Quail Valley Garden Club

2014 Arbor Day Dedication

The Quail Valley Garden Club dedicated 4 trees March 13, 2014, in MacNaughton Park. Pictured in front of a newly planted but not budded-out imposing Mexican Sycamore, members and guests pose with Missouri City's own Paul Wiersbicki.

Arbor Day Chair Jerre Anne Wagner (gesturing and standing mid-picture) talks about the Missouri City tree matching program generously funded by the Nichols family. We were able to add 4 trees to MacNaughton Park because of their matching grant.

 

 

 

An Asian Siverbell was one of 4 species that make the park trail a more pleasant experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Oak is one of Paul's favorite trees. While it does well, it has not been a commonly used species of tree in our area.

 

 

 

The event was also a time for fellowship and enjoying the park.

Former QVGC President Marilyn Ellis and new member Jane Thompson.

 An Ironwood tree was the final tree dedicated. It was so nice to enjoy the vista in the park of Redbuds in the distance in full bloom and trees of various heights, colors and shapes.

The Nichols matching tree grant applies to various Missouri City Parks . . . It is making Missouri City more beautiful as well as the parks more enjoyable for years to come. Started in 2012, the family has renewed the program in 2013 and 2014. Below from the City's website . . . here's all you need to know!

Missouri City Tree Challenge
The Nichols Family of Quail Valley, has generously offered to match their neighbor’s tree donations, for up to 50 trees at Missouri City Parks. Starting in the Fall of 2012, trees will be planted at five city parks. Trees will average 6’-12’ tall at the time of planting. The City Forester will select the appropriate species and location for each tree sponsored. For more information and to participate in the tree challenge, please download a Missouri City Tree Challenge Application.

If you are interested in making a donation or getting involved with future forestry events, please email [email protected].

 

New Yard of the Month Sign

Many of us can't remember Quail Valley without a Yard of the Month . . . but it was time to "refresh" our sign as our recipients "refresh" and maintain their gardens. Chair Nancy Lindsay, President Barbara Thompson of Quail Valley Garden Club, and Barbara's handy spouse, Pete Thompson, along with the help of a local artist to paint the woodwork . . . inaugurate a new sign . . .

Barbara Thompson, Pete Thompson inaugurate our new sign at our March 2014 Yard of the Month.

Marie French of 2818 Carnoustie
is inaugural recipient of the new sign, which will move month to month.

To see all Yard of the Month since 2008, press here.

 

Giving is part of the holidays

The Quail Valley Garden Club has been supplying toys for kids and linens and towels for the Fort Bend Women's Shelter each holiday season. Pictured are members with some of the toys donated by members at the December 12, 2013 holiday party.
Andrea Needham, Lynn Ellis, Rose Ann Acosta, Penny Johnson, Nancy Lindsay, Barbara Thompson, Jackie Walker and Joan Fox show a few of the toys that went to the Missouri City Police and Fire Department. The entire table was stacked with toys as well as the bedding and towels for the Fort Bend Women's Shelter. Members delivered the items after the meeting.

Work Continues at City Centre

In November 2013 Quail Valley Garden Club started Phase 2 of landscaping the parking lot at City Centre at Quail Valley including funding and expertise from its various fund-raising activities.  Chair Mary Chan, Barbara Thompson, and Nancy Lindsay provided design plans, and worked with City Centre to begin execution. The hard winter for Houston slowed progress that had taken on momentum in early December.

The following pictures were made in November and December.

Mary Chan with landscape workers.

Existing Yaupon Hollies had never been shaped. Barbara Thompson prunes female Yaupon Hollies with their beautiful fall and winter berries to grow more like trees and not require so much maintenance.

Nancy Lindsay admires red drift roses. More color and texture is being added in addition to Savannan Holly trees, large rocks and more varied plantings.

Numerous comments by the public using the parking lot have been positive and supportive.

While some of the perrenials were starting to recover from early hard freezes, the most recent weather may slow growth again; however, work continues to landscape more of the area. The Quail Valley Garden Club added more funding to the project and as funds are raised intends to continue with more plants and to start working around the building.

City Centre at Quail Valley is a multi-purpose municipal project that not only houses the popular golfing operation, but also provides meeting rooms for various sized events up to 300 participants and dining and catering facilities through the Bluebonnet Grille.

 

 

What's a Paint Party? Snowfest 2013

First a paint party is messy, fun and full of creativity . . . and a little therapy too! Pat Jones, Barbara Thompson, Mary Chan and Jackie Walker enjoy the party in the photo above along with Nancy Lindsay, Ruth Ellis, and Gretchen Cockerill in the picture below. You can't see all the people in the garage or spread all over.

Held at Marilyn Ellis' famous party garage . . . where we've been crafty, this paint party was to get our float ready for Missouri City's Snowfest Parade.

 

 

And it's a lot of fun work, fellowship and getting to know others on a different level.

 

The outcome is this little jewel of a Gingerbread House all ready for us to decorate the float for the next day parade . . .
which was canceled due to cold, wind and rainy forecasts.
Rain didn't come, but it the forecast did rain on our parade anyway.

And friendships are formed and cemented!
Judy Belt, procured the trailor and driving team for the parade, Rose Ann Acosta was one of 20+ volunteers, and Marilyn Ellis was the creative and driving force behind that design and ensuring the party was work ready.
Besides cutting out all kinds of candies and cookies of styrofoam, Marilyn also procured most of the materials dumpster diving! Hours of work, thanks!

Little Jewel Box we hope you can survive being stored so that we can share you with the community at the Missouri City 2014 Snowfest Parade!