Cheers to the New Year! We’re looking forward to enjoying another fun gardening year with our club.
Guest speaker Ian Fenwick of Mush Love introduced us to mushroom growing, their potential health benefits, and the flavor profiles of Blue Oyster (savory and subtle), Lion’s Mane (bold seafood flavor), Shiitake (earthy) and Velvet Pioppino (smoky).
Kim Stautner, a Master Gardener, presented the Plant Study about Malabar Spinach. While true spinach does not grow well in hot weather, Malabar spinach (Basella family) is a tropical plant that loves heat and humidity. Hello Houston! The green leaves resemble spinach and are similar in taste but provide even more nutritional benefits. It is an attractive vine that can also be grown as an ornamental, especially Basella Rubra with burgundy stems and leaves with pink veins. Kim donated several seedlings to the drawing table, and brought seeds for all the attendees!
We enjoyed a fabulous luncheon including stuffed mushrooms by Betty Lahiri, and cream of mushroom soup by Sharon Podolski’s son Jim. Cookie decorator par excellence Bitsey Crismon wowed us with festive holiday cookies. Thanks to this month’s hostesses for the delicious dishes and desserts!
The Brief important reminders:
- Hospice Floral (weather permitting) on Tuesday, January 16 at Sharon’s house. Contact Sherry Copeland.
- Field Trip to Antique Rose Emporium with luncheon at Must Be Heaven in Brenham on Wednesday, January 24. Contact Sharon Podolski.
- Read “The Brief” agenda addition for pertinent information and gardening events in our community.
- Questions and suggestions are welcome to thewoodlandsgardenclub@gmail.com or the board members.
Thanks to our board and committee members for organizing informative programs and fun activities. Your willingness to donate your time and talents contribute greatly to our success and are much appreciated.
Photos by Detlev Simonis, and internet.
The Woodlands Garden Club 