RUSK GARDEN CLUB
Program on gourds presented at recent meeting

Outgoing president Joy Mathis presented a program on gourds at the Sept. 26 meeting of the Rusk Garden Club at the First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Mathis displayed several painted gourds that could be used as bird feeders or bird houses. She also had green gourds showing how they look when ready to harvest. Others in the curing stage were shown.

Gourds are planted in the spring in nearly full sun and are harvested in the fall when the stem turns brown. Different shapes can grow on the same vine. Some will be long straight necked gourds that have hung from the vine on a fence and curved crooked neck ones where the gourds sat on the ground.

After the gourd has cured and the seed rattle, sandpaper on a piece of glass can be used to clean and smooth the skin which can then be painted and decorated. A coat or two of polyurethane will help protect the gourd and bring out the color of the acrylic paint on the birdhouse. Mr. Mathis presented each member with a bag of gourd seeds.

Maxine Pierce presided at the business meeting. Donna Mills was welcomed as a new member.

The club discussed landscaping around the caboose at the park on U.S. Highway 69. No decision was taken until it is decided who will be responsible for watering.

Members discussed decoration at the old Baskin Building for the night of the Christmas parade Dec. 4. The club will sponsor a nativity scene display and possibly serve refreshments.

A tour of the Heritage Center of Cherokee County is planned for the Oct. 24 meeting. Dutch treat refreshments will be served at the Daily Grind.

The Christmas party of the Birmingham Nursing Home will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 12.

Mrs. Mathis was presented a silver goblet for her service as president last year.

Mrs. Pierce served as hostess.