“The air is like a butterfly

With frail blue wings.

The happy earth looks at the sky

And sings.”

~ Joyce Kilmer, Spring 

Welcome to May Saluda News and Notations!

April showers bring May flowers, tis said … and spring rain last weekend drummed steadily on Saluda roofs: drip, drip, drip off my metal porch roof — splashing down to the watering can, the garden’s fish pond overflowing under the lush green Japanese maple. Hardy souls made it out for the open studio Art Trek weekend; umbrellas and waterproof boots helped. The first hummingbird appeared as if by magic at my front porch, looking for nectar: so I hustled to the kitchen to fix up some lunch for my little hungry visitor. Next thing I know, the ticks will be knocking at the door as well. Why can’t we just shut those varmints out for good? Like the kudzu bugs, slugs and other pests, they don’t get a lunch invitation or a warm welcome around this place. (Unless you consider putting out a saucer of beer for slugs to enjoy as they slither to their demise.)

Our delightful Saluda Tailgate Market starts on May 3 4:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street. Offerings throughout the growing season include fresh vegetables, meat, fruit, honey, baked items, plants and much more. Learn more at saludatailgate.com or contact Shelley DeKay at 828-606-5713.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, dinner will be served from 5:30 -7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda School notes: Box-top collection containers are located in the Saluda Public Library, Saluda Post Office and Saluda Elementary School Office.

50th Annual Coon Dog Day (July 6) notes: Registration is now up and running for the Coon Dog Day 5K race. Also, if you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to help sponsor Coon Dog Day, checks can be mailed to Saluda City Hall, P.O. Box 248, Saluda, NC 28773 marked as a contribution to Coon Dog Day.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) will next meet on May 15 at 5 p.m. at the Pavilion at McCreery Park; the next meeting is May 15 at the pavilion. SCLT phone is 828-749-1560; (website is saludaclt.org).  If you haven’t renewed your membership by now, please send it in: only $25 a year, and funds support worthy projects.