The Ides of March found 15 members of the L-M Garden and Civic Club learning how to make “seed biscuits” to decorate unique greeting cards from local artist and craftsman Phyllis Poehlmann. The easy and fun project was accomplished with a supply of wet newspaper mache’, assorted flower and herb seeds, cookie cutters in various shapes and a collection of paints, glitter and ribbons.

Once received and read, the seed biscuits can be removed from the greeting card and planted in the garden to grow and bloom.

Following the program, light refreshments were served amid vases of blooming spring branches by hostesses Sammie Leggett and Sue Shepperd.

Club president Susan Stone asked each member to respond to roll-call by naming the first blooming plant they have noticed in their yard or along the highways around Lometa. She then opened the business meeting with reading and approval of minutes and reports from the treasurer and various committees.

Sheri Stone gave a short talk about the upcoming annual flower show at the April meeting, and shared her personal memories of shows held over the past 50 years of the club’s existence.

This year, the annual show will repeat the theme “Treasures of Spring,” used at the first flower show, and will repeat design themes first used in 1961, 1995, 1997 and 1986.

“Our shows continue in the comfortable spirit of competition as members seek to follow all the judging rules while giving their own interpretation of show themes,” Mrs. Stone said.

Kathryn Butler added experienced advice on practices and procedures for both design and horticulture displays.

In other business, members were asked to gather Monday at 9 a.m. for the annual spring clean-up of the flower bed and gazebo at City Hall.

Residents of Lometa are invited to assist in the community project.

Work schedules were distributed for the club’s plant booth at the Diamondback Jubilee on March 27.

The club will have a variety of plants and gardening items for sale, and at the end of the day will announce the name on the winning ticket for a quilt used as the club’s recent fund-raiser.

Mrs. Stone also reminded members to meet in front of the club building on April 3 at 2 p.m. to convoy on a trip to Alamosa Wine Cellars and Vineyard in Bend. The group will learn about the local cultivation of grapes and enjoy the fellowship of other club members.

The L-M Garden and Civic Club meets the third Monday of each month from September through May at the club building on Main Street. Residents are invited to join.