In September, Barb Joy and Sue Lamb organized a tour of the gardens at the Chautauqua Institution grounds after the season officially closed for the year. The group was joined by friend Julie Ortendahl. The three guides had interesting stories pertaining to some of the gardens and homes.

In certain areas, the natural vegetation is allowed to grow to act as a rain garden which then collects storm water and filters it back into the area.

The group started at Bestor Plaza and walked along Chautauqua Lake and back up several of the streets viewing gardens, landscaping and flowers. Many benches are available for the ladies to pause and enjoy the late beauty. Hostas, flowering hydrangea, rudbeckia, asters and a few annuals were some of the flowers seen often.

After a wonderful tour, the group stopped at Boxcar Barney’s on the way home in Mayville for an ice cream treat.

In October, eleven members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club crafted beach-glass ornaments. Pictured are; seated: Judy Wilcox, Nancy Kohler, Angie Leone. Standing: Janet Centner, Marie Zambotti, Amy Choboy, Sue Lamb, Sally Newell, Lucy Hurley, Karen Ryder, Sharon Przybyciel.

In October, a large number of the growing Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club were invited to the Greencrest home of Ed and Sharon Przybyciel to make beach-glass ornaments.

Following a private, curved driveway, the two-story brown-gray home came into view – surrounded by lawn and then a nearby woods on three sides and a breath-taking view of Lake Erie in the rear of the home. A “no-mortar” stone wall lined a creek for a way before going into the lake. Tall ornamental grasses, large mums and landscaping plants framed the home.

Corn stalks hugged the porch pillar and at the foot of the stalks was a collection of pumpkins, large colored gourds, squash and a wooden two and a half foot scarecrow peering at all visitors. A striped, hybrid orange and white pumpkin caught the eye of the visitors. Even the door mat was a fuzzy, orange, oval pumpkin.

Inside the home, baskets of grapes and a case of fall grasses joined a painted pumpkin on the fireplace. The open kitchen area held a lovely display of delicate examples of ornaments. Wires, an extensive selection of beads and beach glass, ribbon and cutting tools were available for the crafters.

Two tables were covered with orange and fall flower oilcloths for work areas. For about two hours, the members were immersed in choosing beads and sliding them carefully onto the wires of the six-sided creations. The club ladies showed a lot of creativity in creating their “snowflakes,” all the while being surrounded with a view of Lake Erie and all the fall accents throughout the home.

A large array of healthy potted plants were noted by the picture window. The cat palm and the two peace lilies in full bloom were favored.

Hot or cold apple cider, chocolate cookies and cherry or strawberry rhubarb pie was served by the co-hostesses, Sharon Przybyciel and Nancy Kohler. Matching plates, cups and napkins all embraced a fall scene.

In November, Janet Straight will conduct a wreath-making craft meeting at her Route 60 home in Fredonia. Dried plant material will be collected by members.

Co-president Judy Wilcox announced that Sue Alonge will host the Christmas holiday party at the beautiful new White Inn.

There will be a meeting in January to determine the 2026 calendar for the club. Members are reminded to start collecting ideas.

Sue Lamb shared some of her ornate, homemade cards with the group. She sent birthday cards to members all year.