On a cold and snowy winter evening in February, 12 loyal members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club gathered at the Laona Methodist Church reception room to create 33 individual bouquets for the ladies of the WCA Home in Fredonia.

Satin ribbons, crimson glitter hearts, snow-like Baby’s Breath, hunter green Boxwood, Florist Ferns and miniature Carnations in red, pink, white and burgundy were artistically arranged in heart-decorated tea cups filled with water-holding oasis to be delivered for Valentine’s Day.

The refreshment table was filled with trays of home-baked, pink heart-shaped sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter blossom cookies. Coffee and assorted juices were also offered. All of the arrangements for the meeting were made by Judy Wilcox and Audrey Parker.

The meeting was conducted by President Janet Centner. Reports were read. The ladies voted to donate to the Revitalize Dunkirk hanging basket project again.

Judy Kawski explained and demonstrated with actual examples the Concrete Container Project. A workshop and pot luck supper are scheduled for Thursday, March 1. At 3 p.m., the club will meet at the Deakin barn in Portland with all of the necessary materials needed for the project. A complete listing of materials was distributed to the members. The concrete will be provided by the club.

Members are reminded that on March 15 at 4 p.m., Gunnar of Taylor Greenhouses will conduct a workshop using plants and hanging globes.

On April 12, members will return to the Taylor Greenhouses to plant Coleus for the plant sale at the Farmers’ Market in Fredonia. All profits from the plant sale will be donated to The Literacy Volunteers located in Dunkirk. A time for the last two workshops will be determined.

Finally, on May 9, the group will again meet to price the decorative plants and their containers.

The annual installation of officers banquet will be held on April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fireside Restaurant in Van Buren. Sue Alonge and Sallie Moscato will chair this event.

Centner announced the upcoming Chautauqua Institution House and Garden Tour.

The Chautauqua Bird Tree Garden Club chose July 12 as the date for this much-anticipated date. Fourteen homes and gardens will be on the tour. Some guided tours will be available. Free refreshments and live music will be available. The public is welcome to attend this popular event from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets sell out quickly, so it is advised to purchase tickets early.