The meeting was called to order by President Sally Brodie. The Collect was recited by the membership. Guests were recognized and welcomed.

Eleanor Broderick introduced Rod Gurganus, our program speaker for the meeting. Gurganus, agricultural agent for the Beaufort County Cooperative Extension Service, spoke about the crops farmed in eastern North Carolina. The primary crops are corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and some tobacco. The slide presentation provided information about the types of crops, the growing conditions and diseases of the plants. Gene Fox, the horticultural agent for the Extension Service, was introduced. Fox will be teaching a Master Gardener class at the Extension beginning March 2. The telephone number for information is 252-946-0111. Gurganus explained how Field Days are utilized by the farmers in the area. It is a hands-on approach of information for local farmers regarding the major crop concerns. Many questions were asked by the Garden Club members. The presentation was interesting, educational and informative. On behalf of the club, Broderick thanked Gurganus and presented him with a token of our appreciation.

Terry Matthews, filling in for Chris Young, presented our new members: Gayle Nadel, Charlotte Pedigo, Judy Bailey, Cheryl Kornegay and Pamela Fitzgerald.

President Brodie gave each new member a potted ornamental fig “vine” plant and welcomed them into the Garden Club.

Delores Donovan gave the treasurer’s report: $3,901.86.

Eleanor Broderick announced plans for the April trip to the Elizabethan Gardens. We shall go by bus, have a tour of the gardens, a buffet lunch and spend the afternoon again in the gardens. The cost will be approximately $50. The District meeting will be held in Washington in October; our club will be responsible for planning the event. Mary Pat Musselman provided items for our Elizabethan Gardens raffle: a cross-stitched “painting,” a pillow and other various items.

Nancy Nash reminded the membership of the Brown Library sale to be held in January. Sorting books will be held on Jan. 19; members will be allowed to attend the Thursday evening pre-sale, and the sale will begin on Friday, Jan. 22.

Nancy Nash critiqued our bench show, and Mary Paulson provided horticultural information about the items brought in.

Next month’s meeting will be: “Terra Ceia Farms” presented by Carl Van Staalduinen. He will speak about the history of the family bulb business and how it was developed through the years.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Nannette Smyre, recording secretary.