One thing about Callery pear trees, at least the ones in front of my house, is that they don't give up their leaves easily. That's why I was raking just before the snow fell last Thursday, and why I'll rake again when and if all that ice melts away. My shoveled sidewalks are covered in the leaves that blew off during the high winds last weekend. Well, it's always something. You'd think there wouldn't be any gardening/yard work to do this time of year.
During December, The Providential Gardener is focusing on other projects, but the new year will see a fresh burst of growth. In January those seed catalogs will start arriving, and we can dream and plan for spring in earnest once the holidays are past.
Meanwhile, I wish you a joyous holiday and a happy new year. Take care of yourself and your pocketbook, find some people to cheer up, step back from the busy rush. And if shopping for Christmas presents is still in your future even though it's December 19th, Save the Bay and the New England Wild Flower Society have some ideas for you. And don't forget the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, which has its Nature Mall and a nature shop at the Education Center in Bristol. Or go shopping with some gift money after Christmas.
There are many fine organizations to join in Rhode Island, and maybe a membership in, say, Southside Community Land Trust or The Rhode Island Rose Society would be just the thing for someone on your list! See the side panel for a list of more than 50 organizations, many of them nonprofits and located in Rhode Island.
SAVE THE BAY's recent email newsletter has these ideas (verbatim):
Spread the joy, make it a season celebrating the Bay
Give the Gift of Membership
Starting as low as $35, you can introduce family and friends to Save The Bay. They'll appreciate this very "green" gift and benefit from discounts on Save The Bay programs, events and merchandise. Buy now online.Make a Personal Donation
There are several ways to give. With the calendar year winding down and April 15, 2008 not far away, this is the perfect time to make a tax-deductible gift. Donate now. You might consider a planned giving donation by becoming a member of the Save The Bay Seagrass Society. Another option is a year-end Gift of Stock.
If you click here, you can review all our giving choices.
Give the new RI Environmental Education License Plate
A portion of the $40 one-time fee for the new plate goes to Save The Bay to support our Explore The Bay education programs. We have gift certificates that make it easy. The happy recipient will think of you and the Bay whenever he or she hits the road. Order now.
Shop Save The Bay
Our online store now features top-quality Save The Bay casual wear, a nifty golf umbrella, Nalgene bottles and a great children's gift, Joel Harper's inspiring kids' book, All the Way to the Ocean. Shop now online. Drop by the Save The Bay Center, where more merchandise is for sale.
And here are some last minute shopping ideas for gardeners and outdoor lovers verbatim from the New England Wild Flower Society:
We thought you might welcome last minute gift giving suggestions for GREEN gifts that support New England Wild Flower Society and our internationally recognized native plant conservation programs.
- Put plant conservation on your gift list. Your contribution is fully tax deductible. Donate now
- Honor your friends and family with a donation in their name - we can share an email notification of your gift in time for the holidays if received by December 21. Honor a special person
- It's not too late for a gift membership to the Society - receive benefits all year. We will send an email gift membership notification in time for Christmas. Click here
- The Society's Museum Store
at Garden in the Woods is open Thursday - Sunday, through December 23.
Your membership earns you double discounts on gifts, books, and toys. Learn more....
- Sign up NOW through February 1st for hand-signed copies of the Society's new book by Bill Cullina, Native Ferns, Moss & Grasses for a post-holiday treat. Click here
All of us at New England Wild Flower Society thank you for your support and wish you and yours a joyful holiday.
| Karen Pierce Director of Membership
Dianne Butt Director of Development
Nicola Cataldo Retail Operations Manager
Gwen Stauffer Executive Director |
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