Story & Photos by Gail K.
As the colorful leaves fall to the ground, the Monarchs take flight & geese head south; the curtain closes on another year for the Monroe County Horticulture Club.
This is the time when we come together for fellowship and one last educational opportunity.
Calling the meeting to order:
President Marie gives directions to ensure smooth movement through the food line (or should I say dessert line).
Prayer was offered by our speaker Mr. Vince Ste. Marie-owner of Windy Rock Nursery.
Members went down the line filling their plates with samples of all the various food dishes brought.
many went back for seconds
It was a great time for fellowship & catching up with those we hadn’t seen in awhile.
BELOW: along bottom is a piece of that fantastic
PAW PAW ice cream made by Jennie.
**Recipe can be found in the minutes of this mtg.
When everyone had completed their meal we
welcomed to the podium our final speaker for 2022:MR VINCE STE. MARIE of WINDY ROCK NURSERY.
It was apparent right from the start, this was going to be a great presentation.
He handed out detailed plant lists to facilitate note taking;
I quickly noted many of the plants listed will certainly be used to revitalize & repurpose the native shrub row into a
friendlier, native pollinator garden.
Members listened intently as he spoke of using native trees, shrubs & plants- needed by a variety of pollinators at
various times of the year.
some using their phones to take notes or photos from the presentation for future reference
An excellent speaker-he was passionate about the subject matter and was able to do so in a very informal
manner-allowing questions as he went along…that takes talent, earning 5*****
Most of us,seasoned gardeners; still felt we took away at least one new piece of information from the presentation.
Additionally, he brought a variety of books for purchase….Jennie selected a mushroom book; I chose the one below.
He even had a recipe book which used native berries; maybe next time.
As we prepared to leave……snow had begun to fall.
Jennie shared a garden proverb:
a special thank you to Kay for helping with set up & keeping our coffee cups full!!!!!
We so enjoyed Mr. Ste. Marie’s presentation; we have placed him on our speaker and tour list for 2023…
In closing- we still have the other events from 2022 to post; but at this
time, Linda and I want to wish everyone a blessed & safe
Thanksgiving and Christmas season:
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
I sure miss all of you!