Rosemary Joy and her grandchildren, Myrarose and Blake, shopped for Mother’s Day plants and the recent Bud ‘n Bloom sale at the Fredonia Farmers’ Market.

On a rare, sunny day in May, members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club traveled to Lackawanna to visit the newly refurbished Botanical Gardens. Hostess Sally Newell organized the tour of the gardens and the Fairies and Gnomes show currently on display.

The walking tour consisted of 12 different areas – each very interesting, beautiful and unique to different habitats around the world.

One of the favorite scenes was the tropical garden complete with a Koi pond, A wooden bridge, cascading waterfalls and a Japanese tea house.

The colorful orchid house, the prickly cactus house and the jungle house with hanging vines were also very amazing.

The fairies and gnomes show consisted of about 35 adorable entries of hand crafted, miniature fairy houses. There were tree houses, cottages, castles, apartment houses and seaside shacks. A wide variety of colorful materials were used including tree bark, boxes, trays, gem stones, gourds, seed pods, sticks, ribbon, glitter, pine cones and leaves. There were entries from children and adults. The entire collection was whimsical and enchanting. Many entries received ribbons of recognition and awards.

The variety of plant life throughout the enormous greenhouses was outstanding. Banana trees touched the top of the tall glass conservatory. The oldest plant was a huge, 300 year-old fern in beautiful condition. Swedish Moss hung from trees in a Southern United States atmosphere.

Statuary, water features, areas for sitting and colorful potted annuals added to the relaxing ambience. The moist warmth of the gardens was a welcome treat and in contrast to the cooler, breezy outdoor climate.

From there the group traveled to J. P. Fitzgerald’s for lunch and a brief meeting conducted by President Penny Deakin. Seated in the “garden room” with large windows lined with flower boxes filled with multicolored pansies, members discussed the upcoming plant sale. Folders containing lists of committee duties and the program process were circulated.

The group then traveled to Lockwood’s greenhouses where members invested in specimens for spring planting and enjoyment.

On The following weekend, the dedicated club members braved the cold Saturday morning and hosted a sale of pansies, coleus, osteos and succulents at the Masonic Lodge at the Fredonia Farmers’ Market. The artistry of member and local artist, Judy Kawski was on full display as the group sold her hand-painted rocks, garden tiles and bird houses. The Club appreciates the warm reception of the public in supporting their endeavors.

The Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club uses these sales to give back to the community. As an example, this year they will provide trees to be planted at Habitat For Humanity homes in the area.

The next meeting, hosted by Sallie Muscato, will be a tour of Bob Root’s Garden On June 12 in Dunkirk. Afterward, the club will share a tureen supper at the Muscato home.