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Daffy-Jills Garden Club grows its own Christmas ornaments

Every year, early on a December morning, a band of volunteers from the Daffy-Jills Garden Club arrives at the Polk County Public Library to work some Christmas magic. By noon, the library is transformed:  two trees sparkle with lights and ornaments, garlands grace the upstairs railings and the Christmas season officially begins. 

This year, it looks a little different. The main tree near the circulation desk has been decorated entirely with flowers grown and dried by members of the club. There are bright-colored zinnias, bunches of delicate statice, purple mistflower (wild ageratum), strawflowers and goldenrod. Brilliant orange French Marigolds and vibrant red Celosia (Cockscomb) provide depth and contrast, and bunches of red, purple, pink and white Gomphrena are tucked in wherever there’s room. Yellow Black-eyed Susan’s and three types of Hydrangea provide the crowning touches.

Garden club member Mary Lance came up with the inspiration for the endeavor and planted many of the flowers. Other members helped to harvest the bounty and they all foraged for wildflowers to complete the mix. Mary’s garage became headquarters for stripping the flowers of their leaves and preparing them for drying. Some were tied in bunches and hung upside down in dry, dark, well-ventilated areas. Others were carefully submerged in kitty litter (the non-clumping clay variety). 

It took a lot of effort, said co-presidents Nancy Easley and Claudia Law, but they had so much fun working on it together that it never felt like work.

The Daffy-Jills Garden Club always welcomes new members who look forward to learning and sharing new information and working together for the community benefit. Expertise is not required.

For more information, call Claudia Law at 910-409-5712 or Nancy Easley at 704-339-7673.   

Submitted by Nancy Hiley

Clockwise from front left: Nancy Easley, Claudia Law, Mary Lance, Nancy Hiley and Kristina Provines.