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The Hamblen County Garden Club held its inaugural garden party celebrating the members’ efforts and what they have accomplished thus far.

The party was held at the Club President Betta Alton’s home. As members gathered together, they donned extravagant and colorful hats to follow the party’s theme, ‘Fancy Hats.’

Members discussed the past programs the club has had at its meetings this year.

At its February meeting, Hamblen County UT Extension Agent Mannie Bedwell discussed the challenges of growing in Tennessee’s clay soil.

At its July meeting, club member Jennifer Decker presented the benefits of using homemade organic fertilizers for maximum plant growth, cost effectiveness and soil development.

“The garden party was a great chance for others to get together and just mingle,” Alton said. “It was so great to see how close everyone has gotten since we started the club.

“People had a wonderful time getting outside with their fancy hats. The one thing about gardeners is if you put two gardeners together who don’t know each other and ask them a question about their garden they can talk for hours.”

Alton had a chance to show what changes she made to her garden with the new information she learned from the club.

“I bought this house in 2019 and I talked to everyone about the changes I have made to my garden and how I have improved it. Everyone had a chance to walk through and see the changes in person.”

The party was also paired with a live auction and information for members on how they can continue to improve their garden.

“We had a resource table that had information on how to use sheet mulch for garden beds, info on the Tennessee Smart Yard Program from the University of Tennessee and the TN Seed Swap group.”

The Tennessee Smart Yards is an Extension-led program that guides Tennesseans on practices they can apply in their outdoor spaces to create healthier, more ecologically-sound landscapes and communities.

With the success of the garden party, the club is planning for its holiday party in December.

“This event was such a success that we are excited to bring it back next year, but we are also planning a holiday party for our members,” Alton said.

The Hamblen County Garden Club is a community organization welcoming all levels of gardeners. The group provides a forum to educate, share knowledge and experience and encourage the love of gardening while fostering friendships.

All levels of gardeners are welcome to attend up to 3 consecutive meetings before being asked to join the group.

Those interested can join anytime for $25 or $20 for seniors/students. Memberships help the club support the garden club and keep the community beautiful.

On Saturday September 2 the garden club will host a plant and yard sale at 3505 Call St. in Morristown from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members will sell a variety of species of plants which include: American Elderberry, Columbine, Wooly Lambs Ear, Columbine, Black Eyed Susan, Lavender (Hidcote variety), Shasta Daisy, Ajuga (Bugleweed), Coneflowers, Sedums, Hardy Begonia, Orchid Cactus (Cereus oxypetalum), Dragon Wing Begonia and Bunny Bellies tradescantia.

For more information about the Hamblen County Garden Club, visit its Facebook Group or send an email to hamblencountygardenclub@gmail.com.