CCMG minutes for September, 2024
There was no formal meeting for Carroll County Master Gardeners this month. So in lieu of this, we toured two different locations on two different dates.
On September 14:
Four members (Jennifer Boardman, Mary Burks, Jerry Hembd, Regina Hooten) toured the Blue Spring located just West of Eureka Springs. It was a delightful experience which began with watching a short movie telling about how the Spring got it’s name and showing divers exploring the depths of the Spring. Many of the well-groomed flowers were already past prime, however, the Impatiens planted within the short wall surrounding the spring, were amazingly beautiful! As we walked the remainder of the grounds, we watched as some of the beds were being groomed by caretakers. They proceeded to explain how and what they were doing in each bed, which gave us more reason to want to re-visit again in the Springtime. The Lagoon is well stocked with Rainbow Trout as well as some very unique Golden Trout! From a gazebo perched high above the lagoon, we enjoyed a birds-eye view of the fish and the entire waterway. Our tour took about 2 hours, winding its way through the trees and flower beds and was enjoyed by all who went.
On September 28:
Six members (Jennifer Boardman, Mary Burks, Anita Engert, Regina Hooten, Jennifer Hudspeth, Gayle Wolfinbarger) started our day with lunch at the Emory Melton Inn located within Roaring River State Park. We then visited a very unique spot just off Hwy 112 toward Cassville, Mo; called Pa’s Posey Patch. Owned and cared for by Dennis and Brenda Epperly, each year the grounds are planted in fields of Sunflowers, Cosmos, Dahlias, Gourds, Pumpkins, and Mums. These are then offered for sale (at very low prices) until the supply is exhausted. And, it’s “cut your own bouquet” while the flowers are in bloom. This year was a very dry year so the crops were almost gone by our visit, however, there was still acres of gourds and we all enjoyed meandering through the patch to find that “special” one! There is no charge for these, only by donation. “Pa” Dennis came out to have his picture taken with our little group, telling us to help ourselves as he was about to plow all the remaining gourds under so the field can lay dormant for the winter. There were some pumpkins left over in bins for us to choose from, but all the hundreds of Mums had already sold for this year! The Sunflowers that were still bobbing their heads in the wind, were shorter than some years, but just as beautiful. Several benches and chairs are provided among the fields, for picture settings. Each MG member had a picture taken and another visitor took a group picture of us all together. Next year we will get there early enough to buy a Mum or two! What a fun place to visit!
A special “Thank you” goes out to Jennifer Boardman and Regina Hooten for arranging these field trips.