Magnolia Garden Club’s June meeting was held at Foster’s Trail and Alpaca Farm in Cleveland, hosted by owners Peter and Susan Goodwin.
The members enjoyed many beautiful flowers on their tour of the Goodwin farm, known as Foster Trail. The raised beds in the vegetable garden were filled with a variety of vegetables, along with blueberries, strawberries and an apple tree.
The fertilizer used in the garden is from the alpacas. Peter explained how he spreads manure pellets on the beds in the fall and turns the soil in the spring. The fertilizer from alpacas contains no weeds, unlike other animal fertilizer. It can be made into a liquid tea for fertilizer or mixed with any compost mixture. The fertilizer can be purchased in different forms and amounts from the Goodwins.
Foster Trail has 37 alpacas at present including one baby. Alpacas are raised for their soft fleece. The fleece on the alpacas range in color from almost white to dark brown. The animals are sheared once a year and the fleece is made into yarn which is used to make many different items.
There is an alpaca store on the property where Susan Goodwin has a variety of things such as jackets and scarves made form alpaca fleece. Garden club members enjoyed looking and shopping for several things.
The flower show, “Patterns in Time,” was held at the Museum Center at Five Points June 19 and June 20. Magnolia Garden Club members entered 155 horticulture specimens and received 75 first-place awards.
In the design class, Taylor and Nancy Frey received first-place ribbons. Lawson and Lisa Stanbery received second-place ribbons. Annette Stanbery and Yates placed third for their designs. Erma Brewer placed third for an educational exhibit about bluebirds.
Others attending the meeting wer Patsy Bettis, Bess Neil and Judy Jordan. Guests were Seila webb and Brenda Nakdiman.
The devotion was given by Linda Cross. The secretary’s report was made by Elsie Yates and the treasurer’s report was given by Sue Taylor. Fredricka Lawson conducted the meeting. A report of the activities for National Garden Week was given.
