The Garden Club held its annual Lobster Fest in October, with 56 attendees. It was a huge success thanks to co-chairs Suzanne Enis and Al Glatt and all the amazing volunteers!
The evening began with scrumptious hors d’ oeuvres and wine, followed by a delicious dinner of fresh local lobster (caught the day before), corn on the cob, homemade coleslaw and rolls. The meal ended with a decadent dessert of chocolate eclairs. Everyone had a wonderful time!
The winter holidays have many traditions involving plants. The most popular holiday plants are the poinsettia, the Christmas tree in all its variations, Christmas cactus, holly, white lily, blue delphinium and hydrangea, and mistletoe. Regarding mistletoe, kissing under a sprig of mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition, but its history as a “symbolic” herb dates back thousands of years. Greeks used it as a cure for everything from menstrual cramps to spleen disorders,
The Romans used it as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers, and poisons. The romantic overtones most likely started with the Celtic Druids. Because it could blossom during the frozen winter, they viewed it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and used it in hope of restoring fertility. It probably made the jump from sacred herb to a kissing tradition among servants in England, then spread to the middle classes. Men were allowed to steal a kiss from any woman caught standing under the mistletoe, and refusing was viewed as bad luck!
The Garden Club’s annual Holiday Party is on December 18 at 11:00 a.m. in the Clubhouse. Members who wish to participate should bring a fun gift to exchange. Lunch promises to be delicious, with members bringing their favorite appetizers, salads, or deserts to share. This is a “members only” event, however it is not too late to join the club!
We always welcome new members to the Garden Club. Membership is open to all residents of Niguel Shores. You do not need to be a gardening expert to join. Our meetings are varied and
may comprise a speaker, workshop, garden related projects or a field trip. Refreshments are served at each meeting. Dues are $20 per person per year, and $5 per guest visit. Sign-up forms are in the Niguel Shores office.
Please contact Sandi Stauffer at sandistauffer@comcast.net with any questions. We hope that you will join us.
—Judi Palladino
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