The Cultura Garden Club is anxious to get started on our projects for a new year.

The last meeting for club members to meet was March 10, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our affiliates – The Garden Club of Alabama’s Annual Convention at Perdido Beach Resort and the National Garden Club Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – were canceled.

COVID-19 prevented our members from attending meetings and conventions, but it did not completely keep us from holding our annual spring flower fundraiser in May. It was very successful, and the proceeds were used to beautify downtown. We appreciate everyone’s support.

Maintaining social distancing, members cleaned the pots and planted new flowers downtown. New hanging baskets and flowers were purchased. We appreciate the Russellville Street Department for their assistance in helping to keep the plants watered throughout the hot summer.

Another project Cultura Garden Club did this summer was to purchase four large pots and boxwood plants for Russellville West Elementary. This project gave a new welcome to the students and teachers for the new school year. Thanks to Principal Deanna Holliman and Monica Moon, assistant principal, for their support.

Beginning this week, Cultura’s fall fundraiser kicked off. Garden Club members have started taking orders for the McGee Farm Mums. The five colors are white, bronze, purple, red and yellow, planted in large two-gallon pots. They are beautiful and will add to the autumn season on your porch or harvest arrangement, as well as make great gifts.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to beautify our community and downtown.

An application was submitted for the Franklin County Community Development Commission Grant. Over the summer the Cultura president was notified that the Garden Club had received a $2,000 grant, which will be used for the community and downtown.

Even though COVID-19 is still a matter with which we all have to deal, meetings and other projects are planned. Safety is a main concern, and as the year goes on, other options and changes might have to be made as necessary.

Club Chronicles is written by Susie Hovater Malone.