Welcome to our e-newsletter, "The Laurel Branch."

Delicious Food and Fundraising Coming Soon 

The big day is almost here! On March 16, we will host our annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. I’m sure you have heard how unique this event is, with the mountains of delicious oysters, cold craft beer, flowing wine, live music by Danielle Howell, a porch full of incredible foods (for you land lovers, too), and a mix of some mighty fine folks. Well, we will be pulling it all together again this year. This event is more than just a great time. It is a vital piece of what keeps Kalmia Gardens up and running. The funds from this event will help us to do necessary repairs, like replacing the septic tank, so we can continue to have restrooms for all our visitors. Funds from the Oyster Roast are also responsible for helping to replace the Hart House HVAC and buying the supplies for rebuilding our overlook on the trails. While you are having a time you won’t forget, you will also be a big part of what keeps Kalmia beautiful.  Get your tickets early, as this event will sell out quickly. General admission tickets are $65 and are available online by clicking here or by speaking to a Kalmia staff member or Board member. VIP tickets are $125 and include some sweet perks. The VIP tickets include exclusive appetizers, a champagne toast, and many other exclusive drinks. These tickets are only available from Kalmia staff and Board members or at Choice Realty 118 N Fifth St. We hope to see you out at the Gardens for this fun event with a great purpose.

High Tea Recap 
The first High Tea at the Hart house was a smashing success. A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event possible. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who gave their time to the Gardens for this fundraiser. The whole thing was a pleasure to be a part of. From the company to the food, what's not to love? Please enjoy the pictures of the festivities. If you love good food and supporting Kalmia Gardens, please consider getting a ticket to our Annual Oyster Roast fundraiser. You will not regret it!

Earth Day Festival Seeking Exhibitors
Once again, we are excited to host our annual Earth Day Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 13th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you or someone you know would be a good fit and would like to be an exhibitor for the event, please get in touch with Elizabeth Floyd about being a part of the festivities. Efloyd@coker.edu. We would all love to see you there to celebrate this wonderful day with us. Earth Day Festival will be held at 1624 Carolina Avenue, Hartsville, S.C. 29550.

Plant Sale at the Joslin Education Center
The Darlington County Master Gardeners are again holding their annual plant sale this year. The Plant Sale will be held on April 11th and 12th from 9:00 am to 2:00 p.m. and April 13th from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You may want to come early because these plants sell like hotcakes. The skills of the Master Gardeners are out of this world, and you will want to get your hands on these top-notch plants for your home gardens. The Plant Sale will occur at the Joslin Education Center, 1520 West Carolina Avenue, Hartsville, S.C. We hope to see you there.

Elizabeth’s Volunteer Spotlight
The volunteer I have chosen for this issue is a little more special to me than most. I will be talking about Dante Ahquin, my significant other and one of Kalmia’s loyal volunteers. Of course, when the one you love needs a helping hand, it is an easy yes most of the time, but Dante has taken that “yes” beyond. He has worked together with me to bring the community together through a shared love of Kalmia Gardens and its essential part of the Hartsville community. Dante started volunteering here for special events and when we needed another pair of hands. Dante said, “I like being able to see the difference between the before and after of the work we do. It’s important to volunteer to help give back to the places and people we love so much, like Kalmia and Hartsville.”  It did not take long for us to see the potential to make things grow and improve. Dante and I got the Hartsville Hydra rugby team involved in giving back and tackling big projects at the Gardens. Dante spends every other very, very early Monday morning out with me and some of his teammates, pulling invasive plants and removing storm debris. Together, we have tackled many projects that would not have gone as quickly without the many willing hands of the Hydras brought together by Dante’s appreciation of the Gardens. The hard work he sees the whole Kalmia Team putting into this important place has only inspired him to find more ways to contribute. Dante said, “Rugby is more than just a bunch of guys hitting each other. We want to help build the community more and more as we grow, especially a place like Kalmia Gardens.”  Thank you to Dante and to the Hydras for their hard work. If you have a sports team or a school group that wants to give back to the Gardens, please get in touch with me at Efloyd@coker.edu. Happy volunteering!

Matthias, Dante, Josh, and Taylor are pictured above from left to right.

Chris’s tip
It is the start of the new growing season. Preparation, when done right, can set you up for success for the rest of the season. Do not just take it from me; the Master Gardeners are putting this principle into practice. We all are looking forward to the plant sale in April because of how amazing it is each year. Unbelievably, the second the plant sale ends this year, they will be hard at work again preparing for the next year, and we can all see how beautifully their hard work pays off. So, take a page out of their book and start your big plans now. Revamp your front yard flowerbed. Want to add some new planters to boost your space this year? Now is the perfect time. Keeping good hygiene in your garden or beds is the best way to keep pests and diseases out of sight. Now is also a good time to clean out debris from your pond or water feature. On the topic of hygiene, a 1-part bleach/5 parts water solution should take care of any lingering diseases or insect eggs in your containers so they will be ready for new plants from the Master Gardener Plant sale. The time is sooner than later, and while the temperatures are more comfortable, the bugs have not yet shown up in force. Take the chance now to be just a step ahead of yourself last year. That is what it is all about growing ourselves just as much as we grow our beautiful plants. Happy gardening! I hope you seize the day!