Rainbow Springs Garden Club

Traditionally, February ushers in clear skies, sunshine, and cool temperatures that are ideal for getting outside again. However, based on our December and January weather, anything is possible. Regardless of the weather February is a good month to work on plans for your landscapes while your plants are still dormant.

Alice Kennedy has the perfect project for this time – garden stepping stones. Originally scheduled for our January meeting, Alice will teach us how to make customized stepping stones for our yards and gardens using inexpensive materials and items unique to our homes. She has many in her landscape that she made with relics from Spain and other places where she has traveled. You'll be surprised at the types of materials that make interesting stepping stones for your gardens.

Make plans to attend February's meeting on the 25th at 1:30 PM at 7620 S. US Hwy 41 to hear Alice's presentation. (Sandra Marraffino's presentation on the wildlife and aquatic plants of the Rainbow River was the program in January in lieu of Alice's program on stepping stones.)

In late January, more than twenty people participated in each of two guided nature walks through two different new parks in our area. The walk through the new Woodlands Nature Park on SW 215th Court was guided by Walt McLellan on Wednesday, January 20th, at 2:00 PM following the POA meeting that morning. The following Saturday, January 23rd, the interpretive walk through the Blue Run of Dunnellon Park on CR 484 at the bridge began at 10:00 AM. Rainbow River Conservation, Inc. member Paul Marraffino organized this walk for the enjoyment of all participants. Each group has now become the nucleus of informed citizens who will spread the word about the benefits and pleasures of these two new parks and encourage others to experience them as well. We should all take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy our beautiful local environment.

At our February meeting, orders will be taken for logo aprons, polo shirts, tote bags, and baseball caps. Prices, styles, and colors will be displayed at the meeting, and payment must accompany each order.

Join us for a wonderful program, plant of the month, door prizes, 50-50 drawing, and refreshments. Review the bulletin board for minutes of the previous meeting and pictures of new members, door prize winners, and other club activities. See you there!

For additional information, please call Brenda Noah at 465-0541.