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"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless and hot. It is curiously silent too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color." ~ Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting The general meeting is held in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, on the second Wednesday of the month. The August meeting is Aug. 14, at 10 am. The theme is "Care of the Gift Orchid" with guest speakers Steven Trammell and Ron Lang. Steven is a member of the San Bernardino Orchid Society and was elected 2nd Vice President and Treasurer. Ron is currently a judge in the National Garden Club Flower Show, a member of the Riverside/San Bernardino Counties Orchid Societies, a member of the American Orchid society, and a hobbyist orchid grower. Meanwhile back in the garden: August can be a challenging time for both the gardener and the plants. Nonetheless it is also a time to evaluate your garden, both the successes and the failures, and decide what you may want to change for next year's garden. And now is the time to order your spring flowering bulbs. Remember that some of your plants are great for drying, such as hydrangeas, lavender, baby's breath and ornamental grasses. You will want to harvest them when they are dry in the morning, but before noon when the temperatures get to hot. Once you cut the stems, strip all the leaves and remove any damaged parts of the flower. Store them in a dry, dark, warm place, preferably one with good air circulation. Depending on the type of flower, it may take two to three weeks before they are completely dry. You can also hang them upside down to dry, or in a vase without water. You don't have to be a gardener to join! Come and visit anytime and see what we are all about. For membership contact Sherry Case at (951) 533-3584 or Linda Powers at (951) 769-3101. For general information contact President, Pam Mikkelsen at (951) 797- 3080. Please support the Garden Club by purchasing See's Candy gift certificates from Maureen Keeney at (951) 797- 0011 or Janie Haughn at (909) 556-0577. Happy gardening. 42 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2019 | Garden Club Handyman Services Call Today! Bill Blakeslee Sun Lakes Resident Faucets • Toilets • Garbage Disposals Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance Ceiling Fans • Lighting • Smoke Detectors All Household Repairs… Just Ask! (951) 524-3733 32 YEARS EXPERIENCE