The light and airy atmosphere of St. Columba's nave set just the right tone for the, if you'll pardon the pun, "homegrown" ambiance of this year's annual meeting and luncheon of the Boothbay Region Garden Club. Starting with Kevin Kiley at the piano and Linda Redman's invocation offering thanks "For loving friends, who wind around us like tendrils and hold us, despite our blights ..." (“Garden Meditations,” Rev Max Cootes) the stage was set for a pleasing and comfortable afternoon.

The presentation theme, "Les Fleurs de Paris," inspired the table arrangements provided by members who made good use of early summer blooms and the fresh, colorful and delicious buffet lunch of grilled chicken finished with white pear balsamic, greens and a quinoa and veggie salad, was catered by our own Abbie Shaw, owner and operator of Abbie Boody Shaw Fine Cuisine.

The day's events continued with a presentation by Master Flower Show Judge and BRGC member, Sandra Leonard, who lead us through a brief "histoire" of French floral design beginning with examples from the 18th century "over the top" Baroque and curvaceous Rococo styles and culminating with the more free form expressions typical of the 1950's.

The pièce de résistance of the program, however, was Sandra's nimble creation of three French inspired arrangements demonstrating a Hogarth Curve, a Pavé and a Pots et Fleur. The Hogarth curve originated with 18th Century painter, William Hogarth, and is an s-shaped curve that leads the eye along a path, that in contrast to a straight line, suggests liveliness and activity. Next came the Pavé which is best suited to a low, square shaped container that can be divided into quarters, each compactly filled with complimentary or contrasting colors and textures to make a pleasing pattern. The flowers will be short stemmed and of the same height giving this dense arrangement high design impact. Finally, a large basket containing potted plants of varying color and texture formed the basis for a Pots et Fleur which, by definition is an arrangement of growing plants enhanced by the addition of cut flowers or other plant material such as branches, contrasting leaves or other interesting foliage.

Bravo to all who participated in providing a lovely event marking the last meeting of the BRGC's 85th year. The upcoming meeting in July will be a celebration and retrospective of those 85 years. Members and guests mark your calendars now for what promises to be a wonderful trip down memory lane. This meeting would be a superb introduction to anyone thinking of joining the Boothbay Region Garden Club. If you would like more information on becoming a member, contact Sandra Abernathy at sandra0718@gmail.com or Alice Schambra at birchez@aol.com.