Pierians get tips for gardening, landscaping

The country home of Cindy and Joe Abel was the site for the meeting of the GFWC/TFWC Pierian Club April 8 with 23 members present. Co-hostesses were Kim Garrett and Nancy Patteson.

Mrs. Abel introduced the speaker, Central Texas gardener and newspaper man Bill Luedeke from Oatmeal.

He shared many tips for gardening and landscaping and suggested the ideal result is to put the landscape back like it was before chemicals and other items were used.

Grass should be left at least three inches tall, he said, and fertilizing should not be done until mornings when the temperature is in the 70s every day. Mulching is one of the best ways to treat one's lawn, Abel said, and he encouraged gardeners to make their own compost, collect and use rain water for plants, and refrain from covering exposed tree roots which are only trying to breathe.

President Sue Zane Faulkner conducted the club's business. JoAnn Wentworth, outgoing TFWC Capitol District president, installed the new officers using flowers for the theme. They include Susan Browder, president; Ruthie Martin, president-elect; Jane Westerfield, vice president; Mrs. Abel, recording secretary; Carol Wright, corresponding secretary; and Lucy Walker, treasurer.

Mrs. Wright reported the Juniorettes who are high school seniors were honored with a dinner at her home recently, and the girls' mothers were guests. Mrs. Abel, Karen Cambon and Bennie Bulloch made cakes for the dinner.

The Juniorettes' final meeting of the club year is Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Hostess House, and senior Pierians are invited to attend. Reservations should be made by calling Myrna Bozarth.

The final meeting of the club year for the Pierians is May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Carol and Bob Wright. Ed Cambon will cook brisket, and members should bring side dishes.

Co-hostesses will be Mrs. Bozarth and Mrs. Martin. Members and guests will participate in a Texas songfest.

Dues of $40 will be collected by the treasurer.