and self-belief that I had never experienced prior to that accolade.

Each of our members, too, has a talent to share. The National level hasn’t always communicated well with the Branch members. We are trying hard to change that perception. As Branch Members, you can meet us half-way by stepping up to jobs that need to be filled.  We will give you confidence to complete tasks, help with your “topic”, and accolades for a job well done. I wish everyone a pleasant and beautiful season filled with wonderful fruits of your labors.

Garden Walks abound this time of year. They are a wonderful opportunity to share ideas with other gardeners and friends. Conversations can lead to new plant centers, garden tours and landscape designers. The difficult corner of your yard or property becomes a focal point with the tricks learned from others who have faced your situation and won. I live in the woods, shade abounds. The sunny borders and rose arbors featured in tours make me jealous of the hosts. I long for lilies, desire daisies, pine for primroses and die for dahlias. None of the aforementioned likes my home. I hover over my hostas, love my ligularia, savor my solomon’s seal, and make the most of my myrtle. On those dog days of summer, temperatures in the 90 degree range with humidity to match, I am grateful for the woods. Nature’s air conditioners keep my electric bill within normal range. I am spared the searing heat of the afternoon with a canopy of leaves. Shade gardening, although challenging can have rewards too. All types of microclimates have merit. Just like homes, gardeners are individual, too.

Our meeting in Grand Rapids was quite successful. We toured the Meijer Gardens, visited a Farmer’s Market, Lunched at a culinary school and made new friends. The business of the organization was addressed, attended to, weeded and mulched. There are some “seedlings” that need to be nourished, perennials that need to be divided, favorites to share and sadly, beauties past their prime, that didn’t make it through the winter. We learned of new members on the “weather committee”, ask those in attendance what that means! The members thoroughly examined their roots, digging deep and learning what history has taught us. Look for more information in our Magazine on line. Pour a glass of Lemonade, potent or not, sidle up to your computer and explore all that Farm & Garden has to offer on this site. We are changing, growing and need YOU to cement our future.

The Strategic Vision Planning Committee has been hard at work this past winter. They are Hoping for member ideas at the June meeting in Grand Rapids. President Elect, Julie Siefker has been Hoping for a record attendance to hear our special guest speaker, Elaine Weiss, present her wonderful book, Fruits of Victory, The History of the Woman’s Land Army in the U.S.A.

I Hope you will pick up a copy and read it before the meeting. It is an informative historical look at our organization, the need for feeding a nation and changing women’s roles in the early 20th Century.  Even then, food was very much to the forefront. I Hope we all have plans for a vegetable garden, or plans to visit our local Farm Market this summer. Fresh, nutritious, local produce, meats and dairy products make everyone healthy and wise. It makes our farmers a bit wealthier, too. 

Later this season, we will hope for beautiful peonies, irises and roses. Hope always includes a bit of doubt. If we are sure of an outcome, we have confidence. It is that bit of uncertainty that makes Hope a bit tantalizing. Let’s Hope that the weather will cooperate, our gardens will be fruitful, and our June meeting will be a resounding success.  With our members, anything is possible. You are all wonderful additions to our organization.

Our Fall Council meeting is a process of change, too. I hope everyone responded to the survey listed in the last issue of The Magazine. Change is the most important factor in our process of transformation. Many members have concerns about our organization. Be assured that I do too! At this meeting, the Council has a job to do: help the leadership form a vision for our future. These elected representatives for Divisions and Members ensure the Focuses are maintained, the aims and goals of Farm & Garden are upheld and the interests of all Branches are protected. It is a marvelous process, one that encourages individual thoughts and debates. We are changing, slowly and carefully, into a Beautiful Farm & Garden. Let me know your thoughts! Call, drop me a note, send an e mail or invite me to a meeting. Talking is the first step on our long journey. Walk a while with me and keep stride. We will admire the wonderful accomplishments of our past and plant seeds along the way, leaving a foundation for the future.

As President, I welcome every member to send in ideas that will help shape our future. What do you like about your Branch, Division, or the National level of Farm & Garden? Do you have suggestions of projects or books? Did you find something to share with others in your travels this winter? Please tell me, or let your Branch President or Division President know what is on your mind. Communication begins through the sharing of thoughts and ideas. One little notion sparks the next, and soon the brainstorm starts to smolder into a bone fide flame. Our name, Woman’s National Farm and Garden, of one Woman, shows the necessity and individuality of each of you. I have heard from many of you in the past and implemented your ideas for meetings. I promise to listen now, and in the future. Write to me, call or e mail. My ears are open.