North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Mary Templeton
Why does the world seem quieter in the winter? It just might be due to the absence of our feathered friends! During this cold time of year, local garden clubs help provide food for the birds that visit their gardens and look forward to warmer weather when the world will again be treated to a beautiful bird concert. While waiting for the arrival of spring, the Yaupon Garden Club, Driftwood Garden Club and Sea Oats Garden Club met together on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to learn more about Coastal Birds: Common Birds of the Marsh and Beach.
Phillis Newman, Yaupon Garden Club President, welcomed the members of all three clubs and also recognized YGC member Margaret Graham, the SCGC Webmaster, and YGC member Graceann Phillips, the SCGC District Director of 20 garden clubs. Also present for this occasion at the CB Berry Center in Little River were three members of the Horry County Vereens Garden Board: Carol Green, Carol Patterson and Dick Patterson.
Lynne Payne, Yaupon Garden Club Chaplain, provided the inspirational message prior to the luncheon. Hostesses for the occasion were Karen Melatti, Joy Murray, Phillis Newman, Lynne Payne, Jolene Puffer and Belinda Roy. Desserts were provided by the Driftwood Garden Club. Everyone enjoyed the light lunch provided.
President Newman recognized Yaupon Garden Club member Joy Murray who introduced the speaker, Kathy Woolsey, a member of the Camellia Garden Club of greater Charleston. Mrs. Woolsey’s vast knowledge has been developed through her involvement in the following: Commissioner for the Charleston, SC Soil and Water District, Garden Nature Writer, Audubon Society, Azalea Society, James Island Tree Advisory Council, Lowcountry Rose Society and flower show judge. She provided an informative program on Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns, Waders, Herons and Egerts. The following free apps were shared, so that garden club members can become more efficient birdwatchers: eBird from Cornell University and Merlin for Bird 10.
Everyone was appreciative to Mrs. Woolsey for all the valuable information she shared on Coastal Birds.
President Newman thanked the other club members for attending and excused them from the business meeting to follow. During the business meeting, Donna Bumgardner was voted into membership with the Yaupon Garden Club. Registration forms for the Coastal District Meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Dillion, S.C., were dispersed. President Newman explained the mentoring program for new members. The minutes from the January meeting were approved and the treasury report provided. The next meeting will take place at Vereen Gardens at the CB Berry Center in Little River. Following a historical walk, members will dine at Hurricane Juels.
Four Yaupon Garden Club members celebrate their birthdays this month: Gail Norden (Feb. 3), Donna Belski (Feb. 7), Margaret Graham (Feb. 18), and Linda Bump (23).
President Newman thanked everyone for coming and wished them a Happy Valentine’s Day.
