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“Next time you see a yard full of sprouting dandelions, note that they look remarkably like things we call “flowers.” And later, when the flowers turn into fluff balls, look closely at one of those fluff balls and ask yourself whether it’s really so unattractive.” ~ Robert Wright

Last evening, gentle April breezes whispered, leaves fluttered, and spring danced among lavender wildflowers in her soft-cotton skirts — beckoning. So, I poured myself a glass of crisp white French vino and headed back outside to visit the garden instead of watching the news. Dear Reader, if anything could do the soul much more good than that, I’d have to think on it. 

While moseying here and there, I admired magical buttons of sunshine-yellow dandelion smiles spreading over spring’s tender green carpet; better to leave those for the bees rather than poisoning them all.  

However, discovering a healthy crop of fat hungry aphids feasting as if there’s no tomorrow on Lenten rose clusters, I reached down and dispatched a handful, no spray needed (getting meaner in my old age!). 

After all, the pests are as ready for spring as the rest of us: the battle has begun. That includes pollen hangovers—ach-CHOO!!! 

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Saluda Winter Market is at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m – 1 p.m. through April. 

 

The Historic Saluda Committee meets April 14 at 2 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room of Saluda Library; the public is invited. 

 

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) will have a wildflower walk on April 16. Walkers will enjoy early wildflowers on a privately-owned trail down to the Pacolet River. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m. to carpool. For information, visit saludaclt.org or call Terri Arrington at 828-749-1560. (Mark your calendar for SCLT’s annual meeting on May 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Saluda Center.)

 

The Saluda Historic Depot and Museum is open. Saluda Train Tales resumes on April 21, 7 p.m., with Saluda native James Metcalf presenting the story of early Saluda, going back in time before Saluda became chartered in 1881. To arrange for a tour for groups and organizations, contact Mike Reeves at 828-674-9598 or email Nita High at nitahigh@rsnet.org.

 

Potluck/bingo night at Saluda Center is April 24, 6 p.m. The main entree is supplied; just bring a side dish or dessert to share. Saluda Community Table’s next dinner is April 26, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Saluda Fire Department. The meal is free, donations appreciated. Bring your own tableware and go green! 

 

SCLT will have a clean-up workday at the Saluda Dog Park on Chestnut Street on April 29 at 9:30 a.m. Soon there’ll be updated landscaping with native plants/pollinators, new turf, kudzu removal, renewal of the brick path and more — thanks to Polk County Community Foundation, Polk County Beautification Committee, and the City of Saluda. 

 

Saluda Visitor Center at 20 W. Main Street is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

 

The 18th Saluda Arts Festival is May 20 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to sign up for shifts. If interested, contact Linda Bailey at boblindabailey@hotmail.com. If you’d like to be a festival sponsor, visit saluda.com (events) for information or contact Beth Carson at bethcarson151@gmail.com. 

 

Happy April Birthday to: Melody Gibson, Dave Prudhomme, Kaye Vazquez, Cindy Keeter, Hope Pace, Diane Pace, Greaton Sellers, Clay Arrington, Bonnie Bardos, Luther Connor, Gary Pace, Doug Honeycutt, Julie Roy, Taylor Thompson, Loretta Cook, Hilda Pace, Elizabeth Taylor, Laura Morgan, Roberta Cart, Joan Beddingfield, Anne Lee, and Mabel Pace. 

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook, or visit bonniebardos.com.