Bud ’n Bloom Garden Club members Janet Centner, Karen Ryder and Judy Wilcox enjoy a field trip.

The members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club have had a very busy spring-summer.

In May, they held their installation of officers banquet at Country Stockton Hotel in the private dining room. Shasta daisies and lemon yellow napkins decorated the tables. Specimens of butterfly daisies were placed at each table setting and gifted to members — all organized by Sallie Newell.

Martha Wiser, member since 1989, was the honored guest. She moved to the Richmond, Va., area to be closer to family. She will be happily remembered for her efforts in leading the club to donate $20,000 to the Literacy Volunteers of Western New York organization over the years. She also was instrumental in establishing the annual Toy Drive at their annual holiday dinner for needy children.

Officers elected were Judy Wilcox and Nancy Kohler, co-presidents; Sue Drag, treasurer and Sallie Newell, secretary. In May, the group planted flowers at the Dunkirk Lighthouse.

In June, the garden club members visited the Westfield Nursery to tour the nursery and to hear a presentation on native species. Some examples are bee balm, Joe Pye weed, cardinal flower, coneflower, milkweed ninebark and elderberry. The Monarch butterfly’s life cycle was included.

In July, the nature lovers visited Graycliff, a Darwin Martin Summer House in Derby, organized by Newell. The tour of Graycliff was a 90-minute experience focused on the history and restoration of the gardens originally outlined by Frank Lloyd Wright. The gardens were well kept and lovely. Lunch was later enjoyed of a local restaurant.

In August, Lucy Hurley organized a tour of the Marvin Bjurlin garden on Maple Avenue in Fredonia. There the ladies enjoyed seeing the ingenuity of using an eavestrough placed at table height to plant lettuce in. Other vegetables and herbs thrived in the yard. Later, Hurley entertained the group with a light buffet, dessert and beverages, as they discussed their gardening hits and misses.

In October, the group met at the Buddy Brewster Restaurant for a planning meeting and to share their fall adventures in their gardens.

Several members shared concerns regarding the growing deer population and the damage being done to gardens, landscaping and trees. Constant spraying by deer-repellant deterrents, if done weekly, is effective. Different brands should be alternated for maximum benefit. However, this is expensive and time-consuming.

Partial success was witnessed by covering each day lily and Hosta plant with fine garden netting. This is also expensive and work intensive. Circling the entire flower beds with netting is very expensive but effective. Sue Lamb had success using fishing line wrapped around her garden at several heights. (The deer are deterred when they feel pressure against their heads).

Several members reported on the “low-sun” summer that affected their tomato plants and other vegetation. Canadian smoke in the western New York air was blamed for the difference in production and has even changed the fall foliage colors.

Member shared tips on clematis that seem to have a 25-year life span. Hydrangea pruning was discussed. Beautiful southern camellia photos were shared by Karen Ryder.

In November, invasive species will be discussed. The date will be announced later through their website.