Paul and Carol Schaub presented the program, “Backyard Birdwatching,” at the November Bayou Vista Garden Club meeting. Members learned how to attract birds using native plants, water sources and shelter.
--Submitted Photos
Kim Alcina, left, was presented with a photo of a hibiscus named for her at the November Bayou Vista Garden Club meeting. The hibiscus was created for Alcina’s working in recruiting new club members in 2015-16. Bayou Vista Garden Club President Donna Bucci made the presentation.
Hostesses for the November Bayou Vista Garden Club meeting were Verdie Laws, left and Jeannie Lawrence. They also created the centerpiece design, “Louisiana Cornucopia.”
Schaubs present Bayou Vista Garden Club November program
“Backyard Birdwatching” was the theme of the Bayou Vista Garden Club November meeting. Club Environmental Awareness Committee member Carol Schaub, assisted by her husband Paul Schaub, presented a Power Point program on local bird migration and identification.
The Schaubs are members of the Louisiana Ornithological Society, Terrebonne Bird Club and Crescent Bird Club.
C. Schaub discussed providing a backyard habitat to attract birds which included native plants, a water source and shelter. The focus area for birdwatching outside the backyard was “America’s Wetland Birding Trail, Loop 6 — St. Mary,” which encompasses the Atchafalaya Basin. She identified local areas for optimal bird watching.
Club members were given handouts on Food Producing Native Plants, Birding for Beginners and America’s Wetland and Birding Trail. Several other resources were available. The Schaubs donated several bird feeders as door prizes. The recipients were Annita Blanco, Ann Breaux and Gloria Roy.
Horticulture Chairman Jean Chauvin exhibited the “Mickey Mouse Taro” plant (Xanthosoma Albo-Marginata). The plant, also known as Elephant Ears, has an irregular leaf variegation pattern of green, yellow and cream. A tail forms at the tip of the leaf pocket which holds water like a cup. The growth rate, bloom and leaf color will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors, she said. At maturity, it can reach 4- to 5-foot tall.
President Donna Bucci presented member Kim Alcina with a framed picture of her named hibiscus, “KimmiE’s Jojos.” Paul “Buddy” Short of the Acadiana Hibiscus Society hybridized a hibiscus and named it at Alcina’s request. Alcina earned the privilege by bringing in the most new garden members during the 2015-16 term.
Verdie Laws and Jeannie Lawrence served as hostesses for the meeting. The table centerpiece design, “Louisiana Cornucopia,” was a cornucopia basket filled with local plants and produce — eggplant, sweet potatoes, lemons, okra, creole tomatoes, satsumas, sugar cane, mirliton, corn on the cob, rice and cotton.
The next club meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2017, at the Bayou Vista Community Center. New members are welcome to attend.
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