A beautiful June evening saw the second 2021 in-person meeting of the Sussex County Garden Club. Summer meetings are always held in the gardens of various members, and this year April Fisher was the host to twenty members. Two refreshment tables were set up at the top of the driveway by the gate to the "park," while members brought their chairs down to a sitting area that overlooked the Paulinskill River. People wandered through the various garden rooms on their own for a while, and later April conducted a tour to point out various garden-y things (I missed the tour, but it's always a good idea to walk around with the host, because you can find out why they planted what they did and also hear their perspective on their garden). I enjoyed poking around and taking photos before the light faded, never quite knowing what I would find (although April did provide maps of the various plantings!). I saw a number of places to sit and sip a cup of tea and read a book or just gaze around at nature.
Toward the end of the evening, we almost had a new member when a young black bear started loping down the driveway toward us--no doubt lured by all the delicious desserts provided by April, Fuddy, Cindy, Janet, and Stevie. Everyone began talking excitedly when they spotted him, and the youngling got spooked and took off. Well, this is Sussex County, after all ... land of the bears.
Everyone I talked to had a great time--it was fantastic to see everyone face to face once again--and it was a nearly-perfect evening with no heat or humidity or bugs!
Here is a brief description of April's garden in her own words: "The Fisher garden on the banks of the Paulinskill River is about 1/3 acre that is deer fenced and about 12 years old. Originally begun with the Pergola and surrounding shade and sun perennials, it has grown 'room' 'by 'room' to include a pond with waterfall, another perennial bed, and a series of paths along the river. The property is mostly shaded and includes a wide variety of hostas, hardy geranium, andromeda, sweet shrub, clematis, hydrangea, viburnum, ferns, and other shade perennials. Most recently I added a cutting garden bed of annuals, grown from seed, from which to make floral arrangements for friends and family events."
We hope to see you all in July at Janet Larkin's garden!
For more information about the club, please contact me at
The following photos were taken at the meeting.
