Container gardening was the focus of the February meeting of the Hennessey Farmerettes, hosted in the home of Margie McConnell. Mary Curry presented the lesson, sharing practical tips and creative ideas for growing plants in containers.
Curry demonstrated how placing twigs and branches in the bottom half of a large feed bin can reduce the amount of potting soil needed while also allowing space for proper air flow and drainage. She also showed photos of unique containers that can be repurposed for planting and shared pictures of the impressive five-foot-tall tomato plants grown last year.
Before the meeting began, members assembled fuzzy St. Patrick’s Day craft kits to donate to the Public Library. They also made ladybug Valentine gifts provided by Pansy Wheeler.
President Paula Nicholson presided over the meeting of 11 members. Mary Curry gave the devotional, “God Is Love,” and Cheryl McClelland led the group in reciting the Creed. Roll call was answered by sharing the last plant each member had planted, with responses ranging from the previous week to two years ago.
Margie McConnell read the minutes, and Marge Patocka presented the treasurer’s report. Committee reports included items donated to the Senior Citizens’ Fundraiser by Dot Miller and a Standards of Excellence update from Wheeler.
Members discussed the Billy Melendy 4-H Scholarship and voted to open eligibility to any Hennessey junior or senior 4-H member. Revisions to the county by-laws were also reviewed, and the group voted to keep the original wording allowing each group two designated voting delegates. Nicholson will present this decision at the upcoming Vice Presidents meeting before a final vote at Spring Council. Wheeler also reported on the local and county reports she prepared for state contests.
Kathy Patocka shared concerns about the proposed landfill north of Hennessey and informed members of an upcoming meeting intended to address community questions.
Upcoming dates include the District OHCE Council meeting on March 28 in Seiling and the County Spring Council hosted by the Happy Homemakers in early March. The next Farmerettes meeting will be March 11, with Kathy Patocka leading the lesson. Nicholson volunteered to serve as hostess, as Lily Rourke is currently in poor health.
Refreshments of chocolate-covered strawberries, ice cream, and doughnuts were served to members and guests Jamie Aikenhead, Maxine Helgeson, and Dedee Krueger.
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