Come with me into the woods where spring is advancing, as it does, no matter what, not being singular or particular, but one of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.
~ Mary Oliver 

 

This week, I’ve been hauling plants out of the house and basement along with cruising garden centers to drool over spring colors: graceful ferns hang on the front porch, a flowering geranium sings in bright notes, and I know, just know: it’s too early to do this. Spring fever makes a gardener’s heart (and back) do foolish things. I’ll probably be stuffing the hummingbird tree back in the basement soon—not the first time that’s happened!  

One plant that has to stay in a bit longer in the house is a monster-size philodendron that takes up most of the foyer: it must weigh 70 pounds, and has weathered 20 winters in Saluda. It has a powerful determination to survive, that’s for certain. Orchids tend to kick the bucket during winter’s cold clutches, although I sure do love them—one is clinging to life in the terrarium jar, so I hope it’ll hang on since it’s made it this far. Fussy plants don’t make the grade!  

Historic Saluda Committee meets April 12, 2 p.m. at Saluda Library. Mark your calendar to attend the Step Back in History program on May 11, 10:00 a.m. featuring the story of Madame Phoebe Sullivan as told by Maxine Wilkerson. Madame Sullivan was a healer, herb doctor, mystic, prophet, and leader in Saluda’s black community. Saluda Community Land Trust will co-host this event and will discuss their efforts to rebuild Sullivan’s Temple, founded by Madame Sullivan. 

Saluda Garden Club meets April 18, 10 a.m. at Mewdlic’s Tea and Spice shop at 66 E. Main St. in Saluda. Gail Slaughter, owner of Mewdlic’s, will discuss tea varieties and recipes that use tea as a flavor ingredient. This presentation is open to club members and non-members, no reservations needed.  

 

Learn more about Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560. SCLT’s 12th Annual Meeting is May 1, 6 p.m. at Saluda Center. For  information on joining “Walks in the Woods”, contact Chuck Hearon at (828) 817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net; there will not be a walk on Easter Sunday. The May 5 walk will be to Ollie’s Falls along Joel’s Creek. Meet and carpool from Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m.    

 

Saluda’s Historic Depot is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-5:00,  Sunday 12-4. The next Saluda Train Tales will be with Bob Lohne about “One Slippery Mountain, Three Great Railroad Grades” on April 19, 7 p.m. Donations to the Depot can be made by mailing to Saluda Historic Depot, P.O. Box 990, Saluda, NC 28773 or SaludaHistoricDepot.com. 

 

Bright Idea: use old pillowcases for trash collection and hoarding recyclables—you can reuse and wash as necessary: if you have a better idea, let me know—I’m eager to get rid of much one-use plastic as possible. This past week I read something about recycling that sticks in the one brain cell I have left: people can make huge advances when many people try (and care) to do the right thing even if imperfectly at first, than just a few doing it perfect. Once upon a time, I was guilty of taking plastic straws and bags without giving a second thought. Now, I resist taking any plastic I don’t need. When I was given a biodegradable straw at Biltmore Estate, I brought it home to see if it really does compost; it’s made of plant material, so it should! (experimentation is proof-in-the-pudding for us curious sorts) 

 

Happy April Birthday to: Martha Ashley, Melody Gibson, Dave Prudhomme, Kaye Vazquez, Cindy Keeter, Betty Anna Brown, Hope Pace, Diane Pace, Ruth Anderson, Greaton Sellers, Clay Arrington, Bonnie Bardos, Luther Connor, Gary Pace, Doug Honeycutt, Niece Lundgren, Julie Roy, Tommy Williamson, Rhonda Corley, Taylor Staggs, Loretta Cook, and Hilda Pace.  

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 749-1153, or visit bonniebardosart.com