What is outdoor upcycling? It’s when you take scrap items and transform them into unique design pieces for your garden and outdoor spaces.

Sherry James presented a program on outdoor upcycling at the Cultura Garden Club’s October meeting. She explained that while recycling is turning waste into new materials, upcycling is giving something a new purpose. Sherry created an informative brochure for each member that gave tips and benefits of upcycling and how to start upcycling projects.

Some suggested upcycling projects included turning old pots, pans, furniture and tableware into planters; using an old ladder as a pergola or trellis; creating glass garden ornaments such as garden chandeliers, wind chimes and outdoor lighting with wine bottles; and making tire swings for children.

For the Institute, Sherry demonstrated a DIY fall decorating project. Each member created a pumpkin using a fall-colored hand towel, a roll of toilet paper, an orange silk sunflower, green ribbon and a piece of wood for the stem.

Serving as co-hostesses were Debra Spillers and Martha Sibley.

The meeting was held at the home of Martha and Don Sibley. Beautiful fall decorations, delicious refreshments and fall candy mix bags were enjoyed.

Members heard a report on the downtown fall decorations. Members were complimented for their work and dedication to the beautification of downtown.

We also discussed plans for the annual Every Light a Prayer for Peace and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event will be held Dec. 1 starting at 4:15 p.m. on the Franklin County Courthouse steps. Entertainment will feature local school choruses; the Prayer for Peace Message; recognition of veterans, active military, front-line workers, first responders and EMS; and the official lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by the Russellville Christmas Parade.

The garden club members made plans to begin working on the Christmas wreaths, garlands and trees to assist the street department with the Christmas decorations downtown.

Members were reminded to support the Book Lovers’ Road to Wellness Breast Cancer Walk scheduled for Oct. 29; the National Arts and Humanities; Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and Fire Prevention Month.