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Kalmia Gardens - The Laurel Branch
December 04, 2024
Welcome to our e-newsletter, "The Laurel Branch."
Happy holidays to all our readers! This edition of the Laurel Branch will inform you of many merry happenings—Happy Holidays from the Board and staff at Kalmia Gardens. Christmas Open House
We would like to invite everyone to the Christmas Open House at the Hart House on December 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. This year's theme will be “A Snap with Santa.” Santa will be seated inside the Hart House surrounded by holiday decorations, the perfect setting for a picture or a “snap.” Be sure to have your camera ready. There will be light refreshments available for our guests to enjoy. The Hart Cottage will also be beautifully decorated and open to the public. Make plans now to enjoy both of these beautiful locations.
Calling All Volunteers: Working for Wildlife Volunteer Day
Friends, volunteers and staff of Carolina Sandhills NWR along with the SC Wildlife Federation will host a workday at the refuge on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Since 1998, the SC Wildlife Federation and the refuge have collaborated on volunteer projects. Plan to join us for a day of learning about refuge wildlife as you help conserve and protect valuable natural resources. Anticipated projects include maintaining trails, installing trail and boundary signs, litter pick-up, and repairing boardwalks and kiosks.
Participants should wear field clothes, comfortable shoes, and bring work gloves, drinks, and a snack. Volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Headquarters Office located 3.5 miles east of McBee on US Highway 1. The workday will conclude at noon. To sign-up for the workday, please visit the SC Wildlife Federation’s web page at https://www.scwf.org/events/2024/carolina-sandhills-nwr-workday. Please let us know if you plan to bring a group so that we can plan appropriate projects for your group.
For more information about the workday, please visit the SC Wildlife Federation’s web page at www.scwf.org, e-mail the refuge at carolinasandhills@fws.gov, or call the refuge office at 843-335-8350.Wreath-making class at Kalmia
We are excited to announce that on December 11, Chris will offer two wreath-making classes at the Joslin Education Center. The morning class starts at 9:30 a.m. and wraps up around 11:30 a.m. If you can't make it to the morning class he will offer an evening class starting at 5:30 p.m. and finishing up around 7:30 p.m. Natural materials and frames will be provided for each participant to make both an evergreen and a grapevine wreath. Express your holiday cheer and your holiday decorating skills while supporting the Gardens. The fee for each class is $50, and preregistration is required. Email Chris at cpierce@coker.edu to register or if you have any questions.
Buy a Brick Campaign
Leave your mark at Kalmia Gardens and honor someone special with a commemorative brick that will be placed on the Conifer Trail for all to enjoy. Take advantage of this unique opportunity for $150. You may order your brick HERE, just write a comment “Brick Campaign,” and the Gardens will contact you will further details.
A Short Poem about Kalmia Gardens
Beneath December’s softened skies,
Kalmia Gardens quietly lies,
A haven wrapped in winter’s glow,
Where peaceful waters gently flow.
The mossy trees in muted green,
Stand watch o’er paths serene, unseen.
Holly berries, crimson bright,
Dot the landscape, sparks of light.
The air is crisp, the world at rest,
Nature's pause, its quiet best.
A tranquil gift the season sends,
Kalmia's charm, where time suspends.
Beautiful Plants of Kalmia Gardens
Alder, Tag (Alnus serrulata)
Azalea, Encore (Rhododendron oldhamii x Rhododendron ‘Karens’)
Beech (Fagus grandiflora)
Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Ginger, heartleaf shaped
Hemlock, Eastern (Tsuga canadensis)
Holly, American (Ilex opaca)
Holly, Burford (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’)
Holly, Yellow (Ilex sp.)
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
Maple, Coral Bark (Acer sp.)
Red Tip (Photinia x fraseri)
Rhododendron (Rhododendron bakeri x viscoxum)
Sage, Pineapple (Salvia rutilans)
Sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Tea olive (Osmanthus fragrans)
Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)EVENTS:
Christmas Open House Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Holiday Wreath-Making Class (registration required), Dec 11, 9:30-11:30 A.M. & 5:30-7:30 P.M.
Annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser, Saturday, March 15, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
See board members or Kalmia staff for advance purchase of oyster tickets!Find Us On Facebook
If you are on Facebook, make sure you “like” Kalmia Gardens. It’s a great way to hear about events, stay updated on what’s happening, and view some nice pictures. We look forward to seeing your “thumbs up.”
Copyright © 2016 Kalmia Gardens of Coker College, All rights reserved.
Laurel Branch
Our mailing address is:
www.kalmiagardens.orgContact:Dan Hill, Director Kalmia Gardens of Coker Universitydhill@coker.edu, (843) 383-8145