By Becky Hackman

Guest columnist

The All Seasons Garden Club’s first meeting for the 2024 season was held March 4 at Ann McAfee’s home in Brownstown with Martha Wilson as co-hostess.

After arriving, the guests were introduced to Anna Barnette of Seymour, who designs unique display pieces from antique and vintage jewelry. Once she has a design in mind, she uses pieces to fit the theme and color choices and then places it on materials — such as linen or velvet — and places them in shadow boxes that can be hung or displayed on a coffee/end table for viewing.

Barnette presented several designs she has created, one being a valentine for her daughter and a Christmas tree. She has also decorated foam, cone-shaped trees with jewels, which she displays throughout her home at during the holiday season. She currently is designing a teapot-themed piece.

The group had many questions for Barnette, among them being where the pieces come from. Barnette said she goes to craft shows, auctions and yard sales to find her treasures. Barnette also was asked how she got started. She said approximately three years ago her sister, who lives in Kentucky, called her and said, “Gather up all of mom’s jewelry you have and come down, I have a project for us.” The rest is history.

The hostesses then provided chicken and ham salad sandwiches, salads and desserts that were brought by some of the members, along with with drinks and coffee. The tables were decorated with centerpieces of antique vases filled with fresh flowers, McAfee’s Currier and Ives blue and white china, and table favors of garden tools and gloves wrapped in plaid ribbons. All this made for a spring-like theme.

Next, Vice President Wilson conducted a business meeting. She reminded everyone annual dues will be collected at the April meeting. Also, there was discussion again for an outing that will take the place for our July meeting.

Darlene Groseclose is gathering suggestions for outings, including potentially going to Madison in Bloom the weekends of June 8 and 9 and June 15 and 16; a riverboat ride, the Rocking River Boat, that includes a luncheon; Derby Dinner Theater for Aug. 26, which is a tribute to Dolly Parton; possibly touring Noah’s Ark; having lunch and antiquing in Hope, Indiana; visiting Hubers Winery; going to Not Just Popcorn in Edinburgh; and lastly, a trip to Nashville on December 14 to see Vince McGill and Amy Grant, a trip which would include shopping and lunch and then returning home. The members will give the suggestions thought and a decision will hopefully be made in April.

Sandy Kovener and Kathy Rush spoke about the upcoming meeting on May 8, during which the group will tour the T.C. Steele Gardens, located between Nashville and Bloomington. The fee is $8 for a guided tour of the house and wildflower gardens. After the tour, the group will then shop and lunch in Nashville. Members will meet at the Jay-C parking lot to carpool.

Charlotte Foster told members she would like the June meeting’s theme to be a presentation on the history of the apron. Aprons dating from 1826 to 1960 will be displayed. If any group member has an apron they would like information on (such as the origin), they can bring it to the meeting. Foster will be hosting the program at Calvary Baptist Church.

I reminded members April’s meeting’s theme is the upcoming solar eclipse. Peggy Broshears thanked everyone for the calls and cards sent to her recently, as she had a bout with shingles. Well wishes were given to Joan Thompson for her upcoming surgery. The group was thrilled that inactive member Jeanette Chastain joined them and she reported she is doing well.

Door prizes were awarded to Foster and Brenda Turner. The meeting was then adjourned and lots of visiting and laughter was enjoyed by all.