RGC Welcomes the New Year

We were delighted to start the new year with a special guest at our monthly meeting. Members enjoyed the opportunity to gather and welcome guest speaker David Driver, widely recognized as “The Real Turtleman,” and his pest-detecting dog, Miss Trouble.

The “Real Turtleman” David Driver and Miss Trouble

David entertained us with stories of his many critter-catching adventures over the past 45 years as a pest control professional for Mentone, Lookout Mountain, and Northwest Georgia. He has rid many homes and businesses of snakes, raccoons, insects, and other pesky nuisances. (Ask around, and you’ll probably find at least one person he has helped!) In this presentation, he focused on the advantages of installing owl boxes, as they attract owls to residential areas and gardens, where these birds serve as natural predators of rodents and other pests. By encouraging owls to nest nearby, homeowners can reduce the need for chemical pest control methods, leading to a safer and more environmentally friendly approach to managing unwanted critters. Additionally, supporting local owl populations helps maintain ecological balance and biodiversity. David will have owl boxes available for purchase in March at his office in Mentone, next to Mentone Realty.

After David’s presentation, we discussed garden club business and upcoming events. We are looking forward to a busy, productive year ahead! We’ll start by coordinating the Crock-Pot Cook-off during this year’s Groundhog Day Community Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 7. It’s an opportunity to show off your best recipe, be it chili, stew, or soup. The judges (yet to be determined) will taste each entry and declare a winner in each of the three categories. There will also be a People’s Choice award, so if you’re more into tasting than cooking, you can purchase three cups of any of the entries for $10 (or one for $5) and pick your own favorite! We’ll also be selling desserts and lovely table arrangements made by our members. You can sign up for the cook-off here.

Seed Swap set for Saturday, February 28, at Moon Lake Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The seed swap returns this year on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Moon Lake Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring in your seeds, swap them with others, peruse the library’s selection of gardening books, and share ideas with other gardeners. Any seed and seed saver is welcome, but invasives that take over the natural habitat are discouraged. Portion seeds in bags or envelopes with the common name listed. A photo of what the seed will look like is helpful, but not necessary.

Work and planning continue on Moon Lake Garden, between the amphitheater and the gymnasium at the Moon Lake Campus. We look forward to spring, when we can start planting and beautifying the garden for all to appreciate! We would like to make this garden a community effort, so if you have any non-invasive plants you’d like to add, we’d love to include them! Send us a message on Facebook or drop us an email if you have any questions or would like to contribute.

We’re excited to announce a partnership with Valley Head School to help their students build a school garden. At our February meeting, landscape designer Victor Wood will present his ideas for a garden that will provide hands-on experience for the students and foster an appreciation for nature and sustainability. This collaborative project will furnish a vibrant learning space for the children and allow us to share our knowledge with the next generation of gardeners.

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Join us!

The RGC meets each month on the second Tuesday. We are currently meeting in the Moon Lake Library and gather at 10 a.m. Please join us for connection and conviviality. RGC is a member of the National Garden Club, Deep South, Garden Club of AL, District II, and NE AL Federation of Garden Clubs.