Flower Arranging with Cape Fear Garden Club

FLOWER ARRANGING COMMITTEE is a department of  Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. according to Article XI, Section 3 of the 2016 Amended By-Laws. The Flower Arranging Department shall educate, train and encourage flower arranging workshops, presentation and judging based on the rules of the district, state, and national garden clubs. Plus, shall recommend and assist in a Standard Flower Show at least once every five years in compliance with the rules of the Garden Club of North Carolina. The Flower Arranging Chair shall encourage study, display, and arrangement of floral materials. His/her committee shall decorate for the Christmas Tea and the May Luncheon. In addition, the Chair shall serve on the Program Committee which is a Standing Committee according to Article XII, Section 1. The Program Committee shall provide programs for the monthly general meetings. Flower Arranging Committee members will provide flower arrangements for the refreshment table at all general meetings. Moreover, Ribbon Cutting Decoration Coordination for the Azalea Garden Tour is led by the Chair of the Flower Arranging Committee and her committee members.

Tools of the Trade

Putting together a basket of necessary equipment, you will need the following: Scissors, clippers, long bread type knife, short paring knife, thin paddle of green floral wire, needlepoint holder or frog, waterproof floral clay, wet type floral foam or trade name Oasis, chicken wire, floral water tubes, wooden picks, toothpicks, skewers, 12 inch length of green floral wire, green and clear floral tape, U shaped floral pins, fishing line, wire cutters, ice pick, straight pins, short ruler, rocks, marbles, clear cellophane, candle lighter, straws box cutter, thorn and stem stripper, Oasis floral glue, hammer, McCormick Alum Powder.

Line Designs

The shape of your flora design, a visual path which your eye follows:

Flower Conditioning

Protecting the life of cut flowers. Using a product like Floralife, a powder, will prevent bacterial growth, keep flowers from opening too fast, and delay fading. To lower the pH add 3 heaping teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to each quart of water.

Store bought flowers: Cut stem diagonally, 1 inch from the bottom, and place in tepid water with Floralife until ready for arrangement.

To check escape of milky juices, burn stem for 15 seconds, or put in boiling water for 3 minutes, being careful to protect foliage and flower heads from steam and heat of flame. This is used for poinsettias and hydrangeas, condition in cald water overnight.

Cut flowers from your garden very late in the afternoon and condition overnight or very early in the morning. Proper handling of some popular flowers, cut from your garden, used in arrangements, are listed below:

Azalea: Cut when bloom is ¾ open, split or crush stems, tepid water, keep bloom and foliage misted.
Camellia: Cut when blooms are just beginning to open, split stem, handle carefully, blooms tend to shatter easily, tepid water.
Chrysanthemum: Break stem ends, split large stem ends, tepid water.
Forsythia: Strip bottom 1 inch of bark with knife, split stem ends, tepid water.
Gerbera: Sear stem ends, wrap stem in wax paper to keep stem straight, stretch chicken wire over bucket and insert stem with head of flower resting on wire in tepid water with preservative containing sugar.
Gladiolas: Cut when 3-4 buds are open, split stem ends, tepid water.
Hydrangea: Split stems, sear, deep tepid water to which 2 tablespoons of vinegar has been added for each quart of water. If heads are wilted, submerge in cold water until crisp, mist with fine spray to keep fresh. Informational web site: www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/cut_dont_wilt.html
Lily: Split stem ends, remove foliage under water line, remove anthers to prevent pollen strain, tepid water.
Rose: Cut when second petal unfurls, split stem. Open a tightly closed rose by gently blowing on it, remove any foliage that will remain under water.
Tulips: Cut when in bud to half open. Wrap stems in newspaper, open at both ends. Secure with rubber bands. Place in deep water containing 1 tablespoon gin per quart overnight and keep in dark. Copper pennies placed in water seem to prevent flopping. Tulips always turn heads toward light after being cut.

Resources: Locations to buy live flowers as well as mechanics:
Cut live flowers: Harris Teeter, Costco, Sam’s, Walmart, Fresh Market, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Lowes Foods, Fifty-Flowers (online).
Cut live flowers wholesale: Castle Hayne Farms, Castle Hayne Rd, North of GE and Spay and Neuter Clinic on left, 910-675-5763, ask for Wendell.
Dried Flowers:
Hammelmans, wholesale floral. 14477 Dominic Rd, NE, Mt. Angel, OR, 97362, 800-884-4730
Cramers Inc. 694 Kraybill Church Rd., Mt. Joy, PA 17552, 717-492-4952
Mechanics: Old Time Pottery, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Pottery Plus, AC Moore, www.wholsaleflowersandsupplies.com, Wildflower Seed and Tool Co., www.budable.com, www.save-on-crafts.com

Preparing Containers: Clean containers and needlepoints with hot sudsy water to which a little ammonia has been added. If using Oasis, soak it in fresh water with Floralife added. Make sure it is completely saturated. If you do not have Floralife, sugar or lemon soda can be used.

Carolyn Augustine - A Gardening Mother

Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine: 2016 Garden Club North Carolina Maslin Award Recipient

In April at the recent Garden Club North Carolina Annual Convention in Durham, North Carolina, Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine was presented with the Maslin Award which is given in memory of the first President of Garden Club North Carolina and is the highest state award given by the Garden Club North Carolina. The Maslin Award is only given to a member who has contributed the most over a period of years to further the aims and projects of Garden Club North Carolina. This honor was announced locally in May during the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. Luncheon, “Celebrating Our Successes and Honoring Our Members,” which was held at Wrightsville Beach.

During a recent Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. interview and podcast, it was discovered that Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine epitomizes the spirit of the Maslin Award. Carolyn has quietly over the years led by example both locally and at the state level. As a leader and expert on parliamentary procedures, Mrs. Augustine believes a leader needs to demonstrate neutrality, delegate fairly, and listen intently. Carolyn is a role model as she leads by deeds and encourages others to be their best. Carolyn's local deeds include helping with the early development of the New Hanover County Arboretum and the construction of the Arboretum gatehouse which still stands today. As expected, Carolyn's best piece of advice is to always read the By-laws!

In 2015, the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc.- Beautification Endowment Committee honored Helen “Carolyn” Bishop Augustine at the October “Moonlight in the Garden Gala.” The following was written about Carolyn's life:

Helen Carolyn Bishop Augustine was born September 25, 1927, in Swain County, North Carolina, (near Bryson City). Carolyn lived there until age fourteen when the family moved to Bryson City and then on to Asheville the next year. Carolyn will tell you she grew up in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and developed an interest for all things flora and fauna at the knee of her mother. She said, “Mother taught us to look at everything that grew – flowers and animals. She had great enthusiasm for all things living…” This love of the outdoor prevails to this day.

At age 16 Carolyn started college, proceeding to go to four colleges in five years. All great colleges: Meredith College, Emory University, UNC Ashville, and UNC Chapel Hill. She graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation and Carolyn’s first job was the Director of Recreation located at Miller Park for the City of Winston Salem. While in Winston Salem Carolyn directed tennis, baseball, crafts and dances, with activities at the park going from 8:00am to 10:00pm. While a student at Carolina, Carolyn was involved in many, many activities with swimming being the one most mentioned. Her happiest memory of being at UNC was meeting the handsome football player, Joe Augustine.

Carolyn did marry that handsome football player, Joseph Augustine who now is a Business Broker and is retired from Director of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Carolyn and Joe had two children: a son and daughter. Sadly their daughter died in a car accident at age 18. Their son is now a retired Marine and working for the government. He designed the Assault Breacher Vehicle used to destroy landmines. Defined on Wikipedia as: “These tracked combat vehicles were especially designed to clear pathways for troops and other vehicles through minefields and along roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices.” He is also a team leader at Quantico.

Carolyn and Joe also have one Granddaughter and three Step-grandchildren. As with all grandparents, They delight in them.

During the years, Carolyn’s hobbies have been gardening, needlepoint, and travel. While Joe was with the Chamber of Commerce they were able to take many exciting trips and on one Carolyn had the great pleasure of meeting then Governor Ronald Reagan and his beautiful blue eyes. Quite a memory.

In 1978 the Augustines moved from Chapel Hill to Wilmington and Carolyn began working for Miller Building. Even then new friends were asking Carolyn to join the Cape Fear Garden Club. Not until she retired from Miller Building in 1992 did she response to that invite. Ida Newton sponsored Carolyn into the garden club where she has served on almost all of the committees: Azalea Garden Tour Chair, Hospitality Chair, Grant Disbursement Chair, Membership Chair, Flower Arrangement, Azalea Belle, Parliamentarian, Nomination Committee, Yearbook and Budget. She also served as President and Vice President of CFGC and Garden Club of North Carolina Parliamentarian for the last five years and as the Club Parliamentarian for the Cape Fear Garden Club for the past eight years.

In other organizations, she is a past president of N.C. Sorosis, past president of a PEO chapter and on the Advisory Board of UNCW School of Nursing.

The Unsinkable Mommie-preneur

Like Margaret Tobin Brown, known as the fictional character Molly Brown, who helped save lives during the sinking of the Titanic, Cynthia Golonka displays that same kind of unstoppable spirit. Cyndi has survived business setbacks, artistic challenges, and unexplained health issues. She has worn many hats—commercial artist with her own ad agency, teacher and philanthropist, art gallery owner and entrepreneur, potter and sculptor, mother, grandmother, and health advocate.

Locally, Cynthia Golonka and her husband, Michael Golonka, are art gallery entrepreneurs who built the Racine Center for the Arts on Racine Drive. Their vision was to have a gallery, art studios, cafe, and showcases for local artists.

Internationally, Cyndi is an award-winning potter and clay artist. She has received recognition from the Chinese government at the International Museum in China for her clay sculptures. She has studied and traveled extensively in China.

Presently, Cyndi is focused on her health. At the age of 55, Cyndi was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease. After suffering for years with mysterious symptoms and health problems, she has found some answers. Her struggles over the years with her health issues are even greater testimonials to her indomitable, unstoppable, unsinkable spirit and view of life.

Pictorial transformation of The Gallery at Racine to The Gallery of Fine Art:

Butterfly Resources for a Classroom Presentation

A great introduction is to show the children a short video about the NC State Butterfly, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The video can be seen on the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc. website at www.capefeargardenclu.org.

Breaking the children into small groups of only 4-5 students works well. To accomplish all the activities, it is essential to have at least 4 adult volunteers in addition to the classroom teacher. Allow approximately 10 minutes or less for each activity.

The first station will be a planting station. The adult leader will introduce the idea of attracting butterflies to a garden with certain plants (read a simple explanation or show a poster). For example, Monarch butterflies are attracted to milkweed. Present the children with milkweed seeds to be sprouted for later planting. Use egg cartons filled with potting soil or buy professional sprouting kits like the Jiffy Greenhouse brand found at Walmart. Have wipes available for the children when they finish “planting” their seeds.

The second station involves the presentation of two picture books by Lois Ehlert, WAITING FOR WINGS and TEN LITTLE CATERPILLARS. The leader can also introduce two teaching puppets which can be manipulated by the children. The cloth puppets are called METAMORPHOSIS by Crocodile Creek. The puppets turn inside out to create the caterpillar stage and the butterfly stage of metamorphosis (change of form).

The third station will be a demonstration station showing “how butterflies eat!” Using reference information from WEEKLY READER (May/June 2011), ask the students “how they could drink like a butterfly?” Explain and demonstrate that butterflies have a proboscis. Never shy away from using the “big” words with the children. Talk about the sucking organ of the butterfly. Using paper straws, roll up a straw to illustrate how the butterfly controls the proboscis until it is ready to put the mouthpart in a flower to suck the nectar. Also, talk about how nectar is a sticky food and when the butterfly drinks the nectar, it is like sucking pudding through a straw.

The fourth station is a butterfly specimen station. Present a 3-D “Build -A-Bug” model for the students to examine. Read a small Scholastic booklet entitled CATTERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY by Melvin and Gilda Berger. Talk to the children about preserving butterflies and present a real butterfly specimen. Distribute magnifying glasses or use a magnifying container so that the butterfly specimen can be seen easily. 

Make enough paper butterfly finger puppets in order to send each child home with a drinking straw decorated with a butterfly. As the children sip a drink at home, they will be reminded of the butterfly drinking nectar from a flower through the proboscis.

Homeschooling Mom

Meet Kathy Toby, homeschooler, licensed massage therapist, aromatherapy consultant, mommie-preneur, stage mom, and chicken farmer. Listen as Kathy enjoys a description of family management as a “momager” as featured in the February 24, 2016 cartoon, THE BORN LOSER. Kathy's role as a “momager” includes daily homeschooling lessons to prepare, an in-home massage business to run, a brood of chickens to care for, and lots of afternoon rehearsals to drive to. In addition, Kathy shares how she suffered for 15 years with a misdiagnosed tick-borne illness. Fortunately, she received a correct diagnose and treatment about a year ago. 

Power of Fraternity for Philanthropy

Today, I am conversing with Michele Dawn Lefler. Michele and I are sorority sisters. We are not close in age, we did not attend the same schools, nor do we live near each other. 

Our connection is fraternal. Our common bond is Alpha Phi. We share an appreciation for and an interest in each other because of our sorority connection. I am aware of Michele and her life here in the Cape Fear area because of the network formed by Alpha Phi.

While in college, we were both exposed to the same philanthropic efforts of our fraternity. Heart health has been a long standing campaign for Alpha Phi. My personal experiences with Alpha Phi date back to the early and mid-sixties, whereas, Michele's experiences all have occurred over the last 16 or so years.

Listen as Michele shares her story which powers her desire and drive to support the local Alpha Phi chapter at UNC-W. Heart health for women and the Red Dress campaign are as important today to the young Alpha Phi collegians at UNC-W as the lollipop sales were to the Alpha Phi collegians back in the late seventies at LSU-Shreveport.

Solving the Puzzle by Thinking Outside of the Box!

Meet Carla Mizrahi, M.S.Ed., LCSWA, BCBA. Listen as we hear how Carla has taken her experience and training to provide services around Camp Lejeune to military families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Carla is the clinical Director of Spectrum Learning Solutions in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Go to www.spectrumlearningnc.com to learn more.

Also, discover Carla's approach to the demands of family life as a single parent of two children and the demands of being self-employed. Carla has found how to balance her passion for helping others with her desire to be a hands-on parent.